Clockwise from top left: Katie Malco, Discrepancies, Chelsea Williams, Ane Brun, Hockey Dad and Venomous Pinks.

Every week, there’s a plethora of new music at our fingertips.

Artists on platforms like Spotify and Bandcamp are plentiful, and the radio offers a steady deluge of new singles, but who has time to sort through all that? RIFF does!

We pooled our resources to find some of the best new singles from all genres and backgrounds, so you can find your newest earworm without all the drama. Enjoy this week’s hidden gems.

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Discrepancies, “Undertow” — This high-energy rock-rap track opens with slow piano phrases and electronic undertones, creating a dramatic atmosphere. However, the pace picks up as Addison Bracher’s heavy guitar, Garrett Weakley’s bass and Zach Allard’s drums develop the verses for Antonio Metcalf’s dominating hip-hop cadence. The musical style shifts into a Linkin-Park-like chorus as the St. Louis band grapples with themes of shaken confidence. The song uplifts the spirit and brings an encouraging message with the lines, “It’s never been about the fall/ It’s what happens when you get back up.”

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Ane Brun, “Feeling Like I Wanna Cry” — While the world faces an uncertain future amid the coronavirus pandemic, Ane Brun reminds us that a similar battle rages with regard to climate change. The song rises with uneven drumbeats lined with violin before Brun enters with her soft, desperate, yet strong vocal timbre. The mystical, synthetic beat echoes the sound of nature, mimicking the sound of gusty winds.

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Hockey Dad, “In This State” — Australian duo Hockey Dad immediately kicks into high gear with emphatic electric guitar and a groovy bass line for an intense pop or rock vibe. Guitarist and lead vocalist Zach Stevenson, helped by drummer Billy Fleming, brings just the right blend of mid-2000s punky pop, telling a breakup story with upbeat energy. The leadoff track on the duo’s latest album, Brain Candy, this powerhouse anthem is one to keep you dancing.

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Chelsea Williams, “Wasted” — Williams gives a bright and sunny twist to a broken relationship in this relatable track from her upcoming album, Beautiful and Strange. Opening with solo acoustic guitar strumming, the song gradually locks into a catchy groove with bursts of brassy bass and bouncy, clattering percussion. Williams’ lighthearted vocals carry a sweetness comparable to that of Colbie Caillet. Even as she talks about the drowning sensation brought on by a toxic relationship, she assures herself that “some days you just gotta scream.”

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Katie Malco, “Brooklyn”— Malco dedicates this number to one of her best friends, who moved to New York from the United Kingdom in pursuit of her life’s calling. With hand percussion, warm bass and earthy electric guitar, the mellow track creates a nostalgic feel. Malco recalls her beloved friend before she got on the plane, but fears a change in their relationship when she visits her in her new environment. Malco’s soft and demure vocal style touches the heart with a melancholy atmosphere. She sees her old friend “fading,” realizing she doesn’t know when her friend will “come back” to their hometown, if ever. The music video’s use of video call screen recordings hits close to home these days, when Zoom calls have all but replaced human interaction.

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The Venomous Pinks, “Todos Unidos” — The Arizona punk band, consisting of guitarist-vocalist Drea Doll, drummer Cassie Jalilie and bassist Gaby Kaos, addresses the importance of accepting and understanding those who immigrate to the U.S. This track packs high-energy riffs and explosive rhythm, and never lets up. Doll uses her powerhouse vocals to encourage everyone, worldwide, to “never be divided”—even in the face of judgement. This hard rock anthem will appear on the trio’s upcoming album, I Want You.

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Lungs and Limbs, “The Great Goodbye” — This Bay Area alt-pop band, consisting of Kristen Power, Matt Power, Karina Rousseau and Nick Tudor, brings the fire on its latest album’s namesake. This track rolls in with a folky guitar melody, funky finger snaps and bass pumps. Electronic synths rise with Rousseau’s vocals, bringing a sultry and futuristic feel. The song introduces the album’s main theme, suggesting that “it’s a matter of time” before the world’s struggles take the ultimate toll. But even within this dark reality, the song’s upbeat and unique qualities will keep listeners reaching for the repeat button.

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Amelia’s Pick — This week was filled with new tracks that not only are musically memorable, but present strong and important messages. However, my overall pick goes to “Undertow” by Discrepancies. This song brings the power from start to finish, even in the rather mellow intro.  Not only does it act as an encouraging pick-me-up in the tougher times of today’s world, but the vocal and rock styles bring me back to when rap-rock dominated my playlists. Discrepancies surely prove their amazing quality with this track.

Follow writer Amelia Parreira at Twitter.com/AmeliaParreira.