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It's been a big week and a big week needs big tracks. Below are the most exciting new tunes to have graced our ears over the past seven days.
From the return of one of the UK's finest ever girlgroups (albeit under a whole new name) to new music from one of the biggest modern rock bands on the planet to bonkers US indie-pop and stunning Icelandic chillout, it's been one hell of an eclectic week...
Mutya Keisha Siobhan 'Flatline'
Girls Aloud are gone and there's a spot at the top of the tree for a 'new' girlband. Possibly the most interesting release from a girl-group since, well, the first Sugababes single. Touches of stadium rock mix with Dev Hynes' subtle production and three of the most suited voices in modern music. Welcome back.
Seasfire 'Warm Water'
Beautiful Bristol boys Seasfire cover rising star Bank's online success 'Warm Water' in their own distinct, downbeat style, with restrained synths and a touch of delicate dubstep in a blissful moment of indie chillout.
Braids 'In Kind'
Set to springboard from the underground to the mainstream in 2013, bloggers' favourites Braids are gathering huge acclaim for themselves for their off-kilter electronic rock. A bizarre and bewitching listen.
Capital Cities 'Farrah Fawcett Hair'
Bonkers album track from bearded US pop duo Capital Cities, who are finally set for huge success in 2013 with their blog-favourite, 'Safe + Sound'. 'Farrah Fawcett Hair' is a soul/pop/hip-hop classic in waiting, with a guest spot from Outkast rapper Andre 3000.
TOY & Bat For Lashes 'The Bride'
This new release is woozy, enchanting and everything a collaboration should be by these excellent artists. Note the Iranian undertones, reminiscent of the original track it's reworked from.
Kings Of Leon 'Always the Same'
The Tennessee rockers are back and armed with new material for their September album, Mechanical Bull. This track is blue-sy, rock-y and exciting in that it's more like their previous material than the last two albums.
The Civil Wars 'The One That Got Away'
The new song by the Barton Hollow band has strong, menacing guitar playing accompanied by Joy Williams' ever-haunting vocals. The soundtrack to an obsessive romance.
múm 'Toothwheels'
'Toothwheels' shows that whatever anyone can do, the Icelandics can do better. The song is characterised by a hypnotic backing track and some sensual vocals.
Xander The Great 'London 1948' (mixtape)
Like a London alernative to US soul star The Weeknd, Xander The Great showcase new material in their brilliant new mixtape. Smooth, sexually charged modern soul that proves R&B doesn't only belong to our US cousins.
Arthur Beatrice 'Carter'
The slow build in the song forms into a fusion of delectable electronica that calmly whispers summer and urges you to hit the replay button. Stunning stuff.
