The Round-Up: Summer 2023
Whilst Winter is on its way, here we are transported back to the start of June, where sugary melodies and killer beats were in abundance. From indietronica pianos to driving basslines and disco sparkles, here are eight tracks to refresh your playlist
Elli Glyn: ‘Pretend’
Timing is everything, and when Elli Glyn’s third single ‘Pretend’ reached our ears in August, it was the perfect antidote for those long, Summer nights. Think bright, breezy pop melodies, think Greta Issac and Holly Humberstone; Glyn’s latest track possesses endless hooks and infinite retention. Currently based in London — with a headline gig on the horizon — ‘Pretend’ will have you locked-in in no time.
mabli: ‘People Pleaser’
Staying within the realms of perfect pop, mabli pulled the curtain on new material in September and as anticipated, it did not disappoint. Debut track ‘People Pleaser’ lends a sense of luxury to everyday life with its bouncy, playful melodies and its soulful undertones. And if we were to assume that the track would be alone in its delivery, we’d be mistaken, as the single also announced mabli’s upcoming six-track EP, also titled ‘People Pleaser’. Dropping 3rd November, mabli is definitely one to watch.
Mirari: ‘FIRST CLASS’
Coming in fresh with a new release in August, East London-raised and Cardiff-based musician Mirari holds a remarkable ability to infuse his alluring bars with a blend of introspection and flare. Having slowly worked his way into notoriety within the inner circles of Welsh music — honing his craft at shows such as FOCUS Wales 2023 and New Skool Rules 2023 — Mirari is set to break into the mainstream following his recently dropped singel ‘FIRST CLASS’. Fusing together elements of jazz, jungle, and hip-hop, Mirari’s latest track is both daring and bold and more importantly, a real appetiser ahead of his debut EP ‘The Last Cowboy’ (10 October). Catch the accompanying music video for ‘FIRST CLASS’ here:
Moddion: ‘Golau Cyfarwydd’
Presented and packaged by Lwcus T, Moddion is the pseudonym of Gruff Pritchard of indie giants, Yr Ods. It’s no surprise therefore that the project’s debut EP finds space within a delicious surf-meets-synth-pop soundscape. Featuring colourful synthesisers, expressive vocals, and a dense background atmosphere, ‘Golau Cyfarwydd’ is your new go-to as daylight turns to dusk.
PARCS: ‘Wait!’
Released this September, ‘Wait!’ is the latest synth-pop anthem by one of South Wales’ most exciting pop projects, PARCS. Capturing a warm, laid-back slice of dream pop infused with driving basslines and disco sparkle, ‘Wait!’ is geared for the sweaty dancefloors and sticky basements. “We wanted to explore a different angle of the PARCS sound while still maintaining that core dream-like, synth-heavy character but also introducing some bigger and brighter sounds," says the band, and it’s easy to see why. A hit in its purest form.
Parisa Fouladi: ‘Araf’
Influenced by soul, jazz, and minimal hip-hop beats, Welsh Iranian artist Parisa Fouladi returned this summer with ‘Araf’, the first single taken from her upcoming EP. Arriving late August via Piws Records, the track circulates around Parisa’s strong, emotional delivery, making the low-key intimate beats its perfect underlayer. Co-written with the multi-instrumentalist Charlie Piercey and produced by Krissie Jenkins, dive into the smooth, soulful sounds of Parisa Fouladi here:
Sachasom: ‘Braf Oedd Byw’
Following the cult success of debut album ‘Yr Offerynnols Uffernoliadaus’, and a string of experimental singles along the way, Machynlleth-based beatmaker Sachasom returns with a new single and a fresh sound. Switching out the conventional experimental trap and hip-hop soundscape for indietronica pianos and arpeggiators over a motorik beat, Sachasom shares here yet another angle of his boundless production style with ‘Braf Oedd Byw’. Pinned by its melancholic mood and its washed-out samples, make sure that this one doesn’t pass you by.
Rachel K Collier, ANNI: ‘Naked’
Rising electro-pop artist Rachel K Collier from Swansea is no stranger to delivering off-kilter pop shimmers and her latest single ‘Naked’, co-written with ANNI, is no exception. Though it's the dense synthy strings that make up the track’s first impression, it’s the pounding beats and the subtle production flurries between the melodies that make you want to restart the track, again and again. A full-bodied pop gem.
Catch all eight tracks, all in one place, here:
