THE BEST:
‘OKRA’ – Tyler, the Creator
After
the relatively smooth and introspective tracks that appeared on last year’s Flower Boy, Tyler is back with a mean
banger made up of arrogant verses soaked in distorted bass. It’s obnoxious, but
not old-skool-Tyler-level obnoxious (in other words, it’s just the right level of
obnoxious).
‘Boblo Boat’ – Royce da 5’9 ft. J Cole
Detroit
rap veteran Royce da 5’9 has dropped his ode to nostalgia, in which he recounts
youthful days spent on a Boblo boat drinking liquor and even losing his
virginity (I’m not sure the ‘no condom’ line was a necessary visual, but oh
well). This is then followed by an incredibly agile verse from J Cole. It’s a
great collaboration between old and new that feel retro and fresh. Let’s hope
Royce’s long-time buddy Eminem is taking note.
‘Mausoleum’ – Wax Idols
This Oakland
band’s new tune is also themed around nostalgia. It’s retro post-punk with just
enough original flair to make it distinct from the masses of other Cure-influenced
bands. The video is worth watching simply to see a group of goths rocking out
in a graveyard.
‘Younger’ – The Hails
This sun-kissed soft rock tune comes courtesy of Florida band The Hails. Jangly guitars bounce along to the accompaniment of breezy vocals, culminating into an epic crescendo of spiky synths and heavenly sounds.
‘Orange Sky’ – Clay Priskorn
Carrying
similar breezy vibes, this new track from Clay Priskorn is an indie rock gem perfect
for a long winding road trip. Clay wrote, produced, mixed and mastered the entire
song himself. Don’t get too sucked into the hot lesbionic action – the video takes
quite a dramatic turn at the end.
THE WORST:
Pray – Sam Smith ft. Logic
Sam
Smith’s new sentimental gospel ballad is made all the worse with this remix
featuring Logic harking on about his struggles (at least he doesn't mention being biracial).