It’s our best new songs of the week round-up, featuring the return of a Methods Unsound favourite, plus someone following-up one of the biggest hits of 2015 and a rather surprising cover of an early 80s pop smash.
Metronomy – Old Skool
As we mentioned earlier this week, it’s a very big welcome back to Joe Mount and band as we embrace the news that a new Metronomy album is in the offing. The wonky spelling and retro artwork accompanying the first album taster hint at a change in direction. ‘Old Skool’ is less ‘English Riviera’ and more Soho nightclub. The basslines are still there but the synths are much more playful in a dark and dirty kind of way. The album tracklisting includes titles like ‘Miami Logic’ and ‘Summer Jam’ which might be indicative of a Neon Indian meets Miami Horror vibe – a sound which could be so well suited to Metronomy. We’re also going to be treated to a track featuring Swedish pop pixie Robyn – that can only be a good thing right? The album is called Summer 08 and will be with us on 1 July.
MØ – Final Song
Hoping to build upon the gargantuan success of ‘Lean On’ with Major Lazer, MØ returns with ‘Final Song’. The track was co-written with MNEK who has been enjoying success with another Scandinavian pop superstar in the making in the form of Zara Larsson. Also in on the act, is co-writer Noonie Bao who could herself end up being a massive breakout star in 2016. Put all of this together and we have another pop smash of the summer on our hands.
Shields – Chequered Love
Showing quite exquisite taste, up and comers Shields have chosen to cover Kim Wilde’s 1981 pop smash ‘Chequered Love’. Recorded at RAK studios, as was the original, the boys take the song somewhere very different to the teen wave meets The Darts sound of Ricky Wilde’s original production. The track builds wonderfully to a euphoric finale. The song is being released on vinyl as part of RAK Singles Club project on 27 May. It’s had the nod of approval from Dame Kim too which I am sure will please the group.
Paige Monroe – Call It Love
Shooting straight for the Kelly Clarkson meets Pink ‘grown-up pop rock with massive hooks brand’ of tuneage please say hello to the frighteningly young yet lung-bustingly vocalled Paige Monroe. From her ‘Distractions’ EP here is future radio smash ‘Call It Love’.
j.normal – Flame
The mysterious j.normal has been merrily dropping rainbow coloured pop nuggets at a wonderful rate via her Bandcamp in the past few months. In the past seven days we have been treated to two new treats in the form of the pyrotechnically themed ‘Blaze’ and ‘Flame’. The latter is an edgier listen than previous tracks such as the Xanadu-meets-Bladerunner infused ‘Alright’.
For more brand new music check out this round-up featuring new songs from Wild Beasts and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.