News This Week In New Music (15th February 2014)

This week’s new music round-up is brought to you by monosyllabic artists choosing to begin their title with the letter ‘S’. Sit down and let it all seep in: If there’s a genuine non-coincidental pattern to this, it’s that all three artists are capable of making a statement (another ‘S’) with their work. One’s breaking out with a formidable debut track that flips the pop/R&B zeitgeist on its head. Another is on the brink of his debut album, treating the occasion by sharing arguably his best song to date. There’s also a 17 year old Irish songwriter with all the potential to render herself a future chart-topper in waiting.

TRACK OF THE WEEK
SOHN - Artifice


Remaining nameless doesn’t even matter anymore. SOHN - a 4AD signing, on the eve of his debut album - has given all his worth through snappy, soul-enhanced productions. He’s worked with anyone who’s anybody, but now’s his time to prove solo credentials. ‘Artifice’ is a song plagued with doubt, but behind the scenes is the Vienna-based artist’s most confident showing so far. Sped up beyond approach, it takes ‘The Wheel’’s all-thrills energy and ups the anti even more.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK
SOAK - BLUD


Grayscale imagery is a strange match for SOAK, aka Bridie Monds-Watson. The themes in ‘BLUD’ - her debut single on CHVRCHES’ label Goodbye Records - are black as tar on the surface. But no matter how morbid the imagery a line is “I’m in your blood / you’re in my blood” might be, it’s actually quite romantic once you get past the gross out aspect. For its accompanying video, ‘BLUD’ takes steps on sandy, deserted beaches and hangs around similarly eerie suburbia. An outstanding debut single - it reaches emotions other artists ten years into the job can’t come close to.

DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK
Shura


There’s nothing stopping Shura in her path. Debut track ‘Touch’ is dosed up to the brim with Blood Orange-style bass licks, sweet NYC-indebted production and lovey-dovey remarks. It’s a sweet seductive introduction, like valentine’s day being compressed into a song without making every non-romantic feel sick to the stomach. Ultra-assured, there’s no doubt ‘Touch’ has been a long time in the making, but it does the job in announcing Shura as a star.