July rolls in, bringing with it that golden haze of summer, and with it, a mountain of new music that demands to be heard. Forget the sweat for a moment; let’s take a deep breath and look back at what June gifted us: some seriously vibrant sounds, killer grooves, and albums that feel less like recordings and more like cinematic experiences.
June delivered an incredible crop of new songs, showcasing everything from indie/alt legends to fuzzy rock, dance beats, and tracks that flirt with the US/Canada border. If you’re looking for your perfect soundtrack for the dog days of summer, this is the curated collection you need.
When it comes to the albums, we picked six standout records that truly defined the month. But the magic isn’t just in the big headlines; it’s in the layers—the unexpected harmonies and mind-bending production that make these tracks unforgettable.
Take L’Rain’s upcoming fata morgana, for instance. It’s described as a genre-defiant synthesis of dancehall, tape meditations, slow jams, gospel, and crunched metal—a sonic answer to the question: How do you grow in a world not meant for you to thrive in? The single “Soulless Cycle” delivers that crunched metal edge while retaining that hazy, L’Rain signature. It’s awesome.
Meanwhile, Interpol continues their evolution with “See Out Loud,” which manages to feel both classic and fresh, featuring a welcome twist where guitarist Daniel Kessler steps up for lead vocals, making it one of their best singles yet.
For a dose of pure nostalgia wrapped in irresistible rhythm, Boy Harsher’s “Jeans” transports us straight to the fluorescent sunshine of teen films. It’s a dream about escaping small-town life and smelling an Orange Julius—a perfect fusion of 80s energy and wistful longing.
The melodic genius of Penelope Isles, Jack and Lily Wolter, shines in “Thinking Seat.” Their harmonies flow like breath, creating an ethereal soundscape that is pure summertime joy, layering guitars and keyboards into an intricate fabric of light.
Dive into the dance floor with Bonobo’s “Me and You,” a low-key, melodic track that turns into a kitchen-table banger, perfect for dancing in your seat. It masterfully uses pitched-down samples to create effortless, irresistible grooves.
Then there are the cosmic journeys of Horse Lords. This Baltimore experimental rock combo ventured into new territory with Demand to Be Taken to Heaven Alive!, introducing ethereal vocals that bring an otherworldly, almost Celtic vibe to their precision-engineered sound. It’s hypnotic and wonderfully groovy.
The late-night electronic landscape is equally fascinating. CFCF’s album L.U.V. is a masterclass in musical collage, blending French touch with electroclash and dance-punk into a sprawling hour of pure energy. It feels like a parallel universe compilation—all hits you’ve never heard before that somehow feel instantly familiar.
And for those seeking a deep dive into the art of sound, Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mouse on Mars delivered Spatial No Problem. Recorded during a whirlwind session, this record is a delicious concoction built on krautrock rhythms, global horns, and psychedelic arrangements that simmer beautifully.
From the funky Afro-house disco banger of Ibibio Sound Machine’s “Concept of Love” to Slippers’ quirkily charming delights like “Wasted Tonight,” June proved that new music isn’t just new—it’s essential. It’s time to put this sonic feast on repeat.
Buy on Amazon
Credit: BrooklynVegan
