BEST NEW TRACKS
5) World Brain – “Open Source” (2024)
World Brain’s newest release fuses Mac DeMarco-esque laid-back production and groovy turns of musical phrase. The French musician behind World Brain, Lucas Chantre, writes pop tunes about “love and wifi” (according to his website). Known for crafting optimistic and airy tunes, this is his third full album since 2019. Reminiscent of old Windows startup sound aesthetics, this indie pop record utilizes flutes, synthesizers, light vocals, and 90s-influenced sound effects.
This week’s highlighted track, “i hope this message finds you well” is the second song on the album, using flutes and jangly synths to set the dreamy vaporwave atmosphere of the rest of the LP.
4) Party Nails – “Pillow Talk” (2025)
Since her debut in 2015, Elana Carroll, a.k.a. Party Nails has been showcasing her vocals and experimenting with collaborations. Creating from her home studio, her first album “Past Lives and Paychecks” was a collection of upbeat and genuine pop tunes. Her instrumentation typically features synths, guitars, and bass, creating her own genre of chaotic bliss. Carroll’s work can also be found under production and mixing titles for other artists, though her newest album “Pillow Talk” marks another return to the spotlight.
This week’s highlighted track, “Trigger Warning” goes full-80s in its use of heavy synth bass lines combined with glittery keys and floating vocals.
3) High. – “Come Back Down” (2025)
Coming out of New Jersey, shoegaze four-piece group High. released a heavy hitter of an EP “Come Back Down” this February. After releasing a collection of singles over three years, this full EP explores the ebbs and flows of rock’s stylistic borders. With guitar textures reminiscent of 90s groups like Slowdive and Cocteau Twins, High. creates a moody and texturally rich atmosphere. This group’s angsty instrumentation and vocals straight out of their Jersey DIY scene set this EP apart.
This week’s highlighted track, “Painbox” closes the album out with emotive lyricism and shimmering guitar tones.
2) Squid – “Cowards” (2025)
Post-punk British band Squid is back with their third album, “Cowards”. Citing influence from krautrock and art rock groups of the 70s, Squid has been creating and performing since 2016. The album itself draws upon nightmarish and surreal imagery with electric delivery from singer Ollie Judge. Embracing the strangeness, the group has found its niche musically in its quick rhythms and cleverly unique lyrics.
This week’s selected track, “Building 650” takes the listener on a chilled-out yet paranoid trip with guitars that slide up and down registers.
1) Gerry Mulligan – “Mulligan Meets Monk” (2025)
This re-release features remasters of 1957 recordings, showcasing the piano work of Thelonious Monk and the baritone saxophone of Gerry Mulligan. This album was also remastered in 1987, for CD, and featured three alternative tracks from the original recording sessions. Other artists on this recording include Wilbur Ware on the double bass and Shadow Wilson on drums. Monk is especially notable as the second most recorded jazz artist of all time, behind Duke Ellington, especially known for his improvisational style of songs such as “Round Midnight”.
This week’s chosen track, “Decidedly” is an eclectic and uptempo romp featuring Mulligan’s emotive saxophone and Monk’s extensive piano skills.
TOP TRACKS OF THE WEEK
5) Lunar Noon – “A Circle’s Round” (2024)
Lunar Noon is a musical project headed up by Michelle Zheng. They are based out of San Francisco making music known for expansive instrumentation with personal lyrics. Some of Zheng’s biggest influences include Björk, Imogen Heap, and Debussy. Their latest album, “A circle’s round” is the result of over two years of work, detailing overcoming hardships and finding peace.
This week’s highlighted track, “Forgettable Consequence” is a conversational jazzy track with rich textures from the piano, upright bass, and Zheng’s soft vocals.
4) Michael Kiwanuka – “Small Changes” (2024)
British singer/songwriter Michael Kiwanuka has spent his creative career crafting harmonious soul melodies. Since his first album in 2012, his signature vocals have shaped his style of rock- and early soul-influenced sound. His music has been featured in many TV soundtracks, his single “Cold Little Heart” being notably used as the theme for HBO’s Big Little Lies. Citing influences from Bill Withers, Otis Redding, The Band, and Joni Mitchell, Kiwanuka’s inspiration can be recognized through his genre-bending sound.
This week’s chosen track, “Rebel Soul” is an introspective and moving arrangement of pianos, delicate vocals, and soaring strings.
3) Mogwai – “The Bad Fire” (2025)
Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, Mogwai has been a staple of the post-rock scene since 1995. Deriving their name from the 1984 film Gremlins, this group’s mainly instrumental style draws comparisons to math rock and shoegaze. Spaced-out guitar tones with electronic haziness contrast with the almost darling melodies on this newest album, “The Bad Fire”. The four-piece group has also released a number of soundtracks in the past two decades, ranging from documentaries, feature films, TV shows, and game soundtracks. Mogwai also draws heavy inspiration from rock groups such as My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, and Low to create their own unique arrangements.
This week’s chosen track, “What Kind of Mix Is This?” is an electronic instrumental with intense synth refrains, stepped-back drums, and ever-present emotive guitars.
2) Oracle Sisters – “Divinations” (2025)
Indie pop darlings the Oracle Sisters are back with their second ever album, “Divinations”. Based in Paris and formed in 2017, this multi-instrumentalist trio implements pop, rock, and folk textures into their dreamy free-flowing lexicon of sound. Often infusing their indie sound with 70s style glam, they have created a unique and mellow collection of EPs and dozens of singles. Released on Valentine’s Day of this year, their sophomore album draws influences from Leonard Cohen, The Velvet Underground, and Air.
This week’s highlighted track, “Marseille” is a groovy little vision of light, using warm keyboard textures and a Ennio Morricone-esque guitar part to add some outlaw to the vibe.
1) The Velveteers – “A Million Knives” (2025)
Songs of heartbreak and heart, rock ballads and indie melodies have been parts of the ever-evolving signature style of The Velveteers. Coming out of Boulder, Colorado, this local group has spent the past decade shaping their energetic punk sound. The trio consists of singer/guitarist Demi Demitro and drummers Baby Pottersmith and Jonny Fig. Releasing music since 2016, they have pulled inspiration for their rock ‘n roll from The Cramps, Buddy Holly, and Led Zeppelin. Back with their newest album, “A Million Knives”, The Velveteers are currently touring the US.
This week’s chosen track, “Go Fly Away” blends the group’s signature floating vocals with heavier guitar tones into a catchy rock tune.