Best New Tracks Of The Week: May 14th, 2023

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5. MOTHERLESS - Killer Mike
While all of Mike's new singles have been blunt, this one is straightforward in a different way with a hook that lays out the exact caliber of trauma that he's working through in song. While the sparse beat and occasional gospel interpolations do come off as pretty light, they're all in service of a worthwhile journey of self-reflection.

4. Momentary Actuality - Pupil Slicer
The closer we get to this new Pupil Slicer album the more and more I become convinced that it might be one of my favorite metal records of the year. This new track has a strong dichotomy of blistering verses marked by switch-ups in instrumental speed and intensity but pays it off with a dystopian-sounding hook that chills things in the absolute best way. 

3. Giddy Up - Jenny Lewis
If you think you've got Jenny Lewis' sound pinned down this song is here to come along and tell you she's got more versatility than you're expecting. While her songwriting hallmarks are definitely visible here the presentation is much darker and more obscured with a prominent drum patter and warbling synth lines. It's more reminiscent of something from the most recent Warpaint album than I thought Jenny had in her but I really enjoy it. 

2. Lipstick Lover - Janelle Monae
In the haze of the internet-breaking music video for this track it feels like much discussion about the song itself has been lost. Let's not forget that one of the best voices in R&B for the last decade has returned after a long absence and she doesn't sound like she's missed a beat. The song's slow groove and great verses mostly make up for a hook that could use a bit more catchiness and a bit less repetition, but I can't really complain. 

1. Plastic Envelope - The Drums
After a first single that really took its time The Drums are back with their perfect fusion of sunny and sentimental on this bouncy and effortlessly fun new piece of beachy indie pop. All the sweet sounds you'd expect are back on a track that feels like it could be slotted right into the middle of Brutalism. 

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