Welcome to Acclaim Magazine’s Heat of the Week. Here are our picks for the best new local and international releases — Follow our playlist here for weekly updates of the best new music!
01. Nia Archives - So Tell Me...
Alt-jungle artist Nia Archives slows it down this time on So Tell Me.., after the release of her hyperactive, Brazilian-baile inspired track, Baianá. The somber storytelling on So Tell Me walks hand in hand with Nia’s jungle production, all wrapped together by subtle keys, and a hazy bass guitar. It’s a song that keeps you company on that uber drive home from a party, or a late night walk. A melodic comedown that brings the right amount of warmth and comfort.
02. Fousheé - spend the money feat. Lil Uzi Vert
This is not at all what we were expecting from this collaboration. Distorted guitars delve into reverb, giving the track a shoegaze-y feel. Foushee’s vocals are as smooth as ever, but feel all the more impactful when contrasting the eerie atmosphere of this track. Uzi harnesses the lugubrious vibe, and vehemently delivers emo-tinged croons that cut through. ‘spend the money’ is unique, and a standout on Foushee’s new album softCORE, which you can stream now.
03. Rich Brian x $not - VIVID
Rich Brian and $not bring us into a mellow world on ‘VIVID’. Both rappers bounce off each other over a series of summer-soaked guitar strums, with their low-toned deliveries traversing the colourful production with ease. It’s a duo that works, and a duo we want more from. Rich Brian x $not – VIVID
04. Adrian Dzvuke - WASSUP
Adrian Dzvuke’s ‘WASSUP’ is a catchy call to arms. Vibrant synths and thumping, afrobeat-inspired drum patterns serve as the backdrop, as the multi-faceted artist’s melodic howls take centre stage. This one is bound to pulsate at parties across the country as we enter the Summer season.
05. Vv Pete - Frauds
Mount Druitt’s own Vv Pete has posted up with a quintessential, bad gal diss track, destined to shoot her into the direct line of sight of those who still aren’t yet familiar with her talents. With grime and drill-heavy production from Utility and Cassius Select, it’s gritty and tenacious and a clear indication that Vv Pete is here to make her mark and play the game her way. And we’re fully onboard.
06. Pharrell Williams & Travis Scott - Down In Atlanta
Down in Atlanta’ finds Pharrell leading Travis Scott into a different territory. The legendary artist and producer’s drums urgently propel Travis Scott’s autotuned flows along, with keys and synths sprinkled into the mix making it sound all the more massive. It feels like unfamiliar territory for both, but the end destination is undeniably fire.
07. Manu Crooks - Water Luv ft. Lancey Foux
Manu Crooks floats on ‘WATER LUV’. The rapper rhymes atop a series of swirling synths, all of which are drenched in reverb behind the dynamic vocal inflections of the Sydney rapper’s delivery. Lancey Foux enters the fray with a melodic frenzy, maintaining his off-kilter style and adding to the ocean-like atmosphere of this laid-back banger.
08. Lil Jaye - Live In The Moment
This new Lil Jaye track is all about appreciating the present. It feels like a sincere celebration of where he is today, thanks to the soft piano loops and Jaye’s understated rap-sung melodies. It serves as the dreamy opener to the artist’s new project Rare, which you can stream now.
09. CVIRO, GXVXNS - Too Much
Vocalist and producer duo, CVIRO & GXNXVS, scratch your 90s/00s R&B itch on Too Much, taken from their new project Come On In. Known for their modern twist on nostalgic, classic R&B song structures, the duo meet the brief once more, delivering a track bound to soundtrack some of your summer parties. The layered harmonies, underlying piano melody, and GXNXVS’ thumping R&B production are where old school and new school collide, all while CVIRO’s vocals bring a breath of fresh air to the track. These elements of nostalgic R&B are well and truly alive, and are here to stay.
010. ZPLUTO – Paper Chase ft 26AR
Paper Chase’ is about the pursuit of everyday life. ZPLUTO expresses his urge to constantly grind with gargantuan autotuned raps, matching the chaotic energy of the bellowing 808s and menacing synths. Joining the Western Sydney rapper is New York’s 26ar, who adds his own energy to this motivational anthem.