No doubt many of you not at Glastonbury will be experiencing major FOMO right now, scrolling through endless photos of your mates at Worthy Farm. I feel for you. Still, there’s plenty of new music for us to revel in.
(I’d say you should listen if you’re at Glasto too, but doubt you’ll want to prise yourself away from the live music. In fact, for god’s sake, get off your phones altogether. And stop making your mates feel left out).
Beyoncé – Break My Soul
Beyoncé’s back. And she’s not just back; she’s bouncing and breaking our soul with a four-by-four beat to kickstart the summer. As has been widely reported, ‘Break My Soul’ samples the 1993 Robin S hit ‘Show Me Love’, interpolated with Big Freedia’s 2014 track ‘Explode’. It of course comes ahead of Queen Bey’s forthcoming seventh studio album, Renaissance, which drops late next month.
Aitch (feat. Bakar) – In Disguise
Manchester’s Aitch (who sadly broke up with Chicken Shop Date creator Amelia Dimoldenberg a few months back) has released another little number ahead of his forthcoming album Close To Home. That eagerly awaited record is due for release in August. ‘In Disguise’ features Camden’s Bakar, for another tune to get you in that summer-time-sesh mood.
Alex G – Runner
Yet another single dropped as a teaser for a forthcoming album. Alex G (short for Alex Giannascoli) has released ‘Runner’ as a precursor for God Save The Animals, which is due for release in September. Remarkably it’s the Philadelphia singer’s ninth studio album and his fourth with Domino Records – a prolific output that belies his 29 years of age. ‘Runner’ has that wonderful transportive quality; one for blasting at full volume on some American highway, the wind ruffling through your hair.
First Aid Kit – Angel
After three years without any releases, Swedish indie folk duo First Aid Kit have returned with a track that’s as soaring as its title suggests. ‘Angel’ showcases sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg’s signature harmonies. The pair have said they wanted to make a track that “feel[s] really big, but vulnerable at the same time, something you can cry to and dance to as well.” They’ve certainly done a good job at that.
Launder – Intake
Brilliant shoegazing stuff this one – from L.A.-based musician John Cudlip, aka Launder. The track emerged from a period of huge creativity from Cudlip, as he embraced sobriety and enwrapped himself in his music. His album Happening is the result, which comes out in the middle of next month. Given the rugged beauty of ‘Intake’, we’ll certainly be keeping an ear out.
Sylvan Esso – Your Reality
Enigmatic duo Sylvan Esso, consisting of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, have described their first three albums as a trilogy that’s now complete. That may be, but their new release ‘Your Reality’ maintains that intriguing quality possessed by their previous works. With Meath’s hushed vocals, almost stopping to speak at times, delivered over sparse percussive synths, this is a track that feels like it breathes.
Objekt – Bad Apples
Also making a return this week is Objekt. The Berlin-based producer has released his first music since 2018. Yes, it’s somewhat heavy but this promises to be a place of eclectic selection. ‘Bad Apples’ comes with ‘Ballast’ in this two-track, white label release, named Objekt #5 – obviously.
Regressive Left – The Wrong Side of History
We recently spoke to Luton three-piece Regressive Left – unashamed plug right here. Their dance-punk blend is exactly what we need right now: an acceptance of the shittery taking place, combined with a sense of getting over it. ‘The Wrong Side of History’ is the near-titular track from the band’s debut EP, On The Wrong Side of History, released in the middle of next month. Second shameless plug here.
Miink – Mineral
Something a little more novel, even somewhat eerie. This time from West London singer Miink, whose sophomore album Notice Me dropped this week. It’s an album that’s hard to capture merely through one song, as it traverses numerous genres. ‘Mineral’ is the projects atmospheric intro, bearing a resemblance to Mogwai or early mellow Burial.
Paolo Nutini – Petrified in Love
I’m not personally a nutter (editor’s note: yes, you are) – the affectionate, self-given term to Paolo Nutini fans. But I do appreciate the anticipation towards his forthcoming album, Last Night In The Bittersweet, which is out next week. ‘Petrified in Love’, along with ‘Acid Eyes’, follows three other previous tracks released from the new record.
That’s it, folks. Enjoy Glastonbury, ye blessed folks who are there.
