Thousands upon thousands of albums, EPs, mixtapes, compilations, and songs are released weekly. You might not be aware of the existence of 99% of those releases, but they’re there. So when each song released to the public is simply a drop in a pool that dwarfs even the Pacific Ocean, it can be hard to navigate the current music scene: it’s always moving and impossible to keep up with its speed. That’s where Share Some Singles comes into the picture. This series was formed to highlight songs released in 2017 that might not have been discovered by other listeners otherwise. I, alongside other Sputnikmusic users, have pulled together dozens of singles released in the recent past that we felt needed to be heard by the world. Or at least the Sputnik reader base.
Artists are listed in alphabetical order with corresponding YouTube, Soundcloud, and/or Bandcamp links. A Spotify playlist is also embedded below if the singles are available through that service. Enjoy! –wtferrothorn
On their self-titled debut, Algiers came through with a blend of genres that was a breath of fresh air, but definitely could have been improved upon with later releases. That’s exactly what happened here: Franklin James Fisher’s soulful vocals are as passionate as ever, and this time around, his vocal style meshes with the punk instrumentation. It’s a lethal combo; the band’s political message carries much more weight now with their sonic solidification. –wtferrothorn
The Underside of Power is out June 23 via Matador Records.
Post-hardcore/emo song with a touch of Deafheaven. Very moody and atmospheric track, heavily reliant on the contrast in dynamics and the yelled/screamed vocals. One of the better songs I’ve heard this year from a band who have seemingly gone relatively unheard. –Conmaniac
The Arrowhead/Forever Losing Sleep split was released in March 2017.
The appeal of “Can’t Keep My Hands off You” isn’t too hard to grasp. B. Bravo crafts a slow jam that is perfect for anyone looking for a throwback to ’90s commercial R&B. However, the highlight of the track is no doubt Reva DeVito, whose sweet, smooth crooning really brings the homage to life. –wtferrothorn
Paradise is out now via Bastard Jazz Recordings.
What James Blake would sound like if he continued the direction of his EPs instead of his last two albums. One of the best electronic songs of the year. –LordePots
The Underwaterfall EP is out now.
Messy, gorenoise-tinged noisecore. Pingy-ass snare, trash cans, hysterical grunts-and-groos, and feedback-heavy bass sludge. –nocuffin
Released April 2017 via Craniophagus Parasiticus Records.
Jack Antonoff (AKA Bleachers) returns with his trademark ’80s-inspired instrumentation, confessional lyrics, and incredible knack for larger-than-life pop hooks. Inspired by the loss of his sister, “Everybody Lost Somebody” is both moving and incredibly catchy. –RadicalEd
Gone Now is out June 2 via RCA Records.
Heaviest slice of beatdown 2017 has given us so far. Sludgy, slo-mo slams and hyper-aggressive tough-guy vox. Really nice changes of pace throughout, and a breakdown big enough to beat the fuck out of your enemies and hang them in the streets. –nocuffin
At the End of Time is out June 25 via RNRVT.
Dona Onete released her debut album in 2014. She was 73. Even after more time has passed, she’s proven on “No Meio do Pitiú (In the Middle of the Pitiú)” that age doesn’t matter. She brings tons of charisma on top of her incredibly groovy Carimbó, an instrument-driven genre originating from Onete’s native Brazilian Amazon region. –wtferrothorn
Banzerio is out now via Mais Um Discos.
Picks up right where Lore left off, dazzling with an endless sea of proggy riffs and intricate passages. Completely fresh and vibrant, it flies through 11 minutes in seemingly no time. –RogueNine
Reflections of a Floating World is out June 2 via Armageddon.
In a year already full of amazing electronic releases, Forest Swords has promised himself a big piece in that puzzle. “Arms Out” stands as one of the most organic and breathtaking compositions to come out this year. The song’s structure, probably its greatest strength, is so wonderfully fluid that the journey toward the string-laden climax is seamless. –wtferrothorn
Compassion is out now via Ninja Tune Records.
Theatrical, melodramatic indie pop from the band’s 4th LP. –anatelier
The Far Field is out now via 4AD.
On first listen, the return of the famed indie quartet is easy to label as a disappointment. The most notable change is within the percussion; Christopher Bear’s usually dynamic work behind the kit is much more measured. However, when the track starts feeling tame, the various instrumental interludes that bring in the likes of flutes, saxophones, and swirling synthesizers give the track that kind of ever-evolving structure present in the band’s greatest tracks. –wtferrothorn
Painted Ruins is out August 16 via RCA Records.
It will be hard to find a pop song out right now that would be able to match the infectiousness of the bass grooves Norwegian pop quintet Hajk lay down on the incredibly catchy “Nothing Left to Say”. –wtferrothorn
Hajk is out now via Jansen Plateproduksjon.
The Haim Sisters tease their upcoming LP with a feel-good, catchy, summery indie pop anthem. –RadicalEd
Something to Tell You is out July 7 via Polydor Records.
They may not come through with some insane guitar tones a la “Rules”, but the group’s knack for coming through with dreamy, lo-fi, and psychedelic pop rock tunes shines on here, especially when it comes to the melodies, whether they’re delivered via vocals or guitar. Then the surprisingly positive, encouraging lyrical themes give the sunny vibes a specific purpose: to elevate. –wtferrothorn
Routines is out now via Fat Possum Records.
Technical alt rock/metal with strong vocals – for fans of Deftones, Thrice, Agent Fresco, and Alter Bridge. –EasterInTheBatcave
Lost in Darkness and Distance is out now.
Warm Greek indie rock, bouncy bass, and delicious electric organ. –anatelier
Ganja is out now via Inner Ear Records.
MarcLo comes through again with a energetic, colorfully-produced throwback to ’90s R&B and hip hop on “Coogi Sweater Nostalgia”. It might not reach the levels of “Swngn”, and the in-song reminders of the song’s nostalgic nature are a little heavy-handed, but this song does prove that the track was not a fluke and that whatever full-length project MarcLo has cooking is worth being sought after. –wtferrothorn
“Coogi Sweater Nostalgia” premiered in April 2017.
Much like the previous single released from I’m Not Your Man, the lyrics turn out being the most entertaining feature of the track. What is starting to look like a possible album-wide theme, her flirtatious, almost carnal manner carries over to “My Lover Cindy” as she yearns for a friend’s mutual romantic interest. “‘Cause I’m a fucking pig / I’m gonna get my fill / I’m gonna keep my eyes on the prize / And I’ll suck you dry, I will” Marika claims over the chorus, one that’s super satisfying in its bluntness. –wtferrothorn
I’m Not Your Man is out June 2 via Sub Pop Records.
Soulful indie pop with an amazing voice, this is the first single from her debut album coming out later this year. –tempest–
Low Blows is out July 14 via littleBIGMAN Records.
If “Cure” is a harbinger of anything, it’s that Moonchild is about to release one of the smoothest, most pleasant soul records of the year. The track comes through with an organic instrumental that calls back to the heydays of neo-soul. Amber Navran’s wispy vocals only add to the laidback nature of this feel-good cut.
Voyager is out May 26 via Tru Thoughts.
The lead single from Goths contrasted the lyrical topic of goth culture with an almost satirical peppiness to the music. “Rain In Soho” decides to bathe in the melodrama and grandiosity that comes with the subject of gothic culture. Allusions to Bible verses, King Lear, and The Smiths lyrics are set to pounded minor piano chords, thunderous drums, and soaring vocals, and all of this escalates to a chorus that laments the day when nobody will remember when one of the most important venues in goth culture shuts its doors. Lyrical elevation at its finest. –wtferrothorn
Goths is out now via Merge Records.
You guys fucking know what’s up. The Indie Gods return with a slice of something sexy, complete with guitar solo. Yeah, you read that right: an actual, fresh guitar solo from The National. –dbizzles
Sleep Well Beast is out September 8 via 4AD.
While not an original composition — it’s an instrumental cover of a 1972 Roy Ayers Ubiquity song — the Japanese trio do a great service to it. Of course, the modern production gives it a much crisper sound, but their version has its own moments of greatness that the original didn’t have as well. –wtferrothorn
Nautiloid Quest is out June 23 via Agogo Records.
Hakim continues to prove that he’s a voice worth paying attention to as the title track from his debut album sets him at a 2 for 2 record. His warm, psychedelic soul sound continues to be an absolute wonder, and the lyrics dealing with the worries that come with having a child give an interesting, personal perspective. –wtferrothorn
Green Twins is out now via ATO Records.
A wonderful slice of surf-influenced indie pop, similar to Mild High Club, Jay Som, Beach House, and the like. While no news of a new album has been released, another single was released back in March, so here’s to hoping. Not much else to say except that I’ll definitely be giving this a few spins (and you should, too)! –SandwichBubble
“Yam Yam” was released May 2017.
“J-Boy” is as you’d expect to come from an album one Google Translation away from being titled “I Love You”. Those who don’t have a high tolerance for saccharine indie synthpop will probably be unable to stomach this track. However, for those strong enough, the hook alone will make the listen worth it; it explodes with layers upon layers of synths and a chorus that stands as one of 2017’s best. –wtferrothorn
Ti Amo is out June 9 via Glassnote Records.
The Physics House band put together a rollercoaster of a track here. While the track starts off rather unsuspecting — tranquil with some acoustic guitars and keyboards open the track up — it really starts to wow as a searing guitar solo comes bursting in. At this point, the group is firing from all cylinders, even incorporating some sax to add to the overall madness. –wtferrothorn
Mercury Fountain is out now via Small Pond Recordings.
This is possibly the most promising and solid that any post-Pink Floyd project has been in years. The track is sombre, but emotive. It’s moving, but rough. It’s slow-paced, but rewarding. Roger Waters truly comes through on this one. –UniqueUniverse
Is This the Life We Really Want? is out June 2 via Columbia Records.
“Hey Boy” definitely has a the type of sound that you can identify with place. That place is the ocean, though that most likely has to do with the surf rock-esque guitar riff played throughout the track. However, it’s the absurdly lovesick, to a humorous degree, lyrics that end up sticking out the most. The first lines of the 2nd verse especially stick out:
“Hey Boy / If I catch myself dripping and drowning, now-oh boy / Sitting here waiting for Prince Charming”
This is the kind of desperate grasp for intimacy not seen since The Sandlot. –wtferrothorn
She-Devils was released May 19 via Secretly Canadian.
Laid-back, half-trancey dark techno: a cute synth melody slowly smashed to pieces by a hard af, thumpin’-‘n-stompin’ kick. –nocuffin
“The Rack” was released March 2017.
Shugo Tokumaru has delivered a pop song that embraces the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink philosophy. Everything can be found in “Lita-Ruta”: buzzing synthesizers, honking saxophones, plucked acoustic guitars, ukuleles, harpsichords, various other horns, and more. It’s maximalist baroque pop at its finest; even if the lyrics are enigma to most without a translation, the instrumental composition alone is pure ear candy. –wtferrothorn
TOSS is out now via Polyvinyl Records.
Foxing’s Conor Murphy’s solo effort, probably a better abode for his vocals. –anatelier
Smidley is out June 2 via Triple Crown Records.
Ryan Lott and co. are as sonically bold and adventurous as ever on “Dangerous”. Their mix of textured electronics, bombastic percussion, and more organic instrumentation continues to be a concoction that no other band has been able to replicate — or at least not at the level of Son Lux. –wtferrothorn
Remedy is out now.
“Honesty – Impatient Edit” is an absolute joy of a dance track that sounds like an ’80s synthpop act’s idea of what the pop music of the future would sound like. It’s got the same appeal as something like The Jetsons: it may not be may not be accurate, but sometimes a sensationalist perspective is the most entertaining one there is. –wtferrothorn
Honesty is out now via DEEK Recordings.
If there’s one thing to be learned from “Final”, it is that Tamsin Wilson has a talent for storytelling. The intimacy that comes with the vocals being extremely high in the mix, the phrasing of the lyrics that reads more like a novel than a song, or the warm, almost storybook narrator-like tone to Wilson’s voice, all add up to a song that brings an almost childlike innocence to a meditation on loss. –wtferrothorn
I Go Missing In My Sleep is out now via Secret City Records.
