Led by Carli Naff, a Brooklyn-based, singer-songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona, Carli & The Dark bring us their debut single “Mimi” via Paper Moon Records. The song announces itself with a combination of subtle layering and poignant lyrics, a swell and exhalation of intimacy. Not unlike Lucy Dacus or Haley Heynderickx, with a lilt reminiscent of Mitski, Carli’s clear but tender voice cuts through the first few seconds like a call to attention. The opening electric guitar is soon joined by an acoustic as the song continues to build, adding layer over layer in a tasteful arrangement of dreamy vocals, shoegazey riffs, and even the subtle accent of horns. It takes looking back to realize how many elements are at play on this track, how the textures culminate in a lush harmony without sounding overworked. This unconventional breakup song also replaces drama with compassion, speaking of the shift in the relationship between two women when one cannot provide what the other needs anymore. Rather than falling apart, they find a balance through love and empathy. Carli sings about the strength of their bond continuing on past their romance as her voice echoes through to the end, “We walk in stride / I love you always.” With thoughtful lyrics paired alongside gorgeous vocals and intricate instrumentation, “Mimi” is an impressively mature and promising debut, making Carli & The Dark an artist to keep an ear out for.

Float through space and time in the dark daydream that is “Otherworld,” the hypnotic debut single from LA-based indie artist INSDR. Immediate and atmospheric, the track is a nostalgic slow jam with soft, pulsing momentum. It opens on a quiet inquisition: “What planet are you from?” Then muffled, pumping percussion and spacey keys set the scene and evoke a certain sense of mystery as the questions continue. “Are you on a mission? / Are you made of light?” The vocals are hushed and sweet, giving the string of questions a sense of alien innocence and wonderment. Suddenly, like INDSR, we feel like we too must pay close attention to figure this person out. As the instrumentation builds, the arrangement remains close and clear with a distant sort of urgency, like staying in the moment with this person is all that matters. Elements of sci-fi and psychedelia are weaved tastefully throughout the song, with groovy, Radiohead-like guitar and sonic elements that give a nod to 90s electronica. Ultimately, “Otherworld” speaks for itself: you’ve never heard anything like it before. It’s the first single from an upcoming EP by INSDR, the solo project of Sure Sure band member Charlie Glick. Glick and fellow bandmate Mike Coleman are mixing the EP, set to be released later this year.

In addition to recent singles like "It Nan" and "Jalisco," UK-based band Babeheaven has dropped their newest release titled "God Sent the Baby." The track opens with delicate strings and quickly fuses into a deep, pulsing rhythm that carries the song from start to finish. Frontwoman Nancy Andersen croons out honeyed vocals with lyrics that are as heavy and as deeply personal as the title suggests. Her voice puts the listener in a trance, readying us to fall deeper and deeper into the universe that Babeheaven creates. Obvious care for the track comes through in the atmospheric production that calls back to a late '90s style trip-hop reminiscent of Air and Massive Attack, all while maintaining the band's rising enigmatic sound. "God Sent the Baby" is a soul-bearing single that displays the range that Babeheaven always brings to the table. You can catch the band consisting of Andersen, Hugo McGuire, Ned Smith, and Luca Mantero on tour in Europe starting on October 23.

It is an unequivocal fact that Baby Rose has one of the most unique voices of this decade. From her appearance on "Without You" with Insightful, to being featured on Ari Lennox's Shea Butter Baby Tour, to the August release of her first album, the Atlanta artist is having quite the year.

A lyrical weightiness, coupled with a sultry, cavernous voice in "Show You" underscore a maturity and musicality not often found in many peers of Baby Rose. Certainly a reflection on an uncertain relationship, lines like "Tell me baby / How you like me now? / Wasn't life beautiful / When I was around?" sit delicately atop classic R&B hi-hats and a jazz-inspired bass line. Filled with equal parts feeling and energy, "Show You" demonstrates only a fraction of the versatility, talent, and timelessness encapsulated in Baby Rose's music.

Former Chairlift frontwoman Caroline Polachek has released the catchy, 80s inspired single “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings.” Her final single before she releases Pang, her debut album, on October 18th, the synth-pop dance anthem is lush with playful synths and tight, groovy percussion. Polachek’s signature broad vocal is the star of the arrangement, floating through each ethereal note with impressive, elastic range. Her relatable lyrics hook you from the opening lines: “Not like I’m counting the days / but it’s been twenty-five.” Polachek wrote and produced every element of this track herself, which is especially evident in the clear, careful vocal processing. Bright and fun, “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” will be your new favorite party song.

Following the release of “Cathedral” and “Ruin (My Ride),” Will Taylor and Charlie Martin of Hovvdy have come out with the third single from their upcoming album, Heavy Lifter. “So Brite” is a warm and wistful track that tries futilely to hold on to fleeting moments before ultimately watching them slip away. The song floats delicately along with lines like, “I don’t know why that I wanted it to stay like that / I knew that everything would change when the light came back.” The melody is soothing with tender vocals and a sweet, lullaby-like pace, but the lyrics reveal an anxiety in the narrator. “What if I start to lose my mind? What if I start to lose my shine?” echoes through the refrain. The words fade into the background as we all try to come to terms with an inability to stop time and let the music wash over us. Heavy Lifter is out on October 18 via Double Double Whammy.