BEST NEW TRACKS

5) Saya Gray – “SAYA” (2025)

This Japanese-Canadian singer was born to two musical parents. She began playing music in a Jamaican church’s house band. She then dropped out of high school to teach music and serve as a member of the Quincy Bullen Band. After gaining success as a touring bass player for Daniel Caesar, she worked as a musical director for Willow Smith. After establishing herself as a live musician, Gray began releasing originals in 2019. Her debut album featured guitar work from her brother, Lucien, and came out in 2022. This latest release is the artist’s second full length album.

The highlighted track, “SHELL (OF A MAN)” has a twangy opening with some sweet and dreamy vocals.

4) Talking Heads – “Little Creatures” (1985)

Beloved oddballs and creative powerhouse Talking Heads’ first release post-Stop Making Sense “Little Creatures” was put out in 1985. Collecting influences from country, pop, art-rock, and new wave, this album explores themes of optimism and hope. The bright disposition of “Little Creatures” led to its commercial success, as they sold over 2 million copies in the US. Written by vocalist and front-man David Byrne, tracks like “Road to Nowhere” and “Perfect World” speak to his characteristic positive outlook, marking the mid-80s shift from the band’s earlier, more experimental records.

This week’s highlighted track is called “Perfect World” is a bright, expressive performance accompanied by Byrne’s signature high-energy vocals.

3) Gorillaz – “Gorillaz” (2001)

This band needs no introduction. Damon Albarn’s virtual band was born in 1998 after the end of his run with Blur. The members iconic character design comes from Jamie Hewlett. The characters in the band are 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle. The band became hugely known for their incorporation of multiple genres into their projects. This includes influence from alternative rock, electronic, hip hop, and Latin. Their debut album was driven to success by their hit single “Clint Eastwood” with the help of Del the Funky Homosapien rapping on the track.

The highlighted track, “19-2000” features Tina Weymouth and Miho Hatori. It combines sounds of reggae, pop, and hip hop.

2) Japanese Breakfast – “For Melancholy Brunettes(& Sad Women)” (2025)

This Philadelphia band formed in 2013 and consists of Michelle Zauner, Craig Hendrix, Peter Bradley, and Deven Craige. The band’s frontwoman is Zauner who got the idea for the band name after seeing a GIF of a literal Japanese breakfast, she thought the name would spark intrigue in American listeners who would want to know what’s in the breakfast. The band’s fourth album follows their most successful album to date, “Jubilee”, and builds off of their simultaneously upbeat and lamenting sound.

We’re highlighting the track, “Orlando In Love” is an adorable mini ballad that sets the tone of this project.

1) Oklou – “choke enough” (2025)

Earlier this year French musician Oklou released her debut studio album in collaboration with Casey MQ. The album took over two years to finish due to the complex production process and irregularities throughout the project. Oklou got her musical start with classical piano and cello training. Her first EP came out in 2014 which came with a small run of cassette tapes for sale. Since then the artist has gained traction and has worked with musicians like Shygirl, Sega Bodega, and Bladee.

The highlighted track “blade bird” has a sweet guitar and vocal melody with a synthetic edge from a vocoder.

TOP TRACKS OF THE WEEK

5) Modern Fools – “Clearly Country” (2025)

This 4 piece group from New Hampshire began making music together in 2019, where they began to expand their dreamy, country rock sound. The group’s debut album reflected themes of personal growth and search for meaning in life following some tragedies in lead singer Josh Blair’s personal life. Their sophomore album continued exploring darker themes while incorporating a juxtaposing upbeat sound.

The highlighted track, “Ballroom Bender Blues” has an old school feel that draws on country classics.

4) FKA twigs – “EUSEXUA” (2025)

Eusexua is the latest project from English singer FKA twigs. This album comes after the release of her “Caprisongs” mix-tape in 2022 and expands on musical themes including danceability, sensuality, and rhythm. The singles leading up to this song included the title track, “Perfect Stranger”, and “Drums of Death”. All of these were released with music videos that highlight twigs’ visual creativity and dance skills.

This week’s highlighted track, “Perfect Stranger” is highly danceable with punctuated synths and the perfect amount of attitude in the lyrics.

3) Art d’Ecco – “Serene Demon” (2025)

Since 2016, Canadian indie pop singer and musician Art d’Ecco has been consistently pushing the limits of pop creativity. Originally starting as a line cook in Vancouver, he has moved from playing in countless bands to being an individual pacesetter standing out against the backdrop of pop musical sameness. Over a total of five albums, his androgynous style and enigmatic musical arrangements have garnered global attention from fans of glam and indie alike. d’Ecco’s style is marked by his exploration of music’s furthest bounds, citing inspiration from David Bowie, Kate Bush, and Sparks.

This week’s highlighted track, “The Traveller” has some hard hitting drums and funky bass lines.

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-esque 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, “Riverside” has a serene sound with gentle vocals and heavy reverb in the guitar chords.

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, “Take It From The Top” is drenched in energy and punk-rock attitude.