Welcome to the June section of our best tracks of the year 2021 rundown — read the full list here
Vince Staples ‘Law of Averages’ (UMG Recordings)
Vince Staples returns with ‘Law of Averages’, the first single from his self-titled album. Dense, electronic production provided by Kenny Beats and Reske sets the backdrop for Staples’ distinct, laidback delivery. The single follows 2018’s ‘FM!’, a homage to radio stations, produced entirely by Kenny Beats. Buy it here
Yves Tumor ‘Jackie’ (Warp Records)
Yves Tumor follows its incredible 2020 album, ‘Heaven To A Tortured Mind’ with a new single ‘Jackie’. The same rock-infused, muddy approach to its sound is taken on the new single, which arrived with an announcement of a new tour. Yves Tumor continues to excite with every release. Buy it here
Tirzah ‘Tectonic’ (Domino)
This instalment in the run up to Tirzah’s new album ‘Colourgrade’ is nothing short of a tease. Downtempo and dubbed out, it’s simple yet outrageously steamy, exploring intimate themes through short, gruff murmurs. Buy it here
Running Hot ‘Paradise Lost’ (Burro Studio Radio)
Here, London-based diggers Running Hot appear on Burro Studio Radio’s first compilation, curated by Eternal Love. As always, the track corresponds with the selections they share on their monthly Balamii show and around the city, with swirling synthesiser action, punching percussion and other sweet ‘80s tropes in full force. Buy it here
Overmono ‘So U Know’ (Poly Kicks)
Is there anything Overmono can't do? The duo get back to their roots on 'So U Kno' giving us all the signature breakbeat and old-skool UKG vibes we pray for every time we press play on one of their records. It's the added spice from the poppy vocal sample and minacious synths that propel it into the extraordinary territory - shifting from a classic sweaty club ditty into something more akin to Burial's 'Archangel'. Buy it here
Khruangbin, Quantic ‘Pelota (Cut A Rug Mix)’ (Dead Oceans)
‘Pelota’ might not be to Khruangbin’s familiar taste, but when in the hands of jazz and funk-father Quantic, the downtempo trio sound a little more jaunty. It’s a dancefloor moocher, most appropriate for listening on the shores of Colombia with a glass of Sangria in hand. Buy it here
SW2 ft Moses Boyd ‘Bridge the Gap (El-B remix)’ (GD4YA)
Do you hear that percussion? those piano riffs? those bleeps and bloops? It can all only mean one thing folks - summer is here. This remix of Moses Boyd and SW2's 'Bridge the Gap' by El-B is everything we want in a lounge house spectacular - transforming the track from high-tempo jazz into an early doors wafter. Show me your rooftops. Buy it here
Moodymann ‘Keep On Coming (feat. CD)’ (Circoloco)
Moodymann has done it again, like always. ‘Keep On Coming’ is pure Detroit house heaven, a track that harks back to the original '80s sound. Landing on Rockstar Games and Circoloco’s new record label, Moodymann’s latest release is the highlight of the ‘Monday Dreamin’ Green’ compilation. Buy it here
SHERELLE ‘160 DOWN THE A406’ (Beautiful)
SHERELLE’s debut track release did not disappoint — but it did subvert expectations. ‘160 DOWN THE A406’ maintains the breakneck pace SHERELLE unleashes in her DJ sets, but moulded into a more gentle and soothing offering with distantly echoing vocals and chiming melodies. It's the perfect soundtrack to ease us out of lockdown and towards the returning intensity of the rave. Buy it here
