Allysha Joy, courtesy Jess Brohier.

In this week’s edition of Tuesday Tracks, we’re jamming and moving with Allysha Joy, Isaac Dunbar and Kasbo, vibing with new downcast tunes by Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Mui Zyu, and rocking out to some Southern grunge by The Georgia Thunderbolts.

Mui Zyu, “the rules of what an earthling can be” — Mui Zyu is all about questioning reality in a way that’s mystical and transcending. As with her first single, “sparky,” from her upcoming sophomore album, Nothing or something to die for, the London artist opens a portal to a new universe. With hazy vocals and addictive beep-bop beats, “the rules of what an earthling can be” is an extraterrestrial track with extensional lyrics and even trippier visuals.

***

Rainbow Kitten Surprise, “SVO” — RKS is a back with a cool upbeat anthem that offers a perfect blend of pop and rock. “SVO” is the fourth single from their first album since 2018’s How To: Friend, Love, Freefall; Love Hate Music Box is due out on May 10. Lead vocalist and songwriter Ela Melo reportedly experienced writer’s block due to mental health issues during the break. Now in a happier and healthier creative space with “SVO,” Rainbow Kitten Surprise reminds listeners of its range in bending genres and exploring life and relationship complexities.

The Georgia Thunderbolts, “Stand Up” — That 13-second intro of rolling bass deserves its own standing ovation. “Stand Up” is a hit of bluesy Southern grunge that took me by surprise with its high energy and inspiring chorus. As a South African, American rock and roll isn’t something I hear often, and The Georgia Thunderbolts are a cool introduction. “I’m going to stand up high so I can never fall,” TJ Lyle roars. Uplifting lyrics, heavy guitar riffs and soaring vocals; it’s a 10 in my book. This single is from their sophomore album, Rise Above It All, out on Aug. 23.

***

Isaac Dunbar, “I Love To Dance” — The 21-year-old, who’s worked with the likes of Zach and Roger, gives off ’70s disco energy with a modern twist that sounds like a wild night out. From his new EP, Beep Beep Repeat, “I Love To Dance” is what I imagine Daft Punk and Jungle would sound like if they were Gen-Z and made a song together. “All the girls have gone home and someone’s glitter’s on my cheek/ All the girls have gone home but I’m the queen of the scene/ Yeah I love/ I love/ I love/I love to dance,” Dunbar sings. This bop reminds me of my university days, when I’d leave the club past midnight with a crazy story.

Kasbo, “Resenären” — “Resenären” (Swedish for “traveler”) is a six-minute EDM bop that explores a calmer, laidback side of Kasbo. Like prior single “Drift,” from his upcoming album, The Learning of Urgency, this new song shows him slowing down, appreciating stillness and taking life in. The psychedelic vocals and transfiguring tempo centers this new perspective, where the build-up at the end feels like coming up for air.

***

Allysha Joy, “Stay” — If Sade, Nina Simone and Cleo Sol made a song together, I imagine it would sound like “Stay.” It’s soulful and poetic, and the husky vocals makes the song even better. The choral vocals as the song builds, paired with soft percussion and bass lines creates a calming harmony that also gives off a jazzy soulful energy. Allysha Joy is known for her beautiful lyricism and musical composition, and “Stay” is a perfect example.

Dumi’s pick: The voice of Allysha Joy alone had me from her first words. When the backing vocals joined in, it created this beautiful, spiritual energy that was warm and fulfilling to my soul.

Follow Dumisani Mnisi at Twitter.com/nairobi_1899 and Instagram.com/nairobi_1899.