Who? Marcus Connolly
What? The End of the Line
Where? Manchester
What they say? In the third official single from the anticipated second mixtape, ‘Fresh Hell’ Marcus finds comfort in the chaos of a broken reality. The End Of The Line is a song about how we willingly submit our lives to social media and technology and explores the idea of what it means to be the creator and the creation. With a heavier sound, grittier image, and brooding lyrics, Marcus Connolly is breaking away from the notion that he’s boxed into any genre and showcasing what he’s really made of.
Why we love it? Heading in a new sonic direction, Connolly sets himself up for a win here with a Metal inspired sound fused with a trap beat that creates a refreshing take on the genres. The vocal is raspy and breathy, dripping in attitude and texture. The production is simple but effective, a home run on all fronts. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Rina Sawayama, Poppy, Estrons
Who? Joe Hythe
What? Ghost
Where? Essex
What they say? When you’re ghosted by your crush, get crushed on by a ghost! This song came together at the piano in maybe fifteen minutes top. I’d sat down to write yet another ballad about the guy I was crushing on, but I was alone in the house and distracted by all the stuff I’d been reading about hauntings and the occult. It was an old house and, while I was working, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. When I hit on the hooky chorus, the door to the room swung open all by itself (ominous creak and all), that’s when I knew I had a winner, and when I knew that was probably gonna be the best songwriting story I’d ever have too
Why we love it? Tender and tinged with sadness, this ode to being ghosted is beautifully crafted with an anthemic chorus that feels like an instant classic. The mash up of sadness with a synth-pop vibe is the perfect combination. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Mantaraybryn, La Roux, Depeche Mode
Who? Luxe / Rudi Simon
What? Trust Me I Know You
Where? London
Why we love it? More gorgeous alternative electronic pop on display here with swathes of sadness as Luxe mourns the end of a relationship. The content is dark but the beat lifts us up. The drop on the chorus is sublime and contrasts wonderfully with the understated verses where the vocal is filled with emotion and pain. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Georgia, Troye Sivan, Banks
Who? The Kid LAROI
What? So Done
Where? US
Why we love it? Spearheaded by a raspy vocal and simple acoustic guitar sequence, this simple yet effective track is moving, emotional and powerful. The second verse is sublime with a pin-perfect delivery that really showcases the talent on show here. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Post Malone, Juice WRLD
Who? F4ÇADE
What? Look Like Me
Where? London
Why we love it? Ultra-cool and toeing the line between retro and modern sounds, this stripped back indie hit is dressed up in detailed harmonies and stunning instrumentation. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Lana Del Rey, Caroline Polachek, King Princess
