Songs of the Week - 16/02/2026
These are the essential tracks you need to check out this week!
Photo Credit: Nat Traxel
Ocean LeClair - 'Beam Me Into Space'
Ocean LeClair’s latest release feels like it has drifted in from another time and space, rooted in a 60s space ballad aesthetic yet shaped with a modern hand. Written on an omnichord, the song carries a glowing, almost celestial tone that gives it real character from the first note. It stands as a perfect example of music as art rather than background noise, capturing everything that makes Ocean LeClair’s work so distinctive.
ISOLABELLA - 'birthday text'
ISOLABELLA’s new single ‘birthday text’ is the perfect example of an artist taking their own experiences and creating something relatable to the masses. Written about an ex breaking no contact on her birthday, it taps into that specific mix of nostalgia and frustration that only exes can bring out. Following a huge 2025, ISOLABELLA has continued the momentum, proving exactly why she has become one of the most exciting artists around.
The Rooks - 'Found My Reason Why'
After featuring on their debut EP Noise & Confusion back in November 2025, The Rooks have now released the stellar 'Found My Reason Why' as a single. As one of the real highlights of that EP, it is great to see this catchy song get its moment in the spotlight. The song is built on soaring guitars that almost feel britpop-esque, and a hook that you cannot get out of your head.
Nicole Ash - 'Better Off Alone'
Closing her ‘Never Better’ EP, Nicole Ash lays everything bare on ‘Better Off Alone’. The track confronts the slow realisation of feeling disconnected from yourself and the things that once brought comfort. There is a heaviness to it, but also honesty in the way Nicole allows those thoughts to exist.. As the final moment of a truly special EP, this song lands with real weight, showing Nicole Ash at her very best
Gaby K - 'Fallen Again'
Gaby K steps into a defining chapter with her EP Through The (e)Motions, a concept led release that traces the highs and lows of modern relationships. Whilst every track is special, ‘Fallen Again’ is my pick of the lot. The song captures the rush that comes when love feels thrilling and full of possibility, right before reality creeps in. It is another strong statement from an artist who continues to amaze, and has now built an artistic world that feels entirely her own.
Lily Forte - 'Don't Gild The Lily'
The title track of Lily Forte’s new album ‘Don’t Gild The Lily’ sets the tone for a record rooted in old Hollywood glamour and lived in honesty. Drawing on 1920s influences and recorded almost entirely live, the song carries the warmth of a vintage stage show while still feeling sharp and current. This song flawlessly captures the heart of the album and underlines Lily Forte’s ability to turn nostalgia into something that feels vivid and alive right now.
NORA - 'bridget jones'
NORA’s ‘bridget jones’ is a standout from her new EP, ‘Happy Fcking Valentine’s Day’. The track turns singledom into something bold and completely self owned. Inspired by the cult character but rewritten on her own terms, the track flips the narrative and celebrates staying in, choosing yourself and thriving without apology. Built around punchy pop production and chant worthy hooks, this is the perfect track to discover NORA through
Lydia Clowes - 'Foundations'
Lydia Clowes builds on her 2025 comeback with new single ‘Foundations’. Rather fittingly, this song is rooted in choosing yourself without apology, capturing Lydia's recognition of the need to step away from people pleasing and focus on what serves her best. It is a release that feels raw and honest, and yet still maintains an optimistic feel. More than anything, it is a track that shows just how incredible Lydia Clowes' solo work is.
Emily Alice - 'Fallin To You'
‘Fallin To You’ sees Emily Alice exploring the thrill of falling completely for someone. The song captures moments where everything aligns naturally, blending emotional depth with a fresh pop sound that still manages to stay true to her singer-songwriter roots. Emily's vocals are ethereal throught, being paired with atmospheric instrumentals that really bring the song's emotions to the surface.
Saint Sappho - 'Shoulder to Shoulder'
Saint Sappho continue the build towards their debut album 'Between The Lines' with the release of '‘Shoulder to Shoulder’. The new single is the duos best work to date, building from a gripping vocal focused start into a chorus that explodes with gritty, '90s-tinged guitars.Entirely self-produced, recorded, mixed and performed by the duo, the song captures the uneasy spaces in relationships with precision, letting the emotional friction emerge naturally from the music.
Pageant Mum - 'The War of Me and You'
Pageant Mum’s new EP 'Finis Amoris Est' is closed out by the rapturous 'The War of Me and You'. Utilizing overlapping vocals and huge-sounding guitars, this is a standout track from a band who seem to get better with every release. When the rest of an EP is this strong, it’s crucial that the closing track leaves its mark, and Pageant Mum have more than managed that.
Emily O'Neal - 'I'm crying (in a cool way)'
‘I’m Crying (In a Cool Way)’ turns the act of hiding emotion into something sharp and self-aware. Emily O'Neal's new song examines what happens when you protect yourself behind irony, letting coolness take priority over honesty. It’s playful and clever without softening the edges, continuing the lyrical brilliance of this new era. There is no doubting Emily's talent, but her last two releases really feel like they've been statements of artistic identity in the best possible way.
Lizzie Reid - 'Sweet Relief'
Lizzie Reid dropped new single 'Sweet Relief' last week, acting as the first taste of upcoming EP 'Undoing', out 17th April. The new track is dark and unflinching, built on a tense instrumental that still provides space for Reid’s lyrics to cut deep. She sings of obsession, rumination and the cycle of searching for relief that only deepens the storm. It is fearless songwriting, turning personal adversity into music that feels so vital.
