The Drop – Arctic Monkeys, Marian Hill, & Peking Duk
The Drop is us cutting through the massive jungle of new music that’s been released over the last seven days. We sharpen our proverbial machetes and cut through the shit to get you to the content that you need to be listening to.
This is The Drop.
-Control Forever
Arctic Monkeys – Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
The Arctic Monkey’s sixth studio album is nowhere near what I expected it to be. It is the Arctic Monkeys like never before, and the whole album is unlike any music out right now. What feels like music that would be playing in a 1920s speakeasy, showcases a new side of the rock band dialing back on the guitar riffs and focusing mainly on lyrics. Their entire album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, deserves a listen and maybe a cocktail to go along with it.
John Mayer – “New Light”
This is the John Mayer that I love. Flavorful guitar riffs and his soft croons are the simple effects on “New Light” that makes the song so lovely. John Mayer cannot do any wrong in my eyes.
Skepta – “Pure Water”
It has been two years since grime artist Skepta released his album Konnichiwa, and now he has released his first single of 2018 titled “Pure Water.” Intricate lyrics and a smooth flow showcase why Skepta is one of the top UK grime artists in the game. Whether or not this single is part of an upcoming project is still unknown, but regardless, I will be enjoying this new release in hopes of more music to come from him.
Peking Duk – “Fire”
Peking Duk’s latest single brings funk and future bass into one collective track. “Fire” is one of two songs on their project, Reprisal, and both new tracks capture a Western feel with the theme of vengeance. Focusing on the track “Fire,” which takes vocals from Sarah Aarons who also has written dance music’s big hits: “The Middle” and “Stay.” She brings her radical vocals to the hard-hitting beat, making this one of my top favorites on The Drop this week.
Bastille – “Quarter Past Midnight”
The first single from the upcoming Bastille album is here, and it is as euphoric as ever. The lighthearted message of not wanting the night to end, which gives it the youthfulness and nostalgia that the band does so naturally. A great intro back into the music charts, this single has me hoping for more in light of their new album that is on its way.
Diplo & MØ – “Stay Open”
Diplo and Mø are one of my favorite duos in dance music; they make absolute gold together. “Stay Open” is a more relaxed track that has a more lyrical focus, but still drops a tropical chorus beat to keep the song lively and playful.
Chromeo – “Bad Decision”
Chromeo has released their fourth single from their upcoming album, Head Over Heels, and I just can’t help but love it. They always bring the funk, but their jaunty lyrics make their music so lovable. Chromeo’s new album drops next month.
Kaskade, BROHUG, & Mr. Tape – “Fun”
“Fun” comes just in time for summer and for the festival season ahead. Kaskade, Brohug, and Mr. Tape give listeners an energetic and ‘dancefloor-worthy’ track that really is nothing but fun.
Marian Hill – “Go Quietly”
Marian Hill just released their new album, Unusual, and its tracklist is filled with jazz ballads and saxophone runs. “Go Quietly” is the final song on the album, and it is Marian Hill 2.0. I have not heard a song like this from them, and the delicateness of the lyrics draw you in, while the electric beat magnifies it to a whole new level. This track is not only my favorite song off their album, but my favorite song on The Drop.
-Morgan B.