Another week stacked with talent and tunes.

Single of the Week: Noah Cyrus ft. Fleet Foxes – Don’t Put It All On Me

Fleet Foxes are always a stamp of quality and that rings true on this phenomenal collaboration with Miley Cyrus’ youngest sister. Softer rock, drifting towards country and with two fantastic vocal performances and deeply emotive lyrics.

South Arcade – Supermodels

When one thinks of Oxford bands those that most readily spring to mind are Radiohead, Foals and Supergrass. To that list we add South Arcade who are liable to be ten times bigger than they currently are by the end of the year. This is a thoroughly modern pop-rock hybrid which is enormously radio friendly. Catch them at Reading and Leeds, or on tour right now.

The Lottery Winners ft. Chad Kroegar – Ragdoll

Toxic romance? Serial killer fantasy? This excellent single gives you multiple options for the popular hobby of hating Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger whilst simultaneously enjoying his gravelly vocals, contrasting with Kate Lloyd’s.

YUNGBLUD – Hello Heaven, Hello

YUNGBLUD is rather proud of this offering, his first release in a while off of a new album coming later in the year. This a sprawling rock epic that touches on multiple directions in its nine minute run time. At times it draws out recollections of The Who and The Verve, but mainly Guns & Roses. It could have easily veered into pretentious but the sincerity of the delivery drags it through.

SOFT PLAY ft Kate Nash – Slushy

It is going to take some for a dafter lyrical concept to emerge this year than, “You sucked all the flavour out of my slushy!” but this being SOFT PLAY it is of course huge amounts of fun with a great soundtrack. An interesting guest spot for Kate Nash, does this mean a surprise set at Reading and Leeds is a possibility?

Benefits – Blame

I just love the new album. This is one of the more propulsive tracks from it, tilting towards Underworld.

Seb Lowe – A Westerner Walks Into a Bar

Seb Lowe is a marmite artist, there is little ground in between. As one of the few artists out there constantly shining a light on modern politics, I think he is worthy and not without musical merit. Some will find him too twee or will be turned off by his confrontations with our modern British reality.

Jadu Heart – Mild to Moderate Pain

I had zero awareness of this group prior to this year, despite them being around since 2016. Really looking forward to the new album as every single so far has displayed a great deal of class.

Mother Mother – Make Believe

If you have any knowledge of Mother Mother then you know they are just a bit bonkers around the edges. A fun little effort featuring talk of unicorns, leprechauns and a typical Mother Mother guitar breakdown towards the end.

My Morning Jacket – Half a Lifetime

Quietly being excellent since 1998 this American rock band from Kentucky never disappoint.

Aitch – Bounce

I love the quirky beat underpinning this new track. There is a real groove here with a few Aitch zingers sprinkled in around duller talk about girls and cash.

Joy Crookes – I know You’d Kill

Great, great 70’s soul stylings to this new track. You could imagine Amy Winehouse making tracks like this had she still been with us.

Pola and Bryson, IYAMAH – Want It

One of the better dance offerings this week.

Mychelle – You Don’t Care About Me

Mychelle will be on the line-up with Michael Kiwanuka and Ezra Collective at the stacked Cross The Tracks one day jazz and soul event in London on the 25th of May.

Good Neighbours – Starry Eyed

Another quality single from the much fancied up and coming English duo.

Tia Gordon – backwards loving

Also at Cross The Tracks and highly recommended.

Matt Maltese – Pined For You My Whole Life

After his fun collection of cover versions in 2024 Matt is back delivering his own material. This is a stylish old-fashioned track that has much to enjoy.

Sombr – undressed

The sort of pining romance that will be taken to heart by many late teens and those in their early twenties.

Kae Tempest – Statue In The Square

This is really interesting, the hip hop beats and keyboard carry a faint air of menace, the lyrical flow is highly skilled.

The Black Keys – Babygirl

On the poppier end of their work, with just a hint of underlying blues.