Despite the ease of access that streaming has brought to the distribution of music, the volume that's released can make it a daunting task to find unique new stuff every week. In this recurring weekly feature we put together a short list of new songs that stand out amongst all the noise and deserve a spot in your rotation.

All songs featured in this recurring series can be found in our scrmbl selection 2025 playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.

HANA — "ROSE"

The proper debut single from the group coming out of singing-competition show No No Girls offers a smoother introduction to what they aim to achieve as a pop outfit. Combining singing and rap isn't anything new in this space, but in recent years it can feel more about showing off (look what we can do!) at the expense of an actually enjoyable song. Not the case with "ROSE," which balances out the two sonic sides of HANA while making sure they click together just right. Listen above.

iVy — "Famiresu Rock"

A family restaurant can be the backdrop for so many situations — a simple meal, an extended work session, an intense conversation between people. The complexity of chain dining peaks through duo iVy's "Famiresu Rock," a song both kinda silly with its guitar chug sounding fit for the Gusto in-store soundsystem, but given an emotional twist via the vocals. Everything grows more dizzying as it bops along, using the setting as a way to unpack a whole lot of feelings. Listen above.

KO3 — "DANCE2NITE"

If you trace the history of events that lead to the creation of scrmbl back far enough you'll run into the realization that the Japanese hardcore dance music scene is a big part of our roots in its own way. That's why when a really solid classic UK hardcore-style track pops up in the new release lineup for a week, ears start to perk up around here. The latest track from Tokyo-based multi-genre electronic producer KO3, "DANCE2NITE", is a wonderfully nostalgic 170bpm romp complete with pitched up vocals, thumping bass, a catchy melody, and all the flourishes that the genre is known for.

mekakushe — "Koi No Retronym"

Dance-pop creator mekakushe shines best when laying down radio-ready melodies with more oft-kilter electronic touches. The core of "Koi No Retronym" screams out to soundtrack a J-drama, but the surrounding sounds offer a woozy synth edge alongside a clanging percussive edge that offers greater sonic depth to the her work. Listen above.

Special Favorite Music — "Hashire Romance Ichi-go"

Last year marked the 10th anniversary of 3-piece outfit Special Favorite Music, and the group promised "a fresh start" at the timing of the milestone which is something the seem to be holding true to with the release of 3 new songs since December. Their last full length was almost 10 years ago, and the band has evolved quite a bit since that time with their latest output being a lot more mellow in approach while still retaining an upbeat sound. Their latest, "Hashire Romance Ichi-go" is a breezy little track with sunny vocals, background harmonies, and a violin dancing throughout. It's a refreshing song, and the kind of evolution for the band that really works.

YAKA — "Smooth Operator"

Despite this only being Shibuya-based YAKA's 2nd single, the group has been together since 2018 and it absolutely shows. The group has roots in soul, funk, and disco and this track delivers a little bit on each of those fronts. The band delivers an absolute groove paired with a fantastic vocal performance from singer/drummer Oji, every piece of the song works seamlessly together and is the kind of sound that comes with years of experience. If this is what we're getting from them at the start of their recording career I think it's safe to expect great things ahead.