Carlie Hanson, Pom Pom Squad and more are our tracks of the week

Welcome to Sound Station, where we’re highlighting the best new tracks that came out this week. Head into the weekend with songs from Carlie Hanson, Pom Pom Squad and more.

Carlie Hanson shares wistful ode to her hometown with “608”

In her first single since her debut album, Tough Boy, in February, Carlie Hanson has returned with a nostalgic ode to the complicated emotions surrounding her Wisconsin hometown. “Green eyes match the hillside, snow falls when your tears dry,” she sings over plucked guitars. The result is a Clairo-meets-Billie Eilish track that blends delicate, hazy vocals with an eerieness that gives “608” its edge. —Ilana Kaplan

Pom Pom Squad’s “River” is a melancholy departure from their signature grunge

It’s been nearly a year-and-a-half since Pom Pom Squad‘s Mia Berrin released her triumphant grunge record Death of a Cheerleader. But she’s back with something a little different thanks to “River,” a track conceived from the Song Confessional project, where people’s personal stories and confessions are turned into songs by musicians. The melancholy track, which was inspired by the ending of a man’s marriage following his father’s death, is a departure from Berrin’s other work but beautiful nonetheless. —Ilana Kaplan

Underdogs INDIGHXST get groovy metalcore jam “GLITCH”

With releases overflowing streaming floodgates, your attention may stray from growing artists INDIGHXST, but don’t be fooled — this is a track you cannot miss. A heavier move from their “LACE“ single earlier this year, “GLITCH” flaunts the trio’s love for all things heavy and is an ode to where metalcore is heading. Keep this band on your radar if you know anything about good music. —Yasmine Summan

Ganser make incisive post-punk for the end of the world

The world is often bleak, but Ganser manage to chronicle their apathy and find joy in their craft. Their new song “What Me Worry?” possesses electronic flourishes that bloom into a devilish swagger that persists until the final note. What’s more, its accompanying video references their previous single “People Watching,” with Alicia Gaines clawing her way out of the grave rather than Nadia Garofalo (FYI, the visual was directed by both members). Fall head over heels with their excellent new EP, Nothing You Do Matters, out now. —Neville Hardman

Gracie Abrams’ new single “Difficult” is a bold step forward

Gracie Abrams has gradually carved a place for herself as one of the leading voices of sad girl autumn. Produced by her collaborator Aaron Dessner, her latest single “Difficult” sounds like it could be an outtake of Taylor Swift‘s folklore or evermore. The introspective track explodes into a high-energy chorus that feels like new territory for the pop newcomer and her crystalline vocals. —Ilana Kaplan

Bury Tomorrow bring British heavy-metal fury with “Abandon Us”

British metalcore titans Bury Tomorrow unleash fury and fire with “Abandon Us.” No strangers to ruthless riffs, this rage-fueled anthem will have you itching to open up a pit in your bedroom. The echoing “I’m telling you now, we were left for dead” ringing in your head before that climactic roar of vocals from Dan Winter-Bates is exactly why this band remain a staple in British heavy metal. —Yasmine Summan

ill peach’s “BRIGHT LIGHTS” reaches toward optimism

LA duo ill peach have been collaborators of SZA, Rico Nasty and Hayley Kiyoko (to name a few), but they’re at their best when they create bleary alt-pop heaters. Their songs often carry an experimental tint with a fantastic sense of melody, and “BRIGHT LIGHTS” finds the band reaching toward optimism. Because when things feel this golden, it’s only natural to feel a little guarded, but the band are learning to let that go. —Neville Hardman