The Big Indie Playlist: The best new releases of the week
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(Credits: Far Out Magazine)
There must be something in the water this week as the opening of July brought about a bumper crop of incredible new releases. Artists of all shapes, sizes and genres delivered greatness this week, making it hard to keep up. To ensure no hits slip between the cracks, the Big Indie Playlist is here to cut through the noise, so it’s all killer, no filler.
Across the worlds of rock, folk, punk, indie and beyond, the music world was well and truly buzzing this week. Some of the year’s most hotly anticipated records were released, including Remi Wolf’s Big Ideas and STONE’s debut, Fear Life For A Lifetime. Both are packed full of golden singles, but the true treasure is hidden amongst their tracklist.
Elsewhere, up-and-coming artists like Quinnie, Sunday (1994), LICES, Mt Misery and more all share tracks that deserve attention. Meanwhile, Monobloc also made their entry with a solid debut single. All songs are considered here, no matter how established or well-known the artist is, so dive into the playlist to discover a favourite new song from a favourite new artist.
But if it’s a new favourite album you’re after, head to our weekly Alternative Album Chart where we dive into the LPs. Right here, it’s all about a quick fix of the best new hits, putting the best new singles in one handy playlist where all you have to do is hit play.
The best new releases this week
Instant Classics – The biggest new releases of the week
Remi Wolf – ‘Soup’: Remi Wolf’s long-awaited new album, Big Ideas, is finally out and into the world. ‘Soup’ stands out as a real highlight, with her signature genre-defying sound getting a 1980s makeover. [4/5]
Michael Kiwanuka – ‘Floating Parade’: Kiwanuka, time and time again, has revealed himself as an artist with the midas touch. From his initial breakout to now, his discography has raced along at an unfaltering gold standard. ‘Floating Parade’ is the latest solid offering as soul, blues and orchestral elements combine. [4/5]
Quinnie – ‘It’s easiest to fuck something that’s always in the mood’: Quinnie, rightfully, has earned herself a cultish following. After her earlier singles ‘Touch Tank’ and ‘Man’ boomed to online success, shooting her into notoriety, she followed it up with Flounder, an incredible and tender debut that showed the power of her songwriting. [4/5]
Laura Marling – ‘Patterns’: The music world has been blessed this week as Laura Marling announced a new album with this achingly beautiful lead single. What is there to say? Her voice is as perfect as ever, her guitar playing remains unique and atmospheric, and her songwriting has never been anything but awe-inspiring. [4.5/5]
Katy J Pearson – ‘Sky’: This new era of Katy J Pearson is so exciting. Following up ‘These Goodbyes’, ‘Sky’ continues her foray into a world of bigger, more adventurous sounds that offer a clear level up from her previous releases. ‘Sky’ is a bold step, but she does it so competently and flawlessly that it suggests this is only the start. [4.5/5]
Hamish Hawk – ‘Men Like Wire’: Scottish songwriter Hamish Hawk, has approached his new record with a firmer hand. ‘Men Like Wire’ is another muscular effort as a frenetic riff is paired with the grit of a fellow hitting back at Catholic guilt. [4/5]
Wunderhorse – ‘Silver’: Wunderhorse needs to hurry up and release this new album cause these singles are sounding dangerously good. ‘Midas’ felt like it would be a tough one to follow up, but ‘Silver’ more than manages it. [4/5]
On the rise – New releases to note this week
Nilüfer Yanya – ‘Call It Love’: Another record that needs to get in our ears ASAP is the upcoming third album from Nilüfer Yanya. ‘Call It Love’ offers something softer, built with carefully crafted textures and a distinct PJ Harvey atmospheric edge. [4/5]
Delivery – ‘Digging The Hole’: In our grand tradition of providing one rager each week to blow the cobwebs away, hit play on this one. It’s three and a half minutes of unrelenting rock and roll with a spikier edge to it, perfect for dusting off the working week and diving into the weekend. [3.5/5]
LICE – ‘Mown In Circles’: Following the energetic lead single, ‘Red Fibres’, LICE returned this week with the second preview for Third Time At The Beach. ‘Mown in Circles’ is an instrumental delight with a discerning convergence of piano melodies and stabbing guitar work. Meanwhile, Alastair Shuttleworth holds down a compelling lyrical weave. [4.5/5]
Sunday (1994) – ‘TV Car Chase’: Following their debut EP a few months back, Sunday (1994) are expanding their cinematic world with ‘TV Car Chase’, a seductive and moody indie cut that’s primed and ready for a film soundtrack. [4/5]
Little Strange – ‘Ain’t Got Nothin’’: Maybe Manchester has still got it. Little Strange have been working away on the city’s circuit for a while, but ‘Ain’t Got Nothin’’ could be the track that blasts them out of it, demanding bigger crowds and louder speakers for that explosive finale guitar riff. [3.5/5]
Bartees Strange – ‘Lie 95’: Bartees Strange has fans in high places as Boygenius, Clairo, and The National have all platformed him. With ‘Lie 95’, it’s easy to see why he’s quickly become a name to note in the world of indie and alternative, delivering a nuanced and layered track that bubbles and bursts with tension. [4/5]
Jack Jones – ‘Who Let the Bass Pump Through the Floor’: As he gears up to release his eponymous debut album later this year, Trampolene frontman Jack Jones has released another atmospheric piece of wordplay, meshed with a catchy chorus and swollen subs. [3.5/5]
Mt Misery – ‘Lunch Break’: Hartlepool’s most wholesome indie band returns with another sweet melody. This time, it is cut with lyrics of a more irreverent variety that look at the working day with an existential air, sweetened by their trademark chirpy nature. [4/5]
STONE – ‘Say It Out Loud’: As STONE release their debut album, there are plenty of big anthems to sink your teeth in. But this soft, more shoegaze-inspired cut sits alongside them like hidden treasure, offering up a different side to the group. [4/5]
Pierre Belleville, A.S. Fanning – ‘Drifting On’: Created for the movie Meanwhile on Earth, there is a fittingly distinct sense of narrative and motion to this atmospheric collaboration – a collaboration reminiscent of Leonard Cohen fronting The Cure. [4/5]
First Spin – Debut single of the week
Monobloc – ‘Where Is My Garden’: Managed by Interpol’s team and with a distinctly The Strokes-inspired sound, New York’s newest band Monobloc are bringing the spirit of the city back. ‘Where Is My Garden’ is a solid opener, leaving ears pricked for more. [3/5]
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Off The Beaten Track – Left field sounds and global cuts
Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 – ‘Dey’: Latest offering from Nigerian Afrobeat icon Seun Kuti – son of Fela Kuti – with a feature from Damian Marley on guest vocals. It’s a true nepo baby collaboration, but with quality this high and energy this great, who can deny the talent? [4/5]
Fabiano do Nascimento – ‘Do Interior’: For a moment of calm, to stop and let the world pass around you in cinematic glory, hit play on this. The tender instrumental track will make any situation and any surroundings into a beautiful scene. [4/5]
