A Fresh Wave of Sound
Whether it is the unpredictable weather or the relentless pace of modern life, sometimes you just need a sonic reset. This week, we have curated a selection of tracks that promise to lift your spirits and provide the perfect soundtrack for whatever the week throws at you. From countrified indie-rock to powerful, resonant covers, here are the latest additions to our rotation.
Zoh Amba – Another Time
Good things are clearly emerging from Kingsport, Tennessee. Zoh Amba’s hometown has served as a profound source of inspiration for their debut album, arriving on the 5th of June via Matador Records. The lead single, ‘Another Time,’ is a brilliant introduction to the record, Eyes Full. Featuring rhythm guitar and a magnificent vocal performance, Amba is joined by best friend Kevin Hyland on electric guitar and drummer Jim White. Together, they craft a wonderful slice of countrified indie-rock that shines a fresh spotlight on Amba’s undeniable talent.
Deer Tick – Everything Born
Deer Tick’s latest single, ‘Everything Born,’ is a poignant reflection on the tenuous nature of life. As guitarist and singer Ian O’Neil explains, the track was written quickly, focusing on the precious time we share with family, friends, and neighbors. It is a deeply personal piece that resonates with the wisdom of experience.
Filmed live at Rhode Island’s Big Nice Studio, the performance captures the band’s enduring energy. With nine albums and over two decades of history behind them, Deer Tick continues to deliver divine melodies and sharp, purposeful guitar work. The track will feature on their upcoming album, Coin-O-Matic, due out June 5th via ATO.
Rosa Walton – Halfway Round the World
Rosa Walton is proving that flying solo is a natural progression for her radiant talent. Stepping away from the Let’s Eat Grandma mothership, Walton’s second single, ‘Halfway Round the World,’ is a highlight from her debut album, Tell Me It’s A Dream, arriving June 5th via Transgressive. The track is characterized by a kinetic, ethereal vocal quality that floats effortlessly over a cyclical, light-filled melody.
Rua Rí – Makeover
Rua Rí, the project of Seán Damery, brings a witty and buoyant energy to the folk genre. ‘Makeover’ is an addictive track born from a period of unemployment, written while Damery was busking on Shandon Bridge in Cork City. With its syncopated rhythms and clever lyrics, the song is a refreshing take on the acoustic music scene. The accompanying music video, directed by Nicole DeLarge, perfectly captures the track’s stylish, tongue-in-cheek aesthetic.
Kate Nash – Famine
Kate Nash delivers a powerful and resonant cover of Sinéad O’Connor’s 1994 track, ‘Famine.’ Nash uses her platform to explore her dual English and Irish heritage, inviting listeners to reflect on history, immigration, and the importance of empathy. It is a brave and necessary interpretation that honors O’Connor’s legacy while adding a contemporary perspective.
Shale – Get Ready To Dance
Welsh trio Shale return with ‘Get Ready To Dance,’ a track defined by wobbly riffs and choppy new wave percussion. Reminiscent of bands like A Certain Ratio, the song builds into an exuberant, floor-filling crescendo. Despite their youth, the band—comprising Samuel Hale, Austin Critcher, and Will Fooks—demonstrates a maturity and musicality that marks them as one of the most exciting artist spotlight acts to watch.
Stephanie Gilbert – Seven Boats
Stephanie Gilbert’s debut single, ‘Seven Boats,’ is an impressive introduction to her songwriting prowess. Influenced by French yé-yé music and 60s psych-tinged riffs, the track is anchored by Gilbert’s powerhouse vocals. It is a song about renewal, identity, and the courage to move forward, marking a significant moment in her artistic evolution.