Every week, we do our very best to provide you with the sweetest sounds from across the musical globe. From hip-hop, to R&B, to electronic and beyond, there’s so much incredible new music coming out every day. Head to our singles and playlists pages to check out everything else, but for now, here’s a playlist of the best new music that you might have missed from the past week. There’s only one hip-hop track here, as this week’s been all about the luscious pop melodies and smooth electro-soul.

  • Golden Vessel, Wave (ft. OKBADLANDS)
    The final single from Golden Vessel ahead of his EP release, this is a beautiful, intimate piece, anchored by lingering, hollowed percussion and gorgeous vocals courtesy of Brisbane duo OKBADLANDS. An emotional track that kind of reminds me of Rhye, or perhaps Emma Louise, save this one for the feels of a grey Sunday morning.
  • Brandyn Burnette, State I’m In
    One of my favourite new discoveries, Brandyn’s new single State I’m In is a really lovely, guitar-laden bluesy piece, packed with soul, emotion and a really catchy melody the whole way through. Brighter than some of his recent tracks, I have no doubt that he’s poised for a radio takeover any day.
  • A Z E K E L, Linger
    I’ve been a long time fan of AZEKEL and I’m stoked that a new piece is now upon us. Continuing on from the previous two tracks, this future-soul number is slinky and sensual, featuring his amazing, husky vocals, pitted against a deep bass and flickery percussion. One for the bedroom playlist for sure.
  • TEN FÉ, Make Me Better (UNKLE Reconstruction)
    UNKLE has long been one of my favourite artists ever, and he’s put his spin on this heartbreaking, folky track in a way that evokes all kinds of emotions. The rich, echoed vocals are embellished by ambient instrumental layers, before a synth-pop beat kicks in, elevating the entire atmosphere in an incredible way.
  • True Vibenation, The World Is Ours
    True Vibenation are heading off to Glastonbury soon, but before they go, they have unleashed The World Is Ours, a really intricate, interesting, and seriously cool new single, a big leap away from their more hip-hop inclined roots. Packed with funky synths and a really great rhythm, it’s impossible not to wanna have a boogie to this one.
  • Marone, Mission Impossible
    Upcoming Melbourne rapper Marone has released another slice of conscious hip-hop pie, once again demonstrating incredible lyricism and clever rhymes. Absolutely one to watch in the local hip-hop scene, he knows what he’s talking about, he’s studied the craft, and it shows. I’m looking forward to hearing a lot more from this one.
  • Clark, Mirage Trooper
    This week’s Adult Swim single comes from legendary producer Clark, and it might just be my favourite one yet. This is a heady, beat-laden experimental production, with incredible, mesmerising sounds and effects emanating from every single layer across this intense, choppy, dense piece. At seven minutes long, there’s a lot to absorb, and a lot to love.
  • Hayden James, Just A Lover
    New Hayden James is always a great thing! One of my favourite Australian producers, and live performers, this is a swift, dark and dirty house track with a seductive late night vibe. The thumping bass and percussive groove complements the vocals so perfectly – I have no doubt we’ll be hearing this one all over the place really, really soon.
  • Thomston, Float
    Upcoming New Zealand singer Thomston has today released Float, an intimate track, both lyrically and musically. The melody in particular is really lovely, backed by a bold, yet restrained rhythm. Balancing the fine line between lush pop and electro-soul, this is heartfelt, and really beautiful.
  • Kllo, Walls To Build
    Finally this week, we have a brand new single from Melbourne duo Kllo. This is a dainty, delicate new single ahead of their upcoming EP, Well Worn, due out August 5. Topped by understated vocals, a lightly bouncing rhythm and new layers building and growing throughout, the atmosphere continues to expand and change as it progresses.

Image: Hayden James / Supplied

We’ve got a super sexy playlist for you this week, filled with seductive electro-R&B, soulful covers and smooth electronica. Enjoy!

1. Twin Caverns, The Crown
Twin Caverns have returned with a gorgeous new single to cap off a big, busy year. I’m proud to say I’ve been an avid fan of the Sydney duo since their very first single back in 2013, and it’s been really exciting to watch them flourish and grow and develop their sound into something so identifiable. The Crown sees the pair drop further down the rabbithole of seductive, synth-infused trip-hop. A lagging rhythm draws you in, while the breathy, hypnotic and sensual melody captures every inch of your attention.Listen to this one on repeat. I have a feeling 2016 is going to be THE year for Twin Caverns.

2. Brand New, Cleanser (Tamper cover)
I’ll bet you’ve never heard pop-punk sound quite like this. Cleanser is the latest in Tamper’s covers series, following on from re-workings of Santigold, Foals, and more. it might just be my favourite so far, if only for the ingenious decision to cover a track by Brand New. While the original track is clean and emotive alt-rock, Tamper have stretched it out into ethereal Alt-J style electro-R&B, with a driving rhythm and gorgeous synth layers,. You’ve never heard Brand New quite like this, but I’m so glad this exists.

3. AZEKEL, The War Inside
We’ve written about UK artist AZEKEL a number of times, and we’ve got a great reason for doing so – every release is better than the last. Anchored by a powerful, thudding bass, Azekel’s falsetto melody is a captivating counterpoint. “If there’s a war inside, there’s a war outside,” he professes, above an increasingly fluid and diverse, sensual instrumental layers. There’s so much going on between the funky synth rhythms and distorted guitar solos, and it comes together in a way that’s not only refreshingly unique, but incredibly satisfying.  The track features on AZEKEL’s forthcoming EP, Raw Vol 2, set for release in early 2016.

4. FKJ, Better Give U Up
If you aren’t yet aware of French house producer FKJ, let me be the one to introduce you. A recent signee of legendary boutique Parisian label Roche Musique, Better Give U Up is a bubbly, bouncy track. Equally soulful and fun, the track marries a smooth, lounge jazz with understated house rhythms and layers. It’s the first time FKJ has showed off his vocal stylings, and is a pretty strong indication that his upcoming debut album is going to be something amazing. It takes a lot for me to enjoy house-based tracks, and this one absolutely hits the right spot.

5. Foreign Air, Free Animal
I’ve been sitting on this track all week and I can’t get enough of it. Foreign Air are a new US duo, blending indie andelectronic elements to create an immersive and really gorgeous sound, kind of like a more seductive, less overblown stadium-rock Alt-J. I adore the thick, heady rhythm and its contrast to the sweeping synths. The sublime melody is dark and catchy, with a gorgeous, breathy lilt adding its own flavour to the soundscape. Foreign Air are set to release their debut EP in February 2016 – I for one, cannot wait.

6. The Weeknd, Can’t Feel My Face (IYES Cover)
I know, I know, who wants to hear another version of one of 2015’s most massive hits? Stick with me. IYES have done something new and something different, and I promise that it’s worth a listen. The chart-topping track has been translated to smooth, understated electro-soul, with duelling male-female vocals adding a really unique element to the cover. The slow, sparse chorus is particularly cool, creating a really intimate vibe that puts the track in a completely new place.

7. MXMS, OMG (On Planets Remix)
This is a really cool remix of MXMS’ OMG. Originally a beautiful, understated indie tune, On Planets have thrust it into a bright, expressive electronic offering. While the atmosphere could not be more different, they’ve retained the intimacy that the lyrics and lightweight melody profess. I absolutely love remixes like this – they take the core of an excellent song, and use it to create an entirely different, but just as wonderful new one – which MXMS have reportedly endorsed wholeheartedly.

8. Free Wize Men, Is Ya With Me?
Manchester-based hip-hop trio Free Wize Men have just seriously caught my attention with the bright new single Is Ya With Me? I really love the instrumental layers. A funky bass, jazz flute and a simple but catchy rhythm, setting the perfect stage beneath each slick verse. Citing guitar influences like Jimi Hendrix and Santana, it’s unsurprising that the instrumental elements are strong, including a short but smooth guitar solo toward the end. Quite simply, this is just a really fun track. Perfect for a sunny afternoon.

9. Jeff Chery, Power (prod. Sam Tiba)
I am particularly excited about this inclusion in this week’s playlist. Jeff Chery is the very first signee to Brodinski’s own label Bromance Records. While the label have traditionally focused on techno, it’s unsurprising that they’re veering toward hip-hop, considering that Brodinski’s last release was essentially a rap record, as was Sam Tiba’s – and let’s not forget about that Kanye production. In fact, earlier this year I asked Brodinski whether he’d be signing a rapper anytime soon – and I see that I finally have the answer. This is a really cool track. It’s understated and almost quiet, with a dull bass that resonates so well against the verses. I’m a big, big Sam Tiba fan too, so this really is a dream release. If this is the calibre we can expect from Bromance hip-hop, then 2016 is going to be one hell of a year for the French label.

10. HONNE, Gone Are The Days
I’m always on the fence about the uniquely Scandinavian electro-pop sound. While I adore the artists on the starker, more jarring side of things (The Knife, Highasakite), the lighter acts like HONNE haven’t really piqued my interest too much. Not so with their latest, Gone Are The Days. The melody immediately draws me in, equally catchy and passionate, with soaring high notes and a fluid rhythm that just floats above the instrumental layers. All in all, this is a really excellent indie-electro track from HONNE, one of the best we’ve heard in some time.

I originally reviewed this on Indie Shuffle

UK artist AZEKEL has been on my radar for some time now, and that’s for a very good reason: his music is sublime, and it just gets better with every release.

Sold My Love is yet another great track from the promising East london artist. With a voice that’s warm and so full of soul, he croons above a gorgeous piano melody with a real, invigorating passion. Emotional and tonally diverse, his vocal range traipses from a velvety depth, to a Frank Ocean-esque falsetto.

This week marks a huge moment for AZEKEL, as his debut live performance will be taking place on the BBC Introducing Stage at the legendary Glastonbury festival. Looks like he’ll be moving on to bigger and better things really soon – deservedly so!

Sold My Love features on Azekel’s upcoming EP, Raw Vol. 1, due for release on July 12 through Thunderlighting Recordings. The EP will also feature recent single Mad About The Boy, which was one of our recent best songs of the week!

Tidal have mastered the playlist, and Spotify are honing in on the playlist action too. But there’s only one playlist you need to kick off your weekend: That’s right, here it is, the Howl & Echoes weekly playlist of the best new songs this week.

  • Tom Lee-Richards, The Wearing Kind
    Kicking off this week’s playlist with something extra lovely. Opening on a gorgeous guitar riff and stunning vocals, this is a really beautiful track from the upcoming artist. The track flourishes as it chugs along, with a subdued tropical beat and a great rhythm. Warm and inviting from start to end, you can really just melt into the track’s atmosphere.
  • The Parrots, To The People Who Showed Me Their Love While I Was Here
    Man, this track is cool. A stoned, sluggish bass sets the pace, before hazy guitars and occasional vocals really give off a dreamy vibe, evoking the absolute best kind of nostalgia. The Madrid trio will be releasing their new EP on June 22, and this is second track, following on from the wicked I’m Not Alone. 
  • The Bacchanales, Sandcastles
    Brisbane’s The Bacchanales are back with a brand new track, and it’s as catchy as it is cool. The progressive track opens with a kind of understated darkness, before opening up with a glistening, gorgeous chorus which infuses soft yet soaring vocals with the guitar layers. This cut is actually part of a full nine-minute version which you’ll be able to hear on their forthcoming EP.
  • B Wise, Prince Akeem (prod. Raph Lauren)
    Upcoming African-Australian hip hop artist B Wise has just dropped Prince Akeem, produced by Raph Lauren of Jackie Onassis. He’s got a liquid flow, and plays around really well with dynamics and dramatic delivery, this is a really fun track. The track is named after Eddie Murphy’s character in the comedy classic, ‘Coming to America,’ which is a big tick in my book!
  • ALTA, Moves
    Experimental electronic duo ALTA have just dropped Moves, and it’s such a trip. The sound effects used throughout are wacky and wonderful – the natural sounds, elephant roars, jumpy vocal echoes and more create a kind of escapist jungly vibe, topped off by the sexy, slivery vocals. It’s the first track off their forthcoming EP, set for release in the next few weeks.
  • AZEKEL, Mad About The Boy
    There’s something really interesting, and strange yet inviting about the extreme choppiness of the beats and rhythms scattered throughout this track. Every staccatoed beat and bass feels hasty and short of breath, completely contrasted against the velvety smooth R&B melody. Keep an eye out for the London artist’s EP, Raw, Vol 1, set to drop on July 12.
  • Lanks, Settle Down
    Lanks has always had a knack for delivering beautiful, sultry electronic tunes, and Settle Down follows in that vein. Angelic falsetto leads the way, giving way to a breathtaking trip-hop melody, evoking a stunning Massive Attack vibe. Incredibly sensual and so intimate, the Melbourne artist has really outdone himself this time. The track will be featured on his new EP Banquet, out July 3.
  • Espa, Orbit
    I fell completely in love with Espa’s last couple single, and Orbit is no different. The sensual atmosphere slides under the radar, with a thumping beat and smooth, seductive vocals. The vocals playfully dance with harmonies throughout, and little flickers of whirling synth sound effects embellish the track so perfectly; all in all, this is utterly cool.
  • Damien Ike, Even in War
    Damien Ike is a new London artist, and if Even In War is anything to go by, we’re going to be hearing a lot more from this wonderful producer. Drawn out beats, muffled synths and a shuffling beat create a lush soundscape, but it’s the vocals that really steal the spotlight. Rich and deep, there’s so much power in the melody. The kind of track you’re gonna listen to a few times in a row.

Here’s the whole playlist right here for you! Head over to our Soundcloud for all the playlists you could ever want.