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.
Simultaneously hard-edged and soft, Aespa’s “Illusion” shows the versatility of the rising girl group’s sound. (YouTube)
Karen O singing about meeting the troubles of the world over wall-to-wall shoegaze synth makes for a triumphant return for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. (YouTube)
It’s Post Malone and Doja Cat. You might not wanna love it, but you just can’t help it! (YouTube)
A haunting, swaying ballad from Angel Olsen that includes some of her most riveting, while spare, lyricism yet: “I know I have my own remorse/ I often overthink, of course/ The past is with us, it plays a part/ How can we change it? How do we start?” (Spotify)
One of my firmest beliefs is that Tove Styrke is criminally underrated — and “Bruises,” a bittersweet standout from her newest album, hits everything you’d want a perfect pop song to be. (YouTube)
Strobing, glowing retro pop from Betty Who that delivers a sweetly hopeful and supportive message without getting corny. (YouTube)
iMessage swooshes, moody guitar, and emotional, raw vocals collide for a slow-burning rock song about standing up to a toxic flame. (YouTube)
Lava La Rue reaches spiritual enlightenment from being in love on “Hi-Fidelity,” a huge-sounding, spacey funk jam. (YouTube)
Breezy shuffling dance music that’s anchored by Seinabo Sey’s rich vocals and tender lines showing love to her community. (YouTube)