Barney Bones, courtesy.

This week we have electrifying alt-rock from Tigercub, dreamy tropical pop from Summer Salt, a ballad by singer-songwriter Jane., nostalgia-inducing pop-punk from Texas King, spacey hip-hop from Barney Bones and an R&B heartbreak anthem from Araya.

Tigercub, “Play My Favorite Song” – We’re starting off strong with an intense, guitar-heavy track from Brighton, U.K. trio Tigercub, ahead of its anticipated EP, The Perfume of Decay, out June 2. If you’re looking for a new song to add to your gym playlist or something to listen to when you want to blow off some steam, this is exactly the tune you need. Any music lover will appreciate the song’s message, as it’s an ode to music’s power of relieving negative thoughts or filling the empty space in our minds. Frontman Jamie Hall reflects this idea by singing, “Play my favorite song ’cause silence makes me feel low.”

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Summer Salt, “Campanita” – As we finish up these last few weeks of winter, you can spring forward with Summer Salt’s “Campanita.” Although this song has a happy, uplifting tropical pop sound that fools you into feeling cheery, the lyrics hold a completely different emotion. Dedicated to singer-guitarist Matthew Terry’s late sister, Madeleine, whose nickname was Campanita, and their cousin Angelina, who passed away in January 2021, the words are a heartfelt and joyous tribute to lost loved ones. This breezy track reminds me that at times, it’s better to celebrate the life of friends who’ve passed on and spread the positivity and joy that they possessed. The song will be on the Austin, Texas duo’s album of the same name, out on May 19.

Jane., “Dreaming” – For those days when you feel like sulking with a soundtrack beside your emotions, “Dreaming” by singer-songwriter Jane. is a pensive, soul-stirring track that’s charged by an intense electronic beat and honeyed vocals, paired with melodic piano keys. “I don’t know what to believe,” Jane. sings. “Does anyone still have faith in something?” If these lyrics are any indicator, you can expect to be taken on a journey of hope that offers a place of refuge from the issues we face every day. Jane. is set to release an EP, Celeste, on March 31.

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Texas King, “Whatever You Break” – Texas King reminds me of ’90s pop-punk on this song, with strong guitar riffs, powerful drumming and an echoed chorus with layered vocals. It details the struggle of navigating toxic cycles with friends, family and lovers, and attempting to set strong boundaries despite the constant pushback. Texas King acknowledges that it’s easy to get sucked back into a not-so-healthy relationship of any kind because we still care about these people, but empowers us to draw the line, singing “Whatever you say, I’m not believing and it’s not gonna change my mind.”

Barney Bones, “Lifeline” – Grammy-nominated Compton native Barney Bones gives us a new bouncy hip-hop track to groove to this week. A previous collaborator with house and hip-hop producer and rapper Channel Tres, Barney Bones brings a similar vibe to this track. It features a balanced cadence, hard-hitting percussion and smooth synths. This track is the perfect representation of today’s South L.A. hip-hop and is a clear indicator of his influences. Compton has birthed many great hip-hop legends like Kendrick Lamar and Eazy-E, but Barney Bones displays a new generation that experiments with nontraditional sounds and melodies.

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Araya, “Poison” – Last but definitely not least, we have a brand new track from genre-bending Thai Chilean artist Araya. Taking from alternative R&B, electronic, hip-hop and soul music, Araya perfectly blends these genres on “Poison,” a heartbreak ballad that details the pain of wanting someone who isn’t right for you. It starts off with a slow piano melody and Araya’s intimate vocals, erupting into a strong bass drop and percussion, imitating what it might feel like to have your heart battered by the one you love. “I’m so good at going back to you, I know I’m crazy,” Araya sings. His upcoming EP, ARENA, is due in April.

Italie’s pick: My personal favorite song is “Lifeline” by Barney Bones. It makes me look forward to the upcoming warm weather and I can imagine myself playing this track while sitting outside, going on a drive or hanging out with friends. It’s chill, has crisp production and features a great beat that makes you sway back and forth just a little bit.

Follow Italie Penaloza at Instagram.com/italiepnlza.