Olivia Dean continues her strong run towards album-of-the-year contention with a new single drop, Steve Lacy’s brilliant comeback, and Dijon’s long-awaited second album: it’s Wonderlist.
Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
With late September-set record The Art of Loving, it feels that British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean is poised to share one of the best albums of the year. Each single to date has been a knockout, not least this vivacious latest, “Man I Need” – subtle, soulful, downright sensational.
Dijon – Baby
Four years on from his genre-defying debut LP Absolutely, Baltimore’s Dijon returns with Baby – a 12-track opus steeped in intimacy and invention. The release crowns a year already charged with momentum: a writing credit on Bon Iver’s SABLE, fABLE, deep-cut contributions to Justin Bieber’s SWAG, and even a blink-and-miss cameo in the trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson’s forthcoming film One Battle After Another. Crafted entirely in the sanctum of home, the record distils the raw textures of fatherhood and married life into something both tender and fearless – a testament to Dijon’s ever-evolving sonic mastery.
Steve Lacy – “Nice Shows”
After three long, arduous years for his swarm of loyal fans, generational artist Steve Lacy is back! Dropped in suitably misty fashion – first available on WeAreSteve.net before hitting DSPs – the cut finds the polymath picking up where he left off, as mesmerically listenable and deftly artistic as ever.
Lava La Rue – “easy come, easy go”
Following last year’s excellent debut album STARFACE took their artistry to new heights, West London talent Lava La Rue is back with a first taste of their new era. Continuing to refine a psychedelic edge with a healthy helping of indie, “easy come, easy go” is a dynamic and dreamy anthem.
KAYTRANADA – AIN’T NO DAMN WAY
Canadian production wizard KAYTRANADA has blessed fans with the surprise release of a whole new full-length album. Following last year’s Grammy-nominated masterpiece TIMELESS, AIN’T NO DAMN WAY sees Kay return to his dance music roots with a collection of cuts that are joyously groovy.
Mahalia – “Luvergirl”
Leicester’s finest Mahalia is back with a sun-kissed seven-pronged EP. The title, “Luvergirl” very much matches the vibe of the project; written across the UK, Jamaica and St Vincent, there’s R&B, reggae and dancehall influence aplenty, whilst the singer’s voice glistens within the irresistible soundscapes.
Bricknasty – “is é a locht a laghad”
The finest five-piece from the Irish shores share the second teaser for their much anticipated third project – due later this year. “is é a locht a laghad”, loosely translated as “it’s the least of the blame”, is a left-field steer into softer sonic terrain, influenced by traditional folk from their home nation. It’s absolutely beautiful.
John Glacier – Like A Ribbon (Deluxe)
Underground rap frontrunner John Glacier gets the creative juices flowing with these five extra cuts from the Like A Ribbon era. The Valentine’s Day released LP – quietly one of the year’s best – has been augmented with production from Skrillex and Clams Casino, and a feature from album executive producer Kwes Darko’s long lost Blue Daisy sobriquet.
Joey Valance & Brae ft. Rebecca Black – “SEE U DANCE”
Pushing modern hip hop to a wonderfully weird new apex, Joey Valence & Brae are unfathomably charismatic on new album HYPERYOUTH. Standout cut “SEE U DANCE” borrows the iconic Rebecca Black and is sort of ‘90s hip hop, sort of ‘00s R&B, all utter insanity.
Joy Crookes – “Somebody To You”
The latest teaser singer from London singer-songwriter Joy Crookes’ forthcoming record, Juniper, “Somebody To You” gently pierces the soul – in all the best ways. Crookes’ voice is utterly effortless, the tender sonic backdrop is intimate and rousing, and the songwriting is top tier.
Sorry – “Echoes”
Oddly beautiful and hauntingly heartfelt, Sorry’s latest is a cautionary tale of co-dependence. The track is the latest plucked from the avant garde band’s forthcoming third album, COSPLAY.
These New South Whales – “INSTINCT”
Australian four-piece These New South Wales are back with their first new music since modern cult classic album TNSW. Punky, anthemic with an excellent central vocal showing, the new track hits in all the right places.
JayaHadADream ft. Big Zuu – “Main Characters”
Cambridge rapper JayaHadADream is building steam this year after a Glastonbury appearance. Now she links up with West London multi-faceted favourite Big Zuu for an atmospheric and introspective new single, “Main Characters”.
Amie Blu – “bite”
South East London singer-songwriter Amie Blu has been dropping some gorgeous singles of late. And “bite” is truly the cherry on top – considered, emotionally mature songwriting, wonderful composition and characterful performance. A dazzling effort from Blu.
KiLLOWEN – “Swings”
“Swings” takes listeners on a euphoric journey driven by nostalgic self-production merged with KiLLOWEN’s noughties nods. Referencing his humble beginnings working on the tills, the track’s artwork and chorus “I went from Tesco to a Tesla” pay homage to his past life, which he left behind to pursue music full-time.
The Favors – “Times Square Jesus”
Poignant and harmonious, the final teaser from The Favors forthcoming debut record, The Dream, is a stellar effort. The duo, consisting of FINNEAS and Ashe, bring together their voices and vision on “Time Square Jesus”.
Runyu ft. BAYLI – “Push n Pull”
Pipa-playing pop provocateur Runyu is combining traditional Chinese instrumentation with R&B futurism like no other. Enlisting BAYLI for “Push n Pull”, the two go back-to-back on a genre-blending masterclass in era-breaking.
The Temper Trap – “Lucky Dime”
Acclaimed Australian outfit The Temper Trap are back with their first new music in nine years. “Lucky Dime” offers a grittier and heavier approach than their indie-fuelled portfolio – a successful sonic switch up.
oakland x Stacy NKR – “your eyes”
A formidable pair, “your eyes” sees Stacy NKR deliver a fiery third-person take on situationships that showcase her sharp lyrics and storytelling abilities. The single arrives ahead of their upcoming project due early September.
Jacoténe – “Why’d You Do That”
After impressing with the unveiling of her debut EP “Untitled (Read My Mind)”, emerging Melbourne-born singer-songwriter JACOTÉNE returns with a fresh vibrance on “Why’d You Do That?” Blending a plethora of sounds, the artist abundantly showcases her inimitable vocal ability.
Victoria Jane – “Easy”
Rising independent singer-songwriter Victoria Jane is back with another dazzling cut, “Easy”. The smooth and soulful R&B jam is sincere and dulcet, dedicated to the artist’s late grandfather.
Bambie Thug – “REDRUM”
Cork-born alternative enigma Bambie Thug sounds intoxicating on their latest metal banger “REDRUM”. The guitars shatter and distort, Bambie’s vocals in the hook pierce your eardrums, and the political lyricism is slick and profound.
Hedex ft. Eksman – “Rowdy (BLAOW!)
Hedex, one of the leading names in contemporary drum & bass, shares new single “Rowdy (BLAOW!)” featuring MC Eksman, combining breakneck pace with old-school vocal firepower for an all-out dancefloor heater. The track is taken from Hedex’s long-awaited forthcoming debut album MHITR, set to release in October via his very own label MHITR.
