Photo: facebook.com/hurts
This year has undeniably got off to a flying start, and as we reach half way through February it doesn't seem to be showing any sign of slowing down anytime soon. This week we've had new music from Justin Timberlake, Hurts and Haim, all of whom are good reasons to be excited about 2013.
But that's by no means the end of it, with exciting remixes and covers also colouring this week's new music scene. So there's plenty to get stuck into this Friday evening and throughout the weekend. Here's ten of the best from the last seven days.
Hurts - Sandman
This week saw Hurts debut new song 'Sandman', taken from their forthcoming album Exile. Sticking with singer Theo Hutchcraft's usual haunting vocals, the track utilises a driving hip hop inspired beat. Definitely dark, but undeniably catchy at the same time.
Haim - Falling
With the news that April will see the release of a new EP from Haim, this week also saw them premier the EP's title track. Leaning more towards R&B that rock music, the track makes the most of the girls' ability to harmonise and bounce of each other's vocals, while also summoning a distinctly retro atmosphere from start to finish.
The Postal Service - 'A Tattered Line Of String'
We might never have heard this song before this week, but it's not technically new. It was in fact recorded a while back, but was never released. But to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Give Up, the band are releasing a deluxe edition which will include new and unreleased material including this track.
J Dilla - 'Anthem'
J Dilla, one of the most influential and pivotal figures in hip hop, might've died in 2006 but that hasn't stopped new material continuing to steadily surface ever since. Until now we've had to put up with bootlegs, but this week we got news that there will be a new, previously unreleased vocal album from J Dilla with production from Madlib among others. 'Anthem' is due to drop on April 15, with the LP to follow.
Justin Timberlake - 'Mirrors'
Justine Timberlake is well and truly on his way back. On the verge of announcing a new tour (possibly with Jay-Z), and one-off performances ahead of that, not to mention preparing for the release of his third studio album The 20/20 Experience. This week JT released a new single - 'Mirrors'. The new track, which is rhythmically similar to his smash hit 'Cry Me A River', sees the singer back on the sort of form most associated him with. Another reason to get excited about the album.
The xx - 'I Miss You (Beyonce Cover)'
While out in Texas playing a series of shows for US fans, The xx found time to sit down and record this cover of Beyonce's track 'I Miss You'. Sat face to face, Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim perform a tense and heartfelt rendition of the track, darkly romantic and dripping with emotion.
Flume - 'Left Alone (Bobby Tank remix)'
Flume is without a doubt hot property this year as we wait for the UK release of his album. A few weeks ago we were all very excited by the arrival of 'Left Alone', featuring the vocal talents of fellow Aussie Chet Faker. Now London producer Bobby Tank has got his hands on the track and has made it into a glittering piece of futuristic, glitchy funk.
Azekel - 'A Song To An Unborn Child'
Smooth, sexy R&B music has seemed largely dominated by the Americans recently, with the likes of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd being the forerunners. But this track from East London's Azekel proves that the Brits know what they're doing as well. Remarkably honest and heartfelt lyrics slide across an ambient backing track to create something that's both touching and compelling.
Nina Nesbitt - 'Stay Out'
Scottish teenage songstress Nina Nesbitt is preparing to release a new EP in April, and the coming weeks will be releasing videos for each of the four tracks on the record. This week saw the arrival of the title track 'Stay Out', based on a narrative of a night out, and the singer's insistence that we not go home, but instead stay out.
Azelia Banks - 'EKAHSMELRAH'
If you believe what the internet tells you, Baauer's 'Harlem Shake' is going to be the next 'Gangnam Style' (God knows we need another one of those) with its combination of brashness and irresistibility. New York rapper Azealia Banks has remixed (or sampled) the track and written its name backwards to create this surprisingly enjoyable new tune. glitchy electro music makes for an ideal background for Banks' stacatto rapping.
