Future Islands: Ran

Inherently powerful and exuberantly warm, despite the occasional lyrical darkness, the music of Future Islands carries a force that few bands can match. With “Ran,” the first single from their forthcoming album The Far Field, everything we’ve come to love about the band is in place: howling balladry, uplifting synths and a bass-line one can grab ahold of. It’s a strong indicator of what to …

Sin Fang, Sóley + Örvar Smárason: Random Haiku Generator

Icelandic musicians Sin Fang, sóley and Örvar Smárason (of Múm) have announced that they’ll be releasing a collaborative track at the end of every month during 2017. The first, “Random Haiku Generator,” carries an almost mystical balladry. Electronic flourishes complement all three vocalists as the lyrics—described as “a confusing commentary on modern life”—impart a complex but beautiful gravity.

Sam Nicolosi: Caught Up

Sam Nicolosi’s new track “Caught Up” is a surprising tune that rises and falls with immediacy—but never becomes jarring, thanks to its seamless production. From his upcoming EP Origins, the song is genre-bending in the best way—folding classical guitar into a dance track that boasts plenty of drops and seemingly effortless vocals.