Fresh Music Fridays #5: 04/05/18

In the fifth instalment of Fresh Music Fridays, we dive into a long-awaited release from Florence & The Machine, a euphemism-laden ode to sex by Troye Sivan, and another synthy tune by Client Liaison. Haydn Hickson, James Newbold, and Jamie Weiss sound off below:

“Hunger” — Florence & The Machine

Haydn: This is the Florence track we didn’t know we needed. Hunger, produced by Jamie xx, Kamasi Washington and Sampha, is the anthemic return to the music industry Florence truly deserves. She is absolutely killing it with her vocals, but like, that isn’t a surprise to anyone. The song’s production is giving me Dog-Days-Are-Over vibes, so O.G. Florence fans will not be disappointed. Overall, this is a banger, so all we request now is DROP THE DAMN ALBUM!
James: Adele does these belters with organic instrumentation better, but the song structure flows nicely which helps you forget the weak verses by the end. Too musically uninspired for the charged emotional content, making it come off as melodramatic
Joe: What would’ve happened if Justin Bieber was discovered by Billy Ray Cyrus and not Usher.

“Bloom” — Troye Sivan

Haydn: I cannot stress enough, how satisfying it is to see a talented, gay-male pop musician singing about gay-male narratives. Yes, Bloom is about a butthole and yes, it is amazing. With this dance-pop track, Troye dives into the feelings of vulnerability that bottoms go through right before doing anal, and the romantic connection that supports you through the whole process. With this and My, My, My, Troye’s album is certainly one of the most anticipated albums of this year. Not to mention, this is a lyric video and it’s low key the best video of 2018 so far.
James: So catchy! Nice melody, and barebones instrumentation which does just enough to give it the spotlight but also keep you till the end. Ultimately though, maybe because of this, it’s not a very interesting song
Jamie: A groovin’ bassline and sharp percussion that doesn’t give in at all during the smoothest falsetto choruses, where the words matter less than the pronunciation — doesn’t really go anywhere though…

“Survival in the City” — Client Liaison

Haydn: I was really nervous to hear this song because the whole 80’s aesthetic was absolutely nailed with Diplomatic Immunity, and I was very worried they wouldn’t be able to follow it up. But, lo-and-behold, Survival in the City is a certified bop. It’s quite different to any of their previous singles, relying a lot on the groovy beat over blaring synths. If this single is indicative of anything, it’s that the band are growing yet staying true to their roots.
James: Even when the chords start changing this song is uninspired. Not terrible, but just meh. Take out half the kick drums and you’re getting somewhere.
Jamie: Even when the chords start changing this song is uninspired. Not terrible, but just meh. Take out half the kick drums and you’re getting somewhere.

Tune in next week for our next Fresh Music Friday!