10 songs from this week that almost taste better than Bill...
10. Flume
Wall Fuck
We finally have a release date for Skin. It's coming 27th May and Flume made that announcement by dropping Wall Fuck. Apart from being one of the most hideously named songs in a very long time, it's an innovative and intricate offering from the Sydney producer. His last two tracks both featured vocalists so it's nice to hear him going it solo and tinkering with some weird and wonderful sounds. This is Flume in his element. You can download the song for free here.
9. Yumi Zouma
Keep It Close To Me
Kiwi outfit Yumi Zouma are gearing up for the release of their debut album Yoncalla and this is a perfect ear worm taken from it. It's a record about being close to people, as the band says, and they've been successful in achieving that with this track. It feels warm and comfortable thanks to its mellow synths and gentle but melodic vocals. The album is out on 27th May.
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/cascine/yumi-zouma-keep-it-close-to-me-1[/soundcloud]
8. Kali Uchis
Only Girl (Feat. Steve Lacy and Vince Staples)
Kali Uchis is doing the retro, throwback soul genre better than anyone else at the moment but on her latest track Only Girl, she’s been given a futuristic update courtesy of Kaytranada. Kaytranada has handed over a slick, effortless beat for this one creating plenty of room for Uchis to bring her own spin. She sound like Kelis circa Tasty here, both in control and sultry.
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/kaliuchis/only-girl[/soundcloud]
7. Nite Jewel
Boo Hoo
Nite Jewel is bag prepping her first album since 2012's One Second Of Love and she's put her best foot forward with first offering Boo Hoo. It's a pristine slice of electro-pop that doesn't try too hard, rather just subtly working its way under your skin by way of low-rumbling synths and pulsating beats. She left her label to record this record and you can hear the freedom in this track. It feels completely unrestricted.
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/nite-jewel/boo-hoo-2[/soundcloud]
6. PUSHER
Clear
When it comes to 64-bit music kings there are certain artists who really stand out from the pack. Australia’s got Wave Racer, Russia have 813, and Canada have Toronto-hailing producer PUSHER.
The latest original track from PUSHER in over a year has just dropped. Its the first track from a forthcoming EP and its called Clear. This one retains all the sparkling samples and bouncing beats from his earlier efforts, but with some extra bite and substance – a rollicking bassline makes sure of that. - Zanda Wilson
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/itspusher/clear-ft-mothica-1[/soundcloud]
5. Jorja Smith
A Prince (Feat. Maverick Sabre)
London singer Jorja Smith emerged earlier this year with Blue Lights which is one of the best songs of the year so far and now she’s backed it up with A Prince.
A Prince features the vocals of fellow Brit Maverick Sabre and is a minimal soulful track that sees her sitting vocally somewhere between Aaliyah and Lauryn Hill. It’s another knockout and we have no idea where Smith has come from but we know exactly where she’s going, to the top.
4. Kaytranada
Glowed Up (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
It's been a big week for Kaytranada. He gave an honest and brave interview to The Fader, produced the latest Kali Uchis single (also on this list) and has now finished it off with his own track off his forthcoming album 99.9%. This one features Anderson .Paak who now features on everything and it's a woozy, sparse tune coated in Kaytranada's trademark style. The facial expressions that Kaytranada pulls in the video (below) is perhaps our favourite thing this week.
3. Classixx
Just Let Go (Feat. How To Dress Well)
Classixx have announced they will release their new album Faraway Reach on 3rd June via Aussie label Future Classic and this tune is off it. Just Let It Go featuring the dulcet tones of How To Dress Well may be the most euphoric dance tune the duo have ever made with melancholic verses juxtaposed by a joyous chorus firmly planted on the dance floor. There's definitely a '90s-flavour to it but it's also unmistakably Classixx.
2. Tegan & Sara
Boyfriend
Tegan & Sara's last album saw them take a sonic left-turn with a crisp pop album Heartthrob and it paid off. They have never been more popular than they are right now and Boyfriend sees them return to that Greg Kurstin-produced pop sound. Basically, it's just pure, unashamed melodic fun with an '80s-inspired beat catapulted by smooth, delectable vocals. They've always been excellent but it's great that more people are getting to hear that now.
1. Drake
One Dance
One Dance is Drake in his pop lane singing over a groovy beat with help from Wizkid and Kyla. Out of the two this is the one most likely to light up the radio. It's the first of two tracks he dropped this week, the second being Pop Style with Jay Z and Kanye, but this is by far the superior. It's doing something that nobody else in the hip-hop or R&B game is doing right now and they probably wouldn't even try because Drake has it down.
You can hear it on Apple Music
