This week’s edition of our NMR includes some fresh R&B from newcomer chae, sonic bliss from ATTLAS, a slamming new EP from Chomper, and more.
CHAE – MAKE YOU
Having spent the past couple of years working tirelessly to craft a synthesis of dreamy soundscapes and alternative R&B, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Chelsea De Silva – alias chae – is pleased to announce the forthcoming arrival of her debut EP, Letters I’ll Never Write, on June 24th. The multitalent recently released the EP’s lead single, “Make You,” a soft R&B cut that channels feel-good ‘90s nostalgia. Known for lending her vocals on prominent EDM tracks, chae is preparing to tell her own story and carve her own lane in the music space solo. “Make You” sees chae chip away at an anecdotal tale of unrequited love and plunges into a whirlpool of self-reflection and acceptance. The soulful cut introduces her manic highs and unfolding layers of hurt and betrayal, juxtaposed with a stripped-back feel-good dose of R&B courtesy of Asian-American producer kaiyo.
ATTLAS – WATERBUG [MAU5TRAP]
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, ATTLAS creates timeless music. His debut album Lavender God and its subsequent follow up Out Here With You rose to critical acclaim. Now, the thoughtful virtuoso returns for his third studio offering, Carry It With You, an 11-track LP traversing through the good, the bad, the confusing, and the angry. Ahead of its March 11 release, ATTLAS debuts its first sonic offering, “Waterbug.” A thematic overture setting the stage for the rest of his project, “Waterbug” swelters with its rubato piano before plunging listeners right into the water. Masterfully crafting robust ambient soundscapes with progressive melodic notes, “Waterbug” is deeply emotive in its composition.
CHOMPER – CHECK IT EP [PHAROAH PHOENIX]
Up next from rising label Pharoah Phoenix is Milwakee native Chomper with a slamming 2-track EP, Check It. Marking the label’s second ever release since launching earlier this month. The titular track kicks off the journey with slick basslines and highly rhythmic percussion which amps up the atmosphere in the room. Slurred synths and classic house melodies begin their bleed into the main focus as relatable vocal samples thrown in drive an edgy personality factor. Easy to groove to and a solid introduction to the capabilities of Chomper, the tune sets the pace and tone as to what Check It EP is all about. In collaboration with Pharaoh Phonix label founder Thomas Xavier, “Peekaboo,” brings the clever house visions of both Xavier and Chomper eclectically into one heavy experience. If “Check It,” was the start of an adventure, “Peekaboo” is the boss battle. With an arsenal of unreleased songs ready to launch, Chomper is poised to take a bite out of the scene in 2022.
PASCAL LETUBLON x MNI – TOUCH [VIRGIN RECORDS]
Anonymous Berlin-based group MNI is back with their first release of the year ‘Touch’. The new single sees the producer group linking up with young French talent Pascal Letoublon, delivering an undeniably seductive hit. ‘Touch’ immediately takes listeners into an intoxicating, lush soundscape. At the apex of MNI and Pascal Letoublon’s sound, the alluring new hit delivers a synth-laden, pop-infused sonic space. Showcasing a driving melody with pulsating production elements, the track provides atmospherically entrancing sensibilities with a propulsive flair. Continuing to solidify MNI’s style and sound, the latest hit gives fans an awe-inspiring listening experience with an enchanting vocal cut and pulsating rhythm from start to finish.
FEINT x R7CKY – LOST & FOUND FT. SKYELLE [MONSTERCAT]
UK-born producer Feint has joined forces with Chinese artist R7CKY and singer-songwriter Skyelle for a new compelling cut, “Lost & Found.” Bridging the cultural gap between the East and West, Feint’s joint effort with R7CKY is an amalgamation of both artists’ distinct styles. “Lost & Found” surrounds orchestral chords with liquified trills, all while Skyelle’s uplifting cadence carries the tune through billowing soundscapes. Utilizing soul-stirring build-ups and jubilant breakdowns, “Lost & Found” reminds listeners to keep pushing to find and nurture their best selves. Through combining his intricate skillset with those of R7CKY and Skyelle’s, the latest offering perfectly mimics the beauty of life’s turbulence with dulcet harmonies and a rousing kick-snare combination.
APOLLO XO x TEKNONO – GANG
Apollo XO and Teknono have stitched together the realms of hip-hop and house properly with the heater titled “Gang.” The single brings together a hybrid of genre influence to create something distinctive, well defined, and equipped with all the right bells and whistles to pop off in the club. “Gang,” launches abrasively with a modern hip-hop verse that sets the tone, the house beat begins to seep in and take over, the two elements coming to a head as the energizing build up drives forward a rush of adrenaline.