Welcome to another instalment of What’s Going On, Biff Bam Pop’s weekly new music roundup. This week, we’ve plucked five of the hottest releases that need to be on your personal playlists. From the latest big alt-rock bangers with pulsating beats to a surprisingly great cover of a beloved David Bowie classic, it’s a fun eclectic mix of sonic delights. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
Bones and Jones – Big news! Australian alt-rock band Bones and Jones have a new project on the way. Their new EP In Blue is due out February 2. After the one-two-punch of singles “Need It” and “Simple Passion,” the release date for the new EP is a welcome announcement. Listeners can expect to hear Bones and Jones exploring more of the indie rock elements of their sound. More moody and more synthesizers, but still delivering the top-notch writing and meticulous song crafting that we’ve come to expect from the band. The band is opening up for The Grogans in Australia this March and April. Stateside fans will get to check out Bones and Jones this March as well as the band is set to rock SXSW 2024 in Austin, TX.
Photo Credit: Kyle Dobie
Listen to Bones and Jones’ “Need It” below.
The Missing Peace – Washington, DC-based rockers The Missing Peace just dropped the first great alt-rock release of 2024. “FIREWORK” is an exercise in duality, as the band fronted by performers Luciano and Lazarus showcases their beautiful pop melodies alongside brutal breakdowns. Talking about “FIREWORK” and what producer Cameron Mizell brought to the track, the band states: “FIREWORK’ is a total evolution of our sound and could definitely challenge the status quo of rock music. The song has everything from intense breakdowns & gritty vocals to melodic, pop-influenced hooks. Mizell x TMP is bringing the energy that can shake up the mainstream rock scene and we can’t wait for you to hear it.” We can’t wait to see what The Missing Peace does next!
Listen to The Missing Peace’s new single “FIREWORK” below.
K.Flay – Multi-talented and multi-platinum artist K.Flay is out now with “Carsick.” Recorded during the sessions for last year’s extremely well-received fifth studio album Mono, the new track was written and produced by K.Flay and Jason Suwito. Loaded with catchy hooks and a driving insistent beat, “Carsick” has endless replay value. What’s “Carsick” all about? K.Flay states: “‘Carsick’ is about the moment you want to get off the ride. When the chaos isn’t fun anymore. I tried to capture both the dizzying feeling of being in a toxic relationship and the freedom that comes with leaving it.” You won’t have to wait long to see K.Flay perform “Carsick” live as she’s set to kick off her Australian tour on Feb 11th with a North American headline tour to follow in March.
Listen to K.Flay’s new single “Carsick” below.
Definitely Maybe – You know we’re all about serving up the hottest pop-punk releases for you here in What’s Going On. Enter Definitely Maybe. The Chicago trio just dropped their new single “Are We Having Fun Yet?” The band’s somber and heartfelt “One More Night” went viral last year and this new track showcases their high energy and upbeat side. More than just a fun pop-punk romp, there’s a deeper meaning in the new single. Explaining the message in “Are We Having Fun Yet?,” Definitely Maybe states: “’Are We Having Fun Yet?’ is a relentless exploration of the toll ambition takes on the soul. Delving into the highs and lows of chasing dreams, it offers an unfiltered look at the exhaustion and self-discovery that comes with the journey.”
Listen to Definitely Maybe’s new single “Are We Having Fun Yet?” below.
Umphrey’s McGee & Huey Lewis – It’s wild. It’s hot. It’s wacky. It’s fun. Veteran Chicago jam band Umphrey’s McGee teamed up with legendary rocker Huey Lewis for a cover of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” Their rendition is largely faithful to the Nile Rodgers-produced post-disco hit and is guaranteed to get listeners up on the dance floor, but it’s also got some sentimental value to it as well. Originally recorded way back in 2018 for Howard Stern’s Bowie tribute on SiriusXM, this cover holds the distinction of being Lewis’ final studio recording before being diagnosed with Meniere’s disease and hearing loss. Huey Lewis sounds great on this being backed by Umphrey’s McGee, a jam band that knows how to have a real good time. Give this a listen and let us know what you think of it.
Listen to Umphrey’s McGee & Huey Lewis’ cover of “Let’s Dance” below.
