Balming Tiger, courtesy.

In this week’s installment, we have explosive hardcore from Incendiary, an electric jazz-dancehall fusion from Michaël Brun, emotional alt-rock from Balance and Composure, a genre-defying ballad from d4vd, South-Korean alt-rock from Balming Tiger and sunny lo-fi rock from Vacations.

Incendiary, “Echo of Nothing” — Veteran New York hardcore group Incendiary shares a new politically charged track off its upcoming project, Change The Way You Think About Pain, out May 29. The band uses its signature violent riffs and pounding drumming to share an important message. Historically, hardcore music has always incorporated social and political messages behind aggressive punk rock. This track sticks to those roots with insightful lyrics that call for a look at the mistreatment faced by migrants searching for relief alongside an angry and energized instrumental. It’s a brutal track that will make you want to take action the moment you listen.

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Michaël Brun featuring Masego, Jozzy and Bayka, “Charge It” — If you happened to be at Coachella this past weekend, you might’ve caught the singer of this Caribbean dance track’s set while killing time between stages. Born in Haiti, Michaël Brun clearly mixes his culture into his unique style of dancehall and R&B that you can hear on “Charge It.” Featuring a repeated chorus, an infectious drum-and-bass line and the smooth saxophone skills of Masego, this song blends jazz and dancehall just right. The video, filmed in Jamaica, is equally vibrant and depicts Brun’s colorful and energetic sound. Released at the perfect time, it’s the kind of song I’m sure I’ll hear being played by DJs all summer long.

Balance and Composure, “Savior Mode” — After not releasing new music for five years, Pennsylvania alt-rock group Balance and Composure finally welcomes a new chapter in its journey. Frontman Jon Simmons opens “Savior Mode” by singing, “To the great unknown before you hit the road, have you searched within?” It’ll prompt you to do some soul-searching. This vulnerable track describes the feeling of having to hide your feelings in order to keep someone else happy, knowing they will be gone soon. It immediately explodes with hazy guitars, keeping a steady tempo for most of the song, slowing down just before the end for a painful breakdown by Simmons. It’s true to the band’s discography; fresh enough to please fans who’ve waited long while inviting first-time listeners to Balance and Composure’s new era.

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d4vd, “Sleep Well” — Whether you hate it or love it, TikTok has undoubtedly launched the music careers of many talented musicians. And d4vd is a perfect example. At just 18, the breakout genre-bending singer has amassed a significant following after “Romantic Homicide” went viral, and he’s consistently provided fans with new music. With his upcoming debut EP,  Petals to Thorns, out May 26, d4vd shares the first single of the project with “Sleep Well.” Featuring heart-piercing lyrics and stripped-down vocals alongside a melancholic melody, it’s a beautiful song for the lovesick. Images of d4vd and his romantic interest in the video flow one after the other under celestial lighting, creating an ethereal montage of teenage love.

Balming Tiger, “SOS” — South Korea has been a hub for amazing, genre-bending acts in the last few years. Balming Tiger is just one example of the country’s lively alternative rock scene that’s often overlooked due to the global popularization of K-pop. Singing in both English and Korean, Balming Tiger fuses psychedelic rock with hip-hop in this group-defining track. It’s the third single from their debut album, out this summer, which features a collaboration with RM of BTS. The video is directed by member Jan’ Qui and inspired by Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai, and was filmed in that bustling city. It’s is a perfect introduction to who Balming Tiger is if you’re listening to the band for the first time.

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Vacations, “Next Exit” — With this uplifting tune, its first in three years, Australian band Vacations makes its return. “Next Exit” is a breezy tune packed with surf rock guitars and angsty lyrics about feeling stuck in a loop. From the beginning of the song, Vacations take you on a whirlwind journey of trying to break free from stagnancy. It encompasses all of the sounds for which Vacations are known, including woozy guitar lines and pop vocals.

Italie’s pick: My favorite has to be Balming Tiger’s “SOS.” It’s something different and I’m really enjoying what South Korea is bringing to music lately. The video especially caught my attention, and as a fan of Wong Kar-Wai’s films, I appreciate the art direction.

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