There are so many good singles floating around these days that it’s hard to keep up. This Five Songs You Must Hear list features some familiar names along with some fresh new stuff.
1. Princess Nokia, Drop Dead Gorgeous
Single (Arista)
Recommended If You Like: Freely mixing genres
The Princess is actually Destiny Nicole Frasqueri of New York City. She ably bounces between multiple genres (hip-hop, rap-including rock and emo, trip-hop, trap, and more). Her favourite artists include Korn, Slipknot, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and anyone involved in the rave scene. If I were to name a Song of the Summer (and I don’t get a vote), this would be it. All the boxes are ticked.
2. Big Special, God Save the Pony
National Average (So)
RIYL: Black Country punk
Two guys here: Joe Hicklin and Callum Moloney. They love punk, but they always want people to dance while also reminding us that “This is s**t, we know it’s s**t, and you know it’s s**t, but let’s try and do something together.” I can get behind that.
3. Tame Impala, End of Summer
Single (Columbia)
RIYL: A midsummer club banger
Australia’s Kevin Parker caused a bit stir among the alt-rock cognoscenti on July 25 when this single, the lead track from an upcoming fifth album, showed up. At seven-minute end-of-summer songs go, this is probably what we need. Note the super-wide aspect ratio of the video.
4. NewDad, Roobosh
Altar (Atlantic)
RIYL: Righteous Irish Anger
NewDad (the name comes from an online band name generator) is originally from Galway but is now working out of London. This debut single from their new album (due September 19) features a fed-up frontperson, Julie Dawson expressing all her rage. Cathartic. Nice one-shot video, too.
5. Soulwax, Run Free
All Systems are Lying (DeeeWee/Because Music)
RIYL: Albums made without guitars
Soulwax, the Belgian band led by the Dewaele brothers, are about to return with their first studio album in seven years on October 17. The goal was to make a rock album with relying on electric guitars. Everything on the record comes from modular synthesizers, tape machines, live drums, and processed vocals.
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