THIS week has brought another lot of riches in the new music department from a host of acts, both old and new. Featuring new excerpts from exciting local acts like Man of Moon and Fiendz, we’ve also seen artists like Lizzo and Foals assert their authority ahead of their upcoming albums. Also look out for a surprising new cover from Biffy Clyro.

Man Of Moon ‘Skin’

After years of toil in the studio and biding their time to hone their sound, Man Of Moon have re-emerged multidimensional and more visceral than ever. Mere weeks since they ushered in their return with ‘Ride The Waves’, Chris Bainbridge and Mikey Reid have wasted little time in depicting just how far they’ve came since their self-imposed intermission from the spotlight.

Bred from equal parts slinking sonic depravity of the ilk that would make Suicide’s Alan Vega or Trent Reznor take notice and the intersection between post-punk and dance music that made superstars of James Murphy’s LCD Soundsystem, ‘Skin’ is anything but a passive listen. Ominous and cloaked in a lingering sense of menace, Bainbridge’s  emotionless tone on its mantra-like chorus and the steady build of its layered synths and rhythms gives the track a  ritualistic ambience that beckons you in further and further as the track progresses. A diametric shift from “Ride The Wave”, their genre-bending audaciousness, songwriting chops and reluctance to be pigeonholed into the boundaries they’d once existed in is a trifecta that makes the prospect of their new EP a very enticing one to say the very least.

Foals ‘On the Luna’

Along with the exciting news that they will be embarking on a very small intimate UK tour that will see them play Edinburgh’s Liquid Rooms next month, Foals have dropped the second single from their upcoming new albums. And if we needed more evidence after ‘Exits’ that the band are in truly inspired form, then ‘On the Luna’ delivers that in bucketloads. Revisiting their quirky side with eighties-style synths and handclaps, the track is a bright, deliriously infectious number that recalls the band at their most dancefloor friendly (‘My Number’) with its lively riffs and feverish percussion.

Biffy Clyro ‘Modern Love’ (David Bowie cover) 

Biffy Clyro have shared a recorded version of their David Bowie cover ‘Modern Love’, originally made for the Howard Stern Tribute to David Bowie, hosted by long-time collaborator Tony Visconti. Originally featured on the late star’s 1983 album ‘Let’s Dance’, the Scottish trio bring their own distinctive hard-rock flare to the tune in a way that recalls the days of Infinity Land. Simon Neil is completely unrestrained over a barrage of heavy riffs and thunderous percussion.

Fiendz ‘Tesco Elvis’

Launched last week in truly riotous fashion at Broadcast, Fiendz have unveiled their debut single ‘Tesco Elvis’. Recorded and mixed by Glasgow’s prolific duo Chris Marshall and Johnny Madden, the new outfit certainly make their presence known with the track; one which bears all the hallmarks of a thrillingly unrestrained and inspired punk anthem. And while many of their peers have attempted to re-create the sounds of their bygone punk heroes, there’s an authentic and contagious sense of anarchy that emanates from ‘Tesco Elvis’; one that roots itself in its dark, menacing basslines and fully unleashes through a raw, chaotic lead vocal. A band to watch out for.

Rex Orange County ‘New House’ 

Rex Orange County dropped by with his own surprise gift this Valentine’s Day by releasing a brand new track called ‘New House’. One of the first pieces of solo material we’ve heard from the British artist since his 2017 breakthrough album Apricot Princess, ‘New House’ is a heartfelt, piano-led number that finds him reflecting on his life over the past year. Bringing shades of Frank Ocean to his introspective and blossoming R&B sound, it’s the return of those velvety smooth, super-sweet vocals that pleases the most though aswell as those painfully real-world lyrics.

Julia Jacklin ‘Comfort’ 

With every exceptional preview track so far, Julia Jacklin has successfully upped the anticipation ahead of her second album Crushing. The singer-songwriter has struck gold once again with this touching new single called ‘Comfort’; a poignant piece of songwriting that finds her reflecting on a past relationship, delivered so beautifully by that deeply evocative yet subtle vocal.

Lizzo ‘Cuz I Love You’ 

Another artist getting in the Valentine’s spirit this week is Lizzo who dropped the title track of her upcoming album ‘Cuz I Love You’. After blowing us away with the deliriously infectious and funk-laden sounds of ‘Juice’, this latest track is a stunningly soulful big-band effort that showcases Lizzo’s incredible vocal prowess. Laying her feelings bare in empowering fashion, the fact that this song was reportedly written in under ten minutes underlines her insatiable talents. With a debut album on the way, it looks like 2019 could be the year that Lizzo gets the attention she so rightfully deserves.

Catfish & the Bottlemen ‘Fluctuate’

Premiered on Zane Lowe’s Beat 1 show this week, Catfish & the Bottlemen have dropped the latest excerpt from their upcoming third album The Balance. Described by Van McCann as one of the “heaviest” things they’ve done to date, ‘Fluctuate’ was first aired during last year’s festival season and has already lodged itself as a firm fan favourite. Propelled by pounding drums and meteoric riffs, it’s another massive anthem from the outfit that gives their quintessential arena-rock sound an even darker edge.