This menacing, minimalist new single from Billie Eilish feels like everything we could want from a popstar in 2019. The production has a distinct Kanye West vibe to it, while the lyrics - from the perspective of a monster under the bed, perhaps inspired by an episode of sleep paralysis - take us down a dark twisted road that certainly fits the apocalyptic sign of the times. Paired with the video though and the song takes on a whole new level of horror, heightening the quiet terrifying drama of the song.
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Astrid S - Someone New
This Charli XCX penned track, also co-written with Noonie Bao, is a bubbling pop joy. The hook is a simple one, but the unexpected syncopations of the staccato beat keep you on your toes throughout three minutes of concise songwriting. Probably the Norwegian singer's best song.
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ALMA - When I Die
The Finnish singer's got death on her mind in this new track taken from her forthcoming album 'Have You Seen Her'. Goth pop, clubby vibes and sinuous guitar lines squelch together in this ode to a spectacular end to life, drinks in hand, full of excess, and everybody motherfucking dancing.
Worth a listen.
LUCIA - Blueheart
This new single from the Glaswegian rock band is a rowdy mix of guitars and soaring vocals, but there's a distinct pop sensibility too. Produced by Jim Abbiss and mixed by Charlie Holmes and Mark "Spike" Spent (who between them have worked with acts as varied as Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga), it's melody-driven, features a sing-along chorus and at less than three minutes doesn't outstay its welcome. Lucia Fairfull's clear vocal is layered with harmony in a track that treads a line between dreamy and grunge.
Worth a listen.
The Chemical Brothers - Got To Keep On
The dance duo will be releasing their ninth (!) album 'No Geography' in April, from which Got To Keep On is taken. The infectious bass is layered with sumptuous disco vocals, classic house vibes and spacey effects, all punctuated by light, clipped percussion. This is an instant festival classic.
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Empire of the Sun - Chrysalis
Empire of the Sun have never quite outshined their debut album 'Walking On A Dream', which went on to win Album Of The Year at the ARIA Awards. It's now being re-released with this previously unheard track included. And let's be honest, Chrysalis should've remained that way. The warm synth pads and funk guitars are now typical of the band, but the song is one-note and dull. One that should've stayed in the studio.
Don't bother.
Busted - All My Friends
The three-piece's previous album 'Night Driver' was an under-appreciated 80s thrill. For new album 'Half Way There', then, they've gone back to their roots with a pop-rock sound taken straight from the year 2000. All My Friends is a dry acoustic ballad about growing up - it's meant to show maturity, but instead it's three relatively young guys sounding like country crooners on Radio 2.
Don't bother.
Ally Brooke feat. Tyga - Low Key
Yet another release from an ex-Fifth Harmony member, following squarely in Camila Cabello's footsteps with a Latino-infused mid-tempo "jam" and a hook that sounds like she's summoning a Norse God. You low key should not have bothered.
Don't bother.
