Posted on Friday 8th November 2019 at 17:00
Friday has arrived and once again we bring you an array of brilliant new music. Matt Maltese's sophomore, Krystal, is downbeat-ingly brilliant, Lauran Hibberd's latest single, Sweat Patch is an instant alt-pop classic and Kele's 2042 is one of the most important records of the past two decades.
Matt Maltese – Krystal
After drip-feeding us singles almost every week since announcing Krystal, Matt Maltese’s highly anticipated sophomore album is finally with us. Gliding through heartfelt, lo-fi ballads such as Rom Com Gone Wrong and Curl Up & Die, Maltese’s story-telling ability is second to none and once again brilliantly executed.
Buy your Matt Maltese tickets here.
The Wonder Stuff – Better Being Lucky
The Wonder Stuff’s ninth record comes exactly 30 years after their second (HUP), which they bring to Rock City later this month. Now featuring a revitalized lineup, Better Being Lucky is a fantastic ensemble of 11 tracks proving The Wonder Stuff to still be at the top of their game.
Buy your The Wonder Stuff tickets here.
Vegyn – Only Diamonds Cut Diamonds
Reaching cult-like status in the electronic cliques before Only Diamonds Cut Diamonds was even released, Vegyn’s debut full length is as much an achievement as being credited by the likes of Frank Ocean. Always expanding his sound and experimenting with new ways to make the unheard of happen, the London based producer’s free rein has made him one of the most exciting artists in the world right now.
Buy your Vegyn tickets here.
Kele – 2042
Back with his latest solo offering, Kele Okereke’s 2042 is a political exploration delving deep into the problems rooted in society. Commentating on ‘taking a knee’, Grenfell and racial profiling, 2042 (a reference to when ethnic minorities are predicted to become the majority in the US) is one of the most important releases of not just 2019, but the 21st century.
Buy your Kele tickets here.
Orchards – Sooner
Brighton alt-pop quartet, Orchards, have returned with new material for the first time since March’s Young/Mature Me double A-side. Laden with synthesized vocals, echoing guitars, mathy percussion and vibrant choruses; it is typically Orchards-y from the outset and adds another string to their increasingly full bow.
Buy your Orchards tickets here.
S-X – Down Like That (w/ KSI, Rick Ross & Lil Baby)
S-X teams up with YouTuber/boxer/rapper/whatever else, KSI, Rick Ross and Lil Baby on his first release since September's True Colours. Over the years, the Wolverhampton producer has worked with everyone from J Cole to Lily Allen and Childish Gambino to Skepta - he heads to The Bodega, Nottingham on 29th February.
Buy your S-X tickets here.
Lauran Hibberd – Sweat Patch
With commanding drums and crisp, slacker vocals from the off, Lauran Hibberd returns with 'Sweat Patch.' In her first release since debut EP, 'Everything Is Dogs' (released 20th September), Hibberd combines sarcasm and wit to discuss drugs but, in her words, it is "not like I'm trying to be cool about it."
Buy your Lauran Hibberd tickets here.
Soda Blonde – Terrible Hands
Soda Blonde's debut EP, Terrible Hands, is a stunning, four-track collation of building, enchanting ballads. Since releasing debut single, Swimming Through the Night, the alt-pop Dublin band have continued to create atmospheric soundscapes that are reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and this EP encapsulates their artistic direction.
Buy your Soda Blonde tickets here.
Check out all of these, and more, in our New Music Friday playlist:
