Hypnotizing listeners back into his universe yet again, Frank Ocean returns with highly hyped new single “DHL” from the artist’s first studio album release since 2016. The track dropped unannounced at the end of Ocean’s most recent blonded RADIO session, giving a taste of what is rumored to be a thirteen-track LP. Ocean teams up with electro-house producer Boys Noize on “DHL” and delivers swirling sounds and carefully casual lyrics. The song begins with his signature, stylized ambient noise—reminiscent of a more somber, slow version to the introduction of “Nikes.” He raps about a lover, things he’s bought, and attending fashion week in camping gear, “Look like I’m dressed for a hike / But I really look like I’m in Paris.” A mundane tone, almost droning, takes over the beats of the song and paints a portrait of Ocean in his day to day life—as normal as it can be. Following the announcement of “DHL” came the news of two other singles, “Cayendo” and “Dear April." Both were premiered at Ocean's new club PrEP+, where the artist played some remixed snippets. Both old and new Frank fans alike can look forward to new content being released in this era of activity.

In their latest release, "Is It Too Early? (Kilmainham)," Irish duo Morgan MacIntyre and Gemma Doherty, known as Saint Sister, use unlikely sounds in their just-a-little-unnerving soundscapes, like the hubbub of a party and the plucking of Doherty’s harp. The empty space and floating vocal harmonies point towards Bon Iver influences, and the start-and-stop syncopated percussion could form the backbone of a Chance The Rapper beat. After the 2015 EP Madrid, Saint Sister toured extensively, sharing bills with The National and fellow Irish hitmaker Hozier. In a handwritten note posted to Twitter, Macintyre describes the duality of the touring lifestyle, the vast difference between perception and reality. “I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was supposed to be having the time of my life but all I wanted to do was go home,” she writes, struggling to make peace with the never-ending days “in the back of the van not getting to explore the different places [they] passed through, coping with the stress of a hectic new routine.” The song’s chorus frames this conflict in terms of a social gathering, designed to be fun but in all likelihood equally stressful. “Is it too early / To leave this party?” sing Macintyre and Doherty in harmony, and the takeaway of the song, MacIntyre’s note and the band’s body of work is a reminder of the power of a strong friendship, a statement made bolder in harmony.

Harmony Byrne’s newest single, “Smoke Inside,” is a robust, romantic ballad about celebrating who you are and not settling for anybody who doesn’t let you shine. Produced by Jim Eno of Spoon, the blues-inspired rock track sways to a catchy and gripping pendulum beat. Behind Byrne’s gorgeous, smoky vocal, a hip-swinging sample is played on repeat to hypnotic effect, sucking you into the rhythm of the song immediately. The classic sound of the electric guitar works well with Byrne’s husky vocal, simultaneously energizing the track and giving it edge. Once again, Byrne delivers the lyrics with raw emotion: “Honey if I burn sometimes will you let me smoke inside / If I die tonight will you set my soul on fire.” “Smoke Inside” is a soulful track with a sensual beat, and Harmony Byrne is a powerhouse. Look out for her debut LP, Heavy Doors, this fall.

“Lucky,” from Choker’s EP Forever & A Few, the final act from his project Filling Space, brings together the positive energy of childhood and the security of becoming an adult who knows himself. The lyrics in “Lucky” follow the process of growing into who you need to be. The 23-year-old Michigan-based hip-hop artist, ventures into layers of self discovery with this project—allowing three separate EP’s to tell three separate stories during three weeks of 2019. As the final act of this project, Forever & A Few closes up on a high note. “Lucky,” the second track off the 3 track EP, captures the energy and impact of Choker’s bold journey into growing and learning to value the things he made for himself while growing. The single and its visuals, along with the entirely of Filling Space are out now.

Baby Rose’s distinct and uniquely soulful vocals lend themselves to her equally soulful lyricism. “Borderline”, one of her latest singles to be released explores the push and pull of an undefined relationship in a state of flux. “Heavy stuck in the motions / but we’ll just keep it going / trying to find where we stand." When does it end? Where is the line between something and nothing? The emotions behind such uncertainty are emphasized throughout the song, ultimately ending in, “Maybe if I could just stop / dreaming of him, I’d be fine / I don’t know where to reside / I’m still / on the borderline, “ a feeling many know all too well. The rising Atlanta native’s layered vocals and old jazz-infused instrumentation give this track the exact pensive and somber feeling the lyrics themselves convey. Charismatic and unique, Baby Rose is absolutely one to watch.

“Calm Me Down” is the fun and eclectic new single from digital punk rockers Top Bunk. Formed in Silver Lake, LA the band is made up of a large handful of friends who had musical eccentricity in common. “Calm Me Down” is an excellent portrayal of what they’re capable of—clocking in at just 2:22, the tiny track has a big sound and isn’t afraid to break the rules of conventional songwriting. A lush arrangement creates vast soundscapes through buzzy, vibrant synths and electronic keys. A throbbing bass line introduces you to the song, bopping to a smooth, catchy beat, and carries the rhythm the whole way through—creating nice consistency in a track so packed with sounds. Frontman Petro A.P.’s voice is clear and fluid, switching between languages and cadences with seamless ease and transfixing from start to finish. Ultimately, “Calm Me Down” is unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. Now, you won’t be able to stop listening.