Best New Tracks Of The Week: August 20th, 2023
5. Isolette - The Drums
While this single hasn't blown me away in quite the same way as others I know better than to count out The Drums. I will say that most of my issues are hung-up on the pre-chorus because I think the hook itself is solid even if it isn't one of their strongest. The instrumentation surrounding it is also vibrant and shimmering as usual. This may not be a standout moment on the forthcoming album but it's a solid addition to the singles.
4. Erotic Electronic - Slayyyter
The song I've seen a million grainy twitter videos of from various livesets for what feels like forever is finally here. Even though it was pretty much exactly what I was anticipating I'm still happy to get it. The style of hypnotic club-thumping electronica is something that's always felt right for Slayyyter and this is her most direct embrace of it yet.
3. City Girl - Metagirl & Laptop Funeral
The first new song from Metagirl since the release of her album early this year is confessional in its content and raw in its presentation. There's something captivating about hearing her dive into such compelling lyrical detail even throughout the chorus. The simple instrumentation does its job perfectly in setting up a platform for the story that builds up energy at exactly the right moments.
2. Old Money Bitch - Underscores
I'm considering this another hit for Underscores even if I'm not AS head over heels for it as some of her other new singles this year. The song continues to pair her hyperpop bombast and unpredictable arrangements with surprising narrative detail. The story on this song is hilarious and rich with quotables and the chorus sounds better and better every time I hear it.
1. So You Are Tired - Sufjan Stevens
If you've felt like the praise for this new Sufjan song has been rapturous and overwhelming, you're not alone. While it's easy to think that could be in large part because of his previous contributions to the indie canon, pump the breaks because this song really is quite good. While it's less bombastic and deeply orchestrated than many of the songs from his last proper studio album, his hallmarks are ALL over this thing. The rustic instrumentation works together perfectly with the sweeter harmonies and backing vocals and the composition delivers two perfect payoffs. Strong start to a promising new era for Sufjan.
