45s of the week: 5 new releases to hear now

The tracks you need to hear this week, reviewed by Geena Ling

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Samia – ‘Cinder Block’

‘Cinder Block’ is a standalone release from the same universe as Samia’s recent album ‘Bloodless’. Samia said she wanted the track to feel like ‘treading water’ and it’s an apt metaphor; devoid of chorus, the song maintains an uneasy, expectant pace, never quite reaching its climax. Peppered with references to Leonard Cohen poetry, it has that same emotional weight we’ve come to know and love from the Nashville via New York artist. “Just be patient three more minutes / this is my Hallelujah” comes the knowing lyric. We’ll happily wait. Charlotte Gunn.

Halima – ‘eleven eleven’

She’s done afro-pop. She’s done R&B. She’s even dabbled in UK garage. Now, Halima dives headfirst into house with the lead single from her debut album, ‘SWEET TOOTH.’ At face value, ‘eleven eleven’ is an undeniable club banger; but beyond the surface, it’s a deep exploration of hustle culture, hedonism, and a hint of sapphic romance. Geena Ling

Danny Kuttner – ‘Big Mouth’

Throughout her career, Kuttner has stayed loyal to the territory of beat-led neo-soul – until now. Things are slowed all the way down for the third track shared from her upcoming album ‘Lilly.’ With a prominent brass section and vocals that are equal parts soulful and sassy, ‘Big Mouth’ is an enticingly fresh take on smooth jazz. Geena Ling.

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Ny Oh – ‘Shine’

Fuelled by a groovy guitar rhythm, ‘Shine’ is a blithe, timeless track perfect for fans of Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette. Ny Oh’s playful talk-singing style oozes with carefree rock ‘n’ roll energy. The single is complemented by a psychedelic animated video that channels the silliness of Radiohead’s ‘Paranoid Android.’ Geena Ling.

Be Your Own Pet – ‘What a B*tch’

Formed in 2003, Nashville rockers Be Your Own Pet are predecessors to the now-inescapable 21st century post-punk. Since reuniting in 2023, they have stuck firmly to their garage roots, and new track ‘What a B*tch’ is no exception; messy and unpolished, it’s a slice of pure college rock. If it ain’t broke… Geena Ling.

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