Listen Up
Karen O teams up with Danger Mouse, new Panda Bear, a different direction for The Drums and more
Karen O + Danger Mouse: Woman
In conjunction with news of forthcoming joint album Prima Lux, Karen O and Danger Mouse share a raucous track titled “Woman.” An infectious, drum-driven pulse anchors the tune. Karen O shines, as always, but it’s a delightful blend of both artists—bringing out the best of their sonic evolutions. Prima Lux is set for a 15 March release, via BMG.
The Drums: Body Chemistry
“I know some good luck and a good fuck, a nice glass of wine and some quality time is gonna make you mine,” Jonny Pierce of The Drums sings in “Body Chemistry,” a song that addresses loss, depression and ultimately the chase for connection. It’s a hefty thematic struggle from a band known for sunny, beachside celebration—and it works beautifully. The Drums have a new album, Brutalism, coming out 5 April. If this single is any tease, it’s going to be a work of sonic development.
Panda Bear: Token
The last few years have seen the 10th anniversary celebrations of two milestone Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennox) albums—first, his acclaimed solo work Person Pitch (2007) and then the Animal Collective commercial darling Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009). Now Lennox is gearing up for a new solo release, Buoys, and both the debut single and the latest release “Token” continue to stoke excitement. Directed by, and featuring experimental musician, Dean Blunt, the video’s quite a carnival ride. And that’s exactly what one expects from Lennox—especially when working with Person Pitch collaborator Rusty Santos. We’re more than decade removed from his first release and Lennox is still delivering unprecedented creativity.
Daste: Sober
Fusing lo-fi funk with wavy alternative, Daste’s “Sober” is an ode to giving someone your undivided attention. The Australian trio (signed to Mammal Sounds) may not be referencing drugs or alcohol, but rather the millions of other distractions that invade intimate situations. “I know you’re feeling like I’m in my head all the time / Cause when you tell me about your day-to-day I don’t hear none,” the band’s lead sings, detailing a lost moment between lovers.
Loyle Carner feat. Rebel Kleff + Kiko Bun: You Don’t Know
Loyle Carner (aka Benjamin Coyle-Larner) moonlights as an observant server, bartender, security guard and cab driver in the video for “You Don’t Know.” Watching over his mother (played by his real-life mom) as she goes on a few dates—some good and some not so. Throughout, Carner raps about his own dating fears—particularly losing trust and love as time goes on. It’s a clever and sweet accompaniment to Carner’s lyrics and just a sampling from what will likely be a sound follow up to his debut album Yesterday’s Gone.
Agoria feat. Blasé: You’re Not Alone
Accompanied by a stunning video treatment directed by Latin Grammy Award-winner Hernan Corera, Agoria (aka Sebastien Devaud) releases a new single titled “You’re Not Alone,” featuring French singer Blasé. It’s an entrancing tune about promises between two people—and the distances they’ll go for one another. In the otherworldly video, the song acts as an appropriate soundtrack for a cross-desert ride, intimate moments between lovers and crowded, dimly lit rooms. The production value is a sight on its own.
Listen Up is published every Sunday and rounds up the new music we found throughout the week. Hear the year so far on our Spotify channel.
