Aluna George
Body Music
HOTLY-TIPPED London singer-producer duo Aluna Francis and George Reid have proved they were worthy of the hype on their debut album. With their post-dubstep/R&B sound you could file them next to collaborators Disclosure and the likes of Jessie Ware at the forefront of a truly exciting new wave of dance music.
Like their contemporaries, AlunaGeorge mix pop smarts with boundary-pushing production. Francis' child-like yet powerful vocals owe a debt to CocoRosie while Reid's production recalls the likes of the Neptunes and Timbaland but has enough off-kilter flourishes and interesting sounds to stay fresh. The songwriting is strong through most of the record from the poppy first half through to the sensual soul of the last two tracks. An exciting, and absolutely danceable, debut.
Kevin Tihista
Modern Strand
MORE than a decade ago, Kevin Tihista was something of a cult indie darling. But no matter how well-received his 2001 solo debut Don't Breathe A Word and its follow-up Judo were, he disappeared from view shortly after the release of 2004's Wake Up Captain, and remained hidden until 2012's On This Dark Street. And here he is with another album, originally planned for release in 2006. Little has changed in Tihista's music, he still specialises in baroque pop arrangements coupled with downbeat, borderline tragic lyrics. As always there's a tongue planted firmly in Tihista's cheek suggesting song titles such as Happy People, Shut Your Mouths aren't meant to be taken completely at face value. Nevertheless, whether he's deadly serious or not, it's good to have him back.