We recommend: The best new global music
Editor’s note: We’ve pulled together the best new tracks and albums—both international and Indian—that dropped in the last four weeks. Tune into May’s playlist on splainer’s Spotify.
‘Can’t be Still’ by illuminati hotties: The American indie rock band returns after about three years with this single—which leads to their next album. The song explores the feelings of restlessness when one is alone and thoughts are too loud.
‘Boom Boom Back’ feat. Beck by Hinds: This rock duo from Madrid, Spain has collaborated with American alt rock legend Beck for an easy-going, head-bobbing production. Infused with fresh Gen Z energy (samples of giggling and gossiping)—it truly proves that rock’s not dead and is very much thriving in inventive, youthful ways.
‘Too Much of A Good Thing’ by NIKI: Inspired by funk rhythms, this track is effortlessly flirty and describes what having a new crush feels like. The groovy bass guitar riffs make it a fun casual listen.
‘Pluto’ by Raveena: This track is lovely background music for your mind with Raveena’s signature soft voice, introspective lyrics reminiscent of one’s childhood and jazz influences.
‘Kimbara’ by Barry Can’t Swim: Sampling a classic salsa record—this Latin dance tune merges everyone’s favourite current sounds—upbeat Caribbean music with electronic beats. Add this to your summer party playlist!
‘Chemical Sunset’ by Orville Peck and Allison Russell: The country and jazz-inspired duet has a bit of a sinister energy and will surely transport you to a Western movie.
‘Little Homies’ by Vince Staples: California rapper Vince Staples has a new record out—’Dark Times’—and this one’s a bouncy, vibey one off the 13 track offering. A female vocal segue, a smooth synth bass and the refrain of “Life hard, but I go harder” will make you want to loop this all day.
‘Outubro’ by Milton Nascimento and Esperanza Spalding: This is a rework of Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento’s 1969 song which means October. The lyrics reflect on solitude and the possibility of joy. Nascimento and bassist Spalding spruce it up to the blues style.
‘Scar Tissue’ feat. Nas by Ghostface Killah: The masters of hip-hop are back. Ghostface Killah—best known as a member of East Coast cult group Wu-Tang Clan—collaborates with fellow New Yorker Nas for a classic 90s sound. It will make you nostalgic for the golden age of the genre!
‘3: AM (feat. Erykah Badu)’ by Rapsody: This collab is the perfect mix of rap and blues. The track features flute, guitar, horns and keyboards. And the lyrics are an ode to 3 am friendships.
‘Freedom’ by Dohnraj: We love experimentation from the Indian indie scene. Performer extraordinaire Dohnraj traverses country, blues, rock & roll and electronica—for a truly genre-blurring and punk output—on this musing on ‘freedom and the system’.
‘Feast of Tongues’ by Los Campesinos!: This for those who have been craving some old school indie pop-rock. Watch out for the build up of the song—sonically and lyrically—it is truly a treat to the ears.
‘Sexy to Someone’ by Clairo: This is the lead single announcing Clairo’s third upcoming album ‘Charm’ that is designated to come out in July. The indie-pop musician is known for her intimate lyricism and, lately—her vintage rock leanings. ‘Sexy to Someone’ is a soothing, shining specimen of this sound.
‘No One Noticed’ by The Marías: Dreamy, sensual, loungey—the Marías are best known to soundtrack one’s moonlit yearning nights and sunset watching evenings. Their new album—’Submarine’—is no different. Subtly psychedelic and feel-good—this track is a highlight off the new album.
May's best new albums
It isn’t always about a single. Below are the album releases of the past month that are worthy of your extended time and attention:
‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’ by Billie Eilish: Probably her finest work till date—Eillish and her brother FINNEAS—craft a beautiful symphony of hard-hitting beats, vulnerable poetry and challenging vocals. If you need to affirm your faith in pop music—tune into this 10 track record—replete with soft guitars, steady drums and catchy hooks. ‘LUNCH’, ‘CHIHIRO’ and ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’ are no-skips—thank us later!
‘Ephemeral Being’ by Half Waif: Half-Indian, half-Caucasian artist Nandi Rose produces ethereal rock and classical inspired compositions with her solo project Half Waif. Her new EP is a five track melange exploring grief, the passing of time and the continuation of nature and its cycles. Surprisingly joyful and comforting—its artful melodies, warped vocals and stunning instrumentation—will revive your connection to spirituality and the divine.
Right Place, Wrong Person by RM: K-Pop group BTS’ member Kim Namjoon—better known as RM—released his second album last Friday. Credited with writing and producing most of BTS’ songs, RM’s individual journey is one to look out for. This album has 11 tracks, all of which continue the theme of exploring different facets of oneself—using a range of genres like old-school hip-hop, pop and folk. We recommend checking out ‘Lost!’ which comes with a really cool music video. Elle says: “This record isn’t meant for everyone but for people who are looking for healing through these musical notes.”
‘Anand Mahal’ by Rafiki: Mumbai-based producer Sohail Arora uses the moniker ‘Rafiki’ for his output of left-field beats that bridge electronic sounds across genres. Climactic, fuzzy, anthemic—Arora’s new EP is a novel and layered attempt to pump fresh energy into the domestic club soundscape. Meandering synths, deft drums and clean production on this record—consolidate Arora as one of India’s dance music trailblazers.
‘Funeral for Justice’ by Mdou Moctar: Any day, any mood, any hour—is a good time for some sweet Nigerian folk. Riffy, raw and an absolute riot, we recommend this for road trips, at the gym, while working, for your morning routine… umm basically everything. Watch the titular single’s music video here. The lyrics in the Tamasheq language are fiercely political and address the realities of the Niger and Tuareg people. If you’re new to the Tuareg guitar genre—a folk music of the people of the Sahara—Moctar is a good introduction to the scene.
PS: Standout tracks from each album have been added to splainer’s May 2024 playlist on Spotify!
