new songs august 7
[Photos via Chika, Yours Truly]

AP&R Playlist: Murky hard rock, relaxing indie and raging post-hardcore

You’re welcome: We’ve made finding new songs by rising bands easy. Each week, we’re gathering the best from the underground and offering it to you in one concise list. Scroll below and check out our Spotify Discover playlist, featuring these tracks and more!

In return, we want to hear your favorite. Let us know which track you’ll be spinning for the rest of the weekend in the comments!

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CHIKA – “U Should”

For fans of: Ari Lennox, Mereba, Noname

Rising rapper CHIKA drops the perfect summer relaxation track with U Should.” The song starts with laid-back guitar pickings before the rapper comes in with a soothing melody, quickly transitioning to a fast-paced verse. CHIKA changes from singing to rapping with ease, creating a track that makes the listener feel like they are on the most chill roller coaster floating through the clouds.

Yours Truly – “Undersize”

For fans of: Sleep On It, Between You & Me, Broadside 

Australian pop-punk four-piece Yours Truly share a heartwarming, bouncy track with “Undersize.” A rocking melody encompasses soothing acoustic guitars as lead vocalist Mikaila Delgado sings sweet melodies. “Undersize” was written for a friend of the singer to let them know they aren’t alone. “While watching them navigate their life through all the ups, downs and obstacles life throws at them, I wrote this just to let them know that I’m here for them through all of that,” Delgado says. The song will be featured on the band’s upcoming debut album, Self Care, out Sept. 18 via UNFD.

Execution Day – “Lost At Sea (Castaway)”

For fans of: We Came As Romans, Outline In Color, I Prevail

Taking contemporary metalcore and combining it with slick choruses and heavy breakdowns, Execution Day unleash emotional honesty in “Lost At Sea (Castaway).” Tight hooks and captivating screams complement intricate guitar riffs and punishing drum hits. The track is included on the quartet’s latest EP, Illusions, which features Ice Nine Kills’ Justin deBlieck on “Anti-Venom.” 

GHØSTKID – “Start A Fight”

For fans of: Bring Me The Horizon, Motionless In White, Chelsea Grin

Need a song to get you up in the morning? “Start A Fight” from German hardcore outfit GHØSTKID will get you moving with arms swinging. The track boasts aggressive screams, raging riffs and a moving groove fit for an all-out brawl. “Start A Fight” will appear on the band’s upcoming self-titled album, scheduled for release this November via Century Media

LUNA AURA – “HONEY”

For fans of: RIVALS, Bones UK, Saint Agnes

LUNA AURA’s vocals are as sweet as “HONEY” in her latest release. The singer dishes out cheeky lyrics with an empowering twist accompanied by grunge-loaded guitar riffs and a deep bass. The track is a reminder to those who look down on others—just because someone seems shy and keeps to themselves doesn’t mean they can’t control the world. The new single will be included on her upcoming EP produced by JT Daly (Paper Route, K.Flay), THREE CHEERS FOR THE AMERICAN BEAUTY, which drops Oct. 2 and is available to presave here

Happy. – “Cure For Wellness”

For fans of: blink-182, Calling All Captains, Driveways  

Rock trio Happy. mix the lighthearted vibe of pop with heart-wrenching honesty in their latest single, A Cure For Wellness.” The song was used as an outlet for singer/guitarist Tate Logan to share the story of someone he cared about who was struggling with addiction. “It describes the anger, frustration and resentment that I felt in the beginning,” he shares. “[It] was an outlet for me surrounding the lies and manipulations that occurred during the darkest moments of the addiction.” The track will be included on their upcoming LP, Imposter Syndrome, out Oct. 30 and is available to preorder via Rude Records.

Eastwood – “False Start” (feat. Nathan Hardy)

For fans of: Fiddlehead, Absence Of Mine, Muted Color

Cole Crutchfield’s (Knocked Loose) latest indie side project Eastwood shared two new singles, including the easygoing “False Start.” The track features Microwave’s Nathan Hardy and includes feel-good riffs and echoing vocals. The song, along with partner release “Two Story Window,” will be included on their upcoming album, It Never Gets Easy, which drops Sept. 18 via Pure Noise Records. Crutchfield says it will be a drastic change from what Knocked Loose fans would expect, but it’s one he welcomes. “I think that people might be caught off guard by this album, and I hope they are,” he says. “I want to smash that cliché that if you’re into death metal or hardcore, you can’t play or listen to other kinds of music.”

Narrow Head – “Hard To Swallow”

For fans of: Superheaven, Smashing Pumpkins, Sick Puppies

Narrow Head deliver raw attitude meshed with dark guitar riffs and harsh screams in “Hard To Swallow.” The band took note from groups such as Helmet and Bad Brains for the track. Wanting to honor their roots, the hard-rock five-piece share ear-catching melodies paired with a backtrack good enough to mosh to. “Hard To Swallow” will be featured on their upcoming album, 12th House Rock, due out Aug. 28 via Run For Cover

Low Float – “Here Before” (feat. Jeen)

For fans of: FINNEAS, Wallows, Dayglow

Driven by a rolling bassline, Low Float showcases warm vocals paired with a relaxing rhythm in “Low Float.” The song is a reflection during a “weird spot” in the artist’s life and serves as a reminder to not take himself too seriously. The track is the first single off Low Float’s upcoming album, For Your Dreams, which drops Sept. 18.

LØLØ – “Hate U”

For fans of: Wens, Liz Lokre, BRDGS

Bedroom-pop vocalist LØLØ introduces an upbeat breakup anthem with the catchy “Hate U.” The song utilizes bright pop synths and a quick tempo to create memorable beats and striking harmonies. Beginning with a single electric guitar, the singer deals out candid lyrics about how someone can feel post-relationship. “There’s nothing worse than trying to ignore those feelings, especially when you’ve fallen for someone you’re not supposed to fall for,” she says. “‘Hate U’ is the anthem for all us sorry suckers that never end up getting what we want.The track is off the singer’s upcoming EP, Permanent Damage, out later this year.