Brooklyn-based EXNATIONS return with their newest post-quarantine single, “Twin Flame,” and with it, enter into the solidly dance-pop realm. Vocalist Sal shared that with their prior release, “Love in the Time of Quarantine,” they were working to capture reality; now, so far into the pandemic-ridden year, “Twin Flame” channels more of an escape, and with lush production and evocative lyrics that transport the listener on a mental vacation, they definitely hit their mark. Weaving in the same energetic elements that make standout Young the Giant and Walk the Moon tracks great, as well as just a touch of more electronic acts like Hot Chip (big props to drummer Taylor here for these impossible-not-to-bop-to grooves), “Twin Flame” warms the listener up with a brilliantly catchy bass line and kicks off running, the chorus hitting like a celebration daydream. While temperatures drop and the country settles in for an even more isolated holiday season, transportive tracks like “Twin Flame” will keep that warmth of hope alive in our chests. Like the band’s slogan goes, “It’s sad, but we’re still dancing”; and we are, thanks to a perfect EXNATIONS track for every stage of this wild and wacky year. Photo by Adele Sakey.

Indie favorites JR JR, formerly known as Dale Earnhardt JR JR, have returned to the scene with new music after their self-titled LP back in 2015. The new single, “Clean Up” offers a look at the mind of someone coming to terms with their addictions and indulgences. The duo uses a throbbing bass line, simple plucked guitar and harmonies to illustrate the conflict that happens when one willfully chooses something that is bad for them. “Clean Up” brings JR JR to a more provocative realm, and one that we are excited to see more of in the upcoming album.

Henry Jamison is a storyteller at heart. It may be in his blood — his father, a classical composer, and his mother, an English professor — but Jamison is a writer and artist in his own right, evidenced by his debut album The Wilds (released October 27th). Beyond writing, recording and arranging the album all on his own, Jamison has a special ability to bring each track to life. Take his song, “The Wilds”: it’s instrumentally rich without being overbearing, letting Jamison’s narrative whisk you away. “The Wilds” sounds like an old-time American love story - unassuming and familiar, but nevertheless, still surprising.

Los Angeles genre-bending artist Moses Sumney released his gorgeous and ethereal debut album Aromanticism into the world this September. Sumney has made a big impression on artists like Solange and Sufjan Stevens for good reason. His infusion of soul and folk come together on this album in a way that leaves us begging for more. A prime example of this heavenly blend is found on the third song of the album, “Plastic.” A previous version of the song can be heard on the first season of Issa Rae’s HBO series, Insecure. This new version serves as one of the more simplistic songs on the album, featuring just a fingerpicked electric guitar, a synth and Sumney’s captivating voice. The hook of the song repeats the line “my wings are made of plastic,” each time sung in a slightly different way than it was before, continuing to imbue the phrase with new meaning. This song of vulnerability, self-awareness and secret-spilling is the kind that you can leave on repeat and get lost in for hours.