Best New Tracks Of The Week: 4/9/23
Late again, sorry I was on vacation, take some deep breaths and enjoy.
5. Weedkiller - Ashnikko
I think Ashnikko might have out-Dorian Electra'd Dorian themselves this week. In what is easily my favorite single from this new Ashnikko era so far they're getting cutthroat and living up to the song's aggressive title. While it's mostly the strong hook that wins me over I also have to say some of the clever vocalizations and stretching of their range as a singer pay off big time.
4. Fallin' - Joey Bada$$
If you had Joey trying his R&B side out on your 2023 bingo card, you're probably well on your way to winning. You'd be in even better shape if you correctly predicted that the results would actually be kind of good. As is often the case with crossovers like these, the hook suffers with singing that is sufficient but needs a bit more to help sell it. Ultimately, I'm kind of surprised the sound and sentiment of the song are pulled off so well but I'm not complaining.
3. Dare Me - Beach Fossils
Beach Fossils might have shown up with a second single that outdoes their first one. Not only is the bands jangly, dreamy guitar rock still impossible to resist but the youthful exploration detailed through the lyrics is just as infectious. They also manage to pay it off with an extremely sweet and satisfying hook for yet another hit on the road to their first new album in 6 years.
2. I Want It All - The Drums
In one of the most exciting new single releases of the year at least for me, The Drums are back with the first single from what is hopefully the long-awaited follow-up to their 2019 album Brutalism. While that record was divisive I absolutely loved it and I like this song quite a bit, even if it takes a bit more of a dreamy approach. The quintessential surfy vibes and catchy chorus you'd expect are 100% along for the ride here.
1. 4EVA - KAYTRAMINE (feat. Pharrell Williams)
What a match made in heaven. Amine, who has always impressed me with his smooth flows and infinitely charming demeanor alongside Kaytranada whose psychedelic-tinged dance beats have been serving up immaculate vibes for a number of world-class collaborations in the past decade. They both do their thing with near clinical efficiency on this song and while it could have used a slightly more impactful hook that's the only thing close to a critique I can find.
