Feature: A Day In The Life of A Musical Youth.

FEATURE:

A Day In The Life of A Musical Youth.

Words by Sam Liddicott. 30 November, 2013, 08:00 GMT.

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As 2013 draws (nearer) to a close, I investigate six very different musical stars.  I look into what they are currently working on; what this year has brought them- and what is in store for 2014.

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MUSIC has been on my radar, shining brightly.  In fact, it is a radar it itself....

Twitter and Facebook have been awash with music-themed protestations; manifesto and raw ambition.  I have been wrapped up inside of lyrics and music: obsessed by its variable meanings and mysteries.  I know of many different musicians, all of whom are making big plans for the rest of the year (and 2014).  And whilst it is exciting making your first (and subsequent) steps in the industry, it is also quite nerve-wracking.  The amount of money, time and energy needed to make your mark in the modern scene, can take its toll.  I see many status updates, expounding the anxieties of fulfilling musical ambitions; the way it can devour and enslave.  I have been very proud to see- in spite of the hardships- the affected artists are all keenly hardworking; all with their sites set firmly on the horizon.  The five different music acts that are detailed below, go to show the ambition and fortitude that is displayed amongst the eager young musician sect.  Over the last few months, I have heard many new tracks as well as plans for E.P.s and albums: the artists all excitingly campaigning for votes and listens.  It is the hard work and steadfast resolve that is shown by these artists, that gives me so much thought and inspiration.  Having found it a little hard to ease myself from the vicissitudes of procrastination, the effort and enthusiasm that the musicians have shown, has compelled me to make plans of my own- and aim high and as far as possible.  We are in the tail-end of 2013, and it is a year that has seen much activity and mobility amongst my keen musician friends.  They are a great example of how a lot of planning, hard graft and passion can lead to great results.  The following year is going to be exciting for each and every one of them.  It is probably fitting to see what is happening with them now, and reflect on the events and highlights that 2013 has produced...

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ISSIMO:

Northern stars with their eyes on the heavens.

PERHAPS it was an inauspicious introduction to the music of Issimo...

I encountered Abi Uttley.  Having appeared in Coronation Street, she caught my eye playing a vivacious and brassy character.  Sexy and full of life, Abi came across as an engaging and alluring figure.  Through her music, there is plenty of similarity.  The sexiness of her voice, the engaging and stunning looks she possesses is perfectly complimented with the multi-talents and fortitude of her partner-in-crime Marc Otway.  At the present moment a music video is very much in their minds.  The latest single Pretty Simple is going to be released early next year, and the duo are in the midst of recording the promotional video.  On the evidence of their track Things About You, the twosome have lost none of the compelling glory that captured my imagination.  It is a predictably-incredible slice of brilliance from a duo growing in stature and confidence.  They have recently supported Mark Moriss, and have been playing live across the north of England, as well as farther afield.  Abi's voice is a mixture of seductive soulfulness: capable of dropping your knees and making hairs stand on end.  There is also a sweetness and coquettishness to some of her delivery; in abundance there is power and potency, as well as a host of variable moods and turns.  It is quite an incredible facet, and one that makes her above most of her peers.  Her natural beauty and sex appeal are tied with an engaging, warm and bubbly personality: marking her out as a logical poster girl for every new musician starting out at the moment.  There is no air of pretence or faux celebrity about her: she is genuine and has a burning passion for what she does.  Marc Otway shares many similarities.  He is incredibly hard-working and devoted, and has recorded many solo songs (as well as Issimo numbers).  Dapper of dress and possessed of a rare talent, he is a perfect sweetheart to Utley's enticing Siren.  Otway is a multi-talented and prodigious musician, whom can pretty much handle any instrument you throw at him.  His song writing is mature, intelligent and poetic, and future years will mark him out as a writer as celebrated (and striking) as the likes of Alex Turner.  He mixes motifs of modern life, and mixes them with tales of love to deliver a incredible and diverse workbook.  Both he and Abi have been honoured to have played Latitude this year: a hell of a notch on their musical love bed.  Gathering positive and salivating reviews (including myself), I have been settled and uplifted by their rise to prominence.  Phil Cass of Cuckoo Records has been keeping his eye on them- I hope they are signed to the label next year.  Our intrepid two-piece have been enlivening and thrilling the environs of Yorkshire, the cities and towns of the north- as well as taking their brand of uplifting music to many a-venue.  I can see 2014 being a clear-cut banner year for them.  London will be hungry for them, and I am confident that an E.P. or album will be in the works.  In a music scene where quality seems to be divorced from quantity, it is a rare treat to witness an act that are so deserving of praise.  In the past few months, the intrepid duo have marked themselves as a potential U.K. White Stripes equivalent.  Whereas the gender alignment has been transposed, our northern stars bear many familiar birthmarks.  The voices of Abi and Marc blend superbly: our heroine has a vocal prowess that says so much in so few words.  Otway is an incredible musician and can summon up the style, sensation and emotion of a five-piece act all by himself.  The tableaux and stories that the two write are diverse and consistently stunning.  Their themes change and their lyrics take you in various different directions (and convey a host of vivid scenes), yet their quality is unimpeachable.  Keep your eyes peeled in the next few months, as Otway and Utley will be names engraved to the tip of their tongue.  I cannot wait to imagine what their debut album will sound like, or whether they are planning a string of singles or E.P.s.  Two things are for sure.  For one, they will be playing many gigs, and will be commanding the attentions of festival organisers and fans alike.  The second (point) is this:

THE future will be very bright- as well as busy.

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Things About You is available at:

http://www.issimomusic.net/listen.html

Follow:

Official:

http://www.issimomusic.net/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/issimomusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ISSIMOMUSIC

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MarcAndAbi

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CHESS:

Smart-moving Queen topples the King: takes the night.

When it comes to new talent, Chess (Fran Galea) is certainly making huge waves.

It was Chess that got me into music reviewing in the first place.  It seems like only a few weeks ago that I was reviewing her previous E.P. Babygirl.  I was stunned by the quality of that collection.  Not because I was stereotyping all young artists as ineffectual; it was for a very different reason: there was so more confidence contained within.  Chess has since moved on to complete her 2nd E.P., Tuxedo.  The two releases are testament to a young artist whom is eager and ambitious.  The Maltese-born artist has covered a lot of ground in the months between E.P.s.  Babygirl had influences of the likes of Christina Aguilera, Etta James and some of her male heroes: Michael Jackson and Prince.  The trio of tracks were templates of honest emotion and love: tied together with inspiration messages and uplifting codas.  Together incredible projection, the debut set was a stunning example of the talent that Galea possesses.  After the release of Babygirl last winter, Chess has been promoting it and gaining plaudits from fans and the media- in the U.K. and Malta alike.  Gigs in London have followed, and our gorgeous young heroine has embarked on a campaign of personal endeavour.  The as-yet-unreleased E.P. (Tuxedo) takes off where Babygirl finished: there is essence of the positivity and uplifting lyrics, as well as a fierce talent at work.  However, the new E.P. promises different directions.  There is a harder edge and more sexiness and soul.  In the way that Michael Jackson followed the sweetness and edge of Bad with the harder and more diverse Dangerous, Chess has completed an accomplished 1-2: she has retained her core talents and components, yet infused elemental strikes and new influences into the melting pot.  I shan't- and can't- give too much away, but have been fortunate enough to hear the E.P. before most others, and can confidently say this much: it is a tremendous achievement and will see the 21-year-old very much in demand over the next year.  The results are hardly serendipitous, as Fran has worked exceptionally hard to make it happen: raising money through Kickstarter, as well as tirelessly writing, planning and location-hunting.  A new video is being shot...well, pretty much as we speak, which will introduce Tuxedo to the world.  Chess has been plotting her moves carefully and has spend a great deal of time and consideration making sure that the music we will hear is of the highest order.  Miss. Galea has a natural charm and smile that will melt most and a stunning beauty and sex appeal.  She is capable of turning heads and hearts, and has proven herself to be a prolific and thought-provoking songwriter.  It is certainly going to be an eventful and exciting next couple of months, as Chess continues her evolution and rise for the top.  The embryonic moves showed what a voice and artistry was contained within; and current footsteps further enforce this, as well as making a bold statement: Fran is ready to conquer the scene.  Within Surrey (Chess is based in Guildford) there a few names that are poised to crack the big time- and it is clear that Chess is amongst them.  Having enjoyed a taste of the London gig scene, I would expect that bigger and more prolific dates and gigs await.  I have known of several lesser-talented musicians (of a similar age) performing in the U.S. as well as across Europe, so it would be fitting if our young star was to be seen on American and European stages in the coming months.  I know that Fran has some anxieties and nerves ahead of Tuxedo's release.  She has put so much hard work and personal time into its development, that there is a maternal concern as to how it (the E.P.) will be perceived.  The following sentiment need not be expressed, yet I will do so anyway (as the world awaits her new music):

MISS Galea: the very best of luck!

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The Babygirl Remixes E.P. available from:

http://chessofficial.bandcamp.com/

Follow:

Official:

http://chessmusic.co.uk/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/chessofficial

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chessofficial

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/cesca18

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UNIVERSAL THEE:

All-encompassing makers of beautiful music.

When one thinks of bands and acts beyond the climbs of London...

There can often be a temporary mental block.  It is systematic and endemic of a lack of musical education.  The pages of Facebook and Twitter are aware of the presence of Universal Thee: although far too many are unaware.  The Edinburgh-based band are supported by two supporters of mine: Lisa and James Russell.  The patriarchs of one of the best bands on the scene have been relentlessly positive when it has come to my music writing: in turn they have encouraged me to continue writing and being far-reaching when it comes to my ideals and aims.  In the past few months, I have been lucky enough to review and absorb several of the band's songs- which make up an impressive and mighty back catalogue.  Robin Spivey, Andrew Perrie and Kevin Haddow complete the quintet, and the five have been plying their trade- and delighting crowds- in their native homeland.  As well as the Scottish crowds, the husband and wife-led band have also been invigorating crowds throughout the U.K.  The band are synonymous with a quiet-loud dynamic: the likes of which Pixies and Nirvana have popularised and canonised.  Our Scot warriors are capable of penning beautiful melodies, as well as hard-hitting anthems: underpinned and augmented by the multifarious vocals of the inter-gender kind.  As well as the likes of Queens of the Stone Age being considered as influences, Universal Thee have been leaning towards a gentler, folk-ier sound as-of-late: hoping to mingle more soothing tones amongst their core tones.  A grand tour and debut L.P. are mooted for early-2014, and it arrives as a tail to a musical beast that has been growing by evolution: stronger and more developed with each passing song.  As well as previous tracks including Wolves of the Netherworld (love the title!), the band have been planning the video for Aranis Natas.  That song continues from where their previous work lead; displaying all the trademarks and hallmarks of the group: swirling and crunching riffs; compelling and intoxicating vocal duet.  To my mind the song is the epitome of the Doolitle-era Pixies.  You can hear Black Francis/Frank Black and Kim Deal in the way that James and Lisa combine: there is a similar growl and power from James; a comparably fiery spark from Lisa.  The song has elements of modern-day Q.O.T.S.A., as well as Pixies: it bridges the '80s and '00s with ease.  I have been fascinated and tickled pink by the band's innovative titles: they can go from the humorous (Bear In The Hospital), ambiguous (Bone Collector), to the neo-Byzantine.  The quality that shines through is axiomatic, and one senses that it will not take much for the everyman Scots to transcend the local scene with ferocious menace.  They have a chest filled with glorious sounds, beauty and grace, as well as ear-catching memorability.  The tracks that I have heard are a salivating glimpse as to what the forthcoming album will hold.  I would urge that you head to their SoundCloud page and investigate further.  In addition, they need a few more 'Likes' and 'Followers': so please do so.  I tend not to (or not at the moment), give my thumbs-up and gold standard to too many musicians.  Universal Thee employ the gilded threads of some of their heroes, yet act as a ballast to a consecrated individuality that is a rarity in the current climate.  The likes of Edinburgh are initiated to the swagger and seduce of the quintet- how long before the rest of the U.K., nee world, follows suit?  With some liberal affection and some level-headed distributing, the band will see their hard work pay off.  The south will embrace them with open arms, and their transatlantic sound means they could well be playing the clubs of L.A. and New York this time next year.  With new singles being teased and a new L.P. in the near-distance, it is time that a lot more people are in tune to the beat of Universal Thee.  They have seduced me wholly, so I am in no doubt that a horde of like-minded folk will soon be cast asunder and compelled by their sonic spell.  I have no hesitation in my mind saying this:

THE next few months will be some of the best that the quintet have ever had.

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Aranis Natas is available at:

http://www.reverbnation.com/universalthee/songs

Follow:

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/universalthee

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/universalthee

Reverb Nation:

http://www.reverbnation.com/universalthee

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-C70-KSoSJXgNifHO_Ip_A?feature=watch

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LYDIA BAYLIS:

An artist who has inspired me more than any, caps off a bounteous 2013.

In my recent review of Lydia's single Life Without You...

I may have come over as a little tumescent- in terms of the written word.  I apologise to her, but the effect was profound as well as it was genuine.  Such was the uniformity of Baylis's charm, that it is helpless to resist.  In interviews she is the epitome of friendliness and vicariousness: coy as well as charming.  Her voice (spoken) is at once light and sunny, as well as being silky and husky.  Lydia is also possessing of immense beauty and has an encapsulating smile.  Whereas a lot of modern musicians comes across as quite boring or inarticulate (in interviews), Baylis is cognizant and engaging: she always seem to be in a good mood and keen to gives as much to the interviewer as possible.  My first experience of Lydia was whilst listening to her track Mirrors.  Its combinations of rippling and lacustrine guitars and orchestral lustre meant that the song was a statement that defined Lydia's intentions.  Her voice is an instrument of curious intrigue: both soft and powerful; alluring yet empowered.  That track sparked my interests, and compelled me to investigate more of Baylis's history.  Lydia studied history at Oxford and grew up several miles from where I was born.  There is a lot of chatter around Surrey, Hampshire and London concerning Lydia's music: many are hotly-tipping Baylis to be a permanent fixture of the festival scene.  She is an artist that can just as easily play a set on Later With Jools Holland, as well as headline a summer festival.  Over the last few months Lydia has engaged in the Coffee House Sessions: playing at various different cafes and venues to students around the U.K.  I would urge you to check out the videos and reviews concerning those performances, as it is clear that Baylis has a clear love of performing, and is a compelling artist to watch.  Near the top of my wish-list for 2014 would be the opportunity to interview Lydia, as she comes across as a mature and focused young woman whom has all the necessary ingredients for a luminescent and long-lasting career.  When Lydia was growing up there were influences of the '60s and '70s masters such as Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac were oft-heard.  Baylis is keen to state that she would not try to emulate or appropriate any of the tones of those particular artists: she has a very individual and unique stamp.  It is clear that a high quality of music was presented to a developing child, and it has reflected itself in Baylis's current work.  The single Life Without You was possessing of an inspirational and f***-you coda: our young heroine experienced heartbreak and sadness, yet has a very potent and direct message (to her former sweetheart).  Lydia has confirmed that she is drawn to subjects other than love-gone-wrong.  Within several of her tracks there are darker and more anxious themes: influenced by the works of Virginia Woolf and the Bronte sisters.  Mirrors contained enough brooding and irascible wonder to show that our heroine has a shades of darkness in her soul.  It is refreshing and inspiring that an artist can cover so much ground and contain so much range- upbeat and light songs mingle alongside more shadowy mandates.  Lydia will have a busy 2014 ahead of her.  Her Mirrors E.P. was met with critical acclaim and heaps of praise throughout the social media channels.  It has recently been remixed (and is available on iTunes): it displays the affection that collaborators have for her music, and the results are appropriately fascinating.  I am confident that the album A Darker Trace will be met with even fonder approval.  It began (life) in 2012, and is a project that is will soon come to full fruition.  After a string of recent performances, there is a definite demand for her music and voice: many are keen to hear as much as possible from her.  As a lyricist, Baylis is mixes literary touches with personal openness, and marries that to some cinematic and widescreen (perhaps thanks to production cohorts Richard Cardwell and Owen Parker).  I have been beleaguered by a recent spate of hollow and insipid 'talents' whom have approached the music scene with nary a whimper.  I stated in my last review (http://musicmusingsandsuch.wordpress.com/2013/11/14/single-review-lydia-baylis-life-without-you/) that Lydia had inspired me to write quite a few lyrics.  I have gone out and bought a new lyrics notebook (yes I am a geek); I have also designed a photograph that I cannot get from my head, and made strides in a song that I am writing.  It may seem improbable that one artist can have such an impact on another person, yet that is what Baylis is capable of.  She is still taking her tender, infantile steps in the music business, but has shown what a class act she is.  There is no good reason not to check out her music, share its majesty and eagerly await her forthcoming work.  I will not end this particular piece quite as flirtatiously (is that the right word?).  I am keen to meet Lydia and give personal thanks, as she has brought about reinvigoration in me.  For those whom are looking for an ideal paragon and common muse, then they would do good to investigate Baylis with considered passion.  If songs such as Mirrors and Life Without You have demonstrated anything is...

THIS young talent will be a huge fixture very soon.

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The Mirrors Remixes E.P. can be purchased from:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/mirrors-remixes-ep/id663578254

Follow:

Official:

http://www.lydiabaylis.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/LydiaBaylis

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/lydiabaylis

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/LydiaBaylis

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/lydiabaylis/

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ELENA RAMONA:

A stunning talent and huge prospect to watch in 2014.

Elena is someone that has impressed me more than most as-of-late.

When I interviewed her recently, I was struck by how enthusiastically she spoke of music- and how much it means to her.  I was bowled over and overwhelmed by how naturally she talks about music and what inspires her.  In addition to possessing stunning beauty, Elena also has a down-to-earth quality: she is a ubiquitous artist that wants to be identifiable because of who she is naturally.  There is no façade or costume design with Elena: she strives to be the embodiment of an everyday and modern-day role model: someone who speaks to young woman and all other sectors, just by being completely natural.  Within Surrey, she is building a name for herself as an artist to watch with great interest.  Elena has been working hard to ensure that she brings life to her musical imaginations.  Her single Rise was meet with a wave of adulation and fanfare.  People were struck by the quality of the song, as well as the clear and simple messages that were being put forth.  At the moment, Elena is preparing the music video to her latest single, and has been speaking excitedly about her forthcoming E.P. (Hold On).  Although it is has been a steep and endless climb, Miss. Stathaki is not a woman who is ever ready to quit or compromise.  She promises that her E.P. will be a collection of varying themes and sounds.  In the past, Elena has been involved in dub-step as well as pop, and has marked herself as a boundless performer and writer.  The E.P. will contain some sexiness and sweat-inducing lasciviousness; there will be some honest and heartfelt directness, as well as mystery and motivation.  It is clear that friends and family mean a great deal to her, and have compelled Elena to work hard to achieve her dreams.  She has a drop-dead-gorgeous beauty and a vote-winning personality that means she will draw in a huge number of supporters and fans.  At the moment she is a one-woman army of publicity, promotion, planning and perfection.  Everything that is being done and plotted is done so with as much sweat as love.  Elena has been speaking with desire when it comes to her music video present: she is excited to be able to release videos as well as her tracks.  In the present climate, there are so few musicians that are prepared to put in the hard graft: in the age of reality T.V. most expect success and fandom to put on a plate ready-made and pre-heated.  The future of the Greek-born starlet will be bright, because Elena is unflinchingly direct and strong when it comes to her own music.  I know from speaking with her that success means a great deal.  Elena has put a lot of her money, as well as time towards making music that she wants too: on her own terms with no public funding.  There is a homemade and predetermined logic to Elena's music.  She is making sure that she differentiates herself from her peers and contemporaries, and wants to separate herself from the rest.  Rise showed what a mature and talent songwriter she is; showing that she has a voice that is as compelling as it is memorable.  Whilst it is easy to compare most current artists to a pre-existing idol, Elena seems to resonate with originality: it is near-impossible to compare her directly with anyone else present or past.  She is a woman that is doing things on her own terms, and does not want to be compared with any of her local contemporaries.  The past year has seen Elena mature in terms of her confidence and talent.  She has told me that her producer Martyn Corbet has helped her to hone and develop her voice.  Before lengthy recording sessions were conducted between the two, Corbet insisted that our heroine practise and make her vocals as strong as possible.  The results that have been shown in Rise (as well as subsequent recordings) have shown that Elena is getting better and better.  It is a busy whirlwind for the 23-year-old at present.  Whilst she balances her daily job (in retail), by night (and days off) she works on music videos; lyrics and songs are written; the future is planned.  The E.P. Hold On is not too far away, and it will act as testament to, and summation of, a bright and vibrant talent whom will be beyond compare.  There will be a myriad of diverse steps, as well as surprises and quality.  I hope that London venues prick up their ears, and give Elena a chance to shine in the capital: making it easier for her to win a London-based fan base.  I am sure that the release of her E.P.- as well as the coming year- will mean that she is in hot demand.  As much as anything..

I am confident that 2014 will be Elena Ramona's year.

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Rise is available at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8smsMbqXxo

Follow:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elena-Ramona/323928237668916

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/elenaramona90

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheStathaki1

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/elenaramona90

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NIGHT WOLF:

Ambitious maestro is filled with crepuscular menace, brave ambition and a beautiful heart. 

THE past year has been quite a hectic one for Ryan Wilcox.

The man behind the Nightwolf has been collaborating, writing and conspiring with a breathless canter.  I encountered the Nightwolf moniker a few months ago, and was fortunate enough to (be able) to review Watts the Time Mr. Wolf- the previous E.P. from Wilcox.  I was mesmerised by the fusion of different sounds and styles.  Our curator seemed deftly able to be able to weave together pulsating and jumping piano rolls; dark and cinematic orchestral waves as well as menacing dub-step (steel toe-capped) kicks.  Amidst mini-operas about financial decay in the U.S. there were hard-hitting anthems.  It was clear that the man behind the menace had a tender heart and creative mind-set.  As 2013 closes its curtains, a final glimpse of light emerges from a restless talent.  Hot off of the heels of 'Watts' arrives Night Wolf Presents The Co-Lab Vol. 1.  Move It On ()featuring Elsadie Smith) opens the current E.P.  With a throbbing and stirring beat, Smith coolly intones: ""Just move it onto me"; her voice displaying sexiness and a seducing charm.  It is a slinky number that parabonds classic strands of Destiny's Child and En Vogue; tying in some of-the-moment R. 'n' B.  Smith is a alluring and engaging voice, showing hints of modern singers such as Rhianna and Ciara; but having a distinct and memorable personality.  The song's title is used as an infectious coda: repeated by our heroine to create a hypnotic pull.  The steady and punching beat that backs the voice lynchpins the two vocal stages.  As Smith departs, a staccato and syncopated rap enters- its darker hues contrasting strikingly following a sweet and light vocal.  It is a syncopated stream-of-consciousness that implores: "Focus on the destination".  It is a great location to begin our travelogue.  As with Abbey Road or Rated R, Work Rate (featuring LIV The Pilot and J.A. (Soul Rhymaz) immediately follows the opening track.  With no room for breath, J.A. continues his prophetic mandate, as a twinkling electronic tapestry is woven.  J.A.'s voice has elements of Tine Tempah, containing a similar tone and delivery.  The song's messages deal with the potency of a redemptive spirit; how you can get through the worst days if you focus: the power of ambition, music and fortitude can keep you strong.  The arpeggio electronics (and beat) propel the song and create a bow-wave of force, perfectly supporting the twin vocals.  With a dominating and stormy electronic heartbeat, Sucker Free (featuring J.A. (Soul Rhymaz) will be familiar to anyone affiliated with Nightwolf's previous E.P.  The sound of modern Britain; the hard street life and reality of modern youth is laid bare.  The sonic backdrop acts as a physical presence: it glares and stalks; beats and retreats to create a sense of (violent) reality.  The vocals are once again rapid and powerful, as J.A. (once again) spits truths such as: "you're such a wannabe".  The vocal trips and waits; stutters and rolls to keep the atmosphere engaging and compelling.  The penultimate track Enemy List (Remix) (featuring Gregory Style and LIV The Pilot) begins as a soulful and stunning track.  The sonic elements are well-composed and subtle.  The vocals take prescience as you are drawn into the smooth and tantalising vocal delivery.  Towards the end of the track a coda of "run away" is delivered: implored as a direct message, a paen to choosing the right path- it is at once inspiring and chilling.  Downgraded (featuring Centrist) brings the E.P. to a close.  It is a swansong that begins its embryonic climb as immediately as anything Nightwolf has produced.  With classic strings and pummelling electronic beats duet-ting, there is a different element at play.  The emphasis is on the sonic atmosphere (sans vocal interjection).  The strings bow and constrict, romantically swaying as a savage- yet restrained- beat crackles into view like a boa constrictor on the hunt.  That light-dark contrast symbolises the song's majesty: your mind and heart is drawn in, and your breath halted.  It is a perfect way to end a scintillating and fascinating E.P.  I have known Ryan Wilcox for a few months now, and know how much music means to him.  A great deal of attention and consideration have been put into the E.P., and I hope it reaps (its just) rewards.  Few artists are as daring and prolific as Nightwolf, and the future will be busy and exciting indeed.  Given what we have just received- and what has come before- it begs the pertinent question:

WHO knows what is to come?

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Various Artists- Night Wolf Presents The Co-Lab Vol. 1 is available via:

http://www.digital-tunes.net/releases/night_wolf_presents_the_co_lab_vol__1

Follow:

E.P. Launch:

https://www.facebook.com/events/537238406361069/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/nightwolfuk?directed_target_id=0

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/nightwolfuk

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ryanwilcox6

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