There’s a very schizophrenic vibe to my picks for this week’s best new music, with things jumping about from smooth R&B, to noisy punk, to hip-hop, etc.
Write-ups are below and I’ve included some social links as well if you want to find more about any of the artists (well, some of them at least. It’s a fuck on embedding all the links and I couldn’t be arsed doing it all the way through, so I saved it for those who are a bit more under the radar).
Tunes of the week
Benefits – Warhorse
Benefits have come to be known for their own maximalist form of minimalism; blasts of noisy, look-at-the-state-of-the-nation proclamations. Their 2021 single, Flag, is one of my favourites of the last few years. This week they announced a new record deal, their debut album, and did a fancy transfer-style reveal video at their hometown club’s football stadium (don’t get too excited, it’s only Boro).
And they released this song, which represents a shift to a more melodic style. Now, if this is your first time hearing them, that may sound a bit daft. I mean they’ve hardly went pop; the righteous anger is there and it’s still LOUD. But, those feedback-drenched howls are saved for the chorus and act more as an exclamation mark. It’s a welcome change of pace; while I liked their earlier stuff, I think sticking too close to the formula risked diminishing returns.
Similar to Sleaford Mods (who they’ve acknowledged as an influence), the relative minimalism of the music helps lay bare the bleak realities reflected in the lyrics. The run of reeling off various political slogans/excuses towards the end of this song kind of encapsulates the shittiness of British politics over the past few years (and the feeling of futility that can inspire). But, Benefits are here to kick the arse out of any sense of hopelessness you may have. And it’s strangely uplifting, like a wake-up-call; a reminder that things can be better.
Bring on the album.
Supera Morza – Past Vibration
Not your stereotypical Manchester band, Supera Morza seem to look to grunge rather than the Gallaghers for inspiration. Grunge is so tied to that early 90’s scene that it can easily sound dated. But there’s a punk edge to this and it absolutely rips through its 2 and a half minutes without stopping for breath. Big hooks, big chorus, big riffs, big drums; what more do you need?
Arborist – Matisse
A lovely slice of folksy Americana (think Fleet Foxes). Lines like “Is he taking the piss?” really shouldn’t sound this nice.
Key Glock – Pop My Shit/Homicide Gvng
I find the trap style, which currently dominates among many of rap’s top stars, to be extremely same-y. But Memphis rapper, Key Glock sets himself apart from the crowd, with his ear for a good beat and by interjecting plenty of hooks into his street tales.
ELLiS-D – Straitjacket Blues
Hyperactive, Talking Heads-style funk-punk.
Saint Harison – homies (feat. Tiana Major9)
I heard this via an Instagram ad, so I suppose advertising works. This is a stripped back, soulful r&b number about catching feelings for a friend, realising you’ve made a mistake and wanting back in the friend zone.
This is only the second single from Saint Harison, but he’s already received praise from some of pop’s biggest stars and racked up a few million streams. He’s got a great, soulful voice; alternating between a low coo and powerful falsetto. He’s ably assisted here by another excellent vocalist in London’s Tiana Major9.
And you may be surprised when you realise he’s a ginger lad from Southampton with pink hair.
CVC – Good Morning Vietnam
Massive tune from this Welsh sextet. Could easily be a lost pop-rock classic from the 70’s. Like Joe Cocker fronting Steely Dan.
Zakhar – My One
Smooth R&B, which borders on sappy, but when it’s done this well, I’m not gonna complain.
2nd Generation Wu – When I’m Home (feat. Zandra Kaye & Prema777)
2nd Generation Wu is composed of four sons of Wu-Tang Clan members’ Method Man, Ghostface Killah, U-God, and ODB (appropriately named Young Dirty Bastard). They’ve been releasing perfectly fine hip-hop for a few years. But, they’ve never really stepped out of their dads’ shadows, and it doesn’t help that some of their more memorable moments are when they interpolate from the Wu-Tang back catalogue.
This is one of the better tunes they’ve done so far though, and hopefully they begin carving more of their own path. It’s a fairly straightforward tale of life on the road and the longing to return to home comforts, but it’s elevated by a guest verse from Prema777, putting a female spin on the theme. Plus, an excellent soulful chorus by Zandra Kaye (which does sound familiar, so if it turns out that’s from an old Wu Tang song then forget what I said).
KAM-BU – LIVE-O
Banger. UK grime with a 90’s rave undercurrent.
Council Cut – Home Grown
I wrote up a bit on Council Cut a few weeks ago so I’ll not repeat myself. He’s put out another strong tune here, expanding on previous themes about chasing dreams, which has me trying to will an A Grand Don’t Come for Free style concept album into existence.
You can check out previous weeks’ best new music roundups at the link below.
No Frills Reviews 
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