It’s been a bit since we’ve had a singles roundup, and there’s rarely a better time than the dog days of summer where wide-eyed wonder, vacations, and adventures hypothetically are around every corner. Of course, many of us are too caught up in work, family matters, and other responsibilities to once again uncover the boundless freedom of youth. But we still have a couple songs that can help us get there mentally. Here are a few new tracks worth checking out:

Weston T. Hine – White Flag

Florida panhandle singer-songwriter Weston T. Hine is perhaps most notable for his previous work with MYFEVER, but his solo work is just as intricate. Last year, he released a collaborative track with Logan Pilcher and this pairing alone should say something. Both gentlemen have immersive approaches to songwriting; Hine leans a bit more heavily toward the folky side and throws in a gentle ambience as well. “White Flag” is perfect for a night at the beach or somewhere in the city, pairing vulnerable lyrics about growing up with some great guest vocals as well.

Rob Ray – breaking bread

As an OG fan of Rob Ray, I’m always fascinated by both his indomitable pace at releasing new tracks and his chameleon approach toward genre. His music embodies an assured sense of joy. It is confident in its optimism. And while you might not expect this seminarian-turned-farmer to spit hot bars, Rob manages to pull it off time and time again. I’m reminded of Allen Odell’s “a Shower & a Meal (Heal Us, Emmanuel)” as Rob also shirks the common notion of the pursuit of grandeur in favor of the simpler things in life that God primarily uses to engage with us.

Jill Andrews – Better Life

While the everybodyfields will probably never do a reunion, Jill Andrews has been steady in her own creative output nonetheless. “Better Life” is glimmer with piano and acoustic guitar, a bit of an airy ballad that feels reminiscent of Keane to some degree. I admittedly don’t keep tabs on Andrews all that well, but I do enjoy most of what I’ve heard from her and it continues the same degree of excellence she showcased with the everybodyfields back in the day – sans perhaps some of the odd chemistry that the band brought to the table.

Turtledoves – Two Dreams

Ohio’s Turtledoves are enigmatic – not in that their members’ identities are hidden or that the group lacks press, but there’s an amorphous nature to their music that straddles the line between unashamed acoustic elements and fuller rock and electronic arrangements. “Two Dreams” leans toward the former, a quieter song with ethereal guitar picking and falsetto.

Madaila – Disco Fevah

This single is a case of truth in advertising – expect a retro-flavored track with plenty of falsetto, disco synth lines, and plenty of fun quirkiness. Madaila has existed in many forms over the years, but this particular sound seems to be where they’ve found the most success in some ways.

Nick Rhodes – Figure It Out

Nick Rhodes is a lower Alabama singer-songwriter with roots in punk and post-hardcore. And while this doesn’t necessarily show on his solo work, there is most definitely a clear love for the sounds of the mid-00s that blanket his tracks to date. Rhodes makes incredible use of sparse instrumentation for songs that are genuinely memorable and catchy. Overall, I’m reminded consisted of The Assembly Line, and that’s pretty big praise. Lyrically, he tackles a number of modern notions with gentleness; this time around, it’s on the impulse to find validation for our insecurities in other people and the reality that no one stays forever.