FLO return with yet another perfected slice of R&B-pop that is certain to solidify this trio as the UK’s most promising new girl group.
Taken from their freshly released debut EP ‘The Lead’ (out now), new single ‘Immature’ continues the group’s work with mentor MNEK, and once again presents listeners with a sleek production that perfectly blends nostalgic R&B tones with a current pop edge.
“‘Immature’ is about being strong and confident in yourself and we really don’t have time for someone being immature. It’s ok for you to tell a partner, “You’re not giving me what I want and you say you want my body, but you aren’t doing anything about it! It’s our more grown up record and the next phase of the story to Cardboard Box. We had to dump them in ‘Cardboard Box’, but this is about why it was necessary.”
Since the release of their groundbreaking debut single ‘Cardboard Box’ only a few months ago, FLO have accumulated over 385k monthly listeners on Spotify, picked up airplay from national stations like Capital 1XTRA, BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1, and received critical acclaim by the likes of NME, Complex, Daxed, i-D and none other than Missy Elliott.
It’s been a very (very!) long time since the UK unveiled a girl group as finessed as FLO.
Inspired by the likes of Mary J Blige, Aaliyah, Brandy, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey through to H.E.R, Frank Ocean and SZA, this London-based trio seamlessly blend the classic with modern, creating sounds are unique and refreshing yet relatable.
Featuring production from the iconic MNEK, debut single ‘Cardboard Box’ fuses early ’00s R&B with the pop sensibilities, creating a track that is impossible not to feel a connection with.
Serving as the lead single from platinum hitmaker KABBA’s forthcoming EP ‘Note to Self’, ‘Rather Be Single’ is an impactful RnB-pop release that was crafted by the artist alongside songwriting genius MNEK.
This is a song that’s all about reclaiming your independence, and serves as a reflection of an intense period of hardship that KABBA was experiencing personally and professionally.
A hugely exciting British RnB talent whose melodic vocals are instantly captivating, Amun is making a name for herself as one to watch in 2021.
If you’re wondering why the song sounds so flawless, it’s been co-written by Kabba alongside the Grammy nominated (and Alfitude favourite) songwriter and artist MNEK.
As has become tradition, here’s this year’s Random List. A collection of music highlights that have caught my attention in the last year. I spend the whole year featuring new and edgy stuff, so it’s nice to put up the last post of the year as a little fun. For previous years, head here.
Most Underrated Talent Of The Year
Kwabs has been a dilemma in 2015. He’s so good, so talented, and the songs are so on-point. But he’s still not tapping the mainstream the way he deserves to be. Maybe it’ll change in the next twelve months.
Most Random Act To Pick Up Recognition In Sweden
Just before the world was introduced to MNEK’s work with Zara Larsson (one of pop’s biggest successes in 2015 in my view), Sweden took an unexpected liking to MNEK’s ‘The Rhythm’ to the point where the track picked up Gold sales. Which is nice since it hardly made impact in the UK. And let’s face it, Sweden knows good pop.
Most Played On My iTunes
Dua Lipa. Emerging from the same team behind Lana Del Rey only less of the weirdness. This is a fresh slice of pop.
Best Pop Banger That No One Will Hear
Lucas Nord’s work is already well noted through this record with Tove Lo, but this track that was released in November took me by surprise. It’s just SO GOOD.
Hottest Fans At A Gig
HONNE are a staple on this blog. This year I managed to catch them live and not only was the gig sold out but it was packed with Abercrombie model look-a-likes. Fancy yourselves a hot boyfriend / girlfriend? Catch HONNE live…
Scandi Country Of The Year To Pull It’s Act Together
Norway. What with Aurora (and that John Lewis advert), Astrid S and Loveless all making impact this year in some shape or form, Norway’s shown that it’s the country to watch in 2016.
Biggest Turnaround Moment
Justin Bieber… Where did that come from? Seriously- everyone seems to be on Justin’s side this year with the release of ‘Purpose’ and the random pop gems that are contained within that record. Just goes to show that kid stars can make good as they grow.
Act Who Owned 2015
Years & Years, as predicted in last year’s Random List. More importantly though, these kids have shown that you can have a lead singer be out, gay and comfortable with himself and have no one care.
Act Who Will Own 2016
Jack Garratt. No one’s even pretending that Jack won’t take over the next twelve months. It’s great though; he’s showing off a new style of dark soul-pop that’s touching people in a way I wouldn’t have expected.
