Photo: Press
My word - what a scorcher of a week it's been. As near tropical temparatures raise the moods of thousands, let's kick off another sizzling weekend with the hottest tracks of the week - featuring The Weeknd, St Lucia, Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Beyonce and many, many more...
The Weeknd 'Belong To The World'
As our Abel solemnly struts his way around a dystopian Orwellian Japan as drones fight off their political and sexual frustrations at having to share the same prostitute, The Weeknd brilliantly wraps his sultry and sensual tones around a driving Portishead sample (or is it?) for yet more of his deliciously dark R n' B that's always on the right side of wrong.
Arctic Monkeys '2013'
Released as B-side to their latest single 'Do I Wanna Know', this will not feature on their upcoming album, AM. Either way, '2013' carries on in the dark and dirty slow-burning desert-rock of their more recent work, as heady beats and psych riffs rumble over Alex Turner's poetic Yorkshire drawl of: "It's 2013 all across the galaxy."
It's a little bit dumb and disposable, but harmless fun all the same.
Lana Del Rey 'Summertime Sadness (Cedrix Gervais remix)'
A true fan-favourite, 'Sumertime Sadness' has been given an electronic spin for the new version of the track. Never heading too far into club territory, the Cedric Gervais reworking keeps the sense of melancholy in the original with its dubstep influenced beats and tempo changes.
Example 'All The Wrong Places'
The new single is the first to be taken from Example's as-yet untitled third studio album. The new track is darker and heavier than previous singles, ditching the hi-energy sounds of 'Changed The Way You Kissed Me' and a long way from his pop smash, 'Kickstarts'. 'All The Wrong Places' has a strong club feel, incorporating dubstep elements into Example's distinctive, uplifting sounds.
Diplo 'Crown'
With vocals from singer/songwriter Mike Posner and rapper Riff Raff, who is now signed to Diplo's record label Mad Decen', 'Crown sees genre mashing Dutch producer Boaz Van De Beats assists Diplo with the production and the result is an energetic and slightly unhinged anthem that is sure to be a floorfilling hit.
Kings of Leon 'Supersoaker'
Yup, this week the Kings unveiled their brand new single and first official track from Mechanical Bull. Harking back to the free and easy roll of their earlier work, it carries itself like the comfortable, laid back cousin to Four Kicks - but driven by the open anthemics of their last couple of records. If the rest of the album picks up where this leaves us, then it could be something special...
Angel Haze 'A Tribe Called Red'
Taken from her upcoming debut album, 'A Tribe Called Red' sees Haze on a continuation of the sound that she has been building this year, and is another excellent showcase of her ferocious vocal capabilities. Haze hardly draws breath during her verses, and this new track is no different. Her unique lyrical style shines through and her flow is tight and precise. The production is slick but not overbearing, and the beats sound closer to electronic or techno than traditional Hip Hop or Rap beats. This combined with her aggresive vocal style makes the track a refreshing and modern take on the genre.
Yuck 'Rebirth'
Marking a significant departure in style from their debut, which was full of buzzing, gritty guitars and had a lively and energetic feel, 'Rebirth' offers a more sludgey, grunge-light sound with far away vocals and a slow, trudging melody. There is little aggression to the song but it shows the band moving forward and has an immersive, dreamy sound to it.
Beyonce 'Grown Woman (Monsieur Adi remix)
The French electronic musician who has worked with the likes of Bastille, Lana Del Rey and Ellie Goulding, has officially released a terribly catchy remix of 'Grown Woman' by the wonderful Bey. Injecting the track with a new lease of life into the track, it's everything Adi does best.
Listen to Beyoncé - Grown Woman (Monsieur Adi Remix) below:
St Lucia 'Elevate'
'Elevate' continues St.Lucia's mastery of soaring, uplifting electronic indie-pop, with glittering production a powerful, distinctive vocal style and brilliantly infectious hooks. Listen to 'Elevate' below - and put 8 October in your diaries as When The Night is certain to be one of the best pop albums of 2013
