Neu The Neu Bulletin (Wishy, She’s In Parties, Kate Bollinger and more!)

After the success of their ​‘Paradise’ EP (released in 2023), Indianapolis outfit Wishy​’s debut album ​‘Triple Seven’ is due next week, and its fourth single ​‘Just Like Sunday’ is a sun-soaked, nostalgic pop ballad with lush, breezy guitar chords reminiscent of the ​’90s/​early ​’00s. The band have likened the cadence of the track to The Goo Goo Dolls, and the layered harmonies which emerge are performed with the flow of an alt-rock or emo-infused tune. Combining this with dreamy, indie-pop sounds, the track evokes thoughts of simpler times, providing the perfect soundtrack to unwind and reflect. (Gemma Cockrell)

Back with their latest single from upcoming second EP ​‘Puppet Show’, on ​‘The Man’ Essex four-piece She’s In Parties seamlessly marry together the nostalgic and the contemporary. Opening with synth laden beats and futuristic laser-like effects, the track moves away from the band’s quintessential shoegaze, dream-pop sound, instead tilting more towards indie rock with thrashing drums, angst-filled vocals, and electrifying, hair-raising solos. (Neve Dawson)

Toasted by a nostalgic, halcyon warmth, Kate Bollinger​’s ​‘What’s This About (La La La La)’ is the perfect companion for those slow, sprawling summer days. Drawing inspiration from the indelible twee psych-pop sounds of Elephant 6 Collective stalwarts The Apples In Stereo and Of Montreal, this track serves as the third teaser from the LA based artist’s upcoming debut album ​‘Songs From A Thousand Frames of Mind’ (due in September via Ghostly International). A blanket on the lawn of buttery acoustic guitars, furbished with a picnic of sweet, ethereal vocal confection, in Bollinger’s world, every hour feels like golden hour. (Hazel Blacher)

Accompanying the announcement of their debut headline tour, Irish indie-rock quintet Soft Launch​’s latest single ​‘In My Bed’ is an example of the group’s more soulful, soft side, boasting soaring vocal harmonies layered upon a gentle acoustic guitar pattern and grounded drum groove. It feels wistful and has a sense of romantic longing (“I get lost, I get lonesome / I should call you up”), but despite the more sombre nature of the track, the Brighton-based group’s signature angular sound isn’t lost, with an interesting cacophony of eclectic synths and guitar to feast upon. (Kyle Roczniak)

Irish quintet Gurriers take their name from an ancient Irish term for ruffian, and latest release ​‘Top Of The Bill’ is, aptly, another raw and compelling offering. Moving from an atmospheric intro into gritty guitar riffs, the track’s verses are punctuated by explosive, high-energy sections and frontman Dan Hoff’s piercing vocals; vocals that are delivered with such urgency and passion, it’s difficult to guess what direction we’ll be taken in next. (Polly Swann)

Yet another gem to emerge from the Leeds music scene, Lucky Iris return with ​‘universal’: a magnetic pop number that taps into the current ​‘BRAT’-inspired electropop frenzy. The latest cut to be lifted from their upcoming EP ​‘something to believe in’ (arriving via Launchpad+/EMI North later this year), it finds the duo where they thrive most: countering lyrical deadpans on the state of the world with a rapturous, electronic backbone. The tone for the forthcoming project is well and truly being set, and it’s one that firmly secures Lucky Iris as ones to watch over the coming months. (Emily Savage)

Boasting writing credits for everyone from Chappell Roan to Lauv, some of Annika Bennett​’s work may be familiar, even if her name isn’t. The LA-based musician has just unveiled the latest offering from her eponymous solo project, coming hot on the heels of her first European headline tour. ​‘A Tree Falls’ sees her natural affinity for songwriting shine through, as she offers a wide-lensed reflection on the search for self-acceptance. Placed against a backdrop of atmospheric, guitar-laden production, it’s an intentionally crafted cut and offers a stunning insight into Annika’s own artistic vision. (Emily Savage)

With latest single ‘Music To My Hands’, PARTICLS’ harmoniously fuse indie and electronic music; kicking off with a slow, synth-based intro, it gradually brings in subtle drums and guitars as the track progresses, recalling the early ’00s and the likes of LCD Soundsystem. It’s hard not to get lost in the grooves - which feel oh-so-fitting for the summer months - and by its end, you’re left with an undeniable sense of tranquil joy. (Chris Connor)

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Annika Bennett, Gurriers, Kate Bollinger, Listen, Lucky Iris, PARTICLS, She’s In Parties, Soft Launch, Watch, Wishy