Music Week’s guide to the most essential tracks of the moment...
SLOWTHAI
Drugdealer (Method)
Slowthai’s new one crams vast amounts of bleakness into three minutes. An urgent beat whips up the drama, while the Northampton MC punches a wall “til my fucking knuckles break”.
Contact Annabel Crowhurst
annabel@toastpress.com
TOMBERLIN
Any Other Way (Saddle Creek)
Pillowy acoustic and soft vocals form the backbone of this opener from Louisville singer Sarah Beth Tomberlin’s sublime debut album. Don’t miss it.
Contact James Parrish
james@prescriptionpr.co.uk
KURT VILE
Loading Zones (Matador)
Kurt Vile’s comeback lays bare his habit of parking for free in loading bays. Guitar lines twist and undulate and, by the end, it’s a glorious blur.
Contact Noam Klar
noam@matadorrecords.com
STEFFLON DON (FEAT.TIGGSDAAUTHOR)
Pretty Girl (54 London)
Taken from the Don’s new Secure mixtape, this low key dancehall number pairs her chewy flow with nonchalant backing from Tiggs Da Author.
Contact Adam Guest
adam.guest@s-414.com
ARIANA GRANDE (FEAT.PHARRELL)
Blazed (Republic Records)
A foray towards funk finds Ariana Grande shining. Pharrell Williams adds hitmaking chops, but this snaking melody is all about Ari.
Contact Elspeth Merry
elspeth.merry@umusic.com
SWAMP DOGG
Lonely (Joyful Noise)
The 76-year-old bluesman is experimenting again: upcoming LP Love, Loss And Auto-Tune does what it says on the tin, and this is a wicked taster.
Contact Nathan Beazer
nathan@dogdaypress.com
HIPPO CAMPUS
Bambi (Transgressive)
These five Minnesotan kids trail second album Bambi with a song perfect for the living room. Listen on the sofa with your feet up, this is loungey.
Contact Harriet Brampton
harriet@chalkpressagency.co.uk
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