The Best New Music: Total Wife,Wolf Alice,Victor jones & More

This week’s best new music spans shimmering synth-pop,fuzz-drenched indie rock,and the thrilling sound of bands reinventing themselves. From Nashville to New York and beyond, these artists are pushing boundaries and delivering tracks that demand repeat listens. Here’s a rundown of the songs captivating us right now.

Indie Rock & Beyond: Highlights of the Week

This week’s releases offer a diverse range of sounds, perfect for everything from late-night drives to summer playlists. Several artists are hinting at larger projects, teasing fans with standout singles that showcase their evolving styles.

Total Wife – “make it last”

Nashville’s Total Wife continues to build anticipation for their upcoming album, come back down, with the release of “make it last.” Following the woozy charm of “second spring,” this closing number is a full-blown sonic assault – and surprisingly catchy.

The track begins with an inviting intro, featuring skittering vocal samples and a hopeful melody. But don’t get too comfortable. A wall of fuzz tones quickly envelops the listener, creating a dense and immersive soundscape. Fans of My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless will promptly recognize the influence, and those who find beauty in the ambient hums of everyday life (like yours truly) will discover a lot to love. Total Wife masterfully blends noise and melody, crafting a track that’s both challenging and rewarding. This is a band unafraid to experiment, and the results are captivating.

Wombo – “S.T. Tilted”

Louisville’s Wombo dropped their latest effort, Danger in Fives, today, and “S.T. Tilted” serves as a perfect preview of what’s to come.The song is built around a stunted guitar riff and dissonant chords, yet it remains surprisingly pleasant. Wombo expertly walks the line between outsider post-punk and danceable indie rock, creating a sound that’s both angular and infectious. It’s a testament to their songwriting ability that they can make something so off-kilter feel so…right.

Wolf Alice – “white Horses”

Wolf Alice is building a fascinating new world with each release from their upcoming album, The Clearing. “White Horses” is the latest piece of the puzzle, and it’s a especially exciting one. For the frist time,drummer Joel Amey takes the majority of the vocals,duetting beautifully with Ellie Rowsell. The dynamic between the two vocalists is captivating, and it begs the question: why hasn’t Amey been featured more prominently before?

While the previous singles hinted at a shift in sound, “White Horses” feels more aligned with the Wolf Alice of their earlier work, boasting swelling momentum and a touch of psychedelia. yet, even with echoes of the past, the band sounds utterly reborn. Their evolution is thrilling to witness, and “White Horses” is a prime example of their continued artistic growth.

Synth-Pop & DIY Energy: Rising Stars

Beyond the established names, several emerging artists are making waves with their unique sounds and DIY ethos. These tracks demonstrate the vibrant energy of the current music scene.

Victor Jones – “Mother Teresa”

Victor Jones is quickly becoming a force in New York’s DIY scene, and “Mother Teresa” is a prime example of why. The synth-pop track is delightfully chaotic and irreverent, featuring lyrics like “Mahatma Ghandi and Mother Theresa/ Are gettin’ kinda freaky on a beach in Ibiza.”

Despite the playful absurdity, Jones’ booming synth bass and percussive, dance-punk production elevate the song to “banger” status. By the time the track hits “Lost my shit in the shower/ No water, no power,” you’re fully hooked. Jones effortlessly blends humor and energy, creating a track that’s both thought-provoking and incredibly fun. This is an artist to watch.

[Artist Name Redacted] – “[Song Title Redacted]”

This track is perfect for Emo Summer ’25.It’s catchy, relatively up-tempo, and holds off on its cathartic explosion of emotion until the very end. There’s even a dude swimming on the album art!