Here we are, somewhere beneath The Jesus and Mary Chain’s April Skies, where as one hemisphere winds down, another is amping up, creating moments of peace and dynamism. April has been less about neat narratives and more about curious collisions, the kind you wouldn’t predict but immediately accept once they arrive. Obviously I’m referring to the Massive Attack and Tom Waits collaboration, it could have been conceived as an unlikely dare but naturally, Waits’ voice ties it all together so it somehow perfectly makes sense.
From there, Kelsey Lu drapes us in strings that feel almost indulgent, before retreating just enough to let longing do the talking, while Aldous Harding continues her favourite pastime of revealing just enough to keep us ever intrigued. Not everything needs to be understood, and Oneohtrix Point Never knows this better than most, his work remains slightly out of reach, which is precisely the point. In contrast, Holiday Sidewinder is all feeling, swinging between self devotion and emotional ruin with enviable ease. Fun fact: Alex Cameron has a writing credit on Sidewinder’s track and has also released new music, Statue Down.
As for the softer side of things, Rosa Walton leans into sweetness without apology, Tilly Vickers Willis keeps things intimate and unguarded, and e4444e flickers quietly in the background like something you almost miss, until you don’t. The Drones return to remind us that menace and poetry are not mutually exclusive, while Graham Coxon continues to be frustratingly under appreciated outside of Blur.
Boots On The Ground by Massive Attack and Tom Waits
I could not have predicted this collaboration but I am so glad it is here. Naturally, given the title it is political, and Massive Attack’s first release since 2020, but it’s an enticing and hypnotic piece of story telling, regardless of how topical it may be.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire by Kelsey Lu
The strings almost envelope this song, but drop back to allow Lu to ruminate on the nature of desire and closing petals.
Venus in the Zinnia by Aldous Harding
Another release from the forthcoming record due in May to keep us satisfied whilst we wait.
Halfway Around The World by Rosa Walton
Sweet verging on saccharine vocals from Walton as she ruminates on a long distance relationship, with dreamy melodies and speculative innocence.
Dim Stars by Oneohtrix Point Never
Sometimes I question if I entirely understand the allure of Oneohtrix Point Never as I’m unable to fully explain the allure of music I don’t completely understand, yet, perhaps this mystery it what keeps the enduring allure?
Rodeohead by Holiday Sidewinder
More lyrical genius from Marubra’s pop princess, Sidewinder swings from self love to crying in a hotel room and sews the emotional extremes together with her infectious toplines.
Nail It Down by The Drones
I am delighted that The Drones are coming back to tour again, whilst we love Tropical Fuck Storm, The Drones provide a different lens of Liddiard’s songwriting. Nail It Down is an incredible song and the news of their tour means I can dive deeper into the back catalogue.
In My Body by Tilly Vickers Willis
A delicate and gentle moment that makes me think of a softer early Angel Olsen single, suitably folky and intimate.
Embers by e4444e
A song that very much mirrors the title imagery, with different elements flickering and rising throughout the song’s narrative.
Song for the Messenger by Chanel Beads
Following his debut Australian tour announcement, NY-based musician Shane Lavers shares his latest single ahead revealing information about his highly anticipated next record.
Billy Says by Graham Coxon
Known predominantly for his role in Blur, Coxon’s solo work is often overlooked but this song is a jangly gem for a sunny morning walk.
Spring summer by Smerz
My only wish is that this song was a little longer, it’s a cool world you’re not really ready to leave.
Listen to the full playlist below with new releases from Beck, Kim Gordon, The Horrors, 3%, Future Islands and U.S. Girls.
