Fontaines D.C. – Marianne (from Dopamine Chamber, out October 16)
I do not envy the pressure the Irish band are facing right now. Everyone sees them as the great hope of guitar music, and expectations grew even higher after the excellent Romance in 2024. Marianne, the first single from Fontaines D.C.’s upcoming album Dopamine Chamber, may not be as surprising as Starburster, but there is plenty going on sonically. There are some interesting Depeche Mode-inspired synth-pop touches, while the whole song is built around a prominent, slightly distorted bassline. It never lets you forget that this is still an indie-rock band. At first, I was not convinced by the song. But when I saw how the band built it live during the farewell session at Maida Vale Studios, it finally clicked.
Queens of the Stone Age – Insignificant Other (from Perfecth, out September 30)
What direction will Josh Homme take on the new Queens of the Stone Age album? In recent months, the band have played an intimate tour inspired by their performance in the Paris Catacombs. They have also appeared at stadium shows alongside System of a Down and Foo Fighters. The latest singles suggest that the band are more interested in the first of those directions. Neither Easy Street nor Insignificant Other is in much of a hurry, and Josh’s trademark jagged riffs are nowhere to be heard. Instead, it is dark and bluesy. That is particularly clear on Insignificant Other, which sounds like a ballad written with Mark Lanegan in mind. Let’s take that as a good sign.
HUG – Catatumbo (from HUG, out September 11)
Is reality getting you down? Deadlines closing in? Luckily, a new album featuring Devendra Banhart is on the way to carry you into a world of gentle sounds. Catatumbo is the second single from HUG, a project in which Devendra is joined by guitarist Gyan Riley and Noah Georgeson. The latter is best known as a producer who has worked with Joanna Newsom, The Strokes, and even Monika Brodka on her album Clashes. Judging by the two singles released so far, we can expect an instrumental, minimalist album filled with the soothing sounds of guitars, kalimba, synthesizers, and percussion. I cannot wait!
This Is Lorelei – Oh No Now My (from The Singer in My Band, out September 11)
I had come across Nate Amos’ solo project, best known for his work with indie-pop group Water From Your Eyes, several times before. Only his latest singles, however, made me stop and pay closer attention. The first, Billy Come Back, is a great guitar song with a touch of country and a strong, immediate chorus. The second, Oh No Now My, brings to mind the experiments of Alex G before erupting into a Weezer-style guitar solo in its final moments. Two different songs and two different previews of the upcoming album. Together, they have made me genuinely excited to hear it. The release caps Amos’ long journey from demos uploaded to Bandcamp more than a decade ago to signing with Matador Records.
Mlecze – Brak tchu (from Niebieski, out July 10)
On the final day of OFF Festival, I was heading home with the chorus of Brak tchu by Warsaw band Mlecze stuck in my head. Why are radio stations not playing this song to death? I have no idea. I have not heard Polish indie pop this neatly crafted in a long time. The song opens the band’s latest album, Niebieski. The musicians list a wide range of influences, from Cocteau Twins and Alex G to Coldplay. And what can I say? You can hear every one of them in Brak tchu. That Yellow beat - I respect it. Mlecze are a fascinating band who deserve far more attention.