Whilst the weather might be crap, these new tracks definitely aren’t. Grab your headphones (even if they’re old-school wires) and press play.
TRACK OF THE WEEK: Lime Garden – Nepotism (baby)
Dear 2022’s release ‘Bitter’, I regret to inform you that the new track ‘Nepotism (baby)’ might just steal your first-place award for Lime Garden’s greatest banger so far. My deepest condolences. The single arguably features Chloe Howard’s best delivery to date, seamlessly blending the band’s quintessential sound with touches of guitar pop and a background of keys. As an ode to and comment on modern society, Howard like the child within all of us, hypothesises life in the limelight, imagining herself as a Lily-Rose Depp or Lila Moss, born with enough money to do ‘whatever the f**k it is they do’. [ND]
Also new this week…
Sona Blue – Bleeding
One of a handful of tracks from the artist’s new EP. With a heavenly, dream-like introduction, London-based artist Sona Blue pairs ethereal harmonies with a songwriting talent that is brand spanking new, shining with originality as Sona Blue aches and pines over unrequited love. Perfect for fans of Dominic Fike. [ND]
Willie J Healey – Woke Up Smiling
Kodaline’s ‘Brand New Day’ meets Bob Dylan’s nostalgic ‘If Not For You’. Optimistic lyrics are paired with a set of dazed and confused-esque guitar riffs and slides. A true Sunday Morning track ready to be paired with a steaming cup of coffee and encapsulating smiles. [ND]
Madilyn Bailey – Serious
It blows my mind today that songwriters can garner such massive followings simply through TikTok and YouTube, but I suppose that’s a sign of the times. And if it launches artists like Madilyn Bailey – who can clearly write the banger of all pop bangers – well, credit where credit’s due. This is a “driving with the sunroof open through the city at night” kind of song but really, you can enjoy it anywhere. It’s catchy as hell. [TF]
She’s in Parties – Summer Haze
It cannot be denied that the Essex quartet’s shoegaze and dream pop luminaries shine through their latest release. A perfect blend of synth sounds, harmonic vocals and a stunning instrumental backdrop all create an ethereal listening experience. The track is indeed a haze, reminiscent of childhood sunflower fields and beaming sunlight. [ND]
Bebadoobee – the way things go
Fresh off a career-high opening slot for the Eras Tour, beabadoobee is back with a new single, and it’s amazing she’s flown under the radar as long as she has. ‘the way things go’ is a simple tale of heartache but full of life and lush layers of programming. ‘Passed your house when I was on a train / in my mind you’ll always stay the same…’ – big fan of this one… [TF]
Durry – I’m Fine (No Really)
If this duo isn’t on your radar yet, hopefully, we can change that. Durry’s new single exists somewhere between late-aughts emo and the post-Mumford and Sons radio-folk boom and I won’t be surprised if it takes over the airwaves any time now. If you’re not afraid of a good time… call Durry. [TF]
LØLØ – hot girls in hell
LØLØ is the current queen of emotional yet catchy pop-punk/alternative songs about heartbreak and revenge. Her new single ‘hot girls in hell’ is a fun, powerful FU song to a toxic ex that I’m sure we can all relate to. [SD]
Jessie Reid – Every Stranger
This dreamy indie-folk track offers the perfect backing for Midlands-based Jessie Reid to show off her smooth vocals. A reflective song about navigating grief and the trappings of social media, it tackles the tough subject in a beautifully eloquent manner and firmly cements Jessie as having strong talent in the indie-folk genre. [AV]
Citizen – If You’re Lonely
Citizen are back with a new album in October, and this first single off it is a fun, upbeat indie-punk tune about hope and keeping it all together when things seem like they are falling apart. It’s a song we need in today’s world. A fun song to sing along to, whether by yourself or at a Citizen concert. [SD]
OK Go – This
OK Go are known primarily for their elaborate and extremely entertaining music videos, but you can’t ignore the fact that they also craft fun, upbeat, catchy songs. ‘This’ is exactly this…a song with a full horn section about how great life is in the moment, written for the upcoming film The Beanie Bubble. “It just don’t get better than this.” [SD]
Contributor Key:
[TF] TJ Foster, [ND] Neve Dawson, [SD] Shawn-Ray Dalinsky, [AV] Amrit Virdi
