Concrete Playground's Top Ten Singles of June

Are you a new music fiend? The type who hunts for a good dose of freshly minted music on a regular basis? Sorting through a month of music is epic business. Sure, you could hit up a few Spotify playlists, but we reckon you're after a few true gems, handpicked from four weeks of new releases. We've done the dirty work for you, filled our ears with everything we could get our mitts on and picked ten tracks that really stood out this month. Whack in your headphones and load up on these newbies.

CHRISTOPHER PORT — 'HEAVENS'

One of the finest advocates for UK garage Australia currently possesses, Christopher Port recently launched his solo project after providing support for a number of this country's most loved acts — including Big Scary and Ngaiire. The producer's upbeat soundscapes and sampling have come as a bit of a surprise for those not privy to his extracurricular talents, and have marked his solo work as a hugely interesting aside to his usual engagements. 'Heavens' is the second single to come from his debut EP Vetement, out July 15 via Pieater.

BADBADNOTGOOD FEAT. MICK JENKINS — 'HYSSOP OF LOVE'

One of my favourite hip-hop collectives, BADBADNOTGOOD, are back this year with a new album which will be available in a matter of weeks. The latest cut from the Canadian's record IV features up-and-coming Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins (in the Ghostface Killah role), who has been on my watch list since his impressive debut record Water. BBNG provide a relaxed, blaxploitation-inspired backdrop to Jenkins' sharp delivery, and once again highlights this crew as one of the tightest acts in the world.

THE GOODS FEAT. BRUCE HATHCOCK — 'NIGHTLIFE'

Sydney-based duo The Goods are a recent find, having recently turned their attention to their own music having after cutting their teeth as session musicians and producers. Their sound sits somewhere between a throwback funk/soul outfit and an Australian version of Kaytranada, with this catchy recipe recently taking the form of single 'Nightlife'. Featuring the Marvin Gaye-esque tones of Californian vocalist Bruce Hathcock, it's the latest the track from The Goods' upcoming double EP out July 1.

THE OCEAN PARTY — 'BACK BAR'

One of the most loveable bands in Australia, you always know what you're going to get when the Ocean Party release a new track. Their latest offering, 'Back Bar', again hits the mark with an upbeat, catchy number that comes in at just over 2:30. I challenge you to listen without smiling, especially when you pair it with the track's comical video clip which features nudity, air guitar and something that resembles wrestling jello. 'Back Bar' is the first single from the band's upcoming 6th (!) full length record, which I'm already predicting will be on high rotation in my household.

MADELINE KENNEY — 'SIGNALS'

Perhaps the most beautiful song I've heard this year, Madeline Kenney's 'Signals' has been a revelation since I came across it earlier this month. The latest signing to Chaz Bundwick's (Toro Y Moi) label Company Records, Oakland-based Kenney's debut EP (also titled Signals) is a stunner, full of standout vocals and dreamy soundscapes. It's a must-have for fans of Beach House and Grizzly Bear, and I'd love to share this record with as many people while she still remains small so I can say 'I told you so' when she blows up.

WHAT SO NOT x GEORGE MAPLE FEAT. ROME FORTUNE — 'BURIED'

The combination of these two Australian acts with fascinating Atlanta rapper Rome Fortune was enough to grab my attention, and I was surprised by my appreciation for this one when I gave it a little time. The gorgeous opening of 'Buried' takes me back to my obsession with Meshell Ndegeocello's incredible Comfort Woman record, before the nicely balanced production takes off, giving Fortune the perfect platform to let his powerful verses fly. This is a track that could have been incredibly confusing given the combination of distinctive artists, but the result is the opposite, with the track perfectly balancing each strong element.

UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA — 'FIRST WORLD PROBLEM'

Technically released in the shadows of May, there's no way I'm not including Unknown Mortal Orchestra's latest single 'First World Problem' in my list this month. The first new music since last year's breakout record Multi-Love, the track's slightly repetitive vocals are well and truly tempered by the its rich production and variation, with a brass section adding plenty of sass to this epically danceable number. As an aside, if you've overdone your UMO listening over the past few years, make sure to check out recent Laneway Festival casualty Silicon's (Reuben Neilson's brother Cody's project) debut album 2015 record Personal Computer.

WALLACE — 'IS IT YOU?'

There seems to have been a bit of a soul revival in Australia over the past few years, with acts like Hiatus Kaiyote, Jordan Rakei and Sasquatch leading the charge. One of this new breed of talent is Sydney-based Newzealander Wallace, who has been on the radar as one to watch since she released her debut single 'Vinyl Skip' early last year. Continuing to build on her early success, she released perhaps her most solid work to date earlier this month, teaming up with Dutch production duo Kraak & Smaak for the gorgeous 'Is It You?', a track that pairs Wallace's sultry vocals perfectly with smooth, tempered production that transports the listener to a smoky, backroom jazz bar.

CASS MCCCOMBS — 'OPPOSITE HOUSE'

Alt-country aficionado Cass McCombs recently announced a new addition to his impressive discography, with new album Mangy Love set for release in August. The first taste of said record is 'Opposite House', a dreamy track which features backing vocals from the radiant Angel Olsen (who'll be releasing her own new album later this year), and again solidifies the Californian as your favourite Sunday soundtrack artist.

CITIES AVIV — 'MELANIN DROP'

This track has so much going on, it's hard to believe it's only three minutes long. Experimental hip hop artist Cities Aviv jumps through numerous guises throughout, from aggressive MC, to laidback producer, to spoken word poet, all the while drawing the listener further into his web of brilliance. 'Melanin Drop' is one of the most interesting listens I've had in a long time, and is a worthy addition to this humble list.

Top image: George Maple.