UTR x 'cene : Volume.1
The first in a series of new collaborations between ‘cene Magazine and UnderTheRadar (@theutrproject), we pick out the hidden gems of Kent and new music that you need in your lives, writes Dom Sant
BROKEN HANDS - SPLIT IN TWO
The extremely talented band hailing from Canterbury dropped their new project on the 21st August 2020, one which was much anticipated, and for good reason. The thirteen-track experience lasts forty-three minutes, but has gems that will last a lifetime, with a furious and anthemic sound running rampant throughout.
‘Split in Two’ is another example that Broken Hands are the epitome of everything great about rock - cut-throat guitars, high-octane percussion and energetic vocals.
We’d love to see them spearhead the resurgence of the genre, and it makes us even more proud that they are of course, from Kent. The title track ‘Split in Two’, is immense - you can easily see this as the soundtrack to some sort of infamous battle-scene… it's that epic!
"Run Away" caught our attention as one of the finest tracks from the record. A real high-quality ballad that was ringing through our heads for hours on end. If you haven't checked out the project yet, be sure to tune into this record - it's an essential listen. Broken Hands are on their way to the top, it’s time to get onboard and be part of their unreal story.
MALAKI - EASY STREET EP
In the past month, one of the most surprising and interesting projects released was ‘Easy Street’ EP, from the extremely talented, Folkestone-based Malaki.
Sonically, I haven't heard anything quite like it in recent times. The project is well-rounded throughout, with influences of King Krule, Bakar and Yellow Days on showcase. There's a whole mix of sounds and styles which run riot, taking us on a complete adventure during the seven-track runout.
I was truly amazed at the versatility of the EP, an example of that being on the title track ‘Easy Street’. which is an unreal indie-pop ballad, before as we move on to "Stitched Up/Quazar", where Malaki switches it up to deliver an immense verse in an unusual, yet, addictive cadence. Once more, the style transitions, this time into a Tyler-the-Creator-esque synth on his album ‘Flower Boy’.
If you enjoy a laid-back indie sound, as well as being taken on a trip through experimental sounds, this is right up your street.
CMILLANO - NIGHT SHIFTS EP
Coming up next, we have the undeniable CMillano. Another exciting artist coming out of the Kent music-scene. Alongside members from the collective, ‘Escape Plan’, such as kwes e, Mazz, as well as Lauzza on the visuals.
This whole group of young musicians has no ceiling as to how far they can go. I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Night Shifts’ EP.
‘PAYMeNTS’ by Canterbury pair kwes e and CMillano - brings us a three and a half minute showcase on the lyrical ability both can bring to the table, with diverse smooth flows as well as delivering some intoxicating choruses / refrains.
‘Breathe’ by CMillano & Mazz completely switches the landscape of the EP sonically, providing a more laid-back and intricate vibe. CMillano does his thing, but I was equally impressed from the smooth and serene vocals of Mazz to tie the whole track together.
Lastly, we really like the title-track ‘Night Shifts’. It’s the one that really stole the show. and a tune that you could see going viral. The talent is second-to-none. On a spacey instrumental, CMillano delivers bar-after-bar on a tune that has has been in our rotation for weeks on end now.
The music that these guys are creating is at an insanely high level.
VEMBER - THE GULAG
Another essential track you need to discover. Vember is a very talented artist / producer representing Canterbury. In the last week, he's released an absolute banger in the form of ‘The Gulag’, which without a shadow of a doubt, would shut-down any set.
The track, which has even been championed by notorious producer in the rap/hip-hop world Mike Dean, has got numerous mixes and an ominous feel.
Vember could be a pioneer in the Kent Drum & Bass scene, and one to watch for the future. Be sure to check out his music, big things are coming.
DANIEL SON - CHAMPION GREYHOUND
‘Champion Greyhound’ is a highly prolific and underrated track, lyrically and sonically.
It is clear to see that Daniel Son is such an immense rapper, with high-octane flows and a dynamite rhyme scheme.
The charisma and swagger on show from Daniel Son is, as he states in the track ‘a piece of tapas in the booth’, something you want more of.
We can't wait to hear more from this lad in the future, be sure to check him out.
