Song: “Dancing”

Artist: Musketeers
Label: Believe Records
After releasing a debut album packed with hits like “Kong Kwan” and “Kwam Song Jam” a few years back, slick rockers Musketeers return with a follow-up, Uprising, which finds the four-piece in an altogether lighter mood. The lead single “Dancing” reflects this, with its upbeat melody and bright, inspiring lyrics—and just a touch of 70s Brit pop sensibilities.

Song: “Pa Son Nai Hong Mai Lek Neung”

Artist: Greasy Cafe
Label: Smallroom
It seems like he’s been around, but Lek aka Greasy Café is the man of the moment having just made his acting debut in Kongdej Jaturansaramee’s mind-bending P-047. And his latest single, which appears on the film’s official soundtrack, finds him in top form. Opening with subdued piano and Lek’s gruffly sincere vocals, it slowly builds to an emotional crescendo that’s neither overwrought nor heart wrenching. Rather, the track’s powerful post-rock sound and searching lyrics are a perfect fit for P-047’s existential themes.

Song: “Addicted”

Artist: Noah’s Tape
Label: Independent
Having been lucky enough to catch Noah’s Tape at the Popscene live sessions a couple of times, and as opening act for wild US rockers Black Lips earlier this year, we’re elated that they’ve finally committed some songs to tape (well, CD). Their debut self-titled EP, out this month, was produced and composed entirely by lead singer Jessica Nay. The first single, “Addicted,” finds the Britpop-inspired band taking the well-trodden acoustic pop route. But there’s nothing pretty or romantic about it, with Nay delivering some pretty devastating lines in a grunge-inflected voice dripping with misery. Heartbreak rarely sounds so appealing.

Song: “Bod Pleng Wan Sao”

Artist: Blues Bar
Label: Lemon Factory
Former Day Tripper frontman Wasit “Ooh” Mookdavijit sure keeps himself busy. Hot on the heels of releasing an album with Ooh & the Ballyhoo last year and composing the lyrics for DJ Suharit’s latest single “Love Lies Bleeding,” here he joins with former guitarist of Banwagon, Oud Pravaj, to become Blues Bar. The duo’s new single, “Bod Pleng Wan Sao (The Bittersweet Song),” takes noticeable cues from 80s rock ballads with lyrics that talk about dredging up bad memories. The gritty, slightly dissonant guitar work strikes a nice balance with Ooh’s romantically delivered vocals.

Song: “Kon Tee Mai Bok Pan”

Artist: P.O.P
Label: Love is
After eight years away from the music scene, Nop Pornchamni, Tong Montien Kaewgamnoed and Notapol Srichomkwan have reunited to deliver more soothing soft-rock under the name P.O.P. Not only will they be joining the line-up at this weekend’s Sonic Attack, but they’re collaborating with Somkiat Ariyachaipanich and Jerry Milindavanij to produce a forthcoming studio album. This teaser single is exactly what you’d expect (and not unlike their previous hit “Kong Tee Dern Pan”): all multi-layered vocals and sweet, sweet melodies.

Song: “Ti Da Pra Jam Am Per”

Artist: The Richman Toy
Label: Smallroom
You’ve got to admire the way The Richman Toy keep coming up fun with new spins on their sound. They might look like your standard rock outfit, but in the past they’ve infused their songs with touches of funk, country and unique singing style from the frontman, Jap. This first single from their new album gets even more interesting with not only a hook that employs the traditional luk thoong singing style, but a breakdown that involves a few choice lines of pleng choi. The end result is all the more hilarious due to the fact the lyrics tell of a guy learning to sing luk thoong to impress his crush.