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 - “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 - “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 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 - “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 - “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 (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 - “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 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 (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.