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CMU Approved
Approved: The Weeknd
By Aly Barchi | Published on Tuesday 21 June 2011
Mixtape-dropping, critic-confounding R&B project The Weeknd (otherwise known as Toronto singer and producer Abel Tesfaye) has been the centre-point of much blog-based fuss since putting up nine-track LP ‘House Of Balloons’ online earlier this year. Having found an adoring fan in rapper Drake, momentum around Abel’s act has picked up over the past few months, earning his work unanimous rave reviews for its leftfield songcraft and well-placed use of atmospheric samples.
With two more mixtapes expected out this year alone, the latest track to emerge from the prolific Weeknd camp is ‘The Birds (Part 1)’, an uncompromising clash of harsh, military-style drumrolls and dark synths with Tesfaye’s rich falsetto. Sounding like an apt manifesto for The Weeknd’s all-round musical ethos, stream the track below, or download free via this artist-endorsed Soco Vibe link.
‘House Of Balloons’ is still up for free download too, so pick it up here.
