Lapalux “The Hours” Single (Self-Released) A couple of years ago, this esoteric, Essex-based producer turned my head with the spacious, heady “Time Spike Jamz” — the lead single from his devastating Many Faces Out of Focus EP. Since then, the artist governmentally known as Stuart Howard has released his brilliant Brainfeeder debut, When You’re Gone, and is set to release another EP this year. Like much of his best work, “The Hours” is all about mood, and the 22 year-old’s mood ring is colored … →

Cat Power “Cherokee” (Nico Jaar Remix) Sun (Matador, out now) Chan “Cat Power” Marshall is simply not made for the Internet era. Marshall has thumbed her nose at a music world (and culture at large) that demands that an artist constantly be connecting with their audience, whether it’s with new music, through social media, or via an endless touring schedule. That’s never been the Atlanta native’s modus operandi, and it never will be. It’s been six years since she’s given us … →

How to Dress Well “& It Was U” Total Loss (Tri Angle, out 9/17) One of the great fallacies that surrounded ethereal R&B singer Tom Krell’s debut album, Love Remains, is that it was “depressing.” While it dealt with heavy issues (mostly the passing of Krell’s close friend) openly and bravely, How to Dress Well’s first LP had its fair share of playful, inspiring, and hopeful moments. The Colorado native has never hidden his love of saccharine radio R&B, and this cut is … →

Elite Gymnastics “Andreja 4-Ever” Digital Single When Josh Clancy left Elite Gymnastics earlier this summer, sole remaining member James Brooks assured fans that the group’s sound wouldn’t be affected, as Clancy mostly contributed to group’s design. Based on this track alone, that statement rings false, and that actually might not be a bad thing. “Andreja 4-Ever” is easily the most accesible thing to be released under the Elite GZ moniker with much of their ever-present, chaotic wall of sound stripped away. Frankly, … →

Dan Bodan “Aaron” DP/Aaron Single (DFA) Canadian-bed, Berlin-based Dan Bodan is the most exciting new DFA signing in recent memory, and his recently-released single features two romantic, graceful slabs of 80’s electro-lounge that have more than a hint of Bryan Ferry, Spandau Ballet, and Paul Weller’s group the Style Council. “Aaron” is a slick, lovelorn ballad that highlights Bodan’s easy, yet passionate delivery and provocative lyrics. It’ll be interesting to watch where Bodan goes from here, but he’s certainly off to a good … →

How to Dress Well “Cold Nites” (Koreless Remix) Digital Single I’ve written thousands of words about the admiration that I have for How to Dress Well’s fractured, lo-fi bedroom R&B, so I thought I’d focus a little on the Scottish teenager behind this remix. The 19 year-old Glaswegian burst on the scene with his pensive neo-dubstep meditation, “Lost in Tokyo” and a release on buzzy UK label, Pictures. His ability to craft emotive, drippy compositions makes him a natural partner for the perpetual heart-on-sleeve … →