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.
The Scotts
The Scotts
THE SCOTTS feels like a natural step for Texas MC and producer Travis Scott. His recent recorded material, like the JACKBOYS project, has been indicative of the value Scott places upon collaboration.
So that Scott would enlist the help of (and not for the first time) Kid Cudi is no surprise. Cudi’s early material really helped popularise more psychedelic tones and textures in mainstream hip-hop – something Scott would go on to place at the centre of his creative ethos a generation later.
As a collaboration, it’s about as natural a fit as you can imagine. The proof is in the pudding anyway. ‘THE SCOTTS’ is an excellent tune.
2.
Fort Romeau
Fantasia
A dose of intensely focused, stare-down synth-wave in the form of ‘Fantasia’ from British producer and DJ Fort Romeau.
3.
Khruangbin
Time (You & I)
‘Time (You and I)’ marks a continuing trend for Texas vintage psych and soul group Khruangbin, that of introducing vocals to what had been a largely instrumental (some exceptions, like ‘White Gloves’ exist) group.
Infact, much of the band’s forthcoming album is set to feature various vocal perfomances. If they’re as good as ‘Time (You and I)’, it’ll make for very happy listening.
4.
Kelly Lee Owens
Night
Welsh artist and producer Kelly Lee Owens’ ‘Night’ is a superb exploration into experimental club textures and sounds.
There’s a real emotional atonality about ‘Night’, crowned by Owen’s reverb-drenched opening vocals. It feels artificial, alien even. Then the tune kicks in proper around the 2:40 mark and you’re right there with it, totally engrossed.
5.
Westside Gunn
$500 Ounces
Pray For Paris is the album you’re looking for if you’ve been craving straight golden bars. ‘$500 Ounces’ is a personal preference, but you can’t really go wrong anywhere on Westside Gunn’s new album.
6.
Oscar #Worldpeace
MMM
Smart, confident hip-hop from Mike Skinner mentored British MC Oscar #Worldpeace on new single ‘MMM’.
7.
Kali Uchis
Honey Baby
Colombian-American R&B artist Kali Uchis continues her ascent from cult favourite to global force with the new TO FEEL ALIVE EP. A collection of largely down-tempo, relatively low key arrangements spearheaded by Uchis’ standout lyricism and dynamic vocal performances.
8.
Flume x Toro Y Moi
The Difference
‘The Difference’, the end result of a collaboration between Flume and Toro y Moi, is a textbook example of a grower.
That is, hearing the atypical arrangement can feel a bit jarring at first – particularly with it’s soft vocals clashing against a rigid break beat drum pattern. However, both creative forces involved in ‘The Difference’ are in top form here. A tune you appreciate more and more with repeated listens.
9.
Jack Garratt
Better
British artist and producer Jack Garratt returns to his eclectic best on new single ‘Better’.
The cohesive blend of club music, indie rock riffage and popcentric melody is emblematic of Garratt’s everything and the kitchen sink approach to drawing influence.
10.
White Poppy
Hardly Alive
Gorgeous, dreamy guitar pop from Vancouver-based artist White Poppy on her new album Paradise Gardens. Whole album definitely worth a listen or two.
