New MusicToday Radio takes a look at this week’s prominent music releases

So lend an ear and tuck into our pick of some of this week’s most prominent music releases. You never know, your new favourite record may be in there!

ALBUMS

Girl Ray, Prestige

North London pop trio Girl Ray are back with their third album, and its infusion of sunny days, passion and fun make it one of the surprise albums of the summer. Incorporating strutting disco grooves and 80s-style synthpop, the ladies of Girl Ray present a sumptuous collection of 12 new tunes which show how the band has progressed from their lo-fi beginnings to a highly crafted, well polished alt-pop outfit. ‘Prestige’ is available now from Moshi Moshi Records. Check out lead single “Love is enough” to get a feel for Girl Ray at their grooviest and most playful.

Skindred, SmileYou can label Welsh band Skindred’s musical style with as many ‘nu’ and ‘alt’ prefixes as you can muster but you can only truly know what they are once you’ve opened your ears to their unique stylings. ‘Smile’ is the 4-piece’s eighth album thus far, and the twelve new tracks contained within show a band with no signs of slowing down or standing still. As usual, expect everything from reggae, ska and rocksteady, interspersed with metal and funk, but now accompanied by a production honed towards a newer, bigger audience. Check out the infectious lead single “L.O.V.E.” (Smile Please) for a taste of what Benji Webbe & Co. are all about these days. You can also check out our very own Stephen ‘Steps’ Lowe interviewing Arya of the Skindred crew, as they discuss the making of the album. Awesome!

SINGLES

Cordea, Make Up Your Mind

Much like his previous collaborator Anderson Paak, Cordea knows when to keep it short and smooth, and “Make Up Your Mind” is one of those feel-good 3 minute vibes that you’ll never want to consider skipping. The Grammy nominated Cordea stated, “I just wanted to make a timeless song that makes people feel good”, and he most certainly did. Slip this one into your summer playlist, sharpish! Available now via ART@WAR/Atlantic Records.

MAX Feat. JVKE and Bazzi, STRINGS

Genre mixing pop artist MAX - aka Max Schneider - has teamed up with JVKE and Bazzi on his new single “Strings”, a very honest and catchy tune dedicated to his wife of 8 years. Now, that may sound a touch slushy and romantic but thirty seconds into this tune and the string arrangements and production will have you either grooving or swooning. This guaranteed earworm is a perfect platform for the talents of the three artists on show, with uplifting vocals residing delicately above the classily crafted beats. Available now from Warner Records.

Eliza Rose Feat. The Martinez Bros, Pleasure Peak

Recalling the sounds of mid 90s club classics by the likes of CeCe Peniston and Rozalla, Eliza Rose lets her hair down on this dancefloor designated treat. Guaranteed to be the core of many a remix, the original mix from the Bronx’s very own Martinez Brothers is certainly worthy enough to drop into that playlist you always spin before heading out to the club. Available now on Rosebud Recordings/One House.

If you’ve found some new tunes recently, have any recommendations for what we should be checking out, or simply have an earworm that you just can’t shift, then why not drop us the details via WhatsApp (+352 621 525 000) and, as our esteemed colleague Stephen ‘Steps’ Lowe always says, if we have it - we’ll play it!