Remi Wolf - Quiet on Set
One of the more exciting up and coming artists of 2020, Remi Wolf yet again impresses with her latest single, Quiet on Set. Wolf’s quirky, hip-hop infused vocals compliment the song’s somewhat hyperactive structure very well. The interesting use of quick, sharp sampling and expert production fills the track with an amalgamation of sonic layers that are ever-changing and unpredictable, giving a stimulating and almost overwhelming sporadic nature to the experience. Remi Wolf performs so seamlessly, it is hard to believe that she is not already well established. If Quiet on Set is anything to go by, she is definitely on the track to becoming a future pop powerhouse.
Parquet Courts - Walking at a Downtown Pace
Parquet Courts have been seen as pioneers for new wave post-punk for the past few years, and Walking at a Downtown Pace sees the New York based group return to form with a track that highlights the very aspects of their sound that has given them so much popularity as of late. Their somewhat dated and retro vibe gives a sense of authority and authenticity to their music, whilst still continuing to explore the band's sound in a way that is more succinct and assertive. This track seems very dance-influenced, structurally, the song flows in a way that is easier to grasp than many from their repertoire, which could come as a disappointment to fans that prefer their jazzier nature. Nevertheless, all performances on this track are well placed, calculated, and essential, and when all these cogs are working in tandem, the group sounds truly unique.
James Blake - Life is Not the Same
In another more reserved and low-fidelity style track, James Blake has released what could be one of his most gripping performances to date. Vocally, Blake is tortured on Life is Not the Same, in a display that is without a doubt one of his most vulnerable. The track is a sombre ballad about the loss of a relationship, which in itself isn’t groundbreaking, however Blakes’ expertly produced vision helps to keep listeners engaged as they are taken through a beautiful yet heartbreaking sonic landscape. The track is full of dissonant synth and pitched up vocoder usage which is now the norm for Blake’s style. Although minimal, Life is Not the Same skillfully utilises Blakes more individual characteristics in a way that progresses him as an artist and avoids any drabness or tedium.
Future Islands - Peach
Modern synth-pop titans Future Islands have returned with Peach, their most recent release since their 2020 album, As Long As You Are. The track follows a similar structure both structurally and sonically to much of their past work, and spawns a feeling that mirrors the same pizazz as that of their 2014 breakthrough hit, Seasons (Waiting on You), that brought them their current notoriety. The song is grandiose but reserved, with Samuel T. Herring’s unconventional singing style at the very forefront alongside compelling synth and subtle guitar. There isn’t much room to hide with the track’s minimalistic introduction, and by the end of the song’s more distorted conclusion, Future Islands prove just how they can take ownership of such a unique sound and utterly smash it.
Disclosure - Never Enough
After an incredibly successful career, Disclosure doesn't need to necessarily reinvent the wheel when it comes to making engaging and danceable music. The group have been at the forefront of EDM for almost a decade now, and Never Enough is yet another absolute banger of a track that is built to be played loud in front of rave audiences and on big festival stages. The track is featured on the duo’s new album of the same title, and is the first single from the record. It is very much dance music by numbers, but what separates the track from similar tunes is the precise and thoughtful production that consistently gives listeners a new sound to grasp on to. Expert usage of gate effects on vocal samples and tasteful high-pass filter implementation showcase Disclosure’s talent and reasoning for longevity in the genre, the track truly encapsulates just why they have become so successful, and why they will continue to be for years to come.
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