The Barometer: The Kickdrums ft. Lana Del Rey & A$AP Rocky; Dirty Beaches; Nicki Minaj ft 2 Chainz; Liars; Dirty Projectors; Off!; Japandroids; Killer Mike; xxxy

What's hot on our playlist

Defiant: Nicki Minaj ft 2 Chainz (Getty Images)

The Kickdrums ft. Lana Del Rey & A$AP Rocky

Ridin

By featuring two of the hottest names in music at the moment, the Brooklyn production duo have sent the hype surrounding their new mixtape into overdrive.

Dirty Beaches

Tu Ne Dis Rien

A throbbing bass, and 'Closer'-era Ian Curtis-esque vocals, power this barely recognisable Francoise Hardy cover. It's all a long way from yé-yé.

Nicki Minaj ft 2 Chainz

Beez in the Trap

The world's most in-demand rapper uses a bubble-gum beat and schoolyard melody on this bragging, defiant response to her critics.

Liars

No 1 Against the Rush

This teaser single, released to promote the cult Brooklynexperimentalists' sixth album, can be streamed for free on their Facebook page.

Dirty Projectors

Gun Has No Trigger

Melodramatic, anglophile pop from the Brooklyn six-piece.

Off!

King Kong Brigade

Brutal hardcore punk from a supergroup featuring former members of Black Flag and The Circle Jerks.

Japandroids

The House That Heaven Built

Anthemic guitar rock ideal for fans of The Hold Steady and Weezer.

Killer Mike

Don't Die

The third preview from Mike's collaboration with El-P is an angry, police-baiting slice of old fashioned hip-hop.

xxxy

This Can't Be Love

The irritatingly-monikered Mancunian does a good line in beat-heavy house.