Welcome to "Thank God It's Friday" where we dive into the latest musical releases that have been setting our "earing pupils" on fire. As we bid farewell to another exciting week, we can't help but celebrate the incredible tracks that have graced our ears in recent weeks. From infectious pop hits to electronic and rock-ish stirring records, this post is dedicated to showcasing the best of the best. Get ready to discover your new favourite songs and let the music take you on a captivating ride. It's time to turn up the volume and embrace the magic of these incredible releases. Let the music speak, and let the weekend begin in style.
Ay Wing x Chuuwee – Dionysus
Ay Wing‘s music often presents a captivating, nostalgic atmosphere imbued with rhythmic pop elements that promise to transport listeners on an emotional voyage alongside her. Embracing retro synths and edgy beats, Ay Wing‘s style can be characterized as a classical form of electronica – delivering crisp, concise three-minute tracks enriched by her meticulous focus on musical intricacies.
In a captivating fusion of indie, R&B, and pop, “Dionysus” enchants with its honeyed synths, rhythmic beats, and enchanting melodies. Ay Wing‘s ethereal vocals intertwine seamlessly with Chuuwee‘s rap, guiding you on a sonic journey that celebrates the divine chaos within us all, where emotions run wild as myth and music converge. Ideal for late summer nights, this mesmerizing track delves into the ancient myth of the Greek god Dionysus, revealing the intricate duality within us all—lightness and darkness.
E’Lanah – Lesson
Elevate your musical senses with the release, “Lesson” by the prodigious E’Lanah, featuring the inimitable 7AM. Released almost 3 months ago, the track has been under our radar for far too long, but its catchiness had to be mentioned. With its slow and reverb essence, “Lesson” seamlessly marries E’Lanah’s deeply resonant vocals with the modern verses of 7AM, offering listeners an auditory feast. Each note is drenched in dreamlike melodies and atmospheric rhythms, making it a standout in today’s R&B soundscape. E’Lanah Johnson, simply known as E’Lanah, is a young visionary from Nebraska, currently bringing her magic to Georgia. At just 20, she’s channelled years of vocal training into her music, opting to follow her passion even over a promising volleyball scholarship. Her unique voice, rich with authenticity and bursting with joy, sets her apart in today’s musical realm. Drawing inspiration from personal narratives and her own experiences with heartbreak, E’Lanah presents a fresh female perspective in her songs, poised to resonate deeply with fans.
Francisco Sola – Seasick
Emerging from the vibrant heart of Buenos Aires, the 23-year-old Francisco Sola is poised to stake his claim in the world of alternative rock. After garnering acclaim for his debut EP, “Easy Answer“, Francisco has embarked on his next musical journey with his debut album. The first captivating single, “I’ll Be Gone“, released on June 21st, is a testament to his remarkable songwriting prowess. However, it’s his latest track “Seasick” that truly encapsulates the essence of Sola’s artistry. Initiating with a hauntingly beautiful lo-fi intro, he serenades us with the rawness of just his voice and an acoustic guitar. But just as you’re drawn into this intimate moment, the track blossoms, introducing a full-band sound, evoking the ethereal vibes reminiscent of legends like Jeff Buckley. Particularly mesmerizing are moments when Francisco seamlessly transitions into falsetto, adding an evocative depth to the song. Complemented by sublime electric guitar nuances, “Seasick” promises an experience that lingers, tempting you to hum its chorus long after the song concludes. This is a track that not only reflects Francisco’s growth as a musician but showcases a classic alternative rock hit in the making. Let the waves of “Seasick” carry you away.
Freedom Fry – Rescue
As the revered French & US duo, Freedom Fry, unveils their latest track, “Rescue” under their Caveman Arts Society / AWAL imprint they release a refreshing blend of chill indie-pop infused with surfy guitar undertones and showcase the hauntingly melancholic vocals of the talented Parisian, Marie Seyrat. Echoing a sentiment many can resonate with, “Rescue” delves into the power narrative of attempting to be someone’s saviour during moments when one is in dire need of rescue themselves. This track bears a semblance of emotion and ambience to their collaboration “Happy Little Thoughts” with rapper Vic Mensa.
Beyond this single, Freedom Fry, comprising the enchanting synergy of Marie Seyrat and Bruce Driscoll, has made an indelible mark in the music landscape. You’ve undoubtedly stumbled upon their melodies, whether consciously or subconsciously – from casual everyday moments like sipping coffee to engaging with various media platforms. Their versatility in creating tunes, spanning from heartfelt folk ballads to captivating pop anthems, has consistently demonstrated their prowess in crafting timeless, memorable pieces, irrespective of genre.
Last Place Runner-ups – Someday
Last Place Runner-ups, a five-member indie rock band hailing from Sweden, burst onto the music scene through Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlists and international radio airplay. Their debut EP, comprised of four tracks, embodies an unadorned musical style that deeply resonates with its core members. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like The Strokes, Rex Orange County, Boy Pablo, Benches, The Kooks, and Spacey Jane, LPRU is currently immersed in the creative process, crafting and recording new songs in the cozy confines of their lead vocalist’s living room. Despite their busy schedule, they still manage to grace local stages with their original compositions and personal favorites, all while harboring ambitions to grace larger venues in the future.
“Someday” exudes a timeless indie vibe reminiscent of the 2000s era, almost as if it’s a seamless extension of The Strokes, featuring vocals akin to Albert Hammond Jr. It’s a track that seizes your attention from the get-go, gripping you tightly with its relentless downstrokes, thundering drums, and vocals imbued with an anxiety-driven intensity that crashes like waves into an irresistibly catchy chorus.
Laura Misch – Listen to the Sky
“Listen to the Sky” is the captivating final single from Laura Misch‘s forthcoming album, “Sample the Sky“, set for release on October 14th through One Little Independent. This new track encapsulates the heart of the album, taking listeners on a mesmerizing journey reminiscent of London’s untamed edgelands. Laura’s signature warmth envelopes you as you dive into a rolling rhythm and bubbling beats, while her intricate vocals and rich instrumentation paint an auditory landscape that’s hard to forget. Veering away from her earlier intimate, bedroom-produced offerings like the lauded EPs “Playground” and “Lonely City“, Laura embraces a more communal approach this time, drawing inspiration and collaboration from her vast South London creative circle. A special mention must be made of the influential composer and producer, William Arcane, whose expertise significantly shaped the album’s distinct sound, and of Laura’s newly formed live band featuring the talented Marysia Osu on harp and Tomáš Kašpar on guitar. A proper candidate to be the anthem of our autumn.
Lazy Daze – All Below
Lazy Daze, an emerging indie musician hailing from Los Angeles, draws inspiration from a diverse array of alternative artists, such as Shelter Boy and Interpol. His distinctive style infuses the gentle tones of surf rock and bedroom pop with a touch of raw, hazy vocals, lending a newfound edge to the typically mellow sounds of the genre. Lazy Daze made his debut with the EP “Pitted” in July, receiving glowing reviews from critics. Eager to maintain this momentum and expand his artistic horizons, Lazy Daze is poised to unveil his latest single, “All Below“, released on September 8th. This forthcoming track represents a daring departure from his earlier work, as it effortlessly fuses electronic and dance elements with his distinctive surf-inspired sound. Through “All Below“, Lazy Daze extends an invitation to his audience to embark on a sonic odyssey that transcends conventional genre boundaries, pushing the boundaries of his creative expression to new heights.
Matya – Nobody’s Home
“Nobody’s Home” is the fresh release from Matya that masterfully blends the essence of alternative pop with the brooding depth of dark alternative rock. The track stands out with its vocals, which eloquently balance melancholic nuances with robust power, expertly capturing a dance between joy and sorrow. The song’s most entrancing melodies unfurl in the pre-chorus, and their beauty is undeniably arresting. While “Nobody’s Home” takes its time to ascend, listeners are immensely rewarded once it crescendos into the chorus. The entire composition evokes what it might sound like if Lana Del Rey had journeyed deeper into the rock realm. Beneath its surface, the track possesses elements of lofi-rock snares and dreamy French touch synths, reflective of Matya’s innovative “avant rock” genre. This debut single is not just a song; it’s an anthem and an invitation to perceive the world through a distinctly rose-coloured lens.
Nymphlord – Bougainvillea
Emerging from the lush foothills of Northern California, Nymphlord’s music is an evocative blend of 90s alternative rock influences, intimate punk performances, and a resonant love for top 40 hits. Her sonic identity is a rich tapestry of experiences – from the memories of misty trail walks to the reminiscences of Britney Spears’ iconic crop tops. As a meticulous singer-songwriter and producer, has crafted her distinctive sound by ingeniously replicating the essence of expensive plugins with her acoustic guitar on her bedroom floor. The resulting vibe is a combination of angst, ethereal dreaminess, and raw hopefulness – making you want to dance even when the words pull at your heartstrings. Their imagined collaboration, interrupted but overheard, gives birth to another masterpiece, “Bougainvillea“. Prepare yourself to be taken on a musical journey, one that seamlessly traverses through both intimate moments and vast emotional landscapes.
Pony Girl – Highways
Pony Girl, the dynamic art pop mavens hailing from Ottawa-Hull, have time and again electrified audiences with their distinctive, multicoloured sonic tapestry. Renowned for masterfully bending pop-rock boundaries and drawing listeners into deeply evocative soundscapes, this indie-rock band sets a new bar with every release. Following the tremendous success of their debut LP with Paper Bag Records, “Enny One Wil Love You” which earned them the accolades of Single of the Year and Video of the Year at the Capital Music Awards, they’re back to charm listeners once more. Set to be released on 10/27 via Paper Bag Records, their upcoming album “Laff It Off” promises a luminous departure from its predecessor, casting an enchanting glow on the art pop landscape. To further entice their eager fans, Pony Girl has unveiled a new single from the album, “Highways“. This track captures the essence of love’s unpredictable journey, with its intricate pathways and unexpected turns. As the band aptly describes, it’s a song that evokes the “expanding roads of connection that stretch out through time”. This release is paired with a visually captivating animated music video by the talented Stephanie Kuse.
Sarah Klang – Worst Mom
Sarah Klang has achieved remarkable success in her career thus far, boasting three Top 5 albums in her native Sweden and earning the prestigious Swedish Grammy for Best Album twice. However, none of these accomplishments could have readied her for the profound transformation she was about to embark upon. As she bid farewell to her twenties and embraced motherhood with the arrival of her first child, this life-changing experience became the driving force behind a fresh collection of songs, all deeply rooted in personal yet universally relatable human experiences.
Sarah introduces her latest single, “Worst Mom“, from her upcoming album “Mercedes“, set to release on October 20th via Nettwerk. This album marks a significant shift in Klang‘s life as she leaves her twenties behind and becomes a mother for the first time, with the album named after her child. “Mercedes” maintains her trademark stream-of-consciousness storytelling with added honesty, featuring 10 songs rooted in deeply personal yet universally relatable human experiences. While celebrating the joys of motherhood in tracks like “Mercedes” and “Magic Stone“, Klang also addresses the challenges, as exemplified in “Worst Mom“. The single and its accompanying video capture the rollercoaster of early motherhood emotions, showcasing Klang‘s commitment to portraying the full spectrum of this experience.