The Round-Up
Feeling slightly behind in the relentless stream of releases? A sudden worry that you’re not up-to-date with the latest, freshest tracks? Fear not, as we’ve compiled our selection of your new go-tos and must-listens.
Dot.: ‘Indigo’
Though it’s the Bangalore-based singer-songwriter Dot who hums the words “wrap yourself in indigo”, it’s the track ‘Indigo’ that wraps itself around us. A soothing, soulful solace that’s made for the Sunday afternoon, Dot’s first release of the year will leave you in a daydream, wondering whether to procrastinate just a little longer. Co-written by Ifan Davies, Rich Roberts, and Aditi Saiga (Dot.), ‘Indigo’ is also The Playbook’s first release of the year. Starring in the upcoming Bollywood film ‘The Archies’, in which her songs also feature in the soundtrack, Dot is set for a whirlwind period both musically and on the screen.
Tomos: ‘Calanque’
Ever since he dropped the beautifully tranquil ‘Surface Tension’ in 2018, South West Wales-born and South East London-based Tomos has always floated above our radar. In 2023 we’ve seen him strike a mysterious partnership with another beatmaker in Emrys Môr, which has led to the release of tracks ‘Mirror’s Edge’ and ‘Calanque’ — in the form of two separate EP mixes. With a mix ready at your disposal for every weather, every occasion, and every time of day — make sure to tuck yourselves into Tomos’ latest mellow dance tones. The perfect way to head into the warmer months.
Siula: ‘Golau Gwir’
Despite only releasing her debut album ‘What Now?’ less than three months ago under the moniker of Artshawty, Iqra Malik shared a glimpse of her freshest musical project ‘Siula’ on her specially-curated Curadur episode in January — and we’re glad she did. Working with producer Llion Robertson (Cotton Wolf) to fuse together electronic and dance, ‘Golau Gwir’ highlights the duo’s vision of crafting mellow electronica to the beat of some seamless melodies. Catch ‘Golau Gwir’ on Lŵp here:
Gwilym Rhys Williams: ‘Cadw Ati’
At fourteen years of age, most wouldn’t dare to drop their debut track but Gwilym Rhys Williams from mid-Wales did just that with his contagious catalogue-opener ‘Cadw Ati’. Created from a bright, ethereal palette and decorated with stunning effects and even greater breakdowns, ‘Cadw Ati’ is glitchy synth-pop at its finest. One for your playlist, one for the future.
Dafydd Owain: ‘Uwch Dros y Pysgod’
A new project from a familiar face; Dafydd Owain first revealed his solo venture with the melodic masterpiece ‘Uwch Dros y Pysgod’. Backed-up by another mellow-mover in ‘Gan Gwaith’, it seems that Dafydd Owain is to share a series of singles in the lead-up to his debut LP released on I Ka Ching later this year. Constructed around the concept of a fanciful village named ‘Uwch Dros y Pysgod’, Dafydd perceives the track as “a somewhat self-portrait-esque look at the innocent contentment of childhood against the muddled melancholic reality of adulthood.” Yet to share details of his third single, we look forward to hearing more from Dafydd Owain.
Overmono: ‘Is U’
It’s all about those bright, summer feels in this one. Ahead of their forthcoming debut album ‘Good Lies’, set for release on May 12 via XL, the Russell brothers have delivered a series of singles since the start of the year including the unmistakable scorcher ‘Is U’. Heavy in synth and bold in beat, ‘Is U’ is a dancefloor’s dream.
Sachasom: ‘Sbondigedig’
Staying true to his unique style, Sachasom started the year as he ended it — a glitch, chop, and jump over an irregular, frantic beat. With the distant yet striking piano progression placed at the track’s outro, ‘Sbondigedig’ is another reminder of what Sachasom is all about. A quick glance at his Instagram would suggest that he’s plugging away quietly, working on some new beats…
Lila Zing: ‘silence & space’
Lila Zing is a singer, songwriter, and producer from the Llŷn Peninsula who crafts an ambient, atmospheric sound from a calm, meditative space. Interwoven with her soft, bilingual melodies, the song’s simplicity evokes the feeling of reflection, contemplation, and serenity. Klust is delighted to premiere ‘silence & space’ ahead of its release on 21 April. Responsible for mixing and mastering the track herself, listen in here.