Neu The Neu Bulletin (Luvcat, Night Tapes, Most Things and more!)

With a theatrical image akin to Florence Welch or The Last Dinner Party, a deep-rooted passion for relating grandiose emotions via quotidien references, and an army of devoted fans aptly dubbed ​‘Kittens’, London-via-Liverpool artist Luvcat continues to expand her catalogue of gothic romance tracks with her lust-fuelled latest tale, ​‘Love & Money’. Arriving on Valentine’s Day, it maintains her already-signature thematic preoccupation with possessive love (“You could be my mannequin / Dress you up in anything”), while introducing a more prominent synth-pop feel. Her delicate vocals effortlessly sit atop a jangly guitar soundscape, lyrically crafting a story that sits somewhere between undying attraction and unforgivable regret. (Kyle Roczniak) 

London dream-pop trio Night Tapes have returned with ​‘television’ — a hypnotic blend of nostalgia and modernity that marks their first release since 2024’s ​‘To Be Free’. Shimmering with ​’80s-tinged synths and ethereal vocals, it has a buoyant, dreamlike energy that somehow feels both weightless and urgent; layers of lush instrumentation create a hazy atmosphere while the upbeat rhythm drives it forward, making ​‘television’ feel like a track caught between the past and the future. Following last summer’s ​‘assisted memories’ EP, this latest release continues to refine their signature sound, balancing introspective lyricism with expansive, cinematic production. (Gemma Cockrell)

When the 21st Century information overload becomes too much, sometimes all we can muster is a frazzled, shoddily-dressed trip to the Nisa Local to zone out in the crisp aisle. London’s Most Things understand this feeling well, and their debut single ​‘Shops!’ perfectly captures the blurred line between apathy and burnout that often underpins the modern day urban experience. Characterised by a bobbing bassline that muddies into the vocal with a yielding, listless optimism, ​‘Shops!’ sees the So Young-signed duo stripping back the angularness of post-punk to its most basic elements, and blunting down the edges until the city noise quells to a blissful numbness. (Hazel Blacher) 

Structured around long verses leading into an insistent chorus, ​‘Lillian’s Regret’ hints at much more than the words themselves tell. Here, Portsmouth four-piece Hallan have found a satisfying balance of accessible songwriting and compelling storytelling, blending warbling synths and strangely reverb-ed sonic artifacts with more traditional guitars to establish mystery and a sense of foreboding. The suggestiveness of those extended verses — delivered with curiosity and an almost deadpan style — lead to us to ask, along with the band, only one thing: what exactly has Lillian done? (Phil Taylor)

Perusing the DIY scenes of North East USA, Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter Gabi Gamberg — otherwise known as Daffo — is an emerging voice with a catalogue that spans from indie-rock to folk. Steeped in grunge-tinged abrasion, their newest single ​‘Absence Makes The Heart Grow’ is the antithesis of what the old idiom might have you believe. ​“Absence makes the heart grow fickle and forgetful”, Daffo asserts, hammering home the point with brazenly distorted guitars, their low instrumental undertones coming off melancholic and cynical. Through deeply-felt realisations about the reality of a long-distance relationship, Daffo paints a picture of an emphatically sardonic Valentine. (Kayla Sandiford)

Manchester-based riser better joy (aka Bria Keely) has delivered another standout track in ​‘quiet thing’, the latest to be lifted from her forthcoming debut EP ​‘Heading into Blue’. Produced by the legendary Mike Hedges (The Cure, U2), the track opens with delicate guitar strums and hushed vocals before bursting into an infectious, sun-soaked chorus of shimmering indie-pop. Then, just when you think it’s over, a dreamy reprise of the chorus gently fades out, leaving a lasting impression and solidifying better joy as one of 2025’s most exciting alt-pop prospects. (Gemma Cockrell) 

The sheer caffeinated convenience of a steaming cup of Nestle Gold Blend is often snubbed by the bean-grinding naysayers and coffee purists of this world. Finally furnishing this affordable home-brewed concoction with the public reverence that it deserves, on their zany new single ​‘Instant Coffee’ Manchester newcomers Super Market whip up a free-flowing brew of alt-pop sweetened with hip-hop stylings, akin to the likes of Jimothy Lacoste or a more aloof and easygoing iteration of Brighton’s Welly. Announcing this release alongside their signing to cult label Heist or Hit, the self-dubbed ​‘business chic’ duo describe ​‘Instant Coffee’ as a track ​“served steaming hot” and ​“best enjoyed within 3 minutes and 12 seconds of receiving your order”. Someone put the kettle on! (Hazel Blacher) 

There aren’t many songwriters who’d brave the moniker Joni when Ms Mitchell exists, but here she is — an American-born, London-based auteur whose new song ​‘Things I Left Behind’ is the contemplative title track from her upcoming debut album, spilling the beans on the people, places and experiences we lose. As the folk-pop singer’s sweet vocals (akin, perhaps, to what we might get if Halsey squeezed her voice and pitched up) slide over a thumping drumbeat and muffled guitars, you feel beckoned into the intimate warmth of her thoughts. No, she’s not Joni Mitchell, but she’s undeniably putting her own stamp on just Joni. (Sophie McVinnie)

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Better Joy, Daffo, Hallan, Joni, Listen, Luvcat, Most Things, Night Tapes, Super Market, Watch