The 10 best guitar tracks you need to hear this week

Brother Bear Lives Here by Master Oogway

Freakout jazz by the Norwegian collective, on which the guitar is one of two lead instruments. Blazing with high energy and unbridled creativity, it proves once again why jazz is quickly becoming one of the most important genres for the rebirth of guitar music. Coming in at just shy of eight minutes, there’s an amazing wig-out for both guitar and saxophone near the five-minute mark that’s sure to delight your neighbours.

Aros Am Byth by Ynys

Recorded at Ty Drwg studios in Cardiff and mixed by Iwan Morgan of Cate Le Bon fame, Ynys’s first single of 2020 leans more into a disco aesthetic and echoes the work of ELO and Kevin Parker in equal measure. With percussive bass and jangly guitars mirrored by the synths, this is a summer-ready track to wash away your lockdown blues.

To Mr Fahey by Joff Oddie

The title track of an instrumental folk album from Wolf Alice guitarist Joff Oddie, with all proceeds going to the Trussell Trust to help foodbanks in the UK during the COVID-19 crisis. This track is the only original on the record, with the rest comprising of Nick Drake and Davey Graham covers, amongst others.

Hot Heater by Pottery

Pottery are the next band to become part of Partisan Records impeccable roster, and Hot Heater was released along with the announcement of their debut album, due out in June. Reminiscent of Talking Heads and Freaky Styley-era RHCP, it’s laced with raw, choppy guitars and that DIY ethos that’s currently grabbing hold of the underground guitar scene.

Introducing Delta Force by The Fearless Flyers

Once again released as part of the debut Flyers’ record on Vulfpeck‘s resident Vulf Records, this killer groove reimagines the track originally released in 2018, now with bigger drums and a brass section. Cory Wong‘s right-hand technique is more than impressive throughout, but skip to 1:38 for Mark Lettieri‘s ear-bending baritone guitar solo.

Big Dream by Sleaford Mods

Relentless and brooding, Big Dream is part of Sleaford Mods epic new album, All That Glue, falling between a compilation of hidden gems and a best-of. Featuring a simple, driving riff that refuses to yield throughout, and displays Andrew Fearn’s unassuming beats with aplomb.

(Whats So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding by Sharon Van Etten & Josh Homme

A cover of the song originally penned by Nick Lowe in 1974, Van Etten and the QOTSA frontman’s delectable duet is slow-burning and bittersweet, with sultry lap steel and arpeggiated guitars full of twang throughout. Pure bliss.

Cyanide by Daniel Caesar

Released as part of a session for Spotify Singles, Daniel Caesar’s Cyanide was first heard on CASE STUDY 01. This version, however, offers a more stripped-back tone, with just Caesar’s voice held up by a simple backbeat and vocal harmonies, with embellishments coming from a sweet, arpeggiated guitar line akin to John Mayer or Omar Apollo.

Ouchi Time by Kikagaku Moyo

A Japanese psych-rock group – or a “free music collective”, as they label themselves – Kikagaku Moyo’s newest release is a new challenge for the band, due to being recorded remotely. Featuring sitar and Les Pauls, it’s the perfect track to wig out to after a hard day’s graft powering through Netflix when you should be working from home.

Describe by Perfume Genius

A distorted country song that began life as a ballad, Describe took on a new life when it was introduced to Blake Mills, whose guitar is resplendent throughout. Grungy and sweet in equal measure, it perfectly straddles the line between a modern country song and stoner rock.