Arctic Monkeys – Body Paint
And there we have it, folks. The second tantalising teaser from Arctic Monkeys’ forthcoming album, The Car. Whilst both releases thus far have somewhat divided fans – between the “you just don’t get them like I do” lot and the “why can’t they be like they used to?” clan – there’s no doubt that yet another evolution in their sound is coming. One that’s a little wiser, perhaps a little more grown-up. (Although, as Jessie Atkinson wrote for us, such a change was always likely).
The Big Pink – How Far We’ve Come
Ten years since their last release, The Big Pink are back. They might no longer have founding member Milo Cordell, but frontman Robbie Furze is flying the flag – and he’s proud to. This album, he told us, “is more emotional than any of the other records”, sonically and thematically. It’s also their best, he believes, even if the band’s track ‘Dominos’ still sounds as fresh today as it did upon its 2009 release. Read our full interview with Robbie Furze here.
Pixey – Kids!
There’s been an undeniably joyous sound and aesthetic to Pixey’s releases to date. Colours, Sunshine State, the names of these EPs alone give a happy-go-lucky aura. So it’s an interesting evolution, therefore, that Pixey’s release today – Dreams, Pains & Paper Planes – bears the hallmarks of something slightly more mellow in parts. And not without good reason. Read our full interview with Pixey here. ‘Kids’, she told us, is her favourite.
Freddie Gibbs (feat. Musiq Soulchild) – Grandma’s Stove
Many rappers claim to be the best. It’s a part of the game, which thrives on confidence and conviction. Freddie Gibbs’ claim is not necessarily that he’s the best (leave that to Ye), or that his album is the top dawg (leave that to Pusha T), but that he’s the most versatile. His brand-new album, $oul $old $eparately, puts a strong case forward.
Willie J Healey – Dreams
Oxford songwriter Willie provides a bit of funk-laden uplift for our Fridays, which comes ahead of his third album, Bunny, due out in March. A song that explores its namesake and “the cost of ambition”, ‘Dreams’ was created with the help of producer Loren Humphrey (whose credits include Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Rey). In fact, Healey will be joining Florence + The Machine on tour in November.
Emmeline – Frank
We’ve featured Emmeline on this series before, for her debut release ‘Stay With Me’ no less. But she’s well worth mentioning again; in part, because she’s become something of a protégé for esteemed producer Fraser T. Smith, who has helped hone the talents of some of this country’s biggest names, including Adele, Stormzy and Dave. Emmeline met Smith by chance – at a gig, where she handed him his demos. ‘Frank’ is yet another flavour of what they’ve cooked up.
James Vickery (with Kojey Radical) – With U
Featuring Kojey Radical, this new track from James Vickery was inspired by the singer’s difficult decision to move to America to pursue his dreams. Luscious and laidback, it’s a track to unwind to. “James Vickery is a once in a generation type of talent,” Kojey Radical has said of his collaborator, “so when he invited me to be part of the record, I had to jump at the chance.” High praise indeed from the Mercury Prize-nominated artist.
insha – Drifting
Born in Canada to Chinese-Indian parents, and having grown-up between Australia and New Zealand, insha has a wide and varied view of the world, which comes across in the eclectic sounds of her releases. At just 19-years-old, there’s plenty of interest in her debut EP, 5:55 – announced alongside this track. Having taken two years since her debut single release, which dropped via the prestigious 88rising, this project promises to be a fully mapped out EP.
Shygirl – Heaven
The long-awaited debut album of London’s enigmatic Shygirl, Nymph has finally arrived. Whilst preserving her status as a daring, unapologetic artist, in lyricism and sound, this full-length release contains some more easily digestible tracks. ‘Heaven’, with its lullaby-like sound is one such example.
L’Objectif – The Dance You Sell
We love these lads from Leeds – and they have a brand-new single out, ‘The Dance You Sell’, which comes with its own quirky little video. “I noticed that some people, including myself, can desire for a past that didn’t serve them at all,” frontman Saul Kane has wisely said about the meaning of the track. “It’s like a yearning for a place of comfort but that comfort can depress you.” Talk about wise-beyond-your-years. Saul’s only 18.
