SOS is typical Avicii. That's to say, it's a catchy club bop with hooks galore and an Aloe Blacc vocal feature after their work on Wake Me Up. But of course, the song is underpinned by the sad death of the Swedish DJ last year, the first posthumous release from a forthcoming album. As such, lyrics like "can you hear me SOS, help me put my mind to rest" take on a truly heartbreaking new layer of meaning.
Worth a listen.
Ellie Goulding - Sixteen
Ellie Goulding's latest is an ode to her teenage years and a reminder of the innocence of youth. It's lyrically simple but the choppy, fizzing chorus is an exuberant joy, even where the verses are a little generic. After the recent release of morose ballad Flux, Sixteen is a welcome return to vibrant pop.
Worth a listen.
Mark Ronson feat. Lykke Li - Late Night Feelings
On paper this is a dream collaboration. Ronson himself has described his forthcoming album as a collection of "sad bangers", so pairing his slick disco production with Li's yearning vocals makes total sense. "My heart keeps pulling in the wrong direction," she sings over funk bass and orchestral fluttering. The cumulative effect doesn't quite live up to the billing though - it's sad and polished but doesn't hit banger status.
Worth a listen.
Anna Of The North - Used To Be
Before I lose you to the dog grooming video, know this: Anna Of The North's latest single is a nostalgic take on life before social media, with languid synth and saxophone melodies. It's a reminder to step away from our screens and appreciate ourselves and each other a little more. With that said...go watch the dogs.
Worth a listen.
Yeasayer - Fluttering In The Floodlights
The New York band's 2013 single Henrietta remains a heady, intoxicating listen, but they're back this year with their fifth album and two new tracks. Let Me Listen In On You is a ballad with a slightly creepy vibe, but Fluttering In The Floodlights is the band on fine, weird form with its jittering production. 'Erotic Reruns' is due out in June.
Worth a listen.
Tame Impala - Borderline
Psychedelia and soft rock blend effortlessly in this new track from the Australian band. Only Tame Impala could merge pan pipes, harpsichord, conga drums and whirring synths into such a transportative mood, while Kevin Parker sings introspectively of a relationship on the verge of collapse.
Worth a listen.