#electronic rnb

LifesBlues

We were immensely thrilled the other day when we caught word that Marian Hill would be visiting San Francisco in April with a headline show at the Warfield, plus they’re bringing LA crooner Michl with them, too. Now we’re wildly ecstatic, because the Philadelphia duo have come back strong with a bewitching new tune, too! Marian Hill drenches us with their sultry prowling electronica, R&B, and trap on Subtle Thing, whose deep enthrallment is far from subtle. Subtle Ting’s warbling, pitching, and jabbing production align with their biggest hit, Down. Subtle Thing is a darkly winding, serpentine curling single that heralds the impending arrival of the group’s hotly-anticipated sophomore album. Aside from their stop in San Francisco, Marian Hill’s upcoming full-scale North American headline tour will take them all across the U.S. They’ll even be making an appearance at Coachella. Subtle Thing is out now via all digital retailers, here.

The pull of gravity truly seems to fade as a spacious buoyancy defies all laws of physics on Empty Hole, the latest from Philadelphia sonic auteur, Moon Bounce. The producer and songwriter tags Empty Hole as “mutant pop”. There’s certainly a wonkiness and a dissonance to be found on this dreamy squiggling, cosmic wriggling fusion of psych pop and electro R&B. Empty Hole is pure heady intoxication and a smooth funk suitor. It’s the second single lifted from Moon Bounce’s forthcoming Clean House LP, out March 10th on Grind Select.  Purchase the single or pre-order the album from Bandcamp.

If you manage to break the blissful trance brought on by this beautiful song and dance, it’s going to be some very fluidly graceful “dance moves” that you’ll be brandishing. London based R&B soul artist Jamilah Barry takes my breath away with Dance Moves, a classy elegant, sophisticated and tasteful cascade of slow rippling brilliance. The song builds ever so slowly upon itself to an electro trembling apex. At that point, there’s no way to stay motionless to this stunning song. Jamilah Barry’s crystalline soulful voice propels and tempts us towards that cathartic peak like a siren. Dance Moves, produced by Midnight Punk, is available via additional services and major outlets, here.

We know from past experience how truly sublime it can be when Norwegian based Los Angeles R&B soul artist Flores unites with UK producer Maths Time Joy to deliver sweet music to our ears. The frequent collaborators join forces once again on misty aching Undercover, the final electro R&B track from Flores’ highly anticipated debut EP, Afterglow. Just as we grow accustomed to floating and hovering in the twinkling fog that bathes the silky song in its first minute, we’re suddenly dropped over a cathartic precipice. This head dive into whirring intensity takes my breath away. All the while, Flores’ honeyed heartfelt cooing and a saccharine melody deliver warm comfort through it all. Undercover will be out this Friday via True Colours. 

Featuring DVWEZ & Olukara