Features Tracks: Katy B, Darkside, FKA Twigs & More

We’ve just about reached the weekend, which means it’s time for your regular dose of Tracks. DIY scribes have whittled down some of the finest new songs - in what’s been a pretty hectic week - and penned some doting words about just how bloody good they are. This week’s batch involves a fair few new names battling it out with more esteemed customers, returning with some much-welcomed new songs. Enjoy:

Katy B – 5am

After last year’s ‘Danger’ EP came crammed with brilliant guest-spots, Katy B’s back to being solo. Smouldering lead single ‘What Love Is Made Of’ hinted that her second album would pick up where her debut left off. New single ‘5AM’ completely confirms the fact. It details a night out and its messy aftermath; the realisation of still being out when the sun is about to rise. Starting off with a celestial synth loop, it’s phased out for a darker, club-worthy beat as Katy realises she’s alone and wants “a little loving like valium”. Where you’d expect a predictable dubstep breakdown, instead Katy’s voice skips with robotic charm. Evolving from the more dubstep-leaning days of ‘Katy On A Mission’, ‘5AM’ is Katy gone full-blown pop - it suits her incredibly well. [Aurora Mitchell]

Cass McCombs – Brighter! (featuring Karen Black)

As far as tributes go, ‘Brighter!’ is as special as they come. Cass McCombs added the song to his website this week, with the accompanying text, “Dedicated to the memory of Karen Black”. Sadly, the actress and singer passed away in August, but luckily she left behind her contribution to this striking song. Black’s voice is haunting and beautiful in equal measure, as it sways over Cass’ typically gorgeous instrumentation. The enigmatic singer’s on his way to finally gaining the attention he thoroughly deserves with the release of ‘Big Wheel and Others’. One thing’s for sure, too: this is another bright moment to add to Karen Black’s celebrated career. [Samuel Cornforth]

Darkside - Paper Trails

Nicolas Jaar’s a talented guy, certainly. It’s a fact that’s likely to be printed in school textbooks, eventually. But for the time being he’s still one solo album in and about to prove his worth with this new Darkside record. If collaborating with Dave Harrington is just a ‘fun’ extra outing for Jaar, ‘Paper Trails’ is the sound of ‘messing around’ finding extraordinary form. This preview of the ‘Psychic’ album plays out like a newly-coined introduction to ‘minimal blues’, a Jaar-endorsed genre that’s about to take innocuous house parties by storm. Every guitar note muted, every beat precise, this is exactitude at its soulful, cutting finest. [Jamie Milton]

Paeris Giles – Ava

When you’re the drummer in numerous awesome projects (YRRS, Bayy, The Magic Gang, Home School), it would be understandable to be pigeonholed to that specific instrument. With Paeris Giles, however, you’d be completely wrong for doing so. With ‘Ava’, a track about porn star Ava Devine, Giles proves that he has the abilities to write quirky slacker-pop just as good as his buddies. ‘Ava’ shines with groovy, semi-tonal chord movements; creating an interesting psychedelic shuffle, which compliments the yearning for his smutty angel perfectly. There’s also the inclusion of a porno sample, which leaves you wondering when the cable guy is going to enter the scene, and if he is actually going to fix the cable. Regardless, this is the type of song that will leave you craving the summer just passed, and wishing there was just one more evening of drinking beers on the beach. [Michael-James Dent]

FKA Twigs – Papi Pacify

Twigs may have gotten a name change but as FKA Twigs, Tahliah Barnett’s music has ended up becoming even more striking. It’s not only her music that’s evolved but also the visuals that arrive in tandem. The bug-eyed video for ‘Water Me’ was just as eerie as the music that accompanied it and the same can be said for new track ‘Papi Pacify’. A gloomy trip-hop beat courtesy of Arca compliments Barnett’s haunting effects. She pleads softly “tell me you’re the one that I can call” leaving a pause before continuing; “even if you choke”. Right up to the gripping, purposefully uncomfortable video that comes alongside it, there’s an air of mystery to FKA Twigs’ music and visuals that’s ever present here. [Aurora Mitchell]

Travis Bretzer - Low Volt

Travis Bretzer is a jingle maker for his local radio station by trade. It’s no surprise then, to learn that he possesses a certain knack for tapping out catchy choruses, illustrated by ‘Low Volt’. When you throw in his beaming grin and humorous kicks you’ve landed on the perfect mould for a new slacker king. His new single is off-kilter pop at its finest, guitars jangling along buoyantly. Soon to be his local radio station’s loss and the world’s gain. [Samuel Cornforth]