THE BEST:
'Lively Hood' - DOOMSTARKS
How much longer must we wait? These balls can’t get any bluer. It’s been almost ten years since veteran rappers Ghostface Killah and MF Doom announced they’d be teaming up for an album under the alias ‘Doomstarks’. Finally we have ‘Lively Hood’ – a collaborative single with a badass orchestral beat that may possibly be a hint that the new record is at last in the pipeline. I can just picture the deadly duo in their volcano lair laughing sadistically at the steadily growing impatience of their fanbase.
'Polly’s Crystal' - Guerilla Toss
New York noise punk band Guerilla
Toss have a twisted sound that slowly sucks you in against your will like a
tornado. Bleepy synths and unsettlingly dissonant guitars ride a hypnotic
groove in this new seven-minute psychotic carousel ride, topped with some unhinged
female sing-shouting. Can you believe the frontwoman used to be in a gospel choir?
'Dream' - Long Beard
‘Dream’ certainly lives up to its name. The New Brunswick band combine distant vocals and reverb-soaked guitars to create a lulling atmosphere that’s as warm as your childhood bed. You’ll want to curl up and suck your thumb.
'The Nile' - Kisses
Here’s some indie disco for all your indie disco needs. It builds up subtly from a galloping funky bassline, climaxing with some pretty horns. Is ‘The Nile’ title a reference to Nile Rodgers?
'Oh Darling Don’t Meow' - Meow the Jewels
US rap duo, Run the Jewels, drop another cat-noise remix. Yes, the beat is made entirely of meows and yes, somehow it still bangs as much as the original.
THE WORST:
'Ride' - Lowell (feat. Icona Pop)