Interpol: The Rover
With a sonic force that’s easy to appreciate, “The Rover” announces Interpol’s return. The track, a first glimpse at their forthcoming Marauder album, marks their first release with producer Dave Fridmann. It feels much like a turbo-charged joyride and that’s certainly welcome from the NYC rockers.
Dorian Electra: Career Boy
Super-heavy on the synths, Dorian Electra’s new track “Career Boy” is a banging bop, sensationally produced by Will Vaughan of Crystal Bats. While it’s a playful tune, the lyrics also focus on Western society’s obsession with work, money and professional success. With a little Charlie XCX and Marina and the Diamonds vibes, this is a sassy tune with an equally gaudy and spirited video.
Michael Blume: Blunder
From the Stonewall Inn’s annual Pride Reception (highlighting the Stonewall Inn Gives Back non-profit charitable organization) to Bonnaroo and an 8 June album release, Michael Blume’s been busy using his music to advocate for others. “Blunder” off the forthcoming EP Cynicism & Sincerity demonstrates the power of Blume’s message and music. And the accompanying music videos emphasizes the beauty of it all.
MUTO feat. Oliver Dibley: Tessellating
A little warped but glittery and beautiful, Sydney-based MUTO’s new track “Tessellating” features effortlessly slinky vocals by Oliver Dibley. The synth-heavy song shapeshifts from soundscape to banger and back again fluidly, never jarring the listener—rather keeping them intrigued.
Swamp Dogg feat. Justin Vernon: I’ll Pretend
With captivating blues flourishes and his own unique twist to auto-tuned soul vocals, Swamp Dogg (aka Jerry Williams Jr) makes nothing short of art in his new collaborative track with Justin Vernon, “I’ll Pretend.” With a narrative about loneliness and separation, coupled with a haunting music video, the track highlight’s the 75-year-old’s wisdom and emotional awareness. Simply put: it’s a genre-defiant number from a legend.
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.