Japanese-American newcomer rei brown recently returned from a two-year hiatus from music-making, and he is back with some incredible tracks under his belt, including his previous release, ‘Islands’. The follow-up (which will also see him make his first music video appearance in a few weeks), ‘Honest’, is centred on piano, but there is so much more to it than just the ivory-keyed instrument. Lo-fi sounds and atmospheric R&B beats are filtered through a polystylistic compositional style, creating something truly mesmerising. The idea behind the track discusses the realisation that you aren’t, or never were, in love with someone you once thought you were. rei brown summarises: “I made a lot of promises. When I realized I couldn’t keep those promises, it almost felt easier to keep pretending then to face reality.” -Dan Peeke