45s of the Week: The Last Dinner Party, Arlo Parks, Bully and more!

The tracks you need to hear this week, reviewed by Tyler Kelly

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Arlo Parks – ‘Blades’

Arlo Parks is the kind of artist that normally hits you in the feels, and leaves you feeling wistful. On the third single from her forthcoming second album ‘My Soft Machine’ – which features nu-disco loops, synths and elements of 70s Zambian psychedelic rock – Arlo Parks is bringing the euphoric vibes that make you long for summer nights.

The Japanese House – ‘Sad to Breathe’

Nobody does heartbreak quite like Amber Bain of The Japanese House. Starting off as a delicate piano ballad before bursting into a kaleidoscopic world of synths and acoustic guitar over an 808 beat. “I forget / I can’t tell you the things I have, I just don’t want / The things I want, I just don’t get,” she confesses to herself over a love that she has to walk away from.

The Last Dinner Party – ‘Nothing Matters’

London’s buzziest band – who happened to support Nick Cave, and The Rolling Stones, without a single note of music released – have finally unveiled their debut single. It’s a decadent art-pop take on being completely in love with someone no matter the circumstances. With one of the most iconic choruses we’ve heard in years (“You can hold me, like he held her / And I will fuck you / Like nothing matters”) it’s no surprise they’re turning all the right heads.

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Dream Wife – ‘Orbit’

Dream Wife’s latest single speaks to those people who come into your life at different points and make a lifelong impression on you; sometimes good, sometimes bad, but the figuring it out is the fun part. “Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it / For all I know is I don’t want you to go / So let’s be friends”, sings Rakel Mjöll. With scuzzy guitars, the dance rock groove and a classic pop chorus, Dream Wife are always playful and always hit the nail on the head.

Bully – ‘Hard To Love’

Melding ‘70s NYC punk and ‘90s alt-rock, Bully’s latest single comes in waves. From her silky vocals in the verses which caress a rumbling bass line to the gritty choruses that are doused in distortion and her trademark yelling, Alicia Bognanno explores the dichotomy of herself which in search of her understanding and accepting her true identity. 

Listen to these new songs and more of the week’s best drops on our BRAND NEW playlist