The holiday hangover has been left behind now and the music releases keep coming with renewed vigour so here’s what we think are the best new songs and/or videos from the last seven days – in our opinion! Be sure to link to the artists pages and drop them a like or follow – or both – and buy anything direct from the artists to show even more support.
Ellur – “Dream of Mine”
Halifax singer-songwriter Ellur (Ella McNamara) captures ambition’s sweet ache in “Dream of Mine,” a luminous centerpiece from her upcoming debut At Home in My Mind. The single glimmers with intimate lyricism and hushed yet taut instrumentation, threading folk intimacy with a yearning that feels universal. Ellur’s voice, warm and earnest, surfaces like a late-night confession, lifting narratives of personal growth and creative sacrifice into anthemic reflection. This track is a stunning showcase of why Ellur is one of indie’s most compelling new storytellers.
cruush – “Great Dane”
Manchester alt-rock quartet cruush sharpen their hazy dream-pop roots with “Great Dane,” a guitar-driven anthem that feels both fuzzy and widescreen. Brimming with jagged yet melodic riffs and a propulsive beat, this single radiates a raw energy that’s equal parts grunge grit, shoegaze atmosphere and indie hook craft. The song’s lyrics — inspired by mundane moments turned vivid — give the track an off-kilter charm as bright as its crunchy guitars are urgent. Cruush are evolving into one of the UK’s most exciting indie rock prospects.
Gia Margaret – “Everyone Around Me Dancing”
With “Everyone Around Me Dancing,” Gia Margaret offers a contemplative yet warm slice of indie folk that feels like an emotional sunrise. Framed by soft, ambient production and her graceful piano lines, the song watches life’s celebrations from just outside the fray, evoking both longing and serenity. Margaret’s voice is both tender and introspective, and it threads intimacy through every note, making this single a quietly profound moment of the week. Its gentle sway and emotional depth are the sort that linger long after the final bar fades.
Debbie Sings – “Hotpants”
Copenhagen’s Debbie Sings turns pure feeling into a euphoric pop whirlwind with “Hotpants,” a joyous ode to reckless summer energy. Anchored by dancefloor-ready beats and glittering Europop melodrama, this single is playful and infectiously catchy. Sings channels unabashed fun and unselfconscious confidence, blending synth-heavy textures with celebratory lyricism. This track lights up with a buoyant carefree spirit, part of an EP that’s as glittering and immediate as its title suggests.
Arlo Parks – “Heaven”
Arlo Parks continues her evolution with new single “Heaven,” which is a luminous dive into dance-ready electronic territory. Driven by an earth-shaking bassline and hypnotic production, the song captures the thrill of communal euphoria. It gives off a sensation of losing yourself in the crowd and finding something transcendent in the moment. Parks’ luminous lyricism and poetic heart remain intact even as she ventures into rhythmic, rave-inspired soundscapes, marking this as one of her boldest tunes yet.
Mandy Indiana – “Sicko!”
Mandy Indiana’s new album URGH dropped this week and to help celebrate the group also released “Sicko!” is an exhilarating collision of post-punk and avant-hip-hop energy. Featuring abstract verses from billy woods, this single thrives in its unpredictable fusion of jagged guitar work, propulsive rhythms, jarring synths and samples, along with confrontational lyrical flow. It’s the sound of a band stretching their sonic identity into thrilling new dimensions. Fierce and defiantly original sounding. The video’s equally expressive visually.
Mclusky – “I Know Computer”
Veteran Welsh noise rock rebels Mclusky return with “I Know Computer,” a track that snarls and squeals with kinetic force. Their signature blend of razor-sharp riffs, scabrous wit, and slippery melodies are all intact. Of course the song’s abrasive edges are paired with hooks that refuse to let go. It’s a classic Mclusky moment: chaotic, smart, and gloriously unhinged.
The Reds, Pinks & Purples – “Heaven of Love”
“Heaven of Love” finds The Reds, Pinks & Purples crafting shimmering indie dream pop that feels like a sun-drenched reverie. Layers of jangling guitars and lush harmonies fold into gentle rhythms, creating a warm suspension of time that’s both melancholic and uplifting. There’s always been that Smiths vibe about their music but with thankfully minimal cynicism, indeed that word is mentioned in the songs very first line. Here they present a beautifully textured love song that resonates with a tender retro charm.
Lala Lala – “Arrow”
Chicago native /LA based indie songwriter Lala Lala hits an emotional bullseye with “Arrow.” It’s an incisive single that blends confessional lyricism with precise instrumental clarity. The track’s arrangement is rhythmic, dance even and pulled taut and the candid vocal delivery make it a standout from her upcoming album “Heaven 2” on new label Sub Pop. Every line hits with pointed emotion, like a pulse-quickening revelation. It’s heartfelt and razor-sharp in equal measure.
Daniel Avery – “Neon Pulse (Midnight Version)”
Dance favourite Daniel Avery’s “Neon Pulse (Midnight Version)” gets a makeover and radiates that bleary club nocturne elegance. Stripped back yet richly atmospheric, it layers pulsing rhythms and shimmering synths to evoke a late-night urban glow. This remix accentuates the track’s hypnotic groove, making it prime for both deep listening and dancefloor surrender. It’s electronic music that feels as expansive as the endless city night