The latest singles reviewed by AARON LEE, self-confessed lover of most things synaesthesia inducing.
Tinie Tempah – Pass Out
Released: 01/03/2010
From the album: The Disc-Overy
Last year it was Chipmunk with his wonky champagne swagger. Now it could be the turn of fellow London rapper, Tinie Tempah, to keep the clubs hopping. His premier single, ‘Pass Out’, is made of just the sort of heavy urban beat that we love to associate with midnight mischief. A foot-stomping track that rises to a furious crescendo, with a hint of dub to give it some bite. It’s real ice, baby. Good start for Mr Tempah. He has the sound, but he’ll also need the charisma if he wants to stick around as long as Jay-Z and Dizzee.
Delphic – Halcyon
Released: 15/03/2010
From the album: Acolyte
The fourth single from the Stockport disco group’s debut album. Less pummelling than ‘Counterpoint’, there’s actually breathing room in ‘Halcyon’. It’s still heavy with synths and sub-future backing instruments, but it flows with ease and confidence. More colour than their usual melancholy offerings, this song fills you with a minor high, like you just ingested 10 breath mints at once. Probably won’t burn a mark in the top end of the charts, but it sure is great for those last minute outings.
Gorillaz – Stylo
Released: 26/01/2010
From the album: Plastic Beach
Hailing the return of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s animated band, after four years of marauding and general misbehaviour, is ‘Stylo’. Played in demo form on Zane Lowe’s show early last year, the final version is a whirring mix of electro pop and slow-hooking beats. Colliding legendary soul artist, Bobby Womack, and hip hop artist, Mos Def, proves to be a tantalising formula. Not as instantly infectious as some of the band’s previous singles, but this experimental, almost bewildering, track has more depth than you’re likely to find in the entire history of The X Factor.
Aaron Lee
Tags: delphic, gorillaz, halcyon, pass out, singles, singles round-up, stylo, tinie tempah
