Every week the team individually pick tracks that make up the listening post but there are always “ones that got away”.

These are the alternative picks and some words by our moderators on each one. You can find the tracks in one playlist here.

Artists featured this week:

VALUED CUSTOMER
MATILDA GRACIA:
TENBOBSLIDER
AMY BAKER
THE MIRROR TRAP
SUSAF
HEMBER, JERZEY BULX, JOVETH
SKYRACER
NIGHT HOUSE
HEALTHY JUNKIES
JOEL BAILEY.
HANA SHORTS
SCARLETT KIRWAN
WINTER GARDENS

ALAN DREEZER:

VALUED CUSTOMER – No Thought To The Ceiling

No Thought to the Ceiling is a cool understated slice of indie synth-pop. Layering warm electronic textures with reflective lyricism, the song creates an intimate, dreamlike atmosphere that quietly draws you in. It’s thoughtful, melodic and proof that subtlety can be every bit as captivating as spectacle.

MATILDA GRACIA – THE INDUSTRY

The Industry is a bold, thought-provoking alternative pop anthem. Driven by punchy synths, infectious hooks and an empowering message, the track challenges the obsession with algorithms and validation, reminding us that authentic creativity will always matter most which is something that really resonated.

DEL OSEI-OWUSU/PLATINUMMIND:

TENBOBSLIDER – Static On The TV

Instead of a cowbell there’s a woodblock! This song has such a strong chorus that’s what stuck with me, a very strong song, it will stick with you.

AMY BAKER – Don’t Compare

Amy has a really rich vocal, and this is put in the spotlight on this track, it’s got a bit of blues and a bit of soul in there I get the feeling there’s a bit of a Janis Joplin influence in there.

NEIL MARCH:

THE MIRROR TRAP – A Painting Of A Building On Fire

Kicks off like Jesus & Mary Chain in a mash with Been Stellar before adding a dose of synthpop melody and then, amid the layers of ricocheting, reverberating guitars, bass and drums, the vocal melody shines through too.

SUSAF – Molotov Rose

Male harmonised vocals throughout recall early (pre-Airport) Motors in a mash with 86TVs. Energetic, determined and engaging.

SHARON PEARCE:

HEMBER, JERZEY BULX, JOVETH – Take Me Back

This track has the perfect mix of uplifting dance vibes and nostalgia, with a story that gives it a bit more heart. Great production, catchy, energetic, and just a really fun listen.

SKYRACER – Champion Edition

I loved this one. It’s a fast-paced pop track with a rock edge, powerful vocals, and loads of energy from start to finish.

SHEENA CAMERON:

NIGHT HOUSE – A Wave That Meets The Sky

Immersive alt-pop with some intriguing hyperpop influences, this track is full of dramatic synth effects, vocal manipulation and tempo shifts that build tension and a brooding atmosphere. The emotional hit comes from warm, expressive cello and vocals, along with a big melodic chorus that does seem to come in like an unexpected wave.

HEALTHY JUNKIES – Oh La La

A band who’ve been releasing music and touring for many years, and have been Fresh Faves a few times. Their experience shows; what I love about this energetic punk-spirited track is that it sounds spontaneous, like a live outing. A great sound, and thought-provoking lyrics.

SHERRY SAHAYARAJ:

JOEL BAILEY – London Is Burning

The vocals sounds cool and effortless. I love the jazz influences blend with the ambient textures, creating a soulful and cinematic atmosphere.

HANA SHORTS – Shine On Me

I love how the vocals have such a warm and captivating feel. With vocals and cool production the track creates an uplifting vibe.

TONY HARDY:

SCARLETT KIRWAN – Supersonic Girl

I love the big sound behind this track with its echoes of 60s girl groups in a mash up with Giorgio Moroder and Gary Numan. It does threaten to overwhelm Scarlett’s voice now and again but there is no mistaking the affection in her ode to individuality and girlhood that underpins the song. Girl power lives on, now supercharged!

WINTER GARDENS – Fragile Boy

A highly atmospheric piece of music drawing in strands of dream pop, shoegaze and post rock into a shimmering whole. There is a sadness about it that speaks of tenderness and grief while tension is relieved after the midpoint of the song as the instruments rip through before resolving in a calm, considered coda. A lovely band name too.