I firmly believe that there is a special place in the world for upbeat breakup songs, and that place is a car radio. "Losing My Grip" by Junior Mesa is a high energy reclamation of control by acknowledging that you’re not fine, actually. The song riffs and rolls through two and a half minutes that validate your need to briefly disappear with just a car, sunshine, and your thoughts. “An escapist road trip is a totally reasonable reaction to heartbreak,” the track speaks, with equal parts serious lyrics and lighthearted production touches. Each verse is supported by steadfastly syncopated rhythm guitar, paralleling the feeling of hanging on by a thread—but still hanging in there. A whimsical flute line dances between stanzas, which conjures the aesthetic of Noah and The Whale and The Boy Least Likely To. Mesa’s voice playfully stretches syllables, crafting a vocal line that, somehow, feels a lot like a rainbow slinky. Overall, the track sparkles with wit, humor, and technical finesse. Dripping in optimism yet leaning into vulnerability and heartache, it’s a song that is sure to fit whatever headspace you’re in.

Folk and electronic: it sounds like a bizarre mix, but Simen Mitlid somehow pulls it off in his newest song, “Football.” He combines dainty guitar plucks with a softly pulsing beat, mingling the two disparate sounds in a cohesive way. Layering his gentle voice over the mellow instrumentals, Mitlid creates something almost whimsical in his sound. It's truly a modern indie fairytale.

If you’ve been searching for a groovier yet still mellow Connan Mockasin, look no further. Following the release of his first full-length album Let Us Sleep Together in 2016, Pittsburgh synth-pop star wwoman has just dropped the latest of three new singles, “Chuchi.” Your ears will be treated to a catchy hook the moment the opening notes are played, setting the tone for a true bedroom pop jam. Throughout the song, dreamy melodies are paired with a strong bassline and psychedelic vocals reminiscent of Gus Dapperton—creating the signature retro vibes that are intertwined throughout all of wwoman’s music.

“I’m Fine” by Daisy the Great starts off with attitude—groovy bass quickly blends with percussion to lay an instrumental mosaic under Kelley Nicole Dugan and Mina Walker's softly magnetic vocals. Masterfully harmonizing together, the pair bemoan the fact that “You wanna dress me up in yellow / Wipe my mouth and feed me jello, caramello,” all the while paradoxically insisting “I’m fine." This song feels wonderfully simple and clearly well-produced and performed. Advancing like a story of sorts, the track concludes with a quick little whistle, wordlessly surmising everything that’s been (excellently) sung and said.

“Rufufus” by Remi Wolf is all groove. Seamlessly marrying R&B and funk, Wolf’s newest release demonstrates her unique command of the mechanics of sound. With layered vocals and a flowing beat, Wolf creates a sound that revives funk of the past in a fresh, impressive way. Combining melodic groove with lovestruck lyrics, “Rufufus” sets a vibe-heavy precedent for Wolf’s debut album, You’re a Dog!—slated to release September 20.

LA lo-fi rocker Worn-Tin’s breezy new single, “Something’s Coming,” is a daydreamy slow jam with a catchy, swaying beat. The warm and pleasing melody is nicely complemented by the arrangement’s raw, intimate production style, where every instrument sounds crisp and close. The guitars, classic and lush, give the track its easy cadence and are reminiscent of a more psychedelic Modest Mouse. A faint but gorgeous reverberating classical piano line follows the melody in the chorus, emphasizing Worn-Tin’s talent with and preference for analog recording techniques. His vocal, nice and crooning, has a nostalgic doubled effect that works well with his straightforward lyricism: “Watch me as I find a quiet place to hide / Ropes beside my bed will keep me tied.” Spacey synths add an element of displacement to the instrumentation, which by the end, culminates into a sort of chaotic, anticipatory mashup of sounds, like whatever’s coming is almost here. “Something’s Coming” is atmospheric and loose, and it’s Worn-Tin’s best work yet.

Just a year after the release of this duo’s third studio album comes a new single, “Depths.” Full of their signature vocal harmonies, Tall Heights strips back the layers of production they experimented with on their last record to create this sparse yet beautiful track. Comprised of members, Tim Harrington and Paul Wright—longtime friends and now musical partners—exist in the space of a new era of folk carved out by Bon Iver, Aquilo, and Beirut. “Depths" was written for the wedding of Paul’s brother as an expression of a love so strong and real, but not easy to say out loud for someone not great at expressing emotions. In this way, everything becomes grander and more intense, and when paired with the band singing in these haunting falsettos you get a really special track. Tall Heights is currently touring with Ben Folds and then The Paper Kites so make sure to catch them in a city near you.