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 from the last two weeks. Let the music speak, and let the weekend begin in style.
daste. – River
Australian trio daste. continue to build excitement for their upcoming album with their latest single, “River“, a lush and introspective track that explores the duality of love—its beauty and its inherent fears. Written during a collaborative retreat in the Yamba hinterland with friends Aidan Rahman and Jess Cameron, the song captures the spontaneity and depth of shared creativity. With its organic melodies, upright piano, and rich instrumentation refined later in Los Angeles, “River “exudes a live, vibrant energy that reflects its heartfelt theme: embracing love and diving into vulnerability despite the fear of heartbreak. Following their sold-out Australian shows and successful North American debut tour, “River “reaffirms daste.‘s talent for blending emotional resonance with warm, expansive soundscapes, leaving fans eager for the album’s February 2025 release.
Eastcliff – “Kaleidoscope”
On December 6th, Eastcliff released “Kaleidoscope”, a powerful new single that meets raw emotion with a soaring musical palette. What begins as a quiet reflection on heartbreak soon blooms into an expansive, light-filled soundscape, with glimmering keys, lush strings, and a steady bassline supporting the soulful vocals. Produced by Jon Gilbert, the track flows between moments of hushed vulnerability and explosive crescendos, meeting the influence of Jeff Buckley’s dynamic approach and the warm tones of artists like Mt. Joy and Nathaniel Rateliff. With drums that cut through the lingering shadows and a chorus that fully embraces the warmth of the sun’s return, “Kaleidoscope” embodies the idea that even when love fades, something radiant can still emerge.
ELD – “Gnomes”
ELD returns with a captivating new single, “Gnomes”, an indie pop ballad that intertwines vulnerability and resilience in a richly cinematic soundscape. With lush piano as its foundation, the track layers soulful male vocals over an intricate blend of sampled beats and atmospheric synths, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Drawing inspiration from the haunting tones of Radiohead and the raw emotion of Bon Iver, “Gnomes” invites listeners on a journey through deeply human themes. Known for their versatility, ELD channels their roots in Gothenburg’s creative hub into a sound that defies genre, ensuring each release is as dynamic and unpredictable as the last.
Frankie Sunswept & The Silver Moons – Tears of a Crocodile
Frankie Sunswept & The Silver Moons’ “Tears of a Crocodile” is a psych-pop gem that explores shifting meanings and nostalgic longing. The track blends Mellotron, stuttering beats, vibrato guitar, and avant-garde saxophone to create a textured soundscape, while double-tracked vocals lend an androgynous edge. Inspired by the evolving interpretation of “crocodile tears”, the lyrics delve into authenticity and emotional misinterpretation, mirroring the fluidity of memory. The accompanying glitch-heavy video, featuring wild animal projections and analog aesthetics, complements the song’s playful yet introspective energy. “Tears of a Crocodile” is a standout from their debut album “Nostalgia“.
Later. – Echo
Later.’s latest single, “Echo“, is a breezy yet bittersweet pop track that captures the haunting persistence of a lost relationship, likened to a never-ending echo. The upbeat guitar and rhythmic foundation contrast with the song’s deeper emotional undertones, creating a dynamic interplay that lingers long after the chorus fades. Known for blending pop, soul, French touch, and rock influences, the Paris-based band continues to defy genre conventions while crafting richly produced, intimate music. Following the success of their debut album “Walking on the Line” and standout moments like their track “Highway 10” being shared from space, “Echo” is a compelling glimpse into their evolving artistry ahead of their sophomore album “Golden Bay“, set for release in January 2025.
Lemonade Baby feat. Of Lion – “Talk”
Lemonade Baby teams up with Of Lion for the captivating new single “Talk”, a fresh taste of his much-anticipated debut album “Stars Stars Stars” set to drop this February. Crafted during an impromptu writing session inspired by a shared love for tracks like Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life”, “Talk” blends raw indie-pop energy with smooth electro undertones. With Of Lion’s reflective lyrics capturing the sting of one-sided relationships, and an atmospheric piano melody laid down on a Casio keyboard, the track is a testament to spontaneous creativity. Bursting with catchy hooks and emotive vocals, “Talk” offers a striking preview of the dynamic artistry that defines “Stars Stars Stars.”
Simon Opp – “Dance With Somebody”
Simon Opp is stepping into the spotlight with his electrifying new single, “Dance With Somebody”, the lead track from his debut EP produced by the renowned Steve Lyon (known for his work with Depeche Mode and The Cure). This track captures Simon Opp’s raw energy and charisma, blending his rock roots with a modern pop sensibility. Born in Brandýs nad Labem, Czech Republic, Simon’s journey from performing in Prague’s pubs to collaborating with world-class producers is a testament to his talent and dedication. With inspirations ranging from Harry Styles to KALEO, “Dance With Somebody” is a vibrant anthem that showcases Simon’s unique style and sets the stage for a promising music career.
Tape House – “Jane I’m Drunk”
Tape House delivers an emotionally charged and genre-defying journey with their latest release, “Jane I’m Drunk.” This indie rock track takes listeners through the raw intensity of heartbreak, breaking away from conventional song structures with its evolving vocal melodies, dynamic instrumentation, and unpredictable emotional shifts. Despite its extended runtime, “Jane I’m Drunk” captivates from start to finish, showcasing the band’s signature ability to blend classic rock influences with modern flair, enriched by hints of funk and jazz. Recorded at the iconic Tilehouse Studio under the expert guidance of Luie Stylianou and mastered by the legendary Matt Colton at Metropolis—known for his work with Arctic Monkeys and The Rolling Stones—this release is a testament to Tape House’s exceptional songwriting and distinctive delivery.