Tracks Of The Week, 12.01.14 - GigslutzGigslutz

‘Stole’ is the debut smorgasbord of sounds from London’s Francesca Belmonte, signalling the beginning of this innovative woman’s reign in the UK. Known for her long-time collaboration with Tricky, Belmonte has now decided to go it alone. Powered by an eerie, trip-hop foundation and featuring a smouldering, sharp vocal, ‘Stole’ is a genre-dodging three and a half minute celebration of Belmonte’s abilities.

Belmonte’s debut solo album, expected to be released on Tricky’s False Idol’s label, is expected to hit airwaves later this year. Thanks to ‘Stole’, anticipation is building for this beguiling songstress’ venture into the unknown.

Swimming across social media recently is Londoner Alex Burey‘s slick and sophisticated new track ‘Intimidator’. Taken from the nineteen year olds forthcoming debut EP, Inside World, ‘Intimidator’ is a mad mash-up of ingenious samples and brilliant punches, specifically created through the concoction of clarinet chords and pure soul-pop dressing.

Burey himself is setting up to perform his debut live shows in Bristol, Brighton and London this month, ahead of the Inside World EP release. With the announcement of the clean-cut mess which is ‘Intimidator’; the singer/songwriter has already proved he’s worth the hype, and is making it clear he means business.

After a ridiculously busy 2014, performing across the country’s festivals, supporting Chlöe Howl in London and gearing up for the release of their debut EP, is the North East’s Lisbon and their startling latest single, ‘Natïve’. Fuelled by wonky riffs and an extremely coarse vocal, ‘Native’ is the ultimate nostalgic feel-good tune, sure to put this up-and-coming Geordie four piece on the map.

The repetitive melody of ‘Natïve’ allows the listener to engulf themselves into the heart of Lisbon, while finding them dreaming of sunshine, cocktails and lazy summer days. Sparking instantaneous pleasure, ‘Natïve’ makes it physically impossible not to fall head over heels in love with this band of boys. Already having gained Radio 1 and Absolute Radio airplay, Lisbon are set for a mammoth 2015.

An explosion of emotion ebbs its way throughout Milton Star’s ingenious fusion of indie rock and country, ‘Sorryville’ – making this song one of the most interesting things you’ll hear this week. A so-called mixture of the iconic Velvet Underground and Glen Campbell, Milton Star’s ‘Sorryville’ sparks attention from the onset, through its magnificent droning, dark and rocky edge.

Consisting of Alan Wyllie and Graeme Currie, – who produce their own unique genre of music in a converted church – the concept of Milton Star alone is extremely exciting and, with the release of ‘Sorryville’, the duo are gearing up for one hell of a ride.