THE PLAYLIST
Sunny Trio & Natt Buntita / Yom Ma Barn Jao Kah
When done right, fusion music offers a glimpse into how cultures can harmonise in a beautiful way. Singer-songwriter Rasamee has succeeded with her excellent interpretation of soul within the context of folk music from the Northeast and now Sunny Trio & Natt Buntita have set out on the similar path. A collaboration between a trio led by jazz pianist/composer Rattana “Sunny” Wongsansern and jazz vocalist Buntita “Natt” Prachamorn, the band blends traditional songs/poems with a jazz arrangement to outstanding effect. From their sophomore LP Groovy Recipe, Yom Ma Barn Jao Kah ( Dear Grim Reaper), the ensemble give their take on the beloved luk thung classic, sprinkling it with jazz flourishes and improvisations.
Theo Verney / Letter Down
Brighton singer-songwriter Theo Verney has been on our radar since he dropped his first cut Mind Fire back in May. Now, along with the release of his debut solo LP One Small Piece, he follows up with the equally memorising Letter Down. The expansive track finds Verney fully embracing the drama of 70s psych-rock from the softly brewing intro down to the booming chorus courtesy of roaring guitars. As the end looms ahead, the guitar solo creeps into the mix, bringing to mind some of the best work from legendary rock groups like Pink Floyd and The Doors.
Shout Out Louds / Jumbo Jet
There’s a profoundly introspective current that courses through the five minutes and 32 seconds of Shout Out Louds’ Jumbo Jet, the lead cut taken from the group’s new record Ease My Mind. “This is just the beginning/ This is just a start,” frontman Adam Olenius sings optimistically over gorgeously lapping melodies and backup vocal harmonies. Compared to their past releases, this feels so much more organic and grown up. Jumbo Jet is a fine, mature piece of escapism music where, instead of exploiting nostalgia like most bands tend to, they treat it with restrained yearning and respect.
Rhye / Please
Please, the first new music from indieR&B duo Rhye since their wonderful 2013 debut Woman, has finally landed and it’s very much what we’d expect to hear from Michael Milosh and Robin Hannibal. Here, the pair revels in their trademark sensual sonic palette created by understated melodies. Mike Milosh’s gossamer, gender-ambiguous voice, despite having been favourably compared to that of Sade on several occasions before, is still a thing of beauty — seductive and morose all at the same time.
Cut Copy / Airborne
Australian synth-pop quartet Cut Copy have always had a knack for crafting multifaceted dance music aimed both at moving one’s body and uplifting one’s soul. Their latest cut, Airborne, is no different. The song, the band’s first official single following 2013’s Free Your Mind and last year’s January Tape, rides on a funky guitar line and draws inspiration from disco-pop and psychedelia. We particularly adore the cathartic moment towards the end where a piano-driven bridge gradually makes way for a soaring outro, giving us the sense of being, well, airborne.