Sound check: A snap review of new music

Lorde

Fortunately, Lorde never disappoints! The New Zealand-born singer-songwriter's 2017 album, Melodrama, was among her last prominent works, until the days-old Solar power.

It is like a breath of fresh air amid an array of melancholic releases in the last week. The singer presents as vibrant a video as she does a fun and featherweight audio.

"Forget all of the tears that you've cried... It's over... It's a new state of mind... Are you coming?" she chimes as she celebrates summer, and the healing power of the beach. Solar power kicks off with Lorde's signature tunes - almost a give away for anyone involved in guess work - as she lets her vocals take centre-stage. Even as the pace picks up, the music lilts with a dance-like rhythm. If you're looking for an uplifting addition this week, this is it.