Julia Holter – World

Posted & filed under Ambient, Experimental, Recommended.

World is the breathtakingly delicate opening track off Julia Holter‘s eagerly-awaited new LP, Loud City Song. The album, which is out August 20 through Domino, will be her third album in as many years and it follows the 2012 LP, Ekstasis. World is an truly beautiful number, and the minimal instrumental arrangements allow the focus to fall firmly on Holter’s soft and haunting vocals, which send shivers down the spine. I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of the record. Watch the video for the song below.

Cass McCombs – Three Men Sitting On A Hollow Log

Posted & filed under Folk, Rock.

Cass McCombs has shared a pretty cool new tune, Three Men Sitting On A Hollow Log, that’s taken from a forthcoming 7″ split with the songwriter Michael Hurley for the record label Secret Seven.
Three Men Sitting On A Hollow Log is a really enjoyable number, and the warm Americana vibes make it a welcome escape from the Rock genres he usually occupies.

Classixx – Valley Vacation

Posted & filed under Dance, Electronic.

Classixx‘ latest offering, Valley Vacation is another shimmering and optimistic synth-disco jam. The LA duo have a really smooth style of electro that blends modern day production with retro influences, and the results are totally addictive. The saxophone solo that hits in towards the end of this track is just incredible too. Total 80′s buzz, and I love it. Check it out.

Their recently-released debut Hanging Gardens is out now. Grab a copy here.

Unknown – I Cry (feat. Gemma Dunleavy)

Posted & filed under Electronic.

Champion Sound Records‘ Belfast-based producer Unknown has dropped the ice cold title track from his forthcoming I Cry EP. Featuring the stunning vocals of Gemma Dunleavy, this is a dark and atmospheric bass track that’s drenched tense yet textured soundscapes. The production alone on this track makes it worth a listen. Check it out below.

The I Cry EP will be released through Champion Sound Music in late June.

Pharrell – Happy

Posted & filed under R&B, Recommended.

To put it mildly, Pharrell has been on quite a roll with his return to music this year. Following his collaboration with Robin Thicke and T.I. on Blurred Lines, and with Daft Punk on the tune of the year Get Lucky, the Neptunes hitmaker drops another quality new song for the upcoming Despicable Me 2 film, called Happy. Pharrell is something of a master of making feel-good music and this track is guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
Happy is one of three original songs he contributed to the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, which drops June 18 while the movie arrives July 3.

Jacques Greene – On Your Side (feat. How To Dress Well)

Posted & filed under House.

Jacques Greene premiered his exceptional new cut, On Your Side, earlier today on Zane Lowe’s BBC 1 show. The track features How To Dress Well’s Tom Krell on vocals and it’s the title track on Greenes forthcoming On Your Side EP, which drops June 3 on LuckyMe. Another track you’ll find on the EP is the incredible Quicksand, make sure you check that out too.

Wardell – Call It What You Want

Posted & filed under Indie, Pop, Recommended.

Ever since they dropped their outstanding debut single Opossum last year, I’ve been really really looking forward to hearing more from brother and sister duo Wardell. The wait is over today and they’re not disappointing with their latest number Call It What You Want, another wonderfully infectious indie/pop number. Sasha Spielberg’s vocals, reminiscent at times of both Zooey Deschanel and Jenny Lewis, absolutely shine on this track and paired with brother Theo’s sunny guitar playing it makes for a really melodic and uplifting listen.

Wardell release The Brother/Sister EP on June 3 via National Anthem. Get it here.

Joe Goddard – She Burns (Feat. Mara Carlyle)

Posted & filed under Electronic, Recommended.

She Burns is the incredible new single by Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard, and it features the seductive vocals of Mara Carlyle. Clocking in at eight minutes in length, She Burns is a sublime slow-burner of a track that’s primed for the dancefloor. The bassline absolutely kills on this track, as does the Balearic style synths, but as soon as Mara Carlyle’s vocals enter she steals the spotlight entirely. Too fresh!

Joe Goddard‘s Taking Over EP will be released via Greco-Roman later this year.

Smith Westerns – 3am Spiritual

Posted & filed under Indie, Rock.

There’s a lovely Beatles vibe off 3am Spiritual, the latest offering from Smith Westerns’ forthcoming new studio album, Soft Will. Cullen Omori is certainly channelling his inner John Lennon, and there’s definitely a sense of growth and maturity to their songwriting here. I’m not saying the band needed to mature, mind you. Smith Westerns are clearly progressing that’s all, and those mellow yet catchy guitar chorus’ are a prime example of that. They sound absolutely gorgeous, and so does the rest of 3am Spiritual. Listen to the track below.

Soft Will drops June 25th through Mom & Pop.

While you’re at it, take a listen to their recent single, Varsity.