Check out buzz’s picks for the top 10 new music releases of the past week, updated weekly. The list consists of the best songs, albums, EPs and music videos from all genres of music. Feel free to let us know if we missed anything.
“Noid” — Tyler, The Creator
Along with the announcement of his upcoming album “CHROMAKOPIA,” Tyler, the Creator released a new single, “Noid,” a stunningly twisted track reminiscent of his “Wolf” era. The heavy drum beat skitters around the song, as the guitar electrifies through each verse. As much as the track is rap, it’s rock as well, entrenched with heavy instrumentation and a gritty production. Tyler, the Creator encompasses a range of emotions throughout the song, his coarse vocals brimming with passion.
“Immaculate” — Shygirl and Club Shy ft. Saweetie
Saweetie teams up with Shygirl for a dazzling club-pop reunion on “Immaculate.” The track bursts with glam-pop mystique, enhanced by heaving electronic instrumentation and provocative lyrics. The beat pulses steadily under Shygirl’s velvety vocals that resonate with fiery confidence. Verses like “I can tell you right now (Look, pose, walk, Dior)/ I ain’t missing no man ha-ha (Hot, hot, hot, couture)” highlight the overarching theme of independence and self-empowerment.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
“The Night the Zombies Came” — Pixies
One of the most acclaimed alternative rock bands, Pixies, returns with their ninth studio album, “The Night the Zombies Came,” rich in explosive choruses, metallic guitar chords and raw lyrics. While the majority of the album boasts a harder, grungier sound, some songs like “Chicken” delve into a more melodic sound and gentle rhythm that features dulcet chord progressions and soft vocals, showcasing the band’s versatility.
“‘&’ (Ampersand)” — Bastille
At one point in time, Bastille ran the alternative music charts with songs like “Pompeii” and “Bad Blood.” In their latest work, the band evokes the sounds of the radiant alternative-pop blend that propelled their rise to fame and intertwines it with a moodier atmosphere. The powerful blend of sounds fully encompasses the listener, exhibiting a more polished musicality while maintaining a sense of authenticity that resonates throughout the album.
“What A Relief” — Katie Gavin
Katie Gavin departs her acclaimed band MUNA to release her first solo release, “What A Relief.” The album revels in delicate harmonies and tender vocals, with songs like “Aftertaste” and “Inconsolable” touching on the engulfing passion of a new love. Gavin’s vocals are gentle, with a husky edge that pairs delicately with the fluffy melodies. The album overflows with vulnerability, showcasing her sincerity and ability to create an album that resonates with listeners.
“Used to Beauty” — Imogen and the Knife
“Used to Beauty” possesses a delicate simplicity, with tender piano chords swelling over subdued horns. Imogen and the Knife’s soothing vocals flow over the orchestration with gentle ease, enhancing the song’s power in its delicacy. Each verse swells with warmth and fragility, developing a track that encourages the listener to find beauty in authenticity.
“The Knife In Me” — Yves Jarvis
Yves Jarvis’s newest single is a groovy track that invites the listener to revel in its lively instrumentation and soulful lyrics. Classic funk and old-school R&B combine to make a song saturated with passion and emotion. Feelings of grief, pain and anxiety are woven between playful melodies and an infectious rhythmic beat, hiding a deep complexity under the lively surface.
“Evergreen” — Soccer Mommy
Soccer Mommy’s newest album, “Evergreen” exudes deep vulnerability under a perfectly curated blend of indie rock and pop elements. The depth and tenderness of the lyrics are complemented by the fuzzy guitar chords and grounding bass lines that drive the melody. On songs like “Abigail,” her voice is enveloped by a dreamy musical landscape, silky harmonies and a simple drum pattern that holds steady under the emotional weight of the verses.
“Indoor Sport” — Sofie Royer
“Indoor Sport” reminisces the ’80s new wave with danceable melodies and a pulsing electronic beat that carries the listener into an alternative universe of sound. It’s eclectic, with synth chords bursting with luminosity and soaring vocals bubbling over with energy. The rhythm pulsates with enthusiasm and intensity, creating a lustrous track that could light up a club with its infectious essence.
“superpowers” — Loie
Loie’s tender vocals overflow with passion in her newest single “superpowers.” The song is a flawless combination of old-school R&B and modern soul, overflowing with lightweight melodies and affectionate lyricism. The song is angelic in its simplicity, a silky dreamscape of polished instrumentation and a glistening rhythm.