Single Review: Alice Sungrov's Broke My Heart

For a 16 year-old, Alice Sungurov has her head screwed on. Exuding her belief that 'life is fun and everything is possible',  the teen who was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder at the tender age of 4 has battled her demons to become a teen sensation.

After first releasing 'So Blind', the teen has gained recognition by Red Music, a subsidiary of Sony Music. Second single Broke My Heart is pure pop through and through, filled with determination and a softly-spoken harmonies, the song is easy listening for sure.

With a voice similar to mainstream princess Sara Bareilles, the toe-tapping track tells the story of a tragic break-up, as she reaches out to her audience in a heart-felt, yet empowered way.



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Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj Release Bang Bang

When a single with three supposed pop titans is released, you expect to be nothing less of extremely impressed. Not the case when big booty rapper Nicki Minaj, whiney short-haired powerhouse Jessie J and a-little-bit-too-cute Ariana Grande joined to throw together what they liked to call a song. 

Heavily reliant on a generic beat, the track sounded as if the songstresses were unaware of their cue, generating off kilter pieces that had clearly been cut together. The song really did wreak of the industry's appalling commercialism- the churning out of songs they constantly push to call music. As individuals, all three women are extremely talented and although a matter of opinion, all three have several different qualities they could have given to a track- unfortunately this was not it. 

Bang Bang was released yesterday and is set to be the lead single of British singer Jessie J's third upcoming album and will also feature on Grande's deluxe album which is set to drop at the end of August. It speak volumes that these artists need the track to inject life into their current music, as oppose to Minaj whose own songs have her trending on Twitter within seconds. 

Will it be a success? probably. Will I continue to complain about the wasted talent? definitely.

LISTEN HERE: 

Robin Thicke Sells a Mere 530 Copies of his Album

Wait.. Robin Thicke's new album is out? 

Simpering, self-congratulatory pop prick Robin Thicke shouldn't be surprised that his new album 'Paula', a weak attempt at getting back with his estranged wife, sold a meagre 530 copies. To no-one's alarm the excuse for a pop star is now sitting in 200th place in the UK charts. Shame! 

Just last year Thicke had released his sixth studio album Blurred Lines which topped the UK charts as well as single 'Blurred Lines' being crowned the most downloaded song of all time. 

Could Paula Patton be one of the 530 people who bought the failed album? doubt it. 

Last week the star took part in a disgraceful and embarrassing Twitter Q&A where thousands of angry people questioned him about his disgusting lyrics as well as his unacceptable behaviour- thousands more than those who bought his album.   

Robin Thicke Begs Estranged Wife to Get Back With Him in New Music Video

Just when you thought Robin Thicke couldn't get slimier...

Let's make no odds about it, Robin Thicke is an idiot. The perve of pop, it's a crime within itself that he gropes women in music videos and gets paid for it. Reaching new lows is current single 'Get Her Back', reportedly dedicated to his estranged wife Paula Patton (she had a lucky escape if you ask me). 

I circled the FAKE tears, for your viewing pleasure. 

What's the best way to half redeem yourself after a very public shaming? make a music video in an attempt to gather pity I guess. In an unremarkable song taken from his new album 'Paula', Thicke is seen topless as several text messages appear on the screen, presumably exchanged between the pair. 

Many things struck me whilst I was watching the video: 

1. Why does he have fake cuts/bruises on his face? 
A true reflection on him wanting to look like the victim, Thicke has some real puppy dog eyes going on throughout and the red streaks on his face look as if he has been scratched (by her). Bad move Thickey.  

boo hoo

2. Public texting gets you nowhere 
Texting to try and save your marriage? so unimpressive. Sharing them on a music video? you have no chance. Run Paula, run! 

don't share public texts

3. Why are you letting another woman grope you? 
For someone who was unfaithful, getting a model to run their hands down your torso isn't the best way of getting your estranged wife back, but hey ho. 

come quick! bring the sick bucket!

4. Why am I reading into this video? 
He's an idiot, but am I an even bigger idiot for watching this video? Silly oaf. 

Review: The Devine Xperience Release Self-Titled Album

Eccentric electronic group the Devine Xperience take the genre of dubstep and fuse it with trance and acid, all bound together with a number of political messages. The Los Angeles based band is made up of Robert Devine, Vanessa Garic and Enki Siruzis, a galatic group who perform live and aim to connect with their listeners. 

Devine said 

"I try to take listeners on a journey into their innermost senses, almost as though I am acting as a musical shamen of sorts...I wanted this project to be unexpected and purposely aimed for it to be almost completely unmarketable due to not fitting into any predetermined genre."

Devine Xperience is a unique listening within itself in which a number of contraversial subjects are addressed. In a Dream and Completely in a Trance contain heavy dub singed with trance, and I personally loved the synth tones to UFO-themed tracks Alien Love Truth and Alien Dust. 

Garic's haunts the majority of the tracks with her soft and melodious voice, and finishing the album with a heavy dub, gothic song Touch the Sky, it is apparent the album is definitely suited to those wishing to reject all mainstream dub and retreat to the stripped down, metallic throbs. 

Watch single 'Completely in a Trance' 

Listen to the album on Soundcloud
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Watch their videos on Youtube

Hydrothermal Vents Release Debut Album 'Secrets of the Deep'

Deep-sea duo The Hydrothermal Vents will release debut album 'Secrets of the Deep!' in July and may draw their inspiration from nature, but their other-worldly sounds are undeniable. 

Members John Tielli and Tessa Kautzman experiment with a chemical concoction of post-punk, dance and a sprinkling of rock, finishing off with bags of energy and some pretty impressive guitar solos and if their new album is anything to go by, this pair have a promising future. Wild and unpredictable, I thoroughly enjoyed the Montreal-based band's accidental lyrics and for those looking for a perfect vocal pairing, this album is for you. 

Playful synth greets the listener in first track Inside a Movie, as Tielli and Kautzman juxtapose vocal tones and pair them effectively with true experimental spirit. Do the Vent exudes cheeky rock and it's infectious beat had me pressing repeat. Their aim to create a retro track that was in itself a unique song came in the form of Shark! a harmonious, punchy piece of indie reminiscent of Pixies. 

Hydrothermal Vents slowed the tempo of the album, adding rock tones and combining them with maritime-themed lyrics and haunting melodies. Indie track Neptune's Grave was by far my favourite track, with the fitting metaphor 'We're gonna dive to the bottom. We will unearth the secrets of the deep' that contained addictive build-ups and punk tones that juxtaposed Kautzman's ethereal voice. 

Shawn Allison photography

Attento and Fish Out of Land are the perfect driving tunes and the collection really is for someone who yearns for mid-tempo music that encompasses a number of genres. It seems the pair have really grasped what their band name means: a mysterious energy that is a source of light in the darkness (of chart music). 

The Hydrothermal Vents are set to release their album on July 5th and will begin their North American tour shortly after. 

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Girls Rule: Top 5 Must Listens this Month

//The movie soundtrack//

5. Charli XCX- Boom Clap 

Once you've headed to the cinema, cried profusely and wiped the snot from your nose after a viewing of The Fault in Our Stars, listen to Charli XCX's official single for the movie, Boom Clap. A mid-tempo, feel good love song from a young singer that is going from strength to strength. 

//For anyone getting tired of up-beat dance.. //

4. Cheryl Cole- Crazy Stupid Love 

Forget the silly roses that reside on her derrière combined with the fact that she hasn't produced material in AGES, as it's fair to say that Cheryl Cole always seems to deliver. Okay, so her vocal abilities are fairly limited, but boy is this new saxy single catchy, and understated. Everyone's favourite Geordie is releasing the song on July 20th, a track which features Tinie Tempah. I have to say I'm excited for the video if that gold bodysuit on her Instagram is anything to go by. Not a fan? just give it a listen, I promise you will like it. 

//rap meets pop//

3. Ariana Grande ft Iggy Azalea- Problem 

What do you get when you combine the cutest thing to ever happen to pop, and the baddest chick around? a cheeky, sassy single that will keep you pressing repeat.  Problem is a lot of fun and exudes girl power, the '60s themed video makes it a thousand times better too. Give it a listen. 

//Melancholic beauty//

2. BANKS- Drowning

I find myself constantly asking myself why, if everyone loves Lana Del Rey, do they not love BANKS more. She haunts me with her perfect, smooth and melancholic voice and I loved this mid-tempo electronic track. She really can do no wrong and I can't wait for her to make it big, she totally deserves it. 

//The Queen is back//

1. Nicki Minaj - Pills N Potions 

Twitter pretty much blew up last week when Nicki Minaj announced she was releasing her new single Pills N Potions from new album Pink Print, to which she vowed the content would be heavily rap influenced- *excited squeal*. Minaj has bags of charm, with current song containing the perfect juxtaposition of lyric-spitting rhyme and a melodic chorus with real feeling. 

La Roux Releases New Single Let Me Down Gently and Confirms New Album

La Roux is back! 

After months of endless rumours, it has finally been confirmed that our favourite Brit-synth pop artist La Roux will be releasing her new album entitled Trouble in Paradise this July. 

She posted her comeback single Let Me Down Gently on her Youtube channel today, a slow-burning, 80's-esque single that sees her back at her best. 

Elly Jackson's dreamy vocals draw in the listener, and although she hasn't produced a single since her self-titled album back in 2009, this album will be highly anticipated. 

Listen to her new single here

Album Review: Paolo Nutini's Caustic Love

I can't tell you how sorely I have missed Mr Paulo Nutini. His rough, untameable and thoroughly enchanting voice lends so much tone to his music and the Scottish Italian singer had a lot to offer with his third album Caustic Love.

The album begins with first single Scream (Funk My Life Up)  a track crammed full of the optimism that occupied These Streets' New Shoes and Sunny Side Up's Pencil Full of Lead. Soul creeps into the album through second song Let Me Down Easy. The comic entrance to Bus Talk establishes it as a wonderful one and a half minute reprieve before the epically melancholic One Day. 

I love Nutini's ability to create a song that isn't necessarily fast in pace, but has enough buoyancy to float the listener just below cloud nine, as Numpty demonstrates. If you haven't been charmed already, Better Man is sure to make you fall in love.

 
Keeping the soulful blues elements of his second album, but advancing them with vocal-heavy tracks, Iron Sky talks about the politics, society and religion that try and control us as an unnamed man urges us to break free.

The live feel to the slow and slick Diana adds extra charm before the tempo is re-established in Fashion. Cherry Blossom was by far my favourite track, as reminiscent of Coldplay, it combined soft rock, indie and blues to create six minutes of bliss.

Bewitching from the outset, the album will definitely live up to Nutini fans' expectations. A chill-out album to say the least, stick this on in the car and enjoy.

I give this album: ★★★★

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Buy his album here

Review: Foxes Debut Album is Truly 'Glorious'

For pint size pop prodigy Louise Rose Allen more commonly known as Foxes, her debut album Glorious has been highly anticipated and rightly so. 

For those who have never heard of her, listen up: The Southampton songstress originally collaborated with Zedd for the chart topping hit Clarity which managed to win the coveted Grammy for Best Dance Recording this year. Making her own breakthrough with singles Youth, Beauty Queen and most recently Let Go for Tonight all of which appear on Glorious, they have received more than 10 million plays on Youtube alone. 

Beginning the album with the eerie and dub-heavy Talking to Ghosts, it progresses to soulful pop delight Holding Onto Heaven, a song with charming lullaby-esque undertones. "Don't be afraid to lead the way" Allen confidently sings in the ethereal White Coats before she slows the tempo right down in piano ballad Night Glo. 

Marina and the Diamonds fans will sink their teeth into Night Owls Early Birds, a song about letting the juvenescence be foolish. With a flawless lead in and a real indie pop feel, this track is one of the strongest in the collection. The epic Glorious is well-deserved as the title of the album, a song that urges the listener not to give up on what you want. Echo and Shaking Heads all convey that youthful are simply savouring their lives. 

Foxes really is an artist who can carry a song with her voice and few notes on the piano. Count the Saints incorporates that talent with subtle steel drums to produce a heart-wrenching song that will have you hitting repeat. Rusty and raw track Home brings the listener back down to the ground and the dark and twinkly In Her Arms combines infectious glockenspiel-esque sounds with dominant drums and impossibly soft vocals. 

The tonal variety to album is truly glorious. With a delicious range in tempos, Foxes' silky vocals often juxtapose the bass-heavy foundations of all 16 tracks. If none of that convinces you, just look at her cute face. 

I give this album ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Glorious will be released on 9th May

Exclusive Interview with Dan Croll: He talks Inspirations and whats wrong with modern music

Check out my exclusive interview for Yahoo! 

Disclosure Release F For You with Mary J Blige

For dance duo Disclosure, their electronic skills have taken the world by storm and after a trip to the US to perform a collaboration with Mary J Blige in New York, they have released the official single. 

'F For You' was launched on Vevo earlier today and sees brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence producing while the soulful Blige gives the song a '90s edge. Using their signature sketch graphics, the video has a quirky edge and undeniable charm that will no doubt shoot them to the top of the charts. Watch the video below. 

Disclosure have seemingly gone down the hip hop route as they have been working with rapper Bishop Nehru, releasing 'You Stressin' on Soundcloud this week. They have also been said to be making music with producer and rapper Q-Tip, however it isn't clear whether these new songs will be for a new album or not. 

Exclusive Interview with Bipolar Sunshine

Amidst the biting chill of the winter air lies a perfect and comforting reminiscence of summer in the form of Bipolar Sunshine's new EP. Formerly known as Adio Marchant, the Manchester-based vocalist oozes raw talent and has a lot to offer. 

After a number of years as 1/4 of the Ska-influenced band Kid British , he went solo last year, releasing his first EP 'Aesthetics' back in June. A jam-packed summer saw him playing Latitude and Loveboxfestivals, as well as working with and touring alongside Bastille, Rudimental, The White Lies and The Courteeners. With your first listen, his tracks exude a smooth and rich tone, his haunting lyrics are sway-worthy and his live performances are encapsulating. After seeing him at the iTunes festival back in September, his potential shone and his set left me wanting more.

Marchant has a promising future as his increasing fan base gush over his music on Twitter- his new EP 'Drowning Butterflies' coaxes us in with it's Electronic soul, as we fall in love with his caring nature in 'Love More, Worry Less'. The EP ups tempo with the hauntingly addictive 'Drowning Butterflies', its luscious beat makes it incredibly difficult not to press repeat. His third track in the collection hypnotises the listener as he talks about being charmed by a lady who is clearly 'Trouble'.

Touring with acclaimed British Band Rudimental in February and with his own UK headline tour kicking off at the end of March,I managed to ask Bipolar Sunshine a few questions about his sound, his dream collaboration and what he has planned for the rest of the year.

1. I love your name, what was the thought process behind it?

"Cheers thanks! I wanted to create something that allowed me to write in any style I wanted without feeling that I had to stick to any particular genre, that was the main reason behind it. "

2. Growing up, what genres of music or artists influenced you?

"My mum played a lot of early lovers rock reggae records and The Carpenters so that was my first influence music-wise, then growing up I went from acid house to garage to indie and hip hop."

3. Your Aesthetics EP was based around nature, what inspired your Drowning Butterflies tracks? 

"Still be awake after a wild night out and in the midst of that coming down feeling..."

4. If you could describe your sound in 3 words,what would they be ? 

"Post-modern, distinctive, vibrant."

5. If you could duet with any other artist, alive or dead, who would it be? 

"Michael Jackson... don't really know how the duet would work, I would be happy to play the triangle in the session ha!"

6. When you aren't making music, what can we find you doing? 

"Reading, somebody got me the new Morrissey book and of course watching Man City play football."

7. I love your fashion sense too, who are your favourite labels at the moment? 

"Sandro... Agi and Sam, Dries Van Noten."

8. What is next for you after your tour with Rudimental? 

"I'm going to be doing my own tour which should be ace, also going to play a few shows in America for SXSW… it's festival season after that which I hope to play lots of shows and just enjoy the ride..."

You can buy tickets for Bipolar Sunshine's UK Tour Here 

Listen to his Soundcloud here

Miley Cyrus Poses Half Naked in New Video 'Adore You'

As 2013 comes to a close, it seems shock value celebrity Miley Cyrus wanted to squeeze in one more attention-seeking act to end arguably her most successful year. After much anticipation and  surprisingly serene cover art for new single Adore You, the star released her half-naked video to accompany the song today on VEVO.

Licking the sheets is all in a days work

Sheet-biting in nude underwear, Cyrus juxtaposes her beautifully melodic and emotional single by licking her fingers, tousling with herself on a bed and attempting seductive looks.

God knows what she is thinking here. 

Her extremely greasy hair is appeased with a cloudy looking bath she gets into wearing a thin, netted black top as yet again, she enjoys touching her body parts. In a Justin Timberlake-esque moment, it begins to rain while the Wrecking Ball sits half-meditating in the bath, scraping back her bleached bob.

Is she naked? Isnt she naked? DO WE CARE???

Perhaps they had a small budget (unlikely) or they wanted a focus on the song (very unlikely) but this one is a contender for the most boring music video of 2013 (very likely).

For Cyrus, her music as stand -alone is incredibly good, just as Wrecking Ball proved itself to be lyrically impressive. Her half-tacky, excessive behaviour in her official music videos has definitely detracted from her singing ability however.

Her album art is a stark contrast to the video, visually inviting it shows Cyrus holding up flowers similar to the ones she received on her birthday. Adore You seems to be a massive contradiction- the only one Cyrus seems to adore is herself.



Watch the Video here: 

The Electronic Ladies that Will Take Over 2014

This year's dance and electronic scene has been dominated by the beats of Avicii's I Could Be The One, Disclosure's White Noise and Duke Dumont's Need You (100%) all of which peaked in the top five of the UK charts. It seems the men need to move aside however as four talented electro-pop songstresses have emerged from their humble beginnings,rising to the cusp of stardom. Here are the ladies you should be listening to right now. 

MØ

Danish singer Karen Marie Ørsted emerged earlier this year when she released her single Pilgrim on limited edition vinyl. Having completed 104 shows in 20 countries, she has supported the likes of Alunageorge and Major Lazer as well as completing a live session for radio 1. 

With her hauntingly charming vocals and her addictive electro beats, her album No Mythologies To Follow  is set for release in February next year and will not doubt gain her international acclaim. Her live presence holds intense and powerful enthusiasm and with her own tour planned for March, getting tickets is highly recommended! 

 

Foxes 

The beautiful Louise Rose Allen is second on my list of ladies to watch. Better known as Foxes, the 24 year-old released the massive single Youth and to date is most famous for her vocal contribution in Zedd's Clarity. After five tracks, she is set to release Glorious, her first album on March 4th and I can't wait!

  

Charli XCX

If you know Marina and the Diamonds, Paramore and Ellie Goulding then you should have heard of Charli XCX, who has been touring with the three acts this year. Active since 2008 when she began releasing tracks from her first album on her MySpace page, the 21 year-old specialises in synthpop and witch pop. 

Her biggest hit to date is Superlove which she released back in September and with an album of the same name set for June 2014, this girl is going nowhere. 

Banks

It's no surprise that Banks has been added to the BBC sound of 2014 longlist, as well as MTV's Brand New for 2014. This year she released her London EP that features the haunting Waiting Game and the sexy This is What It Feels Like. 

March 2014 marks the beginning of her UK tour with dates in London, Brighton, Glasgow and Manchester to name a few, get those tickets while you can, this girl will be massive. 

Review: Jake Bugg's Shangri La

A far cry from his debut album, British breakthrough artist Jake Bugg left behind his home town of Nottingham to work on his second album with the legendary producer Rick Rubin in the exotic Malibu. With his first album being a collection of songs he wrote growing up,it's successor Shangri La was written in a mere few months of this summer during the whirlwind of festivals and sold-out shows throughout Europe and in the US. 

The enthusiasm that oozes from those twelve tracks is undeniable, the listener is certainly left toe-tapping, wanting more. The American influences are evident, with tributaries of Country, Soul Jazz and crisp acoustics melting into one another to create a delicious mix that cements Bugg amongst the greats. 

Bugg belts "Johnny deals a bit of blow, on the side" during Messed Up Kids, a song depicting the less fortunate who live through deprivation, homelessness and substance abuse. During the introduction of his official music video for What Doesn't Kill You, the singer discussed the fact that no matter where you are in the world, you can't avoid the bad elements of life. Writing about life's hardships only adds to his authentic appeal, and although some may have thought he couldn't have replicated the straining heartbreak of "Broken", "Me and You" is a suitably tear-jerking, arm-swaying replacement. 

(above: Rick Rubin with Jake Bugg)

Charmingly subtle, the Clifton singer evolves by adopting slow jazzy tones in "Kitchen Table" that are juxtaposed to his dark lyrics "haunting my future,down on all fours you bark bright/ at the descending moonlight". If he is looking for new fans, "Pine Trees" is a sure-fire winner as natural imagery and folky tones quench the listener's appetite  for his mystifying acoustics. 

To me, Shangri La sums up what Bugg is feeling inside- his thoughts on his deprived background, the hypocrisy of the world, a sudden fear of the unknown and perhaps even a yearning for the silence of nature. Either way, it's just a compilation of honesty, something that will charm you from the first listen. 

I give it:  ★★★★★

Watch the making of Shangri La: 

Review of Britney Spears' "Britney Jean"

For Britney fans, the two year wait is over as Britney Jean has been released on iTunes! Despite the release date being in early December, eager listeners are able to preview the tracks and for those of us cheeky enough, leaked tracks are available from dark corners of the internet. 

As a major Britney fan, I was fully expecting Britney Jean to be similar to Blackout and Femme Fatale- full of club bangers, but lacking soul and the old Brit we loved in Baby One More Time. I couldn't have been more mistaken as it seemed that (just like she promised) these tracks contain a surprising amount of heart, for a star that seems to keep a lot close to her chest. 

Tracklist 

1. "Alien"  

2. "Work Bitch"  

3. "Perfume"  

4. "It Should Be Easy" (featuring will.i.am

5. "Tik Tik Boom" (featuring T.I.)

6. "Body Ache"  

7. "Til It's Gone"  

8. "Passenger"  

9. "Chillin' with You" (featuring Jamie Lynn)

10. "Don't Cry"  

For those who love 'Old Britney'

Alien

What a track to open on. Electro pop definitely works to Britney's advantage and I love this mid-tempo track that depicts a person feeling lonely in the world they live in. It's not the first time she has based something on outer space- remember that amazing Oops! video? 

Perfume

The second single to be released, I LOVE perfume. Again this one is mid-tempo but still packs a punch and it's all about Britney's vocal skills, something Ive been waiting yearsss for. 

Passenger

I love the mystical lead-in to this track, and again, so much of old Britney here which made me very happy. The song is all about letting go of self control and it's definitely a feel-good bubblegum pop track, listen out for the fabulous high notes. 

Don't Cry 

This one was my favourite, by far. I loved the '80s style keyboard action and I loved hearing a less auto-tuned Britney and it just reminded me of her first album. Total nostalgia with this track, it's been on repeat ever since. 

The Club Bangers

Work Bitch

First single to be released, Work Bitch has already proven itself to be a hit- addictive and motivating in many ways. See the proof below !

It Should Be Easy ft. Will.i.am 

This one has to be my least favourite track on the album, simply because I think Will.i.am autotuned Spears to his level, to keep them on equal ground. There is nothing wrong with a bit of tuning but this is slightly robotic. A massive tune though and the chorus is definitely a dance hit. 

Til It's Gone

With a cheeky addition of dub, this track is crazy and definitely rivals the likes of Avicii and David Guetta. The song is all about loss, about belonging and having it taken away- deep for a dance track, kudos to Britney. 

Listen to the whole album on itunes! 

Feel-good album of the year, I give Britney Jean   

★ ★ ★ ★ ★