Charli XCX - "Speed Drive (From the Barbie Soundtrack)"

 

Charli XCX's contribution to the Barbie soundtrack is the buzzy "Speed Drive" which features a sample of Robyn's "Cobrastyle" and interpolates lyrics from Toni Basil's classic "Mickey." It's a lot of fun.

Lloyd Cole - "Wolves"

"Wolves" is the haunting closing track to Lloyd Cole's 12th solo album On Pain. It's a meditation on the eternal creep of modernity, with Cole's aching voice enveloped in washes of synths and mournful guitar.

Aphex Twin - "Blackbox Life Recorder 21f"

Aphex Twin's first official release in five years is the beautiful, shape-shifting track "Blackbox Life Recorder 21f" which is set to appear on an upcoming four-track EP called Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In a Room7 F760, which comes out next month.

Slowdive - "kisses"

Slowdive has announced their first album in over 6 years titled everything is alive, which is dedicated to vocalist and guitarist Rachel Goswell’s mother and drummer Simon Scott’s father, who both died in 2020. The first single is "kisses" which shimmering guitars and melancholy synths riding over a motorik beat.

Sigur Rós - "Gold"

Sigur Rós returns after a 10-year absence with the majestic and symphonic ÁTTA. My favorite song on the record is the haunting "Gold" which focuses on Jónsi's otherworldly voice, bathing it in solemn strings and muted percussion.

feeble little horse - "Sweet"

Philadelphia-based rock band feeble little horse just released their excellent second album, Girl With Fish, which is the perfect mix of alt-rock, shoegaze experimentation, and juicy hooks. It was challenging to pick one song to highlight, as everyone feels like an instant classic. "Sweet" is a fuzzy, buzzy number sounding like MBV if they went pop.

ANOHNI and the Johnsons - "Sliver of Ice"

"Sliver of Ice" was inspired by some of the final words Lou Reed said to ANOHNI before he passed, commenting on how sometimes the simplest things can give the greatest pleasure. It's a beautifully minimal song featuring soft, brushed drums, gossamer guitars, muted woodwinds, and ANOHNI's striking voice. It will appear on her upcoming record with the Johnsons, My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross.

Rose Gray - "Happiness"

A super fun, 90s-referencing dance track from Rose Gray built around lyrics and samples from Deee-Lite’s 1990 classic "Groove Is in the Heart." The smile-inducing song is produced by Eats Everything and Eli Brown.

Rosalía - "Tuya"

Global sensation Rosalía mixes reggaeton with Japanese elements on "Tuya," which shows the singer stretching the limits of her gorgeous voice.

Odonis Odonis ft. ACTORS - "No One Left"

Toronto post-punk duo Odonis Odonis teams up with Jason Corbett of ACTORS for the driving guitar rave-up "No One Left." 

Tove Lo - "I like u"

Tove Lo amps up the fun on "I like u," a non-album dance track that harkens back to 90s Eurodance songs. 

Joe Goddard & Florious - "Loverboy"

Hot Chip's Joe Goddard and Florious team up on the electro-disco track "Loverboy" which gives lots of Sylvester and Bronski Beat vibes.

Foo Fighters - "Hearing Voices"

The Foo Fighters' new record But Here We Are is a poignant meditation on grief and loss following the deaths of drummer Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl's mother last year. It is one of the Foo's best records and one of the best records this year. "Hearing Voices" is one of my favorite tracks, with its lovely Cure-esque guitars and haunting lyrics about absence and loss. 

Serge Geyzel - "Don't Know What You Are Thinking"

Producer Serge Geyzel's EP As Fallen Leaves is 6 tracks of gorgeous IDM and electronica. A standout track is "Don't Know What You Are Thinking" whose twinkling synths add an air of longing over the skittering percussion. And when the bass kicks in, prepare for your world to fold in on itself.