As the month draws to a close, it's time for our Gigantic Tickets On Repeat blog! Dive into the hottest tunes and tracks we've been loving in May that we just had to share with you. There’s plenty for everyone, especially fans of indie, folk, pop, and rock!
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A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE SONGS
“My Fun” - Suki Waterhouse
“My Fun” is a charming ditty from singer-songwriter, actress and model Suki Waterhouse. Released on the iconic Seattle label Sub Pop, it’s a vibrant and upbeat song about living life to the full, enjoying all the good things and being in love.
“Water Slide” – Janelle Monae
Multi-Grammy nominated rapper and songwriter Janelle Monae dropped her single “Water Slide” last year. It features on her latest album The Age of Pleasure and is a sensual summertime tune describing the perfect pool party and is accompanied with a visually stunning promotional video. “Water Slide” includes a sample of DJ Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam”.
“Red Wine Supernova” – Chappell Roan
"Red Wine Supernova" was released by Missouri synth-pop sensation Chappell Roan last year. The sapphic song continues to grow in popularity and charted in 2024 following the release of her hit single “Good Luck, Babe!”
"I needed a campy gay girl song that captured the magic of having feelings for another girl. I packed the song with fun raunchy lyrics that make it feel like a night out flirting with the girl across the bar."
“Imouhar” – Mdou Moctar
Nigerien band Mdou Moctar go big on groove with “Imouhar”. If you’re looking for impressive riffs, look no further as the group shows off some seriously impressive fretting skills. The song rallies against cultural domination, calling for the Tuareg people to preserve their heritage. “People here are just using French. They’re starting to forget their own language. We feel like in a hundred years no one will speak good Tamasheq, and that’s so scary for us.”
“Impossible Germany” – Wilco
Illinois indie-rockers Wilco tackle the difficulties of relationships on “Impossible Germany”. A central song whenever they play, the lyrics were inspired by metafiction writer William H. Gass’ novel “The Tunnel” and explores the hopelessness of perfect communication.
“Vampire Blues” – Neil Young
“Vampire Blues” is found on eco-spiritualist songwriter Neil Young’s fifth album On the Beach and is a thinly veiled attack on the oil and petrochemicals industry. The 1974 record was written in retaliation to the widespread praise and subsequent rise in fame following his previous Harvest LP, and saw Young shun the success in favour of a bleaker direction.
“Portal” – Karman Line Collective
Karman Line Collective is an evocative instrumental project by sonic artist Wolfgang Buttress, Kevin Bales and Tony Foster from space-rock band Spiritualized plus Justin Goodyer. “Portal” was their first release which draws listeners into a dense soundscape including a choir of 40,000 bees.
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“So Tell Me” – Nia Archives
Alt-jungle musician Nia Archives released her reflective track “So Tell Me” in 2022. It recalls memories of times when she struggled yet overcame. Ambient yet driving beats meet soaring strings on this inspiring anthem.
“365” – Waxahatchee
Canadian indie-folk singer-songwriter Waxahatchee gives a raw and honest account of difficult relationships in her past. You can hear the pain in her voice as the stripped-down song is focused on her words.
“365” is a song about co-dependency as it pertains to addiction and relationships with addicts. It’s something I’ve dealt with a lot in my life and I really wanted to distil the nerves and emotions down to their purest form in this song.”
“Imago” – Ward XVI
Avant-garde metal group Ward XVI go big on the epic theatrics as heard on “Imago”. The tracks is taken from their 2020 Metamorphosis album, the second instalment in a trilogy of concept albums based on the gory misadventures of infamous female serial killer Psychoberrie. “Imago” is the dramatic exchange between the murderer and her psychologist.
“The Dark and Twisted Ream in Which Fred Durst Resides” – Raised by Owls
If you want it fast and furious, then you need to hear “The Dark and Twisted Ream in Which Fred Durst Resides” by Raised by Owls. Singer Sam Strachan’s snarling vocals are backed by an insane flurry of drums as they transform the Limp Bizkit frontman into an insane and hideous Lovecraftian monstrosity on their brand-new single.
“Kill My Baby Tonight” – L.A WITCH
“Kill My Baby Tonight” by L.A WITCH is a suitably sinister psyche song from the Los Angeles garage-rock trio. Reminiscent of the perturbing lyrics of Phil Spector, is a disturbing take on an obsessed love song that sends shivers up the spine.
“Yesterday’s News” – Ronnie D’Addario
Ronnie D’Addario’s deceptively upbeat “Yesterday’s News” is really describing the death of a relationship. The Manhattan musician “Can read the writing on the wall // Telling me it's time for a change” and needs his lover to make their mind up. It’s probably the happiest breakup song you’ll ever hear!
“Houdini” – Dua Lipa
Taken from her third album Radical Optimism, Dua Lipa’s “Houdini” narrowly missed out on topping the charts when it dropped at the end of last year. Thankfully, the lead single helped the LP hit No. 1 in ten countries including the UK. It’s an absolute banger and one play is never enough.
“To Be Hunted” – Childish Gambino
There can be no denying the genius of Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino, and “To Be Hunted” slaps so hard. Glover explores the burden of beauty but also warns of the perils of arrogance on this sublimely funky Altavista album track.
“Lucy, Lucy” – congratulations
Oh my god, have you heard that bass?! BBC6 music favourites congratulations are one of the hottest breakthrough bands on the scene and “Lucy, Lucy” is such a great introduction. Make sure you go check out “Zeitgeist” and “Junk” too.
“Teacher” – Jethro Tull
Fans of the flute will delight in hearing this classic track from progressive-rock masters Jethro Tull. Originally a b-side to "The Witch's Promise", “Teacher” became popular and was later included in multiple compilation albums.
“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” – Them
Originally written by Bob Dylan and released in 1965, “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” was covered by Irish garage-rock band Them the following year. Featuring Van Morrison, it would appear on their album Them Again and remains a timeless classic.
“I Love You” – Fontaine’s D.C.
“I Love You” is an unabashed ode of devotion by Irish post-punks Fontaine’s D.C. to their homeland. The sound may be subdued, but the passion is clear as the five-minute track found on the third album Skinty Fia sees singer Grian Chatten pour his heart out. But his love isn’t blind, and he recounts the painful experiences and history too.
“Innerbloom” – Rufus Du Sol
“Innerbloom” is a truly epic voyage of sonic exploration by alt-dance group Rufus Du Sol. The nine-minute combo of primitive percussion, ambient synths, and lush vocals was released in 2017 and has since been certified platinum in Australia. It was also ranked fifth in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of the Decade.
“4th and Roebling” – The Districts
Pennsylvanian garage-rockers The Districts penned “4th and Roebling” in former guitarist Mark Larson's Pennsylvania basement. Inspired by a Brooklyn intersection, this bluesy number captures they band’s sense of excitement and adventure.
“End Of Beginning” – Djo
Djo is better known to the world as actor and Stranger Things star Joe Keery. The heartthrob first released the melancholic synth-pop song back in 2022, and it has seen a massive resurgence in recent months on TikTok.
“I have literally no idea what’s going on. I’m probably more confused than ever, but it’s really, really cool to see something that you’ve written affect people and have them take it in as their own and into their own lives.”
“You Are My Starship” – Norman Connors
Is there anything as laid back and cool as Norman Connors’ “You Are My Starship”? Sexy bass and vocals are provided by the legendary Michael Henderson on an album title track that is an interstellar sensual sensation.
“Blinded by the Light” – Bruce Springsteen
The Boss balances folk with boogie-rock on “Blinded by the Light”, with stream-of-consciousness lyrics that could be taken straight out of a Kerouac novel. Taken from Springsteen’s debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., it's an energetic introduction to one the greatest rock-n-roll icons of all time.
“Why Can’t We Be Friends” – WAR
“Why Can’t We Be Friends” is one of funk greats WAR biggest hits, breaking the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1975. The title is sung a total of forty-four times during the duration of the four-minute song whilst each band member has a turn at singing a verse.
“Star” – Mitski
So delicately beautiful, “Star” by folk-rock songwriter Mitski (AKA Mitsuki Miyawaki) perfectly captures the fragility of love. The innovative use of synths and keys underpinning her soft vocals sounds ethereal, otherworldly, and simply mind-blowing.
“People Never Change” – Peter Cat Recording Co.
Indian alt-rock group Peter Cat Recording Co. have been impressing for the last fifteen years and their latest offering is “People Never Change”. The new single will appear on their new album BETA which drops in August.
“BETA is a collection of stories about the future told 50 years in the past, to make sense of the present, on our only home, planet Earth.”
“Looking From a Distance” – Heart Sauce
Get to know Heart Sauce! The Leicester breakthrough band take a truly alternative direction with their lush indie-pop, as heard on their new single “Looking From a Distance” as featured on the Fools of Life EP.
“Freedom” – Jordan Rakei
Grammy-nominated New Zealand-Australian soul and alt-R&B singer-songwriter has returned with the album The Loop which features the single “Freedom”. The tender track tackles such big issues as life and death. His new record sees Rakei revisit all his earliest influences, including Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield, and D’Angelo.
“Back on 74” – Jungle
“Back on 74” is the blissfully soulful single from Neo-soul outfit Jungle. The song is set on a fictitious street, recalling an imagined perfect past and all the nostalgia that comes with it. “Back on 74” was the fourth and final single taken from their Top 10 Volcano album released last year.
“Gorilla” – Little Simz
“Gorilla” by Little Simz was the final single from her latest album No Thank You. It saw the Mercury Prize-winning star team up with director Dave Meyers to create an incredible interactive promo vid. “Gorilla” pinches a sample from Ramsey Lewis’ “Summer Breeze” and rallies against all the BS she is forced to deal with in the rap world.
“Songs We Used To Sing” – Possessed by Paul James
Possessed by Paul James is the stage name of Floridian alt-country singer-songwriter Konrad Wert. The stomping song is the perfect summer soundtrack, so turn it up, grab someone’s hand and get dancing right now! And go check out his album There Will Be Nights When I’m Lonely.
“Coffee” – Hinds
Madrid’s indie-rock pairing Hinds declare their love for black coffee, cigarettes and crying to hard-rock in their first new offering for four years. “Coffee” is “about admitting to all the things you’re not supposed to like or doing all the things you’re not meant to do. It’s a lot of fun when you can be fully honest and shut that little voice in your head that tells you what you should or shouldn’t do.”
“Danger” – South Arcade
South Arcade are the rising stars in the current nu-metal resurgence. “Danger” dropped last year and is full to the brim with energy and attitude. We can’t wait for them to release their first album, plus they’ve announced a tour for September!
“Dumb Guitar” – Mount Kimbie
Electronica outfit and Warp signees Mount Kimbie have recently expanded to become a four-piece band and released their track “Dumb Guitar”. Woozy, moody, and atmospheric, the double A-side 7” single also includes “Boxing” which sees them team up with acclaimed avant-rock songwriter King Krule.
“Jump into The Fire” – Harry Nilsson
Feel the power in Harry Nilsson’s voice on “Jump into The Fire”. The single was first released in 1971, but still sounds so damn fresh and was used in Martin Scorsese's classic gangster flick Goodfellas.