[Weekly Listening, Week 3]
It’s safe to say there has never been such an enormous week for me in terms of new music releases – it has been frankly ridiculous. Last Friday saw the full release of Middle Kids’ Lost Friends, featuring previously mentioned favourite On My Knees. Wednesday brought two fresh Jungle tracks, the first new singles after their excellent debut album with classics such as Julia and Busy Earnin’. On the same day, Bastille also treated the world to a new single, Quarter Past Midnight, which is really restarting my love for Bastille. Then came Thursday, with Kids in the Night, Pt. 2, the sequel to the EP that brought the fantastic I’m Not Ok. Things really got exciting today however:
- There was the big-hype release Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino – Arctic Monkeys’ exciting comeback after a five-year hiatus
- Charlie Puth’s Voicenotes, featuring a number of derivative R&B tunes (and of course, the all-time champion song Attention).
- A new and previously unexpected Lemaitre track – a big deal by being the official song for this year’s X Games.
There’s been such an influx of new music over the last seven days its difficult to know where to start. All these songs are still in their early days so only the very best has made it onto this week’s post. Expect to see many of these new releases appearing on here next week, however. Will all these tracks live up to the hype? So far its too early to tell, but there have been some clear early stand-outs.
Can’t Stop
by Kid Astray from Ignite – EP
11 plays (28:41)
This time’s “Track of the Week” is a funky little track from Norwegian indie-pop band Kid Astray. In terms of groove, it’s right up there with the fantastic, bouncy vibes of Mura Masa’s Lovesick Fuck, with a unique twist. The punchy baseline makes the song, and the vocal line isn’t bad. I will say the structure sounds a little confused – I usually like to know when I’m about to hit the chorus, but here its all kind of merged into one. As a general song to groove to, however, I can’t fault it.
Don’t Fall in Love
by Wake Child (Single)
7 plays (31:40)
This is the type of song that makes an instant impression – the bluesy vocals and brooding guitars dominate attention. It oozes style in every bar, with confident simplicity in the main groove, contrasting with the raucous, boisterous B section. The tune winds up to a key change and grand finale in dramatic style. A cavernous whole bar gap in the music catches you completely off-guard and is wonderfully original. I was expecting an equally audacious finish, but instead we slide back into to the rock solid groove to a tight, and incredibly self-assured conclusion; these guys know what they’re doing.
Happy Man
by Jungle (Single)
6 plays (19:01)
This is something really special. There’s no doubt that Happy Man is the song that’s been getting me the most excited the last few days, and its the shining jewel in this week’s overwhelming plethora of new songs. Unlike Jungle’s other new single – the wondering and slightly aimless House in LA – this is the Jungle sound that fans will know and love, and its one of their catchiest songs to date. The classic, breathy vocals are there, with a typically persistent bass and drum groove, in a tune that’s very difficult to get tired of. Perhaps in an attempt to avoid exactly repeating the style of their debut, gloriously bizarre synths join the groove at the chorus. The middle eight, with its once again classic Jungle vocal harmonies, is stylish and builds well into the finale. There’s only one thing to do when this song ends – play it again.
Suspended
by J Bengoy from Dogwood Winter
5 plays (22:07)
For a track to relax and think deep thoughts to, Suspended is perfect. It’s not a track that’s trying to impress with big brass sections or obnoxious solos – instead we’re treated to a laid back alternative groove and comfortable vocals. It sounds like a great song for long car journeys, designed for looking out of the window and reminiscing times that have been and gone. Unlike many of the songs I listen to, this isn’t a song that wants to take the limelight, instead it’s a song that sits in the background and makes your experiences feel a little more cinematic.
Edge of Town
by Middle Kids from Lost Friends
5 plays (18:47)
Edge of Town is an early favourite from Middle Kids’ promising new album Lost Friends. Here, the band show the full extent of their powers – accomplished vocals, guitar solos and a very solid drum groove. Their sound, even after having only listened to them for a few weeks, is instantly recognisable, ending up somewhere in the liminal space between rock and pop. The song’s highlight comes at the end. A Smile-style mantra sees lead singer Hannah Joy go full-on Florence + The Machine, with some anthemic portamentos. This quickening tempo also really helps the finale chug along. I’m looking forward to giving this album a proper listen, as I’m sure there’s more indie gems to be found.
Returning from last week
- D.A.N.C.E (7) by Justice
- Talking Straight (6) by Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
- Hit and Run (5) by Larkins
- On My Knees (4) by Middle Kids
- Hip Hop Kids (4) by Portugal. The Man
Top 20 classic She’s a Riot (4) also made a small comeback this week with what seemed like the start of summer.
Undertone 
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