Best New Tracks Of The Week: 2/12/24
This was an all-time strange week where some of the big releases left me very underwhelmed. Here's my best attempt to make clarity out of the mess.
5. Deeper Well - Kacey Musgraves
This was probably the new single I was most excited for this week but I just can't quite say I'm in love with it. I do like the novelty of Kacey essentially offering to pass you the blunt for a few minutes. But the song also doesn't really evolve in any way that's satisfying and. I also think her attempts at vulnerability in the lyrics kind of come up short even if she is being honest in her writing and delivery, it just doesn't feel like it's actually revealing anything.
4. Auset - Jlin
Even though this kind of grinding metallic electronica will be familiar to Jlin fans I still like this song. It has a much more direct house and dance influence than much of her EP last year with stuttering hand claps and tight drum looks worked into certain parts of the song. Even if it's familiar, it's enjoyable.
3. When The Laughter Stops - Yard Act (feat. Katy J Pearson)
It took me a few listens to even adjust to Yard Act having a guest vocalist on their song. All of the witty cultural references and dynamic snark they manage to sneak into their tracks makes it feel like they live in an even more hyper-commercialized alternate reality. But sonically Katy is a wonderful addition to one of the band's catchiest songs to date which doesn't skip out on compelling lyrical content either.
2. Nothing Like - Mannequin Pussy
Though this may not be the most purely dynamic new single they've released the band is once again living in the space between dream pop and punk. The way their atmospheres glisten and sparkle is still so inviting and the distorted vocals that erupt from it soar extra high. The band's new era continues to pile up solid entries.
1. Floating On A Moment - Beth Gibbons
One of the most unexpected but pleasant surprises of the week was the long-awaited actual solo debut from Beth Gibbons of Portishead fame. What she returned with is a glistening expansive and beautiful song that returns her gentle touch and ability to fill massive sonic spaces. But compared to much of her career thus far the song is dynamically brighter in a way that she's also prepared to meet.
