New tracks from the most musically productive county in the country right now, by Rob Hakimian

We have added all tracks to the ‘cene #KeepitKent Spotify Playlist HERE

Roma Orme - Creases

Sandwich-based poet-turned-musician Roma Orme returns with her first new music of 2021 in the form of Creases, and news that she has a new EP on the way next month called No One Can Tell Us Who To Love.

As suggested by that EP title, Orme’s sense of drama is still very much intact on the opening track Creases. Underpinned by cinematic stabs of piano and bass, while her voice is wreathed in webs of classical guitar, the track positions Orme as a spooky femme fatale in the midst of a candlelit courtship, being pulled “deep into your creases”.

The attraction she feels is utterly intoxicating, and she transmits it to the listener through her ripe singing and imagistic lyrics. One minute they’re making noise in the library and the court room, the next they’re whipping each other with a cat o’ nine tails – “lash by lash / we get so close so fast,” she sings.

Roma Orme makes it sound utterly divine.

David Gotsound - No Compromise

Instagram: @davidgotsound Twitter: @davidgotsound

Kent emcee David Gotsound is still fairly fresh to the game, but with No Compromise he’s laying down the gauntlet and letting everyone know that he’s here to stay: “underestimate me at my folly”.

The minimal beat and atmospheric beat provide the ideal background for him to lay out his bars, each one finding him expressing his individuality and commitment in new ways. From surfing the oceans with Poseidon to remaining adamant in the face of pythons, there’s no doubting that David Gotsound is certain that he’s got what it takes to have a big future in hip-hop. “This is who I am it’s not just how I feel” he affirms in the chorus. Who dares doubt him?

Dutchkid - 7 Billion

Instagram: @dutchkidmusic Twitter: @dutchkidmusic

While there’s no official news about a long-awaited new album from London-based, Kent-originating collective Dutchkid, they are continuing to turn out a series of sumptuous singles. The latest is 7 Billion, a sweltering and sweet song that marvels: “out of 7 billion people in this world, how’d I get so lucky to call you my girl?”

They back up this swooning sentiment with a tactile percussion and buoyant synth bounce that emphasises just how much damn fun and joy there is to be found in a new love like this. “I wouldn’t give this up for anything” goes the emphatic chorus, and you have no doubt about their dedication to this idyllic new relationship.

SKIES - Sea of Stars

Instagram: @skiesbanduk Twitter: @skiesbanduk

In many ways, Sea of Stars is more or less the quintessential song title for Folkestone duo SKIES and their brand of soaring and anthemic indie rock. Happily, the song doesn’t disappoint, delivering on all of the partnership’s strengths, from the muscular build-up of guitar and synth interplay, to the vivid lyricism, to the arms-aloft singalong chorus.

“Started the day in the middle of the night,” SKIES begin, “is there anything out there beyond the line of sight?” As they progress down this inquisitive path, Sea of Stars’ atmosphere and momentum build, even as the answers don’t come easily. Nonetheless, they use that uncertainty to power into an emphatic chorus, and harness that insecurity to make the admission “I don’t know the way out” into a feeling of pure euphoria and determination to discover their purpose: “all I know is we’re gonna make it out of the abyss” they sing in the ascendant finale.

lotusbliss - Hurricane

Instagram: @lotusblissband Twitter: @lotusblissband

Canterbury based trio of brothers lotusbliss culminated their work to date with the Bittersweet EP earlier this year, but they launch onwards with a new single called Hurricane.

With aerodynamic guitars pinging and scorching around, we feel the bluster of the titular Hurricane – but it’s a warming one. As described in the impassioned words and vocals, this is a Hurricane of pure overwhelming adoration – the line “I don’t want to run to get out this storm” underlines the pure thrilling passion. With a glistening instrumental interplay backing up this vivid emotional exploration and building it up into a sonic twister, we’re ready to go chasing that storm too.