Megan Thee Stallion – Her
Megan Thee Stallion is slowly but surely cementing her position as the current queen of rap. Her bold extravagance on her latest album, Traumazine, has found new ways to say the same thing: she’s the “baddest bitch” and it’s hot girl summer whenever she says it is. Given we should all take a moment to celebrate the Texan’s dominance, I’ve gone for the pounding track ‘Her’ – because that’s what this album is all about, in the best possible way.
Kasabian – Strictly Old School
Kasabian return with their seventh album, The Alchemist’s Euphoria. And whilst this one is without lead singer Tom Meighan, for reasons that have been well-documented, the Leicester outfit show they’ve still got plenty more to give with Serge Pizzorno at the helm. There are a few old school Kasabian moments on the album – this track, surprisingly, isn’t strictly one of them. But it’s a solid one. (Read our review here).
Pale Waves – Unwanted
Manchester’s indie-rock quartet Pale Waves also have an album out today, which despite its title, is exceedingly welcome. Unwanted is the band’s third full-length record, and its titular track struts and frets with the hard-not-to-like power chords of a pop-punk singalong. Go on, just shut your eyes and picture listening to it in the stadium it’s so evidently ready to be heard in.
Kramies – Owl and The Crow
Written whilst travelling through Ireland, and subsequently recorded in one take in California, this acoustic song soaks up all the wistfulness of such a journey. The second half is, dare I say, reminiscent of Damien Rice at his emotive best. ‘Owl and The Crow’ is the second taster (after ‘Hotel in LA’) of Kramies’ self-titled LP, arriving on 9 September.
Hauskey – Heartache & LSD
With a laidback energy of Rex Orange County, ‘Heartache & LSD’ epitomises many a summer in both content and style. It arrives alongside three other tracks, which together chart Hauskey’s journey from suicidal depression to having a lust for life. If you’re feeling low, it may well just be the track to pick you up.
Tiffany Day – San Francisco Sidewalk
Speaking of sunshine, Tiffany Day is taking a stroll down a San Francisco Sidewalk with this glitchy pop. The Kansas-born, LA-based singer-songwriter has said the song is about the healing power of platonic friendships. “Each line of the song has weight to it,” she’s explained, “and refer to real experiences I’ve had with some of my best friends… it’s just really beautiful that friends have the power to heal you and fill the void in your heart.” Amen to that.
HAVET– Mumma’s Lullaby
True to its name, this new track from HAVET – taken from their brand-new, five-track EP of the same name – is equally designed to soothe the soul. It’s an impressive project from the Bavaria-born sisters, Josy and Mimi, who are 17 and 19, respectively. Their ability already to write a song that offers the warmth of a maternal lullaby shows a wisdom beyond their years, certainly marking them out as ones to keep a watchful ear on.
Sylvan Esso – Alarm
Sound the alarm. Electronic pop duo Sylvan Esso have a brand-new album out. And No Rules Sandy is their most personal yet. Yes, most press releases or promotional guff accompanying an album often say that, but this record was made with a carefree spirit and marks a new chapter in Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn’s sound. ‘Alarm’ is probably its most danceable number.
Unflirt – Before Dawn
West London-based, Filipino singer-songwriter Unflirt is another artist on the list to keep tabs on. Written around two years ago, ‘Before Dawn’ is said to draw on one of the singer’s most painful memories and is interesting, musically, in coupling a shoe-gazing guitar style with a hushed bedroom pop.
The Game – Heart Vs. Mind
After several delays, The Game has dropped his 30-track offering, DRILLMATIC, with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and A$AP Rocky. “I know my album gone be the best album of 2022, ’cause the energy feels like I just signed my deal,” The Game reportedly wrote in a post on Instagram. Whilst that seems unlikely (simply for the fact that there’s been some corkers over the last eight months), we appreciate his fighting talk, in both heart and mind. For now, here’s ‘Heart vs. Mind’.
