Features
April: Six artists you need to check out this month
Spring selections
CÉCI
London-based Danish sound designer, producer and singer CÉCI offers up haunting, harrowing soundscapes that merge leftfield motifs from genres such as r‘n’b, pop and contemporary club music, as heard on recent release ‘Vortex’ on Astral Plane Recordings. She has a background in dance, and her sound skips, jumps and lunges in unconventional ways, much like an interpretative performance.
CÉCI’s ‘Vortex’ EP is out now on Astral Plane Recordings
Fauness
Fauness crafts post-pop truth bombs, nodding to 90s teen movie soundtracks with grunge riffs, distorted noise and saccharine vocals that penetrate the scuzz. Chosen by Night Slugs affiliate Jam City as the inaugural signing to his Earthly label, the resulting ‘Toxic Femininity’ EP is a reflective record that subverts the nostalgic, carefree tropes of pop to explore the harsh reality of teenage lives.
Fauness’ debut EP ‘Toxic Femininity’ is out now on Earthly Records
Breaka
Breaka’s priority is pure energy. Influenced by d’n’b, footwork and UK bass, he’s had a slew of dynamic releases on Holding Hands and Beat Machine. ‘Damn Hot’ on the latter is a bouncing rager that no doubt goes down a storm at his regular appearances at Leeds’ Stretchy Dance Supply. He recently remixed Fatima’s ‘Movie’, turning the neo-soul cut into a slab of soulful jungle. For a new take on dance’s speedier side, look no further than Breaka.
Breaka plays Slip Disc in Liverpool on April 4
Phillipi & Rodrigo
Brazilian duo Phillipi & Rodrigo followed up a strong set of EPs with the release of debut album ‘Paciencia’, which lyrically explores human relationships while merging upbeat nu-disco, hypnotic haze and Balearica, earning accolades from Carl Craig, Mano Le Tough and Disclosure. Latest single ‘Retrogrado’ arrived with a psychedelic video starring transgender activist Pepita, a perfect visual complement to the trippy sounds.
‘Paciencia’ is out now on DEEWEE
[Photo: Franco Amendola]
Phoet
Italian producer Phoet’s music is remarkably fully formed for an artist with only one release to his name. ‘Still Untitled’s swirling vocal sample is underpinned by distorted synths and a wild, percussive workout, sitting somewhere between Jon Hopkins and Moderat. On his debut album, tranquil cuts flow seamlessly into percussive and affecting offerings, like the transition from ‘Clockwarp’ into ‘On Mexican Hat’. Phoet won’t be losing our attention any time soon.
Phoet ‘Broken Symmetry’ is out April 5 on Variables Music
BLYNE
BLYNEBLYNE craft underground electronic music with a pop core. Based in Berlin, the duo divide their time between Germany and London, and an openness to international influences informs their output. New single ‘Are You Real?’ blends deep, clean house production with the kind of delicate vocal stylings you’d expect from Justin Vernon. Stripped-back trap rhythms, chiming melodies and alluring guest vocalists bring a melting pot of flavours to the table.
Blyne’s ‘Are You Real?’ is out on Blyne Music
