1. Angel Olsen — “Hi-Five”
“Are you lonely too? Hi-five!” Olsen celebrates unity in human loneliness in the new single “Hi-Five” from her upcoming album, Burn Your Fire For No Witness. The album will be released via Jagjaguwar on Feb. 18.
2. Beck — “Blue Moon”
Beck is back. Beck will be releasing his first album of original material in six years, along with headlining major festivals like Coachella. “Blue Moon” is a beautiful teaser of lush rock with a glimmer of folk that seems to be influenced by musicians like Neil Young. Morning Phase is set to release Feb. 25.
3. Mac DeMarco — “Passing Out Pieces”
After attempting to fool fans with a fake leaked song, the first official single from Mac DeMarco’s upcoming album was released Tuesday. The song is a fusion of the psychedelic distortion from Rock and Roll Night Club and laid-back rock from 2. Appropriately, the album Salad Days will be released April Fools’ Day. Also check out the acoustic preview of another new track, “Let Her Go,” on YouTube.
4. Axxa/Abraxas — “I Almost Fell”
Confusing name aside, Axxa/Abraxas is another great modern- alternative approach to ’60s psychedelic sound. It sounds like a mix between Real Estate and Night Beats. Ben Asbury (aka Axxa/Abraxas) just signed on to Captured Tracks, and his first LP will be released March 4.
5. Jacuzzi Boys — “E=MC2”
Miami garage rockers Jacuzzi Boys cover Big Audio Dynamite’s “E=MC2.” The song is less noise and more ’80s synth than expected. The single aired during the last episode of “Girls” on HBO. Also check out their cover of “I Can’t Stand It,” by Lou Reed.
6. Bass Drum of Death — “Black Don’t Grow”
More of the same from Bass Drum of Death, but there is no room to complain. There is no hint of a new album on the horizon, but the single “Black Don’t Grow” proves the band has a solid formula for garage rock.
7. Dum Dum Girls — “Rimbaud Eyes”
The girls’ single is a dark pop rock anthem coming straight from an ’80s movie soundtrack. This new sound is an exciting departure from their bedroom rock past. Their album Too True debuts Tuesday.
8. Warpaint— “Love Is To Die”
The wait was completely worth it. Warpaint’s second studio album, which comes four years after its debut, The Fool, is out now and streaming on NPR. The girls are experts at producing minimalistic rock that is mysteriously sexy. Their self-titled album is proof that they work hard to perfect their sound.
9. Hospitality — “Rockets and Jets”
The Brooklyn trio’s new single is simply a great pop song. The song is like an ’80s dream with soaring synth sounds and a catchy bass line. The album Trouble debuts Tuesday. Recommended for fans of bands like Chairlift.
10. The Soft Moon — “Feel”
Over the past few years, the world has not heard much from The Soft Moon, aka Luis Vasquez. “Feel” breaks Vasquez’s silence with a detached pop melody. The song is surprisingly catchy, despite exploring the pointlessness of existence.
