GALANTS

'Follow' zen ten

Proving that a change really is as good as a rest, this noise-pop quartet have picked up the pace for ‘Follow’ – and sound utterly world-beating as a result. Lifted from their soon-to-be-released second EP, driving drums and a meaty riff put flesh on the bones of David Kennedy’s magnetic melodies, delivering goosebumps from the get-go. Informed by early Beach Slang and the evergreen Husker Du, this track about peer pressure and escapism is another triumph.

LANA DEL REY

'Venice Bitch' polydor

Those who, like this writer, are well and truly over LDR’s shtick (that’d be breathy singing and power-ballad percussion for those keeping score) should feel duty bound to check out ‘Venice Bitch’. The second single from upcoming sixth album Norman Fucking Rockwell, this nine-and-a-half minute epic feels like a game-changer. Starting off as a sweet, almost Beatles-like ballad, it mutates into a psych-pop freak out that pays off spectacularly.

ÓDÚ

'Roots' self released

It’s been a while since we last heard from tropical pop merchant Sally Ó Dúnlaing, head honcho behind the hugely promising Ódú. However, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait, and that certainly holds true for the effortlessly cool ‘Roots’. Serving as a much-needed injection of sonic sunshine, the track is a hook-filled affair heaving with playful melodies and tasteful, ‘80s-inspired guitar licks. Here’s hoping there’s more new tracks on the way.

NATHAN O’REGAN

'I’ll Go Down With You' self released

A track that aims to offer comfort in sound, ‘I’ll Go Down With You’ is a brave and beautiful number from Cork-born troubadour Nathan O’Regan. Tackling the formerly taboo subjects of anxiety and panic attacks, the heart-swelling single sounds like it could be an anthem given the right breaks. For good measure, the synths and impassioned vocals add a welcome edge to proceedings.

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS

'Some Mutts Can’t Be Muzzled' rough trade

Currently regarded as one of the most incendiary live acts around, it won’t take long for this Melbourne group to crack the mainstream. Led by star-in-waiting Amy Taylor, the bullish band call to mind Murder City Devils, Movement-era Gossip and ’80s street punk on ‘Some Mutts Can’t Be Muzzled’. Needless to say, it’s the dog’s bollocks. Primal, powerful and packed with charisma, it’s not to be sniffed at. Turn it up.

THE DISTILLERS

'Man Vs Magnet/Blood In The Gutters' sire records

On the subject of bullish punk bands with roots in Melbourne, Brody Dalle and co. return to action with their first new material in 15 years. Backed by ‘Blood In The Gutters’, which repackages a track from the front-woman’s solo project, ‘Man Vs Magnet’ picks up exactly where their “final album” Coral Fang left off. Sharp yet also slightly grungy, the “whoa-oh-oh” hook is a winner. While I would’ve preferred a return to the buzz-saw punk of Sing Sing Death House, it does this old school fan’s heart good to see them back regardless.

Æ MAK

'Too Sad To Sing' self released

If bleeding edge, cerebral future pop is your bag (and why wouldn’t it be?), then get ready to be absolutely besotted with ‘Too Sad To Sing’. A labyrinthine listen that packs a lot into its three-and-a-half minutes, the dizzying melodies, handclaps and finger-snaps create a rich soundscape that rewards repeated plays. Aoife McCann’s expressive vocals are arresting throughout, making for a supremely catchy effort from the Dublin-based act.

PALE WAVES

'One More Time' dirty hit

A track that will strike a chord with those who have struggled with small-town boredom and unrequited love, what ‘One More Time’ lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with enthusiasm and melody. Unashamedly worshipping at the altar of Robert Smith, it’s an infectious tune that should become an indie disco staple.

WHENYOUNG

'Given Up' virgin emi

A band whose name has been on the lips of many a music “insider” this year, the Limerick-bred, London-based trio live up to the hype on their official debut single. Spiced with rumbling drums that have a whiff of Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’, it’s an exuberant slab of pop-laced indie rock, with Aoife Power’s vocals adding even more melody to this seriously catchy number.