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.
AQ — "Me&You"
If the superhero rock of idol group AQ seems familiar, it can be from a loose connection in sound to the glam-flecked rockabilly backing the masked idols from Gollipop Records. Or it’s likely the echo to the work of guitar-vocal duo INSHOW-HA, who have been supplying their neon-hot rock for AQ since the group’s debut last year. Whatever the link, the idols of AQ spring into incredible action to the tune of flashy rock ’n’ roll fit for an opening title-card sequence in “Me&You” — a new song from their fantastic full-length, S.E.A.
CHINESE HOODIE — "RAPID EXPRESS"
CHINESE HOODIE aren’t kidding with their self-slapped tag of “quick pop punk band.” Clocking at 10 minutes, their latest drop, QUICK POP FANCLUB, is yet another wonderful showcase of the, yes, speed but more importantly the verve that fuels their rambunctious melodic hardcore. Once they floor it, you just got to roll with the jostling: “You’re not getting off my fucking train,” they chant in “RAPID EXPRESS.” The band’s punk rock makes for such an exhilarating time, though, it’s hard not to stay on for the ride.
Romanesco Roman — "Thinking out"
It’s only going to get hotter as the weeks go by, so save Romanesco Roman’s new mou-ikune EP for when you want to lie down from being beat by the sun and let the mind just wander. The self-described dreamgaze band do just that in the EP opener “Thinking out.” Their concerns naturally drift from the scene in right front of them to the irreversible episodes of their past. But before they can delve further into the regrets, the reverb-soaked guitars send them mentally elsewhere.
Summer Eye — "Mango"
The heat has arrived, and coastal-pop specialist Summer Eye has returned with an easy-breezy song perfect for this sweltering season. "Mango" celebrates the titular fruit in all its juicy wonder, aided by some slick guitar lines and percussive details begging to be played out of one of those beach houses in Zushi. It's not totally chill — Summer Eye himself brings a vocal unpredictability that adds some surprise to it all — but still fitting for this time of the year. Listen above.
THE LUV BUGS With Uzatama and e5 — "Koiin"
THE LUV BUGS is less an artist and more of a musical experiment, gathering together young artists via parties and collaborations seen as the future of Japanese sound via parties and collaborations. Part of the fun of this all is seeing what kinds of artists come together for special tracks. Latest cut "Koiin" finds singer-songwriter Uztama linking up with digital genre blur e5 to create an uptempo number highlighting the pair's electro-burned vocals interrupted by some guitar shredding. It goes through various tempo changes, but the singing carries it ahead no matter the speed, underlining just how interesting the voice of tomorrow is. Listen above.
yama — "Sugarveil"
Masked-performer yama always interjects drama into her work, but a particular flair pulses through "Sugarveil." It's reflected partially by her voice, going from slower singing to swifter talk-rap, but the music does equal work in setting the emotional stakes via speedier urgent phases to piano-dappled twists teasing balladry. It all leads towards something resembling catharsis, and is one hell of a ride reaching there. Listen above.
