Tracks Of The Week - 11.08.14

You may be familiar with South East London rapper Afrikan Boy if you were – lucky enough to catch MIA at Glastonbury this year; an avid 6Music listener (like myself); or just simply really cool… Wherever you may have come across him, however, he is sure to have made an impression.

Following singles ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ and ‘Dear Mama’, Afrikan Boy is about to release his debut album with opening track, ‘Y.A.M’, being the next excitement-inducing single. A combination of grimey, anthemic hip-hop and traditional Afrobeat, ‘Y.A.M’ perfectly exemplifies Afrikan Boy’s skilled wordplay and lyrical wit – he really is a master of the mic. With influences ranging from Dizzee Rascal and MIA to Yvonne Chaka Chaka, this ‘boy’ is currently creating waves of hysteria wherever he goes – proving to be a major force in the UK urban scene. And rightly so.

Afrikan Boy’S debut album The ‘ABCD’ Digitally available from August 18^th with full release at end of Sept

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After an experience in A&E as a result of a face-splitting show with Wolf Alice last year, Bloody Knees vocalist Bradley Griffiths was inspired to write new single, ‘Stitches’. With an old school punk-rock sound, this raucous track has all the vigorous energy and seething riffs you could ever hope for.

Blast out some punk-inspired power chords, fuse together with Griffiths’ alluring gravelly vocals, and you have ‘Stitches’: a ferocious little number perfect for the odd bit of moshing (try not to wind up in A&E though…).

‘Stitches’ is the title track of Bloody Knees’ upcoming EP, out on 25th August via Dog Knights.

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Wakefield quintet, The Incredible Magpie Band, tend to stay true to their name and create catchy, shiny things of beauty. Remixed and produced by Zak Starky (The Who/Oasis), debut double A-Side ‘This Chose Me’/’Money’ has recently been receiving acclaim from some guy called Liam Gallagher – not too bad a fan to have with an album not yet out and only a handful of shows under your belts!

Filled with bluesy harmonica and retro RnB riffs reminiscent of the likes of the Monkees or The Byrds, ‘This Chose Me’ harks back to the days of Scouse Skiffle, prompting you to don your dancing shoes (they’d better be shiny) and get moving. With a rather more ‘90s, Brit Pop feel, ‘Money’ is a light hearted tribute to the working classes, oozing uplifting classic melodies and stomping beats.

TIMB have said “we wanted to wear our influences on our sleeves” – and this they certainly have done. Which is no bad thing: listening to this smile-inducing double A Side is like stepping back in time to the swinging, soul-filled ‘60s with a welcome fresh bite of energy. A slice of sugary ‘60s pop, that still tastes as sweet as ever.

‘This Chose Me’/’Money’ is out 15th September, with a full album soon to follow.

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Attacking classic hilbilly blues with a charismatic gusto comes New Orleans artist, Benjamin Booker. About to release his debut album, and having supported Jack White on his recent Lazaretto tour, Booker would certainly appear to be one to watch.

Latest single ‘Violent Shiver’ fuses together Booker’s heritage blues influences with a Strokes-esque indie rock vibe, as scuzzy riffs are blasted out with emotion. Whilst his guitar skills are what stand out on this track, Booker’s soulful, husky vocals are impossible not to love and this addictively catchy track will have you singing and nodding along in no time.