Anne-Marie & Little Mix ft. Becky Hill, Taye, & Stefflon Don - "Kiss My (Uh Oh)[Girl Power Remix)]"

 

Killer remix of this kiss-off track from Anne-Marie and Little Mix featuring Becky Hill, Raye, and Stefflon Don.

Joy Orbison - "layer 6"

After almost a decade from his first single, Joy Orbison finally releases his debut full-length Still Slipping Vol. 1. It's a travelogue of different electronic and dance styles, interspersed with snippets of dialogues with his family members. I am drawn to the vulnerability and vaporous melancholy of track "layer 6." It's a seemingly low-key song until you delve deep and hear a multitude of subtle elements working with each other. The ending passage is hauntingly beautiful.

Disclosure - "In My Arms"

The Lawrence brothers return with the euphoric new single "In My Arms." It's a giddy house track that longs for the return of people returning to the dancefloor.  

 

Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine - "Back To Oz"

Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine will soon release their collaborative album A Beginner's Mind. The songs they recorded are all inspired by movies they watched while making the record. "Back to Oz" is based on the misguided sequel to The Wizard of Oz. While the music of the song is loose and playful, the lyrics talk about loss and disillusionment.  

Martina Topley-Bird - "Pure Heart"

Produced by Massive Attack's Robert "3D" Del Naja, "Pure Heart" is taken from Topley-Bird's upcoming album Forever I Wait. It's a brooding and atmospheric song with muted beats, droning keyboards, and Cure-like guitars. She says that the song is an ode to her teens when listening to music was listened to in a communal/tribal sense. Even though her voice barely rises above a whisper, it is still a commanding presence, making you lean in closer to feel her emotions.

 

Wednesday - "One More Last One"

Asheville, North Carolina five-piece Wednesday just released their second album, Twin Plagues, and it is a monolithic record showing a more shoegaze sound. "One More Last One" buries vocals under waves of feedback and reverbed guitars. It could easily be slipped onto My Bloody Valentine's Loveless with no trouble. It's that good.

James Blake - "Life Is Not The Same"

"Life Is Not The Same" is the second advance single from James Blake's upcoming record Friends That Break Your Heart. He teams up with the production duo Take A Daytrip, who have worked on most of Lil Nas X's latest singles. I'm really loving this track which features Blake's distinctive vocals over a clicking drum track and melancholy piano chords with a stomach rumbling low end. 

Sassy 009 - "Here Comes The Weekend"

Oslo producer Sunniva Lingard, aka Sassy 009, returns with another mesmerizing single. "Here Comes The Weekend" expertly uses atmospheric synths, crisp drum machines with an industrial edge, deep bass lines, and Lingard's evocative vocals. She never disappoints. 

GusGus - "Stay The Ride"

 

Beautifully dark single from Icelandic band GusGus feels like a Gary Numan outtake, with its seductive synths and brooding vocals. It is on their latest record, the very solid Mobile Home.

Art School Girlfriend - "Softer Side"

Art School Girlfriend, aka Polly Mackey, is set to release her debut record Is It Light Where You Are in September. New single "Softer Side" is a delicate dream-pop song about the beginning of a breakup.  

Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen - "Like I Used To (Acoustic Version)"

Sublime collaboration from Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen. Their harmonies will give you goosebumps.

Duran Duran ft. CHAI - "MORE JOY!"

80s legends Duran Duran team up with Japanese band CHAI on the collaborative single "MORE JOY!" off their upcoming album FUTURE PAST. The single recalls songs from their debut album, very new romantic, and buzzy. The addition of CHAI's chanted backing vocals pulls it squarely into the present. It's a fun track.

RÜFÜS DU SOL - "Alive"

Australian electronic trio RÜFÜS DU SOL return with the single "Alive," their first new music in three years. It's a pulsating track that, while dark and brooding, also has a hopeful side. 

Cherry Glazerr - "Soft Drink"

 

Cherry Glazerr returns with a new single "Soft Drink" that finds the band embracing a more electro-pop sound, but still retaining their garage/shoegaze roots.

Liars - "Leisure War"

Angus Andrew returns with art-rock legends Liars' tenth album, the stellar The Apple Drop. While still maintaining their artsy bone fides, this album finds the band curving more towards accessibility. "Leisure War" is a standout track with loping beats, bleeping keyboards, grungey guitars, and Angus' trademark chanting vocals.

 

Tinashe - "Bouncin' Pt. 2"

 

Tinashe's new self-released album 333, is a wonderful mix of club bangers and steamy ballads. "Bouncin' Pt. 2" falls into the latter category, and it is a sensuous delight.

Angel Olsen - "The Safety Dance (Men Without Hats Cover)"

Angel Olsen takes Men Without Hats' classic 80s synthpop hit and makes it suitably Covid-era appropriate. It's moody and sinister and thought-provoking. It will be included on Olsen's upcoming EP of 80s covers called Aisles. 

Purity Ring - "soshy"

Canadian electronic duo Purity Ring return with their first music of 2021, the stand-alone track "soshy." It's a fairly muted track from them but is sensuous and evocative. Megan James' high-pitched vocals are soft one minute and then manipulated in glitchy ways.

Bleach Lab - "Old Ways"

South London quartet Bleach Lab released their debut EP A Calm Sense of Surrounding earlier this year. I am really loving the opening track "Old Ways" about navigating that point in a break-up where you both hate the person and miss them at the same time. Fluid guitars and a driving rhythm section provide the bones of the track, creating a fitting structure for vocalist Jenna Kyle's haunting voice.

The New Division - "System Shock"

The new single from synthpop act The New Division is full of its trademark sparkly synths and soaring melodies.

PVRIS - "Monster"

PVRIS, now the duo of Lynn Gunn and Brian MacDonald, preview new music on the eve of their headlining tour. "Monster" is a heavy-hitter, with thumping drums, wailing guitars, and buzz-drill bass lines. Gunn's vocals retain their grit and grace.