Brilliant basslines, soulful vocals, quirky but satisfying melodies and a fiercely human sense of passion and live-music vibrancy. Scottish artist and producer Novaborn captures a moment of pure addictive escapism, with the soaring stomp and seduction of Gone.
Music
Something boldly different, by design, intention, timeframe and temperament alike – an avant-garde album noting over 200 original works, and an artistic style grounded by creativity, but otherwise bravely elevated by a fearless sense of eclecticism and refusal to adhere to expectations.
Super chill vibes blend subtle twists of soul, jazz and a self-defined ‘late night radio’ allure, as Kuddlephish takes things down a slow and smooth pathway, for the sultry escapism of Bonnie and Clyde.
Lush new vibes from Australian artist Monstrous bring a calming organic blend of subtle jazz, funk and dreamy trip hop. With intimate vocal depth and quiet reflections on life and the self, Underground is a catchy and distinct symphony of riffs and moments, and it softly contemplates then brightens throughout a smooth and satisfying post-five-minute mix.
From bedroom pop to programmed vocals and an anthemic Celtic celebration of football and the old school World Cup Campaigns – Rodeo Terrorists brings a fully loaded soundscape of folk-rock knees-up intentions, with the heavy production and catchy Celtic riffs of Saltire (Tartan Army).
Regardless of age and how impressive this is for the work of an 11 year old, Wheerdoe is a huge track in itself – a satisfying pop-rock and grunge arrangement, with great vocals, a kind of Pixies or Radiohead-style introspection, and a fine blend of lostness and uplift that’s intoxicating.
A fine collection of songs, all impressively connected by concept and character, but also versatile enough to make this a nostalgic and hopeful project, from an independent songwriter and musician whose approach blends skill and substance to a compelling degree. Well worth escaping into this season.
Huge summer vibes and a colourful anthemic groove back up this Creole single for the Haitian Soccer team of 2026. H the Nudist pairs Gospel vocals with afrobeats and hip hop, for a catchy and smooth celebration that’s instantly uplifting.
Returning to the raw essentials of heartfelt songwriting, Maypo Deluxe lets the nuance and realism of his voice and lyricism shine naturally, for the acoustic guitar-led fireside charm and radical acceptance of Living Out Loud.
Raw acoustic realism and stories that are easy to connect with – Jack O’Handley captures the fireside warmth and energy of live acoustic folk and storytelling, with the honest and unfiltered Get in the Van.
The calm becomes awakening, ultimately euphoric, as we’re welcomed by powerful drum hits, additional guitars, distortion, ambient waves of soulful peaks, new riffs, and a fine blend of simplicity and complex human emotions.
Live rock and pop written and performed with energy and skill – Hawai’i-born singer and songwriter Pepper Diaz and band The Scoville Scale deliver an uplifting and distinct new indie sound, with the soulful peaks, distorted power chords and riffs of the romantic and impassioned The Long Game.