“RELOADED” – Private School — LIKE THE RENTS DUE EP

Alt-punk rock band Private School is one to watch. If you’re into bands like Turnstile, you’ll want to tap in. I’ve been listening to these guys for over a year now, and their newest EP, LIKE THE RENTS DUE, is some of my favourite work they’ve put out yet. “RELOADED” feels nostalgic despite being brand new, capturing that familiar, raw energy that makes punk so exciting.

Their live shows look electric, and I can’t wait to see them open for Vince Staples in just a few weeks. I’m loving this new wave of punk rock and can’t wait to see what’s next for Private School.

– Sabrina

“Housewife” – Tate McRae

I JUST WANNA MAKE A LOT OF MONEY, BE MY OWN HOUSEWIIIIIFEEE! A sickening amount of times. I’ve listened to this song a sickening amount of times since it came out five days ago. Tate McRae’s “Housewife”, while divisive on the internet, is a campy 2000’s-esque pop princess anthem that captures that dreamy, fun and free feeling birthed in the daydreams of being a woman who wears feather boas, owns lots of diamonds, has a really hot poolboy passenger side in her pink convertible and has never, ever, heard of the idea of a patriarchy.

– Naomie

“Angel of my Dreams” – JADE

I’ve been playing this at least twice a day ever since the VS show last weekend. It’s been my get ready/hype myself up song!

– Christine

Dopamine Chamber – Fontaines D.C.

I love this album so much! There’s an addictive contrast to the overall sound of the album, bouncing between 80s-inspired New Order-synth layers and the punk-y grit that we know and love from their past work. Songs like “Mimesis” and the Rosalía feature on “Where Is Gone?” show off how confident they’ve become at blending gothic, atmospheric synth textures with heavy basslines. “Demolition” is the coolest moment on the whole record for me, it has this incredible Smiths-esque guitar lead underneath a dark, industrial rumble that lets the track breathe before taking off. To me, this album is what AM was to the Arctic Monkeys, launching their career from indie darlings into global stadium-filling stars, all while keeping their strange and experimental aesthetic intact. I cannot wait to see them live!

– Emilia

“Blue Moon” – Zara Larsson 

I’ve had Zara Larsson’s “Blue Moon” on repeat ever since she dropped the music video. I’ve loved the song since it came out last year, but the music video gave it a second life for me, and I can’t get enough of it! Also loving her ocean-themed moment; still in line with her midnight sun aesthetic, but a little more blue, a little more sparkle and bubbles, and a whole lot of pop princess energy!!! I’m so here for it and can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us 🐬✨🌊🧚‍♀️✨🌺🫧🦋

– Isi

“Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” – Digable Planets

Walking around downtown in a fly outfit with my shades on and this song on repeat really does make me feel cool like dat. Infused with the iconic sound of hip-hop’s golden age, the track perfectly blends my two favorite genres: jazz and hip-hop. Listening to it feels exactly like that moment in Ratatouille when Remy combines the strawberry and the cheese. The bright, energetic Art Blakey horns in the background, paired perfectly with Ladybug Mecca’s sassy yet flowy delivery on her verse, make for an absolutely amazing track.

–Zoë

Cry Baby – Vince Staples

Vince Staples’ newest album is a bit of a departure, but in a lot of ways it’s classic Vince. Tight production, with his solid lyrical ability very much on display.

I can’t wait to hear ‘Cry Baby’ live with a full band. He never disappoints.

-Julian