Listen Tracks (Years & Years, Alfie Templeman, Manchester Orchestra & more)

Not only has Channel 4 series It’s A Sin already been heralded as one of the best shows of the year - the decade, even? - because of its deft and poignant storytelling, but it’s got one hell of a soundtrack to boot. And so, what with Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander playing the show’s Ritchie Tozer, it feels only right that the band would offer up a reworking of the show’s titular theme song. An entire transformation of the original Pet Shop Boys banger, Years & Years’ rendition is instead a more reflective piano-driven offering, that echoes the show’s emotion perfectly. A word to the wise: sobbing post-listen is entirely acceptable. (Sarah Jamieson)

Charged with an infectious groove that offers a gentle nod towards Modjo’s iconic ‘Lady (Hear Me Tonight)’, young indie-pop prodigy Alfie Templeman is back with his radiant new single ‘Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody’. Fusing hypnotic riffs, 80s funk beats and a catchy chorus, Templeman has effortlessly nailed a dance-pop hit that vastly broadens the scope of any expectation for his forthcoming ‘mini-album’ release. With rose-tinted glasses, ‘Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody’ is a welcome warm escape from reality, igniting that desire for summer time. (Olivia White)

While Manchester Orchestra may have become known for their explosive riffs and poignant lyricism over the past ten years, it’s on ‘Bed Head’ - the first taste of their forthcoming sixth album ‘The Million Masks of God’ - that they carve out something new. Opening with glitchy effects and weaving in electronics across the opening verses, there’s a new energy to the band, with these flourishes working to amplify the track’s soaring nature perfectly. A reflective rumination of life and death, ‘Bed Head’ yet again shows off Andy Hull’s innate skill for writing potent and insightful lyrics, and it, of course, still packs in their signature guitars. But here, it’s all of the track’s elements - both well-worn and new - that work together in harmony, to create something altogether more powerful. (Sarah Jamieson)

Fresh off of the release of their lockdown-made EP ‘Remote’, Wallows have whipped up a deluxe edition with some brand spanking new tracks, unveiling new gem ‘Quarterback’ along the way. Yet more proof of the trio’s knack of crafting irresistible indie-pop tracks, ‘Quarterback’ is an easy, breezy, dazzling pop bop that sees drummer Cole Preston taking over vocal duties. Fun AF and completely captivating, let ‘Quarterback’ soundtrack your sunny days until their second album drops and quickly becomes the only thing we play when the sun comes out. (Elly Watson)

Don’t you love it when some of your faves come together? Well, Mahalia and Rico Nasty have done just that, joining forces for new track ‘Jealous’. A slick and polished collab that sees Mahalia’s crisp vocals gliding effortlessly over the R&B-beat, Rico Nasty flexes her musical muscles, delivering an equally sleek and sizzling verse as opposed to the ferocious rap verses she’s known and loved for. Complete with a hook that’ll be playing in your head all day, what’s not to love? (Elly Watson)

Tags: Alfie Templeman, Mahalia, Manchester Orchestra, Rico Nasty, Wallows, Years & Years, Listen, Features, Tracks