Chlöe Howl narrowly missed out on a Brit Award this month to none other than Sam Smith. Given that he is our man of the moment, and someone we are more than a tad excited to be seeing in the coming months, it never really came as a shock to us. Nonetheless, Chlöe's name has been propelled into the industry and, since then, her once one-hit wonder career (Paper Heart), has really been able to shine, and with a new single like this one, Rumour, it's clear to see why she was a candidate.
Despite being describable as the new La Roux, this jivey little number will almost immediately remind you of Janelle Monae too, but obviously, a much more British version. Chlöe manages to dance around in some unique attire that really resembles her American counterpart, though, musically, there are some vital differences. Though it is just as danceable, the whole feel of the track is a lot more gritty, less fantasised, and very much as though she has thought about the way in which England is perceived.
In that, there are definitely likenesses to Lily Allen and Kate Nash. The words she sings are very prevalent of the things the media will spindle unto you time and time again about the youth of the country, though, the almighty accent on her as she sings is very similar to Kate ... which, all in all, really brings forth a concoction for positive success.
We're not sure whether she'll be here to stay for the foreseeable, but with Lily managing to make a comeback, and with Janelle at the top of her game right now, there's no reason why Chlöe can't make it to the top with stuff like this ... we just hope she doesn't fall between the cracks.
Paul.