Every week, we bring you #SOUNDCHECK — your destination for the best new music that hit the web over the course of the week. Because you should always be prepared when someone passes you that AUX cord. This week's roundup features 10 of our favorite emerging and established artists.
Rap’s chameleon Vince Staples recruits Mustard for a groovy and melodic bop that holds equal space for the highs of fame and the tragedies of life in America. (YouTube)
Caroline Polachek and Danny L Harle turn the mystical into pounding and precise pop on the strange and brilliant “Billions.” (YouTube)
Hand claps, guitar, and Jazmine Sullivan’s voice is all that makes up “Roster,” an uplifting and richly textured anthem about putting yourself first. (YouTube)
This clarifying folk spell by Big Thief from their acclaimed new album of the same name is unnervingly gorgeous. From the elegant mesh of strummed instrumentals to front-woman Adrianne Lenker’s ghostly warble — they really are the best rock group out now. (YouTube)
After a years-long hiatus, the mesmerizing Afro-French Cuban sister duo, Ibeyi, have returned with a warm and percussive tribute to sisterhood. (YouTube)
A dark and probing deep rave trance from LSDXOXO, so you know it also comes with a raunchy twist. (Hint: guess what “SMD” stands for.) (YouTube)
Cult Chicago indie rock trio Dehd summon a rollicking good time with their breezy and rowdy new rock tune “Bad Love.” (YouTube)
Two of Mexico City’s best indie voices, Girl Ultra and Little Jesus, collide for this sweetly sleazy punk track that still bangs even if the vocals are just over whisper-level. (YouTube)
New York’s Deer Scout is the latest signee to indie label Carpark, and its first release is a whimsical acoustic tune that tells a kinda dark tale about playing and getting played. (YouTube)
Swedish singer River wields a lovely brassy tone that at times reminds of Doja Cat and at times a jazz singer in a smoked-out club on her retro-sounding song “We’ll Be Together.” (YouTube)