ListenUp
A stunning video from Seinabo Sey, new music from New Order and more in this week’s musical round-up
New Order: Restless
It’s safe to say that much of the dance music we listen to today wouldn’t exist without the ’80s influence of New Order. The group took a genre to soaring heights with bold, charged music. New Order has released a new single, “Restless,” that takes their impeccable song-crafting to the present day. Catchy and clearly New Order, the thoughtfully upbeat track offers a nice glimpse into what we can expect from their forthcoming album Music Complete.
Seinabo Sey: Pretend
Stockholm-based Seinabo Sey made waves last year with her EP For Madeleine and recently released the powerful and soulful “Pretend,” off her upcoming debut album. Straddling the line between traditional soul, pop and electronic, the track boasts a dark bass line, but ultimately positive and optimistic lyrics.
tUnE-yArDs: Rocking Chair
A good music video entertains, but a great music video contributes to the value of the track. Artist Sarah Pupo’s vision for tUnE-yArD’s latest single, “Rocking Chair” (off 2014’s Nikki Nack) delivers all of the above. There’s a vibrant, hand-cut DIY aesthetic that matches the vocal dynamics of lead singer Merrill Garbus. Images flit back and forth, up and down, guided only by color and Garbus’ pronounced, repetitious lyricism. Altogether, it’s a powerful collaboration that sheds new light on the track.
Wolf Alice: Bros
After a recent private performance at NYC’s Gramercy Park Hotel, there’s no better time to revel in the thoughtful charm of North London’s alt-rock four-piece Wolf Alice. Only a few months ago they took the internet by storm with the video for single “Bros,” an atmospheric, danceable track of sweet vocals and pop flourishes. Since, they’ve released the acclaimed debut full-length My Love Is Cool, an album as dynamic as it is worthy of the attention it’s receiving.
Jamie Woon: Sharpness
British singer/songwriter Jamie Woon has made a welcome return with the smooth and sexy new track, “Sharpness.” The song is off Woon’s upcoming album—a follow-up to 2011’s excellent Mirrorwriting—and blends soulful grooves with R&B, with his delicate, yet powerful, falsetto atop the sensual layers.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
