Staff Picks: Best Songs of the Week June 19th – 26th

Each week, the Consequence team spotlights their favorite new songs for our recurring Songs of the Week column. This week, we’re jamming to new tunes from Wild Pink, Yard Act, @, Ibeyi, and more.

@ — “Autosmile”

Philly indie folk duo @ have announced their sophomore album — and their first release since signing to 4AD — Autosmile, out on October 16th. With the announcement, they’ve shared the nearly-seven-minute title track; though epic in length, the pair keep things pure and minimal, relying on cyclic repetition and resisting the urge to drown out their harmonized vocals with any unnecessary flourishes. That being said, there’s quite the guitar solo halfway through, a surprising and satisfying detour that pulls the listener through to a lovely final chorus. There’s love, doubt, and disbelief throughout “Autosmile,” simple but evocative and a great entry point to this band’s patient, gorgeous songwriting. — Paolo Ragusa

Stream “Autosmile” on Apple Music | Amazon Music | Qobuz

alan vuong — “Heaven Sent”

Southern California-based artist alan vuong released his latest EP, HEAVEN SENT ME, today. Initially working in the R&B space, vuong instead uses this project to embark on an indie rock journey. The opening track, “HEAVEN SENT,” opens with guitar amp feedback, before stuttering, evening out, and settling into a dreamy soundscape. By blending 2010s Southern California indie rock with classic ’90s pop, vuong is allowing himself to be reshaped by equally influential eras. His musical sensibilities are present throughout the EP, but if you had to get alan vuong’s story in one song, “HEAVEN SENT” is it.  — Kiana Fitzgerald

Stream “HEAVEN SENT” on Apple Music | Amazon Music | Qobuz

Dari Bay — “On Your Side”

Dari Bay’s new album, Surprise Wish, dropped in full today, but earlier this week, the project led by Zack James (also of Robber Robber and Unknown Mortal Orchestra) shared “On Your Side,” a dejected but sweet and intensely enjoyable tune about not getting through to a lover. The crisp drum track will have you bobbing your head, the melancholic vocals will tug at your heart, and the melodic guitar lines will have you reaching out for an embrace, whether anyone’s there or not. — Jonah Krueger

Stream “On Your Side” on Apple Music | Amazon Music | Qobuz

Ibeyi — “Hurry Hurry”

French-Cuban twin sister duo Ibeyi have defied expectations since they debuted more than a decade ago. Their weightless vocals are capable of carrying messages of gravity, and their probing, yet vulnerable, lyrical provocations have made them a relatable group. The pair’s new album Offering lines up with their previous albums, which focus on culturally engaging with love in its past, present, and future forms. “Hurry Hurry,” an Afro-Cuban number that stretches out lovingly, sees Ibeyi serenading a partner with lyrics that reach for the stars, while remaining grounded in a love that’s only possible on Earth. — Kiana Fitzgerald

Stream “Hurry Hurry” on Apple Music | Amazon Music | Qobuz

Mello Buckzz — “Be Gone”

Chicago drill rapper Mello Buckzz knows how to slide on any type of beat, and her new EP, PRETTY OPP, is 19 minutes worth of clear-cut evidence. The project’s standout track, “Be Gone,” sounds like it would fit comfortably in the hands of the late Aaliyah, or even the late Left Eye. Sonically, the song stutters and thumps, warbles and bloops, as if it came straight out of the aughts. Mello has no problem customizing hooks and verses that stick to the brain like super glue: “Raise your hand when you talk to a boss/ Lil’ bitch wanna be me but she can’t be me and that’s pissing her off.” — Kiana Fitzgerald

Stream “Be Gone” on Apple Music | Amazon Music | Qobuz

Petti Hendrix — “ApeShit”

Petti Hendrix absolutely knows how to get the party started. His newest track “ApeShit” is explosive, catchy, moshpit fodder; with a pop-punk indebted instrumental and gritty, full-throated raps from the Milwaukee artist, the song flies by in a rush of dopamine. It’s a harmonious combination of rap and rock, sure — but “ApeShit” is also a lowkey pop banger, one that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack or a 2026 Taco Bell commercial. These days, every genre is fair game, and Petti Hendrix is showing he’s got quite the range. — P. Ragusa

Siichaq — “Cattle Driver”

Siichaq’s  “Cattle Driver” is an ominous barn burner about, as songwriter Kennie Mason put it, “growing up in a digital world and struggling to retain a sense of self or artistic individuality.” “A machine that’s built for pleasure/ Unplug me when you get bored/ Manufactured recreation/ Anything to keep you hooked,” she sings over buzzing, alarm-like tones and unsettling, thumping bass. It’s a compelling lead single for her project’s upcoming album, The Righteous Sword, one that fans of noisier, more pointed indie rock shouldn’t miss out on. — J. Krueger

Stream “Cattle Driver” on Apple Music | Amazon Music | Qobuz

Wild Pink — “Box Store”

It feels like every time there’s new Wild Pink, we talk about how John Ross just keeps raising his already sky-high bar. His latest — “Box Store,” the second single from his forthcoming album Still Coming Down — keeps that streak alive. The track is catchy, heartfelt, creatively produced, and features a killer harmonica line. Plus, Ross sings of strip mall AC units, ’90s flicks, and William Fichtner, because, of course he does. The dude is just firing on all cylinders. — J. Krueger

Stream “Box Store” on Apple Music | Amazon Music | Qobuz

Yard Act — “New Beginnings”

The lead single off Yard Act’s upcoming album You’re Gonna Need a Little Music, “Redeemer,” definitely boasted a bit of doom and gloom. On their new song “New Beginnings,” the Leeds quartet let the light in; just like its title suggests, the song begs the listener to “Purge yourself of sin/ Resist the urge to grin/ Spend your winnings on new beginnings” and eventually “Breathe deep and take it in,” a fittingly cathartic note of acceptance. Unlike their more angular post-punk experiments of yore, “New Beginnings” finds Yard Act embracing Britpop more than ever. Turns out those beer-spilling, shout-along choruses are just as fitting for the band as the satirical dystopian ones. — P. Ragusa

Stream “New Beginnings” on Apple Music | Amazon Music | Qobuz