The hottest week of the year so far has introduced a variety of exciting new releases. Check out the IINAG team’s favourites.
Just Mustard – POLLYANNA
Just Mustard’s latest track, “Pollyanna,” skillfully navigates a complex emotional landscape. The title, hinting at excessive optimism, belies a song that is both light and profoundly confrontational. In an era marked by widespread hardship, the band crafts a sound that avoids any “toxic happiness,” instead offering a nuanced perspective. The track achieves a delicate balance, presenting a subtly optimistic veneer underlaid with an unsettling tension. It’s a sonic exploration that feels ethereal yet strikingly potent, showcasing Just Mustard’s unique ability to evoke deep, often uncomfortable, emotions. “Pollyanna” is a testament to their skill in creating something beautiful and powerfully resonant. – Katie Macbeth
Sorry – Jive
Sorry’s latest single, “JIVE,” is as a testament to their live talent, having become a staple of their shows over the past two years. This is their second release of 2025, following “Jetplane” and their acclaimed 2024 mini-album “Waxwing,” both of which landed spots on the BBC 6 Music B-List. “JIVE” captures all the elements that have cemented Sorry as one of Britain’s most innovative groups of the past decade. Centred around a nagging, infectious hook that swings between alienation and catharsis, the song features Asha Lorenz’s vocals expertly navigating loneliness, urgency, and desire. The instrumentation shifts seamlessly from measured to intense, with digital squalls pushing against churning guitars. “JIVE” is a track of thrilling contrasts, further extending Sorry’s remarkable hot-streak of singles. – Katie Macbeth
Baxter Dury – Return of the Sharp Heads
Baxter Dury’s new single, “Return of the Sharp Heads”, is the second release from his upcoming album “Allbarone”. It’s a playful yet cutting track born from what he describes as an “inner monologue” about his disdain for the people of Shoreditch “and thereabouts.” Teaming up once again with JGrrey, following their collaboration on the previous single, Dury delivers lyrics that are both humorous and snarky: “pleated unwashed stubbly communists, signet rings, boiler suits, vintage cashmere”. The interplay between JGrrey’s ethereal vocals and Baxter’s unmistakable spoken-word delivery works beautifully over a textured backdrop of synths and tight drum patterns. It’s a witty, well-produced swipe at modern pretension — classic Baxter Dury, with a fresh twist. – Henry Dunn
Westside Cowboy – Alright, Alright, Alright
Manchester’s golden children, Westside Cowboy, continue their formidable streak with their latest effort – ‘Alright Alright Alright’. Bringing with them the sheer, raw
charisma of ‘Shells’ and the anthemic screamability of ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone…’, the four-piece’s latest effort trades the emotional side of their other singles for pure
musical chaos. Magnificently unhinged drum beats accompany signature yet slick indie-rock riffs. Westside Cowboy further display their versatility, immense talent and
ability to make an absolute stormer with ease. A huge step in the right direction as their debut EP looms. There’s a reason they’re opening Woodsies next week at
Glastonbury, I’d say remember the name – but you won’t forget it. – Tyler Wright
Nerves – Takes a Second
West Irish noise-punk outfit Nerves have unveiled “Takes A Second,” the searing new single from their upcoming EP, ‘Iarmhaireacht.’ Produced by Gilla Band’s Daniel Fox, the track is a masterclass in tension, blending noise rock with electronic elements. “Takes A Second” builds from looped guitar static into a dramatic sonic collapse, with Fox’s production expertly bridging minimalism and raw ferocity. The song explores the unsettling final stages of a collapsing relationship, viewed through the lens of mental decline, showcasing Nerves’ intense and evolving sound. – Lauren Moreton
