WRCU 2/3 ROTATIONS RIYL = Recommended If You Like Devil I Know by Allie X RIYL: King Princess, Charli XCX, Perfume Genius Longtime fans of the Toronto-born indie diva Allie X have moved past frustration over her lack of a proper moment in the spotlight and are approaching full-blown bewilderment. Her talent for concocting ballads and bangers alike (this track falling into the latter category) has made her one of pop music’s best-kept secrets. “Devil I Know,” the lead single to Ms. X’s upcoming album “Cape God,” is as eerie and witchy as it is an absolute earworm. It’s sung with all the confidence of an artist who doesn’t mind existing in the underground because she knows at least that her discography is utterly unclockable. By Patrick Toohey Never Come Back by Caribou RIYL: Jai Paul, LCD Soundsystem, SBTRKT Caribou is the stage name for Dan Snaith. In anticipation for his new album, “Suddenly”, set for release in 2020, dance single “Never Come Back” reveals Caribou’s revival of the original sounds of electronica and dance. Featuring his classic drumming and staccato keyboard chords, this song will make you want to dance to its 80’s feel. By Erika Fox Physical by Dua Lipa RIYL: Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey It would be a mistake to say that Dua Lipa is trying to revive the 80s pop sound. “Physical” is flashy and fun, a true force in its capacity to throw listeners up out of their seats, but it is also self-assured in that no one would question whether it truly belongs to the 24 year-old English hitmaker. With a video that is as mesmerizing as the track’s sharply empowering hooks, this third single on Lipa’s upcoming sophomore album “Future Nostalgia” is just that—reminiscent of a sound that seemingly everyone loves, but definitely not unoriginal in its execution. By Patrick Toohey Leave It Alone by Hayley Williams RIYL: Hayley Kiyoko, Julien Baker As many 2000’s emo/pop-punk fans probably already know, Paramore is taking a step back during 2020. However, their frontwoman, Hayley Williams, is far from inactive. “Leave It Alone” comes as the second single from her forthcoming album, Petals for Armor. In her first foray as a solo artist, Williams gives us a taste of a sound that is drastically different from the Paramore aesthetic, yet drips with the emotional quality that resonated so well with her original fans. The dreamy instrumentals – layered with a gentle guitar, strings, and stripped-down drums – perfectly compliment the sensitive lyrics about fighting loneliness. By Trixie Yoo Sometimes by H.E.R. RIYL: Jhené Aiko, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars H.E.R. is the stage name for Gabriella Wilson. She received two Grammys in 2019, for R&B Performance and R&B Album. She received five nominations for the 2020 Grammy Awards, where she debuted “Sometimes” with a powerful performance. Perfect for listeners going through a trying time, her expressive vocals and skill with the piano provide a comforting yet motivating tone. By Erika Fox Cowboy Blues by Kesha RIYL: Kacey Musgraves, Ingrid Michaelson Few would deny that Kesha has all of the energy and charisma of a true pop superstar, but it is often lost on even some of her earliest listeners that she is a songwriting powerhouse. With “High Road,” her second studio album since shedding the iconic $ from her name, it’s easy to get lost among the genre-bending hooks and fiery lyrics—like she dragged you into a strobing hoedown- eurorave and insisted you dance until the album was over. But “Cowboy Blues” indicates a soft center to the project, with leaping vocals and an almost cheeky reminder of Kesha’s affinity for folksy deep cuts. It is at once nostalgic and altogether new as it proves the singer’s ability to command attention in countless ways, whether that means pouring her heart out to the world or pouring herself another drink. By Patrick Toohey We’ve Got a Good Thing Going by Lady Lamb RIYL: Mitski, Sharon Van Etten, Soccer Mommy This new single by indie rock artist Lady Lamb (aka Aly Spaltro) starts as a soft, thoughtful reflection on fear which climbs to higher ground as the artist faces her anxieties. The song is directly inspired by watching a woman bungee jump off the Stratosphere Tower in LA- that feeling is completely encapsulated. By Cassie Bielmeier Baby by Four Tet RIYL: Aphex Twin, Caribou, Tirzah “A voice is a voice,” Ellie Goulding tweeted in regards to her unnamed feature on “Baby.” When taking into account the innovative use of Goulding’s unmistakable breathiness, though, it’s clear that the Grammy-nominated English producer Four Tet would claim otherwise. Every inch of the track’s overlying vocals are woven with precision between entrancing and energizing beats. As the first single off of the electronic artist’s upcoming album, “Sixteen Oceans,” “Baby” is an enticing window into the mind of an established musician with more than a few more tricks up his sleeve. By Patrick Toohey Shampoo Bottles by Peach Pit RIYL: Cage the Elephant, Mac Demarco, boy pablo, Car Seat Headrest Peach Pit’s newest single “Shampoo Bottles” continues the eventual rise in surf rock revival for the upcoming warmer months. The lyrics, while they detail a somewhat melancholic experience of a fling long-forgotten represented by leftover items, contrast the smoothly-gliding guitars and groovy drums. For those who love the sounds and mixings of Mac Demarco or boy pablo with the lyricism of Car Seat Headrest, be sure to check out “Shampoo Bottles” and other songs by Peach Pit! By Kyle Shaw Headaches by Raveena RIYL: Steve Lacy, Kali Uchis, Jakob Ogawa This track comes as Raveena’s first release since her 2019 debut album, Lucid, and her first release of the new year. The bedroom-y pop production and dreamy vocals create an atmosphere of intimacy between the artist and the listener, and the result is a beautiful song about the dizzying emotional heights of a new love. By Trixie Yoo Hand of God by Sa-Roc RIYL: Tierra Whack, Noname, Saba Ahead of her yet-unnamed album due later this year, Sa-Roc gifted us with a brand new single, “Hand of God.” Sa-Roc has had great success throughout her career as an independent artist, marked by seamless flows, creative wordplay, and high-profile collaborations with artists like Talib Kweli and The Roots. Her unique voice strikes a captivating balance between the highly stylized vocals that dominate mainstream rap in 2020, and the soothing sound of many other indie rappers like Tierra Whack and Saba. By Trixie Yoo Tap the Pack by Sløtface RIYL: Alvvays, Soccer Mommy, Diet Cig Sløtface features female vocalist Haley Shea backed by a fast drum beat (Nils Jørgen Nilsen), raw guitar (Tor-Arne Vikingstad), and bass (Lasse Lokøy). “Tap the Pack” is the fifth track on their 2020 album “Sorry for the late reply”. This song has a punk, garage rock sound, pairing angsty lyrics with an upbeat tune. The lyrics focus on coming to terms with growing up and still being confused, creating a metaphor between this process and quitting smoking. By Meg Imperato Headlights by Squirrel Flower RIYL: Black Belt Eagle Scout, Bon Iver, Snail Mail This new single by indie rock artist Lady Lamb (aka Aly Spaltro) starts as a soft, thoughtful reflection on fear which climbs to higher ground as the artist faces her anxieties. The song is directly inspired by watching a woman bungee jump off the Stratosphere Tower in LA- that feeling is completely encapsulated. By Cassie Bielmeier.