new music: Chemical Brothers, Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala

MAC DEMARCO - 'ANOTHER ONE'

The second release from this August's synonymously-titled EP, 'Another One' finds Canada's self-styled Pepperoni Playboy in uncharacteristically sombre form. Rooted in a pondering, melancholic synth, it's a distinctly downbeat affair anchored by a pondering bass line and unshakeable echoes of 70's Lennon. While not the most obvious influence, DeMarco's lyrics are similarly out of character - though suitably pensive: 'The feeling never stops, and neither does clock, wishing for tomorrow today', and the staple, infectiously melodic chorus 'Must be another one... must be another one she loves' compounding the Canadian's heartache. Following the naive, jangly 'jizz-jazz' of 'The Way You'd Love Her', 'Another One' is an unexpected shot of melancholy for the happy-gappy-lucky Scumbag Sinatra. As ever, DeMarco treads a fine line between sincerity and irony; but while Salad Days it ain't, it's nonetheless an enjoyable (albeit, hardly dramatic) change of direction - one that only wets the appetite for this summer's upcoming EP.

Listen: Mac DeMarco 'Another One'

TAME IMPALA - ''CAUSE I'M A MAN'

While sure to be divisive among the psychedelic die-hards in the group's following, ''Cause I'm A Man' is both an intriguing step in an 80s direction and an inevitable 'Sound of the Summer'. But put more simply, it's Kevin Parker at his ambitious, glorious best. With its red-eyed thumping rhythm and glistening, swirling, airy production, it's soothing to a fault - evoking Michael Jackson at his 'Baby Be Mine' romantic peak. Utterly hypnotic, Parker's dynamic vocals (all too often pigeon-holed as mere Lennon karaoke) soar and fade with its swaying rhythm; crooning, pleading and excusing his talent for self-sabotage: 'cause I'm a man, woman'. Each verse finds Parker at loggerheads with his own conscience - admissions of guilt over-ruled by his self-confessed stubbornness and pride; the song ultimately closing on his partner's ominously exasperated breath. Subsequent singles 'Disciples', 'Eventually' and 'Let It Happen' have not only lapped up but justified immense expectation - leaving Tame Impala's upcoming third LP Currents one of the most exciting prospects of the year; ''Cause I'm A Man' its compelling curtain-raiser.
Listen: Tame Impala ''Cause I'm A Man'

CHEMICAL BROTHERS + ST. VINCENT - 'UNDER NEON LIGHTS'

Enlisting the mesmerising vocals of St. Vincent's Annie Clark, The Chemical Brothers third single from this summer's Born In The Echoes is not among the most immediate in the Manchester duo's armoury. However, this is hardly to its detriment - quite the opposite, as 'Neon Lights' proves a stalking, prowling gem. Opening with a scatty, firefly motif akin to an MD-tinged 'Pinball Wizard', Clark's now-signature otherworldly vocals fade in, fade out as they taunt the listener ('In and under neon lights, got no husband, got no wife, all I want's a view tonight'), as gleefully sinister bass blossoms from the tribal rhythms. Growing and escalating, it's an absolutely captivating listen; and no doubt perfect for upcoming festival appearances at Glastonbury, Longitude and Bestival.

Listen: The Chemical Brothers 'Under Neon Lights' feat. St Vincent