Niko

For those who were a little disappointed that Grand Central songstress Kate Rogers teased us with soft vocals over hip-hop beats in the past, but released a folk album as her debut recording, then Life of Earth will make up for those crushed dreams. This Brooklyn-based vocalist may have graced your stereo in the past, as Niko has appeared on the work of producers such as Aim, Mark Rae and Mr. Scruff in the process of making her debut. So it should be no surprise that this mighty trio has helmed the boards for the majority of this beautiful record. Rather than belting out diva-influenced vocal gymnastics, Niko puts your ears at ease with audible seduction and unbelievably catchy hooks throughout this effort. She can range from an outright funk queen with cuts such as "You’re My Favourite Music,” which sets off Life on Earth like a firecracker from 30 years ago, to the Scruff-produced hip-hop laced with ragtime of "An Echo of Quiet and Green,” which will have you snapping your neck with ease. Her debut balances pop and electronic the way it should be, without heavy emphasis on repetitive choruses and without sacrificing a hot beat for her to flow on. Niko is simply an incredibly talented and soulful songwriter that just happens to have some of England’s greatest beat makers in her corner.