Rising newcomer Leo Bhanji’s “Nope” is a laidback DIY groove

24 June 2019, 14:00 | Written by Bryony Holdsworth

(Tracks)

(Leo Bhanji)

Leo Bhanji creates textured tracks on his own terms. His left-field pop is enchanting, his new track “Nope” sparking like TV static as images stutter by, like someone mindlessly flipping through the channels.

Part of the East/South London collective 237, Leo Bhanji’s musical project feels deeply personal. As with his previous track, the soulful and sparse “Heart Of Gold” featuring fellow collective member Donalee, the young artist combines crackling beats with a rich DIY aesthetic, experimenting with an array of sound effects to create a unique sound palette, as children's cheers fill the cracks of the sparse production.

“I made this song with a lot of cute textures that unfold, like I was visualising a flower blooming or something, but it never really gets there,” Leo explains. “It gives me a kind of nostalgia for that in-between space in things.”

His forward thinking alt-pop and homemade visual instalments are a peek into his creative world. As his mind wanders, woozy guitar runs float over static synths - in a blitz of sounds and textures.

“Nope” is out today. Find Leo Bhanji on Instagram.