Review: Jess Mills - Live For What I'd Die For

Originally posted on www.soundblab.com

Singer/songwriter Jess Mills has attracted quite a bit of attention in the press recently. After being featured in i-D magazine, this seems like it may only be the beginning for the young star. The North Londoner incorporates a mixture of classic song-writing with a mix of dance-filled beats and is said to be influenced by bands such as Portishead and Massive Attack, and after listening to her you can really here this coming through.

'Live for What I'd Die for' is an excellent blend of electronic dance beats with haunting yet soft vocals from the singer. The song is something you could definitely imagine yourself dancing to while out in a club, yet it maintains that chill out atmosphere that you get from the likes of her influences. To top it off, the single also has a cover of the Chase and Status song 'End Credits' and I must say, I preferred her version to the original, her voice just seems to work so much better on it, and it's not often that I say I prefer a cover to the original.

I can definitely tell why there is interest being shown around Jess Mills at the moment and she is definitely worth the talk and a listen.

Review: Baron Bane - Midthing

Originally post on www.soundblab.com

'Midthing' is the latest single to be released from the LPTO album by Baron Bane. Originating from Stockholm, the band infuses a mix of electronica, pop and rock into their songs and this single really strikes out for the band. The song starts with a brilliant melancholy beat which continues throughout the track, adding to its relaxed yet eerie feel, putting me in mind a little of Massive Attack and their hit single 'Teardrop'.

The lead singer's vocals seem to fit with what you would expect from a Swedish female star in the present day, and are very reminiscent of fellow country-woman and singer Lykke Li which, let's be honest, isn't a bad thing.

The song is definitely something you would expect to here as the backdrop to an underground indie film and you can definitely imagine it being a pretty big stand-out performance at any festival. My only criticism is that at six minutes and 44 seconds, some people may become a little depressed at the melancholy sounds and beats, but overall the song is definitely a winner.