Neu The Neu Bulletin (Mei Semones, Alien Chicks, Y and more!)

Hot on the heels of announcing her debut album ​‘Animaru’, Brooklyn-based bossa nova artist Mei Semones has now shared ​‘Zarigani’, a single which offers four minutes of sweetly whimsical sonic relaxation. Its title — a translation of the word ​‘crayfish’ — serves as an apt metaphor for Semones’ reflections of youthful moments spent with her twin sister, while the instrumental (inspired by a Coltrane lick) sees her blend classic jazz with intricate indie touches. It’s the type of track that, when you finish listening to it for the first time, you can’t help but press replay on; adorably wholesome and undeniably addictive. (Peter Martin)

An extension of their amorphous post-punk sound, Alien Chicks’ latest effort, ​‘Mr Muscle’, arrives as the third preview of their upcoming EP ​‘Forbidden Fruit’. The track combines the melodic and proclamatory qualities of the trio’s previous singles, driven by a winding, unruly guitar line that charges forward, complemented by the metallic clamour of a cowbell. With an excitingly erratic structure, ​‘Mr. Muscle’ delivers rapid-fire vocals, short licks that flicker between funky and jittery, and sudden surges of dense sound that pack a punch. The lyrics — which list off the band’s favourite cleaning products, naturally — also delve into the monotony of daily life and a sense of capitalist-induced nihilism, seamlessly shifting between serious themes and a playful spirit. There’s electrifying unpredictability that sparks Alien Chicks’ propulsive work, and ​‘Mr. Muscle’ is another reflection of this. Blink, and you might miss its chaotic brilliance. (Kayla Sandiford) 

A playful poke at exploitation in the media, London outfit Y have unveiled their latest offering, ​‘Ladies Who’, alongside their self-titled debut EP. Between the shifting dynamics of discordant guitars, insistent drums, and brash horn sections, it sees the quintet lay out their joyously unpredictable sonic palette. Presented under the guise of a brazen female killer narrative, the eclectic track draws on the exaggerated — and often misrepresented — stories portrayed by today’s media. As the project of members and affiliates of Fat White Family, Meatraffle, and Pregoblin, Y have all the makings of surefire ones-to-watch. (Emily Savage)

Following on from their 2024 debut EP ​‘No Place To Land’, Bristol-based outfit Night Swimming are back with ​‘In The Real World’, a shimmering dream-pop anthem that captures the bittersweet ache of youthful isolation. Produced by Peter Miles (TORRES, Orla Gartland) and mastered by Simon Scott of Slowdive, the song blends hazy, cinematic textures with Meg Jones’ longing vocals, evoking a sense of both nostalgia and restless ambition. Inspired by her teenage years in rural Shropshire, Jones channels the feeling of being trapped — geographically and emotionally — yearning for something just out of reach. Musically, the band’s influences shine through — hints of Cocteau Twins and The Cure meld with the modern, immersive soundscapes of Wolf Alice and Just Mustard. With a growing live presence and a reputation for crafting hypnotic, deeply felt songs, Night Swimming are proving themselves to be dream-pop’s next essential act. (Gemma Cockrell)

Dublin indie rockers Search Results may be the latest in a long line of hot prospects birthed by the city in recent years, but, rather than sounding like mere imitators, they’ve already found their own distinctive humourous style. Packing a whole lot of power into a sub-two minute track, latest cut ​‘Be Laurel’ points to a group owning its influences to create something excitingly quirky. (Chris Connor) 

Midnight Rodeo are back with news of ​‘Chaos Era’, their impending debut LP, and leading the charge on this new chapter is ​‘Dixon’ — a hypnotic, groove-heavy single that encapsulates the band’s signature blend of jangly guitars, swirling synths, and the ethereal vocals of frontwoman Maddy Chamberlain. Rooted in Nottingham’s thriving live scene, the five-piece has steadily built a reputation for intoxicating psych-pop anthems, and ​‘Dixon’ is a testament to their ability to merge cinematic storytelling with irresistible rhythms; here, our protagonist — a washed-up drifter haunted by past choices — drifts through the track’s rich sonic landscape. Mixed by Grammy-winner Claudius Mittendorfer (Parquet Courts, Sorry) and mastered by John Webber (David Bowie, Ash), ​‘Chaos Era’ promises to be a kaleidoscopic dive into Midnight Rodeo’s world. (Gemma Cockrell)

The final single from their self-titled debut EP, ​‘Work Dog’ is Shale​’s anthem for the overworked. Here, Samuel Hale’s lyrics seep with wittiness, but are anchored by a frustration that’s only born of complete burnout and exhaustion. All that being said, ​‘Work Dog’ is the oppostie of tiring, as Austin Critcher’s sprightly lead guitar marries perfectly with Elliot Gray’s cowbell solo, making the instrumental effortlessly enjoyable. It’s the chorus that shines the brightest though, performed with an aggressive punch that will knock the melody around your head for weeks to come. (Peter Martin)

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Alien Chicks, Listen, Mei Semones, Midnight Rodeo, Night Swimming, Search Results, Shale, Watch, Y