No matter how problematic Justin’s become, those damn “It’s gonna be May” memes were still everywhere this week. Anyways, here we are. Another month gone by. Another allergy season upon us. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been lamenting the loss of your sinuses lately, but at least the ears are still working. We’re highlighting lots of great new singles this week. Don’t believe us? Read on. Do believe us? Read on anyways.
TRACK OF THE WEEK: Charly Bliss – Nineteen
Charly Bliss have traded in their semi-fuzzy, grunge-lite sound for a huge, piano-led one on their new single ‘Nineteen’. The New York quartet has always had pop-leanings in their songs, but this seems like an intentional genre shift for the group. Quite honestly, their songwriting has never sounded tighter, and singer Eva Hendricks has never sounded stronger. There’s even a sax solo! Jack Antonoff would approve. Oh, look at that: he does. [TJ]
Also new this week…
Hippo Campus – Everything At Once
On their return, Hippo Campus are getting meditative. Their first release since the Wasteland EP in 2023 sees them slowing down, taking a deep breath, and embracing patience. The mellow, languorous, summer-drenched guitar tones set the tone for the world that Hippo Campus are creating in this new era of their music, which also sees them exit the traditional label system and sign to Psychic Hotline, an independent imprint run by some close friends. [GC]
La Luz – I’ll Go With You
Summer is upon us and now the feeling is finally sinking in. La Luz’s new single ‘I’ll Go With You’ is the ultimate road trip song. If the title alone wasn’t obvious enough, then the striking intro reinforces why this was made for the car. Driving as the sun beams high and matched with the low twangs of the guitar in the instrumental, what a perfect combination. So, don’t be shy, let this song be the start of your 2024 Summer playlist and get curating now before it’s winter all over again. [TM]
LØLØ – Kill the Girl
My favourite pop-punk up-and-comer is back with another single from her upcoming record, falling for robots and wishing i was one. Per usual, fans of Olivia Rodrigo and Avril Lavigne should be all over this. LØLØ has a big, bright career ahead of her and this summer should be just the beginning of it. [TJ]
Canty – hahaha
The releases from London-based artist Canty so far have been beautifully atmospheric and cinematic pieces. ‘hahaha’ fits right in as a swooning electronic track with theatrical emotion in its vocal melody. This single features on the singer’s upcoming EP, hahahahahahahahaha (I bet you read that, as I am writing, with a straight face and now you’ve realised how sarcastic you sound) dropping May 24th. [LW]
Pixey – Million Dollar Baby
‘Million Dollar Baby’ feels like a breath of fresh air, a deliciously fun tune that will make you excited to welcome the summer season with open arms. The chorus is a catchy one — it’s just so damn fun to sing ‘maybe I should take out a dirty loan / million dollar baby‘ in combination with the upbeat production. This is the title track to Pixey’s much anticipated debut album set to release August 2nd. [CC]
Faux Real – Love on the Ground
More listens leave me more annoyed at the under-seasoned music and how wilfully unclear and pretentious the lyrics are. Sorry guys, but a band that tried to set lines like ‘Are you so inclined that you’re kissing the Earth?‘ to a blipping, Metronomy-lite instrumental needs their shoulders shaking. Vagueness and poignancy are not interchangeable I’m afraid. [SL]
Hamish Hawk – Big Cat Tattoos
Hamish Hawk has returned with ‘Big Cat Tattoos’, his first release from new album, ‘A Firmer Hand’ (releasing on August 16th on his new label, So Recordings). The origin of the album’s title, the track is representative of what’s to come, as Hawk gets profoundly honest and offloads emotions that he has never unveiled. As theatrical, bold, and captivating as ever, this is an album rollout to keep on your radar. [GC]
Cassadee Pope – The Three of Us
A heartbreaking, pop ballad about having a relationship with an addict. It’s catchy, poignant and brutally honest. This song also seems to meld the two biggest chapters of her career, the early pop-punk/emo days with her more recent country stint, courtesy of The Voice. Not a total return to her roots, but it’s clear enough she’s heading there. [TJ]
Contributor Key:
[GC] Gemma Cockrell, [TM] Thomas Melia, [TJ] TJ Foster, [SL] Sam Lasley, [CC] Cat Campbell, [LW] Lydia Webb
