On The Stereo #44

Kokoko!
Kokoko!

Kokoko!: a beacon of authenticity

We can’t stop playing these new songs from Kokoko!, Rupert Stroud, Jon Pardi, Kirby Forest, Earth Tongue and Joe Tofts


KOKOKO!
KITOKO
Transgressive

In an electronic scene littered with ‘world’ influences, Congolese group Kokoko! are a beacon of authenticity. Their new track mixes organic hand-percussion with sequenced electronic drums to brilliant effect, and as a nasal synth soars above the mix it makes for an infectious teaser for their upcoming album, Fongola. BD


RUPERT STROUD
ALONG THE LOW
Self-release

Yorkshire is renowned for many things, especially its passionate people determined to stand out above the rest, and that statement sums up the music of Rupert Stroud. Along The Low’s lyrics are direct and Stroud’s voice full of intent. Powerful and soulful stuff. DC


JON PARDI
HEARTACHE MEDICATION
Capitol Records Nashville

Old school country vibes combine with modern-day crossover styles to create a sweet honkey-tonk track that’ll remind you why you fell in love with the genre. It’s a proper track about heartache and has that toe-tapping vibe that Pardi delivers with ease. LK


KIRBY FOREST
I DON’T CARE
Amuse

Over an intriguing loop, Kirby Forest flexes in a laid-back manner befitting the track’s title. The beat ticks along in a low-key trap style, 808 kicks weaving in and out of syncopated snare hits, allowing Kirby to show off a versatility that comes from his British and American upbringing. BD


EARTH TONGUE
THE WELL OF PRISTINE ORDER
Stolen Body Records

In less than three minutes this riff-heavy track shows exactly why it’s not taken long for New Zealand’s Earth Tongue to establish themselves as their country’s primary psych-rock band. The duo of Gussie Larkin and Ezra Simons bring equal doses of fuzz and energy to this demonic space jam. Irresistible stuff. DH


JOE TOFTS
HEY DARLIN’
816620 Records DK2

British country has some seriously exciting talent right now and Joe Tofts is a serious contender. Hey Darlin’ is a song that makes you want to roll down the windows and sing-a-long at the top of your lungs. Summer’s here and this is its soundtrack. LK


Words: Ben Devlin, Dave Chrzanowski, Laura Klonowski, Duncan Haskell

Listen to these songs and other On The Stereo selections via the Songwriting Magazine Spotify ‘Music Reviewed’ playlist.




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