NEW MUSIC: Camden Cox - Kinda Like

Since their emergence, AlunaGeorge's silky future garage take on 90s girl group R&B has til now (wisely) not been attempted by any other commercial act. So when the sugary, seductive Aluna-esque vocal of London's Camden Cox purrs out a "You Know You Like It" esque debut single, alarm bells should by all rights be ringing. 

However, Cox pulls it off with a production that is less sheened to perfection than AG, and in a much darker and atmospheric soundspace; a space that features less "na na na"s and more breathless echos and whispered come-ons. For many, myself included, this is the perfect development of AlunaGeorge's sound, and probably a superior take on the genre. 

Cox's Kinda Like EP is out now on iTunes. Dancey b-side "Disguise" is also worth a listen, with it's chopped up vocals and lurching beat impossible not to move to.

FOR FANS OF: AlunaGeorge, BANKS

- Joe Copplestone, 7.5.14

NEW MUSIC: Tanika - Bad 4 U

For anyone looking for a trashy new pop thrill, look no further than Tanika, and her explosive debut single "Bad 4 U". It bears similarities to Rita Ora's breakthrough single "RIP" in a number of ways, except Tanika takes all the risks that Rita should have when she released her lukewarm debut.

"RIP" revealed nothing more about Rita Ora than her sense of superiority over who she used to be (not especially insightful, but when you've got Jay-Z behind you, you're going to be a star). With "Bad 4 U", Tanika wears her shortcomings openly, and proudly, on her sleeve. Unafraid of treading on toes, Tanika yelps "I'm only gonna fuck with your life, I'm bad for you" on the powerhouse chorus, and her delivery turns a potentially dated dubstep throb into something fresh and exhilarating.

Mixing the youthful charm of Rita Ora, the seductive nastiness of Rihanna and the quirky credibility of Natalia Kills, Tanika might be bad for you, but eventually you won't be able to avoid her.

Her debut EP Fucking With My Heart, is out now on iTunes.

FOR FANS OF: Rita Ora, Rihanna, Natalia Kills

- Joe Copplestone, 30.04.14

NEW MUSIC: Charlie Barclay Webb - Get To Know Me

With his white boy swagger and Frankmusik-esque melodramatic vocal, Charlie Barclay Webb clearly has commercial success on his mind, but when it drives him to hooks and beats this epic and infectious, it's to be applauded and recognized. A grimey dubstep throb and trappy beat contrast CBW's silky tone and impressive range, and the commanding, almost regal chorus of "get to know me" makes it clear we have no choice in the matter. I expect to hear this guy on Radio 1 alarmingly soon.

FOR FANS OF: Alex Clare, Daley, Frankmusik

- Joe Copplestone, 16.04.14