New Music Monday: From Indie-Soul Introspection to Stadium Rock Power Ballads

Monday, 15 December 2025 00:05

New music from Longhorne Slim, Thomas Raggi, Chet Faker, Banners, and Guns N' Roses, as heard on The Countdown with Aaron Hall

This week’s New Music Monday offers a playlist that is a testament to the dynamic state of rock and roll, spanning its full emotional range. We have the soulful roots-rock of a troubadour, the electric solo debut of a modern guitar titan, and the return of an iconic, era-defining band with a track that reminds us of their stadium-filling power. Whether you’re looking for a jolt of energy to power through the week or a quiet moment of reflection, this collection of singles has the depth and charisma to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Longhorne Slim – "On Fire"

The Nashville-based singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim delivers a pure shot of high-energy Americana with his latest single, "On Fire." Lifted from his forthcoming album The Dreamin' Kind, the track pulses with a driving, infectious rhythm that blends classic rock-and-roll strut with subtle Motown and reggae influences. Slim's vocals are charismatic and weathered, telling a story of feverish desire and late-night electricity. The song is elevated by the incredible vocal contributions of Jess Wolfe (Lucius), whose background harmonies create a gorgeous, soulful swell in the chorus. "On Fire" is the sound of a musician fully embracing the joy of a loud, passionate jam session, proving that great rock music is always rooted in the heart.

Thomas Raggi – "The Ritz"

Måneskin guitarist Thomas Raggi steps out from behind the collective energy of his band to unleash the solo rock anthem "The Ritz," featuring The Struts' vocalist Luke Spiller. This track, part of Raggi's debut solo album Masquerade, is a full-throttle, glam-infused rock powerhouse produced by Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello. "The Ritz" is built on a massive, chunky riff that is simultaneously retro and fiercely modern, providing a perfect stage for Raggi’s shredding guitar heroics. With Spiller's soaring, theatrical vocals channeling the spirit of classic stadium rock frontmen, the track is a swaggering, exhilarating statement that announces Raggi as a force far beyond his main band.

Chet Faker – "Can You Swim?"

Australian artist Nicholas Murphy, performing as Chet Faker, returns with "Can You Swim?," a stunningly vulnerable and introspective piece that serves as the latest preview of his upcoming album, A Love For Strangers. Shedding the electronic textures of his past work, the song features Faker’s fragile, emotive vocals sitting starkly over a minimal, yet poignant, piano arrangement. Lyrically, the song uses the powerful metaphor of a tidal wave to describe the turbulent and uncertain nature of a deep relationship, posing the central question of emotional endurance. "Can You Swim?" is a meditation on perseverance and surrender, capturing a moment of quiet, beautiful anxiety that feels deeply resonant.

Banners – "Raise Your Colours"

Liverpool-based singer-songwriter BANNERS (Michael Nelson) delivers a soaring, uplifting dose of indie-pop with his latest single, "Raise Your Colours." Co-written with The Wombats' drummer Daniel Haggis, the track is an instant-anthem built on a foundation of shimmering guitars and a kinetic, propulsive rhythm section. It follows BANNERS' signature style of crafting highly emotive songs designed for vast spaces, with a powerful, chest-swelling chorus that is primed for singalongs. The message is one of defiant optimism and unity, urging listeners to stand tall and embrace their true selves, making it the ideal track to boost morale and push through any mid-week slump.

Guns N' Roses – "Nothin'"

Guns N' Roses showcases their more emotive and expansive side with the single "Nothin'", a power ballad that was released as a companion to the hard-rocking track "Atlas." The song begins with a surprisingly mellow, bouncy keyboard texture and Axl Rose's signature lovesick croon, quickly giving way to a full-fledged, epic arrangement. The track finds its emotional peak in a soaring, anthemic chorus and a bluesy, expertly crafted solo from Slash, which manages to sound both classic and fresh. A standout from the Chinese Democracy sessions that has been re-worked for the current lineup, "Nothin'" is a compelling piece that proves the iconic band can still craft a rock song with depth, introspective power, and that unmistakable, grand-scale ambition.

Whether you're looking for a soulful rock groove, a high-octane guitar solo, a moment of profound introspection, or a stadium-sized anthem, this week's New Music Monday has an essential track for you. Give these five spins the time they deserve to truly ignite your week.

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