The Notwist - "Into Love/Stars"

 German electropop masters return after a 6-year absence with their latest record, Vertigo Days. The album is a fantastic collection of 14 tracks that are just as good as anything on their classic album Neon Golden. "Into Love/Stars" starts as a plaintive ballad but switches halfway through to a dream pop/krautrock ending. It's mesmerizing.

Arca - "Madreviolo"

 Shapeshifting artist Arca released the excellent album KiCk i last year and now follows it up with the 4-track EP Madre, which is 4 versions of the title track. While "Madre," a song she collaborated with Oliver Coates, is an exquisite, cello-lead lamentation, I was more drawn to the "Madreviolo" version which is starker and more intimate. Over stark strings, Arca's luminous voice is haunting and moving. This stunning track is also featured on HBO's Euphoria special episode Part 2: Jules.

Half Waif - "Orange Blossoms"

 Half Waif (a.k.a. Nandi Rose) releases a new single called "Orange Blossoms." It's an achingly tender song about being so overwhelmed with responsibility that you become paralyzed, unable to do the most mundane things. 

Visionist - "The Fold"

 

South London experimental producer and vocalist Visionist (a.k.a. Louis Carnell) previews his upcoming album A Call to Arms with the stunning track "The Fold," which features the commanding vocals of Haley Fohr.  The song is about many forms of protection. The striking video features footage filmed of Jonathan Schipper’s 2016 installation, Cubicle, from the Rice Gallery in Houston, TX. It has taken on a new meaning with the country under lockdown, what used to be can no longer be, creating confusion and destruction.

Smerz - "Believer"

 Norwegian duo Smerz plumb the depths of Pre-Millenium Tension-era Tricky in the title track to their upcoming debut album. The song is all rumbling basslines, strange electronics, shuffling drum programming, and whispered, almost chanted vocals that evoke a sense of dread and danger.

Lana Del Rey - "Chemtrails Over The Country Club"

 Lush and dreamy title track to Lana Del Rey's upcoming new record. It's another one of her piercing commentaries on the banality of suburban life.

Billie Eilish & Rosalía - "Lo Vas A Olvidar"

 Billie Eilish and Rosalía team up for the haunting single "Lo Vas A Olvidar." It is to be included on a special episode of HBO's Euphoria, Part 2: Jules. 

SZA - "Good Days"

 Beautiful new track from SZA that is a preview of what to expect from her follow-up to Ctrl. Her voice flutters over muted beats, dreamy guitars, and subtle synths. The song seems influenced by a relationship in flux, along with musings on life during COVID.

Perfume Genius - "Your Body Changes Everything (Boy Harsher Remix)"

 Perfume Genius has announced that every track on his album Set My Heart On Fire Immediately will be remixed on a collection called Immediately Remixes. The first taste we get is Boy Harsher's electro-pop remixes "Your Body Changes Everything."

ZAYN - "Vibez"

 Former One Direction singer ZAYN has a new album out today called Nobody Is Listening. Ironic, since this song is steadily climbing the charts. It's a super smooth pop/R&B track that showcases his velvety vocals.

Ellie Goulding - "Ode To Myself (Calm Remix)"

 This delicate acoustic ballad off Ellie Goulding's album Brightest Blue gets a gorgeous ambient remix from Matthew Pauling. The shimmering guitars recall the work of Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins.

Alice Glass - "SUFFER AND SWALLOW"

 

Alice Glass releases the first single from her upcoming self-titled solo debut album. It's an industrial-tinged track with her soft vocals paired with her abrasive, digitally manipulated backing vocals. 

London Grammar - "Lose Your Head"

 

London Grammar's upcoming record Californian Soil has been pushed back to April, however, we get a preview of the album with new single "Lose Your Head." It's a steadily building ballad that winds up with a swirling electronic coda.

Nilüfer Yanya - "Same Damn Luck"

 

Over a steady beat, melodic bass, muted synths, and wandering guitar lines, Nilüfer Yanya details the ups and downs of a relationship. The chorus has a killer melody.

PJ Harvey - "This Mess We're In (Demo)"

In anticipation of the reissue of her album Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea, PJ Harvey has released the demo of "This Mess We're In." The album version features vocals from Radiohead's Thom Yorke, but the demo is a gorgeous, stripped-down version that focuses on Harvey's emotive voice.

Superstructure - "onesix-four"

 The Ghostly record label and Cartoon Network's Adult Swim have teamed up for another compilation of electronic music called Ghostly Swim 3. Michigan's Todd Osborn, otherwise known as Superstructure, lends his playful touch to the IDM track "onesix-four."

Disclosure ft. Eko Roosevelt - "Tondo"

 

Off last year's excellent record ENERGY (Deluxe), "Tondo" finds the electronic due Disclosure sampling Cameroonian artist Eko Roosevelt on this irresistibly fun Afro-pop/disco track.

Bicep ft. Clara La San - "Saku"

Electronic duo Bicep returns this month with a new album called Isles. "Saku" is a departure for the duo, leaning more into footwork and future R&B territory. It's wistful and achingly beautiful.

 

Fred again.. - "Julia (Deep Diving)"

 British producer Fred again.. crafts a euphoric dance track around an Instagram post from US songwriter Julia Michaels. Her words are hopeful and comforting and the music just builds and builds with majestic piano chords. It's a wonderful song to start out the new year.