A great week for beats, soul and hip-hop.
Single of the Week: Gorillaz (feat Trueno and Proof) – The Manifesto
An absolutely epic seven-minute slab of hip-hop wrapped up in world and folk music trappings with top notch Spanish rapping from Argentinian artist Trueno. Just when you think it is already great, Proof from D12 comes in and delivers some fine work. Reminiscent of the same eyebrow raising genius that first announced the group with debut single ‘Clint Eastwood.’
David Guetta, Teddy Swims, Tones and I – Gone Gone Gone
Guetta just has this knack of finding an absolute belter every couple of years, and there are few voices better in the game for this kind of track than Teddy Swims. The big man from America has an incredible voice and a huge heart, he left a huge mark on Reading Festival in 2024. Tones and I provides fantastic support here.
Celeste – Time Will Tell
Celeste is one of the most exciting talents on the planet, like a modern day Billie Holiday. The new album out on the 14th of November is probably the single most exciting release left to come this year. This has a typically unbelievable vocal performance.
Hilary Woods – Taper
Second single ahead the Irish artist’s fourth album out on the 31st October. Richly atmospheric.
Pinkshift – Authority Problem
They only put their new album Earthkeeper out in August but already we have another fantastic new single. Typically heavy rock and fully thrilling.
Labrinth – Orchestra
Has it really been thirteen years since Earthquake bossed 2012 with its huge bass sounds and Tinie Tempah feature spot? We only got mini-album Prelude last month, but this not on the album single sounds phenomenal.
cedar – 100%
This Gibralter based band were at the Purple Turtle last Monday. This new single showcases their full-on rhythm section and indie-friendly guitar sounds.
Constant Smiles – Harriman
A track so slight the most gentle breeze could knock it over, but a thing of great beauty. Constant Smiles are a New York based collective and the forthcoming album features a huge range of collaborating artists. This track features Wednesday Knudson.
Bob Vylan
After all the Glastonbury BBC hoo-hah and politicians sticking an oar in for no good reason, it is great to remember that there is a very talented band at work under all the headlines.
Sick Joy – Anything Goes
With each release the new album goes higher up my list of things to have a listen to. This has very controlled verses that detonate into the chorus.
Reading Indie Life 
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