Papangu, a five-piece band from João Pessoa, Brazil, is making waves with their unique blend of bossa nova, ciranda, forró, progressive rock, and extreme metal. Their upcoming third album, Celestial, was recorded live in just nine days without any computer use, as a pointed anti-AI statement. The band's virtuosity allows them to seamlessly combine traditional folk styles with hurried drums, mountains of synthesisers, and pianos.
Recommended Listening
If you enjoy Hermeto Pascoal, Mr Bungle, or King Crimson, Papangu's genre-splicing sound is for you. Celestial is set for release on 7 August, followed by a UK and European tour starting 15 August.
Rise to Prominence
Papangu broke through in Brazil after performing to over 50,000 people at Slipknot's Knotfest in 2024. Now they are focusing on Europe, touring the UK for the second time in two years and playing Bristol's experimental Arctangent festival in August. Following the precedent set by Angine de Poitrine, Papangu aims to bring technical, outsider music to a mass audience.
This Week's Best New Tracks
Stormzy and Odeal – 24 Hours
Stormzy returns with a generous first-date anthem, featuring British R&B star Odeal on a chorus full of romance and summer sunshine.
Lido Pimienta – Tóxica
The Colombian singer chants in Spanish over stark cumbia, an incantation to cast out draining spirits. This is the first taste of her album Caribenya, celebrating Indigenous Caribbeans and Enya.
Helena Gao – Lao Shi 老师
The Chinese-Danish pop star takes the spotlight with a cheeky plea to learn how to please a lover. Her vocals are Caroline Polachek-worthy, and her 2-step glimmers like fireflies.
Arab Strap – You You You
Aidan Moffat recites middle-aged health woes over muscular synthpop, working himself into a rage at demagogues, the UK government, and Spotify's founder.
Mary in the Junkyard – New Muscles
Clari Freeman-Taylor's lyrics about newfound strength may be ready to fight or satirising self-improvement culture. The London band's incantation shivers with traces of Wild Beasts' clattering menace.
Moriah Mensah – Hero
The 19-year-old rapper and producer from Peckham debuts with a two-and-a-half-minute epic, hyping herself up over towering synths and earth-scorching bass.
Play Time – Open the Door, Joey
This captivatingly wobbly, six-minute tonal workout features steady krautrock and exploratory Alice Coltrane styling, from musicians including percussionist Booker Stardrum.
Subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist selections on Spotify, or transfer to Apple, Tidal, or other services. This article was amended on 22 May 2026 to reflect a recent lineup change in Papangu.
