Live Review: Rebel Yell, Sophiya, CHAII: Best Songs of The Week

10 July 2020 | 11:40 am | Staff Writer

Each week, we receive countless submissions of exciting new music, so we’ll be taking you through a weekly wrap up of all our favourite new tunes every Friday called #TrustedForTaste. Follow our Spotify playlist to never miss our updates!

For more new music and news, head to the Purple Sneakers website. Read on for new music from Rebel YellSophiyaCHAII, Ginoli, Lil Spacely, Wafia, Roland Tings, Annie Bass, Pool Shop and Kendl.

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Rebel Yell - Pump Ft. Marcus Whale

Released as part of her new album, Fall From GraceRebel Yell has tapped the always incredible Marcus Whale for 'Pump'. A sexy, celebratory body positive anthem, 'Pump' is just such a BANGER. Paired with some brilliant visuals showing people absolutely living to the song, 'Pump' is a five-minute techno thumper that will have you dancing away any cobwebs or blues. Go the fuck off, Rebel Yell!

SOPHIYA - Chief O' Kief

Melbourne's SOPHIYA returns with her second single of the year in 'Chief O' Kief'. Co-produced by herself and Hamley, it's a booming, bass-y heater that sees the rapper take yet another step up. Pairing spitfire verses with a hook that will be in your head for days, turn this one all the way up.

CHAII - Lightswitch

New Zealand-based Persian rapper CHAII has delivered her new EP today, asserting her place as a serious act to watch. The title track, Lightswitch, sees her meld elements of Western hip-hop with Farsi language and traditional Persian music to create a sound absolutely no one else is making right now, and we cannot get enough.

GINOLI - Highest Point

Taken from Of Leisure's second Blue Line Steppers compilation also out today, WA's Ginoli delivers a dancefloor filler with 'Highest Point'. He's in good company on the compilation, with the likes of Fishing and Penelope Two-Five also along for the ride to create an eight-track release that spans as many communities as it does genres.

Lil Spacely - 100 Degrees

Teaming up with BizHaile Ambessa and GriizzLil Spacely is back with another heavy-hitter this week on '100 Degrees'. All about "growing up in the streets, taking responsibility for your actions and looking out for your brothers and sisters," Lil Spacely once again does not miss with this one.

Wafia - Hurricane

Released alongside the news that a new EP is also on the way, Wafia is back with another irresistibly catchy piece of "purposeful pop" in 'Hurricane'. It's a heartfelt, uplifting song that came from the period of introspection and reflection after a breakup, with Wafia realising there's a lot of people around her that love her. Tell someone you love them when you listen to this one!

Roland Tings - First Wave

Meticulous mastermind Roland Tings is back with 'First Wave', the first we've heard from him since his 2019 album, Salt Water (which Pitchfork gave a 7.3!). Drawing further inspiration from water, this time Tings looks set to dive into murkier, darker waters with a more emotional lens. With a new EP on the way, 'First Wave' is an exciting sneak peek at what might be still to come.

Annie Bass - Hold On

The enigmatic Annie Bass made her return this week with 'Hold On'. Teaming up with Christopher Port, the song serves as an account of a conversation Annie has with the darkest parts of herself, and the ultimate relief she felt when she embraced them instead of continuing to conceal or fix them. Sometimes we have to confront ourselves and our fears to be able to move forward, and while that is by no means an easy feat, it's a vital part of life and its this that Annie Bass manages to capture. It's not an easy listen as such, but it is one that is utterly captivating in how unafraid it is, and that's why we love it so much. Welcome back, Annie!

Pool Shop - Kiss The Sky

For fans of Beach House or Hatchie, Brisbane's Pool Shop has released a heavenly slice of dream pop in 'Kiss The Sky'. The first cut from her forthcoming album, 'Kiss The Sky' is a blissful, shoegaze-y bop that was inspired by Pool Shop's own avoidance of issues that should probably have been dealt with. Questioning mortality and the afterlife is not an easy task, but when it sounds this good, we're totally on board.

Kendl - Turn

Melbourne composer Kendl has released what might be one of the most beautiful pieces of music we've heard in some time with his latest single, 'Turn'. Moving fluidly through techno, contemporary classical and ambient electronica, Kendl crafts mini-worlds within his music, and 'Turn' is one you can't help but get lost in. From the gentle opening of soft arpeggiated piano melodies into a darker, driving 4x4 pulse, 'Turn' is an expertly crafted, unpredictable journey and one that cements Kendl as an artist worth keeping both eyes firmly planted on.

Images: Rebel Yell by Tim Hardy, Sophiya - Supplied, Chaii by Abe Mora

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