Future Focus 029: Vera Blue, Daniel Allan, KOKO
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 029 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Vera Blue, Daniel Allan, and KOKO.
Vera Blue - Lie To Me
It’s a fact when Vera Blue releases a record, I become an absolute stan for it; and the release of ‘Lie To Me’ is no different.
‘Lie To Me’ is a progression of Vera Blue’s perfect pop catalogue. Working with the well formulated dream team of Thom and Andy Mak, and Jackson Barclay, the single balances a commercial pop facade with intricate internals. The entanglement of introspective lyricism and earnest production, is the backbone of the ‘Lie To Me’s beauty. These inner workings are combine to form a crisp composition for a wider audience to consume. Upon closer inspection the diligence placed into the writing, production, and engineering reveal themselves. There’s a reason that Vera Blue is at the top of Australian pop, and ‘Lie To Me’ is a testament to that sentiment.
Recently signing to Republic Records for the USA, Vera Blue is set to dominate the global stage.
“The lyrics and melodies that I wrote with Thom came from a more poetic and obscure experimental place for both of us. With Andy digging into new exciting sonic landscapes imitating the raw emotion and Jackson bringing the tones to life tracking various instruments through the amazing sounding console and outboard gear at the grove studios. This song had us all wide eyed and buzzing.”
Vera Blue by Jason Henley
Daniel Allan - Peanut Butter (Feat. Perrin Xthona)
Trusted for taste, German curator and label, CloudKid have picked up another superb record, ‘Peanut Butter’ from Daniel Allan.
‘Peanut Butter’ is an infectious electro pop anthem drawing parallels to Louis The Child, Pluko, and San Holo. With Perrin Xthona on vocal duties, the record exudes a sweet sonic that entrenches itself as an immovable earworm. ‘Peanut Butter’ is a continuation of Daniel Allan’s approachable take to dance pop, with the prosperous production flirting with vivid vocals. CloudKid’s aptitude to pick up flourishing pop acts is fully apparent in Daniel Allan’s lavish release.
With Daniel Allan and Perrin Xthona’s collab being a hit, let’s hope there’s more in store from the pair.
“‘Peanut Butter’ is a song about the “honeymoon” phase of a relationship, where all you want to do is spend as much time with your new person, and you’re clingy in the cutest way.”
Daniel Allan (Provided)
KOKO - All Together Now
Brimming with attitude, KOKO release ‘All Together Now’ ahead of their debut EP.
‘All Together Now’ blends grungy punk pop with a propulsive dance focused production courtesy of KOKO’s three members Ollie, Harry D and Ashley C. Each creative brings a diverse approach to the record, fitting to the band’s genre fusion style. The message of “keeping it together” during a time of turmoil is quite fitting to today’s COVID world. The high octane energy that’s imbued into ‘All Together Now’ is perfect for the gym, run or even a combat sport; each providing an outlet of angst.
With an EP on the way, I’m excited to hear what’s to come from KOKO.
“The track’s about keeping it together no matter what life throws at you. Everyone has that thing they do to get by - whether it’s screaming into a pillow, going to the gym, punching stuff. That thing that keeps you sane.”