This week, we get new music from the 1975, Alvvays and from Redcar (fka Christine and the Queens). Meanwhile, The Mars Volta release their first new song in 10 years, and Killer Mike drops his first solo project in 10 years. Plus, discover the sound of Minnesota artist Dark Bunny.

The 1975, “Part of the Band”

U.K. band The 1975 have a fifth album out in the fall called Being Funny in a Foreign Language. "Part of the Band" channels a combination of Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen with a repetitive "my my my" and showing off some impressive rhymes. 

The song releases Thursday, July 7, at 1 p.m. CDT; set a reminder below to watch the video when it goes live.

The Mars Volta, “Blacklight Shine”

The first song in 10 years from The Mars Volta, "Blacklight Shine" brings in some tropicalia-infused drums with the band’s prog-rock sounds. Mars Volta vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala described the lyrics to “Blacklight Shine” in aptly poetic terms, saying they aim to capture the idea of “a wave of rolling blackouts washing memories onto shore, a heartbeat that still remembers everything.”

Killer Mike, “Run” feat. Young Thug

Bringing images of the storming of Normandy beach, Forrest Gump, and the focus on various ways to "Run," Killer Mike has released his first solo music in over 10 years. The Run The Jewels rapper's press release for the song states that the song "represents the Just against the tyrannical, Black people and allied people up in arms together rising against the Nazi-esque secessionists that want to take the country back into the confederacy." 

Alvvays, “Pharmacist”

A dreamy slipstream of a song, "Pharmacist," was released with the news that Canadian band Alvvays would be releasing a new album October 7 called Blue Rev. It's an album delayed by border closures, stolen demos, and a basement flood that nearly destroyed all of the band’s equipment. The songs reflect that strife with crunchy guitars, feedback, and fuzz.

Dark Bunny, “Overcast”

Dark Bunny’s single “Overcast” caught our ears with crafty production featuring a looped, thumpy drum pattern that’s supporting tasteful, in-and-out guitar and synth licks. Emily Youel’s voice is on brand with the delicate, sensitive singers of today’s indie music. Think Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, but with a fuzzier, more reverb-heavy band. Be on the lookout for upcoming performances at The Treasury on July 13 and at 7th Street Entry on July 29. - Diane, Host of The Current's Local Show 

Redcar, “Je te vois enfin”

Redcar is the new alias of Christine and the Queens, and he is teasing a new album, Redcar les adorables étoiles, out September 23. The mysterious and smoky dance jam, "Je te vois enfin" (I finally see you) is the first from the new record.

Playlist