Fräulein – Pruning
Fräulein, who has released a string of stellar singles so far this year, has added another single with “Pruning.” The final taste of their upcoming mini-album, Sink or Swim (out June 14th on Submarine Cat Records), was produced in collaboration with London-based costume company Cosmolat. He ponders what happens after the good guys win and the happy ones rise to the top. Ever After begins. Will it last forever? Will the sacrifice be worth it? As Joni Samuels' vocals grow increasingly desperate (“Sink or swim? / I'll give it all”), Fräulein tackles these questions over meandering guitars and mighty drums, before mellowing Reminiscence moments on the keyboard almost give way to chanting. Outro. (Gemma Cockrell)
Human interest – shape change
It's only been five months since East Londoners Human Interest released their last project, Empathy Lives In Out Space, but there's no rest for the evil ones. Their latest cut, “Shapeshifting,” is the first single from their upcoming new EP (awesomely titled “Smile While You're Losing (An Audio Guide To Wellness)”), which will be released on Nice Swan Records this fall. It will be released. Effortlessly bridging the gap between hauntingly beautiful harmony verses and nostalgia-filled blockbuster choruses, “Shapeshifting” offers an evocative look at the many diverse selves we present to the world. And expressed empathetically. (Daisy Carter)
Sad Night Dynamite (feat. Yong Kayo) – The Godfather
For their first release of 2024 (following last year's 'Sick of Your Sound'), Sad Night Dynamite are back with 'The Godfather'. It's a dark, trap-infused track that softens the mood with hushed, near-whisper vocals and shimmering percussion. The screams build anticipation for what's about to happen. The beat drops, revealing the track's rapped, high-pitched hook. Then, sound effects like gunshots and the rattling of coins are incorporated at unexpected moments, and Yung Kayo shines with a more upbeat hip-hop verse in the second half. Sad Night Dynamite's return is a welcome one, as they're never a duo that makes things predictable or repetitive. (Gemma Cockrell)
Fukaresu – It's decided
“It Was Decided,” the latest single from Norwegian alt-rock quartet fucales, is a loud, cacophonous noise with a dreamy/aggressive contrast that draws influences from the likes of Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, creating an emotional pop vibe. Incorporating elements. Tracks like this prove that longer cuts are still worth listening to. It builds up a tense frenzy in five minutes, demonstrating the group's ability to blend instrumental ideas into a satisfying smoothie. Angular guitar lines with psychedelic elements, soothing vocals, and an explosive rhythm section ultimately combine to capture the essence of “It Was Decided”: finding joy in chaos. (Kyle Rosniak)
Amanda See – Yangtze
A relentlessly upbeat pop number might not be what comes to mind when you're looking for the soundtrack for a much-needed tear-jerker session, but Amanda Cy's latest song is a strong candidate for the role. Arriving on the heels of a European tour with Griff, “Yangtze'' is the latest, aptly titled release from the Stockholm singer's upcoming EP “Waterworks,'' due out next month. Cascading synths and propulsive rhythms drive an outpouring of emotion, her MUNA-esque alternative to her pop that finds a visceral catharsis. (Emily Savage)
Vanity Fairy – Love Me Right
Once again, the fuse of shy disco bangerdom is lit as Vanity Fairy's latest single 'Love Me Right' bursts onto the dance floor, inviting you warmly into the folds of a sequined gold cloak. In this infectious disco-pop cut, the London grassroots cult favorite – whose gig schedule is as jam-packed as her wardrobe of kaftan collections – channels kitschy glitterball hilarity. Expressed over dull synths and a pulsating percussive groove. Arriving via Moshi Moshi as the final track on her 2nd EP, 'Top Of The Pops', expect all the low-res, flashy eccentricity that Vanity Fairy does best here. (Hazel Bratcher)
Better Joy – While Talking
Manchenian group Better Joy have steadily built a reputation for their distinctive blend of shoegaze and indie, all backed by the commanding vocals of frontperson Bria Kiely. The unstoppable riff of their latest release, “Talking Around,” is reminiscent of his early '00s garage groups, but the end result is far from derivative. Lyrically, there's an underlying darkness, but the propulsive beat makes this a song you can't help but groove to. Having worked with producer Steve Osborne (Happy Mondays, New Order), Better Joy clearly has a lot of expectations to live up to. Filled with grit and lyrical depth, “Talking Around” more than lives up to its hype. (Chris Connor)
Night Tape – Projection
Taken from Night Tapes' EP 'assisted names' (out today) and a follow-up to previous single 'every day is a game', this upbeat, dance-infused track features dreamy, futuristic vocals and , it's a cheerful and uplifting listen. A steady drumbeat provides a springboard for bouncy pop synths. If you want to hear sounds that sound like they were created beyond the realms of Earth (but also songs that will make you want to dance around your kitchen), “projections” should definitely be added to your playlist. (Gemma Cockrell)