Here’s our previous selection of 40 tracks from September 2023
 | STAR CROSSED LOVERS BY OTTO ADAYThis rhapsodic saga begins with a chance encounter at Halloween and ends with the Welsh singer forming a friendship for life. Co-written and co-produced by Dave Stewart, vivid piano and strings lend the song the necessary weight. SONGWRITER(S): CHRISTIAN PUNTER, DAVID STEWART |
 | VERTIGO BY MORGAN MYLESA country song that sounds both freshly modern and in keeping with the genre’s traditions, it’s apt that this tale of the whirlwind nature of a new love gallops along like a prize Appaloosa. SONGWRITER(S): DILLON DESKIN, MORGAN MYLES, NATE DODGE, SCOTT REEVES |
 | GRACIE BY WILL LINLEYLinley’s contemporary vocal delivery injects an enchanting buoyancy into the South African singer-songwriter’s music. Here, in a song dedicated to the person he’ll end up with one day, you can’t help but be swept along. SONGWRITER(S): ADAM YARON, JONNY SHORR, WILL LINLEY |
 | STRANGE NEIGHBOUR BY FOLLY GROUPKicking off with angular guitar stabs, wonky synths and tumbling drums, just when you’ve caught up with this indie-rock romp it takes a turn to the off-kilter. It’s an anthem for the curtain twitchers and we love it. SONGWRITER(S): KAI AKINDE-HUMMEL, LOUIS MILBURN, SEAN HARPER, TOM DOHERTY |
 | REFUGEE BY HASSAN BIN RASHIDOriginally more of a sombre lament, the Syrian rhythm section that were invited to play on the track have turned it into something altogether more celebratory. The dazzling guitar work adds a dash of the dramatic. SONGWRITER(S): HASSAN BIN RASHID AL KHALIFA |
 | WORKING STIFFS BY LUCIA STAVROSStanding up to the corporate machine that makes so many of us trade our integrity for material gain, the Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter/producer makes her point over a gently cascading harp and uncompromising beat. SONGWRITER(S): LUCIA HELEN STAVROS |
 | SUMMER OF HELL BY THE NATVRALThe work of Kip Berman (formerly of The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart) bringing together the rousing quality of peak Springsteen with the twang of Tom Petty. This alt-country rocker was made to get you out of your seat. SONGWRITER(S): KIP BERMAN, THE NATVRAL |
 | CHEATER BY SAVANA SANTOSThoughts and emotions tumble out from the Illinois songwriter as she wrestles with the fading light of a relationship. Dynamic shifts help to strengthen her position and take this alt-pop treat to the next level. SONGWRITER(S): JOSH KERR, MADI DIAZ, SAVANA SANTOS, SUMMER OVERSTREET |
 | ALL THE WINE IN CALIFORNIA BY LOGAN LEDGERWith guitars lifted from the Bakersfield sound’s heyday and a mournful vocal style dragged from the bottom of a bottle, there’s a transporting nature to this country lament. Lyrically, it’s sharper than a serpent’s tooth. SONGWRITER(S): BEAU BEDFORD, LOGAN LEDGER, NOAH JACKSON |
 | RONALDO BY LEATHERETTEThe Bologna outfit bring together elements of post-punk, shoegaze and jazz on the first single to be released from their upcoming second album. The result is something of an oxymoron, a cathartic tumult that burns as it sooths. SONGWRITER(S): ANDREA GERARDI, FRANCESCO BONORA, JACOPO FINELLI, MARCO JESPERSEN, MICHELLE BATTAGLIOLI |
 | SPARROWS BY BRISCOEThe Austin duo of Truett Heintzelman and Philip Lupton arm themselves with classic songcraft and honeyed harmonies. It’s a tried and trusted formula that reaps winning results when deployed this well. SONGWRITER(S): TRUETT HEINTZELMAN |
 | FORMER FRIEND BY ELEANORA song that explores the idea of feeling incompetent in the wake of personal tragedy, the considered instrumentation helps frame this emotional journey. At points lush, at others stark, it twists and turns. SONGWRITER(S): AIDAN WASSE, ELEANOR GEBROU, JOHN FELLNER |
 | BETTER THAN LIFE BY GRRRL GANGThe Indonesian garage-punk trio don’t mess about here. Muhammad Faiz Abdurrahman brings a bruising beat over which guitar and bass can thrash about with abandon. Point made, it’s over and out in less than two minutes. SONGWRITER(S): ANGEE SENTANA, EDO KHOLIF ALVENTA |
 | A SCENE FROM SOME OLD POEM BY DANIEL GADD“I’ve known a lot of loneliness and sorrow/But they’re just sinking in this river/Like a stone,” the closing lines from this dusty lament. Before it sinks, the song’s lightness of touch and gentle canter helps that stone skim across the water. SONGWRITER(S): DANIEL GADD |
 | RAINING TOMORROW BY NATANYAA luscious and fresh R&B groove, there’s both playfulness and confidence in a production that brings together an afrobeat rhythm and waterfall-like guitars. Taken all together, it’s a welcome splash of nostalgic sunshine. SONGWRITER(S): NATANYA POPOOLA |
 | MOTORCYCLE BY SURPRISE BABYThough centred on a desire to escape a failing relationship, this hushed alt-rock number doesn’t feel the need to get anywhere in a hurry. The contemplative tone gives every element room to breathe. SONGWRITER(S): SARSTEN NOICE |
 | CUT YOUR FACE BY THE JOY FORMIDABLEKicking off with a riff to melt even the most heat-resistant of faces, the Welsh trio are at their irresistible best here. Not content to let the guitars do all the work, a kaleidoscope of sounds swirls in and out of view. SONGWRITER(S): RHIANNON BRYAN, RHYDIAN DAVIES |
 | MAIN CHARACTER BY MORGAN HARPER-JONESWhen you’ve said everything there is to say, sometimes all that’s left to do is let out a gigantic scream. Having worked through her emotions, that’s exactly what the singer-songwriter does here. SONGWRITER(S): MORGAN HARPER-JONES |
 | DON’T TAKE YOUR HEARTACHE OUT ON THE WORLD BY D.A. STERNThe Los Angeles-based alt-pop artist is singing like he means it as he dispenses hard-learned advice to his younger self. Synths, keys, and a slyly funky bass all help to raise the emotional stakes. SONGWRITER(S): DAVID AARON STERN |
 | PARASITE BY COACH PARTYWith frenetic vocals that lead to a glass-shattering scream, Jess Eastwood leads Coach Party through their heaviest song to date. It’s a good job it’s only 1:38, this blistering effort will leave you exhausted. SONGWRITER(S): GUY PAGE, JESSICA EASTWOOD, JOE PERRY, STEPHANIE NORRIS |
 | DAISY GIRL BY LILAC HAZEThe appropriately surnamed dream-pop star puts fear to one side as she considers a new relationship. There’s something of an ‘80s sheen to guitars that elevate this delicate pursuit of happiness. SONGWRITER(S): KATRINA WALTERS SWIFT |
 | CAN’T PLEASE ‘EM ALL BY REID HAUGHTONBoth Haughton’s voice and the laidback country groove of his backing band ooze with insouciant charm. It’s the ideal sound for a song encouraging us all to take a step back and do what makes us happy. SONGWRITER(S): BEAU BAILEY, REID HAUGHTON, STANTON LANGLEY |
 | SAY YOU LOVE ME BY ÄYANNAThis soul-infused pop track undulates as the productions fades in and out of consciousness. The muted quality of the first verse allows the rest of the song to blossom under the shine of a new love. SONGWRITER(S): ARI PENSMITH, ÄYANNA |
 | DRUNK & LOUD BY BLOOM TWINSWith the same sonic attack as Icona Pop’s ‘I Love It’ comes this breakneck anthem from twins Anna and Sonia. Co-written and produced by Sam Harris of X Ambassadors, this is raise-your-arms-and-jump pop at its best. SONGWRITER(S): ADAM LEVIN, ANNA KUPRIENKO, RUSS FLYNN, SAM NELSON HARRIS, SONIA KUPRIENKO |
 | LITTLE ONE BY THE BREATHThough the hand-clapped rhythm evokes the fun of the playground, this calming folk lullaby is more suited to easing any nocturnal worries. Ríoghnach Connolly’s vocals sooth like a well-tucked duvet. SONGWRITER(S): THE BREATH |
 | SEETHRU BY TIM ATLASCreated in a hired studio in Williamsburg, there’s a palpable sense that the singer/songwriter/producer was having a great time when he came up with this urgent and infectious pop groove. SONGWRITER(S): RYAN BANDONG, TIMOTHY FERGUSON |
 | THE LIKES OF YOU BY NXKXTAAs a brooding bassline ripples, the twang of a guitar begs you to come closer. Try as you might, it’s impossible to hold on to this seductive alt-rock ballad as it slithers free from your grasp. SONGWRITER(S): NIKITA ANDRIANOVA, STEVEN ANSELL |
 | POETRY BY SAINT SAVIOURThere’s a bottomless well of great music created when a message, guitar and beautiful voice come together as one. Not content with that classic combination, a stunning whistled passage adds that extra touch of magic. SONGWRITER(S): REBECCA JONES |
 | SWEET SUMMERS DAY BY TAMARAEBI
SONGWRITER(S): TAMARAEBI |
 | OPEN THE DOOR BY GABBY’S WORLDThe slightly quirky production can’t obfuscate the catchy topline melody at the heart of this alt-pop lullaby. Gabby Smith’s delicate, occasionally faltering, voice is the ideal vessel to carry it forth. SONGWRITER(S): GABRIELLE SMITH |
 | FALLING DOWN BY PUMA BLUEWith the nostalgic sheen of an old vinyl that’s been dusted down and placed on a record player for the first time in years. Memories fade in out of consciousness, the result is both comforting and eerie. SONGWRITER(S): JACOB ALLEN, LUKE BOWER TEEJ |
 | SUPERCHARGED BY BIRTHHThe addition of field recordings made in NYC may anchor things in the real world, but the lilting orchestration lifts the Brooklyn-based Italian songwriter out of Prospect Park and places her on top of the clouds. SONGWRITER(S): BIRTHH, LONDON O’CONNOR |
 | 89CC BY HUNNYA twinkling 80s-evoking synth kicks off a mid-tempo song that’s not afraid of wearing its heart on its sleeves. And how best to ramp up that emotion – with a massive saxophone solo, that’s how! SONGWRITER(S): JACOB GOLDSTEIN, JASON YARGER, JOSEPH BURGER-ANDERSON, KEVIN GRIMMETT |
 | LIKE THUNDER BY AMUNDAA brisk R&B ode to the fact that being you is always enough, especially during those times when you’re just about getting through the day – the gang vocals and guest verse from Elijah Kashmir bring the supportive affirmation. SONGWRITER(S): AMANDAH WILKINSON, DJANA GABRIELLE, ELIJAH KASHMIR |
 | SILVER BEACHES BY BLANCO WHITEA song built from the organ progression of the verse, the echoes of guitar and siren-call backing vocals tempt you out into the shimmering night waters. White and co-writer Pilo Adami have clear musical chemistry. SONGWRITER(S): CHARLOTTE SCHNURR, JOSHUA JAMES EDWARDS, PILO ADAMI |
 | PERFECT MOVIE SCENE BY MOYKAMaking the kind of elegant modern dance-pop that Robyn has made a career out of, Moyka’s latest songs floats between several distinct passages and ends in a crescendo of blissful abandon. SONGWRITER(S): EIRIK HELLA, MONIKA ENGESETH |
 | YOUR BEAUTIFUL SELF BY LAND OF TALKLizzie Powell’s Montreal outfit have stripped things back on their new album. Here, ominous piano chords provide the blueprint for a song that remains restrained even when guitars and keys hitch a ride. SONGWRITER(S): ELIZABETH POWELL |
 | WIDE OPEN BY DIRTY SLIPPERSThe Budapest rockers are aiming for the stars here. Pounding rhythms, chiming guitars, glitzy synths and a message of hope in the face of adversity all provide the fuel for this journey into space. SONGWRITER(S): LOBÓ-SZALÓKY LÁZÁR |
 | ALL THOSE MINUTES AGO BY LITVARThere’s something about small-town living that fosters idiosyncratic art. Perhaps it’s the tension between being defined by your surroundings and the determination to leave them. That strain is palpable on this quirky indie number. SONGWRITER(S): JOE LEMIEUX, MATTHEW JOSEPH FALKOWSKI, REX G THURSTAN |
 | HIGHLANDS BY MIDDLE KIDS
SONGWRITER(S): HANNAH JOY CAMERON, TIMOTHY FITZMAURICE |
Duncan’s choice: “When Tamaraebi hits those Everestian high notes, you can’t help but think he’s been blessed by the Divine. He can’t ask for better surroundings than this gospel song with a trip-hop beat.”
Aaron’s choice: “Following the blissful Bootleg Firecracker was going to take some doing, but the Aussie indie-rock trio have upped the pace while reaching similar levels of melodic joy. Imagine The Strokes fronted by Taylor Swift.”
On The Stereo #36
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