Neu This Week In New Music (13th July 2013)

The UK’s never one for dull moments, musically. Music lovers over here might get critical of Mercury nominees and same-old Brit winners, but the three artists who stole our hearts this week all reside on these shores.

All three are united in an ability to wrap conventional lark in something rather clever. Production, witty lyrics, whatever: They do everything in their power to stand out. All three deliver, one striking gold on his debut track, the other two hitting a relative peak with their latest offerings. So don’t let anyone tell you sod all happens over here.

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Sampha - Without


The focus of Sampha’s work is always going to be his voice. It’s been tried and tested in every environment going - club-ready tracks with SBTRKT, loved-up nights in alongside Jessie Ware - but it’s in his solo work that he projects his true self.

‘Without’ isn’t exactly tell-all in that sense, but it’s enough to suggest his debut EP will be a refined reflection. The voice is kept in its place instead of running wild. Smart, tapping percussion flicks the concrete surface. Sampha highlights as many fancy tricks as he can, here. But it doesn’t feel like he’s showing off.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Young Fathers - Queen Is Dead


The 3D addition isn’t just a fad on Young Fathers’ new video. It brings you up close to the sheer force of the Scots, something you’d only realistically be able to replicate by seeing them live. They proudly scatter around a dark, nightmarish room, lights flickering on and off like it’s some alternate torture scene. Young Fathers can be scary as hell, especially when the phrase ‘money money money / cash for gold’ is chanted at a thousand decibels. Sudden, grim thoughts of a chain-wearing advert hound begging for your jewellery spring to mind.

DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK
Ben Khan


Debut track ‘Drive (Part 1)’ from Ben Khan is one of the year’s most out of the blue surprises. The guy isn’t signed and he lacks a full monied backing. But he’s sporting sounds that’d have labels dribbling onto their chequebooks. The Jai Paul comparisons are inescapable, as thick bass muffles Khan’s otherwise direct delivery. ‘Do you wanna come with me?’ he prompts. You’d be a fool not to follow.