Big Crown US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Cinematic soul legend El Michels Affair has written a superb album Glorious Game which is due for release later in spring. Before that full-length with Roots co-founder and lyricist Black Thought - which is a meditation on the state of the hip-hop scene in the early 2020s - we get this taster single from it. 'Glorious Game' as you would expect as all the lush instrumentation and dark soul sounds you'd expect from this artist by now with the added extra of some superbly thought-provoking mic work. 'Grateful' is another heart-wrenching and alluring sound that more than gets us excited for the full length.

Review: Lady Wray delivers a powerful two-sider here as she hooks up with Grammy-nominated producer Leon Michels of Clairo and El Michels Affair for another single as they put the final touches to her upcoming album. The A-side, 'Be A Witness,' features Nicole's soaring vocals gliding over deep drum machines and Nick Movshon's funky bass which makes it a smooth mid-tempo groove about destined love and good vibes. On the flip, 'Best For Us' explores love, commitment and perseverance with lush synths and harmonies floating over Homer Steinweiss' tight drumming. They provide the perfect setting for Lady Wray's standout voice and get us excited for the full length.

Review: Two tracks from the Indonesian three piece - and two moods to match. 'Not Today' is all warmth and groove, a feel-good anthem built for slow mornings and easy afternoons, with Natassya Sianturi's vocals gliding effortlessly over the beat as she carves out space for self-preservation. On the flip, 'Over' evolves into a more contemplative space, opening with a weighty drum break before unfolding into layers of rich melody and soaring emotion. Sianturi traces the emotional arc of a love affair from spark to collapse, her voice soaring over Raka's intricate, slow-burning arrangement, all crashing into a dramatic finale. It's a perfect balance of light and shade, showcasing the group's ability to move between joy and heartbreak with effortless finesseia compact but potent statement from a group hitting their stride.