Spendoe, Cut City, & Ten Hands High
In an era of post trap, mumble rap, & autotuned mundane inanities, it is uncommon to hear an upcoming artist that can actually spit with the effectiveness of the young guns of the golden age. To be honest, I fell off the underground hiphop grid awhile back, and while there are still a bunch of awesome rappers around, I kinda have to play the old geezer card and say that a lot of what is floating around completely abandons the lyrical splendor of the genre’s founders– though not so with this Spendoe fella and his track, “To The Top”– dude’s got bars– hell, he doesn’t even really bother with a hook, like in an Only Built 4 Cuban Linx kind of way, and that kind of confidence is compelling in my book. The production is tight and efficient, with a funk/jazz throwback to the glory days gone by in hiphop. All together, this is a refreshing, well-crafted effort by an artist that I will definitely look into & follow from now on. -Lewca
Cut City’s new one, “Lost It,” is a piece of alt-rock that is much-needed in today’s world of music. It is very melodic and progresses into a massive chorus that you cannot help but want to shout back. It includes great musical elements from the late 1970s through to the 1990s and, at times, it sounds like a song you would have loved to have played on your favourite cassette tape in your car during long drives. The musical breaks are also cleverly designed, allowing various instruments, such as the drums and an Edge-like guitar melody, to be highlighted. But this is NOT U2 so don’t be put off!!! This, for me, is more REO Speedwagon. The addition of the sound of falling rain as the last flourish is very appealing. You should definitely give this 3 minutes 40 seconds of your time. -John Michie
Photo on home page is of Ten Hands High.
Ten Hands High have created a new song “Vienna,” which is an epic slow-burner. The track is layered with understated guitars that give an unmistakably 80s/90s vibe. The lyrics are delivered by a polished voice that seamlessly blends with the music and confidently delivers lines. It's on the poppy end of the indie spectrum, but the instruments are well-mixed and achieve a harmonious balance.
It'll be here tomorrow, Thursday, 13th October, so smash this pre-save!
While you’re waiting, spin their previous single, “Sunkissed:”