Listen Tracks: Miley Cyrus, The Cribs, The Japanese House and more

Known for her reinventions, Miley Cyrus is welcoming in her brand new era with 80s-infused pop smash ‘Midnight Sky’. Influenced by the likes of Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and Debbie Harry, the sleek new banger is yet another bold move for Miley. With a hugely infectious chorus and instantly danceable beat, the empowering new anthem proves just why Miley is one of pop’s best. In her own(ish) words, fucking banger. (Elly Watson)

There’s something immensely gratifying about a song that absolutely does not shit about with getting to the good stuff. And on The Cribs’ long-awaited comeback, the Jarmans waste barely a second before crashing in with the kind of air-punching power chords that hark back to any of the trio’s most ebullient, explosive career cuts. Ryan’s riffs ring out skywards; Gary’s vocals stretch to the limits of their familiar northern twang; Ross hammers on the skins like he trying to defeat an overly persistent enemy. There’s nothing particularly complicated about ‘Running Into You’, but there’s a certain type of hedonistic joy that The Cribs manage to wring out of every note that’s far rarer and more satisfying than any fancy bells and whistles. It’s a kind that’s kept them in the hearts of indie types for the best part of two decades now, and that means their return is at least one thing to be grateful to 2020 for. (Lisa Wright)

As soon as it was revealed that The Japanese House was recording her debut at the infamous April Base studio just outside of Eau Claire, it’s been hoped that a collaboration between Amber Bain and its owner would, at some point, emerge. Now, with the release of her new EP ‘Chewing Cotton Wool’, that wishful thinking has come good via ‘Dionne’, an open, percussive number featuring Justin Vernon. A song which seems to melt together the two’s musical personalities perfectly, there’s a boldness to the whole thing that adds an otherworldly edge. Unsurprisingly doused in autotune though it may be, both sets of vocals feel distinctive but manage to compliment each other perfectly in their narrative back-and-forth, and it’s a track that feels raw and liberating, even as it comes to its crashing, glitchy close. (Sarah Jamieson)

At their best, IDLES are many things: politically-charged; playful; capable of making you belly laugh and want to go on a protest at the same time. ‘Model Village’, as such, lands as easily their best teaser from forthcoming third album ‘Ultra Mono’ so far and, quite possibly, one of their finest overall to date. Broadly speaking, it’s a comment on the increasingly small-minded, conservative thinking that’s over-running the country (“He’s ‘not a racist but’ in the village…”). But it’s also sharp, funny, incendiary and often just on the right side of ridiculous – not least in the hollering lunatic voice, presumably of wildcard guitarist Mark Bowen, that whoops and yells sporadically to up the stir-crazy factor. Roll on LP3. (Lisa Wright)

Certified indie babe Will Joseph Cook announced brand new album ‘Something To Feel Good About’ earlier this week, unveiling the title track alongside, which fully delivers on the title’s promise. An upbeat indie sizzler full of sunny melodies and positive vibes, ‘Something To Feel Good About’ finds WJC back at his best. A perfect track to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside while the apocalypse rages on around us, Will’s latest is something we’re definitely feeling good about. (Elly Watson)

On one hand, Sufjan Stevens repeats, breathily, on a song which, let’s be honest, features quite a lot of repetition, “I don’t care if everybody else is into it.” It’s a statement which sits very well with the cult singer-songwriter’s often wilfully obtuse persona. On the other, stands viral dance sensation Jalaiah in the track’s video. A large knowing wink the whole shebang must definitely have. Musically, it’s a bop of the most subtle kind, a potential grower of an earworm (see again, the endless repetition) that in another universe could’ve been an early ’00s MTV2 pop-punk number, but here is sonically as light as a feather. (Emma Swann)

It’s an unfortunate time to be fined £10k for having an illegal rave because the latest from Manchester’s WMC is literally crying out for people to lose an important part of their brains somewhere in field (alright). All Haçienda vibes, glitching electronics and ’90s keys, you can practically see a sea of jaw-chewing bucket hat-wearers with every spiralling drum pad beat – and if that’s a somewhat dated image then it’s also one that fits. Working Men’s Club make dance music for the era of Es and whizz, for when Deadmau5 was just a thing you found making a horrible whiff behind the fridge. Pass us the baggy. (Lisa Wright)

Tags: Miley Cyrus, Listen, Features, Tracks