Live Review: CXLOE, Gordon Koang, IJALE: Best Songs of The Week

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 CXLOE, Gordon Koang, Ijale, Jeida Woods, GL, lovemedo, ECO$YSTEM, Lupa J, Princi and Daine.

CXLOE - 12 Steps

CXLOE is just such a superstar, and with every single release, she levels up again. The same applies to her latest effort which is her most sophisticated cut yet titled '12 Steps'. Facing the demons that come with addiction head on, it's the same dark pop we've always been obsessed with from CXLOE, but with a 2020-and-beyond lens. It makes sense she'd be looking firmly towards the future given hers is so very bright, and '12 Steps' is yet another huge step forward. Obsessed.

Gordon Koang - South Sudan

It is impossible to be unhappy listening to Gordon Koang. The sheer joy that comes through his music and transcends language barriers is undeniable and completely infectious, and with each and every release in his very accomplished and lengthy back catalogue, he manages to connect with listeners thanks to his authenticity, humility and open embracing of all the good things life has to offer. On his latest single, he sings of a leader and aid worker he knew whilst in South Sudan who had a powerful impact on Koang's life and the life of his family. It's catchy, upbeat and so much fun to listen to. Turn this one up loud and give in to the joy!

IJALE - Hotlines

All about the micro aggressions he faced growing up in Australia as a person of colour, IJALE's latest single, 'Hotlines', sees him imagine a "hotline or helpline that Black people and other people of colour could call to vent and process the microaggressions they experience in white spaces on a day to day basis." With powerful bars delivered with a precise but emotive flow, IJALE delivers one of his very best singles yet. We can't wait to hear more.

Jeida Woods - Ultraviolet (Ft Taka Perry)

Straight off the back of delivering one of this year's best Like A Versions, Taka Perry has been tapped by fellow up-and-comer Jeida Woods for 'Ultraviolet'. Serving as Woods' most dynamic cut yet, 'Ultraviolet' is all the proof you need that he is seriously one to watch. Jeida Woods is so exciting and promising as a new artist because of how self-assured he has been throughout his project, and 'Ultraviolet' is another electrifying addition to this. It's just so impressive, from Woods' performance on the track to the immersive, cinematic visuals, and another example of why he remains an unstoppable force right now.

GL - Pistachio

Following on from last year's 'Contagious' and 'Night Habit', GL have made their return in 2020 with 'Pistachio'. Alongside the news they have a new album due out this September, the duo further cement their reputation as one of the country's premier electronic acts with the undeniable grooves of 'Pistachio'. It's quintessential GL, with a reinvigorated energy and we cannot get enough.

lovemedo - Weekdays (Ft. Don Leaton)

NSW Central Coast producer lovemedo has tapped Don Leaton for an electrifying pop bop titled 'Weekdays'. A no-holds-barred look at how mental health fluctuates throughout our lives, it's an impressive step up from two promising artists as they marry exciting and forward-thinking production with immediately relatable vocals and lyrics.

ECO$YSTEM - Fetish

Following up his previous Grime-inspired track “Hop Out” featuring Brisbane Rapper Dau Dau, 66RECORDS' ECO$YSTEM returns this week with 'Fetish'. A skittish, trap-infused heater, 'Fetish' is an unashamed ode to his own ambitions as he takes a charming look at success. Riding an eclectic beat, ECO$YSTEM proves he's a serious act to watch with this one.

Lupa J - Perfect Weekend

Released alongside the news they have a mini-album on the way, Lupa J returns with 'Perfect Weekend', a devastating, hard-hitting and emotional new single. Utterly captivating from the very first notes, 'Perfect Weekend' builds into a perfect storm of Lupa J's powerful production and disarming vocals to create a juxtaposing fusion of pop and electronica that captures was inspired by a bad night out. 'Perfect Weekend' isn't an easy listen, and that's entirely the point: it completely envelopes you in the chaos Lupa was feeling at the time, plunging you right down in the intensity with her. It's an exhilarating first cut from a record we can't wait to hear more of.

PRINCI - Keep On

Just weeks after she made her return with 'Slicing Shadows', enigmatic Sydney artist and producer PRINCI has announced a new EP this week, and shared another stellar single from the record. Titled 'Keep On', the single is "about persevering through tougher times, knowing how far you've come," according to PRINCI, and features a relentless drum line using a traditional Korean instrument called the Janggu which powers over the top of the frenetic, swooping beats below. Released alongside visuals which includes footage from PRINCI's Asia tour, 'Keep On' is one of her finest releases yet.

Daine - My Way Out

Following on from her debut, 'Picking Flowers', Daine is back with another booming, trap-leaning emo cut that confirms there is plenty left in the tank for this fresh-faced newcomer. All about the underwhelming feeling that comes with hanging out your friends after a long time and it not being all you thought it might've been, Daine pairs relatable lyrics with melancholic vocals to fuse together elements of Soundcloud rap, emo and pop to make something really special.

Words by Emma Jones

Images: Cxloe by Ash Lim, Gordon Koang by Duncan Wright, Ijale - supplied.

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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