The 5 Best Songs Of The Week

The Stereogum staff selects the five best new songs each week, with availability from Thursday midnight until Friday. This week's picks are accessible on Stereogum's Favorite New Music playlist, updated weekly. One song, "Crayola Car" by starbelliedbug, has a hazy, cathartic sound that feels transcendent. The obfuscated spoken-word over repetitive guitars brings to mind Drop Nineteens.

The lyrics, though difficult to discern, include "I just want to disappear," suggesting the music's attempt to erase itself. Another standout is Chat Pile's "Same Rules," initially a trip-hop experiment that evolves into heavy and harrowing tracks with softer, beautiful elements. The band's lead, Ray B., delivers haunting melodies and grisly vocals.

The song "Same Rules" exemplifies this transition, with power chords and gruesome vocals. Singer Heaven Schmidt's "OBL" introduces an indie roots-rock sound that bridges tasteful and catchy. The lyrics, featuring a sword pulled from the throat and money from the ass, are memorable. Grumpy's Ryan Hemsworth continuously pushes the boundaries of beatmaking.

His track "A Display Of Emotion" blends florid post-rock guitars and pianos with a drum loop and rhythmic samples, maintaining a consistent mood while adding new layers. Tinashe's album "Popstar Instead" follows her viral hit "Nasty." Her new single, "Melatonin," is a club cut featuring pulsating beats, monotone vocals, and a surprising rap verse.

The track transitions seamlessly into the rap, creating an unexpected and jarring yet delightful listening experience.