ABI FLYNN ***
Ambiguous (Tru Thoughts)
If you haven’t already heard of Ms. Flynn, you will. The songstress wows with old-school and nu-soul sounds on her debut EP. She’s fab doing smoky jazz and r’n’b to boot with dub/hip-hop flavours. Having more material than just different versions of the three songs would have earned a higher rating, though. RLR
BEN LUKAS BOYSEN ****
Golden Times 1 (Erased Tapes)
Delicate, wistful piano melodies and sharp, brazen electronics combine to slowly hypnotise as they are pushed to the fore in each track. There’s something very purifying about this style of music where it’s easy to let the dense textures wash over you and transport you to a zone not quite fixed in reality. CPI
CAKEHOLE PRESLEY *****
Hope I’m Reaching Your Heart (Newsoundwales)
There are songs you just want to hear more of. A gentle Americana intro gives way to a relentless, processed, punky bassline. From that point on Cakehole Presley have you right where they want you: drifting away in a beautifully crafted soundscape, full of sonic surprises. Pretty much perfect. JPD
THEE MANATEES ****
Slow Grind Fever (North Of Chepstow)
With their brooding stripped-back blues noir, Thee Manatees may be more at home in America’s deep south than Wales’, but it’s still refreshing to hear this accomplished trio in action. Both tracks here show little progression from their excellent 2015 debut, but if it ain’t broke… BG
SOUP J5 ****
All Around The World (Najla Music)
Using his 25-plus years experience in the music industry, Soup (founding member of iconic, gold-selling hip-hop group Jurassic 5) is out on his own and gone solo. I’d be surprised if this ear catching summertime jam isn’t already filling dancefloors worldwide – this flat-out funky swagger is very hard to dislike. OS