Clockwise from top left: NoMBe, Joy Oladokun, Cloves, Milan Ring, DEVORA and Indii G.

Milan Ring and Che Lingo work together on “BS” to create a song about all of the nonsense life has been throwing at us recently. Other terrific selections include cuts by NoMBe, Joy Oladokun, Cloves, DEVORA and Indii G.

NoMBe, “Boys Don’t Cry” — NoMBe’s latest track, “Boys Don’t Cry,” is all about not wanting to show weakness through expressing emotions. NoMBe becomes a character who has to keep his head high when he sees his ex in public with someone new, so that they don’t know the emotional turmoil he’s going through. He flexes his skills as a producer in the way he juxtaposes the more serious topic with a lighter ’80s-inspired beat. NoMBe takes elements like the AutoTuned vocals of the chorus and bridge alongside electronic instrumentation, and mixes them with a funky bass line and synths that create a disco feel for the song. 

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CLOVES, “Nightmare” — London’s CLOVES does a deep dive into her mental health on “Nightmare.” She sings about her experience being gaslit by her own mind, examining the toxic conversations she’s had with herself. CLOVES endures the back and forth, a part of her trying to convince the other that she’s a terrible person, and fighting those negative thoughts. In keeping with the darker theme, the track sounds haunted with the way the vocals are layered, as well as the use of string instruments, a common theme in horror movie scores. You’ll be able to find something new with each listen of “Nightmare.”

Joy Oladokun, “sorry isn’t good enough” — This is the latest single off of Joy Oladokun’s highly anticipated debut album. She sings about how an apology can’t undo the pain and damage caused by those who inflicted pain on her. The track is on the simpler side with an acoustic guitar for the most part, which allows us to listen to Oladokun’s voice. She has a pleasant raspiness. The song builds toward the end with added percussion climaxing on the bridge. This emphasizes the artist’s growing frustrations. As the track becomes more complex, she’s releasing her dissatisfaction from getting an insincere apology.

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DEVORA, “Body Bag” — DEVORA channels her anger into “Body Bag.” The song has rock influences with an aggressive bass line and heavy percussion throughout. It provides a very cathartic feeling with lyrics that invoke a sense of unbridled fearlessness alongside the punchy percussion. DEVORA’s voice fits the pop-rock sound that’s currently becoming “in” again. “Body Bag” confronts her rage in a way to which the audience can relate, with a take no prisoners vibe. It’s liberating.

Indii G., “Cherry Blossom” — Lo-fi rapper Indii G. captures the feeling of falling in love with someone new on “Cherry Blossom.” The song has bedroom pop vibes with the looping synths and lilting piano. Indii weaves through the track, comparing girls to cherry blossoms, his favorite flower. Two him, both are equally unique and beautiful. He combines pop with hip-hop in a harmonious way that will lead to repeated listens.

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Milan Ring featuring Che Lingo, “BS” — The latest from Milan Ring is a collaboration with up-and-coming rapper Che Lingo. The song is about dealing with the hurdles life throws at you—especially in recent times. They worked together over Zoom to get Che’s verses down. Lyrically, Milan Ring and Che Lingo mirror each other’s sentiments, so it feels like a conversation between friends venting about similar issues. The song has a Latin sound to it with the bass riffs and piano throughout. It almost feels like the rest of the track is competing with the vocals, trying to pulling your attention away. This helps create a complex and interesting sound.

Aarushi’s Pick: As soon as I heard “BS,” I knew it was going to be this week’s favorite. I love how Milan Ring’s voice sounds so far away in the chorus but is still so captivating. Che Lingo’s verse is interesting because he focuses more on the negative sides of relationships, both romantic and platonic—while Milan Ring focuses on the other difficulties of life. They come together and lay into the nonsense.

Follow reporter Aarushi Nanda at Twitter.com/aarushi_nanda.