Essential Tracks 26
Reeseynem and Chance the Rapper’s “What’s the Hook” is a genuinely charming summer jam
A late-summer barbecue jam in the making.
Daughters carve a hostile groove in “The Reason They Hate Me”
An industrial-disco treatise on assholes.
Idles remain optimistic in post-Brexit punk anthem “Great”
Bristol post-punks remind us that we're all in this together.
The Field’s “Who Goes There” is a breath of robotic air
The first single from Axel Willner's sixth album melds organic with AI sounds.
Cloud Nothings rediscover their abrasive side on “The Echo of the World”
The Ohio indie rock outfit sharpens their hooks again.
Bliss Signal’s “Swarm” pairs aggression with dreamlike beauty
James Kelly and MUMDANCE team up for something brutal and beautiful.
Restorations channel all-too-familiar frustrations in “Nonbeliever”
A bummer anthem from a band who taps into a genuine contemporary angst.
Adrianne Lenker’s new solo single “cradle” is a thoughtful sentiment for troubling times
The Big Thief frontwoman strikes a soothing, yet still dark path of her own.
Pig Destroyer provide their nastiest grooves in “The Torture Fields”
The band are still the best at destroying, whatever the BPM.
Marissa Nadler’s “Blue Vapor” is a climactic event
The singer/songwriter in her purest form.
Phosphorescent push their sound forward in “New Birth In New England” while sounding warmly familiar
The latest single from Matthew Houck is a fine addition to the catalog.
SONOIO say goodbye with their gothic stunner “Thanks For Calling”
On Alessandro Cortini's final album under the project, he hits an all-time high.
SUMAC bring more of a jazz approach to their titanic noise metal on “Attis’ Blade”
The colossal metal trio tightens up while embracing a freer sound.
Moses Sumney’s “Rank & File” channels a surprising fire and intensity
The new single from Sumney's protest-inspired EP is a chilling apocalyptic gospel song.
Neneh Cherry crosses borders in “Kong”
Four Tet and Massive Attack's 3D contribute to this stunning new single.
Exploded View wield beautifully controlled chaos on “Sleepers”
A curious dance between human beauty and machine menace.
Tim Hecker evokes tragedy in the massive “This Life”
An epic new track that promises hellfire.
Emma Ruth Rundle’s “Darkhorse” is a stormy, powerful dirge
The singer/songwriter attempts to maintain calm within a storm.
Cave’s “San Yago” rides a warm groove built on an infectious vibe
The Chicago band blends Afrobeat with Krautrock for something warm and funky.
Blood Orange expresses a deep longing in “Charcoal Baby”
The first single from <i>Negro Swan</i> is a funky, emotional gem.