LISTEN: NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP 9/10 – Top 10 Tracks

Claire Stephenson

With so much new music coming out every week, it can be hard to know what to listen to first. Every week, we highlight some of our favorite tracks to kick off your weekend. The best way to keep up with our selections is by following our ‘New Music On-Repeat’ playlist on Spotify. This week’s picks include tracks from Lana Del Rey, Holly Humberstone, Syd, and more!

  1. Syd & Smino – “Right Track”


Syd, singer for the genre-bending collective The Internet, has been releasing her first solo music since 2017 throughout this year. This is the third single she’s put out, teaming up with Chicago rapper Smino to create this bubbly, vivacious R&B track.

 

    1. OCTAVIO the Dweeb – “We’re All Falling Apart”


Rising alt-pop artist OCTAVIO the Dweeb has always found solace through art, using it as a safe haven when wrestling with questions of his identity. On this new track, he extends open arms to his listeners, letting them know that they aren’t the only ones who ride these emotional rollercoasters amidst an anthemic blend of alt-pop grandeur and energy that feels like it was plucked right from the festival stage.

 

      1. Moaning Lisa – “Too Many”


Canberran four-piece rock outfit Moaning Lisa have shared this new single “Too Many” alongside the announcement of a new set of tour dates. Moaning Lisa is a band who can shift from their softer, moody side to fiery punk anthems seamlessly, and this new track is possibly the best demonstration of that talent. As frontwoman Charlie Versegi’s sings with her sweet chirping voice, lead guitarist Ellen Chen absolutely shreds on guitar, adding a tougher vignette to the song.

 

        1. Nation of Language – “A Word & A Wave”


We’ve been immensely impressed with the singles Brooklyn synth-pop band Nation of Language have been releasing this year as they gear up for the release of their sophomore album A Way Forward. Even as they push themselves to explore new sonic palates and tones, the band has kept that initial dazzling synth production that endeared us to them in the first place. “A Word & A Wave” has such a masterful, deliberate build to it that immediately draws you in, and it’s one of our new favorite songs from the band.

 

          1. Glass Animals – “I Don’t Wanna Talk ( I Just Wanna Dance)”


This is the first new release from Oxford band Glass Animals since their third album Dreamland came out last summer. This funk-filled track implores you to close your eyes and drift away into the sun-soaked groove. The song is a reaction to the hyperconnectivity of the internet age, where Glass Animals is done communicating through anything other than dance moves.

 

            1. Shallou – “Heartaches”


We’ve missed Shallou’s vibrant electronic compositions since his 2020 sophomore album Magical Thinking. “Heartaches” is the first new material from the producer and songwriter in nearly a year and a half, but this track was definitely worth the wait. Pretty, atmospheric, and richly melodic, Shallou crafts a beautiful track that restrains itself just enough to not muddy the dazzling instrumentation.

 

              1. Lana Del Rey – “Arcadia”


Lana Del Rey has updated the release date for her highly anticipated follow up to her latest album Chemtrails Over the Country Club. Coming October 22nd, Blue Banisters is promising the swirling instrumentals that make Lana’s music so wistful with the singles she’s released so far. This new single is a love letter to Los Angeles, where Lana’s classic voice is framed beautifully amongst grand piano and soft violins.

 

                1. Holly Humberstone – “Scarlett”


I’m starting to think Holly Humberstone is physically unable to write a bad song. It seems like with every new single she puts out, the brighter her talent for crafting precise, gripping lyrics and hooking melodies shines. “Scarlett” is the latest installment from her forthcoming EP The Walls Are Way Too Thin, centering its narrative on Humberstone adopting her best friend’s perspective as she goes through a breakup. It’s an uplifting breakup anthem that also makes for the latest pop bop from Humberstone.

 

                  1. MUNA – “Silk Chiffon” ft. Phoebe Bridgers


This is MUNA’s first release on Phoebe Bridgers’ label Saddest Factory Records, and boy what a powerhouse these artists are when they work together. As soon as Katie Gavin’s vocal comes in over the summery acoustic guitar, you know you’re in for a treat. This is a buoyant, bright depiction of queer love, and only makes us more excited to see how the band will evolve with their new label.

 

                    1. Spencer. – “No Direction”


Spencer. isn’t afraid to get in touch with his emotions in his music. This heart-on-your-sleeve love song is sultry yet vibey, with indie, almost surf-inspired, electric guitars balancing out the sensual lyricism and R&B bassline. This is one of our favorite songs off his debut album Are You Down? which is out today via 4AD.