February Faves

As spring starts to creep in, these 5 tracks will keep you company in the light sun

2026 has been an incredible year for music so far. Music is in brilliant hands, thanks to emerging artists. With so much great music, it can be hard to know where to start. But don't fear! I have compiled the list of best new releases for the month.

Twenty-Two Parade by Tabi Gervis

FFO: Olivia Dean, Raye

Twenty-Two Parade Cover Art

Tabi Gervis is sunshine personified; her music is the perfect pick-me-up. But that doesn’t mean her lyrics don’t pack a punch. Her latest single, ‘Twenty-Two Parade,’ perfectly sums up life in your early twenties. The easy melodies and fun harmonies capture the youthful spirit and excitement. It is only when you start to listen closely that the existential dread kicks in.

“Like I’m chasing the next big thing that will bring me higher” sums up what it is like to work a job you hate. Especially one that is helping fund your big dreams. If you are a creative stuck in the limbo of part-time work and unpaid freelancing, then you know exactly what this song is about. 

‘Twenty-Two Parade’ is for all the chronic dreamers who are praying for a breakthrough. This is Gervis’ most addictive song yet, and I am sure you will have the chorus stuck in your head for days. 

In The Long Dim Light by Nat Dempsey

FFO: Noah Kahan, Hozier

Nat Dempsey combines rural acoustic songwriting with the grit of urban indie rock,

In The Long Dim Light Cover Art

allowing the softness of his lyrics to be battered by indie-rock melodies. Through his music, you get a sense of his serene Lake District upbringing battling against his current city lifestyle. But rather than ignoring this battle of two worlds, he brings them together to showcase the best of both worlds. 

In his new single ‘In The Long Dim Light’, he captures the beauty of a place to call home. Capturing the beauty of a rural upbringing, the simplicity of togetherness that only a small rural community can replicate.

‘In The Long Dim Light’ will leave you longing for simpler times. A time of childhood innocence, tranquillity, and ease. If you find yourself away from home or in an unfamiliar setting, press play on ‘In The Long Dim Light’ and you will be transported back to safety. 

I’m Crying (In A Cool Way) by Emily O’Neal

FFO: Audrey Hobert, Alessi Rose

I'm Crying (In A Cool Way) Cover Art

‘I’m Crying (In A Cool Way)’ is pure pop fun with serious undertones that don’t reveal themselves till the third or fourth listen. Packed with synths and brutally honest lyrics, this track is highly addictive and puts Emily O’Neal into a new league. If you have been looking for more fun but personal pop music that Audery Hobert makes, then Emily O’Neal is the perfect new artist for you. 

Tackling the desire of being cool, O’Neal explores how irony and humour has led a generation to stop being vulnerable. In this social media age, young people have learnt to commodify their emotions and actions in exchange for validation. Now every breakdown is perfectly captured for thousands to watch. ‘I’m Crying (In A Cool Way)’ reveals this generation's curse 

This track serves as the second single in her new era. One that is leading to a longer project later in the year. Setting her up to become the internet's new pop girl. 

Sleep Tonight by Mabes

FFO: Kacey Musgraves, Holly Humberstone

Sleep Tonight Cover Art

After 4 years away from music, Mabes made her comeback last year. She smashed back into the industry with her country-infused pop sound, and she's back with her first release of the year. ‘Sleep Tonight’ sees Mabes tackle a new sound. One that she should continue in. 

‘Sleep Tonight’ is an ethereal, dreamy pop song with country roots. Think Kacey Musgraves ‘Space Cowboy’ or ‘Velvet Elvis.’ What draws you into this song, like all her discography, is her reflective songwriting. Mabes knows how to draw you in through storytelling and worldbuilding. The sleepy production paired with the retrospective lyrics creates a gorgeous feel, almost like falling in love. With ‘Sleep Tonight’, you feel safe in the hands of Mabes.  

This track starts an exciting year for this rising country-pop star. 

Pass The Time by Stanleys

FFO: Wunderhorse, Fontaines D.C

Pass The Time Cover Art

After a year away, Stanlyes have returned with a suckerpunch indie track. ‘Pass The Time’ has all the ingredients for an indie classic. A powerful bass groove, heavy drums, and fiery lyrics. 

This track sees the band shift away from their old sound. Allowing them to reintroduce themselves to the genre. ‘Pass The Time’ makes a statement about who they are as a band and what they have grown into. 

As soon as the song starts, you are hit with the deep vocals of frontman Tom Concannon. His vocals demand your attention as the rest of the band creates heavy indie beats. Together they all work enticingly, and before you know it, you are on your third listen of the song.  

‘Pass The Time’ is full of confidence, signalling that the band will only go up from here. Proving that you should always take the risk. 

Make sure you check out the full playlist on Spotify below.