Alfie Neale

Brighton-based indie hip-pop singer/songwriter Alfie Neale are back with a new single ‘Elevator’.

The six-piece band explores influences from soul, hip-hop, disco and everything in between whilst they set their sights on thought-provoking lyrics and roof-raising energy.

Discussing every aspect of being a young adult; love, family, friendships, politics and, of course, partying sculpts a journey of emotions for crowds. With influences such as Amy Winehouse, Anderson .Paak along with the joy of a 19-year-old, he brings a rare sound to the current musical era which we live in.

His latest single, ‘Elevator’, feels moodier and more understated than previous offerings such as ‘Stepping Stone’. As such, it feels more mature than those also, with Neale’s musicality evident from the get-go.

Brooding bass and texturous percussion offer up a nuanced canvas, and here emotive swells of brass are painted alongside Neale’s husky vocal delivery, creating a track that’s instantly recognisable while feeling like a solid step forward for the Brighton songsmith.

It goes without saying that genres rise and fall in popularity, leaving bands and artists with the decision as to whether to stick to their roots and risk their relevancy or to move with their times and chance alienating their established fanbase.

Blending elements of soul, disco, jazz and hip-hop into four-minute slices of effortlessly executed pop music has allowed Alfie to stand out in a Brighton scene in danger of stagnation thanks to its oversaturation of slacker rock and indie pop.

Listen to ‘Elevator’ below and give it an ICM Rating out of 10.