Life Update!

It's been a while since my last post but as you may gather from reading a previous post I wrote a couple weeks ago, I've started university!

It's been a whirlwind and I've met so many people and done so much within the space of a fortnight. I can't wait to experience more and meet even more amazing people. I've found at uni that possibilities are endless.

I can only really express the mayhem which has been my freshers through pictures so without further ado...

Banks - 'Goddess' Album Review

Banks has risen through the ranks and into our attention through the social media spectrum with Soundcloud and a probably unsurprising raging fanbase of teenage girls. Her moody vocals, sullen lyrics and pristine production from some the scene's best has finally produced a debut album 'Goddess', with singles Waiting Game, Goddess and latest release Beggin For Thread all making a reappearance.

As soon as I begin the album, it's hard not to notice the brilliant production which underlays the track. Her voice also follows just as well. Citing as to be inspired by great female trailblazers before her such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, it surely explains her soulful tone. Alibi sets the tone of the album.  With hints of a underlying tone of ultimate LA girl sass, its lyrics support, 'Convince me I'm not a monster/Give me one excuse'. Whereas Goddess, however takes a slight detour and goes all sultry. It fits into Banks' usual theme of adolescent moodiness and slight sex appeal quite comfortably.

The middle of the album somewhat falls down the more sombre route which comes as a bit of a surprising gear change after its sinewy start. Banks shows her more feeble side; a side of vulnerability. An endearing move or a typical one? Tracks like Change, Someone New and You Should Know Where I'm Coming From all are tracks which definitely slot into the blub-into-your-pillow category. Brain is a more scream-the-lyrics-whilst-trying-not-to-cry sort of one and This Is What It Feels Like is formulated of a stimulating back-beat production and a immediate catchy chorus. All perfect for the market which is the teenage girl. Banks knows her fanbase well, because she was and probably is still just like them. 

Another gripe is the length of the album. It was probably a few tracks too long. Yet, that is completely forgotten about when you look back at the gems of the album which pray testament to the brilliant new scene of R&B we're seeing at the moment. A ballsy and an enigmatic debut to fit an engaging artist.

8.5/10

Standout tracks: 'Alibi' 'This Is What It Feels Like' 'Brain'

Victoria Secret Fragrance Mist - 'Enchanted Apple'

I love Victoria Secret. Whenever I feel like treating myself, I pop into my nearest store and always end up leaving broke. Every time I pass the perfume section, I am entranced by the candied scents of their fragrance mists and perfumes. But, it's always the lingerie that wins in the end. 

However, after the eventual loss of my beloved go to scent, Amazingreen by Commes Des Garçons I thought I might go for a more girly scent. This isn't a perfume, it's a mist but its scent is near enough good enough to eat and you'll be sure to receive compliments galore.

With its base notes of red apple and undertones of hyacinth, it literally smells like I'm dousing myself in apple juice. Is that a bad thing? Probably. It limits where I can wear this and when. It's definitely a summer fragrance but I'm definitely going to wear this throughout Autumn/Winter to reminisce over the summer. Perfect for freshening up during the day.

Tracks on repeat right now

Alpine - Gasoline

This track feels like it was made to be played in American Apparel. And so does the video. But this track is awesome because of its' brilliant Australian twang from the duo. Pheobe Baker and Lou James have a electric chemistry with vocals which seam effortlessly into one. It has holiday vibes, perfect for Summer and this has definitely been a regular track in my Summer playlist - which I will be posting next week!

Fka Twigs - Kicks (Shines Remix)
I've been addicted to the album the past week but as I've completely abused the repeat button on this track, I've looked for different remixes and I've been amazed at this great remix for Kicks. Mates I've shown this track say that this track gives them vibes of early morning raves, when you're completely spaced out and time doesn't really have a meaning. And I completely agree.

MNEK - Wrote A Song About You

Another track from MNEK in my list! Ok, I can't deny I'll probably love any song he does but this one is a definite hit. It has a gorgeous 90's vibe and luscious lyrics, 'I rather be alone than lonely/Wondering if you're thinkin' of me'. The video is also amazingly (is that a word?) retro. A perfect track for motivation at the gym too!

St Ives Exfoliating Scrub

Exfoliation is a big must in everyone's bath routine. Exfoliation not only gives you luscious skin as smooth as a baby's bottom but helps the skin look younger by getting rid of dead skin cells! (Yum!) It also reportedly helps reduce cellulite, but that doesn't excuse you from doing those squats people! 

St Ives are renowned for their quality products for affordable prices and it's been a brand I've sworn by for years. Their Apricot Body Scrub is described as 'invigorating' and it really is. The smell is fresh and awakening, with the exfoliating microbeads giving you that additional clean feeling. The only downside I can give about this product is that once you drop a bit in the bath/shower, it makes things extra slippery!

You can get your own little tub of apricot goodness from Superdrug, Boots, Tesco or Amazon for £4-£5.

Louis Centoni @ Ronnie Scott's 'TV Nights'

Louis Centoni is making big waves across the online music scene and he's currently doing small shows around London's best venues.

Tonight I caught him at the prestigious Ronnie Scott's Jazz Bar in Soho at their 'TV Nights' showcase. It was a great show in a beautiful venue and I highly recommend checking out their future showcases. There's definitely some upcoming talent in there I'm sure we're going to see a lot of very soon.

Check out some of his tracks if you haven't been able to catch them live yet!

  

Life Update!

Its been a busy couple weeks hence my extreme lack of posting. I've been working and preparing for university which I'm moving to next week! (Eek!)

I'm so excited yet extremely unsure about what the future will hold. I'm usually someone who is quite sure of how things will turn out but as this is something so new and different and also something I've anticipated for years, I feel like there's a lot riding on it. 

What I've come to though is that I'm not the only one feeling this way. The best way is to be positive and assured things will be okay! I read this awesome quote which I want to share and I will try to reference in times of doubt throughout the following years...

Finally, the mere fact of being at university doesn't guarantee anything. It does not assure you a career or a good time or finding the love of your life, or anything. That falls to you. You must go, get, do, start, try. Find what it is you want. And mark this: when someone says patience is a virtue, take stock of quite how short life really is - and then hurry up living.

Joy Nkoyo

My best gal singer/songwriter Joy Nkoyo and I took a little trip down good old East London to take a couple shots for her upcoming EP. Have a looksie...

If you haven't heard any of her tracks before, change that and check out her soundcloud at soundcloud.com/joynkoyomusic