We are now reaching the end of November, which can only mean a month of festive cheer ahead in the lead-up to the Christmas period. With another barrel-load of amazing new tracks we can send your way, you’re already set when it comes to an awesome December soundtrack.
This week, we have a fair few debut and sophomore singles within our top 11 picks. So without further ado, let’s begin.
Track Of The Week
EJ Mann » It’s Automatic
EJ Mann’s fate directing him towards the path of going solo definitely seems like a blessing, as shown by this fantastic debut solo single.
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Finding his feet as a solo artist, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist EJ Mann implements the experience he had acclaimed from his time playing in various bands into his fully independent debut solo single ‘It’s Automatic’. And let’s just say that his past experience definitely shows. ‘It’s Automatic’ feels incredibly high quality for a debut solo single. There’s also an awesome sense of this track having a lot of rhythmical bite, which elevates the engagement of this track all the way to 11. EJ Mann’s fate directing him towards the path of going solo definitely feels like a blessing, as he is all that he needs to make a track like ‘It’s Automatic’ effortlessly engaging and awesome.
ARKELL LDN » Merge
‘Merge’ is undeniably enjoyable, and a brilliant showcase of ARKELL LDN’s independently made music and visuals.
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Independent in both his creation of music and 3D visuals, producer and animator ARKELL LDN went solo earlier in 2020 with his debut single under the ARKELL LDN moniker, titled ‘Nice’. Since then, ARKELL LDN has used his previous musical experience to quickly develop his independent brand of cinematic electronic dance music. Hos fifth and newest single release ‘Merge’ takes a noticeably more soulful approach to his EDM formula, and this allows the track to be engaging from the very get-go. This soulful feel also mixes incredibly well with ARKELL LDN futuristic, gritty and dynamic sounds. The resulting piece is something that felt undeniably enjoyable. This is definitely one to add to your dance playlists.
CHIVVY » Red Water
The debut single of this group’s rebranding as CHIVVY definitely seems like a step in the right direction.
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After the Gothenburg-based all-female trio released an EP under the name of The Tape, ‘Red Water’ is the debut single following the groups rebranding as CHIVVY. From the moment this track starts, we are slowly introduced to a very dreamy and whimsical ambience, which we could definitely admire for its subtlety and enigmatic feel. This then beautifully progresses into a more full and emotive sound, which effortlessly conveys the concept of this track in a musical sense. The concept in question is a story of “captivity and escape”, which can be applied to many relevant things such as animal rights or human rights. This debut single definitely shows that this rebranding is a step in the right direction.
Chris Too Far » Mess Around
‘Mess Around’ carries a very accessible and catchy feel that really shows a brilliant implementation of Chris Too Far’s musical influences.
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‘Mess Around’ is the debut single from Yorkshire based singer-songwriter Chris Too Far. With the likes of Fives seconds of Summer and Charlie Puth influencing his aesthetic, it certainly shows in this debut tune, which has been described as “tropical pop”. And given the incredibly warm, vibrant and joyful feel of this track, that tropical sense is definitely apparent. There is also something about the production of ‘Mess Around’ that feels very deep and lustrous, making a track like this easy for us to immerse ourselves in. We definitely feel that big things await Chris Too Far, in a very accessible and catchy track that wonderfully reflects everyone’s desires to go back to a warmer and more social life.
Cult Icon » Cold Street Shade
Cult Icon’s bluesy and soulful debut single perfectly captures the band’s upbringing in their overlooked hometown of Birkenhead.
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The debut single from Merseyside five-piece band Cult Icon, ‘Cold Street Shade’ is our first taste of how the band reflects them living in their overlooked town of Birkenhead, in the shadows of Liverpool, and ‘being on the wrong side of the Mersey river” through their soulful and gritty alternative rock sound. The large helping of soulful blues aesthetic that this debut track carries feels quite reminiscent of something that you may expect from The Black Keys, and definitely engaged us the same way. Being a track that expertly represents the feelings that arrive as a result of growing up in a dead-end town, it serves as a perfect teaser for the band’s EP, which is set to arrive in early 2021.
gürl » Surrender
Fusing their electronic framework with a deeply dark ambience, ‘Surrender’ is a shining example of gürl’s versatility.
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Getting across their sense of musical exploration and experimentation from their debut in 2019, gürl have implemented their unique style into various tracks that all carry with them a different kind of mood. With their newest release, gürl have blessed us with two of their most dark and theatrical tracks so far. If we had to pick one of these tracks to cover, however, it would be ‘Surrender’. While the former of these two tracks ‘Over Me’ is more blatantly dark, ‘Surrender’ fuses this dark atmosphere with the electronic framework that surrounds the majority of their discography. Along with this, it totally had our attention from beginning to end. gürl have definitely shown their incredible amount of versatility over the years, with ‘Surrender’ being a shining example of their creativity.
JXCKY » What’s So Good About Brandon?
With an even more sleek and layered production than JXCKY’s fabulous debut, ‘What’s So Good About Brandon?’ sees the artist evolving fast.
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‘What’s So Good About Brandon?’ is the sophomore single release from Melbourne-based artist JXCKY, whose debut single ‘Lockdown Lover’ was a clear musical highlight of 2020 for us. We absolutely loved the indulgent vibe of that tune, along with JXCKY’s exceptional vocal range. But in the case of ‘What’s So good About Brandon’, those vocals are implemented into a more sleek and accessible production, which allows this sophomore track to feel radio-ready and then some. Along with this, the more upbeat pacing of this track almost gives this track an R&B edge to it that we simply can’t get enough of. It definitely feels like JXCKY is evolving fast, as shown by this awesome second track.
Leon C » Birds
A song about Leon C’s relationship with his mother after his father’s passing, it was clear that ‘Birds’ truly came from the innermost area of the heart.
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Based between Southampton and Birmingham, Leon C has spent the last three years really delving into the depths of what influences the music he creates. And this dedication truly does show through his musical development from his 2017 debut single ‘Fists’, all the way through till now. Having made a handful of releases already in 2020, ‘Birds’ is Leon C’s newest release, and one that carries his aesthetically pure and phenomenally intimate brand of folk. Serving as a musical love letter to his mother, and how she and Leon gave each other strength following the passing of Leon’s father, ‘Birds’ comes from the innermost area of the heart, and the level of passion that went into this track really spoke to us.
Lucy Warr » Rip It Off
‘Rip It Off’ is a beautifully uplifting anthem, which reminds listeners that it is okay not to be okay, especially during this strange time of 2020.
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The third original single from alternative pop artist Lucy Warr, ‘Rip It Off’ is her way of expressing what it means to be human during the tough times brought on by the 2020 pandemic. Sharing a story of Lucy Warr’s own experiences with mental health, the uplifting production and uncompromising lyrics definitely helps to break the stigma surrounding “what happens inside our minds”. It is a perfect musical example of how it is okay to not be okay, and it is conveyed flawlessly though this beautiful track. We are greatly impressed with just how successfully Lucy Warr touches the hearts of her listeners through a very relatable subject matter, and we are faithful that she will continue to wow us.
SERENA » Wild Lavender
A stunningly dramatic spoken-word piece from SERENA, ‘Wild lavender’ is an immersive ballad inspired by the Native American Standing Rock Protest.
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‘Wild Lavender’ is the first single release of 2020 from SERENA, as well as her third single overall. Heralding an upcoming EP, which is said to arrive in the spring of 2021, ‘Wild Lavender’ takes a wildly different approach towards her sound than her previous indie pop tunes. Instead, SERENA ventures down the path of spoken word with her newest single. Motivated by the 2016 Standing Rock protest, which was a Native American demonstration against the U.S. government’s decision to build a pipeline over one of their sacred sites, this track features tribal chants, various percussion, and tonnes of atmosphere. We were totally commanded by how brilliantly recited this poetic track truly is.
Tamarind Dream » First Prayer
‘First Prayer’ carries a completely amazing vibe, which had us reminiscing of the warmer days in summer.
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The sophomore single release from Tamarind Dream, a psychedelic R&B duo from north-west London, ‘First Prayer’ continues the indulgent, dreamy atmosphere that arrived with their debut single earlier this year. The hazy, cavernous vocals of this track feels very reminiscent of Tame Impala, and the soothing warmth feels like something that would pair perfectly with a bright summer evening. The most glaring quality of this track is indeed the amazing vibe, and we were truly soaked in its beauty. Furthermore, it is a fantastic example of one of those tracks that really has us reminiscing about summer, and really has us excited for the warmth to return next year. And we certainly have Tamarind Dream to thank for that.
Below you can find all of the 39 awesome songs that were released this week. Don’t be shy to give us a cheeky follow and spread the indie music vibe with others!