The women of Europe are taking over on What’s Good This Week, with a look at some of the best new music in R’n’B, pop and punk.
RENÉ – Better U
Born to Mauritian Creole parents and raised in London, RENÉ utilises her love of R’n’B and hip-hop in her music, looking back at legends Aaliyah and Timberland as key influences. On ‘Better U’, RENÉ discusses relationships where one half is far more invested than the other, unearthing the spirit of early 2000’s R’n’B when Kelly Rowland couldn’t even get a cell reply on Excel. Similar to fellow Londoner Rina Sawayama, RENÉ’s style of R’n’B runs much deeper and sounds like a lost gem from the golden era of modern R’n’B, championing self-worth at the forefront of her work and on ‘Better U’ especially.
Naomi Lareine – Limitless
Hailing from Zürich, Naomi Lareine is a rapidly rising voice in Switzerland and her latest effort ‘Limitless’ further cements her position as one of Europe’s brightest new talents. Blending indie-pop together with R’n’B and hints of disco, ‘Limitless’ brings with it the joyous energy of Doja Cat’s ‘Say So’ fine-tuned to the beat of funk and soul. While mellow in its tempo, Lareine’s vocals succeed in achieving the fine line of vibing while being a vibe. Think Nile Rodgers collaborating with Jorja Smith and ‘Limitless’ has got you covered.
Rumara – Storm
Next up are South London duo Rumara, comprised of songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Laura V and Yujin Matsutoya. The duo’s name derives from the Portuguese word ‘rumar’, meaning ‘to move towards’, reflected in their expansive take on electronica. On ‘Storm’ the duo’s illustrious electro-pop explores an array of genres, melding synth-pop together with darkwave, rising into a fierce display of emotional pop.
Sprints – Swimming
Dublin, Ireland punk
With their debut EP ‘Manifesto’ set for release on March 26th on Nice Swan Records, Irish group Sprints tackle societal issues and the rising cost of living on ‘Swimming’. On this scathing punk track, Sprints throw caution to the wind, tired of the oversight on the economic disparity in Dublin, mercilessly blasting brutal guitar riffs on this relentless noise-rock/punk track. Speaking on the song, vocalist Karla Chubb says, “While the homeless crisis worsens, the city is sinking in debt and everyone can barely keep their heads above water, you see an article stating that a new €25 million white water rafting centre is being developed after approval by Dublin City Council. Sometimes you’d just rather drown.”
Yndling – Childish Fear
The dream-pop project of Norwegian artist Silje Espevik, Yndling discusses the moment the shimmering glow of a new relationship fades on ‘Childish Fear’. Composed of luscious, hushed synth hooks and hypnotic basslines, ‘Childish Fear’ personifies the moment reality hits a not-so-new relationship, falling back down to earth after a momentous soaring crescendo. Describing her fear of intimacy Yndling divulges, “The song is about that stage in a relationship where there isn’t really that much new and exciting to discover about each other, and capture the fear that I might not be enough once the shimmering glow of first expressions fades.”
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