This month, I picked the highlights from about fifty singles released by various artists. It has been an incredibly strong month for full-length releases (see heavensouls, PISS, and Cameron Winter), and the singles have not lagged behind. I’d like to praise the first five singles mentioned here as the “clear frontrunners,” but the latter five are just as deserving as your time.
Expectations – Olivia Rodrigo & Chappell Roan
★★★★★
Handily the best single of the month, Olivia continues to prove herself as the premier popstar of the decade. She’s just about left every other mainstream act and Chappell bolsters her performance even more.
crystallized & death rolL – brakence
★★★★★
I am finicky on this album, with some singles I listened to being some of the weakest of the month (Problem Child). That said, these singles are by far the strongest product of the album, it’s wonderful that they happen to be paired. The rhythm is great, the instrumentals are hypnotic, and the choruses are infectious.
“Resistance is Possible.” – PISS
★★★★★
I am on the fence about reviewing this album as a whole because it tackles subjects I don’t think I am mature enough to interpret correctly, but at the very least I would like to give this single a nod. It, along with the rest of “you made me / skin on linen,” is completely gut-wrenching. I can only recommend you listen.
i think he’s got a girl – Slayyyter
★★★★☆
It’s absolutely incredible to see Slayyyter’s career flourish this year as she continues to put out incredible tracks one after another. Even if it’s not as mind blowing as ‘brand new chanel$’ was, she knocks it out of the park here just the same.
Pusher – Justice
★★★★☆
Quite possibly the best thing that Justice has put out since “Planisphere.” This song feels like a real return to form for the duo, like a mini-version of ‘Stress.’
Human Error – Olēka
★★★★☆
One of the first artists signed to Quadeca’s new label “X8,” Olēka is a super exciting new face for the indie scene. Her entire debut is fantastic, but the title track stands out to me a lot. The chorus is strong and it features Olēka’s strongest vocals on the entire album.
One Car Hits Another – Panchiko
★★★★☆
Aided by Mei Semones, Panchiko put together another dreamy ballad with one of my favorite instrumentals from them. This is probably my favorite song from them since their “DEATHMETAL” days.
Hot & talking – Say Now
★★★★☆
Say Now has sort of flown under the radar for a lot of people these last couple months despite the singles for their debut EP releasing in a couple weeks being some of the most infectious dance music to release all year (which is an insanely high bar). ‘Hot & talking’ only serves to prove my point even more.
Houston – Ciarán
★★★★☆
Four years after BROCKHAMPTON’s disbandment, Ciarán is finally returning with what’s building to be an incredible Neo-Soul record that I can only describe as the return of D’Angelo’s “Voodoo.” It’s slow, sensual, and loving in all the best ways.
Hystérique – yeule
★★★★☆
yeule’s return is exciting as ever, running a low-budget Instagram Reels-fueled rollout for her upcoming EP and delivering an incredible Ambient Pop single to hold us over for now.
Written by Michéal Doran
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