45s of the week: 5 new tracks to banish your winter blues

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

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Lucky Iris – ‘heart 4 heart’

Leeds-based duo Lucky Iris are making shockwaves on the electropop scene, attracting praise for bringing back the raw energy of the genre’s origins. On new track ‘heart 4 heart,’ they find the perfect balance between gritty hardstyle and glam hyperpop. The single explores how it feels to allow yourself to fall freely and unashamedly in love, and conveys the intense mixed emotions that come as a result, both sonically and lyrically.

Hohnen Ford, aron! – ‘Christmas Isn’t Christmas Without You’

Is it too early to crack out the Christmas music? We think not. Brand new EP ‘Christmas With Hohnen Ford’ is the musical equivalent of cosy socks and hot chocolate. The collection features five classic Christmas covers as well as original song ‘Christmas Isn’t Christmas Without You,’ a duet with fellow jazz artist aron!. Their intertwining vocals float over mellow, romantic piano, making the perfect accompaniment to a night in front of the fireplace.

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Shy One – ‘Nort Wess’

Mali Larrington-Nelson began her career DJing on pirate radio as a teenager, and has been releasing music under the pseudonym Shy One since 2012. Her latest single is brain-melting breakbeat at its finest; she pulls together a wide palette of sound and textures with a level of experimentation akin to early Aphex Twin. The cultural heritage of electronic music is at the forefront of Shy One’s output, as well as recognition of the local scene in her North West London hometown of Harrow.

Cliffords – ‘Marsh’

For a band that have been releasing music together for under two years, Cliffords have developed a remarkably polished sound. New single ‘Marsh’ is a deep portrayal of the frustrating entrapment of seasonal depression, bringing with it a heavier sound to match the darkness of the subject matter. The Irish quartet ditch their infectious guitar pop hooks for a pounding drum beat and dramatic bridge, cementing their identity as a rock band.

Anya Vincent – ‘Money’

‘Money’ is only Anya Vincent’s second single, and already the 20-year-old Scottish artist has mastered the winning formula for a timeless R&B banger. Her rich, glossy vocals are showcased with silky smooth harmonies, accompanied by a groovy piano hook and infectious pop chorus. The single has all the glitz and glamour of a Christina Aguilera track from the early 2000s, yet still feels fresh and modern in 2025.

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