'CENE MIXTAPE #35 - KENT MUSIC REVIEWS / AUGUST 2024
Plus reviews of Kkailou, Welly, Lola Moxom, Lives, Laughta & Harmony bo
TELL ME - KKAILOU - 3:17
Margate artist Kkailou has given us a new electro-pop single Tell Me - and it really does feel like it’s a personal moment shared. Kkailou explains that Tell Me is a spirited anthem that invites introspection and ignites movement born from the question ‘What do I want my life to look like?’. A vibrant commentary on society’s obsession with grind culture, blending organic and electronic sounds in a unique sonic tapestry.
“A few years ago, I wrote down this question in my sketchbook: ‘What do I want my life to look like?’,” says Kkailou. “This simple query sparked an unravelling and led me to reimagine my life. If you’ve never asked yourself this question, be brave and do it - you won’t regret it.” Joyful.
DEERE JOHN - WELLY - 3:17
Described as “one of the most exciting new acts in ages” by Dork Magazine, Keston/Orpington (somewhere near Bromley) troupe Welly are marinating in mischievous energy. Fusing punkish vocals with lo-fi indie and even an element of B&Q electronics, Welly are turning heads and putting battered trainers on tiny mosh-pit floors as they traverse the UK’s smallest (and, in my opinion, best) gig venues across the country.
The riotous Soak Up the Culture gave us a siren call to fans of tongue-in-cheek anthems, with viral track Shopping offering a backhanded ode to the UK high street. In their new tune Deere John, the video to which features lawnmowers and bored picnics, Welly romp through an upbeat observation and commiseration for those having martial friction. “He mows the lawn, he mows the lawn,” they bellow. They’re young and looking for fun, with plenty of stunningly good riffs, lyrics and horseplay. Fresh.
COOL WITH IT - LOLA MOXOM - 3:39
Armed with a golden voice, and already picked out by industry greats such as Tori Kelly, Goldlink and Sam Gellaitry, Rochester’s Lola Moxom has been marked as one to watch. Already a successful performer, having starred in the West End production of Annie aged only 11, Lola has made waves in the music world with her first track Cool With It, which has racked up more than 30k plays since it was launched.
With influences such as Brandy, Aretha Franklin and Musiq Soulchild, Lola aims to mix traditional and contemporary R&B.
Cool With It is catchy and centred on Lola’s smooth, velvety vocals describing a relationship that is heading for trouble. There’s an early 2000s slow-jam feel to it that we can seriously get behind. Mesmerising beats and keys, it’s one to chill with. Luxurious.
CANCELLED - LiVES
Ashford-based rock act LiVES have returned with Cancelled, a raw, guitar-driven song that intends to make a racket and does so. Designed to be a reflection of hypocrisy in the modern world, it is the second offering from the forthcoming album Let Them Eat Cake (album released 25th October), produced by John Cornfield (Muse, Oasis, The Verve, Supergrass, Razorlight, Robert Plant, Stone Roses). Cancelled follows lead single Come Together#2, which was co-written by 5x Brit Award winner James Morrison.
Unapologetic in their sound and their lyrics, LiVES were formed by Peter Chisholm, formerly of rock duo (with brother Alex) The Sea, who released three studio albums, supported the likes of Muse and The Kills and played Glastonbury.
An autumn tour is up next, with a home-town gig at Cameo in Ashford on September 20th. Angry.
HINAK HINA - Laughta, AG Nimeri & Noramai
What a 12 months it has been for Broadstairs rap artist Laughta! A One To Watch in association with BBC Music Introducing, nominee at the AIM Awards, being on the cover of Cosmopolitan Middle East and becoming the first artist in residence at The Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh...
But Laughta is just getting started. New album Layali has just been released, along with the ridiculously infectious single Hinak Hina - meaning ‘here there and everywhere’. Working with Sudanese artist AG Nimeri and Saudi Arabian psyche-rock band Noramai, Hinak Nina has a big sound, with summery, catchy hooks and the sharp bars for which Laughta is becoming known. Born in Nigeria and of Lebanese descent, Laughta draws from her multicultural heritage and fuses it with UK rap for a style that is totally unique. Original.
SUFFRAGETTE - HARMONY BO
Harmony Bo’s music has the feel of old-time music hall with a punky edge. Live, her guitar and self-proclaimed “gobby” voice are joined by drummer and fellow emerging artist Dylan Watling.
Harmony has been performing nationally for several years, listing performances at Camden’s Good Mixer, Brighton’s Great Escape Festival and the 40th anniversary of Jeremy Corbyn joining Parliament. Closer to home (Thanet), she has performed shows at the Tom Thumb Theatre, WhereElse? and Olby’s Soul Cafe and has a strong local following.
Suffragette is a lyrical slice of ska punk, weaving sharp, angular guitar, stabbing organs and a driving, polka-punk drumbeat. The song is an angry reaction to the overturning of the Roe vs Wade case from a woman trying to navigate the landscape of equality in modern Britain.
A member of Thanet label Wantsum Music? and its parent Pie Factory Music for many years, Harmony also joined its Emerging Artists programme in 2023.
