‘CLEVER’ BY SUGAR LOAF | DEBUT SINGLE FROM LONDON’S NEWEST MUSICAL COLLECTIVE

SINGLE REVIEW | CLEVER – SUGAR LOAF by Rachel Puk

London’s newest multi-facetted musical collective SUGAR LOAF have dropped their track ‘CLEVER’ this week. The group is led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Yellow Days who throughout his musical career has globally amassed millions of streams. Yellow Days has joined forces with one of Chicago’s homegrown talents Ric Wilson, alongside two underground acts, Laura Quinn and LEX FRANSCHE to take on a collaboratively cool new direction. 

Their first single ‘CLEVER’ has been carved out by the four-piece to echo the likes of Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean with a groovy retro buzz. 

The beginning of the track instantly throws us into the laid-back and retro dimension that SUGAR LOAF work within. The groove-infused bassline throws listeners back whilst a concoction of vocals stirs around the instrumental. The simple yet undeniably funky riff bounces around the soundscape and lays the foundation for a tune that oozes teen party nostalgia. 

The groups vocals are mellow and work cohesively alongside each other and compliment the smooth instrumental, but the incessant and monotoned ‘yeah’ throughout the track is distracting and is more prominent than I think was intended. However, with four artists working on one track, this is a very well balanced and harmonious first single.

Laura Quinn’s soulful vocals add a melodic nuance halfway through the musical concoction and lead to the playful hip-hop style rap in the next verse. It is clear that each artist on this track comes from a different musical background, and they have effortlessly combined their talents to make a unique sonic blend.

SUGAR LOAF have created a catchy number together for their first release, an easy listen with simple lyrics that are sure to be an earworm through this sunny spell. The collective’s abilities are satisfyingly compatible, and I look forward to watching their creative direction unfold.