Songs to Obsess Over & Over
April 2025
Loaded Honey – “Don’t Speak”
(Verta)
Loaded Honey is the side project of Jungle co-founding member J Lloyd and lead vocalist of the last two Jungle albums, Lydia Kitto and utilizes the same formula that has shaped Jungle’s sound minus a few specific element that make a Jungle song what it is. The first being a little less electronic based in it’s production and not as 4 to the floor. Also absent are the washed out vocal effects allowing Lydia’s voice to clearly belt out those lyrics. Loaded Honey has a more oldies Sunday Soul, Motown esque vibe that you’d get on a Daptone or early 2000’s Tru Thoughts release. Don’t Speak is a beautifully crafted song that sounds like it contains no samples, but it filled with lush harmonies in it’s hook and a drum beat I still can’t tell if it’s sampled, all live or partially sampled, as the 4 bar rolls and fills give it that classic 70’s vibe for warm sunny day.
Steven Bamidele feat. Sly 5th Ave – The Fool”
(Tru Thoughts)
Sing, songwriter and producer Steven Bamidele teams up with label mates, the incredible and really sleep on Sly 5th Ave for “The Fool”, a song that teeters from jazz to soul to up-tempo late 70’s Steely Dan era jams and all blend into each effortlessly. I love songs that don’t stay in one place for too long. This thing moves and moves your soul with it’s rich chord changes and melodies. The track itself reminds me of Thundercat, minus the humor. It’s truly heartwarming to know this kind of music can still be made and not sound forced or fraud. Tru Thoughts, if you’re listening , we need a joint album from these two.
Mae Powell – “Rope You In”
(Karma Chief)
Oakland based Indie singer and songwriter, Mae Powell is back with an amazing new single, Rope You In, which instantly does with it’s gorgeous dreamy soundscape and Mae’s stunning vocals. This is Mae’s debut single on the Karma Chief label, a division of Colemine Records. Mae’s sophomore album, the follow up to her 2021 debut Both Ways Brighter is in the works and hopefully is released in 2025. Rope You In is the perfect, Spring day in the park vibe you need.
Wevel – Dopamine
(Techniccolour)
As a DJ who loves House music, dance music of many kinds, I really get excited when songs like this drop out of nowhere and . Dopamine is the latest offering from Dutch duo Wevel and this one is a banger. Using a few short vocal samples, a stuttering bass and some classic breakbeat drums that reminds me of groups like The Prodigy. This should be enjoyed on the loudest sound system you can find.
Bardo – “Renacer (feat. Combo Chimbita)”
(Stones Throw)
Bardo, lead singer of the always funky and fun Chicano Batman returns with his latest solo release, which Is not his first as he’s released solo material in the past, but his first as the band has taken an indefinite hiatus. Renacer, which translates to “rebirth”, celebrates Bardo’s new chapter, which previews the kaleidoscopic sound world that Bardo has built within his next body of work. The song was born from a voice memo during a jam session in Bardo’s home studio, when Combo Chimbita (featured on the track) visited LA from NYC. This funky catchy tune is the perfect ride around, music blasting vibe needed. I’m also happy to see this release coming from the always reliable Stones Throw label.