Best New Tracks Of The Week: April 2nd, 2023

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On time edition!


5. Cure For Love - Ellie Goulding

For the first time in this new era I can say for certain, this new Ellie Goulding song is kind of a banger. It's a super dancy little pop number that won't do anything you haven't heard before but I'll say the stripped-down pre-chorus expanding into a fully realized shimmering catchy vision is an effect that still works on me. 

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4. Until I Know - Panchiko

The fact that Panchiko is refusing to feel burdened by the extremely unique set of circumstances that caused their popularity is a bit of a double-edged sword for the band. While this slightly nocturnal piece of indie rock is certainly a solid song that continues to tease towards an album I'm legitimately anticipating, it also feels like yet another act that blew up on something unique then turned their back on it. If there was ever a situation where a band can be forgiven for that though, it's Panchiko.

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3. Psychos - Jenny Lewis

Jenny is back and she brought her nostalgic sentimentality with her in this sweet little indie folk number. Even though the song certainly contains some silly lyrics on the chorus is also refuses to take itself seriously and deploys some charming brevity and sweet backup vocals to help sell it. This won't reset anyone's expectations for Jenny just provide another helping. 

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2. Hunter - Jess Williamson

Jess really impressed me last year with her collaborative album alongside Waxahatchee and while some of the wordy melodies and bouncy instrumentation that made me love that record aren't as present here, the songwriting and vocal performance are great nonetheless. Jess' voice just suits this jangle indie folk style quite while and the instrumental flourishes she places throughout show a clear appreciation for the classics. 

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1. I'm Still Somehow - El Michels Affair & Black Thought

Black Thought is just a cheat code. While not every single moment of the four singles released from this upcoming collaboration have necessarily hit it out of the park, this is the moment where it all comes together. The simplicity of the presentation works perfectly as the dreamy keys and crackling distortion in the mix are a platter upon which Black Thought cooks up a five star meal. The bars in this song are worth diving into yourself and the performance is arguably even better. 

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