7 Tracks to Hear Right Now

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By jessicat31 17 Mar 2016, 11:46am

PJ Harvey - The Community of Hope
Inspired by Ward 7, a underdeveloped neighbourhood in Washington D.C., "The Community of Hope" has garnered some criticism from politicians for its depiction of the area, (take these lyrics for instance: "Now this is just drug town, just zombies / But that's just life."). Despite the controversy, however the song is inarguably evocative and surprisingly upbeat, proving that decades into her career, PJ Harvey is just as vital as ever.

Anohni - Drone Bomb Me
With "Drone Bomb Me" the artist formerly known as Antony has traded in chamber pop for experimental electronica. But that only goes to prove that a voice as distinctive and emotive as hers can excel in any setting. With politically charged lyrics and dark icy beats her debut album HOPELESSNESS is shaping up to be radical and transformative in more ways than one.

Lontalius - Glow
Eddie "Lontalius" Johnston makes bedroom folk so pretty, it's hard to believe he's just a teenager. The New Zealander's latest single "Glow" is a great example, as it radiates an intimate warmth just like its title suggests.

Bat For Lashes - In God's House
The Bride, Bat For Lashes first record in over four years is a concept album about unexpectedly tragic events that occur at a wedding. Her latest single, "In God's House" sets the tone for the shocking story that ensues. It's a tale perfectly fit for the haunting goth pop Natasha Khan excels at.

Rostam - Gravity Don't Pull Me
As a producer and former member of Vampire Weekend "Gravity Don't Pull Me" is Rostam Batmanglij's official break from the band he helped propel into the indie stratosphere. Fittingly it's a song about moving on, moving forward and the challenges and rewards going solo, not just from a band, but from a relationship, entails. The track's sputtering synths only propel him further ahead.

P.O.S. - Sleepdrone/Superposition
"Sleepdrone/Superposition" is an immense track that tackles everything from the personal (the rapper's kidney surgery) to the political (the death of Eric Garner). At nearly nine minutes there's practically nothing P.O.S dares to take on. And with contributions from Kathleen Hanna, Allan Kingdom, Lizzo and more there's practically no one who doesn't get in on the action.

Gwen Stefani - Misery
For someone who's been through an awful lot of public heartbreak, Gwen Stefani sure seems to be out of her "Misery." Her bubbly new single is about just that, and more specifically her budding romance with Blake Shelton. If this track's any indication it's sure brought a sense of renewed optimism to her music.