Culture

Movement - Ivory



Melbourne trio Movement release yet another single following the hypnotic “Like Lust.” Starting of with a haunting sample, almost resembling a sighing ghost, “Ivory” is built around soulful vocals, a blaring yet subtle bass groove and minimalist drum beats. The track also features a shredding guitar solo, with a tone clean and shiny and almost eighties Purple Rain-esque.

Popstrangers - Don't Be Afraid



New Zealand’s Popstrangers release yet another single from their upcoming album Fortuna. Following the wonderful lead single “Country Kills,” “Don’t Be Afraid” finds the group in a more mellow and dreamy state. With a soulful groove and shiny guitars, the track is not as in-your-face as some of their catchier singles, but does succeed in eventually enveloping you with its more laid-back charm.

Baths - Ocean Death



Baths is Will Wiesenfield, an electronic musician based in Los Angeles, California. “Ocean Death” is the lead single from his upcoming EP. The track builds up slowly from a deep, groaning bass loop, eventually colored by atmospheric, floating falsetto vocals, and actual sounds of waves from the ocean. All in all resulting in an overpowering and mesmerising experience.

Jamie XX - Girl



When not creating nocturnal pop music with his band The XX, Jamie XX is a talented remix artist and produces beautiful, emotive electronic tracks. “Girl” is by no means any different. Centered around a vocal sample from I.O.U., an ‘80s pop song by the jazz-funk band Freeez, the track is layered with a soft and crisp snare and a clean, glistening synth. Not to mention one heck of a funky bass line.

The Antlers - Palace



In preparation for their fifth studio album Familiars, Brooklyn’s The Antlers return with glowing new ballad “Palace.” Like the title of the album suggests, there are no surprises for those familiar with the group’s previous work. The track is centered around a wistful, melodic piano and Peter Silberman’s emotive vocals. This is coupled with beautiful swells of instrumentation, horns and synths. Lyrics are centered around building a “palace from within,” after losing the innocence of youth. It’s all quite moving, really.