Wonderland.

WONDERLIST

Nia Archives’ vulnerable portrayal of the loneliness of life on the road, Rachel Cinouriri’s break-up anthem featuring Florence Pugh, and more: your new music roundup is here!

Nia Archives — “Crowded Roomz”

There are many sides to jungle revivalist Nia Archives talent. On “Crowded Roomz”, we see the Manchester multi-facet at their most reflective and vulnerable, as she delves into the loneliness and isolation that can come alongside a life on the road. Brave, anthemic and just a little bit heartbreaking, it’s another stunning track from one of the UK’s most essential artists currently plying their trade.

Rachel Chinouriri — “Never Need Me”

Rachel Chinouriri has the UK indie scene giddy at the knees. The soaring talent has made a mainstream splash for all the right reasons, and with this fresh offering of the year, shows that things are set to heat up for the singer-songwriter. “Never Need Me” is a sensational break-up anthem with a killer chorus. Plus, Florence Pugh in the video – what more could you want?

Khruangbin — “A Love International”

Influential and prolific band Khruangbin have always been at the forefront of innovation, and with news of their fourth studio record, A LA SALA, dropping in early April, we expect the group to offer up nothing less than brilliance. The lead teasing single is out today – groove-laden, mystical and intricate, it’s an instrumental journey through disparate emotional phases, setting them only further into their own bountiful artistic lane.

Chalk — “Claw”

Belfast post-punk/electronic act Chalk are making a hell of a lot of noise – literally and figuratively. This week, they’ve had a righteously rousing appearance at ESNS, announced their sophomore EP will be release on 1st March, and shared a brand new cut, “Claw”, a claustrophobic, disorienting nearly three and a half minutes of atmosphere and angst.

Valencia Grace — “Skin”

A promising new force in the pop space, Valencia Grace has a show-stopping voice and the songwriting ability to match. The newcomer has today reveal “Skin”, an impressive, cinematic number that depicts Grace’s fragility, both sonically and with its panoramic visual accompaniment.

Reuben Aziz – “come thruuu”

The multifaceted Reuben Aziz continues to impress with R&B-infused ‘come thruuu’. With Reuben flaunting his production and vocals skills on the track, we continue to see the talent and vision led by his ethereal sonic that we heard on viral single ‘find u’ and recent track ‘Running’. Have a listen and thank us later for your new favourite R&B artist.

Lord Apex – “The Good Fight”

Lord Apex’s single “The Good Fight”, title track from his recently acclaimed debut studio album The Good Fight, thrillingly serves up a rare, original production from Madlib – one of the most esteemed rap DJ’s and producers in rap – with a shimmering, soulful cut that snaps with hard drum patterns. AP glides across it, blending styles and speeds, delivering a trademark dose of substantial, high-grade rap. Lyrically it sees Apex paint a picture of what the good fight means; his story so far of work, hustle, smoke and “making art so the kids can keep vibing.” The track comes paired with a sleek official music video directed and designed by Erdvilas Abukevicius.

Van Houten — “Never Did Come Back”

Leeds shoegazers Van Houten have announced their forthcoming debut album, The Tallest Room, and, if it’s anything like their new single, we can’t wait. Out now, “Never Did Come Back” is vocalist and guitarist Louis Sadler’s personal favourite off of the album — and the one that the band feels represents their identity the best. A melancholic tale written from a difficult emotional space, the single harnesses the power of simplicity, letting every instrumental beat and word sung hold weight.

Jasmine Cephas-Jones — “Brighter (feat. Kevin Garrett)”

Jasmine Cephas-Jones is back and brighter than ever! The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and producer has released her new single, “Brighter (feat. Kevin Garrett)”, along with a short film to visualise its story. Spreading the power of self-discovery and stepping into who you’re meant to be, the track is the ultimate feel-good R&B track.

Glowe — “Mean Girls”

With all the hype around the iconic film’s remake, Glowe’s new pop anthem (and particularly its theatrical visual accompaniment) fits right in. The single, titled “Mean Girls”, is a message to embrace all that you are — however loud and confident that may be. Listen for yourself!

rEDOLENT — “jUST tRYING tO rELAX”

rEDOLENT’s new single, “jUST tRYING tO rELAX”, is a mesmerising experience touching on themes of anxiety. With a stunning blend of alt-pop and electronic notes, the song takes the listener on a beautiful journey through ambient melodies and captivating lyrics. The band’s honest and unique approach shines through — making this release truly a standout track.

Major League DJZ — “Margaret”

Major League DJz’s new single “Margaret” is an ethereal masterpiece, showcasing their talent in crafting stunning hip-hop, Kwaito, Afrobeats and Amapiano infused sonics. The infectious track highlights their global influence and genre-binding prowess. One to add to your weekend playlist and bop to all night…

LU KALA — “Nothing But Love”

LU KALA’s “Nothing But Love” is an electrifying start to 2024. After receiving high acclaim across the industry and being endorsed by none other than SZA, this newcomer’s vocal greatness shines in this upcoming release. We can’t wait to watch LU KALA thrive!

Nic Billington — “Slasher”

Warming up to the release of his sophomore album, Dark Horse, set to be released on February 9th, South Africa-born dark-pop luminary Nic Billington announces his newest single, “Slasher”. Fearlessly exploring the willingness to embrace risks in the pursuit of passion and desire, the synth-loaded track tells the intense tale of an encounter with a stranger, paying homage to the eerie charm of 80s and 90s horror cult movies.

“An ode to American Horror Story, ‘Slasher’ is about the desperate need for love and attention,” he shares. “Even if it means putting yourself in harm’s way. When you know something is bad for you but you do it anyway. In today’s world of social media and dating apps, many of us are constantly putting ourselves out there, seeking attention and validation. This track pokes fun at the whole pursuit of excitement from complete strangers – even though they could very well be a serial killer.”

Linn Koch-Emmery — “Ebay Armour”

Following a spotlight-packed 2023, Sweden-based rising star Linn Koch-Emmery kicks off 2024 strongly with the launch of her latest single, “Ebay Armour”. Working with acclaimed producer Pete Robertson of The Vaccines, the tune inaugurates a new chapter of her artistry, uncovering a newfound depth of vulnerability and emotion within her sounds, a spoiler of what’s to come in her upcoming sophomore album, scheduled for release in May 2024. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the new single, Linn shared, “Trauma and grief has its own illogical ways. Sometimes we cope with it through substances, others by buying a life-sized armour off the internet. This song is about a person close to me, that I never really figured out.”

Milan Ring — “Quicksand”

With stacks of soulful, autotuned harmonies, shimmering, celestial-toned synth arps, a dusty beat, and accents of her ever-nimble guitar work, R&B artist, musician, and music video director Milan Ring unveils her latest track, “Quicksand”. Fresh from supporting English singer Griff on her only Australian headline show at Sydney’s Metro Theatre earlier this month, the single touches on past struggles of breaking through glass ceilings and imposter syndrome to presently wanting to be held in love by someone. “Quicksand is about accepting yourself as you are and allowing love in,” she says. “Having the safety and grounding of a love that allows you to take risks, go forward, and break through the limitations and barriers that the world places on us, and that we internalise. The metaphor is that even when you appear to be climbing, the ladder is simultaneously sinking without that solid foundation.”