Here are the best new songs we’ve heard in the past week, tried, tested and ready for your ears.
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1.
Mark Ronson
True Blue (feat. Angel Olsen)
Mark Ronson’s Late Night Feelings is a masterclass in exactly how to do a collaborative album. With a line-up of carefully selected female vocalists lending vocals to Ronson’s melancholic and understated but polished productions, Late Night Feelings is bound to bear a set of moderate hits for the pop producer. ‘True Blue’ is one such example with the distinctly emotive voice of Angel Olsen driving a dreamy electro-pop love song that perfectly marries Olsen’s lo-fi leaning indie style with Ronson’s pop to make for a memorable, stand-out track. – Kelly
2.
Daphni
Just
Caribou man Dan Snaith returns under the Daphni moniker for his first release since 2017. The Sizzling EP is four tracks of summer disco and funk fun that’s a million miles away from his Caribou day job. ‘Just’ is a particularly nostalgia drenched highlight, paying homage to 80s disco with rolling drums, irresistible baselines and infectious vocal samples. A sure addition for any summer party playlist. – Kelly
3.
Burial
Claustro
Two years since his last release, Hyperdub producer and visionary Burial is back with ‘Claustro’. A departure from his established sound, ‘Claustro’ is Burial at his most accessible yet still firmly placed in the leftfield. With discordant pitched up R&B vocal loops driving over his trademark shuffling, lo-fi breakbeat drums, ‘Claustro’ combines melodic electronic with a sense of weirdness as the track’s gradually increasing tempo and clustered details result in a feeling of claustrophobic danceability. – Kelly
4.
Cassius
Nothing About You
After the tragic death of Cassius’ Phillipe Zdar last week, the French duo’s new album Dreems has been released ahead of time and is packed with hip-shaking, polished fun. Album highlight ‘Nothing About You’ is a slice of sleek electro-pop built on restrained synthesisers, detached vocals, a catchy chorus and a definite promise to get any listener dancing instantly. – Kelly
5.
Hot Chip
Clear Blue Skies
Another cut this week produced by the late Phillipe Zdar, ‘Clear Blue Skies’ showcases Hot Chip doing what they do best. A melancholic and wandering track, Clear Blue Skies takes the structure of a sad acoustic folk anthem and attaches it to glitchy electronics and orchestral turns to build a beautifully swelling piece with distinctly rich vocals. It’s a patient track that takes its time and is well worth the payoff. – Kelly
6.
AMA
Real
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXbZrEPzdG8
‘Real’ is a song that you will have to listen to a few times. There are just so much interesting components to this song without it being overpowering. AMA uses some very interesting samples in the song and manipulates them to fit her avant-garde R&B sound.
AMA uses this song to discuss the frustration of trying to reach out to someone close to you yet they refuse to let their guard down, she told Paper magazine in an interview. Her vocals further push this frustration she feels as she bounces between smooth notes over to harsh staggered chorus. – Donal
7.
Black Midi
Speedway
Black Midi, the experimental rock band from London have released their new album Schlagenheim. The second track on the album is a perfect example of their unique sound. Distorted guitars clash with a tight beat on the snare drum to create a chaotic theme throughout the song.
The song is a perfect example of Black Midi’s startling sound. The calm vocals are contrasted with crashing cymbals and building riffs, making you sit on the edge of your seat. The new album has already made its way to Pitchfork magazine’s best new music section. It’s without a doubt an album that grabs and holds your attention via its demanding and sometimes abrasive experimentalism. – Donal
8.
Mannequin Pussy
Patience
Mannequin Pussy have returned and ‘Patience’ is the perfect place to jump back into their vibe. They incorporate a pop-punk meets vintage rock feel with some beautiful harmonies from singer Marisa Debise. Furthermore, her vocal range in the chorus is seriously impressive and has us really excited to hear it live.
It’s refreshing to hear a band who don’t shy away from classic rock melodies. The guitar riff is instantly catchy on first listen. It has a subtle melody ring that is complemented excellently by a tight drum roll. – Donal
9.
Mattiel
Blisters
Mattiel’s new album Satis Factory album has a lot of variety to it and ‘Blisters’ is a great example of this. The rolling beat on the snare drum and staccato keys give it a country-rock sound. Brown has a folky twinge to her voice in this track. This is interesting in contrast to other songs in the album which could range from grunge to pop.
After recovering from a life-threatening illness five years ago, Brown gave up the day job and began to dedicate all her time to music. She has since toured with Jack White and picked up critical acclaim for her new album. – Donal
10.
Squarehead
Morning
‘Morning’ is the newest track to be released by the Dublin garage pop/indie band, Squarehead. The song is a laid back piece that would fit perfectly into any summer playlist, almost giving the impression of an Irish answer to someone like Yellow Days, Boy Pablo or debut LP era Mac DeMarco.
The riff is a standout piece in the song with a smooth and simple piano that sets the song up with a nice rhythm. The guitar bounces off a simple synth melody, showcasing exactly how garage and pop should come together. – Donal
