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 October’s playlist on splainer’s Spotify.

‘The Trooper’ by The Hu: Everything about this Mongolian folk metal band is appealing, from the punny name to the music that puts their identity front and centre. This Mongolian cover of a 1983 Iron Maiden classic is a great gateway into understanding that vibe—and of course there’s throat singing to top it all off. 

‘The Crying Room’ by The Yagas: All the goths, gather around! Make way for actress Vera Farmiga’s band—yup, she’s debuting as the lead vocalist of this metal band. The song is a bit melancholic but we’re here for the chilling vibes. Watch the eerie music video here. 

‘Tenhert’ by Tinariwen: And now for the most iconic indigenous folk act of all time. Hailing from Algeria and Mali, this Tuareg collective pioneered their own ever-evolving genre—desert blues. Marked by a tasty guitar lick and rap-style vocals set to a super catchy percussive beat, this reimagined single of a 2009 release brings these legends into a new era. 

‘Ruby Quaker’ by Devin Townsend: As the lead single suggested (see our Advisory), this Canadian stalwart has largely played it safe on his new album ‘PowerNerd’— except in the closer. Townsend pulls back from his ‘wall of sound’ obsession just enough and adapts his interest in country music that was last seen in his 2014 project ‘Casualties of Cool’. Oh, and we love our coffee too, Devy:)

‘Cosmo Freestyle’ by Freddie Gibbs: We can’t get enough of the Halloween aesthetics emanating throughout this Indiana rapper’s new record. As for the music, Gibbs takes his meat-and-potatoes gangsta rap and sets it to an earworm-y fusion of jazzy beats with old-school boom bap—the introspective lyricism is just the cherry on top.

‘Nothing Else Matters’ by Marina Viotti, Vincent Flückiger and Fred Chappuis feat. Charlotte Scohy: The breakout star of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony is back with a covers album that draws from the Renaissance-era compositions of John Dowland. Wearing her musical influences on her sleeve, Viotti brings her flawless soprano vocals imprint set to dreamy acoustics and strings. There’s a wonderfully wide range here—from Neil Young to Lana del Rey—but her best work is undoubtedly her take on this Metallica track. 

‘Something in the Air’ by Lauren Mayberry: This is the first single ahead of a solo album release planned by the Scottish singer. The sound of the track takes inspiration from pop-rock of the ’80s and ’90s. We think it makes for a great belt-out song for long drives.

‘Reincarnation of a Lovebird’ by Samara Joy: If you’re looking for a Jazz piece that screams today, look no further than this Grammy winner’s new song. This piece was actually composed in the 1950s by the jazz titan Charles Mingus. Samara lends lyrics and her charming voice to the melody. 

‘No Obligation’ by The Linda Lindas: Everyone and their mother knows this all girls rock band. The head-banger—as the title suggests—explores their teenage phase. They’re growing out of the mould society forces them into. 

‘Chasing an Empty Dream’ by Cymande: Fair warning, this beat is too addictive. The British funk band really brings the groove with that bass and the African percussion.

‘Disease’ by Lady Gaga: This is a no-brainer entry. Lady Gaga’s newest is a prelude single for her upcoming album and it is every bit Gaga as you can imagine. FYI: This BBC Culture article has all the juicy bits for why this song hits the spot. 

‘APT’ by Rosé & Bruno Mars: No one in (K)pop history predicted this collab, yet here we are! This earworm is inspired by a Korean drinking game called APT and is a brainchild of Blackpink member Rosé. Check out this Korea Times piece to read more about the drinking games of South Korea. Also see their fun music video!

‘Graucha Max’ by DARKSIDE: This almost psychedelic song is a collab between Nicolas Jaar and guitarist Dave Harrington. The track uses drums, guitar riffs, whizzing synthesizers and assorted percussion, and distorted vocals for a compelling sound that sucks you in instantly. 

‘Lion Rumpus’ by Mogwai: The Scottish post-rock band’s instrumental single is replete with a rousing intro and squealing guitar sounds, making a unique but joyous blend. Featuring a Glasgow native living in New York, who works as a dog walker, the accompanying music video is also a treat to watch. Simply precious!

‘Family Feud’ by Finneas: When he’s not producing music for his sister Billie Eilish, Finneas has a soaring career as a singer-songwriter, too! This track is from his new album ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’ and the gentle guitar strums and sombre vocals sing about the relationship between the two siblings, sharing afternoons at home together. The chorus features the soothing harmonies that have now become a signature of Finneas’ music, whether for Eilish or himself.  

October 2024’s best albums

‘ChromaKopia’ by Tyler the Creator: On first impressions, this new surprise release by the West Coast rapper appears an incoherent mess compared to its predecessors—one of which we featured on our ‘Breakup Songs’ list. But subsequent listens put any such doubts to rest, as Tyler eschews punchy drum beats and exquisitely embraces more piano-based soul and RnB synths. The result: he’s found a new lease of life and remained creatively fresh eight albums in.

‘Fate & Alcohol’ by Japandroids: This Vancouver indie rock duo re-emerged from the wilderness after six years to announce their final album. Known for their energetic live shows, this release does not accompany a farewell tour due to lead singer Brian King’s desire to settle down and remain sober. For more, Stereogum has a must-read featuring the most detailed interviews with King and drummer David Prowse in over a decade. The ten tracks reflect this mix of melancholic maturity and their chants-and-crescendos filled fun that had brought them success—representing the perfect bittersweet goodbye. 

‘Back to Bedlam’ (20th Anniversary Edition) by James Blunt: The English singer-songwriter, who rose to fame on the back of his debut album ‘Back to Bedlam’ and the unforgettable track ‘You’re Beautiful’, has released an anniversary edition, 20 years later. The new drop contains remastered versions of all 10 original songs, along with bonus demo tracks, and live performance versions, which really showcase Blunt’s journey as a musician. Easily a favourite: the demo track for ‘No Bravery’ with Blunt’s raw vocals as he keys the piano. This one is for nostalgia, and it works. 

PS: Standout tracks from each album have been added to splainer’s October 2024 playlist on Spotify!