
Reviews
Ailes: Reboot
With equal touches of Serph-esque electronica and soundtrack-like energy, “Reboot” feels like an entrance to a post-apocalyptic realm, something much closer in spirit with the worlds Ailes originally described to fight. Reboot might just be a much-needed reset for the group’s intentions, and it’s definitely an exciting one.
Faux Pas : Separate Conversations
Leading with a groove reminiscent of early 2000s indie rock, Separate Conversations is a ball of fast-paced energy with a tinge of nostalgia – honestly, it sounds like it could easily belong on a FIFA game soundtrack.
RENE : Something To Hide
With the release of her first EP Something to Hide, RENE conjures memories of many close-to-heart teen rock trends throughout the past 20 years - only to fly too close to comfort to her idols to succeed.
Hijack Hayley : Inside
Inside, the sophomore single from Singaporean indie rock outfit Hijack Hayley, does a phenomenal job of making the song seem longer than it is despite its brief runtime - with not a second of boredom to spare.
BGourd / Beansprouts : Whack
Whack is a far cry from BGourd’s previous releases, and an even wilder left-field foray compared to anything else Singaporean rap has to offer. But it’s a genre-bending experiment that works with its infectious energy that is more than enough to convince even the biggest naysayers.
Don Aaron : ITS UR BODY
Tossing caution to the wind, vaporpop artist Don Aaron’s latest joint, ITS UR BODY, clocks in at a cool short running length of just 2 minutes and 13 seconds. It appears Don Aaron is going for quality over quantity – and oh is it the very definition of.
lewloh : Summer Boy
Devastatingly personal, it’s a haunting return to form for lewloh. A powerful portrait of regret, Summer Boy is arguably the best song he has ever made.
kHAi : Jupiter
Although Jupiter isn't KHAi's greatest release – it seems to feel like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly in line with the artist he wants to portray to us - a versatile artist that's capable of more than his previous ballads and anthems.
Halal Sol : Don’t Feel The Bass
It’s the producer’s juggling between Don’t Feel The Bass’s elements that make it truly dynamic – a puppet master of the dancefloor, it’s exciting to think what’s in store for us on his upcoming debut EP, and even more so his live sets in a post-pandemic world.
GOK$ / Kenzo : HUNDREDS
Up-and-comers GOK$ and Kenzo’s Mood Swings present an invigorating, if not slightly overambitious EP full of vague vignettes exploring conflicting confidence and self-doubt
Astronauts (feat. Sherlyn Veronica) : LMI
Astronauts' LMI unfortunately feels like it was crafted around a carefully designed R&B formula, resulting in something that lacks its own identity.
Bloody Holiday : The Endless
The Endless purely seems like an outlet for Bloody Holiday’s personal musical and self exploration. There seems to be no intention of trying to impress anyone – and that’s OK.
Cherry Syrup : melon cauliflower
On melon cauliflower, Cherry Syrup’s current half-baked sonic focus might need some more refining and sharpening – for that, the band might benefit from more time in the oven.
Planeswalker : Entity
After the odyssey of warping through Planeswalker’s 20-minute wormhole that is Entity, it’s a while before one can awake from its thrilled daze.
kinny : Hold It
As much as I love heartfelt pop ballads with steady build-ups, Hold It does not do it for me at all. I sincerely hope it does hold "it", whatever it may be, for other people. Sadly, it's such a sub-par song, delivered in a sub-par way. I really hope to hear much better stuff from kinny in the future - there definitely is some potential, but right now as an artiste he is beyond raw.
FERS : Shallow EP
Holding their refined approach and lyrical worldview, it would be a lie to say that FERS didn't hold immense promise. Sadly at this point, that dreaminess years awaited feels less transportive than a sound unfortunately dated in finely-tuned Strymon pedals.
kotoji : Please Don’t Do It
Very much in line with the Mitski-influenced colour of kotoji’s previous singles, the single builds upon the artistic narrative established in her “Prequel Era” – detailing heartbreak, doubt, and self-destruction.
KoFlow : Call Me
A dazzlingly enjoyable debut, Tangent bands together two artists from starkly different musical backgrounds in an experimental affair that reaps the best of what both artists have to offer.
Solvant : March of the Infidels
March of the Infidels is a marked improvement to Solvant’s work - I wish it just stood out slightly more.
Chriskris : INFATUATED
Going all out with a keen pop sensibility, dense vocal arrangements, and head-bopping trap rhythms, Chriskris’ debut is an inspired take on soulful R&B-tinged hip-hop.