OOPS! 50 of 2024 / #30 – 26: The Truth, Some Starbursters and of course…Death Drums

In this group there is only one returning artist from past lists, which is quite rare for the top 50 and the OOPS! lists. This is also a list that gets into a little of the weirder side of the OOPS! list, which is the best part of the list. Let’s take a look at this group of 5 songs.

30. Kassie Krut: Reckless

An interesting mix of industrial club and punk, Kassie Krut has this wonderful track of crushing bass with such whimsical verses. There is a child playground structure to the track which has this lovely, and catchy, meter to it. Behind it is some hardcore industrial electro noise happening. It’s like if the Care Bears went to a Nine Inch Nails and Death Grips concert. It is a mix you wouldn’t think would work, but is fresh and excellent listening.

29. Tayla: Truth or Dare

In late 2023, just in time for the OOPS! top 50, Tayla released Tayla. This incredibly popular and critically acclaimed EP is a perfect example of modern R&B. Much like SZA, Tayla does vocal gymnastics in front of largely 90s R&B inspired beats. It is the mix of modern vocal lines with nostalgic 90s hints that is such a killer. It’s not throwback, but there is enough there for lovers of 90s R&B to really appreciate it, but it is her original and unique vocal that is taking the world by storm.

28. Fontaines DC: Starburster

Fontaines DC is an Irish band that has punk vibes mixed in with some strong Moby and Streets energy. That is, they are called “post-punk,” but this is a unique band making music how they want and cannot be easily defined. Keyboard, electro samples, tight 4/4 punk percussion mixed with an INXS inspired guitar riff all make a lush backdrop for Grian Chatten’s free flow vocals. His vocals teeter on being unhinged, but he really brings you in…you want to hear what he has to say. This is an unique band with a fresh sound and one you must experience.

27. Tems: Love me Je Je

I don’t know how I missed a Tems record. I need my podcast stripped from me and be forced to live out my days in musical exile. The question with Tems was, how would she follow up the international hit, her cover of No Woman No Cry? That cover put Tems on an international stage and the follow up was important. Well, here we are and Tems proves that she will be a pop force to reckon with. Her interesting mix of pop, African beats and a bit of Jamaican dub is mesmerising. Much like Koffee, Tems exudes joy, love and positivity. Her songs have a warmth and heart to them that sets them apart from other pop tracks out there.

26. FKA Twigs: Drums of Death

The OOPS! list has always been a home for weird and experimental tracks. We want to celebrate artists really going for it. Now, FKA Twigs usually doesn’t do for me, but their new track has this strange vibe to it that just hit me. More sonic performance piece than song, electro drums and post-production makes you feel like you are in the middle of a swarm of bees. Then their high set vocal cuts through the electro noise like an ice pick and just slams you in the head. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it illustrates the vastness of music as an art form.