Wonderland


Wonderland



WONDERLIST

RAYE’s back, Nia Archives feels the “Danger” and Jim Legxacy says “idk idk” – It’s Wonderlist!

Wonderlist
Photography by Aliyah Otchere

RAYE – “I Know You’re Hurting”

It’s RAYE day and, in true RAYE style, she’s making a firm admission – perhaps one of her strongest yet – with “I Know You’re Hurting.” The seventh track off her third-studio album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE, is a testimony of perseverance despite all odds. Mixed into a powerful whisper, in the form of your classic pop ballad, and backed by alluring orchestral strings, she plays her heart out on these pages. 

Nia Archives – “Danger”

Queen of the jungle Nia Archives is flirting with womanhood in “Danger”, her latest track following a well-deserved break. Delivered like a nursery rhyme, with danger becoming an acronym for a hedonistic manifesto, the young DJ finds herself embracing her sexuality and celebrating the female gaze. It’s a jungle-bounce beat, oozing with sensuality and encapsulates the graduation from girlhood to young woman. 

Jim Legxacy – “idk idk”

Fresh off a MOBO win last night for “Best Male Act”, Jim Legxacy’s latest release “idk idk” comes through in perfect timing. With a catchy sample perfectly looping throughout the track, we hear the Lewisham-native’s signature vibrant vocals as he reflects on being in a space of transition, with the anticipation of what he’s got for us next. 

Jessie Reyez – “PALO $ANTO”

Surprise surprise! Canadian-Colombian singer-songwriter is spinning the block with a victory lap of EP “$TILL PAID” — but it’s the “PALO $ANTO” remix that really smoulders. Reimagined with South Londoner Stormzy, the track leans into the sultry and romantic, buttered with Jessie’s infectious rasp and his rich and bass-y tone. It seamlessly runs between ritual and release, just as Jessie’s known for. 

Central Cee –  “DC10”

West London’s very own is bringing it home with his new EP, “All Roads Lead Home”. Off the back of a successful MOBO night in Manchester, where he became the most decorated MOBO Award winner in history, this 7-track project is an ode to his journey of (not rushing) greatness. Where “Iceman Freestyle” led the way and “Slaughter” quickly became a fan favourite, the whole EP is a force to be listened to. But while we’ve got you, “DC10” shows off his lyrical finesse and witty prowess and offers a nod to the Grime greats who came before him. 

ZAYN – “Sideways”

ZAYN continues to weave a silky lane for himself with “Sideways,” an ambient R&B slow-burn dripping in an allure made for late-night rendezvous’. Built on hazy production and that hypnotic, unmistakable falsetto, it’s equal parts mood and magnetism. Paired with a sleek visualiser, this is ZAYN doing what he does best: making heartbreak (and everything around it) sound desirable.

Two Shell – “Smile”

After exploring new sounds on their latest single “The Nightmare”, Two Shell go back to basics to give us a classic, unapologetically British dance tune in the form of “Smile”. First teased at their secret Glastonbury set via a voicemail message, this is a groovy banger that’s sure to make you feel sexy wherever you’re dancing along. 

Mary In The Junkyard – “Crash Landing”

A band that feels effortlessly cool, London’s Mary In The Junkyard release their new single “Crash Landing”, a serene track where Clari‑Freeman Taylor’s vocals float over the strings and gentle groove from bandmates Saya Barbaglia and David Addison. Accompanied by a music video, the song is reflective and winding, giving a clear sense of the style the band are building towards on their debut album, Role Model Hermit.

Mychelle – “Personal Attack”

Hackney’s own Mychelle returns with “Personal Attack”, a track written during a Paris trip, that leans into her signature mix of neo-soul and folk-tinged indie pop, all wrapped around a raw, guitar-led core. This is Mychelle at her most self-assured, unpacking the slow bruise of a relationship where giving your all still leaves you feeling like you’re not enough. It’s introspective without losing its bite, vulnerable and confident, and lands as another reminder of why she’s carving out such a distinctive space in the UK scene.

PSHitsquad ft. Cristale – “Popeye”

Trading off bars in this day and age is a complicated art and one that can go wrong pretty easily. Luckily for us, PSHitsquad and Cristale did not disappoint in their latest track “Popeye”, showing off how they slide on the drill-driven flute beat, spitting about playful cartoon references and boasting their witty wordplay. 

Tom Misch – “Echo From The Flame”

From his new album Full Circle, Tom Misch steps into a reflective, intimate space with “The Echo From the Flame.” Gentle guitar and piano carry his warm vocals, giving a clear sense of the stripped-back, personal approach running through the album, with sounds inspired by ’70s artists like Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac. The track touches on family, friendship, and reconnecting with himself, resulting in a relaxed, optimistic listen. 

DICE – “COOLER”

Their first release of the year is a clear step forward for the Perth four-piece. Recorded at EastWest Studios in LA with Grammy-winning producer Joe Chiccarelli, the track smooths out some of their raw garage-rock edges into something more polished, but the band’s energy is still very much alive. Subtle keys from Jay Watson this makes the perfect song for long drives or late-night listening. This is DICE growing into a bigger version of themselves, exploring the ups and downs of relationships that don’t quite work out, and leaning into that sense of letting go.

Lava La Rue – “GIRL IS A KNIFE”

Lava La Rue is sharpening their musical edges on new EP, “Girl Is A Knife”. It’s a punchy, punk-tinged spiral into lust, chaos and the kind of romantic adoration that bruises. On lead track, “GIRL IS A KNIFE”, it’s a full-bodied confession laced with screeching guitars and bumping rhythm. Add Lava’s effortless, undulating vocals, it’s Bloc Party-coded but still, very much their own. Inspired by times spent between some Tokyo snow and London bustle, this is Lava somewhat reborn: louder and freer.

Loreen – “True Love”

Loreen is leaning into love with the latest single “True Love,” from her newly-released album, Wildfire. Euphoric and swirling, it taps into Wildfire’s darker edges and in ballad-like fashion the endurance that persists when in love. With her soaring, trance-like vocals, this track comes out like part mantra, part confession, and part release.

Julia Cumming – “Please Let Me Remember This”

Following her debut solo single, Julia Cumming returns with another taste of her upcoming album. Known for leading NYC rock band Sunflower Bean, she takes a softer, more reflective turn here, with gentle piano, light guitars and her clear vocals. The track digs into that weird truth where painful memories stick longer than the happy ones, with little details that feel both familiar and intimate. There’s a subtle nod to The Beach Boys, but it’s simple, honest, and another solid step into her solo career.

media puzzle – “Knowledge”

media puzzle return with “Knowledge”, the first single from their upcoming album New Racehorse. Led by Tom Peter, the track features free-ranging guitars and call-and-response vocals, with lyrics about true wisdom being knowing you know nothing. It’s a mix of scuzzy post-punk energy and experimental arrangements, reminiscent of early Beck or Dry Cleaning, reflecting how the band have been evolving their sound over the past year while recording and touring.

Josh Baker x Eliza Rose – “Down To The Bone”

Summer might not be here just yet (if anything, we’re about to go into our third winter), but Josh Baker and Eliza Rose are doing their prep early with their latest single “Down To The Bone”. Having been tested out at Baker’s sets in the past couple of months, we get rolling house grooves with Rose’s hypnotic vocals for a mix that’ll be doing numbers in the next couple of months. 

Tkay Maidza – “Must Be”

Tkay Maidza kicks the door clean off its hinges with “Must Be”, a strident, high-voltage track that signals chaos and control. Icy beats and razor-sharp in lyricism, it’s Tank Girl energy in a Björk dreamscape. Fresh off Sweet Justice, Tkay is flexing her vast range. This is Tkay at her sharpest, loudest, and fearless.

Lilyisthatyou – “BACK PAIN”

A singular and fearless voice in contemporary music, Lilyisthatyou’s latest single, “BACK PAIN”, continues to lean into the indie realm, simultaneously maintaining her widespread reputation for turning emotional chaos into self-aware anthems. Spearheaded by a driving bassline and catchy percussive elements, the intricately interwoven production provides the perfect backdrop for Lilyisthatyou’s powerful vocals to cascade. This is the next track to be taken from her highly-anticipated forthcoming EP “DIRT ON YOUR HANDS”, due 24th April.

Daniel Hex – “serious / so serious”

R&B’s most compelling new voice, Daniel Hex, marks one year of his immaculate double album release for moment I felt / BLUE  with a brand new music video for “serious / so serious”. The captivating double album consists of two individual yet interconnected projects that showcase the young multi-hyphenate’s raw talent and intricate world. Renowned for his razor-sharp lyricism, rich harmonies and addictive soundscapes, Hex continues to carve out his own space in modern R&B – balancing vulnerability, attitude and storytelling with an effortless persona.

panicbaby – “get naked”

panicbaby returns with her brand-new offering “get naked” – released alongside a typically whimsical VHS music video, her signature clash of nostalgia and absurdism continues to flourish within gritty yet glamorous spaces. The track expands beyond the stripped-back edge of her acclaimed debut EP while staying intimate and raw, balancing dark humour with painfully relatable lyricism around detachment and coping in unhealthy ways.

JBEE ft. Cash Cobain – “Pressure” 

North London lyricist JBEE taps KidWild, 163Margs, and more for his incendiary mixtape “NO SLEEP.” The young rapper emerges as focused as ever; his determination to succeed at all costs has enabled him to call upon a top-tier stateside feature in Cash Cobain for the focus track “Pressure,” where the pair find themselves fully immersed in potent bass lines and pitched-up vocal chops that make way for lyrical proclamations about their various conquests in life.

Konradsen – “Hunt, Gather”

Northern Norwegian acclaimed duo Konradsen return with the title track from their new album, where Jenny Marie Sabel’s intimate, steady vocals float over Eirik Vildgren’s textured production, blending acoustic instruments with subtle electronic touches. The track captures the duo’s knack for turning small, everyday details into something bigger or more cinematic, making the song feel both personal and expansive, and a perfect introduction to the world of their new record.


Truman – “Tell Him”

Truman drags us into the deep end with Kid Raise Kid and he’s pulling us in even deeper with “Tell Him”, a cutting, razor-edged track where poetry meets pressure – as he does across the whole album. With Isabel’s glittering vocals sprinkled after each verse, it feels like an intimate way of embracing one’s tightest-lipped secrets and inner thoughts. Unpacking trauma, masculinity and life in London’s underbelly, this is a gritty, tender and unflinching debut from Truman.

GERD – “Truth to be Told”

Proving herself a true indie-pop mainstay, Swedish artist GERD has arrived with her new single, “Truth to be Told”, delivering ethereal layers and dreamlike atmospheres that build in waves. With likeness of Florence and the Machine and Låpsley, the track beautifully ebbs and flows creating an immersive and delicately powerful experience, whilst the lyrics reveal a contrasting deeper tension.


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