VC Pines dropped his EP Skully back in 2020 to rave reviews. He has returned this year with ‘Smoke Without Fire’. Proven by the trebly guitars of its opening seconds to the crisp drum pattern and wobbly keys that persist throughout the track, funk is clearly the name of the game here. VC Pines’ voice is complimented beautifully by brass lines in the chorus that show off his ability to blend classic soul influences with modern production. “’Smoke Without Fire’ is about hearing various rumours and not knowing whether or not to believe them, but being sure that rumours wouldn't have started without some kind of spark - ‘No smoke without fire’.” he explains. His EP, Concrete, drops this year. -Dan Peeke