King Isis – MONKI
Unapologetically rejecting all boundaries, narratives and ideologies, MONKI is a defiant rebirth of self-expression by King Isis. The song, taken from the Oakland-born artist's upcoming EP shed (out on March 21st via Dirty Hit), reaffirms her move towards a darker, grungier sound on her sophomore effort. . Between the metallic guitars and crunchy percussion, the subtly eerie vocals create an eerie atmosphere. But make no mistake, this track is a surprisingly positive sign of things to come. (Emily Savage)
Been Stellar – Passed the Judgment
Bean Stella's early songs are firmly rooted in the lineage of classic New York indie bands, with 'Passing Judgment' sounding like The Strokes reincarnated, picking up the baton from the likes of Julian Casablancas. is the first song from their upcoming debut song “Scream From New York, NY.” ' – something denser and more claustrophobic. There's a hint of Fontaines D.C. in the urgent guitar playing backed by backing vocalist Sam Slocum's tense playing, or in the heavy, dirty filter of The Walkmen's “The Rat.” ing. “Scream…'' appears to be a more aggressive listen from a band just signed to Dirty Hit. (Lisa Wright)
Kaeto – don't ask
Fusing elements of trip-hop, dance, electronic music and alt-pop with a nostalgic '90s vibe, “Don't Ask” is Scottish-born, London-based Kaet's third release since signing to Polydor last summer. It will be the second single. The track oozes confidence as her mesmerizing vocals interweave with lilting synths and funky drum patterns, while she explores her relationship with herself and her all-too-relatable inner self-love. It explores conflict lyrically. (Gemma Cockrell)
Ellie Bleach – That's Show M
Ellie Breach's storytelling talent is on full display as she captivates listeners with the haunting and beautiful piano melody of “That'll Show 'Em.” Her theatrical work, Ellie, strikes a fine balance between wit and melancholy, weaving an evocative story that truly runs the gamut of emotions. Here, the story lets the piece shine, and it's so engaging that it feels like it was made for a big curtained stage or a glass of red wine on a cold night. (Katie Macbeth)
Lip Critic – Milky Max
Lip Critic's latest single “Milky Max” from his upcoming debut album “Hex Dealer” packs a punch. Following previous cuts “It's the Magic” and “The Heart,” the Brooklyn band's new song combines electronic music and hardcore for a vibrant and groovy listen. In addition to being experimental music, the track will also be released alongside a video game, allowing fans to play along via a visualizer. Here, Lip Critic captures what it means to be a musician in 2024 and pushes all boundaries. (Gemma Cockrell)
Night Bus – Average Boy
Nightbus once again showcases their brooding and eerie sound with “Average Boy,” a powerful guitar-driven track that comes paired with a cinematic video. Blending poetry and music with insightful spoken word poetry, the band captures the beauty of simplicity. There are similarities with things like Daughter, and a commitment to avoiding crowding allows the arrangement to be truly successful. Considering how he responded to fans begging for his LP in the YouTube comments section, it's safe to say that Nightbus has succeeded in leaving his musical mark. (Amrit Virdi)
Bored at Grandma's House – Show & Tell
Following their 2023 single “Inhibitions,” Bored At My Grandmas House is back with follow-up “Show & Tell,” along with news that their album of the same name will be released on June 7th. The track is a mix of dream pop, bedroom pop, and shoegaze reminiscent of artists like Soccer His Mummy, Snail His Mail, and Albweiz, and talks about shutting people out out of fear of being the underdog. Contains lyrics. Its ultimate realization? That vulnerability is actually something to be embraced. (Gemma Cockrell)
Marja – Invisible Man
Already a fan favorite for their intense live performances, Maruja's latest single “Invisible Man” once again showcases the foursome's unique ability to blend elements of jazz, post-punk, and hardcore into a single track. is showing. 'Invisible Man', the Manchester band's first song since their October single 'One Hand Behind The Devil', begins with a slow build-up led by a mesmerizing saxophone melody, then gradually builds in intensity. It explodes into a powerful and energetic climax. It leaves the listener breathless and begging for more. (Katie Macbeth)
Vanity Fairy – Top of the Pops
Following last month's dreamy, psychedelic single “Jungle Jim,'' Vanity Fairy's latest album “Top of the Pops'' takes on a more upbeat sound. This slice of camp, optimistic disco-pop is driven by his dazzling '80s synthesizers, drenched in bucketfuls of nostalgia, and tinged with a futuristic glow that shines through the vocals. The result is one of Vanity Fairy's strongest releases to date. This is a song worthy of Top of the Pops. (Gemma Cockrell)
YAZ – Love is art
YAZ's third single, “Love Is Art,” is a reflective, pensive song that leans into the band's deeper philosophical leanings. Based in London but drawn from all over the world, they draw on their multicultural roots to create a unique blend of indie pop and rock. With a sense of positivity that always seems to be at the heart of their work, this track manages to remain melancholic and thoughtful, yet uplifting and uplifting. That spirit is sure to bring a smile to your face. (Gemma Cockrell)
Sarah Julia – Mt.Fuji
Released to coincide with the release of her debut EP, How Do We Go Back To Being Normal?, Mount Fuji is Sara Julia's latest ambient addition to her discography. The emotional track transports you back to autumn with its acoustic sound and natural imagery, and surprises you with its nostalgic and unforgettable harmonies. The simple yet effective instrumentation, starting with an acoustic guitar and gradually introducing strings, makes it an ideal addition to your rainy day playlist. (Amrit Virdi)
C Turtle – Melvin said this
C. Turtle's latest single, “Melvin Said This,'' the final single ahead of his upcoming album “Expensive Thrills,'' is an unabashedly noisy blend of alternative rock. Featuring raucous guitars and fierce lead synth lines, this track exudes an energy reminiscent of the 1980s grunge rock scene. Fronted by Cole Flynn Quirke, the London four-piece create a sense of breathlessness here that guarantees a chaotic live show, and this single marks the band's opportunity to express a more carefree and exciting side of their sound. He has proven that he is more than capable. (Kyle Rosniak)
gglum – eat rust
In Glam's “Eating Lust,” the latest single from her upcoming debut album, The Garden Dream, she delicately captures the insecurities of craving an ex-lover's attention. By marrying ghostly elements of folk-pop instrumentation over confessional lyrics, she brings to life a series of hazy and intimate memories – a track shot in an actual bedroom photo booth Only enhanced by the must-see video of – Pop Fashion. (Milly Tempo)
Ugly – Carol the Shepherd
“Shepherd's Carol'' is the latest release from London and Cambridge six-piece Ugly, and it cleverly expresses the influence of collaboration in this new chapter for the band. As a distinct riff guides the track, its subtle ebbs and flows slowly become more pronounced, before tempo changes, glorious synth lines, and upbeat choral harmonies swoop in. When all the elements come together, it's impossible to ignore the tremendous amount of feel-good energy this track radiates. By the end, you won't know whether you want to laugh or cry. (Milly Tempo)
Dura Meter – Umbrella Tree
Nottingham-based eight-piece (!) Dura Meter's debut single 'Umbrella Tree' serves as a good introduction to the collective's diverse musical sensibilities. Reconciling some of the members' classical training with the raw, DIY ethos of South London's fertile scene, the track's dense layers unfold to reveal brooding brass touches and an almost choral-like BV. and injects a surprising gentleness into its angular Sprechgesang core. It's a suitably intelligent first move from this neurologically-named team, which already has slots in support of Geese, Foley Group and Sandara Karma. (Daisy Carter)