Finding your way around music releases is increasingly complicated. The abundance of proposals does not mean immediate access to what really deserves attention, especially with a mainstream market distant from the most interesting realities. This is why we continue with this initiative: a periodic update to explore the musical present through our Spotify playlists curated by the OndaRock editorial staff. With the recording year now in full swing, the selections become even richer: from pop without borders to evolving rock, from electronica to songwriting, up to jazz, experiments and Italian scenes, without forgetting the “dark” sounds that we have always followed carefully. A journey in constant movement, to discover and be surprised.
Rock and surroundings
The new singles by Momma, Postcards, Hard Quartet, Jesus Lizard, Viagra Boys, Fontaines Dc and King Hannah, an incendiary extract from Murder Capital's Record of the Month, another from Chalk's third EP, a colorful repechage nu-gaze from a mini from last November by Deary, the new album by The Men, all this among the first choices selected from the world of rock… and surrounding areas… (Claudio Lancia)
Pop Music
The playlist of the pop section veers towards hip-hop with the new singles by Little Simz and Backxwash, but does not forget some dance impulses. From pop mainstream to that of historic groups (Sparks and Deacon Blue), from the jangle-pop of the Tubs to the refined chamber pop of Beirut, this month our playlist broadens its gaze to a more transversal and, perhaps, more stimulating definition of pop. (Daniel Moore)
Dark corner
There are many interesting new features that have come out in recent weeks. Our dark playlist today brings us the recent crest dark (Canadian post-metal Unreqvited), the new single from the always excellent Nnhmn (for darkwave lovers) and a dazzling excerpt from debut of the Emperor (them creators of a post-punk that was nothing short of incendiary). The new pieces from veterans also stand out Lacuna Coil And Birthday Massacrewhile in the black metal field, we note the long-awaited return of the Siberians Grima and the Finnish Havukruunu. (Paolo Chemnitz)
Electronics
A decidedly female-oriented selection, updated with new productions signed by the brightest protagonists of the current international electro scene: Marie Davidson, Yaeji, Amelie Lens, Charlotte De Witte, Aya, FKA Twigs, Ela Minus, Rose Gray and Oklou. For dancing, but not only… (Claudio Lancia)
Songwriter
A new work by Bon Iver is always a great event, but while waiting for April, why not listen to the new albums by Ichiko Aoba, The Delines and Miya Folick? And so as not to miss a further look at the near future, Esther Rose, Valerie June, Florist and Shura return to this month's selection. Oh, and there's also yet another great Waxahatchee song. (Daniel Moore)
Other sounds
Once 2024 has been archived, we find ourselves immersed in the new year which has already offered high-level productions in these first two months. In the local context, the excellent work of Laura Agnusdei and the ambitious work of Stefano Pilia, which we had already reported to you, are added to the return of Federico Albanese and the always interesting Martina Bertoni. Fennesz's contribution to Longform Editions is noteworthy, as are the novelties by Lawrence English, Park Jiha and Tim Hecker. (Peppe Trotta)
Italy
The new singles by Baustelle and Calibro 35 open the current OndaRock Italia Playlist, followed by the return of Messa and some tracks selected from the latest Sanremo Festival. And then again Giungla, C+C Maxigross and an extract each from the recent publications by Laura Agnusdei and Giulia Impache, two of the most promising names of the new generation of artists on our pension… (Claudio Lancia)
Jazz
OndaRock's jazz year starts without haste: it is an area in which time is necessary to intercept the most stimulating releases. Especially if, as for us, the paths develop beyond the boundaries of Orthodoxy and its own gatekeeperbetween electronic, soul/r&b, progressive and singer-songwriter contaminations, often far from the most popular routes. Without losing sight of some names in the spotlight, here is our first look at little-known but increasingly decisive trajectories. A taste of what you will find on our pages in the coming weeks. (Marco Sgrignoli)
Antonio Santini for SANREMO.FM
