Here are 10 of the best new songs we’ve heard in the past week, tried, tested and true for you.
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1.
Robyn
Because It’s In The Music
Robyn returned with her first album in eight years last Friday Honey, and once you get over the initial shock at the absence of the bangers that the Swede is known for, it makes for a compelling listen. Other than lead singles ‘Missing U‘ and ‘Honey‘, ‘Because It’s In The Music‘ bares the most resemblance to what we heard in classic Robyn albums Body Talk Pt. 1 and Robyn with smooth beats and a vocal melody you can’t help but sing along to.
2.
Tyler, The Creator
You’re A Mean One, Mr. Ginch
This December will see the (anticipated..?) re-release of Christmas classic The Grinch. A surprising addition to the film soundtrack is Tyler The Creator, who just released his track for the movie ‘You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch‘. The track retains the lyrics of the original song performed by Thurl Ravenscroft, but the style is faithful to the type of music that Tyler is know for in the spicy rhymes and hip-hop beats on top of a jazzy reharmonisation. Is it acceptable to get excited for Christmas now?
3.
Hælos
Buried In The Sand
London-based four-piece HÆLOS released their gorgeous debut album Full Circle in 2016 and they’ve been quiet on the new music front ever since. This looks likely to change with a promise of a full-length album in 2019, but for now they have placated us with a brooding new single ‘Buried In The Sand’. The track is instrumentally busy, with relentless and varying percussive rhythms layer with spacey synths and automated vocal effects. If their new album sounds anything similar, we’re in for a real treat.
4.
NAO
Orbit
It was anyone’s guess whether Nao would aim for commercial or artistic success with her second album, and it’s release last week saw her (thankfully) confirm the latter. ‘Orbit‘ is one of the more stripped back tracks on the album, with enough instrumental space to allow her to showcase the stellar vocal ability that garnered her worldwide acclaim.
5.
Allie X
Focus
Allie X has been on the rise for some time, and her new album Super Sunset affirms that this ascent is set to continue. Taking evident influence from artists like Robyn, the EP is pure electro-pop perfection with splashing drums and bright synths that rise and fall underneath Allie’s consistently robotic vocal. ‘Focus‘ eases you out of the album (and the trance-like state that it places you in), with slow-building synth-lines and layers of vocoders. We like a lot.
6.
Julia Holter
Another Dream
Julia Holter truly embodies avant-pop and this is no more evident than in her new album Aviary. ‘Another Dream’ is one of the more experimental tracks on the album; celestial organs blend with electronic synths and harps, while Holter’s voice is layered multiple times which renders chilling results. The song is just over 6 minutes long, by the end of which, you will be converted to Holter’s magic.
7.
Jessica Pratt
This Time Around
‘This Time Around’ is the lead single from Californian singer-songwriter Jessica Pratt‘s upcoming third album. Pratt’s voice is the salient feature, with gentle guitar strums and unobtrusive strings standing as sole accompaniment. Sometimes less really is more. Her 2012 album was a Nialler9 favourite.
8.
Thom Yorke
Unmade
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke made his debut as a film composer in writing the full soundtrack for Luca Guadagnino’s remake of Suspiria. The whole album is (seasonally) appropriately haunting and beautiful. ‘Unmade‘ is one of the few tracks with vocals on the album, and it stands out for the unique idiosyncrasies in Yorke’s voice and gentle piano melodies. He performed a stunning rendition of the song live for BBC Radio 6 here.
9.
Le Boom
Animal
Dublin electronic dance duo Le Boom go from strength to strength with every release, and their new single ‘Animal‘ asserts just as much. While still very much a dance track, the song would feel just at home through headphones or radio speakers as it would filling out a dancefloor. It’s dance music with all the trappings and benefits of well-constructed songcraft.
10.
Thundercat
King Of The Hill (feat. BADBADNOTGOOD)
Thundercat and BadBadnotgood team up for a track that features on a new 36-track album marking Brainfeeder’s 10th year in existence. The album also features Flying Lotus, WOKE feat. George Clinton, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Dorian Concept, Ross From Friends and lots more. ‘King Of The Hill’ is a melancholic downbeat meeting of minds.
11.
Tame Impala and Theophilus London
Only You
Tame Impala and Theophilus London have some music coming out together and their first public showing is a cover of Steve Monite’s 1984 track ‘Only You’, which was recently reissued. It’s a faithful rendition of the original, so not hugely exciting if you’re familiar with the original but still, the prospect of both of these working together is intriguing enough for inclusion.
12.
Toro Y Moi
Freelance
Toro Y Moi has shared the lead track from his forthcoming sixth album Outer Peace and it’s a deep-fried funk track of house rhythms and bright chords.
