Here are the best new songs we’ve heard in the past week, tried, tested and ready for your ears.
We are an independent publication – become a member and support Nialler9
Follow the Nialler9 Weekly playlist for access to the freshest new music.
1.
The Weeknd
After Hours
The opening track from The Weeknd’s latest full-length After Hours previews many of the album’s reoccurring motifs. From a sonic perspective, this down-tempo cut is soaked in 80s synth nostalgia – a feeling present throughout the record.
Thematically, Abel displays a flash of introversion on ‘Alone Again’, the first insight into what is easily The Weeknd’s most reflective body of work to date.
2.
Maribou State
Mother
London duo Maribou State break up the duller moments of self-isolation with the skewed and hypnotic grooves of new single ‘Mother’.
3.
Yves Tumor
Kerosene!
Yves Tumor continues to evade exacting labels on new single ‘Kerosene!’. At this point, one could just as easily expect the lo-fi charm of ‘Kerosene!’ as they could a five-minute industrial synth battering. Surprises are a fine thing though, especially when they’re as good as the ones Yves Tumor makes.
4.
Lapsley
Speaking Of The End
The swan song from Lapsley‘s Through Water is a powerful pop piano tune. The reverb on the lead vocals melts into the silences within the arrangement while a bare acoustic piano carries the harmony.
5.
Childish Gambino
Algorhythm
The jury is still very much out on Childish Gambino‘s long and somewhat murky new LP, however, ‘Algorhythm’ is an easy and early highlight. Strong Yeezus vibes here.
6.
JFDR
Think Too Fast
Lifted from Icelandic musician JFDR‘s debut album New Dreams, ‘Think Too Fast’ is an intimate piece of art-pop, carried on the hushed lead vocal line and a plinky arpeggio. Some very nice vocal layering on the track’s second half.
7.
Greentea Peng
Ghost Town
One of London’s finest R&B artists Greentea Peng recently released the superb ‘Ghost Town’. It’s an atmospheric piece of work that successfully leans into the worlds of trip-hop and dub.
8.
Murmur Tooth
A Fault In This Machine
New Zealand native Murmur Tooth has just released her debut LP A Fault In Our Machine, the title track is an electric bit of post-punk.
9.
Jordan
Believe (Original Mix)
Insert this banger from NI producer Jordan into your afternoon today for a guaranteed and much-needed dopamine rush.
10.
Zebra Katz
Lousy
Jamaican-American MC Zebra Katz has just released his gritty new LP Less Is Moor. ‘Lousy’ is lifted from the project, a menacing piece of underground hip-hop.
