Master Peace gives his verdict on some of the year’s biggest tracks.
The Dare – ‘Girls’
Welcome to 2024’s best house party, where the punch is spiked with equal parts 2005 Brooklyn cool and modern production wizardry. Harrison Patrick Smith has somehow managed to make indie sleaze feel fresh again – no small feat in a year where everyone’s trying to recreate that lightning in a bottle.
Master Peace says… “Big Tune. One of the songs of the year. You can’t hate on this indie dance banger. Indie sleaze is back.”
Fontaines D.C. – ‘Starburster’
Trust Fontaines D.C. to turn a panic attack at St Pancras into the year’s most compelling sonic departure. Gone are the familiar post-punk angles, replaced by something altogether more expansive. Grian Chatten’s voice has never sounded more urgent, while the band weave trip-hop textures into their trademark intensity with the confidence of seasoned genre-hoppers.
Master Peace says… “Again, big record. Unbelievable vocal delivery; finally, people are catching up to this band!”
English Teacher – ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’
This tale of two halves manages to capture the entire north of England in a single track. Lily Fontaine turns small-town stories into poetry while the band paint their own picture of regional identity – all sharp edges and sudden beauty.
Master Peace says… “The songwriting in this record is so clever. Definitely deserved the Mercury Prize!”
Charli xcx – ‘girl, so confusing (featuring Lorde)’
Pop’s parallel universe suddenly collides with our own as two of its brightest stars team up for something special. What could have been a simple remix becomes a conversation about fame, friendship and everything in between.
Master Peace says… “Charli owned the summer. Every song on ‘BRAT’ is a hit.”
Sabrina Carpenter – ‘Espresso’
Finally, a caffeine-fuelled bop that doesn’t make us want to switch to decaf. Julian Bunetta’s production sparkles like a disco ball in sunlight, while Sabrina’s playful delivery turns what could have been just another summer anthem into something genuinely refreshing.
Master Peace says… “Big Julian Bunetta! My trusted producer/writer getting his flowers on this one.”
JADE – ‘Angel Of My Dreams’
Here’s a solo debut that kicks down the door instead of politely knocking. Working with Mike Sabath (of RAYE’s ‘Escapism’ fame), JADE has created a rollercoaster that manages to feel both meticulously crafted and gloriously unhinged.
Master Peace says… “Hmmmm. I guess I’d say this isn’t my cup of tea. But big up JADE!”
Wunderhorse – ‘Midas’
Recording at Nirvana’s old stomping ground could have been a millstone around lesser bands’ necks, but Wunderhorse wear that heritage lightly. Jacob Slater and co. have evolved into something truly special – Pete Woodin’s bass prowls like a predator while Harry Fowler’s guitar work slices through the mix.
Master Peace says… “One of my favourite bands. After IDLES and Fontaines, they’re the next up! Pay attention.”
Chappell Roan – ‘Good Luck, Babe!’
Some breakup songs make you cry; this one makes you want to throw the best party your ex will never attend. The retro-tinged production provides the perfect backdrop for vocals that could strip paint at twenty paces, while the lyrics cut deeper with each listen.
Master Peace says… “The industry needed a Chappell. Pop was getting too vanilla before her!”
Orla Gartland – ‘Little Chaos’
Sometimes chaos is exactly what we need, and Gartland serves it up with extra guitars and a side of emotional intelligence. The drums hit harder than your morning coffee, the guitars stack up like your best intentions, and Gartland’s voice cuts through it all with undeniable authenticity.
Master Peace says… “First time hearing this one, too! I like it.”
ROSÉ FT. Bruno Mars – ‘APT.’
Whoever had this collaboration on their 2024 bingo card, please step forward and tell us next week’s lottery numbers. The track takes a simple drinking game concept and transforms it into something that feels both fresh and timeless.
Master Peace says… “Hated it first listen. Now, it’s my go-to tune when travelling. I love this song. Bruno Mars never ever misses!”
Benson Boone – ‘Beautiful Things’
Remember when pop wasn’t afraid to feel everything at maximum volume? This is the kind of track that demands to be screamed along to in your car at midnight, possibly while thinking about that person you definitely aren’t thinking about anymore.
Master Peace says… “I wish I could do back-flips like him!”
Fred again.. – ‘places to be’
Just when you think you’ve got Fred’s formula figured out, he goes and does this. Teaming up with Anderson .Paak and Chika, it works as well at 4am in a sweaty club as it does on your morning commute. It’s electronic music that remembers it’s okay to have a soul.
Master Peace says… “The production is so clever! Fred, let’s make a tune.”
Artemas – ‘i like the way you kiss me’
Pop noir gets a modern update as Artemas turns late-night overthinking into something you can dance to. The production glistens like city lights on wet streets, while the lyrics cut straight through your carefully maintained cool.
Master Peace says… “I’ve known him since the start. The graft he’s put in is so impressive. Song of the year, maybe?” ■
Taken from the December 2024 / January 2025 issue of Dork.
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