The Neu Bulletin The Neu Bulletin (Porij, Elke, My Idea and more!)

Somewhere at the cross section between Tune-Yards’ fondness for unusual rhythmic flights of fancy, Foals’ guitar work on ‘Total Life Forever’ and a rapturous, Friendly Fires-esque second half breakdown lives ‘Ego’. Singer Eggy’s vocals are slight and idiosyncratic, cleverly offsetting the bigger moments around her; dropped alongside the announce of debut EP ‘Baby Face’, it continues shape-shifting Manchester quartet Porij’s knack for understated euphoria. (Lisa Wright)

Maybe it’s because we’ve spent so much time at home recently, or maybe it’s because, actually, the mundane details of life are more interesting than we think, but it feels like more and more artists are seeking inspiration from the objects they spend their days surrounded by. Squid, infamously, had ‘Houseplants’; Wet Leg went a bit fancier with their ‘Chaise Longue’. What we didn’t expect, however, was an ode to the humble hoover. But on ‘Vacuum’, Nashville’s ELKE does just that. A smooth and savvy repartee based around the household appliance, it’s a deliciously groove-imbued offering that’ll make the perfect cleaning soundtrack, natch. (Sarah Jamieson)

Underscored by a deadpan monotone (“Read a book… that’s really fucking weird”) that counters every sentiment of singer Lily Konigsberg’s with an eyerolling comeback, ‘Stay Away Still’ introduces My Idea as a band unafraid to have fun with the form. Hooked around a lo-fi, three chord swagger, there’s an easy, fuzzy charm to its bounce, but there’s also oodles of personality on show here to elevate the track above just another US indie export. (Lisa Wright)

Part of French synth-pop/shoegaze outfit Planet 1999, caro♡ has now stepped out on her own, armed with some crystalline pop gems set to form her recently announced debut album ‘Heartbeats/Heartbreaks’. Pairing her soaring vocals with PC Music’s classic glitchy flair, latest track ‘Over U’ is a razor-sharp pop number, channelling a bit of Charli XCX and Hannah Diamond, full of icy tones that are impossible not to be dazzled by. (Elly Watson)

There’s something quietly comfortable about ‘Hideaway’, the new intimate offering from Brooklyn band Sister.. Opening with minimal guitars before each verse introduces new elements, it’s a track that swells and blooms into delicate life over its three-and-a-half minute run time. The first track to be revealed from their new EP ‘Something / Nothing’, there’s an enchanting sense of reassurance within its secret confines; we can only hope it continues to grow. (Sarah Jamieson)

Swooning with a woozy, psych warmth that’s pure Kevin Parker, Trinidad and Tobago singer Kurtis Wells’ debut is as balmy and gratifying a listen as the big, life-giving ball in the sky it celebrates. The kind of intergalactic neo soul gem that you can tell was likely actually made by a massive music nerd in his bedroom, ‘A Song About The Sun’ with its dreamy falsetto chorus is lush and richly-produced in the most effortless of ways. (Lisa Wright)

Tags: caro♡, Elke, Kurtis Wells, My Idea, Porij, Sister., Listen, Features, Neu, Neu Bulletin