We’re not really about lists. We like longform interviews and in-depth analysis; wordy think-pieces and lengthy reports. But that’s partly because we’re music-loving writers and there’s nothing we love more than the sound of a keyboard clacking satisfyingly with the sound of our own thoughts. Hey, at least we’re honest. We also know that not everyone that reads the site is up for 1200 meaty words on an artist’s development; some of you are here to get a quick bite of musical brilliance, so we’ve decided to institute a new weekly feature: Now Hear This. Harking back to TV’s Top of the Pops, we’re pulling together a list of tracks that we think are worthy of your time, or have received a terrifying amount of airplay on our office stereo. Old hits, fresh tracks, must-see-videos and obscure classics: Now Hear This is where we offer up our tunes of the week. We hope you enjoy it…
[Words Alex Lee Thomson (ALT), James Embiricos (JE), Alim Kheraj (AK) and Seb Law (SL).]
Subb-an ft S.Y.F –‘Say No More’
Featuring the fantastic vocals of Cedric out of Azari & III (*cue extended article about disco being the genesis of house music*), this is the kind of dark, driving track that you’re likely to find yourself raving to in a field this summer. Aside from being the soundtrack to hammering out your own little mat of turf, this filthy little track has a luscious crescendo and…yeah. It’s great. Roll back your eyes and get onto the floor, for summer is here. – SL
Shura – ‘Touch’
You know when a track surfaces that manages to capture everything you could ever want in a debut track? Well, I think this might just be it – silky R&B vocals and a self-directed video depicting the feels of no longer being with the person that makes your heart beat at double tempo. Damn, this song is everything. – JE
Broods – ‘Never Gonna Change’
Having seen Broods live this week, I can firmly say that I’m in love with the brother-sister duo. This latest cut from their eponymous EP is a delicious moment of emoshe pop at its best. Breathy vocals, pulsing synths and windy electronics amalgamate towards an epic chorus, while the video provides a somber accompaniment to this utterly brilliant song. – AK
Pandreas – ‘Rube’
Opening like a creaky door in a deserted moorland stately home, this is spookalicious house with a post-apocalyptic streak. Like waking up the morning after a long night drive with Kavinsky, this is sunglasses at sunrise material *snaps on Persols*. – SL
Isaac Danquah – ‘Brooding’ ft Kojey Radical (prod The Last Skeptik)
UK hip-hop is one of those genres that rarely receives the acclaim of its cross-continental counterparts. Isaac Danquah however, has seemingly come out of nowhere with a track that just might make a claim for UK kudos. Combining with Kojey Radical and production courtesy of the last Skeptik, ‘Brooding’ brings a palette of sounds that should temporarily silence those hip-hop naysayers. – JE
Ji Nilsson & Marlene – ‘Love You Anyway’
There must be something in the water in Sweden, as they really do make the best pop. This time, Stockholm-based Jil Nilsson and Marlene have teamed up for a mid-tempo love song that has a sparkle of magic. In typical Swedish fashion, the song has a melancholic undertone. Also, the beautifully subdued pre-chorus is fucking amazing *dies*. – AK
Arctic Monkeys – ‘Arabella’
For the last few people who’ve not yet heard the phenomenal AM record, this is as good a place to start as any. This is thev developed Arctic Monkeys sound, as lively as the band’s earlier tracks, with a bluesy, heavy, almost 70’s progressive rock nuance that has the shadow of John Homme’s influence just about visible behind it. – ALT
Hercules & Love Affair – ‘Do You Feel The Same?’
Hercules & Love Affair continue their transformation from soulful disco to soulful house outfit, with Andy Butler’s chameleonic approach to production underpinning the ever-changing HALA line-up. Like the best of DFA/the Juan Maclean, this dancefloor brilliance of the highest order. Likely to be a hit on the festival circuit this summer too. – SL
Movement – ‘Like Lust’
I’m not quite sure where Movement fit in the categorical realm of musical genres, and that’s probably what makes ‘Like Lust’ so categorically brilliant. Draped in euphoria, it’s the sound of a late night journey home: perfectly comforting but the kind of soundscapes to lead you through an outer body soundtrack moment. – JE
Iggy Azalea x Charli XCX – ‘Fancy’
It’s the I.GG.Y and XCX on this awesome track that was crying out for an equally awesome video – and have they ever! Paying homage to the classic film Clueless, Iggy and Charli are serving some 90s fashion and slaying it. I’d go as far as to say this will be one of the videos of the year. Watch your wigs ladies, because these girls are snatching. “I’m so fancy, you already knoooowwww.” Why yes, yes you are girlz. – AK
