camoufly and Dazegxd, Scarlet Rae, Safe Mind, And More: Also Cool's Playlist Refresh

Hildegard (Helena Deland and Ouri) by Raiden Louie

While 2024 is coming to a close, our favourite artists show no signs of slowing down – we couldn’t resist dropping a Playlist Refresh to celebrate.

The Also Cools have an abundance of new tunes to share from artists like Das Beat, Hildegard, and Fickle Friends. If you hear something you like, we encourage you to explore the rest of our Playlist Refresh series by saving our playlist on Spotify.

Scroll on to feast your ears!

TUKAN by Joris Ngbn

TUKAN - “Pluck”

Belgian electronic outfit TUKAN have kept us in a spell since their thrilling three-part stint at FME 2023 – so naturally, with the news that their latest album Human Drift will drop next month, we’re riding high. The dark ambience and bouncy synths of “Pluck” indicate a sharp new direction for the group. Trust us: it’s never too late to ride the wave.

Das Beat by Marina Mónaco

Das Beat - “Wrestling My Mind - Salzbauer Edit” (Arbutus Records)

We love a rave edit, and Das Beat’s newly remixed “Wrestling My Mind - Salzbauer Edit” really hits. Perfect for long walks to the rave, or when you’ve been inside your apartment for way too long and now it’s dark out and you decide to go on a mental health walk.

Camoufly by Francesca Mirabile

Dazegxd by @cooly.fooly

camoufly and Dazegxd - “nothing left 2 say / give u everything” (kawaii bounce)

With euphoric new single “nothing left 2 say,” the synergy between the elusive camoufly and Brooklyn “genre-agnostic” Dazegxd will deliver a shock to your system. Follow that up with the slinky garage banger “give u everything” for maximum pleasure.

Your Friend Brennan

Your Friend Brennan - “Figment”

Sweeping, gorgeous, and the right amount of spooky, Your Friend Brennan offers “Figment” off of his latest album Dream Hall. Accompanied by a live visualizer shot in an abandoned church, “Figment” pulls you into through a shimmering veil and into YFB’s world.

Scarlet Rae by Gita Gandelsman

Scarlet Rae - “Bleu” (Bayonet Records)

Scarlet Rae brings a beautiful and glitchy offering into the world with “Bleu,” landing softly for fans of Alex G and Elliot Smith. “This is the most vulnerable song I have ever written,” Rae says of the brooding track. “A reflection of pain, love, and powerlessness that comes with watching paranoia take over someone you cherish.” Inspired by her sister’s name, the track weaves through processing the numbness of dissociation and raw emotion.

Hildegard by Raiden Louie

Hildegard (Helena Deland and Ouri) - “No Other Mind” (Chivi Chivi)

Montreal’s mini supergroup Hildegard (Helena Deland and Ouri) share “No Other Mind,” a gentle follow-up to their most recent album Jour 1596. The track feels like playing with your childhood best friend on a summer afternoon, exploring the grass and running through fountains.

Fickle Friends via YouTube

Fickle Friends - “Dream” (Palmeira Music)

Brighton indie-pop group Fickle Friends remain chronically underrated. Their melodic sensibilities deliver an uplifting radiance, and their knack for lovesick lyricism can dig the deepest memories out of anyone. Following a hiatus, the band is back and brighter than ever, and their new single “Dream” reminds you of the sound that was impossible to forget.

clay pigeon

Never Better

clay pigeon and Never Better - “Ten Holes In Your Tennis Court”

“Everything means nothing to me now.” The latest track from clay pigeon and Never Better feels like warm sunshine, reminiscent of 2016-era Jons’ Serfs of Today. Sparkling guitar cascades through the song, while the lyrics guide us through the beautiful mundane, careful thoughts, and contemplative reflections.

Safe Mind by Yulissa Benitez

Safe Mind (Boy Harsher and LUCY [Cooper B. Handy]) - “6’ Pole”

Although not a super new release, “6’ Pole” by Safe Mind (LUCY [Cooper B. Handy] and  Augustus Muller of Boy Harsher) is a banger that’s been rinsed and repeated on our personal playlists more times than we can count. LUCY appeared on Boy Harsher’s 2021 album The Runner (Original Soundtrack) with his track “Autonomy,” and this feels like the perfect follow-up.

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Nilüfer Yanya, True Blue, Patche, Kaya Hoax and More: Also Cool's Playlist Refresh

Cola by Craig Scheihing

Buzzing from the high of our fourth straight induction into Cult MTL’s Best of MTL issue, we’re pleased to serve you another helping of tunes.

This edition of Also Cool’s Playlist Refresh features sharp new sounds from the likes of Two Shell and Patche. Save our regularly updated Playlist Refresh on Spotify to keep up with what’s cool.

Nilüfer Yanya by Molly Daniel

Nilüfer Yanya - “Like I Say (I runaway)”

Nilüfer Yanya has marked her move to record label Ninja Tune with the riveting new track “Like I Say (I runaway).” The British artist’s swirling vocal repetitions move in step with a percussive shuffle, giving way to a floodgate of fuzzed-out guitar as she falls through time and picks up the pieces. 

Watch the liberatory music video for “Like I Say (I runaway),” directed by Yanya’s creative director and sister Molly Daniel.

Two Shell by Nancy McNulty

FKA twigs via Valentino

Two Shell and FKA twigs - “Talk to Me”

After teasing new release “Talk to Me” with chopped-up vocals by everyone from Jungkook to Taylor Swift, British dance duo Two Shell have found a home in FKA twigs. “Called you just to check you really meant the words that you said / I'm so hurt, cut my hair, putting makeup / With one chance, I just wanna be the one that you love,” twigs cries in her comfortably-tragic cadence. The floor drops from beneath her feet as she pleads to her lost flame, before Two Shell swoops in with a high-speed techno storm to obfuscate the tears.

True Blue via Bandcamp

LUCY by Annabell P. Lee

True Blue - “Airplane Mode (feat. LUCY [Cooper B. Handy])”

Not new, but still fresh: NYC musician True Blue’s twinkly-trap collab with AC fave LUCY (Cooper B. Handy). “Airplane Mode” pairs True Blue’s hushed angelic tones with LUCY’s carefree edge, delivering an F-U that is majorly infectious. Bonus points for LUCY’s interpolation of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” – a cheeky surprise jab to heighten the vibe.

Cola by Amy Fort

Cola - “Albatross”

Ahead of their sophomore album Gloss, Cola, the band formed by ex-Ought members Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworthy, and drummer Evan Cartwright, have released yet another indie banger – “Albatross.” The track (out on Fire Talk) is accompanied by a gorgeous abstract music video by Max Farrel.

Darcy explains:

“This song had a few lives before it took its final form. (...) The lyrics, which center around "an albatross"--something that greatly hinders accomplishment. From there I started thinking about a horse race and perhaps some trainer watching a slow motion replay to try identify what's wrong with an animal's stride, hence the chorus."

“Mandy” by Patche (art by Will Dereume)

Patche - “Mandy”

Montreal’s “ultrasupermegagroup” Patche has come out of hibernation, offering their latest “Mandy” as a transition into the spring, and a first taste of their upcoming album Document. The project brings together members from lô Pelgag, Alex Burger, Mon Doux Saigneur, Lumière, zouz and a thousand more projects, mixing their skills while jamming the sh*t out of their modular synths and organic instruments.

110% - “Ordinary”

The Montreal duo 110% return with their mellowed-out new single “Ordinary.” The track brings us into their world, floating through mundane tasks with a moody rhythm, getting us through the day the best they can. It’s a perfect soundtrack for your commute home & late night walks.

Kaya Hoax and Magi Merlin (art by @zachnf_ and @pietre.pigeon)

Kaya Hoax - “Hot Girls with ADD (feat. Magi Merlin)”

Hot girl alert ❗ Local icons Kaya Hoax and Magi Merlin have teamed up to make a summer banger with the same energy as “Bad Girls” by M.I.A. “Hot Girls with ADD” details the perfect night out, hopping in a limo, ignoring dumb boys, and celebrating their hard work. The track is accompanied by a lyric video with 8-bit animation and gorgeous Y2K styling.

Bladee, Ecco2k, Thaiboy Digital - “TL;DR” 

We’re in a Drain Gang renaissance, with “TL;DR” leading the way. Drain Gang (Bladee, Ecco2k, Thaiboy Digital) teamed up for their collaborative single along with staple producer Whitearmor to create a filthy and addictive beat. Ecco2k’s glossy vocals shine in the track, with fans celebrating that he’s “back to using his old voice.” The music video brings us along for the ride on a grainy, blue-toned party night, with gorgeous light editing creating an electric, effervescent glow highlighting the crew. 

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Youth Lagoon, May Rio, Ayane Yamazaki, Disq and More: Also Cool's Playlist Refresh

Heaven Is A Junkyard by Youth Lagoon

As we move into what is hopefully the final leg of a long winter, our listening habits have lean towards comfort songs and new releases. From the Ottawa-core soft indie rock of Trevor Sloan, to a high-energy party track from The Dare, our Refresh hits all the notes you need to get through your snowy walks and cozy days.

Listen to the latest chapter of our Playlist Refresh series on Spotify.

Trevor Sloan by Patrick Dinglasan

If you like upbeat indie-folk, 8mm footage, and mid-sized Canadian cities, you’re going to love Toronto-based artist Trevor Sloan’s latest single “Ottawa 1977”. The track marks one chapter of his new album Dusk Among the Palm Trees, out April 14. As Sloan delicately pores over fragments from his family’s past, the music video brings those recollections to life: twists and shouts, colourful beach balls, all-knowing grandparents and not-caring tots. His vocals are buoyant and pure, as ephemeral as the memories themselves: “Let’s laugh and dance / when we got the chance”. Sounds like good advice.

Trevor Sloan

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

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May Rio by Logan White

Brooklynite May Rio has quite literally gone goblin mode with her new track “Need You Like”. Premiering this past Wednesday via Paper Magazine, the dream pop single is another instant classic from Rio, wherein she pens herself as a villain leading-on an unnamed lover: “You went to bat for me / I triple-played a loner / Gift-wrap your heart, you’re sweet / I’ll pickle it with the others”. Rich with bubbling synths and swanky guitar, Rio’s sugary voice and wit take centre-stage in the two-minute earworm. 

May Rio

Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

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Ayane Yamazaki by Masahiro Yanagisawa

Tokyo’s Ayane Yamazaki reimagines city pop on her latest arrival “Saturn and Unicorn” Released on February 24th on me and baby music, Yamazaki’s buttery vocals glide atop luminescent melodies with hypnotizing danceability. Working tirelessly in crafting electro-pop perfection since the age of 15, Yamazaki has garnered a following from college and alternative radio stations around the world. In a statement on “Saturn and Unicorn”, Yamazaki shares that the song represents entering a new frontier; we can’t wait to see what’s next for the 24-year-old singer! 

Ayane Yamazaki

Website | Instagram | Spotify

The Dare via Bandcamp

New York’s Harrison Patrick Smith AKA The Dare resuscitates aughts electroclash hedonism on his brand new offering “Good Time”.  A fuzzy comedown from his breakout banger “Girls” (which has been a constant spin since its drop, by the way), “Good Time” is a sexy smoke break from a hazy dancefloor. The anticipated single expertly nods to dance-punk taste-makers like LCD Soundsystem and Peaches, making for a saturated rager that instigates entertainment for entertainment’s sake; and we’re absolutely here for it.

The Dare

Instagram | Spotify

Disq via the band’s website

Wisconsin rock band Disq have spent the week rolling through 400-series highways, spreading flecks of grungy magic along the way. The five-piece group is supporting the first half of Alvvays’ Canadian tour, but they emerge as the stars of the show – uneasy yet audacious, impossible to pin down and indifferent to your attempts. Their latest album Desperately Imagining Someplace Quiet feels agile and provocative, probing issues of the modern age with stream-of-consciousness wit and frenetic punk stylings. Many highlights to be found within their catalogue, but fellow emos will delight in how “The Hardest Part” scalds with its imagery and explosive climax.

Disq

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

Lucy via Interview Mag By Annabell P. Lee

It's fair to say that LUCY (Cooper B. Handy) is our latest musical obsession here at Also Cool. We initially discovered his music through his collaboration with Boy Harsher, "Autonomy”, and have since dove deep into the world of LUCY and caught his recent live set in Montreal with Night Lunch and Mark Cone.

His approach to songwriting falls balances simplicity with sometimes absurd but always heartfelt messages. Although it's not a new release, "Even The Score" (a collaboration with Whitearmor) has been on repeat for the last month, making it a worthy addition to our Refresh.

LUCY (Cooper B. Handy)
SoundCloud I Instagram

Youth Lagoon (Trevor Powers by Tyler T. Williams

Youth Lagoon (Trevor Powers) makes a tender return with his latest track, “Idaho Alien”, which comes off his forthcoming album Heaven Is a Junkyard. In 2016, Trevor Powers shut the door on Youth Lagoon. “I felt like I was in a chokehold,” he says. “Even though it was my music, I lost my way. In a lot of ways, I lost myself.” But after an over-the-counter drug reaction caused eight months of harm to Powers’ larynx and vocal cords, temporarily silencing his voice, he decided to return to the project.

Trevor comes home to Youth Lagoon through reflections on family, drug use, youth, brotherhood and war. “I don’t remember how it happened / Blood filled up the clawfoot bath, and I will fear no frontier.” 

Youth Lagoon
Instagram I Spotify

Scarlet Rae returns with a gentle heartache of track, “Waking Dream”. Her wavering vocals reflect on relationships with others, being alone, and moving on. “arms are open wide, my baby holds me tight, between love and light there’s always something left behind.”

For fans of Elliot Smith, Sparklehorse, and PACKS, keep an eye out for Scarlet’s live NYC shows.

Scarlet Rae
Instagram I Spotify

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