Billie Eilish – ‘CHIHIRO’
Whilst it may be one of her most subdued songs, ‘CHIHIRO’ – which is inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s film ‘Spirited Away’ – is one of the greatest examples of Billie Eilish’s vocal control even though she’s almost taking a backseat in order to let the dynamics of the beat shine. From whispered, languid singing to breathy, angelic harmonies and then into pained shouts towards the end of the track amidst a lo-fi electronic beat which pulses and swells around her… Billie makes it look easy.
Flowerovlove – ‘Boys’
The latest cut from flowerovlove feels like the wayward lovechild of a tryst between MUNA, Charli XCX, and HAIM. Edging towards hyper-pop at times, before blossoming into straight-up indie-pop number, the infectious track which is about all-consuming crushes is sure to soundtrack the upcoming hot girl summer.
Orla Gartland – ‘Little Chaos’
An anthem for succumbing to love, with the knowledge that you will be accepted for all of your quirks, ‘Little Chaos’ speaks directly to those who have questioned whether they’re able to show their true selves, in favour of a watered down version, in order to fit the expectations of another person. “I can’t promise I’ll never freak out / But I’ll try not be a let down / Nothing great is ever easy”.
October And The Eyes – ‘Public Image’
October And The Eyes takes parts of psychedelic and glam rock, and melds them with elements of gothic icons such as Bauhaus and Siouxsie. ‘Public Image’ takes a look at the “digital panopticon” which is echoed in the instrumentation. The track is pervaded with piercing, disconcerting synths which at times feel like alarm bells ringing out, though it is rooted at the centre with a heartbeat of a bass line held firmly in place, never faltering as chaos ebbs and flows around it.
Poppy Ajudha – ‘Ready’
Sitting somewhere between a subdued pop song and a euphoric house track which is edging a huge drop, Poppy Ajudha has created a perfect mid-point between a ballad and a banger, as she pours her heart out about being ready to risk it all for someone she loves: “When you’re ready / I’ll run if you let me / I don’t mind waiting for you / If you needed an eternity / no I don’t mind waiting for you”.
