10. Michael Girgis – No Hollywood
‘WE DON’T NEED NO HOLLYWOOD!’ An allegory to downplay superficial culture, fake friends and romances, and all the BS. Michael Girgis’ infectiously poppy summer bop is an ode to a relationship that’s real, a unique occurrence in a culture that rewards immediacy and ignorance. Ironically, the song’s addictively poppy hook will probably see it being replayed on and on by the same people who revel in the culture that Girgis is decrying. Till then, enjoy it for what it is — a pitch perfect summer pop anthem. A pool party, a car ride, or a late night will all be made better with ‘no hollywood’ as the soundtrack.
9. Molosser – Dive In
A unique blend of folk, americana, and goth, Molosser’s ‘Dive In’ is an odd track. At over six minutes long with a nigh unsettling video alongside it, it’s what the group themselves refer to as ‘Doom Folk’. I’ve never heard that label before, but by god does it do it justice. ‘Dive In’ has the Swedish duo turn their acoustics down even lower, with edgy brooding riffs carrying the morose and melancholic vocals that complement them. It’s a gloomy piece, a dark one, and an almost creepy one at that. But, for all its little oddities, it has an endearing element to it — one that’ll keep you coming back for more.
8. Wotts – Before
From doom folk, we immediately switch to some upbeat, poptimistic, electronic indie pop. Canadian Indie Hip-Hop duo Wott is an immensely pleasurable listen, just an all around smoothly composed track that carries clear influences from prominent Indie trailblazers like Tame Impala. Simultaneously atmospheric and upbeat, it’s a testament to how good production can truly make a song. The chorus is just the right kind of repetitive, the kind that’s going to stay in your head long after the first listen. With a video out today as well, be sure to check out this wonderful indie pop duo!
7. Amy Dillon – Bitter Things
A ballad that’s sung alongside grandiose and energy infused production — that sums up this celestial dream pop piece from the Irish Amy Dillon. While the lyrics reveal a delicate reality, the production is immense and overwhelming. ‘Bitter Things’ is able to thus discuss one’s vulnerability while remaining a fervent cry to stay resilient against all odds. Dream pop doesn’t have to be spacey and laid back, sometimes it can be transportive and impassioned. Amy’s vocals makes the song what it really stands for, but that almost hyper energetic production that hits you like a wave of positivity after the chorus pushes it over the edge. This is what pop should be all about.
“The fire in my soul, it’s waking up my bones”
6. The Koalaz – Lately
‘Lately’ is the first of five upcoming releases from Dutch band The Koalaz. With a cheerful and optimistic instrumental to open, its the perfect happy tune for an otherwise grim looking summer for most of us. But on closer inspection, ‘Lately’ isn’t just some throwaway summer indie pop hit single. It’s a deeply introspective tune — describing the perennial sense of discontent and downright uselessness we all feel sometimes. We spend hours on end hooked on screens, toiling away at 9-5 jobs, filling the essential cogs in an at times insidious capitalist machinery. But, The Koalaz will have none of that. Fuck that uselessness, fuck your self-doubt, your isolated sense of self. Just sing along to this tune with your best mates by your side and everything will be alright.
5. Sol Paradise – She Don’t Want My Love
Sol Paradise’s latest single is eclectic in every sense of the world. Combining elements of soul, r&b, afrobeat, and even jazz, the U.K based artist pushes his musical sensibilities to the limit on this short but succinctly impactful three minute gem. Citing inspiration from Frank Ocean’s ‘Nights’, Sol splits the song into two distinctive moods. The opening half is more upbeat, almost a dance tune. While the latter half falls more into the trip-hop and jazz realm, far more laid back and calming. With exceptional mastering on the vocal harmonies in both halves, as well a strong emphasis on funky bass, reverb heavy electric, the chorus becomes a roar despite it being seemingly mundane topic. For the production and composition alone, this song is well worth your time.
4. Qastalani – The First Time
Singapore based Qastalani’s latest single is filled to the brim with seductive, provocative, and steamy energy. The electro pop ballad is made to sound overwhelming, to encompass all your senses and take you on an emotional ride that’s meant to hit you at your core. It’s about a new experience — a relationship with a new girl after breaking up with the old one. While Qastalani seems to force a connection with his eager new partner, he’s still hung up on his first love. ‘The First Time’ he fell in love, is the only feeling he wants to return to. Cheesy? Perhaps. Nonetheless, it’s an immaculately produced song that’s perfect for the late nights, those sessions when you’re back from the club, or even a long drive on the midnight highway.
3. George Mills – Longer Now
Interestingly, George describes the acoustic hook in ‘Longer Now’ as a tune that was initially meant to just be a jingle. Thankfully for all of us, he decided to partner it with his latest summer pop song that’s a jingle in its own right. Although it may be a primarily electric tune, George’s acoustic guitar really does lend a whole lot of pure heart and passion to ‘Longer Now’ that sets it apart. It’s a wonderfully composed pop tune, one that you wouldn’t be surprised to hear a mainstream artist sing on the charts. The emotion of the song and the underlying message — that of trying to break through to a friend who is stuck in a hard place deeply resonates with me. It’s frustrating and tiresome, but you have to persevere because you can’t give up on your mates.
2. Denquar – So This Is Love
‘So This Is Love’ is that cold scoop of gelato that melts in your mouth on a hot summer afternoon. It’s the thick blanket you wrap yourself under in the bitter winter moths. It’s the euphoric wind that blows around you at the top of a hilltop. Yes, I might sound a little hyperbolic here, but that’s just how magically exciting this jazz-pop-soul tune is! Denquar’s talent is unbelievable, her range, emotion, and delivery all seem completely revelatory. But, when you grow up with music like she did, you practice it and perfect it till your craft becomes something that others can only aspire to achieve. Although she’s now based in the U.K, Denquar actually spent a lot of her life in Hong Kong. She continues to tour across Japan, South Korea, and her hometown, bringing her luscious jazz pop to modern audiences who will lap it up with glee.
1. Johnny Macc – The Wheel (Would It Be So Wrong?)
The Wheel is like three songs in one. At times poppy, at times distinctively alt rock, and at other times downright experimental, it’s a smorgasbord of genres, ideas, and sounds into one somehow cohesive 4 minute gem. Carried by an electrifying chorus that belts ‘Would it be so Wrong?’ at the top of your lungs, it’s got that anthemic feel to it on lock. A desperate cry from a youth in endless distress, Johnny vocalises the anguish that late stage capitalism throws onto us all in this almost generational piece. An infectious hook, a cacophonic piano breakdown, and an absolute belter of a chorus. Really, what more could you ask for from
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