The best new music, picked by our staff

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Listen to this weekly playlist, lovingly curated by THE FACE’s editorial team.

Yaeji – For Granted

The first track from Yaeji’s upcoming debut album is a song in two parts. It starts off modest and introspective, as the Korean-American artist wonders whether she’s taking life for granted over sharp beats and bouncy, reverberating synths. Then she lands on a solution: ​“Let it rest and I’ll flow”. In comes a euphoric rush of drum’n’bass, as her harmonised voice repeats: ​“Let it flow /​And I’ll see /​Let it go /​And I’ll feel”. You could say it’s the perfect illustration of the two sides of Yaeji, a showcase of her skill for making club-ready bangers such as Raingurl alongside slow-paced, inward-looking tracks like 29. OP

Overmono – Is U

One of the UK dance music scene’s biggest acts has linked up with London musician Tirzah Mastin, whose own music tends to capture the beauty of life’s quieter moments. Even though it’s chopped up and laid over a grisly bassline, Mastin’s tender voice is instantly recognisable on Is U. The bittersweet, euphoric banger is destined for big festival tents, and it will appear on Overmono’s debut album Good Lies, which drops in May via XL Recordings. JW

Ice Spice – Gangsta Boo ft. Lil Tjay

A highlight on Ice Spice’s debut EP, Gangsta Boo​’s magic lies in the double-speed sample of Diddy’s I Need a Girl (Part 2). Not only does it reinforce a burgeoning signature sound by matching the staccato strings of Ice Spice’s previous single Bikini Bottom, but it’s also primed to go viral, catering to ears trained on the sped-up remixes that dominate TikTok. Joined by fellow New Yorker Lil Tjay, on Gangsta Boo Ice Spice is on typically bullish form, flexing as she goes after the object of her affections. Sure, she claims to be shy in the chorus, but that’s hard to believe alongside lyrics such as ​“Fuck your thots, I’m takin’ they spot”. OP

Headie One – Martin’s Sofa

“The fans calling for Martin’s Sofa,” Headie One rapped on his recent track 50s, acknowledging the buzz on socials around the leaked tune. The instrumental is packed with poignancy because it samples the beat on Flatbush Zombies’ track Palm Trees – which was used for a popular freestyle by the late UK rapper Cadet. Lyrically, Headie gets sentimental, paying tribute to an old friend who offered him a safe space during dark times. DR

Biig Piig – In The Dark

The new single off Biig Piig​’s debut mixtape Bubblegum was largely inspired by her 2020 move to Los Angeles, and the sense of displacement that comes with uprooting your life. ​“These dreams of mine /​Have they come to die in this place?” the Irish artist sings softly against dreamy production and muted guitars. JW