Listen Tracks: Haim, Oasis (!), The Magic Gang, and more

If ever there was a perfect time to release a track like ‘I Know Alone’, it’s now. A comparably quieter affair than their previous Americana-tinged ‘The Steps’, Haim’s newest single manages to feel both intricate and reflective, all while set against an infectiously funky backbone. “‘Cause nights turn into days / That turn to grey / Keep turning over,” muses Danielle Haim, on the track’s potently relevant chorus, in an almost existential fashion. Managing to tread that fine line between aloneness and loneliness, it’s a track that provides timely comfort. (Sarah Jamieson)

Oasis fans and Liam Gallagher, rejoice! The boys are back (sort of, not really) and if the eternal question of a reunion still seems like a highly unlikely prospect, then the fact that ‘Don’t Stop’ - an old demo, recently unearthed by Noel - has seen the light of day surely makes it at least an inch closer. A plaintive, acoustic number that lands melodically somewhere between a more introverted ‘Champagne Supernova’ and ‘Talk Tonight’, lyrically it seems oddly prescient for This Strange Time™. “Don’t stop being happy / Don’t stop your clapping,” croons Noel over a tune that would nestle easily among some of the band’s more campfire-friendly numbers; blast it out at 8pm next Thursday and encourage your neighbours via the medium of song. (Lisa Wright)

Equal parts charming and smart video aside, you’re gonna want to raid your dressing up box for ‘Take Back The Track’, as the latest teaser of The Magic Gang’s delayed second album ‘Death of the Party’ channels ’70s disco smash ‘The Hustle’. And, paired with the foursome’s well-trodden ways around a smooth melody, makes for a winner. (Emma Swann)

For his latest single, bedroom pop prodigy Alfie Templeman employs the support of Isle of Wight four-piece Coach Party’s Jess Eastwood for his understated ‘My Best Friend’, an exercise in upbeat minimalism. Yet underneath its infectious groove lies an ominous ode to the black dog - the best friend in question is an unshakable depression and sadness. With his tongue firmly in his cheek, Alfie presents a satirical spin on living under a dark cloud. The result? “A shit hot tune,” in collaborator Jess’ own words. We agree. (Ben Tipple)

It seems almost perverse that a song as obviously made for the club / house party / literally anywhere as long as it involves copious amounts of sweaty bodies and booze should be allowed into the world when those shenanigans seem so very far away. Party-starting Aussie trio Haiku Hands’ trade is in tongue-in-cheek, ludicrously fun hip hop / pop crossovers, like triplet of old school Charli XCXs with more rap chops. It makes them a band to twerk badly at a festival to, or to dance around your bedroom as you’re getting ready for a big one to. Does it feel a bit odd shouting along to ‘Manbitch”s utterly ridiculous chorus while you’re in your slippers at home? Sort of. But maybe Haiku Hands will make the party come to you. (Lisa Wright)

If lead single ‘Processed By The Boys’ set up Protomartyr’s characteristic grit ahead of their forthcoming fifth studio album, follow-up ‘Worm In Heaven’ is perhaps more fitting for the oft-gloomy situation it finds itself released in. Forced to postpone ‘Ultimate Success Today’ for obvious reasons, Protomartyr deliver an uncharacteristically down-tempo, self-critical slab of moody, progressive punk that builds to a brilliantly chaotic conclusion. Fittingly, the accompanying video is something straight out of a horror film too. (Ben Tipple)

Landing somewhere in between Adam Ant, HMLTD and Boney M’s ‘Rasputin’, the latest offering from Glasgow’s best-dressed sons Walt Disco is likely the most gloriously flamboyant thing to land this week outside of the latest episode of Drag Race. A staple of their live sets (with an accompanying cardio-friendly dance routine), ‘Cut Your Hair’ finds singer James Potter’s operatic warble in fine form, crescendoing into dramatic high notes before he delivers its naughty pay-off - “Young, hard and handsome, darling” - like the immaculately turned-out old dame at the bar, puffing on her 30th cigarette of the day. It’s over the top, fabulously fun and a total tonic to the slew of speak-sing post punks bands doing the rounds right now. Disco 2020, for the win. (Lisa Wright)

Safe to say, the word ‘anaphylaxis’ doesn’t come up in songs very often, and while you might not consider it be a condition tailor-made for punk rock, our favourite Canadians PUP are here to prove otherwise. The first new material to be shared since 2019’s ‘Morbid Stuff’, you can probably guess that it’s not the most serious of tracks, but it’s bloody good fun regardless. Inspired by a rather tricksy incident with some bees - and an apparently amusing bout of anaphylactic shock - the track and it’s tongue-in-cheek hypochondria is yet another example of PUP at their best: swarming guitars, shout-along choruses and a good dose of dark humour. (Sarah Jamieson)

Tags: Alfie Templeman, Haiku Hands, HAIM, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Oasis, PUP, The Magic Gang, Walt Disco, Listen, Features, Tracks