Words by Luke Byatt

Welcome to Future Focus, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 016 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of DVNA, Luna May, Two Neighbors and Hii Spirits.

DVNA - Half Past Sober

Futuremag Music favourite, DVNA has returned with ‘Half Past Sober’ a subversion from her bubbly R&B.

‘Half Past Sober’ leans into a more melancholy and moody sonic structure, where acoustics and warm tones flourish unbridled. This shift in direction is a welcomed change, providing a deeper insight to DVNA’s ability as a songwriter, producer and vocalist. Working with Fractures, the record pushes the project’s boundaries to new extents, a natural continuation of what we saw with DVNA’s remixes of AUSTEN and Keelan Mak. A multifaceted act, with a knack for all things music, DVNA is quickly becoming a staple in playlists around Australia and the world.

With more music on the way, DVNA’s 2020 has only just begun and I’m keen to see how things progress for this ascending act.

Luna May - Castles

Australian pop is going through a period of resurgence at the moment, with Luna May joining the movement with the release of ‘Castles’.

‘Castles’ is bitter sweet concoction of somber semblance, retrospection and personal development. On the surface, the record is a smooth affair where lush production flutters and aerial vocals dance freely. Digging deeper, Luna May captures heartbreak in wrenching detail, dissecting the callousness of brutal abandonment and the following growth. From a withering affection to a blossoming new life, ‘Castles’ is an exploration of love and the impact it has on the human condition.

Luna May is set for a prosperous future be sure to keep a close eye on her development.

Two Neighbors - Never Talk To Me Again

Love the rocktronic sounds of Bishop Briggs of Samsaruh, you’ll fall for ‘Never Talk To Me Again’ by Two Neighbors.

‘Never Talk To Me Again’ is a masterclass in genre amalgamation. The gritty guitar and vivacious vocals slice with a driven punk rock attitude as prosperous pads and potent production fills the space. The criss-cross of genre based sonics neglects traditional structures, as it forges its own path in the forever diversifying musical landscape. Although Two Neighbor’s challenges expectations, ‘Never Talk To Me Again’ still retains a palatable presentation.

Two Neighbors are infectious, I can’t wait to hear what’s to come.

Hii Spirits - Get Better

When Jack Arentz A.K.A. Haxx (also half of Kult Kyss) slid into my inbox with his brand new project, I knew I was in for a treat well before listening to any music. With the launch of Hii Spirits and its debut release ‘Get Better’, Haxx can add another stellar project to his name.

Dawning a darker driving tone to electronic music, Hii Spirits is a departure from the vibrancy and exotic sonic aligned with the Kult Kyss project. If you love George Fitzgerald, Willaris K, Midland, or Motez, ‘Get Better’ is the fiery warmth you need as we descend into winter. Textured and gritty, Hii Spirits production prowess is on full display throughout the track’s six minute endeavour; with transportive introspection engulfing every listen. I mentioned in a previous article that Motez’s ‘Patience’ is “a masterclass in astute club music”, I can hold the exact same sentiment to Hii Spirits’ ‘Get Better’.

With a bountiful catalogue of original releases under Kult Kyss and Deja, plus credits on copious other records, Haxx can add Hii Spirits as a fine addition to the roster. I’m excited to see what else this accomplished act has in store.