ThisisDA - "Lifers"

British rapper ThisisDA is slated to release his full-length debut, Super Arkane, later this year. Above, check out the project's lead single, "Lifers," a simultaneously hard-hitting and colorful piece of boom-bap produced by Mancunian beatsmith Mankub, who lends instrumentals to the entire album. Enjoy!

Anna Calvi - "Suddenly"

British singer-songwriter Anna Calvi has shared the opening track from her upcoming sophomore album One Breath. "Suddenly" is the most dynamic of the project's three singles, the other two being the electric art-rock stomp "Eliza" in August, and the simultaneously haunting and triumphant "Sing to Me" earlier this month. "Suddenly" begins gently enough as something of a muted art-rock dirge, but it explodes on the chorus with crunchy guitar tones, hearty bass, crashing percussion, and some glorious chanting from Calvi. Give it a listen above!

One Breath is slated for release on October 7 via Domino.

Basement Jaxx - "What a Difference Your Love Makes"

British dance duo Basement Jaxx is back with its second single since 2009's Zephyr, titled "What a Difference Your Love Makes." The song features some fittingly kitschy 90's house vocals from guest singer Sam Brookes, as well as the kind of bouncy and progressive electronics one is to expect from the duo. Enjoy!

An EP containing the original and three remixed versions of this new track and a yet unreleased song titled "Mermaid of Salinas" is due for release on September 30th via 37 Adventures.

Christian Mistress- "Black to Gold"

"Black to Gold" is one of two tracks to drop from the forthcoming Christian Mistress album, Possession. This outfit may be from Olympia, Washington, but they recreate that classic British heavy metal sound as if it's coursing through their veins.

There are a few riffs here and there that remind me of Black Sabbath on this album, but most of this LP is spent indulging in the high-speed and high-melody songwriting Iron Maiden is known for--maybe there's a bit of Motorhead-esque attitude thrown in there for good measure, too.

The layers of harmony the guitars bring together on some of these tracks is too good to be true, and the band's singer is pretty captivating as well. Can't wait to hear this album in full. Try out another track from this forthcoming LP here.

Look for the eventual release of Possession on Relapse. Feburary 28th! Mark it.

Fiction- "Big Things" ‡ VIDEO / MP3

A while back, in a blogTV, the UK's Recommender recommended this track from the band Fiction. I absolutely loved it, picking up whiffs of Talking Heads and that new Vampire Weekend record at the same time. Weird, I know.

Anyway, Hit Club released a 7'' for this track back in December, but the band might have some "Big Things" planned for 2011. Be on the lookout.

MP3: Fiction- Big Things -

British Sea Power- "Living Is So Easy" ‡ STREAM

British Sea Power has never been an attention-grabber for me. Maybe I'm not the quickest on the draw when it comes to English bands.

However, this new single from the band's fifth album, Valhalla Dancehall, is really drawing me in. The LP is set for release in January via Rough Trade Recs.

"Living Is So Easy" sports a soft, blissful sound. The warm bass and bubbling electronics really get me going. It's like an indie rock version of a few tracks on Beach House's Teen Dream. Loving it!

Stream: British Sea Power- Living Is So Easy -