The Barometer: Lee Ranaldo; Lapalux; Azealia Banks; Fort Romeau; Sleigh Bells; Wavves; Dirty Three; A$AP Rocky; Cloud Nothings

What's hot on our playlist

Slacker rock's incumbent king: Wavves

Lee Ranaldo

Off The Wall

Taken from his forthcoming ninth solo album, this sunny college-rock track finds the Sonic Youth guitarist recycling REM's melodies and chiming riffs.

Lapalux

Gutter Glitter

Lapalux's roots may be in the brain-jarring bass of dubstep, but it doesn't stop him experimenting with pop hooks and dreamy keys.

Azealia Banks

NEEDSUMLUV

Banks's new release misses her signature abrasive rap-style, but the soulful voice she usually saves for choruses and a skipping UK garage beat help keep this track fresh.

Fort Romeau

Jack Rollin'

La Roux's keyboard player dabbles in trippy house on the latest 100% Silk release.

Sleigh Bells

Comeback Kid

A free gift for those pre-ordering their new album, this track references everything from Slipknot to Belle & Sebastian in just three minutes.

Wavves

Hybrid Moments

A gloomy, half-finished Misfits cover from slacker rock's incumbent king.

Dirty Three

Rising Below

The Aussie rockers' love affair with the Velvets continues on this violin-led instrumental.

A$AP Rocky

Celebration

Hip hop's brightest star releases his most commercial track yet. The chorus is one you'll be singing in your sleep.

Cloud Nothings

No Sentiment

Swaggering rock'n'roll, packed with "we don't care" choruses and discordant guitars.