Release Radar: February 2022

At the end of each month, Afterglow presents a staff-picked list of new albums and singles that left an impression on our ears.

Written by Afterglow Staffers

Photos courtesy of Dirty Hit and Colin Solal Cardo

Here are our favorite albums and singles released during February 2022. For more reviews of recent releases, check out our album review page.

Shiny Singles We Loved This Month:

“Hold You” by Ifeanyi Elswith ft. Wren

As a Renaissance woman, R&B singer/rapper/model Ifeanyi Elswith takes from her multifaceted musical persona in her latest genre-bending single. This post-Valentine’s Day crooner is the perfect soundtrack for all the single ladies this cuffing season.

“Naturally” by Tinashe

Tinashe — continuing to fascinate us with her versatility within the music industry — dropped the perfect valentine’s day bop, one that focuses on infatuation within two people. The interplay of her beautiful harmonies and a consistent funky bass line will have you finding yourself listening to this song on repeat.

“K.M.B. (Kill My Boyfriend)” by Nova Twins

The second single from the British rock duo’s forthcoming sophomore album SUPERNOVA is a vengeful breakup anthem written in the style of a 999 confession. With a bass line that imitates a telephone dial and lyrics that detail the specifics of the Nova Twins’ crime, “K.M.B.” is a violently fun listen.

TWISTED BASES BY CRYSTAL MURRAY

Image courtesy of Because Music

France-based Crystal Murray’s new EP Twisted Bases is futuristic, energetic, and soulful. The singer-songwriter is climbing the R&B scene, with this EP cementing her rising star status. Twisted Bases is playful, fervent, and ultramodern in a way that one does not often see in music today. The EP opens with “BOSS,” a track whose domineering attitude shows clear influence from Kelis. This confidence and swagger is displayed throughout the EP: In “Too Much to Taste,” Murray brings this confidence to the bedroom, in a hot and heavy banger with poetic descriptions about her fantasies. The same can be said for “Like It Nasty,” where Murray expresses more of her dominant side. The album isn’t all edge, though: the barely 20-year-old explores more complicated emotions in tracks such as “EGO,” where she relives a toxic relationship that she can't escape. “Other Men” explores this as well, with Murray recounting the guilt of wanting to cheat on her emotionally distant partner. Twisted Bases is an excellent display of artistic talent from a future star, and Crystal Murray should stay on the public’s radar. — Adam Cherian

Support Crystal Murray on Spotify and Apple Music.

SHE MIGHT BLEED BY SIPHO.

During press interviews, Dirty Hit’s SIPHO. explains the inspiration for his latest EP, SHE MIGHT BLEED: “It started off as a study of hypermasculinity after some kids tried to rob me and threatened to stab me.” It became a more inward look at masculinity, reflected both in the lyricism and the performances. Lead single “OCCASION” sees the English SIPHO. on his knees as he sings praises of his lover, “‘till I’m dead and gone,” evoking Hozier as he does so. The instrumentation, though, couldn’t differ more from the blue-eyed balladeer — it’s smooth, sensual, and sizzling. Rich vocal layers harmonize with SIPHO. as he begs for the “deep waters” in which he “might drown.” His fatalistic approach to love matches the overall ominous feeling emanating from the EP, despite the easygoing, jazzy accompaniment often present. SIPHO.’s rich vocals truly carry the project’s energy — a divinely masculine instrument to explore masculinity itself. It’s a cohesively and effortlessly stylish project. — Felix Kalvesmaki

Support SIPHO. on Spotify and Apple Music.