Vagabon, M83 and Shalom are our tracks of the week

Welcome to Sound Station, where we’re highlighting the best new tracks that came out this week. Head into the weekend with songs from Vagabon, M83 and more.

Vagabon teams up with Rostam for a lovely indie-pop single

Brooklyn-based singer Lætitia Tamko, who performs as Vagabon, is back with her first solo single since her 2019 self-titled debut. This time around, she teamed up with indie-pop aficionado Rostam, who’s worked with the likes of Charli XCX, Clairo, and HAIM, since departing Vampire Weekend. Together, they make indie-pop magic with an airy track featuring effervescent drum machines. As she sings about finding personal growth and a new perspective, we can’t help but get excited for whatever else is next for the artist and her glistening new sound. —Sadie Bell

M83 “Oceans Niagra” is a transcendental trip through the glory of the ‘80s

French synth-pop trailblazers M83’s latest single “Oceans Niagra” is giving serious Saturdays = Youth vibes with its transcendental ‘80s-inflected soundscapes, which is a treat in and of itself. While “Oceans Niagra” may not feature the inescapable hooks of their 2011 breakout hit “Midnight City,” it relies on the power of constantly building tension, restraint, and room for lush sonic climaxes that convey emotion, even in the absence of lyrics. “Oceans Niagra” manages to fit multiple genre elements ranging from shoegaze, dream pop, and, of course, retro electronica into the four-and-a-half minute track where every new addition feels like an intentional brush stroke to complete a complex work of art. —Alessandro DeCaro

Shalom’s “Happenstance” is an indie-dance anthem for outsiders

Shalom is trying to find her place in the world. Overtop a mesmeric groove on her new single “Happenstance” — off her debut LP, Sublimation, out March 10 via Saddle Creek — the Brooklyn artist makes one thing clear: “I’m waiting for the day that I can finally walk away from all this bullshit.” Throughout its three minutes, Shalom becomes torn between wanting to disappear completely and receiving acceptance from her peers (complemented by a powerful video that sees her existing in two different worlds). —Neville Hardman

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness’ “Lying On The Hood Of Your Car” is a love letter to the daydreamer within

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness’ latest single “Lying On The Hood Of Your Car” is unapologetically nostalgic to convey the all too familiar moments of our youth spent daydreaming about the possibility of a bright future that lies ahead. The lyrics immediately evoke memories of the iconic scene from the 1992 classic comedy Wayne’s World, where best friends Wayne and Garth sit atop a car near the airport tarmac while fantasizing about the excitement of young love and leaving their small town to chase the open road — both of which are subtly referenced in the song itself. McMahon, who has had quite the diverse musical career, further leans into the synth-driven, alt-radio sound that he has been exploring over the years to brilliant results. —Alessandro DeCaro

One Step Closer’s “Turn To Me” is a homesick anthem for road dogs

Melodic-hardcore unit One Step Closer have always been open about the impact fellow Wilkes-Barre, PA natives Title Fight had on the young band from the start. Beyond performing Title Fight’s classic track “Crescent Shape Depression” at the 2022 Sound and Fury Festival, One Step Closer are channeling the legendary band’s influence yet again on “Turn To Me,” the second track from their reflective new EP, Songs for the Willow. Frontman Ryan Savitski wrestles with the passing of time and absence from major life milestones as a result of his hectic touring cycle, themes that represent Songs for the Willow as a whole. “Turn To Me” possesses the catchiest chorus the band has written thus far — and we can’t wait to see where they head next. —Alessandro DeCaro

M(h)aol’s “Therapy” proves the band need to be on your radar ASAP

This week, the Irish band M(h)aol (which is pronounced “male”) announced that their debut album, Attachment Styles, is due out Feb. 3 and shared the single “Therapy.” The post-punk band have been catching the attention of critics and energizing fans with their politically charged music for a while now, but “Therapy” should be more than enough to get you into the band if you weren’t already familiar. While the guitars will get you into a groove, vocalist Róisín Nic Ghearailt’s brazen delivery is enough to stop you in your tracks, as she sings about somebody being the reason one is in therapy. “You know you really fucked me up, but I don’t think that you care,” she sings, and, boy, does it sting. —Sadie Bell

Slow Fiction’s “In the distance, where it doesn’t matter” will transport you to NYC’s ‘00s indie scene

It feels like a certain energy has started fueling the New York music scene with the return of live music and rising crop of bands in the past few years — in many ways, rivaling the early ‘00s scene. Slow Fiction are one of the latest additions to the scene, and their sound calls back that iconic aughts era. On their latest single, “In the distance, where it doesn’t matter,” singer Julia Vassallo even mirrors Karen O’s melodic snarl. Let their garage-rock guitars and the song’s enthralling crescendo give you a sense of catharsis (and even make you dance). —Sadie Bell

Jessie Murph gets trapped in a toxic cycle on “About You”

It’s hard to believe that Jessie Murph is only 18, as the singer possesses a confidence and directness that belies her young age. With new single “About You,” off her forthcoming debut mixtape, drowning, Murph shows an even more vulnerable side to her blooming artistry. She captures a story of a vengeful toxic cycle in under three minutes, singing of a doomed and fractured relationship that’ll have an all-too-familiar sting for some. —Neville Hardman