Our recurring Songs of the Week column highlights one of the best new tracks from the final seven days. This week, we’re listening to new tunes from August Ponthier, Lala Lala, and extra.
August Ponthier — “I’m Crying, Are You?”
August Ponthier received’t be caught saying “I’m not crying, you’re crying.” No, on their new single “I’m Crying, Are You?”, Ponthier is fairly open about not being okay. The observe finds them within the throes of some severe post-breakup unhappiness, they usually’re continuously breaking down in sobs while in public. If it’s this unhealthy for them, Ponthier wonders, how might the opposite stroll away so simply? Although there’s some harrowing angst on the middle of the observe, Ponthier retains issues mild and dreamy, by no means shedding the contact of splendor and rewarding honesty that introduced them publicity within the first place. — Paolo Ragusa
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Crack Cloud — “Protected Room”
Together with the announcement of their upcoming double album, Peace and Objective, Canadian post-punkers Crack Cloud have shared the brand new tune “Protected Room.” It’s a softer, extra melancholic aspect of the usually raucous group, that includes sequenced drums, acoustic guitar chords, and compressed, emotive vocals. In an announcement on the creation of Peace and Objective, frontman Danny Choy highlighted the document’s DIY building and grief-stricken tone — two points that “Protected Room” greater than successfully shows. — Jonah Krueger
Haute & Freddy — “Dance the Ache Away”
Are you on the Haute & Freddy hype practice but? Don’t fear, there’s nonetheless time. See “Dance the Ache Away,” the newest banger set to look on their upcoming debut Huge Shame (out on March thirteenth). “Dance the Ache Away” is an ’80s-indebted dance pop lower that demonstrates precisely what Haute & Freddy are after: excessive drama, pulsing poise, and dance flooring catharsis. Followers of Chappell Roan, Caroline Kingsbury, or The Knocks & Dragonette’s latest collaborative album can be throughout Haute & Freddy, who current an virtually utopian imaginative and prescient of pop music of their era-blending method. — P. Ragusa
Lala Lala — “Even Mountains Erode”
Considered one of two lead singles that Lala Lala — the indie rock/pop challenge of songwriter Lillie West — dropped this week in anticipation of her Sub Pop debut Heaven 2, “Even Mountains Erode” cultivates an intoxicating sonic world by way of an infectious drum groove, piercing piano notes, and swirling, ethereal manufacturing. It’s a compelling, restrained providing that pairs properly with the auto-tuned “Heaven2” and the brighter previously-released observe “Does This Go Sooner?” — J. Krueger
Mandy, Indiana — “Cursive”
“Cursive” is a tune that’s not possible to take heed to and stay sitting nonetheless. Between the barrage of drum tones, pulsing rhythms, wailing traces of suggestions (?), deadpan French vocals, and wild synth arpeggios, the newest from Mandy, Indiana is an unhinged banger within the truest sense of each phrases: “unhinged” and “banger.” Right here’s to hoping the remainder of their upcoming LP, URGH, is as infectiously exhilarating. — J. Krueger
Shaking Hand — “Cable Ties”
“Cable Ties” serves because the prolonged, epic conclusion for Shaking Hand’s upcoming self-titled debut. Over the course of just about 9 minutes, there are off-kilter guitar traces, constructing crescendos, a number of dynamic shifts, noisy breakdowns, and the kind of punk-rooted post-rock goodness that’ll tickle the flowery of followers of acts like Slint, Mogwai, early Black Nation, New Highway, and even last year’s excellent release from Hesse Kassel, La Brea. — J. Krueger
Storey Littleton — “January”
New York singer-songwriter Storey Littleton has introduced her debut album, At a Diner, out on February sixth. She’s additionally shared a gem of a brand new single, “January,” which tracks a tenuous love triangle with affected person, tender songwriting. Littleton’s shimmering voice rises above reverb-drenched guitars, harp, and trotting harmonies for a beautiful providing. When Littleton sighs, “He’ll provide you with a child/ Then he’ll need you to need me,” the yearn is actual. — P. Ragusa
