Pop bops. Brutal metal moshers. This week has it ALL! Artists featured in today's roundup include Don't Connect (ft. Flyboy Jetty), Mallrat, Jack White, Meshuggah, Charli XCX and NBA Youngboy.
THE BEST:
‘Dead Ideas’ – Don’t Connect ft. Flyboy Jetty
‘Can’t get you out of my head’ is a pretty fitting
hook. The melody combined with the loopy effects makes for a really infectious and
creative chorus. I also love the punchy drums and trumpet stabs. All in all, a
very fun song.
‘Teeth’ – Mallrat
Last time I featured Aussie singer Mallrat on this blog allthe way back in 2016, she was singing chirpy pop hooks over bouncy synths. Now
she’s delivering moody echoey vocals over scratchy rock-flavoured guitars. It’s
quite the change of style, but equally enjoyable. The climatic ending is particularly
satisfying.
‘Queen of The Bees’ – Jack White
This is one of two singles released this week from indie rock
legend Jack White. The other single ‘Hi De Ho’ is quite frankly a bit of a mess, but eccentric
enough that it’s worth a listen (it’s got a rap verse from Q-Tip!). However, I think
I’m definitely preferring this track – it's got some cool 60s-flavoured
stomping guitars and a organ solo, topped off with some comically-delivered vivid lyrics.
‘Light The Shortening Fuse’ – Meshuggah
I’ve been on a bit of a Meshuggah binge recently. The crazy
time signatures used to too much for me to handle, but lately I’ve been
addicted to the chaos. This latest disorienting track from the Swedish prog
metal veterans doesn’t disappoint. Those staccato chugging guitars are
absolutely menacing.
‘Baby’ – Charli XCX
Clunky choreographed dance video aside, this new song from Charli
slaps. The glitzy synths, funky guitars and trap-flavoured sub-bass result in a
fun beat, and the vocals have a Dua Lipa flavour. I’m not sure if it’s the musical direction diehard Charli fans want her to take (it’s definitely not hyperpop), but
I’m personally digging it.
THE WORST:
‘I Hate Youngboy’ – NBA Youngboy
NBA Youngboy launching a diss track at himself is pretty funny,
but personally I think Ugly God did it better.