Clockwise from top left: Jake Bowen, Nubya Garcia, Taraka, Bad Bad Hats, Nate Mercereau and A.A. Williams.

The haunting vocals of A.A. Williams, the jazzy beats of Nubya Garcia and atmospheric synths of Nate Mercereau make the cut for this week’s best songs. We round out the list of fantastic cuts with Taraka, Jake Bowen and Bad Bad Hats.

Nubya Garcia with La Perla, “La Cumbia Me Está Llamando (Kaidi Tatham remix)” — The 2020 debut album by London singer-songwriter Nubya Garcia was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.  The saxophonist and composer kept busy during the pandemic and this October is releasing a remix of Source, titled SOURCE ⧺ WE MOVE. Her first single, “La Cumbia Me Está Llamando,” immediately draws you in with dreamy electronica before a jazzy saxophone joins in. Once the singing begins,  you’re drawn into the streets of Latin America with cumbia. You’ll want to dance. It’s easy to get swept up with the Afro-Caribbean percussion mixed with sultry vocals. Once the piano picks up, you’re transported to a Paris jazz club. It’s a trip around the world in five minutes.

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Taraka, “Psychocastle” — This song offers gritty grunge-sounding vocals with angsty punk-adolescent lyrics. They may be dark, but the song is far from that. The chorus is anthemic and wanting to burst out. Taraka, who was previously half of underground group Prince Rama, is releasing her debut album, Welcome to Paradise Lost, this October. It’s a departure from dance-pop but still has its own dirty in-your-face pop sound (think Hole), and is perfect for jumping around and singing along. If the rest of her album is like, it’s sure to get lots of attention in my house.

Nate Mercereau, “Every Moment Is First And Last” — Los Angeles songwriter and producer Nate Mercereau has created atmospheric bliss with this track. With the simple plucking of guitar strings blended with birds chirping, it is like stepping into a nature documentary. The sounds of the forest and land just fill the space. But it’s the moment the shimmering guitars and drumming emulate the winds waking up the forest that I find myself lost in a reverie. I’m transported into a calming place and feel at peace. Each listen feels fresh and there is always something new to be found. He released his new solo album last week. Fun fact: Mercereau was a producer on Lizzo’s next album. Chances are none of that will sound like this.

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Jake Bowen with Abbi Press, “Say Nothing” — Jake Bowen is better known for heavy riffs and shredding as guitarist of prog metalcore band Periphery. He’s now taken a stab at electronica and proved it worthwhile. An electronic soundscape slowly builds before guitars even enter the fray. As Abbi Press’ vocals join the song, there’s a lightness and softness that shines through. “Say Nothing” is perfect for escapism. It’s dreamlike and takes your mind away from everything. Lyrically, Press offers a story of loneliness and isolation, a relatable and central theme of living quarantined through a pandemic.

A.A. Williams, “Control” — A.A. Williams’ arco reimagines her debut EP. The album has been stripped down to strings and vocals, and comes out this October. The video, shot in black and white, directed by Mogwai collaborator Craig Murray, is hauntingly beautiful. Williams’ vocals pierce through the strings and provides a lush atmospheric sound. The strings all at once melt and come alive, bringing an explosiveness to “Control.” But it’s Williams hypnotizing vocals played over stark images that really make this mesmerizing song.

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Bad Bad Hats, “Walkman” — Minneapolis indie pop trio Bad Bad Hats released its third LP, “Walkman.” This is one fun pop song with catchy lyrics that will keep you singing along. From the first fresh guitar hooks, it’s unadulterated happiness. With the addition of Kerry Alexander’s sweet vocals, it’s like a breath of fresh air, full of jangly melodies and warm harmonies. You’l have these three minutes on repeat.

Rachel’s Pick: While traveling seems to have ceased a bit for the foreseeable future, I’m living through the music of Nubya Garcia. “La Cumbia Me Está Llamando” lets me travel through the music. With the smooth sax mixed with cumbia beats, I’m suddenly much farther south. It makes me want to get up and dance. This new remix is fresh and new. The jazzy piano brings all the feelings of Paris and New York City back to me. It’s a great escape!

Follow writer Rachel Goodman at Twitter.com/xneverwherex and Instagram.com/xneverwherex.