Boys Forever – Poisonous
Boys Forever is the new recording project from former Veronica Falls member Patrick Doyle. It takes a considerable amount of songwriting skill to make an anti-love song sound this charming. “Poisonous” is available on 7”, via new label Amour Foo, and is backed by a cover of the Kirsty MacColl classic “They Don’t Know”.
Laura Mvula ft. Nile Rodgers – Overcome
The infinitely talented Laura Mvula returns with new single “Overcome”. Mvula, whose debut album Sing To The Moon was released to rapturous reviews, is clearly not one to rest on her laurels. Lyrically the track lives up to the very high standard she set with her debut but this is a brand new sound – a whirl of tribal beats and Nile Rodgers’ signature “hitmaker” guitar.
Field Music – Disappointed
Field Music’s latest track is an ode to that most English of emotions, disappointment. “Disappointed”, lifted from the band’s forthcoming album Commontime, is a masterful addition to the canon of pop songs about ennui. Field Music has always forged their own path and their four year absence from the music scene has been keenly felt. Commontime will be released on 5 February via the always excellent Memphis Industries.
Lushlife – This Ecstatic Cult ft. Killer Mike
Lushlife has shared “This Ecstatic Cult”, the latest cut from forthcoming album Ritualize. The track features Atlanta legend Killer Mike (Run The Jewels) and premiered on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show. Ritualize is the Philadelphia rapper’s third studio album, and sees him collaborating with production duo CSLSX. Ritualize will be released on 16 February.
Hilary Duff – Little Lies
Hilary Duff has taken “Little Lies” and given it a club beat. It’s Fleetwood Mac on a Club 18-30 holiday. Speaking to People magazine Duff said: “Fleetwood Mac is seriously one of my favorite bands of all time.” And to those currently clutching their pearls – Duff’s version is infinitely better than the John “Jellybean” Benitez club mix Fleetwood Mac released in 1987.
Lawrence Rothman – H
LA-based artist Lawrence Rothman has unveiled the visuals for new single “H”. The video was directed by Floria Sigismondi (David Bowie, Katy Perry, Bjork, Marilyn Manson, The Cure) and features the experimental dance troupe WIFE. Rothman is testament to the fact that brilliant pop music can emerge from the most unexpected of places. Rothman’s debut album features an impressive roster of guests including Kim Gordon, Ariel Pink and Charli XCX and is expected to be released later this year.
The Chainsmokers – Roses
The Chainsmokers, the DJ/production duo responsible for “#Selfie” and “Kanye”, are set to once again take over the airwaves with new single “Roses”. The duo, who count Justin Bieber amongst their many fans, channel indie, progressive and trap to create a pop sound which is set to dominate in 2016. Vocals on the track come from Rozes.
Ekkah – Small Talk
“Small Talk” by Ekkah is an anthem for anyone who has ever found themselves cornered in a nightclub, trapped in a seemingly endless conversation about what they do “for a living”. Ekkah spare the pleasantries and head straight to the dancefloor. The video for “Small Talk” was directed by Toby Tomkins.
Her – Her
Impossible-to-google French band Her recently released their EP Her Tape #1. The EP contains six tracks, one of which is the brand new, self-titled track “Her”. It’s a mid-tempo, impossibly sophisticated groove. Her’s sound is hypnotic and their lyrics offer a refreshing take on 21st romance – a celebration of sexuality. The enigmatic duo’s EP is released via French label ZRP.
Isaiah Rashad – Smile
Top Dawg Entertainment’s Isaiah Rashad has released the PANAMÆRA directed visuals for new track “Smile”. Rashad has been silent since 2015’s bleak “Nelly” so it’s mightily reassuring to hear that he sounds as urgent and relevant as ever. While there is no official word on the follow up to 2014’s Cilvia Demo, the emergence of new music and a video from Rashad is a step in the right direction. TDE is currently riding high after signee Kendrick Lamar picked up 11 Grammy nominations.