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Jamie xx – "It’s So Good”
Which January are you? A: Feeling super inspired by your “new year, new me” refresh or B: hiding out from that culture of iron-pumpers and macro-counters, spending days inside under blankets and nights out in utter hedonism. Luckily, big UK fave and multi-talented producer Jamie XX has a new track out that’ll fit either plan. Hit play for an ultra-cool combo of synths, percussion, and a motivating melody in minor that will get you jogging at dusk or dancing til dawn.
Logic1000 – “Every Lil (Feat. MJ Nebreda & DJ Plead)”
Just like in your vinyasa class, let’s keep the flow going with a perfectly viscous, euphoric house track from Aussie-born, Berlin-based DJ Logic1000 (f.k.a. DJ Logic). A relative newcomer first who first broke playing with Four Tet at Coachella, Samantha Poulter takes a minimal and therefore super-sustainable approach on this single — making it a great candidate for soaking in a one-track loop. Headphones on for a lovingly mellow, beat-driven groove alongside a unique analog drum break and sensual vocals by MJ Nebreda.
Julia Holter – “Spinning”
Liven up your synapses with this boundary-pushing art track from LA artist Julia Holter, whose background in academia shows itself through its challenging structure, otherworldly sounds, and inventive vocalizations. Click for a pleasingly dissonant six minutes of free-range movement class under the big top, a colorfully-striped exploratory paradise that your inner art school student won’t be able to resist. Play it loud and get as weird as you wanna.
Torrey – “No Matter How”
The garage rock wave just keeps cresting skyward, as evidenced by this big-sound, lo-fi jam from Oakland rock group Torrey. The band’s first single is a beach-cruisin’, long-strummin’, high-reverb good time. It’s shoegaze, but like, friendlier. It would be right at home on NME's storied C86 cassette and it's a great tone to set for their self-titled LP, coming March 8th via the legendary Bay Area indiepop label, Slumberland Records
Dekker – “I Won't”
In true January fashion, let’s circle back to this fall ‘23 single from singer-songwriter Brookln Dekker. It’s a bouncy-yet-grounded romp, breezy enough for a carefree afternoon; but, thanks to some artfully arranged layered vocals in minor chords, thoughtful enough to stay off the sunshiney, “tunes for pancake-flippin” playlist you wore out last year. Speaking of pancakes, something tells us fans of Jack Johnson will dig this one, so click quick if you were on that train back in 2005.
