And just like that, we're in the thick of 2017. Music is flowing again and it's sounding like it's going to be another year of solid gold tuneage.
They. - U RITE
Mind Of A Genius duo are back with another strong cut today U-Rite. The R&B effort is a trap-infused, pacer that showcases the pair's incredible flow. These guys are gonna drop one of the albums of the year, we can feel it.
The xx - Dangerous
The xx are back after five years (!!!) with their third album I See You. There's heaps of gold on it but Dangerous is the opener and from the minute that brass howls you know you're in for a great ride. Pop-driven, but still two feet on the dance floor courtesy of Jamie xx's work.
Sampha - (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano
We're nearing the release of Sampha's long awaited debut album Process in Feb and he dropped a tear-jerker this week. (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano is an incredibly beautiful, soulful ballad about his late Mother. It's such a touching, vivd tribute.
Kehlani - Do U Dirty
Kehlani's new album SweetSexySavage is SO CLOSE (two weeks) and she's teased us once again with another heater. Do U Dirty is the late night Kehlani we love and it surely fits into the sexy contigent of the record.
Japandroids - No Known Drink Or Drug
Japandroids are another act on the list this week nearing the release of a new album. Near To The Wild Heart Of Life is out at the end of the month and judging by new cut No Known Drink Or Drug it's going to be raucous. This one is raw, lo-fi and anthemic - just how we like our Japandroids.
Bonobo - Outlier
Unlike most on the list this week, Bonobo isn't nearing the release of an album, he's released it. Migration is out today and it features this pearler Outlier. A near eight-minute epic that finishes with sirens swirling your ears. Perfect.
Wiley - Name Brand (Feat. JME, Frisco, J2K)
Grime OG Wiley is back this week with what he says will be his last record Godfather. Name Brand is taken from it and it's a masterclass in grime bars. Each of the MC's on it (a grime supergroup basically) give us personable bars over a quintessential garage beat.
Laura Marling - Wild Fire
Laura Marling ventured into the rock world on her last record but judging by Wild Fire she's veering back towards folk on her forthcoming LP Semper Femina. It's a classic Marling story that unfolds slowly but beautifully like Joni Mitchell's best work. An instant return to form for one of the best songwriters of our generation.
- Words by Sam Murphy
