New Music Friday may be late, but there’s always time to catch up. Here are some stunning tracks you may have missed over the weekend:
1. BANKS: “Brain”
The wonderful, alternative BANKS has recently come back with an unplugged version of her debut album, Goddess, as a 10 year anniversary gift to fans. “Brain” is one of the standout tracks on the album, if not her entire discography, with its perfect balance of raw intensity and gentleness. This version switches out electronic R&B instrumentals for a flowery arrangement of acoustic guitars, increasing the vulnerability of the original.
2. Hayes.: “Come’s Around (Extended Mix)”
Budding artist Hayes. returned with his touching and gentle single, “Come’s Around (Extended Mix).” This track invokes a specific form of nostalgia that can only be imagined with the help of a toy-like piano. The instrumental takes time to introduce new elements, such has a drumline and bright synths. Through this dynamic production, the listener gets to experience a beautiful, movie-like crescendo.
3. N33T: “new best friend”
Australian electronic artist and producer N33T made a sparkling return with new single, “new best friend.” The soundscape is something straight out of an indie movie montage. Euphoric, compressed synths marry with lyrics which discuss feeling lost and trying to escape toxic cycles. Some elements of 2010s indie rock sneak their way in, adding an extra grungey energy.
4. aeseaes: “Voice”
Texas-based folk duo aeseaes returned with “Voice,” a whimsical track with slightly dark imagery. For those new to them, their expertise lies in creating surreal, cinematic arrangements, always paired with a specific fantastical story. This track stirs up images of dark, old libraries and eerie gardens overtaken by thick vines, all perfectly tied together by the lullaby nature of the instrumental.
5. Vot: “Do You See A Human in My Being? (Stripped)”
Canadian artist Vot released her theatrical new single, “Do You See A Human in My Being? (Stripped).” The name Vot comes from a futuristic concept where she is an android prototype, informing her uncanny style. She begins this intriguing track with a short monologue over a piano and strings, where she says: “Is your time being sold to us? There’s nothing else that we could possibly call the product except ‘you’.”