Orla Gartland – Little Chaos

Orla Gartland knows how to get a hook stuck in your head immediately, and she’s returned with her first new song of 2024 which is unsurprisingly already one of my personality traits. “Little Chaos” opens a new chapter for the Dublin-based artist and comes via her own label New Friends. It’s chaotic, energetic, and romantic in the most Orla Gartland way possible. Continuing the high-octane energy of last years standalone single “Kiss Ur Face Forever”, this track comes in heavy with a pulsating synth, a dominating guitar riff, big drums, and an earworm hook. “Pick me up, take me home. Turn me off, turn me on. I’m your friend, I’m your girl. I’m your little chaos” she sings. The song builds up to the final chorus where she strips it all back before an automated voice comes in for the word “chaos”, and it all electrifies for one final moment. This is a song that will have you coming back over and over again with you craving more from this absolute anthem. 

Billie Eilish – LUNCH

“I could eat that girl for lunch. She dances on my tongue. Tastes like she might be the one” is the opening verse for Billie Eilish’s new track “LUNCH” from her third studio album “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT”, and I think it perfectly captures how queer this new album is, and we LOVE it. This track in particular captures a new confidence within Billie that is so exciting to hear. From the visually fuelled lyrics to the almost spoken-word delivery, to the thumping production, this song feels like a massive elevation for her and FINNEAS. It’s immediate with the way it captures your attention, and it’s very obvious that it’s a giant HIT. Other favourites on the album include “THE GREATEST”, “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE”, and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”. 

Sasha Alex Sloan – Oxygen Mask

Sasha Alex Sloan’s third studio album “Me Again” is a stunning and intimate collection of tracks that explore the Nashville based singer-songwriter’s vulnerabilities in a candid nature. One of my favourite tracks on the record is “Oxygen Mask” which hears her using the symbolism to describe wanting to help someone through a tough time but needing them to want to help themself first. “Don’t look now, we’re falling out of the sky. Upside down, baby, yeah, you and I. We’re just gonna burn, if you don’t put your oxygen mask on first” she sings during the chorus. Led by a guitar, she builds the production gradually, but what I love is that even when it does build, the drums are still behind everything else. It allows her vocals to still be the centre-piece of the song which makes it feel like she singing every word to try and comfort you. Other favourites on the album include “Tiny’s Song”, “Good Enough”, “Deep”, and “Picked First”. 

Omar Apollo – Dispose Of Me

Following the release of the infectiously laden “Spite” earlier this year, Omar Apollo is giving an intimate taste of what is to come from his sophomore studio album “God Said No” out June 28. “Dispose Of Me” is the opposite side of “Spite” that hears Omar commanding listeners with his smooth and powerful vocals. Led by strings, guitars, and gospel inspired harmonies he creates this sweeping soundscape that immediately transfixes you. Reflecting on the end of a relationship, he begs for a second chance because of their history. “It don’t matter if it’s twenty-five years, twenty-five months. It don’t matter if it’s twenty-five days, it was real love. We got too much history. So don’t just dispose of me” he honestly sings. It’s a vulnerable and relatable moment that will hit you right in the chest. 

CXLOE – Shiny New Thing

CXLOE’s debut album “Shiny New Thing” is FINALLY here in it’s pop-perfection glory. Every single song on the thirteen track collection feels like a hit in its own right and is a masterclass in pop, but one of the clear standouts is the titular track. With brooding dark-pop production that pulsates throughout the two and a half minute duration, she gives you an interesting sonical listen mixed with a scream-along worthy hook. It perfectly captures the experimentation that is had on the record along with the ear for an infectious hook that will easily get stuck in your head. Other favourites on the record include Half Of Me” and “Gaslight”. 

Chris Lanzon – Lilo 

Following the recent release of “Angel Litany” and an east-coast run of dates with Sam Fischer, Sydney based musician Chris Lanzon has well and truly opened a new chapter. His new single “Lilo” continues the building of raw vulnerability with honest and reassuring lyricism and stripped back production that together feels like a warm hug. It’s a dedication to always being there for someone no-matter-what, and uses the symbolism of a lilo mattress of being a place of comfort for someone (yes, this song is not about Lilo And Stitch). “When you want me, just let me know. Rest your bones, I’ll be your lilo. I’ll be your best friend, there when the world ends, your parallel line” he sings. The production is simplistic, led by an acoustic guitar and soft strings that atmospherically keep you entranced and feeling understood and safe. But I will say that “Lilo” is criminally short at only one and a half minute long and will leave you aching for more. Extended cut, or more new music soon please! 

Laci Kaye Booth – I Let Him Love Me

Laci Kaye Booth is certainly an artist to watch right now. Her debut album “The Loneliest Girl In The World” is a vulnerable and comforting body of work that highlights her strength as a songwriter. The album is heralded by the country-pop track “I Let Him Love Me” which feels like the true centrepiece. Describing a situationship that never eventuates, Laci chooses to put herself first and move on even though she felt true feelings for them, and eventually the other person comes back begging for her again but it’s too late. “You said that you shouldn’t, so I took a drive. You said that you wouldn’t ever change your mind. But I met a man, one who was ready when you said that you couldn’t, baby. I let him love me” she sings. Led by guitar and strings, this song sweeps you up immediately and draws you in with her stunning vocals and heartfelt delivery. Other favourites on the record include “Sometimes” and “Get Out Of My Dreams”. 

Daphnie – Minimalism 

After a few collaborations Daphnie has shared his first solo release of 2024, and it’s one for all of the ADHD over-thinkers. “Minimalism” hears the Sydney based creative really honing his soundscape and vision with elements of previous songs like “Dizzy”, “Digital Bullshit”, and “Scooters & Shins” acting as the foundations of what this song was built upon. The song has so many standout moments from the angst fuelled hook, to the catchy “OnlyFans” line, to the fast paced vocal delivery, to the light and shade production moments that truly allows the listener to be taken on a journey along with him. This is a great alt-pop song that fuses his great pop songwriting together with a DIY sensibility in his production, and pushes the envelope and uniquely captures the inside of his fast-paced brain.