It’s the weekend and we’ve got a few pop bangers here; moving between alt-pop, pure pop and a bit of brooding synth pop. All stunners too. So here’s the pop bops we’re shouting out today ✨
Chroma Noir – Burned Into My Mind
Chroma Noir follow up their last banger with a brooding synth-pop cut shaped by cinematic textures and emotionally charged, gothic-leaning atmosphere
Burned Into My Mind drifts in with those trademark moody synth layers, rich vocals, and pulsing electronic rhythms. It builds into a brilliantly dark, melodic chorus that’s genuinely memorable. I love the boy girl vocals in this too, it’s really cool.
Chroma Noir, formed in Santiago, Chile, lean into a blend of synth-pop and post-punk textures, pairing evocative vocals with cinematic production. This debut positions them within a lineage of darker electronic pop while pushing towards something more contemporary and expansive. Like your synth pop dark and 80s-flavoured? Check it out, it’s essential.
Joshua Pearlstein – Wanna Dance
Joshua Pearlstein channels bright pop textures into a brilliantly bold pop banger
Wanna Dance first hits with the crispest pop production you’ve heard this year, and a lovely, polished pop sheen. It’s got some great space, some gritty electronic elements, and some incredible synth work. But most of all, its a pure pop bop.
Joshua Pearlstein, a young artist moving between Boston and Los Angeles, is building a sound that merges precision with emotional directness. With a growing audience and a clear sense of identity, this release marks another step towards a more defined and ambitious pop vision. A real banger.
Nory J – Weekend With Benny
Nory J crafts an alt-pop anthem with a genuine craft and vibrant, hook-led songwriting
Weekend With Benny rides on upbeat production, clean pop structures and the tiniest hint of Prefab Sprout. Which of course I absolutely love. But it’s definitely in it’s own lane, with a sense of release carried through its bright melodies and rhythmic drive.
Nory J, the project of British musician Jack Spooner, sits pretty squarely in the alt-pop space with a strong independent streak. With consistent touring and growing recognition across UK platforms, this track reinforces his knack for writing accessible, personality-led pop. It’s one of my fave alt-pop moments this year.