Across their three-album tenure, Irish post-punk outfit Fontaines DC have become renowned as one of their country’s finest exports, and one of the most interesting acts in modern music. Newly signed to XL Recordings, they’ve shared exciting news of a James Ford-produced fourth studio LP, Romance, set for release in August, and unveiled a first teaser for the forthcoming release. “Starbuster” is a sonic turn in direction for the band, entering a new era with this relentless, broody and atmospheric masterpiece, augmented by frontman Grian Chatten’s haunting performance and uncompromising songwriting.

It’s a big week for London rap! Two of its pillaring figureheads Headie One and Stormzy have linked up for their latest collaboration, “Cry No More”. The single, which is plucked from Headie’s June-set forthcoming album, The Last One, sees both rappers bringing thoughtful bars and zippy flows to a bouncy and sample-driven instrumental.

Another blockbuster UK rap collab, trap connoisseur M Huncho and real rap OG Potter Payper have joined forces for “Two Wise Men”, the first offering plucked from a soon-to-be-released collaborative mixtape “36 Hours”. The new track brings out the best of the rapper’s respective styles, their sound’s simultaneously contrasting and combining, with their lyricism full of reflection and intelligent wordplay.

Iranian-Dutch polymath Sevdaliza is hard to miss at the moment. One of the most captivating artists in the avant garde pop space, she’s shared “Ride or Die II”, a followup from the highly successful namesake predecessor. Enlisting Villano Antillano and Tokischa for contributions, the track is intoxicating, glitchy and ethereal, with the respective artists serenading the genre-defying sonics sublimely.

Another one of UK rap’s key artists, K-Trap, has shared news of his upcoming debut album, Smile?, on 31st May. We’ve received a fresh teaser, “Old School Era”, which sees Trapo in his old school bag, a drill banger that feels simultaneously like a throwback and a reinvention of the genre.

Mancunian’s soul frontrunner Pip Millett has returned to COLORS following her iconic performance half a decade ago. On gorgeous new cut, “Better”, Millett offers a typically characterful and cascading vocal performance atop a sparse, guitar-driven instrumental produced by Dre Skull. Elegant and effortless, the singer-songwriter continues to provoke emotion with a peerless depth.

Nigerian rap mogul ODUMODUBLVCK continues to break ground in the Western hemisphere, cementing his acclaim with every passing release. His newest cut, “Technician”, enlists Blaqbonez and is typically energetic, captivating and full-throttle.

Two of British R&B’s brightest sparks – South London’s Jaz Karis and Leicester-native Mahalia – deliver one of the genre’s strongest cuts of the year to date, “NICE GIRLS”. Atop a swooning 6/8 rhythm which is driven by subtle strings, hazy acoustic guitars and gentle percussion, the pair evoke soaring chemistry; their harmony work flawless, their lyricism vivid and provoking.

Genre-elusive UK rap afficiado AJ Tracey is back with news of a third album, and with the gift of a new single. Once again flaunting his versatile nature, AJ shares “Joga Bonito”, decadent and dreamy number that brings in a saccharine Brazilian twist, perhaps a glimpse into the forthcoming highly-anticipated new LP from the Ladbroke Grove general.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lucky Daye is one of R&B’s most undeniable names, and with his latest single that fact doesn’t look likely to change anytime soon! The new offering “HERicane” is a stunning and vibrant cut that sees Daye at the height of his vocal and lyrical prowess, untouchable in his talent.

Ghanian-American breakout star Amaarae is no stranger to reinvention, and with her latest release showcases her progressive artist mentality once again. “Angels In Tibet” which featured on last year’s superb LP Fountain Baby, was a breakout hit for the artist, and has such revisited the track with a series of diverse and dazzling remixes. With contributions from the likes of KAYTRANADA, Virgo Deep and Juls Baby, this one is a must listen!

Everyone’s favourite ocean-friendly MC Seafood Sam is back with another heater! “Cowboy Leather” is taken from his excellent new album, and is Sam at his finest; his slick bars and nonchalant tone ride the sparsely dazzling beat, with the Long Beach-rapper linking up seamlessly with Pink Siifu.

Hotly-tipped Brixton rapper Cristale has been making waves on the screen of late with acting roles in Netflix’s The Kitchen and Top Boy, and now returns with her most comprehensive and provoking track to date. Instrumentally stripped back, vocally expressive and lyrically poignant, “Will You Ever?” shows a new layer of depth to Cristale’s artistry.

Soaring singer-songwriter Joya Mooi returns with her latest dazzling number, “Don’t Answer”. The new single is a glimpse into an upcoming summer EP, and brings with it a gentle disco-tinged groove, as well as a glistening vocal performance from the impressive artist.

Nigerian afro-fusion frontrunners BNXN (Buja aka Benson) and Ruger have treated fans to the release o a joint body of work. The hotly-tipped twosome impress across the project, combining effortlessly whilst flaunting their own individual acumen. A get-ready-for-summer present for ya!

As gloriously avant garde as pop music can get, Body Meat – the alias of singer-songwriter and producer Chris Taylor – merges genre without pretence, resulting in a wild sonic ride. Sharing news of a forthcoming debut album this summer, Body Meat reveals a fresh single, “High Beams”, a stylistic amalgamation that is brooding, anxiety-driven and superbly erratic.

Rising five-piece Strangeways are becoming a serious one to watch this year. With blistering rock tropes and unyielding energy shining front and centre, “The Ponds” perfectly encapsulates abrasive British culture bubbling across the underground. Cut-throat guitar riffs and heavy-set drum breaks set pace for frontman Tom Turner to unleash his powerful vocals, laced with fiery tones and the kind of tongue-in-cheek charm that aims to break away from the mediocrity of everyday, suburban life.

Sydney-based polymath Angus1 emerges as a fierce new creative force with his new EP “Open For Business”. From disco to trap, distortion-laden rock to minimalistic trance, across the near 17 minute run time Angus covers miles of sonic ground, searching for an unanswerable answer and loving every second of it – as are we.

London rapper and grime icon Bashy is back! After making his name in a past era of UK rap, he’s been active in the acting world with turns in the likes of Top Boy and Black Mirror, but is now returning to the music sphere with news of his first studio record in 15 years, Being Poor Is Expensive. He’s shared a teaser single from the forthcoming sophomore LP, “Sweet Boys Turned Sour”, an autobiographical lyrically driven hip hop bonanza, produced by Toddla T.

Bristolian four-piece Make Friends is making infectious indie pop look easy. Their latest, “Loaded Fun”, is produced by Bombay Bicycle Club’s Ed Nash, and is a progressive, anthemic cut that flaunts the band’s festival-ready performance acumen and songwriting nous.

Contemporary pop riser Willow Kayne has returned with her latest glossy, glistening but thoughtful cut. Pensively dissecting the ways in which the internet can reframe love and romance, Kayne delivers a slick vocal performance atop brisk and colourful instrumentation.

Underlining Afro B’s natural finesse when combining west African sounds and deep percussion with a London element, his latest single, “Sexy Sexy”, is an irresistible and uplifting record proving to be the perfect tonic for the start of summer — a sleek, resonant gem containing blends of New Jersey club bounce, tailor-made for dance-floor motives. Afro B’s innate lyricism skips across a quick soundtrack, alongside a chopped up female vocal exclaiming “put your hands all up on me” taking centre stage, providing room for effective, sped-up percussive elements and light synth notes to emerge, before Nosike drops by with her trademark bars.