North Star Union has released "Echoes of decay", a slice of melodic heavy metal that feels less like a standard studio tracking and more like something dug out of the permafrost. There is a curious quality to Icelandic composer Myrmann’s work here; because he handles all the instrumentation and composition himself at Midgard Studio, the track possesses a singular, frighteningly cohesive nervous system. It...

The Nigerian Afrobeat artist Froshdada turns vintage rhythm, street confidence, and club heat into a single that hits fast and stays loud. "GAGA" comes in with the kind of confidence that makes you check your speakers first, then your shoulders second. Froshdada is not easing anyone into the groove. He arrives with Lagos energy already switched on, the bass moving like a crowded Friday night, the...