This week’s music selections are a diverse mix of sounds that have caught our attention. We’re diving into a collection of tracks without sticking to any single genre or theme, other than the fact that we’re genuinely excited about each of these songs. While we often aim to group similar artists together, we recognize that most music enthusiasts, much like ourselves, appreciate a wide spectrum of genres. If you’re anything like us, you likely find something to enjoy in almost every musical style. We’ve noticed that many people’s musical tastes overlap in surprising ways, and that’s part of the fun of sharing our weekly favorites. We’re excited to present our top tracks of the week, hoping you might discover some new artists to love. You might even find yourself gravitating towards our individual tastes as we continue to share these weekly selections. While there’s definitely a shared appreciation for certain genres, especially in hip-hop and emotive indie rock, there are also distinct differences in our personal preferences. There’s music that one of us might find a bit too “Elvish chants in the woods,” while the other might find some selections reminiscent of “Michael Caine listened to in Children of Men.” However, we both recognize quality music, even when it falls outside our immediate personal favorites. So, without further ado, here are this week’s standout tracks, kicking off with a vibrant offering from Spragga Benz.
Spragga Benz – “Spread Out”
It’s hard to deny that Spragga Benz’s “Spread Out” is a standout choice this week. The track is essentially a mini-film set to incredibly captivating music. The video perfectly embodies the song’s vibe, from the hookah scenes and set designs to the lighting, creating a truly immersive experience. It’s almost impossible to listen to this track a few times without finding yourself dancing around the two-minute mark when the beat drops with those incredible synths. This song has a genuine summer anthem feel and we could easily see it gaining traction on mainstream radio.
Alt text: Spragga Benz “Spread Out” music video still featuring hookahs and vibrant set lighting, capturing the song’s summer vibe.
Bio: “Spread Out,” Spragga Benz’s debut single, is part of a larger project showcasing a fresh sound for the artist. The track opens with Spragga’s whisper, “when di gyal dem hear di voice dem ah jump an Spread Out,” and its club premiere last weekend garnered significant critical acclaim. Spragga has been working extensively in the UK on his “Chiliagon” project, collaborating with a diverse range of British artists including Rodney P, Harry Shotta, Doc Brown, Toddla T, Illaman, Killa P, and Black Josh. The project also features production from Zed Bias, Sukh Knight, Cadenza, and of course, Hype and Fever.
Daylight Tone – “Way Up”
Is it obvious that hip-hop is on our minds this week? Summer definitely brings out our hip-hop inclinations. Several elements make Daylight Tone’s “Way Up” particularly noteworthy. Firstly, the production quality is exceptional. Secondly, the lyrics carry a strong sense of positivity. While acknowledging struggles, the core message seems to be about overcoming adversity and striving to make your “way up.” We also appreciate the song’s self-awareness, including a meta-reference to it being the “second verse.” It manages to be both intellectually engaging, with nods to Rick and Morty and Harry Potter, and grounded in reality, addressing the challenges of navigating life’s noise. It’s a truly well-rounded track with broad appeal, making it hard to imagine anyone not finding something to connect with.
Alt text: Daylight Tone “Way Up” album art featuring the artist, promoting positive and uplifting hip hop music.
When describing his style, Daylight Tone succinctly puts it as: “this is rapping in reality.”
Cloud Daddy & The Kingston Big Smokes – “Two Things”
Time to shift gears and get a little trippy. If you’re a fan of artists like Animal Collective meets Massive Attack, Cloud Daddy & The Kingston Big Smokes are a must-listen. The reverb on the bass synth is particularly captivating, creating a deliberately disorienting echo effect, while the smooth vocals calmly guide you through the track. The lyrics are quite direct, outlining the speaker’s simple desires:
“All I want to do in this life, is suck on a bag (filled with weed). All I want to do in this life, is fall in love with you (endlessly). And suck on a bag
That’s all I need – weed bags, and you. As long as you’re there, and I’ve got a weed bag in my hand, everything’s sweet!”
It’s a sentiment many can probably relate to.
Alt text: Cloud Daddy and The Kingston Big Smokes band photo showcasing members with instruments, highlighting their experimental electronic music collaboration.
Bio: Cloud Daddy and the Kingston Big Smokes originated in a Sydney pizza kitchen as a collaboration between Galen Sultman (Gaelen) and Otto Reitano (CDAD). Their debut release, a double single featuring “Two Things” and “Elizabeth,” showcases a unique approach to experimental electronic music. Drawing from diverse influences, their sound combines layered acoustic and electronic drums, mantra-like vocals, techno-inspired synths, and a sense of wonder.
Pandaraps – “Defibrulators (Dream, Pt.1)”
Pandaraps’ “Defibrulators (Dream, Pt.1)” is a truly intriguing track. The production style reminds us of early Frank Ocean, while the vocal delivery has echoes of Hobo Johnson and spoken word artists. The song carries a strong message of empowerment, suggesting a shift from self-restraint to self-assertion. It also offers a thoughtful perspective on the nature of dreams:
“You ain’t got to chase your dream
you can chase those pretty things,
but in the end it won’t mean nothing,
but in the end it won’t mean nothing.”
The sincerity of this track is undeniable. Pandaraps, who identifies as a “queer SF based rapper” (as seen in their bio and album art), embraces their identity in a society with complex views on difference. The opening bars, featuring a shouted “queer,” highlight societal prejudice, which the track then counters with an eloquent and inspiring message of empowerment.
Alt text: Pandaraps “Defibrulators” album art with bold “Queer” text, representing empowerment and identity in their music.
Cagework – “Simmer”
Last but not least is Cagework with “Simmer.” This track marks a slight stylistic departure from the others, but it reflects our diverse genre tastes, moving from hip-hop and indie rock to grunge and emo influences (specifically, not the mid-2000s emo). “Simmer” sounds like it could have come straight out of the late 90s or early 2000s, reminiscent of bands like Pavement or Built to Spill. It strikes a perfect balance of grunge with distorted guitars and bass, alongside a classic Sunny Day Real Estate-style riff and beautifully executed vocals. If the breakdown at 2:45 doesn’t make you want to dance around your house, we might need to re-evaluate our musical compatibility.
Cagework Simmer Band Photo in Black and White
Alt text: Cagework “Simmer” band photo in black and white, showcasing their grunge and indie rock musical style.
Bio: Cagework began in Cornwall in 2016 as a recording project by frontman Samuel Bedford, while he was active in other bands. It became his primary focus after moving to London in 2017. Cagework has since evolved into a four-piece band, featuring James Luxton on drums, James Dyer on bass, and Michael Clark on guitar. Their blend of melodic indie rock and melancholic pop has drawn comparisons to artists like Built To Spill and Stephen Malkmus. Their debut single, “Simmer,” released in April 2018, received acclaim from Huw Stephens, Rough Trade, and So Young magazine.
