It’s Friday, and you know what that means—time for another edition of Noteworthy Nods, where we shine a spotlight on the indie singles that have been turning heads this week. From fresh releases to your suggestions, we’ve pulled together a selection that speaks to the diverse and vibrant sounds currently defining the scene.
Last week gave us standout tracks from Florentenes, Flat Party, thistle., Ventrelles, and many more. This week’s picks are just as compelling, with tracks that have been on repeat in our ears, including the likes of:
Dead Freights – Blitzed Town Bop
‘Blitzed Town Bop’ is a genre-defying trip that doesn’t give you a moment to catch your breath. The track kicks off with minimalist beats paired with Bowie-esque vocals before spiraling into chaotic guitar noodling that recalls the off-kilter edge of Radiohead’s classic “Pop Is Dead.” From there, it unleashes a seething energy reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age, before throwing yet another curveball with a swirling, Eastern-inflected riff that channels the dramatic flair of Matt Bellamy’s most theatrical moments. Very few tracks keep listeners on their toes like this one – it’s unpredictably brilliant. After a brief hiatus, Dead Freights are back and firing on all cylinders – ‘Blitzed Town Bop’ raises the stakes for their 2026 takeover.
The Enemy – Trouble
The Enemy’s ‘Trouble’ arrives as one of 90 demos the band churned out in a burst of creativity while working on their upcoming album. Produced by Matt Terry, who helped shape hits like “40 Days and 40 Nights,” the track is a gritty explosion of blaring riffs, tight rhythms, and Tom Clarke’s signature punk sneer. It’s a high-energy anthem that channels chaotic urgency, but the infectious melody and slyly catchy chorus are sure to live rent-free in your head for the foreseeable future.
The Zangwills – Drawing From Memory
Written just days before entering the studio, ‘Drawing From Memory’ bursts with the urgency of a last-minute creative spark. The track captures the band’s knack for fusing emotionally resonant storytelling with raw emotional depth, all while charging forward with a momentum that mirrors the intensity of their live performances.
BIG SPECIAL – Dragged Up A Hill (and Thrown Down the Other Side)
BIG SPECIAL take an unexpected turn with ‘Dragged Up A Hill,’ stripping away their usual sonic aggression for a more measured, reflective approach. The song’s minimal, carefully crafted instrumentation leaves Joe Hicklin’s voice to carry the weight of frustration and stagnation, as he tackles the weary grind of life and work. It’s a raw, searing look at that feeling of being stuck, where every effort seems to go unrewarded — a sharp contrast to their usual intensity, but all the more effective for it.
Pulp – The Man Comes Around
Pulp’s version of Johnny Cash’s ‘The Man Comes Around’ reimagines the original with surprising flair. Where Cash’s rendition is austere, Pulp injects a mischievous groove – playful yet grounded. Jarvis Cocker’s delivery sidesteps obvious drama, instead imbuing the track with an understated sense of inevitability. It’s less a cover than a reinvention – turning a somber classic into something both fresh and hauntingly theirs.
And that’s just a taste of what this week’s playlist has to offer. No matter what vibe you’re after, the Noteworthy Nods playlist is packed with new tracks perfect for your weekend soundtrack.
Alongside our weekly track picks, Noteworthy Nods brings you regular videocast interviews with emerging and established artists we think are worth your attention. Catch every episode on the playlist HERE, featuring names like The Subways, The Slow Readers Club, The Lottery Winners, The Lilacs, Starsailor, Kyle Falconer, Cast, Shed Seven, Turin Brakes, Embrace, and many more.
