Neu The Neu Bulletin (Fuzz Lightyear, DellaXOZ, Chalk and more!)

Back with their latest release via Nice Swan Records are Leeds’ Fuzz Lightyear, who have recently shared ​‘Visual Effect’ — a sturdy follow up to their September single, ​‘My Body’. Loud, fast, and abrasive, yet lifted at times by sweetly melodic underlays and guitar runs, the new cut races and lurches, a two-and-a-half-minute injection of fervent energy that pleads you to go and experience the band live — which we strongly suggest you do. (Amber Lashley)

Landing after a clip of an early version garnered widespread attention on social media, DellaXOZ​’s recent single ​‘UnHinged’ first charmed a crowd of new listeners with guitar tapping, soft vocals, and painfully relatable tales of the failings of 21st century dating. Now also featuring irregular drum beats and dreamy harmonies, she’s built around the original snippet and transformed it into a fluctuating, full-bodied addition to her growing collection of indie-pop. (Amber Lashley)

Ireland’s Chalk have been a breath of fresh air of late, combining post-punk and techno in a way few other bands have. Possessing the same chaotic energy as early Chemical Brothers, or The Prodigy in their prime, their distinct sound is on full display on latest single ​‘Afraid’. Raw, visceral, and near-unhinged, it’s ferociously magnetic, while the sub-three minute runtime means there’s hardly a moment respite from its pulsing rhythm. (Chris Connor) 

Having already made big waves in the writing world (penning songs for Kehlani and Beyonce, no less), Danish R&B newcomer Giift has offered up ​‘Pussy’ — a new self-released, self-produced single that arrived ahead of a recent performance at the Netherlands’ Eurosonic Festival. Taken from her upcoming EP ​‘DESIRE’, it’s an unapologetic celebration of self-expression, sexuality and identity that pushes the boundaries of R&B and neo-soul. As beautiful as it is explicit, this is a track that demonstrates Giift’s abundance of raw talent. (Gemma Cockrell) 

The It-girl among a new generation of popstars, Alessi Rose has dropped the brilliantly bold ​‘IKYK’ — the final single to be featured on her eagerly anticipated sophomore EP, ​‘for your validation’. Arriving amidst a momentous rise for the Derby-born songwriter, the project brims with the uncompromising honesty and infectious wit that has already amassed her a global army of fans, and this track only serves to confirm the hotly-tipped newcomer’s trajectory. An anthem for unsaid feelings, it sees vocoder-splashed vocals glide above propulsive basslines and cascading percussion, culminating into a chorus that will (no doubt) be screamed zealously by crowds on her upcoming headline tour. (Emily Savage) 

After getting serious BBC 6Music airtime with their last cut ​‘Fuzzy Identities’, Cardiff’s Shale have returned with ​‘It’s Not Right’. Continuing where they left off — that is, producing another jangly slice of indie-rock greatness — the track sees lead singer Samuel Hale tussle with the top of his vocal range above Austin Critcher’s backup vocals for a powerful chorus that hits all the right emotions. After packing out their hometown headline and with a debut EP on the way, these boys are certainly an act to look out for this year. (Peter Martin) 

The fourth track to be taken from her EP of the same name, ​‘Garden of Eden’ sees London-based singer-songwriter Essence Martins strip things back to little more than vocals and a piano, abandoning unnecessary frills for a solemn yet hopeful cut that speaks directly to the listener. A metaphor for wanting — in vain — for the world to be perfect, it’s been aptly summed up by Essence herself: ​“The song asks the question, ​‘Can I go back to start over again?’ and the answer is, of course, ​‘No,’ which leaves the song and EP on a cliffhanger: What do we do now? And, of course, the answer is to keep going.” (Amber Lashley)

PARTICLS — a band of full-time gardeners based in London — bring a fresh sound to the UK’s crowded indie scene, and their latest pair of singles showcase exactly how. Beginning with a crackle and ominous background effects, ​‘Loving Feeling’ soon builds into a recognisable groove, while the vocals at times verge towards more of a post-punk sound. There’s a huge amount to like here, with doubtless more to come from PARTICLS in 2025. (Chris Connor) 

Having just announced their debut album ​‘All In The Game’, Falmouth-formed quintet Moreish Idols have celebrated the occasion by sharing its lead single, ​‘Dream Pixel’ — a psych-tinged, genre-blurring track inspired by surreal dreams and swimming in phosphorescence. A shining example of the band’s evolving artistry, blending intense saxophone, ​’70s inflected, layered vocals, distorted guitars, and Gordian instrumentation, this is a number that promises to cement their reputation as one of London’s most dynamic acts. (Gemma Cockrell) 

Having already supported the likes of Sprints and Pillow Queens, Hotgirl are Dublin’s latest submission to the annals of garage punk, staking their claim to the scene via new single ​‘On The Brink’. A cut that has purportedly allowed frontwoman Ashley Abbedeen to reflect on past traumas and insecurities in a way that hasn’t been possible for her before, it’s a temperamental but full showcase of Abbedeen’s vocal style, underpinned by crawling verses that coerce you into an explosive chorus. (Amber Lashley)

Marking the announcement of their debut album ​‘Bloodties’ in suitably evocative style, cult London folk duo lilo maintain their blissful delicacy on its lead single, ​‘It’s Not The Same In Winter’. Marrying plucky acoustic guitars with honeyed vocal harmonies, their latest explores themes of seasonal depression, self-doubt, and other similar such confusing emotions, setting an intricate, intriguing scene for their long-awaited LP. (Peter Martin) 

From opening bars infused with ​’80s reverberated guitar to flourishes of wonderfully warm alt-pop, ​‘Not Enough’ skillfully but almost imperceptibly skips genres, turning corners deftly while remaining focused and beautifully driven. Later on, the track’s rock and Americana elements come to the fore: there’s a big — huge — climatic build that makes way for a soaring finale, but the real clincher is Mia Wray​’s notable vocal control, which she exercises with precision and confidence. It’s a remarkably engaging song, and one that proves impossible to tear away from. (Phil Taylor)

The meeting of masterful storytelling with an inspired mixing of musical influences, ​‘JFK’ is the latest offering from Jean, a rising artist clearly brimming with creativity. Beginning big, with epic strings and haunting reverb, the short track soon gives way to contemporary beats and buzzy bass, while vocally Jean bridges the gap between glamourous, jazz-lounge melody and modern hip-hop intensity. As a song that offers an alternative perspective on an infamous piece of history, the result is, unsurprisingly, distinctive: inescapably hard-hitting yet retro and sultry, this is a work that defies easy summary. (Phil Taylor)

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Alessi Rose, Chalk, DellaXOZ, Essence Martins, Fuzz Lightyear, Giift, Hotgirl, Jean, lilo, Listen, Mia Wray, Moreish Idols, PARTICLS, Shale, Watch