Acolyte's slow-burning psychedelia is an aural equivalent of a steamy night in Edinburgh. The group's music, like its performance art incarnation at the Traverse theatre, exudes a sense of languid intensity, conjuring up visions of dark rooms and velvety voices.
With their looped bass lines and Iona Lee's commanding vocals, Acolyte craft a hypnotic soundscape that's both glamorously unhurried and deeply unsettling. The group's recent releases have been gaining pace, with two singles dropped this year and an eagerly anticipated EP on the horizon for early 2026.
The latest single, "Warm Days in December," is a masterclass in contrasts, pairing drowsy synths with a baile funk-inspired groove that's both infectious and disorienting. But beneath its hedonistic surface, Lee's lyrics cut through the heat like a scimitar, tackling themes of climate collapse and existential dread.
The track's remix from EHFM regular Ravelston adds another layer to Acolyte's sinister world-building, propelling the song into a clubbier, beat-forward groove that's impossible to shake. It's a testament to the group's unique chemistry and Lee's poetic command of language.
As we dive into this week's best new tracks, it's clear that Acolyte is part of a larger cultural landscape that values experimentation and innovation. We're introduced to Ganavya, who teams up with Sam Amidon for a folky, atmospheric collaboration; Duendita, whose synth-heavy indie-pop conjures images of dark clouds lifting to reveal glints of sunlight; Ruthven, the funk revivalist whose boastful vocals are matched by a triple-time groove that's impossible to resist; Modern Nature, who channels Yo La Tengo's spirit in a dappled, delicate indie-rock gem; Samara Cyn, the LA MC who rages against apathy and fear with twinkling classic soul as her backing; PVA, whose industrial techno conjures images of abandoned factories and dark corridors; and Varials, whose Philadelphia metalcore is so heavy it feels like a physical force.
Each track offers something unique, but they all share a sense of urgency and rebellion that's both captivating and unnerving. As we add these tracks to our playlists, we're not just curating a collection of music – we're participating in a larger conversation about the world we live in and the sounds we want to make.
With their looped bass lines and Iona Lee's commanding vocals, Acolyte craft a hypnotic soundscape that's both glamorously unhurried and deeply unsettling. The group's recent releases have been gaining pace, with two singles dropped this year and an eagerly anticipated EP on the horizon for early 2026.
The latest single, "Warm Days in December," is a masterclass in contrasts, pairing drowsy synths with a baile funk-inspired groove that's both infectious and disorienting. But beneath its hedonistic surface, Lee's lyrics cut through the heat like a scimitar, tackling themes of climate collapse and existential dread.
The track's remix from EHFM regular Ravelston adds another layer to Acolyte's sinister world-building, propelling the song into a clubbier, beat-forward groove that's impossible to shake. It's a testament to the group's unique chemistry and Lee's poetic command of language.
As we dive into this week's best new tracks, it's clear that Acolyte is part of a larger cultural landscape that values experimentation and innovation. We're introduced to Ganavya, who teams up with Sam Amidon for a folky, atmospheric collaboration; Duendita, whose synth-heavy indie-pop conjures images of dark clouds lifting to reveal glints of sunlight; Ruthven, the funk revivalist whose boastful vocals are matched by a triple-time groove that's impossible to resist; Modern Nature, who channels Yo La Tengo's spirit in a dappled, delicate indie-rock gem; Samara Cyn, the LA MC who rages against apathy and fear with twinkling classic soul as her backing; PVA, whose industrial techno conjures images of abandoned factories and dark corridors; and Varials, whose Philadelphia metalcore is so heavy it feels like a physical force.
Each track offers something unique, but they all share a sense of urgency and rebellion that's both captivating and unnerving. As we add these tracks to our playlists, we're not just curating a collection of music – we're participating in a larger conversation about the world we live in and the sounds we want to make.
their music is so unique and hypnotic, I find myself getting lost in it over and over again. And that remix by Ravelston takes it to another level 
but what I love most about Acolyte's sound is the way they tackle darker themes like climate collapse and existential dread – it's like they're speaking straight to our souls 
also, have you listened to some of these other artists mentioned in the article? Ganavya's collab with Sam Amidon sounds really interesting 
I love how their music is both super chill and deeply unsettling at the same time - it's like they're inviting us to get lost in this dark, steamy world with them 
Their lyrics are so sharp and thought-provoking too, tackling climate collapse and existential dread in a way that feels both personal and universal. And can we talk about Iona Lee's vocals? She's got this commanding presence that just draws you in 
. But what I love most about Acolyte's music is how it tackles these big themes like climate collapse and existential dread without being too on-the-nose 
. It's like they're speaking a secret language that only us weirdos can understand 
.
like climate collapse is no joke anymore and ppl still r all about those 'warm days' vibes... meanwhile, Acolyte's latest single "Warm Days in December" is literally the only thing keeping me sane rn 
I'm really loving the vibes Acolyte's been putting out lately - there's something so captivating about their blend of dark, psychedelic energy with infectious beats 
It's like they're tapping into a collective subconscious that's both unsettling and mesmerizing 
And what I think is really interesting is how their music is being tied to a larger conversation about the world we live in 
I'm also loving the diversity of artists featured in this round-up - from Ganavya's folky indie-pop to PVA's industrial techno, it's clear that there's a wealth of creative energy out there waiting to be tapped 