July Playlist
As one of the UK’s most distinctive independent voices, Drowned in Sound features artists from across all genres and the whole musical spectrum. Visit drownedinsound.com
The most exciting new albums of July
Ready to update your playlist? Derek Robertson of Drowned in Sound picks five upcoming albums that should be the soundtrack to your summer months
Broken Social Scene – Hug Of Thunder
out 7 July
As indie royalty goes, it’s hard to beat Broken Social Scene. The Toronto music collective have returned with their first album in seven years – in part, prompted by the Paris attacks of 2015 – and it’s a stunner. The unhinged, slightly shambling alt-rock of their previous work has been replaced by twelve solid songs shot through with the joie de vivre and big choruses of friends finding each other again. Joyous and bright, it sounds like a proper re-awakening, the intimacy and comfort of fifteen years together providing a base for everyone to meander around in their own, unique way.
If you only listen to one song, make it ‘Halfway Home’.
This Is the Kit – Moonshine Freeze
out 7 July
The soft, pastoral folk of Kate Stables’ rolling collective has, in just a few short years, won over numerous famous fans, including The National’s Aaron Dessner (who produced 2015’s Bashed Out) and John Parish, who’s behind the desk here. Patient and lush, her songs sound lovingly handcrafted, each element carefully nurtured so as not to overwhelm the others. But it’s not all simple strumming and raw vocals; Moonshine Freeze sees her employ brass and synthesisers for the first time, leading Stables to a fuller, bolder sound.
If you only listen to one song, make it ‘Moonshine Freeze’.
Mura Masa – Mura Masa
out 14 July
When Guernsey native Alex Crossan moved to London aged 19, it was a voyage of discovery. And, like all good explorers, he made sure to soak in as much as he could of the capital’s vibrant culture. The result is his self-titled debut, a global melting pot of styles and musical motifs that draws on dance, hip hop, grime, R&B, electronica, and rap, all swirled into a heady, intoxicating whole that sounds utterly unique and very much of it’s time. He’s been considered one of the UK’s rising musical stars for a while now; finally, he’s about to deliver on that promise.
If you only listen to one song, make it ‘Love$ick’ (feat ASAP Rocky).
Japanese Breakfast – Soft Sounds From Another Planet
out 14 July
For anyone still proclaiming the death of “indie”, 2017 has already produced numerous albums that prove otherwise, but Michelle Zauner might just have made the best of the lot. Her second album as Japanese Breakfast moves from elegant slow jams (‘Road Head’) through wistful ballads (‘Boyish’) to full-on sci-fi pop about falling in love with a robot (‘Machinist’). Grief and loneliness are explored in depth, but it’s the subtle way Zauner deals with love while writing gorgeous melodies and instantly catchy songs that puts her top of the class.
If you only listen to one song, make it ‘Boyish’.
Declan McKenna – What Do You Think About The Car?
out 21 July
“Woke pop” is suddenly a Very Big Thing; think social aware youngsters using their platform to comment on issues that affect not only the next generation, but society as a whole. Declan McKenna is one such star; having already tackled transgender visibility (‘Paracetemol’) and FIFA corruption (“Brazil’), the 18-year-old’s new album is full of hyper-aware, political indie. But his sense of responsibility is only half the story; from synth-fuelled dance breaks to lovelorn pop ballads, his songcraft is more than a match for the wise messages he’s trying to impart.
If you only listen to one song, make it ‘Humongous’.
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