If it hasn’t arrived already for you, summer is fast approaching based on the sound of this week’s best new songs. Although different from one another, the three artists featured, in their own way, take big swings creatively, whether it’s remixing old songs or simply continuing to do what they do best. See what other songs we’ve been diggin’ by checking out our Best New Songs of the Month playlist, which is constantly updated with new tracks from up-and-coming artists/bands.

Brijean “Euphoric Avenue”

At first, nearly consuming the listener through the chiming of a guitar and fluttering electronic keys in the background, “Euphoric Avenue” by duo Brijean takes you to somewhere “familiar yet strange.” The fantastical atmosphere, coupled with the still apparent instruments, make for a genuinely euphoric combination that’s the equivalent of a 20-foot-long banquet for the ears. Lead songwriter and namesake Brijean Murphy ties the entire picture together, softly detailing the sights and sounds of “Euphoric Avenue” as if it were a real, tangible place. The evolving arrangements further cement the track as a vivid setting, populated by a penchant for experimentation, considering the variety of instruments heard in less than four minutes. The lush, flute-dominated climax is just the cherry on top of a bountiful song that’s perhaps the best of three recent singles to their upcoming album Macro, out July 12.

See Brijean on tour at their LA stop at Lodge Room on Aug. 1.

Visit Brijean on their website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

Portraits Of Tracy “The Afterparty – Disco Version”

“The Afterparty,” a standout song/quasi-sequel to singer-rapper and multi-instrumentalist Portraits Of Tracy’s breakout single “The Party,” has been reimagined as a disco remix, as well as a French house instrumental. While the original is an atmospheric piano ballad boosted by bass pulses and somber cries to the void, “The Afterparty – Disco Version” builds upon the cinematic outro for a race-against-time odyssey. The dynamic vocals are similarly taken to another level, with a plethora of effects making Tracy’s voice sound like an entire choir when layered atop the intensifying production. Without holding anything back, the guitar at the climax fires off like a laser ray, triggering a sonic explosion amplified by the glittery synths and fast-paced drums. Although there are some glossy disco elements, particularly in the first half, the remix is more than just a simple edit, transforming an already impressive song into something that shows off Tracy’s ability to glide through genres.

Visit Portraits Of Tracy on their website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC

Kelly Abarca “Waves”

True to its title, LA-based singer-songwriter Kelly Abarca’s new single “Waves” coasts along a breezy indie-rock guitar washed in woozy vocals. Within the first 30 seconds, the track seemingly peaks, with Abarca impassionately acknowledging herself as a sensation, raising the tide as the song goes along. The Spanish lyrics on their own are liberating in nature, matching the sense of finally setting yourself free present in the infectious vocals. Around the halfway point, the instruments roar out as if mimicking a whale call before momentarily disappearing. Only the drums are left behind, with the rest of the instruments eventually crashing back into play when Abarca slides in as the last piece missing from the engrossing opening. While the song itself captures the sight of waves crashing onto a beach, the music video offers a colorful visual to the song, with the sight of Abarca walking into the ocean after dancing along the shore second only to the elation evident in the indie-rock swirl of “Waves.”

Visit Kelly Abarca on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

Cool Gifts for Music Lovers 

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Words: David Sosa

There’s always so much music coming out every week, so our Best New Songs of the Month playlist is a great way to keep track of recently released tracks. If you’re looking to dive deeper into what new artists and seasoned veterans are putting out, our New Music editorials and Artists You Should Know features will introduce or reintroduce artists and bands pushing the envelope.