Check out the IINAG team’s favourite releases of the week.
CHALK – Can’t Feel It
Chalk share ‘Can’t Feel It’, a whirling mix of electronic nostalgia, yearning and desire. The cut explores a secret first kiss and the complex emotional response derived from such secrecy. The song builds slowly to an almost euphoric climax – the climbing synths and thunderous percussion rise and rise and rise before knocking your socks off in the final third of the cut. – Charlie Brock
Courtney Barnett – Stay In Your Lane
Aussie artist Courtney Barnett is synonymous with her tongue-in-cheek quips that provide uncanny societal observations embedded in infectious indie rock. Marking her first single release since the unveiling of her third solo record ‘Things Take Time, Take Time’ almost four years ago, ‘Stay In Your Lane’ is steeped in regret (“This never would’ve happened if I stayed in my lane”), and reflects on burning confessions (“Gotta get this off my chest”), all the while championing perseverance (“Clip my wings I do my best”). Infectious and brash instrumentation make this a welcome return from Barnett. – Lana Williams
Cardinals – The Burning of Cork
Irish five-piece Cardinals return with “The Burning Of Cork,” a brooding, cinematic single from their forthcoming debut album Masquerade. Produced by Shrink at London’s RAK Studios, the track channels a storm of emotion through its haunting storytelling and slow-burning intensity. Inspired by the 1920 burning of Cork by the Black and Tans, the song seethes with historical weight and modern urgency. Echoing the dark grandeur of Nick Cave, Cardinals craft something both visceral and poetic, a powerful statement of rage, memory, and resilience. – Lauren Moreton
Y – Skipper
London collective Y continue their rapid rise with new single “Skipper,” a frenetic burst of energy that cements their reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting new acts. Fresh from a sold-out show at the iconic 100 Club and with a Third Man Records basement gig on the horizon, the band channels chaos into precision. “Skipper” tackles class divide and privilege through sharp, surreal lyricism and a restless, genre-defying sound. Drawing from punk, funk, and noise, Y sound utterly of the moment and thrillingly unpredictable. – Katie Macbeth
Ain’t – Long Short Round
The new single “Long Short Round” sees Ain’t at their most ambitious yet – a six-minute, fuzz-drenched epic that slowly unfurls into something both intimate and immense. Layered guitars and hypnotic rhythms build toward a cathartic release, showcasing a band unafraid to stretch their sound and embrace grander textures. Bold, immersive, and beautifully unhurried, “Long Short Round” feels like the moment everything clicks into place, a defining statement of their growing creative confidence. – Lauren Moreton
