STRFKR. And some trees or something.

Another week, another Mercury music section that pales in comparison to the Morrissey/Jimmy Kimmel feud of 2013, which would be a more even match if Morrissey wasn't so good at slamming the former The Man Show host—not to mention funnier. "Tune in and relive the intellectual fog of the 1950s"? Damn, Moz.
• • •
STRFKR dropped the vowels, but retained their aptitude for glowing, undeniable party pop.

LISTEN: STRFKR - "While I'm Alive"
• • •
Sapient's new album irritates hiphop nerds. In other words, it's really good.

LISTEN: Sapient - "Seeking New Skin"
• • •
On their new album, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down make self-empowerment sound catchy.

LISTEN: Thao and the Get Down Stay Down - "We the Common (For Valerie Bolden)"
• • •
Chillwave is too small and reductive a term for Toro y Moi, AKA Chaz Bundick, who makes larger-than-life, big-tent pop music.

LISTEN: Toro y Moi - "So Many Details"
• • •
And a helping hand of Up & Coming shows.