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“Get Sun” (Single)

Hiatus Kaiyote feat. Arthur Verocai

Set to release on 25 June 2021, Mood Valiant will be Australian quartet Hiatus Kaiyote’s first album since 2015. For the time being, they’ve released this teaser: an energizing fusion of hip-hop, funk, jazz, soul, and R&B. Brazillian composer Verocai adds horn and string sections to the mix, giving the song a metallic flare and a faraway feel.                    

“What Was” from Pursuit Of

Cisco Swank

In “What Was”, Franciso Haye, better known by his pseudonym Cisco Swank, illustrates through introspective lyrics, melancholic melody, and Earl Sweatshirt-inspired flow the dichotomy of past and future. Cisco reflects, “I know the past is waiting, I know the future miss you”, and admits that “I need some freedom from the things that make my mentals hurt.” I think the struggle in embracing the future while not wanting to let the past go is a relatable and intrinsically human one.         

“Love You Bad” from Dinner Party

Dinner Party feat. Phoelix

In their collaboration with Phoelix, the jazz supergroup Dinner Party (Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, Kamasi Washington) places delicate guitar riffs and soulful sax improvisations over a driving beat. Many may know of Martin, Glasper, 9th Wonder by their work on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Damn. Dinner Party captures these producers in a new, mellow light.                    

“The Other Side” from Little Ghost

Moonchild

If I ever feel down or stressed, I can always throw on some Moonchild to cheer me up or calm me down. This song is particularly comforting. Amber Navran’s airy vocals and repeated lyric, “The grass is always greener on the other side,” combined with the kaleidoscopic harmony laid down by the keys transports me to another world. Maybe it’ll do the same for you.               

“Hand Clapping Song” from Struttin’

The Meters

Bringing it back to the 70s! This tune features a bluesy theme followed by a virtuosic solo by the Meters guitarist Leo Nocentelli. Nocentelli employs what is known as scatting in his solo; as he improvises, he sings the same notes he plays on the guitar. At some points, he even harmonizes with the guitar. An incredible display of musical mastery!            

“Still Young” from Steal the Light

The Cat Empire

While this song was released nearly eight years ago, it still holds a timeless message: seize the moment, and find what makes you happy. The song’s brisk pace and climactic shout sections convey this passionate theme. Find your heart, and find your song.