The 10 best guitar tracks to hear this week

Serpentine Prison by Matt Berninger

The title track from The National frontman’s debut solo record, which is also produced by Booker T. Jones, and was written way back in 2018 directly after The National’s I Am Easy To Find. With simple, strummed acoustic guitars, brushed drums and droning organs, Berninger’s vocals sit neatly above, reminiscent of the great Leonard Cohen.

FK by Pink Siifu

Melding punk anger with elements of jazz and hip-hop, Pink Siifu’s FK, from his latest LP Negro, is a concoction of searing, lo-fi angst that’s a world away from his sultry poetry on ensley. Bursting with aggressive, meter-in-the-red guitars and howling vocals, the whole album perfectly encapsulates these difficlut times.

Rabbit Hole by Jake Bugg

Brimming with Arctic Monkey-esque riffery and a chorus that could easily work on a Maroon 5 record, Rabbit Hole is a salacious, pop-infused indie number that perfectly straddles the 00s and 10s. Jake Bugg’s first single since 2018 is reminiscent of his early peers and influences whilst also carefully pushing him into the popstar limelight.

Back Down South by Larkin Poe feat. Tyler Bryant

The fourth single from the band’s forthcoming album Self Made Man, Back Down South also features Nashville-based guitar virtuoso Tyler Bryant. A raucous, Southern boogie inspired track, full of exquisite slide playing and eye-watering lead work from Bryant.

Flowers Of Neptune 6 by The Flaming Lips

A surprise single from Wayne Coyne and co., and features guest vocals from Kacey Musgraves. Initially comprised of series of melodies composed by Steven Drozd, the track is a sprawling arrangement that begins with lilting acoustic guitars and finishes with an orchestral peak.

When One Door Opens by Joe Bonamassa

Co-written with long-time producer Kevin Shirley and songwriter Pete Brown and recorded at Abbey Road, Bonamassa’s newest offering is one of his most monumental to date. An emotive ballad with booming riffs and accompanying strings, it slowly moves into a monstrous, classic rock-inspired section with vocal harmonies and an eerily Slash-like guitar solo.

Lucy by Jay Som

Released as part of Soccer Mommy’s Soccer Mommy & Friends Singles Series, Jay Som has covered Soccer Mommy’s Lucy, with Soccer Mommy covering her song, I Think You’re Alright, in return. All profits from Bandcamp sales of songs from the series will go directly towards Oxfam’s COVID-19 relief fund. The track has been given the full Jay Som treatment, with an ambient introduction and lo-fi synths and guitars throughout.

I Am King by Nasty Cherry

Produced by 100 Gecs’ Dylan Brady, I Am King is the band’s second single from their forthcoming EP, Season 2, released on their mentor Charli XCX’s Vroom Vroom Recordings. It opens with early noughties infused vocals over a grinding bass, before leaning into distorted and choppy guitars that contrast the pop ethos perfectly.

One And Done by Bright Eyes

The third single from the band’s forthcoming new LP, One And Done opens up to collaboration with Flea and QOTSA drummer Jon Theodore appearing, with Miwi La Lupa adding backing vocals and orchestral arrangements from Suzie Katayama. Lyrically full of apocalyptic warnings above clattering drums and eerie orchestration, it’s a welcome return to form.

Slow Violence by Caligula’s Horse

Australia’s preeminent prog-metal band return with a trademark blitz of down-tuned riffage entwined with catchy, yet off-kilter melodies. Rhythmically challenging but once acclimatized, hugely rewarding – and inexplicably catchy.