Tesfaye delivers. Released in that special “Weeknd hour”, the Toronto singer/producer let loose his latest just about 90 minutes or so ago. “Enemy” is pretty by the numbers Weeknd material, languid lugubrious but perhaps a bit more poppy melodically than previous material (We can hear MJ’s “Remember the Time” a little in there.) Be a witness for the XO crew below.
The Weeknd – EnemyThe Weeknd 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
IYES is a fresh project from Brighton-based electro duo, Josh and Melis. We were spinning through their forthcoming EP, when “Lighthouse” hit our ears and we were hooked. With an intro reminiscing in Xx style lullaby the tune launches into a synthy rnb style stomp, drawing you into it’s dynamic and serene world of electro pop. Preview “Lighthouse” from IYES below.
IYES – LighthouseThe Colour Atlas 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.5
Colour The Atlas will be releasing their debut EP in late November. Lately we’ve been immersed in the band’s unique blend of indie pop with tasty synths and grabbing boy-girl vocals. “Snow” leads off the EP offering an anticipatory introduction to a band with a bright future yet to come.
Colour The Atlas – SnowThe Colour Atlas (Facebook)
Rating 8.5
It’s no secret that the first two studio albums from Bat For Lashes, Fur and Gold and Two Suns, enjoyed plenteous universal acclaim. Some critics have seemed a bit disappointed with Bat For Lashes most recent and third album The Haunted Man, yet there are many bright spots on the release. Focusing more pointed attention on her vocals, and backing off beats and bass lines, Natasha Khan gives a beautiful performance, and particularly on the album’s opening track “Lilies”. Natasha’s voice soars over the mystical rhythmic layers and steady drum beats throughout The Hunted Man. Khan has cited the album as being inspired in part by a 1970’s British drama known as “Ryan’s Daughter”, and Bat For Lashes ushers executes on the paralleled and psychologically haunting themes with a trademark elegance. By Brian Litwin
Bat For Lashes (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
Di’zain, a new London-based artist reveals this bold debut single “Play The Game” today, administering “Crisp beats and lilting late-night melodies” to a well primed audience. Grab your free download here and without doubt it’ll sound great queued up next to the likes of AlunaGeorge and Charli XCX. By Nathan Hetherington
Di’zain (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
Dance pop gets airborne on “Born To Fly”, the title track previewed here from the forthcoming new EP by sultry NYC dance-floor songstress Beca. The singer’s dreamy vocals layer their intoxicating melody atop a funky jungle groove that lay seductively beneath. Get familiar this new siren on the rise.
Beca – Born To FlyBeca 
(Bandcamp)
Rating 8.18965
The latest heat from the 513 (that’s Cincinnati OH for all you non-Ohioans or non-area code stans out there) to catch up with the b3sci crew. Cinci rapper Lantana’s “All Hustle No Luck” has enough juice to compete with just about anything on hip hop radio right now. Somebody get Diddy on the phone. OATW.
Lantana – All Hustle No LuckLantana 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
The crown prince of prog house Swiss-based EDX delivers a gem with latest track “Touched”. Go and get it.
EDX – TouchedEDX 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
Some tracks you just can’t stop listening too. The lead track off The Raveonettes new Observator album has been wearing through our hard drive (if that’s possible). “Young and Cold” yields one of our favorites to date from the Raves with it’s simple duet and singalong a caliber melody. Do yourself a favor and check out the full hauntingly sweet spectrum of the Raveonettes latest Observator album.
The Raveonettes – Young and ColdThe Raveonettes 
(Official) (Twitter)
Rating 8.4
Heavy cool vibes coming your by way of 2012 Mobo nominee Zara McFarlane. Not long ago this budding UK jazz aficionado released her debut album, Until Tomorrow, on Giles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings. For this new version of “Police & Thieves”, Zara’s vocals glide a top the track’s steady shuffle depicting a story as much relevant to the conflicts of today’s society as any time prior, a true homage to the Junior Murvin classic. Keep an eye on this young voice and check out “Police & Thieves” previewed here from Zara’s forthcoming and sophomore 2013 release.
Zara McFarlane – Police & ThievesZara McFarlane (Facebook)
Rating 8.5
Die Mason Die channel a darker side of their folky roots with new track, “Hold My Crown”. This, the second song to see release from the UK trio, offers up another exciting glimpse at the band’s unfettered intuition. On “Hold My Crown”, the colorful vocals of 19 year old frontman Samuel Mason trudge through the vast depths of emotive story telling with natural ease. Both technically and structurally, the band’s less-traditional approach is uniquely succinct to the 3:30 pop song delivered. Check out “Hold My Crown” below and keep an eye out for the debut EP from Die Mason Die this November.
Die Mason Die – Hold My CrownDie Mason Die (Facebook)
Rating 8.1
NYC based rockers Ghxst effectively mix 90’s alternative rock and a touch of the blues with their own distorted experimental style, delightfully dark and bawdy vocals, and unmistakable guitar excess. The aptly labeled deth-grunge trio who are originally from Britian site their musical influences as Jesus and Mary Chain, White Zombie, and Sonic Youth. Check out their irresistibly fierce track “Black Camaro” (video below) for its raw washed-out-bad-kid sensibility, booming damaged vocals, and relentless guitar grind. By Erin Feathers
GHXST – DoomgirlGHXST (Info)
Rating 8.3
