Single: Ancient Channels – Hex Beat
This Brisbane quintet have combined shoegaze textures with post-punk urgency and agitation and undeniable, unequivocal pop sensibilities to craft something compelling and refreshing.
Kinda Grizzly
Album: sam hirst – Defenseless, good
Made entirely by himself, the San Francisco-based multi-instrumentalists 8th album is a fine mixture of musical ambition and impressive singular vision.
Singles: Khamsin – Thousand Yard Stare / Abacus
The Nashville emo quartet add a new wrinkle to their arsenal as they unleash this dynamic, energetic tour de force double single.
Single: The Horses – It’s Alright (It’s Summertime)
Driving and forceful, but in a tender and considered way, this is sunny, summery, spritely, and spirited and will be the soundtrack to your summer.
Single: Foster Pettit – Best Part
Dusty, warm, beautiful, and earnest, the new tune from the Texan singer/songwriter is perfectly measured and expertly realised.
Single: Purple Cassette – Waiting on Nothing
Indian quartet Purple Cassette has developed a distinctive fusion of sounds. Raw and ragged, poppy and exciting, they have been garnering fans across their country.
Single: MxDicey – Sinister Vibe
An exciting new voice in Aotearoa indie music, MxDicey’s debut single blends alt-pop, electronica, R&B, soca and house to make something haunting and moving.
Album: NEIS – Doghouse
Rich in individuality and distinctiveness, this Sydney-based uncle and niece duo build worlds from their dark, singular sound. Worlds built of dirt, clay, soot and sludge.
Single: Randle Browning – Little Things
A stunning, indie-flecked folk-pop song from the sensitive Texas-born, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter, new single Little Things is a huge success.
Single: Velour on Tap – Sand In The Hardest Shell
Understated, considered and finely poised, this is a perfect blend of pop perfection and arty attention to detail and it has produced an uniquely unforgettable rock song.
Single: Lucille Two – What It Means To Me
With a smorgasbord of stylistic influences this Aussie duo have produced something delectable and delicious. Tense, anxious and determined, this is an emotional rollercoaster. Strap in.
Single: Mr Speed – Sweet Sweet Rot
On their debut single, this London-based quartet reinvent themselves to produce a musical combination that feels unique and striking. It’s a banger.
Single: Muo Duo – Somewhere & Nowhere
This New York-based brother-sister duo has crafted a unique, distinctive sound – the stylistic amalgamation on their laid-back new single will absolutely charm you.
EP: TIFFY – I Wanted to Know
The long-standing Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has really hit her stride on her newest EP.
Single: Jet Lag Fuel – Initiator
In their new configuration, Jet Lag Fuel have refined their distinctive 90s-indebted rock blend and have come up with an anthemic bona fide gem.
EP: Kid Bird – Kid Bird
With an unshakable musical vision, lofty artistic ambition and a palpable sense of dedication, the future already looks very bright for this upstart Amsterdam quartet.
Album: Kitty Kant Collective – Compilation Volume 2
Kitty Kant Collective’s second compilation is an inspiring example of the beautiful things that people can create when they work together.
Single: Sam Hatmaker – Waiting Room
With a warm, warbly, analogue sound and lyrical pearls aplenty, Sam Hatmaker is pushing the boundaries of modern atypical country music.
Single: Phantom Sugar – Motorola Razr
An absolutely infectious, incredibly charming indie pop/rock bop, this nostalgic feeling tune blends slacker rock with jangly lo-fi sounds to excellent effect.
Album: Stephanie Babirak – Rotten Fruit
A celebration of artistic freedom, Rotten Fruit is an exemplary case study for sonic identity and is also — to put it plainly — quite undeniably beautiful.