Friends, we’ve got an extra special, extra extraordinary batch of dynamic songs this month. We’re talking ‘90s tinged R&B, sparkly electric pop, and even tracks that just feel like waves and confetti (you’ll see). Hear the full New Music Alert below, along with some words on some standout tracks.
Dende | “Swerve”
This one just eases you right into the mood of the song, it’s got that kind of subtlety and sparkle. It almost feels like that sweetness of when the seasons start to shift. The Houston-based R&B artist’s new album ‘95 Civic is a whole wealth of solid songs, but “Swerve” is a nice place to begin.
Abigail Osborn | “Bad Lover”
A confessional pop tune with just the right bit of gritty rock sneaking into the chorus. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not showing up in a relationship, blast this one for some catharsis.
BEL | “Are You Okay?”
This is another kind of pop, a more electric tinged one, with breezy choruses and a driving beat. But there’s a story unfolding in these lyrics with all kinds of complexity, where you’re trying to pull the layers back and see what someone’s really thinking. Be sure to listen a few times.
Abhi The Nomad | “Liu Kang”
The hook tip toes while the beat takes heavy steps, and then there’s the Austin, TX rapper, hopscotching through the verses. Go hear it.
LANNDS | “Fortune”
Maybe it’s the album art, or that slow exciting synth build, but this track almost feels like a slow-motion dive into confetti, in a really good way.
Manasseh | “LOVE 3.0 (bonus track)”
Ah, this dreamy track feels like it just flies by. It’s got just the right bit of ‘90s R&B feel, but the Chicago artist is completely doing his own modern thing with this sweet song. Go take a listen.
Rufus T. Firefly | “El Filo”
This song is technicolor, it’s full of high, bright tones, and deep earth percussion and vocals. The Madrid band gives us a spectrum of light in three and a half minutes—hear it for yourself.
Jack Rabbit | “New Year’s Eve”
Sweet harmonies that seem to float through the melody as the song’s surroundings slowly swell until the whole thing really breaks through.
King Isis | “taste of u”
Smooth verses with a guitar tone that’s just a hair gritty—and when the chorus comes in and it sounds like a singalong, you’re fully hooked.
Low Island | “Goodbye Bluefin”
This dreamy, electronic indie pop number feels like the right way to wrap. It’s melancholy and hopeful, a swirl of sounds that seem to expand and dissipate like easy waves. And when the horn comes in? You’re hooked.
Words by Sofar Editorial Team
