New Music Roundup: Babygirl, CAT PISS, Umru, Men I Trust, and more
It’s been a breezy month for new releases, and we’re thrilled to be back with another handpicked collection of standout tracks and projects. From glitchy hyperpop experiments to hardcore electro punk, moody indie ballads, and spacious dream-pop, there’s a little something for every craving as you start crafting your summer playlists. As always, you can find all of these on our Sounds of Reverie playlist on Spotify — be sure to save and follow it, because we update it weekly with fresh gems you don’t want to miss.
Umru returns with a gripping, shape-shifting debut EP titled Matter of Time, weaving together club-ready chaos and crystalline emotion. With the work that Umru has built for himself, it’s hard to believe this is his debut. The standout collaboration with Canadian producer Jacques Greene is a highlight, shimmering with ethereal textures and warped vocal fragments. Known for pulling together voices in his community, Umru invites contributors like Wrpstr and Nikki Nair, in addition to remixes from GRRL, Gaszia, and Henrik the artist to bring a unique, but glossy sound to the EP. There’s an unpredictable alchemy here — each track pulses with its own logic, stitched together by intricate rhythms and a willingness to glitch the edges. Umru remains one of the most exciting names in forward-thinking electronic music. If you’re not convinced, check out his NTS set with Hannah Diamond down below which features a few of the tracks that fans have been long awaiting for.
Blistering and unrelenting, Calgary’s CAT PISS released a self-titled EP in April, sharing a feral burst of hardcore electro synth punk. "GAG REFLEX" is the barnstormer here — a track that barrels through your speakers with scream-along lines and thick distortion. But it’s not a one-note affair; “THEME SONG,” “AMMONIA,” and “GOLD FISH MOM” bring their own punch and personality. There’s a tongue-in-cheek theatricality to CAT PISS’s approach, but the craftsmanship behind the chaos is sharp as hell. It’s dirty, fast, funny, and completely unapologetic.
Preoccupations return with Ill at Ease, a darkly layered and brooding addition to their catalog. The album plays like a slow unraveling — tension simmers beneath every bassline, while cold synths and cavernous guitars frame frontman Matt Flegel’s signature deadpan delivery. There’s a certain post-apocalyptic beauty to their sound, equal parts decayed and divine. It’s music for long walks at dusk, headphones in, heart heavy.
Vancouver’s la lune continues to glide from strength to strength, and their new song “are we over it” is further proof of their unfailing touch. The track is delicately built — all dreamy textures, warm vocals, and simmering sadness wrapped in quiet hope. It’s a song that knows how to sit with complicated feelings without letting them swallow you. “are we over it” feels weightless but loaded, soft-spoken yet emotionally seismic. It’s safe to say: they’re incapable of making a bad song.
With “After You,” Toronto sweethearts Babygirl delivers another sugar-sad indie pop anthem that hits where it hurts. The song drips with longing, capturing the quiet ache of missing someone that is not easy to replace. The band share, “‘After You’ is about a person who sets a new standard and redefines what love is to you. The bar gets raised so high, you feel certain it could never be cleared by anyone else. There’s a powerlessness to feeling so attached to someone: they’ve widened the spectrum in both directions — the love you have is equal to the loss you risk.” Babygirl’s ability to balance lush production with lyrical intimacy shines here — it’s dreamy without ever feeling distant. “After You” floats in the same melancholic space as a late-night drive or a post-party comedown.
The talk of the week is Montreal’s Men I Trust offering yet another meditative masterpiece with Equus Asinus. As always, their music rides the line between hypnotic and heartfelt, with lilting guitars, vaporous synths, and Emmanuelle Proulx’s comforting vocals guiding the way. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their world, Equus Caballus is a worthy listen, full of soft revelations. It’s music that asks you to slow down and feel.
That’s it for this week’s new music roundup! Be sure to follow our Sounds of Reverie playlist on Spotify — we update it every week with our latest obsessions, deep cuts, and brand-new tracks. There’s always more to discover, and we can’t wait to share what’s next.