Enfnts Terribles

1. The Subs and gala dragot — Teardrop

With The Subs, the Belgian electro world has a project that has been guaranteeing groundbreaking songs that get any rave going. For their cover of the legendary Massive Attack song “Teardrop”, they collaborated with Belgian artist gala dragot, who we already introduced in 2021 as an artist to keep an eye on. The haze of mystery of this unnerving rework makes it almost even more intriguing than the original, and dragot and her unique vocal lines have something to do with that.

2. hemlocke springs — sever the blight

After the amazing “stranger danger!” in January, hemlocke springs now seems to trade in the mysterious melodies for a slightly brighter, more upbeat production. “Sever the blight” is built around intriguing synths, setting the American artist apart. Whistling birds give the playful single a quiet beginning, but the uptempo beats give this song an interesting twist from the first chorus. The melancholy in her vocal lines seems inspired by Scandinavian pop artists like Susanne Sundfør or Lykke Li. “Sever the blight” makes us feel like it’s part of the soundtrack of a Scandinavian thriller.

3. Earl Elliot — Kompressor

Earl Elliot’s personal feelings are always at the center of his songs, and this is also the case on his latest single. “Kompressor” describes the exciting yet frightening feeling you get from a new, young love. Together with the producer Daan Schepers, the Belgian artist brought that duality to life in the production. In the first verse, we still hear him on a subdued piano melody, but a dark beat provides constant turns between bright and dark melodies. In the catchy choruses, a vocoder adds layers and conveys his emotions, especially as he heads toward a climax at the end.

4. siovo — nach 2 jahren

The feeling of letting go of the love of your life or your eternal crush is a painful one. It is that painful feeling that lies at the origin of “nach 2 jahren”. The single of Siovo puts all the pain and sorrow into a heartbreakingly cool track, which strikes the right chord thanks to its catchy chorus and guitar melody. The German artist manages to add the perfect vocals, making you feel what he’s singing. “Nach 2 jahren” is the best example of why the German scene is blossoming. With artists like siovo, it’s a matter of time before the international audience starts to appreciate German music.

5. waterbaby — 911

The latest single of Swedish singer waterbaby, “911”, is an organic R&B melody. Her producer Marcus White created the perfect acoustic elements that set the ideal stage for waterbaby’s soothing voice. Add to that her sharp pen and perfectly worded metaphors and “911” only suggests good things for the future.

6. The Beaches — Blame Brett

Canadian rock band The Beaches’s latest single, “Blame Brett”, serves as a warning to all future sweethearts. Backed by her three heartbroken friends, front singer Jordan Miller shakes off her frustrations about her ex with a catchy pop-rock song. So those sensitive to true heartbreak anthems with a touch of guitars and drums will not be able to resist “Blame Brett.”

7. My Ugly Clementine — Are You In

The Austrian trio, My Ugly Clementine, has snagged a new record deal and is currently preparing for the release of their second album. Releasing later this year, the hype is real with their latest single, “Are You In.” On it, they play with the roughness of electric guitars while making the melody sound accessible. We are definitely “in” and hear a band that can follow the hype of Wet Leg.

8. Taloula and Jackson Method — Danger

Humans are often drawn to danger, and today we, too, feel the pull of “Danger,” the new single from East London R&B talent Taloula. On her funky and groovy single, she is joined by trumpeter Jackson Method, who has previously worked with Stormzy and Jordan Rakei, adding just the right touches. The summery feeling literally overwhelms us after listening to this single, so keep the sun coming.

9. Tora-i — 10months

Both the British music and fashion world are clamoring for Tora-i, who continues to impress with “10months”. The mood creation of this single is pompous and elegant, despite staying rather quiet in registers and letting her voice glide over the synths. The slight psychedelic buildup in the second part pushes us toward a hopeful force, where we also hit on melancholy and love. In other words, “10months” is a true musical spectacle.

10. Seinabo Sey and Namasenda — YES

Seinabo Sey is among the best that the Swedish pop industry has to offer, as is PC Music icon Namasenda who joins her on “YES”. Sey takes the lead and paves the way for Namasenda’s ethereal vocal lines with her characterful voice. They not only complement one another but also highlight and embrace their differences. Yes to all of this!

Picture of Earl Elliot by Anton Fayle