Olivia Dean and Wolf Alice both share wonderful teaser singles, Wet Leg and Barry Can’t Swim raise the bar of their respective sophomore albums, and much, much more: it’s a big week for releases. Here’s Wonderlist!
Olivia Dean – “Lady Lady”
Set to be one of autumn’s best albums, Olivia Dean’s sophomore, The Art Of Loving, is due in late September. The singles so far have been dazzling drops of soul-pop, and “Lady Lady” is maybe the best yet: gentle yet sweeping, intricate and endearing.
Wolf Alice – “The Sofa”
Gearing up for the fourth studio album, The Clearing, to be released 22nd August, the British band of the year Wolf Alice share a second teaser single, “The Sofa”. It’s soft, orchestral, anthemic, joyous, heartbreaking — quite frankly brilliantly written.
Wet Leg – moisturizer
With added bite, boldness and brain, Wet Leg take a left-field step on their terrific sophomore album. moisturizer trims their sound whilst expanding it into punkier and softer thresholds alike, with Rhian Teasdale showing herself to be one of the UK’s most striking voices.
Joey Valence & Brae – “HYPERYOUTH // LIVE RIGHT”
It’s hard to think of a US rap artist dropping more interesting and eclectic music right now than Joey Valence & Brae. Their new album HYPERYOUTH is out in about a month, but for now they’ve unleashed a double-sided teaser cut, “HYPERYOUTH // LIVE RIGHT”. Both tracks are enthralling, challenging efforts that showcase the chameleonic vision of the pair.
Barry Can’t Swim – Loner
One of electronic music’s most likeable and digestible talents, Barry Can’t Swim raises his artistry a gear or two on excellent new album, Loner. The record is far more expansive than his previous work, whilst still maintaining the Scottish producer’s signature feel-good approach.
Flo x Kaytranada – “The Mood”
The R&B trio on everyone’s lips right now, FLO continue to flaunt her vibrance and unmatchable hook game with “The Mood”. Enlisting the colour-laden craft of KAYTRANADA, the triad of voices blend within the Canadian producer’s sun-kissed beat-smithery. Summer bliss.
Burna Boy x Shaboozey – “Change Your Mind”
Inimitable Grammy Award-winning trailblazer Burna Boy is back with his eight studio album, No Sign Of Weakness. Whilst boasting features from Travis Scott, Mick Jagger and more, the record’s lead single “Change Your Mind” finds Burna trading glistening vocals and pensive lyricism with country favourite Shaboozey.
Tyla – “IS IT?”
One of Afropop’s most towering talents, Tyla continues to shower us with hit singles. The latest, “IS IT”, finds her deft and daring in her sound and delivery, adding more firepower to the arsenal for her date with All Points East next month.
Geese – “Taxes”
One of the best bands in the US with one of the most intriguing frontman on the planet, Geese are back with a monumental — yet subtle — new single, “Taxes”. Cameron Winter’s voice croons and groans atop the almost choral backdrop, a sharp but oddly welcomed turn of pace from the rip-roaring cowboy punk of 2023’s 3D Country.
Kojey Radical – “Conversation”
Kojey Radical’s sophomore studio album has been a long-time coming — over three years to be precise — but we’ve now had the much-awaited news that it will be shared before long. “Conversation” offers a glimpse at the LP’s striking new direction, with the East London rapper and artist bringing funk and rock influences, as well as his usual razor sharp lyricism.
Hanumankind – “Villainous”
From Kerela, India to Houston, USA, Hanumankind is blending music styles and cultural tendencies to create some of the most striking rap music of the year. Fresh from his breakthrough COLORS and A$AP Rocky co-sign, the hotly-tipped wordsmith has unleashed “Villainous”, a characterful and hard-hitting new opus.
Ebbb – “Manners”
After quietly dropping one of the best EP’s of last year, Ninja Tune favourites Ebbb are back. Fresh joint “Manners” is an off-kilter dance odyssey with haunting vocals and mind-boggling synth work.
Luvcat – “Vicious Delicious”
Liverpudelian serenader Luvcat will share her long-awaited debut album, Vicious Delicious, on Halloween. To keep us satisfied for now, she drops the suitably spooky title track — cinema-laden, drama-fuelled and artistically explorative.
Giveon – Beloved
Seven Time Grammy winner Giveon has been a major player in R&B since his 2020 breakthrough. New album Beloved is a rich and narratively sprawling documentation of heartache and hope, told through a charismatic and ever-cascading lens.
Nieve Ella – “Good Grace”
Biting and playful, Nieve Ella’s new breakup anthem “Good Grace” is gorgeously angsty. The West Midlands singer-songwriter continues to be among the most exciting indie voices in the UK.
NewDad – “Roobosh”
Among the best of Ireland’s enviable band market, NewDad bless us with news of their much anticipated sophomore album, Altar, due 19th September. Dynamic and challenging, the trio’s teaser single “Roobosh” is a hell of a hoot.
Amber Mark – “Sweet Serotonin”
Fresh from her support slot for Sabrina Carpenter’s BST London shows, singer-songwriter and producer Amber Mark shares cascading cut “Sweet Serotonin”. Vocally, Mark sounds immaculate, gliding atop the soulful grooves of the instrumental backdrop.
Been Stellar – “Adored”
Fresh off supporting Irish troubadours Fontaines D.C. at their Finsbury Park blowout, NYC’s rebellious rock outfit Been Stellar continue their run of sensational singles this summer with heavy and bohemian new one, “Adored”.
WOOM – “Slow You”
With collective vocals that pierce the soul, London’s WOOM deliver an understated yet impactful new single. “Slow You” is a beautiful slow burn with intoxicating guitar work hidden beneath a symphony of vocal harmonies.
Mahalia – “Instructions”
Leicester R&B gem Mahalia is sounding better than ever in her latest sonic era. New cut “Instructions” is summery and kaleidoscopic, a slick and sweet groover to get your feet moving and heart fluttering.
Jayda G – “The Shiver”
Always evolving her style and leading the way in her production, Grammy-nominated Jayda G brings the summer energy with dance bop “The Shiver”. The official visualiser is a trip-laden treat too – I don’t know what’s happening but I like it.
Babymorocco – “Jean Paul”
Disrupting pop’s tos-and-fros with each passing release, party-starter Babymorocco is back with a bang with the deluxe edit of his debut album. Lead single “Jean Paul” is dance-adjacent yet terrifically odd, a rave-meets-reddit-forum roar of musical indifference.
Danny L Harle ft. PinkPantheress – “Starlight”
London-based musician, composer and producer Danny L Harle begins his new era by collaborating with one of the hottest pop stars of the now. “Starlight” sees Harle’s unique approach blending with PinkPantheress’ gaudy vocals and light-stepping charm with chaotic rhythms and manic synths.
Rochelle Jordan – “Through The Wall”
Plucked from her newly announced forthcoming album, Through The Wall, British-Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer Rochelle Jordan finds a stellar dynamism in the LP’s title track. UK garage meets sultry R&B, Jordan’s voice is smooth and saccharine.
Jay Som – “Float”
Back with a first album is six years, Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter Jay Som teases a forthcoming full length is stunning fashion. New track “Float” bends your heartstrings and flaunts her musical nuance adeptly.
Fig Tape – “Miracle”
Stamping his sound into the UK underground through work with KiLLOWEN, Norwegian talent Fig Tape is bringing a fresh sonic angle. “Miracle” puruses and pierces, dreamy yet focused, acutely delivered.
The Blaze – “SIREN’ + ‘MADLY”
Revered French electronic duo, cousins and polymathic industry presence The Blaze have been getting busy at Royal Albert Hall, and will drop FOLK, an 18-pronged opus recorded at the legendary London venue, later this month. Two-sided teaser single “SIREN” + “MADLY” is suitably mind-bending.
kissin’ teef – “COSTAFORTUNE”
South London musician kissin’ teef is an exciting newcomer in the capital’s scene. Sophomore single “COSTAFORTUNE” is nostalgia-tinged yet off-kilter and unique, blending UK funky and grime tendencies with effortless precision.
samxemma – “GOSSIP GIRL”
Manchester-based duo samxemma celebrate their signing to September Records (Obongjayar, Kara Jackson) with an August-set EP announcement and a sticky new single, “GOSSIP GIRL”. Avant electronics meets crisp pop goodness — this is a genre-spanning humdinger.
Bino Bames – “Isolated”
Although still in the last year of his teens, instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Bino Bames is showcasing a musical and emotional depth beyond his tender age. “Isolated” is heartrending and atmospheric, a seamless merger of sounds and feelings.
Raf-Saperra – “Renaissance”
British Punjabi disruptor Raf-Saperra returns with his brand new collaborative five-track EP, “Renaissance”, entirely produced by global Punjabi hitmaker Ikky. Marking Raf’s boldest artistic leap to date, the project is a vibrant and infectious dive into pop music, delivered through his signature Punjabi vocal lens.
TrappySelfSuccess x Drizz GB – “Champion Season”
Flying the flag for the Midlands, Trappy and Drizz GB join forces to combine their innate talent for delivering some of the most cohesive bars emanating from these shores. Their brand new collaborative project, “Champion Season”, spotlights the duo’s seamless lyricism, and includes standout singles “None of Them Allstar Remix” and “Stress”, alongside a slew of fresh material.
Leah Cleaver – “Last Time”
A new alt-pop talent sharing her debut sonic statement, Leah Cleaver is a fresh Metropolitan musician impressing with “Last Time”. Moody yet soulful, Cleaver’s vocal range and lyrical depth stand out.
Malthus ft. hezen, se.v.en, subdawn – “BOUNCING”
Plucked from England’s North-West, talented new enigma Malthus offers a wild ride on “BOUNCING”. Collaborating with friends of his label, LITTLEDOOM LTD, the single is hyperactive and erratic, yet oddly beautiful.
Nate Smith ft. Lionel Loueke and Michael League – “Magic Dance”
GRAMMY-nominated producer and virtuosic drummer Nate Smith returns with “Magic Dance”. The sprawling jazz offering features the highly acclaimed musicians Lionel Loueke and Michael League, and emerges as the second single from Smith’s forthcoming record, LIVE-ACTION, dropping this year. From fluid improvisation to complex, razor-sharp grooves, the track celebrates an ensemble enriched with precision and dexterity, breaking boundaries through their unrestrained self-expression and mastery.
Stepz – “Titanic”
A bold, spiritual statement of intent, Stepz returns with his new single “Titanic”. Dropped alongside a vibrant, cinematic visual directed by DONPROD, the young talent also announces his forthcoming EP, ‘Good Influence’, dropping later this month – once again asserting his place as a key cultural figure in the digital music scene.
Loco – “SCRAPS”
Korean rapper and producer Loco drops his third full-length album, SCRAPS. Boasting collaborations from the likes of Jordan Ward and TAICHU, the body of work is both technically crisp and emotionally rich.
Nino Uptown – “Need For Speed”
One of the most intriguing trapwave artists coming out of London right now, Nino Uptown is back with an intoxicating new single. “Need For Speed” matches ethereally sharp vocals with hazy, potent instrumentation.
