DAS ELITE – Torment EP

DAS ELITE is the alter-ego of the Swedish producer Andreas Ahlenius. Andreas currently works from his home studio, ‘The Blue Room,’ in Gävle, Sweden. Andreas has had a passion for music since the age of just seven, after being taught how to play the piano and guitar. This eventually led to further work in bands and production work.

DAS ELITE, for Andreas, is simply a little getaway, where he can express himself and his music. He finds that being behind this mask takes a lot of pressure off him, and it enables him to create things just for the sake of his passion.

His music here is quite melancholic, creating his own emotional soundscape. This sound is based on his Scandinavian life, and the idea of not really belonging anywhere. Bands such as Depeche Mode and Massive Attack also have a heavy influence on this collection. Andreas made this EP in his spare time up in the north of Sweden, whilst enjoying the midnight sun.

“Torment” is a 6-song long EP, full of elements from both electronic pop and alternative pop, and together have created some amazing pieces. Each track has its own speciality, yet they are all great! The EP includes four different remixes of the song “Torment” and a single the “Boy In The Cloud.”

All the music is incredible, however there is a sense of darkness. There is heavy piano playing in the tracks, and honestly makes it sound beautiful. Andreas’ vocals are also outstanding, and you can really hear emotion and power in each and every song.

My personal favourite track of the EP is undoubtedly, track number four, “Torment – Last Anthem – JEC Remix”. This one is a relaxing track, that really makes you sit and back and appreciate the music that is being played. His vocals in this almost have a distorted tone to it, which further adds to that melancholic vibe to the EP.

DAS ELITE’s EP has got to be heard, as it is undoubtedly incredible! It is the perfect music for relaxation, but it also makes you really think about life. I am so excited to see what else Andreas has in store for us under DAS ELITE.

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Laurelight – Brighter Days

Laurelight is a growing musician, who creates synth pop, disco tracks. Laurelight is currently releasing more and more music, including his newest track “Brighter days.” As he continues to tour around the UK and Italy, his music gathers more and more of an interest.

“Brighter days” is the ultimate alternative pop track, which has elements of synth pop. It is clear that Laurelight has taken inspiration from 80s disco tunes. This song almost brings about a sense of nostalgia. The electronically created beats are definitely unique. Not only has Laurelight included synth pop, but there are also components of rock as there is a guitar featured at the beginning.

Laurelight’s vocalism one that is distinctive but good, his voice keeps us intrigued by the song.

If you have never heard any of Laurelight’s music before, “Better days” is a good one to begin with as it is such a good track!

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Chris Mason – One More Christmas

I don’t know about you guys, but I am a sucker for the festive season and love Christmas. Chris Mason’s new song has the perfect combination of these!

I must say the instrumentals are absolutely beautiful. “One more Christmas” has a lovely guitar and drums that really engross you within the song. The song includes a stunning Christmas sounding intro and outro, that really add to the song’s sound.

Chris’ voice is also fantastic! His vocals are so soulful and meaningful, that really gets us into our feels. He sings beautifully throughout the duration of the song, and his voice cannot be faulted in any way.

Chris is clearly singing about a strong connection between him and another that he does not want to lose. He sings about all he wants is another Christmas with this “mysterious” person.

Please go ahead and give “One more Christmas” a listen to, as it is definitely not one to miss!

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Katie Drives – Next To You

Katie Drives, a rising star from Germany, is climbing her way into the music industry with her amazing voice and music. Katie is a pop-rock artist who takes heavy influence from female 2000s alternative creators, such as Avril Lavigne and Paramore. She finds it important to include strong and meaningful lyrics about difficulties that many youngsters may face.

Katie has just dropped her new hot hit, “Next To You” and I must say, this one is definitely worth listening to!

This track is an upbeat and catchy one, that is full of creative drums, outstanding vocals, and a great production! “Next To You” begins with rock elements, with its use of guitars and drums. Although the drumbeat is fairly simplistic, it is undoubtedly effective. I personally would say that this track is more towards the rock side of pop-rock, but there are still little pop features too.

As usual, Katie’s vocals are fantastic, and she sings with such warmth but also with a streak of rebellion. Although this is quite an unusual combination, Katie does it outstandingly. Her voice is so pure, and rough, and you can tell it is not heavily autotuned like most other modern-day artists.

This upbeat, memorable song is one you must listen to! It almost makes you want to get up and dance to it, even if it is not your style of music. Check it out on Spotify!

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Audio Dope – True Love

Based in Basel, Switzerland, Audio Dope is a producer that discovered his love for music by creating old-fashioned beats which were inspired by the late 90s and begun creating instrumental samples with crispy synths and tight drums.

Audio Dope has just dropped another amazing hit, “True Love”. From the moment I heard this track, I was undoubtedly mesmerised and in love with it! I do not usually find myself enjoying this type of music, but this one is just impossible to not love.

Common to other songs by him, Audio Dope has created this song with elements of hip-hop, downtempo and trip-hop. It has a nice relaxing beat to it and is the kind of song we can just chill to. The music almost takes us to another dimension with its sound and differences.

Audio Dope has kept the vocal side of things in this track to a minimum, to really allow us to take some time to appreciate the carefully crafted beats that he has created. The vocals have a distorted sound to them which further enhances the feeling of being in another dimension.

If you are in the mood for something a little different from your usual cup of tea, then this track is a must! And if you love it as much as I do, then give his other music a listen too!

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Amii Dawes – Carefully Yours

The Northampton, UK based singer-songwriter Amii Dawes, is back again with another great hit!

Amii has been a lover of music since a young age, creating songs as early as the age of 12 years old. She has also been touring places with the UK and Europe since 2011, and she is growing more and more every day. Amii takes inspiration from amazing artists such as John Lennon and Joni Mitchell.

However, Amii is not alone for this track, but has teamed up with Stephen Tanner to form a great song! This is a beautiful, acoustic song, which is soft and mellow. The acoustics and quiet, tuneful sounds create a soulful feeling.

We are welcomed with Amii’s gorgeous voice, as she sings with such emotion and care. Not only do we get to witness her great vocalism, but Stephen Tanner also sings. Stephen’s voice is just as lovely. They create lovely harmonies, and their voices are so great that it almost brings a tear to your eyes.

The lyrics are a sensitive topic for some, as they sing about how loving somebody with scars and previous heartbreaks may not be easy, but it is worth it. In my opinion, this has got to be one the best songs that I have ever heard.

I do not think I can stress enough, how much you need to listen to this track! It is honestly one of the most beautiful sounding songs I have ever heard!

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NiNi Bong – Christmas Time (Here It Comes Again)

Yes, it is that time of year again, where all the Christmas music begins to make an appearance! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good Christmas song?

NiNi Bong started off just as a friendship between two young boys, who begun to write and perform for a number of TV and film soundtracks. They were later joined by three others, who all had a similar outlook and together they have created NiNi Bong.

Their newest single “Christmas Time” was released on the 30/11/2022, and I must say it is a great one! I personally am a sucker for the festive season and all its elements, and NiNI Bong have just created the perfect track to get you in that Christmas spirit.

From the moment the track begins, a wave of Christmas just hits you, with its magical features. We are welcomed with bell-like sounds, and these are maintained throughout the duration of the song. The song is upbeat and cheerful, and honestly what else do we want from a Christmas song?

There is no doubt that the vocals in this track are jolly and filled with festivity. The vocals are exceptional, and they collaborate very well, creating an amazing piece.

You must go give this track a listen to, and you definitely will not regret it!

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Eva No – Smile At Christmas

It is that time of year again when all the Christmas songs come back out, and I personally could not be happier. One thing that is better than listening to traditional Christmas music, is hearing new artists creating new songs, just like Eva No has.

Eva No (Eva Nordell) is a Swedish singer-songwriter who has been creating music for quite some time now. “Smile At Christmas” has undoubtedly got to be one of her best.

This track is full of nostalgia and love, however there is a hint of sadness within the song. The musical side of it is absolutely beautiful as it is relaxed and soulful. Eva sings about previous years and reminisces about the good times with people who may not be here anymore. Despite the upsetting, melancholic vibe, we can also use this kind of song to appreciate the things we have had in the past.

Eva’s voice is absolutely immaculate, and I honestly cannot find a single fault in her vocals. Her voice is packed with emotion, soul, and love, and she uses her voice in such a pure way. I personally fell in love with her voice from the moment I heard it!

If you are grieving a loss or even feeling nostalgic about previous Christmases, then this is definitely a song you have got to listen to and you will not regret it!

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Sage Phoenix – Without Your Love

Sage Phoenix, from Longview, Texas, is a singer-songwriter who loves to create music ranging from mellow, ballad-style tracks to upbeat, happy hits. She has been making music for the past two years, and already she has got so far!

“Without Your Love” was released earlier on in the year, but it is an incredible song! It is a piano-led, heartbreak feel kind of song, that really gets us in our feels. Sage Phoenix sings about the loss of a lover, and how much she misses her previous partner. This type of heartbreak song is very popular in today’s society, as we all find ourselves immensely relating to it.

For me, the highlight of the song has got to be Sage’s soulful and beautiful vocals. She sings with such warmth and emotion, and it really makes us hear the lyrics and the pain that she is feeling. Her voice holds so much potential, and I am excited to see what other track she will be creating with her lovely vocals.

I honestly fell in love with this track the moment that I heard it, and I am sure you will to. Everything about “Without Your Love” is perfect, the production, the composition, the vocals. You must give it a listen to, especially if you find yourself going through heartbreak.

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Claire Heffernan – Gemini

Claire Heffernan is an artist from Ireland, who has recently decided to take the leap in making original music. Claire is full of talent with the ability to write songs, produce, record, and perform. She studied music at master’s level and has used her talent to reach many milestones. Claire was often found performing at Bunratty Castle banquets and held the title of ‘Ireland’s Best Wedding Musician’ for three consecutive years.

“Gemini” is Claire’s latest single and it is honestly such a beautiful, soulful song, full of emotion. The track is a piano-led masterpiece, which remains quiet and downbeat for the duration of the song, but its peacefulness is what makes the song so special.

Claire’s voice is incredibly lovely, and she sings so well. I personally, cannot fault her vocals at all, and after hearing this track, I cannot wait to have a little look into what other work she has done.

“Gemini” is amazing! That is all I can say, it is absolutely amazing!

Luckily for us, this is not everything from Claire. In 2023 we will be amazed with a new debut EP.

This review is purely the property of The Music Asylum