Spring has not yet sprung, so it’s the perfect time for some moody textures, dark edges and introspective writing for this week’s alt pop selection. From late-night trip-hop atmospheres to emotionally driven electronic builds, these tracks are going to round off February in style ❤️🔥
NÓWNØIS – incomplete (the shinobu version)
NÓWNØIS crafts a stunning nocturnal alt-pop cut built on heavy bass, clipped drums and hushed intensity
incomplete (the shinobu version), unfolds in a stripped-back haze of deep low end and tightly clipped percussion. Close-mic vocals sit front and centre, creating an intimate, late-night atmosphere designed for headphones. Or maybe a night drive. Wherever you listen, it’s a absolute bop.
NÓWNØIS, a London-based Hungarian singer and producer, leans into darker R&B and trip-hop textures here. As part of her wider DIY EP project, the track reframes an earlier release into something more shadowed and inward-looking, emphasising mood and control. Bold and brilliant.
William Kalmer and Audrey Karrasch – Graceland
Audrey Karrasch and William Kalmer collaborate on a beautiful alt-pop moment shaped by dreamy chords and cinematic warmth
Graceland, builds gradually on spacious production and subtle instrumental swells that allow its melody to breathe. The arrangement feels filmic, with gentle dynamics and a focus on vocal intimacy. There’s a lot to love here, particularly the chords and a standout performance from LA-based singer Audrey Karrasch.
William Kalmer, a South African songwriter and producer, marks his first release in years with this collaborative single. Rooted in honest storytelling and textural depth, it signals a thoughtful reintroduction built on atmosphere. I’d love to hear more this year.
James Mayes – Mistakes
James Mayes blends cinematic electronics and heartfelt songwriting into a reflective alt-pop classic
Mistakes, pairs polished electronic production with swelling, emotive undercurrents that mirror its themes of growth and transformation. Synth layers and rhythmic pulses create a sense of movement without overpowering the vocal.
James Mayes, a UK-based producer and singer-songwriter, uses this single to set the tone for his upcoming EP. Drawing on personal evolution and self-reflection, he positions his sound between intimate confession and expansive electronic pop. It’s fantastic, and I hope James has more coming this year.
Deja Dead – Snapshots
Deja Dead shape a fantastic, introspective alt-pop track anchored in atmosphere and emotional release
Snapshots, opens with a haunting, almost cinematic introduction before settling into a measured, reflective groove. It’s genuinely infectious in an Beck’s Odelay-style of way, and we love the subtle textures, samples and instrumentation.
Deja Dead frame the track around memory, loss and the moment of choosing healing over repetition. With its immersive sound design and visual ambitions, the single highlights their commitment to blending narrative, music and atmosphere into one cohesive world. Unique stuff.
Data.Soul – Cigarettes After Dark
Data.Soul fuse swooning, soulful vocals and shimmering electronics into a wonderful late-night alt pop package
Cigarettes After Dark, drifts on immersive synth textures and understated guitar lines, creating a slow-building emotional core. The vocal performance carries a sense of longing that anchors the track’s cinematic feel.
Data.Soul, an Irish indie-electronic project, blur the line between pop structure and atmospheric production. This single captures their balance of nostalgic emotion and forward-thinking sound design, positioning them firmly within the darker edges of contemporary alt pop. Would love to see this live.