Check out recommendations of the likes of Halsey, Do Nothing, and Ariana Grande.
Die 4 Me – Halsey
This week, a fan-favourite theory has been revealed as true; there is indeed a demo version of Die 4 Me sung solely by Halsey, and she has finally released it for us. Her iconic feature on the Post Malone track was so popular that she performed it as a stand-alone verse on tour, something that I can testify as being an incredible addition to her set when I saw her perform it back in 2020, despite it being far too short. Stylistically distinct from what would become a single verse on the track, this demo harks back to the punchy, arrogant lyricism of Halsey’s resurgence in the industry after a difficult few years, a musical journey you can track through her releases as her music later mellows into a sense of healing and acceptance in Manic. As you can tell, from the perspective of a long-term fan, this song holds a unique place in Halsey’s discography, as it is both a piece of the past, but also subtly updated. The original lyrics state how Halsey ‘sold fifteen million copies of a breakup note’, only for it to change to ‘forty million’ in this new demo, making us cheer for her continual talent to turn pain into profit. Although there is a sense of finality now that this song is finally ours, this passionate project feels almost caught in a time loop, and I really hope Halsey unlocks her vault of unreleased music again soon, because it sends us in spirals (in the best way). Tabitha Smith
Happy Feet – Do Nothing
Do nothing are back with their new single Happy Feet. It is an intricate piece with fascinating instrumentation and vocals which pushes singer Chris Bailey to the full. The track hints at the start of a larger project for the band this year, much awaited since the popularity of their 2021 EP Glueland. Do Nothing have now created their own sound in a busy scene and Happy Feet only exemplifies this. It is a very impressive incorporation of the sound we have heard in previous projects as well as a new drive with the assistance of producer Andy Savours. The new release could hope for a return to Nottingham in a tour. Jake Turnpenny
Over – CHVRCHES
Glaswegian indie-electronica trio CHVRCHES are back with their first single since their last album Screen Violence. It has all of the ingredients of their unique blend of pop – dazzling synths, memorable choruses, booming beats and filtered harmonies. While it’s just as infectiously danceable as so many of their other hits, it doesn’t do anything shocking or new, unfortunately, and doesn’t quite have the force of tracks like The Mother We Share and Bury It, but is still bouncy, fun and full of promise for their future releases. They’ve labelled this track as its own miniature era, separate from Screen Violence or whatever comes next for the group, and it’s nice to see a band like this allow themselves to be free from the constraints that waiting for a whole album can have. This actually ties well into the themes of escapism within the track. Regardless of whether an album is on the way, I’m glad that we’re hearing something from the band after a bit of a break, and I look forward to what comes from them next, hopefully, next time with a bit more oomph. Izzy Morris
Real Life Human Garbage – Girl Scout
The Swedish band formed in 2021 have opened their accounts with a huge debut EP that brings a new lease of life to the indie scene. It opens with All The Time And Everywhere. It is an upbeat song with catchy lyrics, bringing a sense of nostalgia even on first listen. Then it proceeds to Run Me Over, which lyrically touches on lack of motivation, striving to improve. It is a subtle indie pop song that perfectly sets up the next song. Do You Remember Sally Moore? Is the next track and was the first single released by the Stockholm-based band. It is an immensely powerful and fast track that packs a punch with great vocals, drums and guitar riffs. Weirdo follows and then finishes with Attenborough Beach, a great song that builds up from the start to an impressive finish. It is only up to this group. Jake Turnpenny
Die For You – The Weeknd & Ariana Grande
By 2023, we are no strangers to a collab from good friends and industry powerhouses The Weeknd and Ariana Grande. With Die For You already being one of The Weeknd’s best releases, Ariana’s addition to the remix has simply added to the track’s strengths. Her whistle tones and head voice make the song reach a new ethereal level and highlight her vocal maturity since she has started preparation for her role as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked movie. Die For You – Remix is a statement that both artists are capable of developing their already award-winning musical talents, and it’s no doubt that fans of both are eagerly awaiting their next release. Amrit Virdi
Edited by Roxann Yus
Cover image courtesy of Do Nothing via Facebook.
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