Manchester born TCTS could well dominate the summer.
The rising producer has a crisp, infectious feel, with an addictive touch falling over everything he puts his name against.
New single 'Live For Something' pits crackling 2-step snares against some lush house vibes, and it's already a stellar moment in the producer's set.
Out now, 'Live For Something' shows every sign of dominating the summer season.
With that in mind, Clash placed TCTS in charge of our weekl singles column, allowing him to navigate the pop landscape he might well join.
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Benny Benassi ft. Chris Brown – 'Paradise'
This is the kind of tune that’s always on in the gym and you’ll know all the words without realising it. I’m a sucker for emotive chords so it’s a perfectly enjoyable listen, the video is full of beautiful people, and it looks like it could have been styled by Ian Connor. So the summer banger boxes are ticked.
It’ll probably be on a hundred million plays should I return next week, however as a DJ I feel hard pushed to love this brand of Billboard Top 100 EDM and something that is an appropriation of every early 2000s trance record. Benny Benassi is a bonafide legend, and Breezy is a great performer (personal feelings aside), so it’s fine. Better than 'Beautiful People', not as good as ‘Satisfaction’.
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Eric Clapton – 'Can’t Let You Do It'
I like this. Low slung and musically a bit sleazy, Eric Clapton is Cocaine-era and channeling the late JJ Cale. You get this laid back wah-guitar 70’s noodley thing, and it’s pretty great. I don’t listen to much music like this, but like every other kid who learned guitar in their early years, once you try and get your fingers to master ‘Layla’ you’ll always appreciate Clapton.
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Michael Kiwanuka – 'Black Man In A White World'
What a great soul record. Kiwanuka’s voice is smooth as hell – the lyrics are thought provoking, and sit behind an insistent clap track that reminds me of Laura Mvula’s 'Green Garden'. It’s simple and effective, and the video is great.
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The 1975 – 'A Change Of Heart'
At uni in Manchester I saw an early iteration of the 1975 playing in a pub, and what stuck with me was how they have something quite romantic and emo about them. There aren’t many heart throb guitar bands around these days and I feel the 1975 fill that space. I like the new wave Simple Minds style influence and the ridiculous pretentiousness of their album title. It’s music for adolescent hormone rushes and high school break ups, it makes me want to watch the OC and go on MySpace.
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John Joseph Brill – 'Kings'
I hadn’t heard of this guy before, but it’s a pleasant introduction. Kings is pretty massive sounding, with hazy shoegaze guitars and a voice that feels like a less melancholic The National or Leonard Cohen. It’s got drive and emotion, feels boozy and at home in dive bar.
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Naomi Pilgrim – 'Sink Like A Stone'
I just seem to be really into anything that comes out of Sweden at the moment. That Scandi future-pop thing where it feels radio friendly but theres something dark and broody about it. That's what this tune does for me, it’s got a Kavinsky-esque dark disco bass line with a big sing-a-long chorus. As a former backing singer for Lykke Li, it’s not a surprise that Naomi Pilgrim is good, and I’m keen to hear more!
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'Live For Something' is out now.
