Florrie | Little White Lies

Florrie has been on the periphery of pop since 2010. Her first release, Introduction, was released non gratis that year, followed by 2 more self-financed EPs. The extended vanity project came to an end earlier this year when she signed to Sony, which is good news for the singer/songwriter/drummer on Girls Aloud's The Promise because her sideline in modelling can't fund a music career forever (as I'm sure Karen Elson and Milla Jovovich will tell you). It's either a coincidence or the sign of being on a major label that Little White Lies is her punchiest offering to date. Get punched:

The plastic bags in the video finally answer Katy Perry's immortal question from her hit Firework, and I'm sure the environmentalists among you will be up in arms, but so will her fans, as LWL is an arms-in-the-air, hips-in-the-next-room, boobs-in-the-pantry pop smash in the waiting. And it's out next month. 

Jessie Ware | Tough Love

Jessie Ware escapes the second-album slump with a masterclass in the no-chorus technique: new lead single Tough Love channels the slow-burning groove of Running, with smooth, bruised vocals backed by drum machine stutters and gentle synths reminiscent of Prince's 1983 hit Little Red Corvette. I'm sure he's on the phone to her as we speak, whether it's for a duet or a lawsuit - time will tell. Hear the similarity:

Disclaimer: the thunder in the video isn't included on the studio version - clearly the directors, BRTHR, were inspired by the clip for First Aid Kit's My Silver Lining, which uses the same trick. TL is definitely a grower, so it remains to be seen whether or not it will be a hit. Buy it on 3rd August.

Welcome Back... La Roux

La Roux is back and just as 80s as ever, but with a twist: singer Elly Jackson has not only jettisoned the over-the-top vocals and over-the-top production, but also her former producer/bandmate/general no1curr Ben Langmaid. She's also recently confessed to a fear of fame (a la Sia) and has adopted a sad-disco sound, so she's right on trend on all accounts. 5 years is a long time in pop, but the elusive chanteuse's half-decade hiatus has brought us a more mature and confident artist, best showcased on promo single #1 Let Me Down Gently:

Promo single #2, Uptight Downtown, is a more instant affair. Whilst LMDG takes you out for a cigarette, drunkenly confesses everything to you, then pulls you back inside for a spot of crying-at-the-discotheque action, UD drags you straight to the dancefloor and never you mind about that drink you just ordered. Conjuring the spirits of David Bowie's Let's Dance, its highlight is surely the portentous trumpets at the end of the pre-chorus:

If we've learned anything from all this, aside from Elly still thinking she's Tilda Swinton's daughter, it's that at least one thing hasn't changed about her - that trademark look of disdain. Thank goodness her new music is just as superior as her snarl.

La Roux's 2nd album, Trouble In Paradise, is set for release on 21st July.

First Aid Kit | My Silver Lining

First Aid Kit last featured on this blog back in 2012, and admittedly I kind of forgot the band existed until they swung back onto the scene with My Silver Lining. Best described as Dolly Parton wagoning down the French Riviera, the sisters from Sweden add a new dimension to their country-pop leanings with the inclusion of lush, filmic strings. It looks odd on paper, but MSL is deceptively catchy and the mix has paid off - their latest (and 3rd) album Stay Gold made it to #11 on the UK charts last month. Prepare to be hooked: