#ESPNews: FASHION EAST AT LONDON FASHION WEEK SS14

Fashion East announces designer line-up for Spring/Summer 2014!

Pioneering support scheme Fashion East returns to London Fashion Week for its 27th consecutive catwalk show. Following Autumn/Winter 2013’s stellar line up of Ashley Williams, Claire Barrow and Ryan Lo, Lulu Kennedy MBE and Fashion East’s panel of industry experts have invited the trio to return to show their Spring/Summer 2014 collections. Sponsored by the brilliant Topshop for the past ten years, the Fashion East show will again take place at the Topshop venue in September.

Panel member and Vogue UK’s Fashion Editor, Francesca Burns says of the line-up:

"I am very happy to see Ashley Williams, Claire Barrow and Ryan Lo return to Fashion East this season. Each designer has so much to offer and it is very exciting to watch them develop season by season under the Fashion East umbrella. This is such an important part of London Fashion Week with an incredible legacy and I can't wait to see what's next for these guys!"

Ashley Williams  

Ashley Williams AW13

Fresh out of her BA, riding the wave of her knockout graduate show, Ashley joined Fashion East for AW13. Her LFW debut paid homage to the teen adulation of pop pinups. Set to a soundtrack of 60’s sweetheart tracks, Ashley’s girl stormed the catwalk in eyepopping Elvis prints on effortlessly cool shift dresses, capri pants and flirty mohair two-pieces. A family of adorable teddy and bunny clutches completed the collection.

Sassy, pop prints like the ‘HAPPY ASHLEY’ and ‘CELEBRATE’ motifs encapsulate the light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek vibe of Ashley’s eponymous label, worn by everyone from Rihanna to BFF/Funky Offish ambassador Pixie Geldof.

'SUBSCRIBE' insists one print - and the industry is already hooked! Next big thing Ashley featured on The Times Power List 2013 and AW13 will be stocked by Colette, Joyce and WildStyle LA, among other stores.

 Claire Barrow

Claire Barrow AW13

Renowned for her covetable hand-painted leather jackets and intricate illustrations, Claire’s pieces are as romantic as they are subversive. Underlined by a punk spirit, her garments are worn by musicians from Peace to Primal Scream and Rihanna.

Following SS13’s presentation and a smash hit leather jacket capsule with Joseph, Claire’s debut catwalk show bordered on the Dada-ist. Everyday objects were made-over, appearing as embroideries and scrawled doodles on signature leather and, new for AW13, lush devoré velvet, corduroy and wool. Liberated from the living room, a lampshade made a witty headpiece.

Cultivating her handwriting, Claire introduced ultrafeminine shapes: veiled biker bridal gowns, fullskirted chiffon skirts and shrugged on, oversized knit dresses in burgundy and slate. Returning for her third outing with Fashion East, her SS14 offering is hotly anticipated.

Ryan LO 

Ryan LO AW13

Self-taught knit whizz, Ryan returns to Fashion East for a third season of unabashed girliness. The Hong Kong native specialises in pink frocks to party in and texture to the max! 

Ryan’s concise edit of saccharine disco dresses for SS13 captured imaginations with their effervescent combo of tinsel, tulle and marabou. AW13’s wardrobe was more all-day, all-night: twinkly knits, glitter pussy bow blouses, she-means-business skirt suits and robe coats, not forgetting his signature fluff and glitz in blush, bubblegum and baby blue.

With fans such as Susie Bubble and Opening Ceremony, who stocked a capsule of Ryan Lo tees with refreshing kiwi and iridescent placement appliqués, SS14 is sure to be another irresistible (sugar) hit.

Press Enquiries:

Natasha Booth 

+44 (0)20 7770 6151

LFW Ticket Requests 

Fashion East Website 

Twitter / Instagram / Vimeo 

#ESPNews: NINA TAMARO AW13 LOOK BOOK

Italian bag label Nina Tamaro showed off some beautiful contemporary designs at #Pure34 London recently (#ESPspotlight Review coming soon).  Full of soft, chic luxury, have a little looksee at what their latest collection is all about...

NINA TAMARO LOOKBOOK

Publish at Calameo or read more publications.

Enjoy and share!
ES ;)

#ESPNews: ELEUTERIO AT INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY LONDON, EARLS COURT, 1-4 SEPTEMBER

Arty Collection

A delicate diamonds frame with geometric and elegant pattern fits onto a filigree engraved gold surface, a combination with an incomparable sparkle.

Press Release

August 2013

Eleuterio Jewels debuts pieces at International Jewellery London 2013

From 1st to 4th of September 2013, Eleuterio Jewels will be at International Jewellery London showcasing at stand H139.

Eleuterio will showcase the most contemporaneous collections with focus in authentic creations made in pink and white gold with diamonds as well as the classic and traditional ones in yellow gold and filigree.

The exquisite quality of the detailed design reflects Eleuterio rich heritage in gold and diamonds pieces exclusive for women. Collections as Crystal Filigree and Couture Filigree reflect the attractive sophistication of the ‘Haute Couture’ inspirations.

It was in the height of the ‘roaring 20s’ – the glamorous jazz age – when Eleuterio started and built reputation combining the thorough craftsmanship of filigree with achingly fashionable art deco styling.

Couture Filigree Collection

A design inspired by Haute Couture with thin gold filaments of extreme delicacy, which draw from the traditional Portuguese filigree and showcase extraordinary craftsmanship.

In each piece of Eleuterio jewellery, the tremendous level of detail is evident. Eleuterio always kept in mind filigree traditions, aiming for excellence in detail and for the combination of techniques to achieve timeless and delicate pieces.

Some of their creations are inspired in oriental culture, others entirely in filigree and the 18th century, in the delicate lines of light, in timelessness of gold, in elegance and the romantic, in the celebration of art.

With 88 years of existence, Eleuterio has inherited and upheld this tradition, while bringing a unique creative flair which has brought the brand into the 21st century.

www.eleuteriojewels.com | eleuterio@eleuteriojewels.com

  

For more information regarding Eleuterio please contact:

Liliana Castro 

P. +351 229 417 641

#UPCOMINGEVENT: LONDON EDGE, OLYMPIA, 1-3 SEPTEMBER

Well here's a funky little outing that I'm extremely excited to touch down at this weekend...London Edge begins at London Olympia this Sunday, and I, for one, cannot wait! Read on for the official trade show info...

Click image to zoom and read in full...

I don't know about you all, but I think I'm well overdue for something with a little Edge...

See you there!

ES ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENT: THE MAKEUP SHOW LIVE, HILTON METROPOLE HOTEL, 6TH OCTOBER

Date: 6th October 2013

TIME: 11AM-7PM

VENUE: Hilton Metropole Hotel, London

Over 3000 business owners, press and exhibitors are expected to gather at the Hilton Metropole on 6th October 2013, for the 2nd MAKE UP SHOW LIVE EVENT and concurrent events across the world to showcase and educate over 15,000 global visitors.

Founded by Funmi Odegbami (CEO) of MiNK London in 2012, MAKE UP SHOW LIVE (MSL) is an annual international makeup & beauty roadshow setup to empower & educate women around the globe. It is the first and only interactive makeup and beauty expo in the world catering to the everyday woman.

"The rapidly increasing international interest and success we've seen over the past year in our brand has made MAKE UP SHOW LIVE more ambitious than ever before." added Louise Harwood, vice president.

On 6th October 2013 the luxurious Hilton Metropole hotel will host Makeup Show Live 2013. The first event was held in 2012 with glowing reviews, sold out capacity attracting over 1,000 guests and over 30 exhibitors; with contributions from Sleek and BECCA Cosmetics; and guest appearances from Natalya Nair and Eryca Freemantle. It is anticipated that this second global edition will be enlarged to over 100,000 sqm (4 events) in London, Lagos, Dubai and Brazil drawing record attendance which includes a live broadcast of the event into millions of homes around the world. Making it the worlds largest Makeup & Beauty Roadshow.

The event will not only exhibit beauty and health products but also include beauty seminars, master classes, entertainment and more to: educate on consumer protection and enhanced skin health, encourage gender empowerment through entrepreneurship and skills transfers, promote self empowerment through confidence building. For this special second edition of MSL, Mink London has partnered with top notch PR and entertainment powerhouse Denise London Agency (DLA) to take this ground breaking event to even greater heights

Major media outlets including The Guardian, Pride Magazine, FaceOn, Black Hair & Beauty, METRO, VOX Africa, CNN and Choice FM Radio will be covering the event during the promotional weeks and will be in attendance.

WATCH MAKE UP SHOW LIVE 2012 

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR MAKE UP SHOW LIVE 

TICKET PRICES ENTRY: Standard £20, Priority £25 and VIP £60

Buy Now for early bird discount prices.

Exhibition tables are available with a link to the makeupshowlive.com website

JOIN MAKE UP SHOW LIVE ON FACEBOOK  

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: HYPER JAPAN 2013 - DAY THREE (SUNDAY)

The third and final day of London's biggest J-Culture expo began with the Cosparade on the mainstage for Yours Truly. 

Not content with the UK heats of the European Cosplay Gathering, and the World Cosplay Summit on 'Super Saturday'; I set up camp and prepared to extend my education into the world of authentic costume-wear. Minus any of the previous day's additional excitement, the only repeats were contestants with too much talent and moxy for just one competition entry.

Lesson complete, it was time to take in the stands across the various zones, and learn more about the many different aspects that make the oriental culture so compelling. With no tutor to talk me through the gaming malarkey this time around; I looked over the basics which seemed to entrance so many, before training my focus on a subject I'm far more qualified to comment on. Determined to thoroughly examine the Eat Japan section on this visit; I stopped by the Sake Experience competition, and even watched (sampled) a quick cocktail making class - a speciality I appreciate highly, no matter the global point of origin.

Figurines from Totally Nippom

Souvenirs - in both edible and replica form, were also in high demand. Brands like Sushi Noms, Tofu Cute and Cyber Candy offered pricey munchies to nibble on, whilst the likes of Something Kawaii, The Sword Stall, and Totally Nippon, provided the connoisseurs with collectibles.

Regular visitors were familiar with the repeat activities like Anime Art classes, tourism information services, and additional stages with separate programmes on offer. Unfortunately, the complete omission of schedules for the smaller second, and martial arts stages in the event information provided, meant that many visitors - including myself - missed almost all there was to see, without physically visiting them first, then locating the programmes tacked up by the side. I overheard more than one visitor comment that they assumed the additional stages were not included this time around - purely because there was no printed information provided.

New additions to this year's activities included a complete Tokyo-style makeover, with hair and makeup by the ladies of Glam Xpress, and kimonos courtesy of HJ veterans, Kimono de go. A new homeware section proved popular; whilst the queue for the karaoke game did not lessen at any point I noticed throughout the event's duration. In fact, it seemed to be one of the long weekend's biggest hits! Games extended beyond the electronic form however; with trading cards and other multi-player activity areas heavily populated. Daisuki.net were an interesting find.

'ESP' - Japanese Style...

A free online site for streaming manga and anime, it came as no surprise that their stand also benefitted from some heavy foot traffic. The Japanese Art Gallery was also a welcome newcomer, with some beautiful works on display. The educational focus was stronger than ever, with exhibitors from language schools teaching basic lettering. I even snagged my very own ESP fan, with the literal transcription written by my own fair hand...

With the exception of the prominently placed AOI Clothing corner, the rest of the fashion and accessory exhibitors seemed to get the raw end of the deal, when it came to location. Their siberia-like placement in comparison to the rest of the zones, only served to reiterate my initial thoughts on Day One - that the layout of the exhibition space was not arranged to get the best use out of any part of the venue. The wasted time spent traversing the unnecessary open expanse, provided more than ample opportunity to fall out of the reverie, remind you that you were in a hall, rented for the occasion (and up your 10k daily step tally); a stark contrast to the 'lost in another world / something new and delightful, everywhere you turned' feel that I'd become so used to on previous visits. In fact, by the time I'd reached the far isle...*ahem* side, I was far too distracted by my distance from the exit (and the question of how long the journey back to civilisation would take), to properly take in this year's new brands, or their displays.

Ok, so I MAY have exaggerated on the distance just a LITTLE but, the gaps between stands were way too large...

Deciding I'd better make my way back while it was still daylight, I returned to the mainstage long enough to watch Eat Tokyo Group Head Chef, Yoshiro Motohashi, crowned the 2013 Sushi Awards winner. Since closing time was nigh, and I had to pass them anyway (honestly)...it seemed thoroughly rude of me not to stop by the beautiful showpieces on display from JAE - the Japanese Auto Extravaganza - just one last time. Sales Director John Fuggles took pity upon my poor (dribbling) soul, enabling my Fast and Furious highlight of the weekend, by volunteering his camera trigger finger while I spent my final, precious moments inside my orange love. Complete with "Vroom, Vroom" noises and pretend racing - all I really had left to say, was Vin Diesel eat your heart out...

Just call me Mrs (Paul) Walker...

Though missing lots of that November 2012 magic; I still wouldn't miss the next one for the world. So until the doors open on 25 July 2014 - Farewell Hyper Japan!

ES ;)

Catch the final day in pictures on the ESP Facebook Page. If you were in attendance, be sure to go ahead and tag yourself and your friends! If you missed coverage of Days One (Friday) and / or Two (Saturday) then you've no excuse not to catch up!

Don't forget, your mainstage for assessing the day, the event as a whole, and my take on it is right underneath this post - the Comment Box is all YOURS...

#UPCOMINGEVENT: 'NO DIGGITY' 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY, BEDROOM BAR, 23 AUGUST

We're BACK!!!


'N this time we're going to celebrate a year of great music, lovely guests and super happy people! There will be dancers, breakers, deejays and music lovers ... get your freak on!!!


THIS MONTH:

supaspecial guest:

DJ IVY FEED
ivyfeed.co.uk

Resident djs:

VAITEA/DONNASASA'/SAZ


Supercombo live painting by:

TIZER/ANDREARIOT/RUN

please note, the party will be upstairs! (comedy entrance)


as usual, £3 b4 midnight, £5 after

LOVE MUSIC LOVE

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: HYPER JAPAN 2013 - DAY TWO, EARLS COURT, 27 JULY

My second day at London's biggest J-Culture expo began with the Tokyo Fashion Story on the mainstage. Not performing this year, I did run into the lovely Beckii Cruel en route, a sure fire sign that when all was said and done, I was definitely in my favourite Japanese Wonderland. Back to the stage, where a runway show made up of entrants modelling their own styles of expression was underway; J-Pop star Yun*chi was invited to select her favourite from the bunch, before also crowning a 'Best Dressed' young audience member.

Her performance set followed, during which the pretty young starlet entertained a captive audience with a big dose of high energy Pop, tailor-made to crossover to (and chart well in), the UK market (I didn't understand a word, but I just can't get her catchy tunes out of my head). Whilst her Tokyo Fashion Story fans danced excitedly alongside the stage throughout, my personal favourite moment came in the shape of International track 'Waon' - a true Benetton meets World Peace, meets a 'We Are The World' moment for teen girls all over the globe.

J-pop star, Yun*chi

Yun*chi sang against a video backdrop of young girls who had submitted their favourite words for the project, the most popular of which were used to create a special fan collaboration with the idol. The moment in itself, was as empowering as the message of strength and beauty in every shape, race, and nationality that it promoted. So touching and genuine; the effort made by the singer and her backing singers from 27+ Countries wasn't even dimmed by the out of sync video playback throughout the song's duration. Disserviced, yes, but not dimmed.

Leg-stretching time, and my fave photog friend, Allie Suwanrumpha and I, decided refreshments were most definitely in order. Agreeing that it was only 'before noon' outside of the exhibition centre - thus making the Japanese Bar and Tea Station a completely acceptable breakpoint - off we set to whet our whistles. Adult thirst quenched, we headed to interview Yun*chi in the press room. No warning could have prepared us for what we both christened the funniest moment of the entire weekend - the outer door opening to reveal a sequin-covered rear-end, clad in a white catsuit, backing out of the room on all fours...Y'know; the usual sort of thing any unsuspecting visitor should expect to see! It turned out that the rear in question belonged to a member of visual arts group, SIRO-A, who had just finished their first of two daily press calls, in a headpiece too tall to be navigated from a standing position! The sight can't be described in words; I did capture the tail-end of the moment for you, but you'll have to head on over to the event's photo album at the end to see it!

Yun*chi's interview was a joint affair, with representatives from tabloid newspapers, Northern radio stations, and more in attendance. Friendly, open, and even cuter offstage than on, the J-Pop princess gave us all an endearing interview...

On a high from the encounter, but with no time to dwell; we headed back to the mainstage for a quick masterclass on cooking Japanese Curry with Chef Yuya Kickuchi. Not quite as entertaining as Chef Ikeda at the previous event; it would have been lovely to hear some engaging, anecdotal chatter, as we did from William Curley last year. This time around however, it was all business, which was unfortunate, as it gave the masterclass a distinctive rushed feel, seemingly through no fault of the chef's.

Not remotely comfortable, but in a perfect shooting position, it would have been crazy to let our spots go before the weekend highlight that almost all had been waiting for. The Cosplay Parade was up first; immediately followed by the European Cosplay Gathering and World Cosplay Summit. The sheer variety of styles and creativity was amazing. Mainly based on computer games, Anime and sci-fi/horror characters; the authenticity of the former two lost on the least interested gamer in all the wide world. I do know what I like though, and I know what catches my eye. Some of the costumes were absolutely awe-inspiring, and put a few lackadaisical, uninspiring repeaters to shame. Special kudos has to go to one aspiring entrant in a costume so elaborate, that he had to be helped onstage by staff. Unfortunately for him, as soon as they let go, the poor thing toppled over, and his Humpty-Dumptied costume went in too many directions to mention. Thankfully, the very kind HJ staff not only helped him back onto his feet and put his missing pieces back together again, but allowed him a second, winning go at the end of the lineup.

Alien-Looking Lobster Dude deserved his win!

Sayuki Geisha returned for her next Q&A session and performance next. The opportunity to catch up on the first half did not go to waste, although I was quite irritated by a silly woman (in age, girl in behaviour), who used the opportunity to try to embarrass Sayuki with a vastly inappropriate question. Our press appointment with visual artists SIRO-A meant we did not get to see how the incident played out, but I was quite disgusted on Sayuki's behalf.

Back in the press room, SIRO-A were a charming and hilarious 'Jack The Lad' bunch; these guys were definitely my favourite interview of the weekend, with many a joke off camera! Find a snippet here:

Cosplay Winner announcements at the mainstage were next, where we learned that most of the award recipients had gone home, much to my chagrin. Maybe it's just me; but unless you have a young entrant who needs to get home for bedtime - awards segments are usually the last mainstage event of the day - then I fail to understand why anyone would even bother to enter the competitions, if they don't intend to stay for the judge's decisions? For one thing, I find it highly unfair to those who obviously took the event more seriously by waiting, only to lose out to people who do not. By small consolation, a few of my favourites fared well, and are now busy preparing to go and represent our little Isle at both the European and Global show equivalents.

With only a matter of minutes before closing; I had just enough time to go and fawn over the Japanese Auto Extravaganza cars. A new addition to this year's floorshow; the three vehicles were supplied as tasters of what visitors to next month's auto carshow in Kettering can expect. Completely in love with this little orange number from the moment I laid eyes on it, I found it quite the beautiful distraction. A dribble away from being physically removed by a surly security guard, I took his subtle hint, and surrendered to the overnight separation, as the doors closed on Day Two...

Don't forget to check out the Day Two photo album on the ESP Facebook Page for visuals from performances and all of the Cosplay events.

The third and final instalment is on the way, so Stay Tuned!

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: '3 KINGS' (ALBUM), TGT

Reviewing the new TGT album '3 Kings' is something akin to coming full circle here on the 'ES in the P' blog. If you've been here since the very beginning, then you'll remember Mr Gibson selecting this (then) week-old forum as one of a select, global few to review 'Stay', his first music video in 5+ years, ahead of its official release. The song was taken from his GRAMMY-nominated album 'Open Invitation', which went on to garner him some of the biggest album sales of his entire career to date.

While busy filming the latest instalments from two of the biggest film franchises in recent years (Transformers 4, Fast & Furious 6), and promoting another New York Times Bestseller ('Manology' with Rev Run), it came as a surprise to this here onlooker, that he even had the time to head back into the studio to reprise the 2007 trio that had the heat and the following, but suffered a comatose blow; supposedly due to their individual label commitments. The world and his wife suspected that the R&B Supergroup failed due to ego issues between the three veterans, but were (thankfully) all silenced last September, when Tyrese officially announced they had reformed, signed to Atlantic Records, and their long-awaited joint album would be released in 10 months.

FAST FORWARD to today, a small push back later, and 3 Kings is already reigning supreme above the competition; topping the charts in 4 Countries before breakfast. Aspiring to do what so many promise, yet so few achieve; the project is intended to return the once great genre to its glory days, when the throne was ruled by 4 Kings, collectively known as Jodeci. Taster single, 'Sex Never Felt Better', was supposedly the warning shot; fired off to signal what was to come. Considering how persuasively that middle King was about saddling my little Pony; the track did little to make me 'giddy up'. Thankfully, it wasn't the best representation. Their recent online listening party was a saving grace; whetting every appetite for the 17-track sex-bomb, which features a ridonculously huge credit list (Tim & Bob, Mikey Jay, Brandon Alexander, Lonnie Burrell), worthy of 3 massive names in the R&B monarchy...

Maybe the content threw my numerical ability off, but I only counted a rundown of 10 tracks instead of the full list as advertised, and as a result you, my lovely readers, were not going to receive this review on that alone. Now that the whole project is available, here's what you really need to know...

Take It Wrong is the sledgehammer opener that, had it come instead of 'Sex...' would have seen MUCH bigger hype on this here page in the album's promotional lead up. The balance is split to perfection, with no King encroaching on another's territory. Ginuwine's chorus, is a smooth and sexy trumpet announcing the Royal Arrival, and Tyrese's rap alter ego 'Black-Ty' adds a break that ensures the combined vocals are not overcooked. Tank's soft vocals keeps things fluid and seductive, leaving no room for confusion of any kind. Ladies, you can only take this 3 Kinds of Right.

No Fun is actually my least favourite track of the bunch, purely because I find the premise insulting. Odes to Homies and brotherhood are all well and good, but I find it hard to imagine any (self-respecting) lady wouldn't have a problem with the idea of being passed around for each member to 'have a go' on. Last I checked, the 'Puff, Puff, Pass' rule was not invented in relation to the female body. It's not nice and so I choose to pass on what could have been a nice follow up to such a strong opener.

The earlier passed on Sex Never Felt Better makes a surprisingly welcome return. In context with the rest of the album, the Tank-written track is far more enjoyable than as a standalone offering. Dressed up this attractively - they've even got a touch of DeVante-esque autotune up in there - you can hear, understand, and even see the Jodeci comparison in the video. Mission accomplished.

Second single I Need follows. The first to refer to life outside the bedroom, is an apology to their wronged ladies. Don't get it twisted, the content might take you out of, but the effect is designed to land you right back in. A beautiful ballad, this one picks you up and drops you right back in a decade where those who can remember, know what was really good.

Next Time Around could be described as a continuation of I Need - if it wasn't better. Having failed to get 'The Girl' back, it's a humble admission of wrongdoing, an acceptance of shortcomings, and a commitment to future intentions, that gets you well and truly lost in the moment.

The first Interlude is a Jodeci 'The Show, The After Party' moment, that perfectly sets the scene for another sexy standout track. Hurry gets infinite stars, because 5 just isn't enough. Definitely a contender for track of the album; in case the premise isn't obvious, it's a 'don't keep us waiting' number too steamy for further, non-adult explanation. Or wait, that could just be the reaction it incites...either way, you get the idea...

Weekend Love is the soundtrack to a dirty weekend - at least that's your intention by Ginuwine's opening verse. Tyrese does what we originally know and love him for with that bridge; utter. gravelly destruction of all ladylike reservations. I believe the official term for a track of this nature is 'Pantydropper'? You decide.

Lessons In Love is a map of vocal assaults as strategic as a 'How To' lesson plan. Tank is soft and seductive, using that upper register as a lethal weapon from note 1. Tyrese adds a dose of 'just rough enough to get you ready'; and Ginuwine laces the third section with an urgency that will send your appetite to the edge of frenzy. You poor victims, you.

The next Interlude is intended as a linguistic aphrodisiac that serves no other purpose than to define what Tyrese labels a "leave it in" track. No explanation is really necessary, as Explode doesn't need the help. You cannot be within hearing distance and not be a casualty of the blast zone.

Despite its questionable title, FYH is another hard-hitting ballad. A last-ditch attempt at reigniting the passion in a flailing relationship; the fellas promise their best bedroom work, the weight of which, will fix what's broken. Far from a weak effort, it's also not the album's best offering by a longshot.


OMG is an anthem for the fornicators (Tyrese's description, see the online listening session above). All about love so good you take our Creator's name in vain, it takes you back to the days of making mixtapes on cassette...Damn, I hate showing my age.

Running Back is about the pain of a lost love so unforgettable, that you simply cannot live without it. Another textbook success, this is definitely one of those 'lie back and stare at the ceiling, replaying the good times on your mental projector' type ballads.

Burn Out is another contender for Track of the Album. This has a touch of what you imagine would happen if you mixed the original H-Town lineup with a dash of Whitehead Bros. There are even a few moments where my imagination had me hearing strains of MJ's 'Lady In My Life' in the composition's foundation. If you remind me of one of my all-time MJ favourites, then understand you have just about reached the pinnacle of my praise - a summit few come into contact with. Ever. It's not single material, it's better falling strongly into that category of 'Album's Best'.

By Tearing It Down, there's no confusion over the album's theme, so you know exactly what this one is all about. Another prime cut, this is 4 minutes and 22 seconds of audible good good.

Final track Our House is a 2nd album, Boyz II Men-type offering. Picture them with the sex appeal they never had, apply a theme full of 'ride off into the sunset, not just about sex, in it for the longhaul' love, and you have a recipe that ensures the ensemble project finishes strong.

Overall pangs of Guy, BLACKStreet, New Edition, Jodeci, H-Town, Whitehead Bros., Boyz II Men, Silk, Shai, Tony Toni Tone, and just about every other good 80s-90s male group, have influenced these 3 Kings; making sure Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank deliver on their promise to take RnB back to the days when music came first. An album full of ballads obviously doesn't include the New Jack Swing elements, so please don't mistakenly throw it on to help you wake up in the morning, unless you're not waking up alone, in which case, it's perfect!

3 Kings is borderline infallible, because it offers up the best of 3 vocal powerhouses, who could not have pulled off this calibre individually - not even my beloved Ginuwine. A 'best of the best', I can't imagine it sweeping the GRAMMY boards as a whole, purely because it celebrates a standard so long lost, that today's music-buying masses may not recognise just how exemplary it really is. But, tied with the massive tour that touches down in London Town on October 17 with some more Royalty; it most definitely will do a lot for the genre, and I'm pretty sure there are some inevitable single classics in there.

3 Kings is available now on iTunes

Keep up to date with all things TGT via their Social Media Catalogue:

Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Website / YouTube

Let me know your thoughts on the album and my take on it in your spotlight below...

Until the next!
ES ;)