1. Bonito Generation
Kero Kero Bonito’s debut LP is a hyper-saturated, multilingual pop explosion. Its playful synth-hooks and glitchy vocals are pure serotonin, like J-Pop filtered through British indie. It creates this perfectly chaotic, feel-good vibe that just screams post-internet optimism. This is essential listening for anyone trying to understand where global idol-pop structures intersect with genuine DIY charm, totally bypassing the usual industry gatekeepers.
2. SLICK BACK FUNK
This track just hits. It’s got that immediate, head-nodding groove, a perfect blend of old-school swagger with fresh, digital sheen. It feels like it was engineered in a lab to bypass your conscious mind and go straight for the hips. It’s not just funk; it’s a masterclass in how to make something retro feel utterly urgent and relevant in today’s hyper-accelerated soundscape. Pure sonic gold.
3. Ison
From The Comet Is Coming, this track is a cosmic blast. It’s jazz, but not as you know it – think saxophones screaming over relentless, propulsive electronic beats. It builds this incredible, almost apocalyptic energy that’s both primal and futuristic. This isn’t background noise; it’s a full-body experience that demands attention, pushing against the boundaries of what instrumental music can achieve today.
4. Devotion
Tirzah’s *Devotion* is a masterclass in minimalist R&B. Her vocals are intimately raw, laid over these sparse, almost skeletal electronic beats. It's lo-fi, deeply personal, and completely engrossing, proving that sometimes less truly is more. This track strips away all the excess, leaving only pure, unadulterated emotion and a hypnotic groove that pulls you into its quietly intense world. It’s a vibe.
5. Black Up
Shabazz Palaces’ *Black Up* is a monumental work of experimental hip-hop. The beats are abstract, the lyrics are cryptic, and the entire soundscape feels like it's beamed in from another dimension. It’s dense, challenging, and utterly rewarding, pushing the boundaries of what rap can be. This isn't just music; it's a sonic exploration, a deep dive into an avant-garde future that still feels fresh.
6. A Quiet Farwell, 2016–2018 (Crater Speak)
Slauson Malone 1 crafts a fragmented, introspective sound world here. It’s like listening to a memory deconstructed and reassembled, with glitchy samples and spoken-word passages creating a deeply personal narrative. This is true post-hypermodern art, challenging conventional song structures and demanding active listening. It’s a profound, melancholic journey through sonic experimentalism that resonates long after it ends.
7. Person Pitch
Panda Bear’s *Person Pitch* is a foundational text for a certain strain of sun-drenched, psychedelic indie pop. Its layered, lo-fi samples and ethereal harmonies create this incredibly warm, immersive atmosphere. It’s music that feels both deeply personal and universally expansive, a perfect soundtrack for drifting through a haze of digital nostalgia. You can hear its influence everywhere, even in the most unexpected places.
8. For the first time
Black Country, New Road delivers raw, intellectual intensity with this track. It's a post-punk explosion, featuring dynamic shifts, urgent spoken-word, and instrumentation that swerves from delicate to furious. This isn't just noise; it’s a meticulously crafted narrative of anxiety and ambition, embodying the restless energy of a new generation pushing rock music into genuinely exciting, unpredictable territories. Absolutely vital.
![Maki vs The Hei (From"Jujutsu Kaisen S3 - Culling Game") [Epic Cover]](https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273ca3a9a551f3364532a22bb42)
9. Maki vs The Hei (From"Jujutsu Kaisen S3 - Culling Game") [Epic Cover]
Forget the original; this cover takes the sheer kinetic energy of the anime and amplifies it to eleven. It’s a testament to global fandom, where local talent can reimagine and elevate existing material, creating something uniquely potent. The intensity, the build-ups – it’s pure adrenaline, perfectly capturing the high-stakes drama of the source material. A viral sensation waiting.
10. 7G
A. G. Cook’s *7G* is a maximalist, deconstructed pop manifesto. It’s pure genre-bending chaos, a sonic assault that redefines what pop music can be. Expect glitchy textures, hyper-speed transitions, and an unapologetic embrace of synthetic beauty. This album is less about individual tracks and more about experiencing a complete, overwhelming digital landscape. It’s the sound of the algorithm being weaponized for art.
11. ０
This track, deliberately unsearchable, is a quiet rebellion. It’s minimalist electronic ambient, a digital whisper that creates atmosphere with almost nothing. The choice of title itself is a statement, forcing you to confront the music without algorithmic pre-conditioning. It’s a profound exercise in sonic restraint, proving that impact doesn't always require volume. A truly intellectual and chilling piece for the modern era.
