Four Songs You Should Hear Right Now: Tropics, Twerps, Guards, Mark Ronson ft. Kevin Parker

Tropics – “Rapture”

“Rapture” is a seductive song by producer Chris Ward, aka Tropics.

It’s the title track from his forthcoming album, set for release February 17 on local label Innovative Leisure.

What I really dig about this dreamy song song are it’s many layers. It locks into a steady groove for the first half and then at exactly two minutes, another beat kicks in on top of everything .

It’s further elevated by a jazzy jam that closes out the track.

Mark Ronson ft. Kevin Parker – “Daffodils”

Kevin Parker must be on top of the world right now.

His band Tame Impala holds a prominent spot on the second line of the Coachella bill for Friday night, announcing their status as a live band you must see (which many of us already know).

He also lends his fantastic falsetto to a trippy pop treat from producer Mark Ronson. This song is so infectious, I can’t stop listening to it.

Ronson’s album “Uptown Special” is out on January 27 and it’s looking like it might be one of the biggest pop albums of the year.

Guards – “Nothing More”

I really enjoyed Guards’ 2013 debut album and the NYC-based trio is back with a new single as they finish up work on their followup.

A burst of synths kicks off the track and I think fans of emotive rock bands like Future Islands will like it.

Twerps – “I Don’t Mind”

Melbourne quintet Twerps will release their debut on Merge Records later this month.

While all of “Range Anxiety” is quite good — Jason loves the super vibrant, upbeat single “Back to You” — I’ve gravitated towards the slower, more meditative track “I Don’t Mind”. I can just get lost in this song.

RR