Best New Tracks Of The Week: November 19th, 2023
Not exactly a world class week of new music, but here are the highlights regardless.
5. The Mad Stone - Everything Everything
While this still isn't the band at their peak, I do think this is an improvement from the previous single they dropped. It contains some of the always unique vocalizations you expect to hear from them and it does rise dramatically with a creeping piano phrase that I like a lot. My only issue with the song is that the band isn't writing anywhere near their catchiest material here and the song never really worked its way into my head.
4. Get Close - Ari Lennox
While this track is definitely getting more from Ari as a performer than the songwriting itself I don't really see that as all too much of a complaint. Ari continues to be a world class vocalist and even when she isn't given the strongest direction it's still entrancing. The song isn't as memorable as some of the best moments on her last album but I still enjoy what she serves up.
3. Relentless Melt - William Doyle
After dropping a supremely underrated album just last year William Doyle is already back and this is his best song of 2023 yet. From the textured vocal layers to the punchy percussion and glitchy production everything about the song fits his synthetic brand of singer-songwriter bliss. The chorus on the song is an absolute rush every time and the squeaking outro is surprisingly magnetic.
2. Sometimes - Mannequin Pussy
Mannequin Pussy have always had a unique versatility. The band is capable of churning out some absolutely ripping punk rock with a heavy spoonful of riot grrrl delights. They've also more than proven their ability to dial it back and produce some dreamier flavors of indie rock. On this track they sort of bring the two together though it feels much more dreamy than punky. Regardless the results are an emotionally anguished tune that isn't afraid to dial up its intensity when appropriate.
1. Wall Of Eyes - The Smile
Earlier this year Thom Yorke's The Smile released a new song that I think has somehow snuck under the radar. The track was a swelling epic of a song the likes of which Radiohead hasn't been loud enough to make since Hail To The Thief. As striking as that return was, this song feels much more familiar for all parties involved at this point in their career. The combination of gentle strumming and light percussion with ominous hazy thundercloud cracking in the background is intimate but still very eerie, I like it.
