Five songs to hear this week (July 15-21)

Electronica band Darkstar sound more impressive than ever on a new collaborative track with Brixton musician Gaika. Black Ghost, on sale today and on Soundcloud, has a moody clatter and rapped vocals to file beside Young Fathers.

Louisville Americana band My Morning Jacket have reacted quickly to the latest shooting controversies in the US. They’ve put their jerky new song Magic Bullet on Soundcloud with a long accompanying statement that includes the line: “Here is a wish from us to you for peace, love, understanding, and an end to the violence.”

Rod Thomas’s third album as Bright Light Bright Light, out today, isn’t short of star power, with guest appearances from Elton John, Scissor Sisters and the actor Alan Cumming. The single, All in the Name, with disco guitar and a verse from Sir Elton, is his brightest pop moment to date.

The second Chvrches album, Every Open Eye, reappears as an extended addition at the end of this month. It includes a new version of the catchy standout, Bury It, featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore. An animated video for the song appeared on YouTube this week.

Fife folk veteran King Creosote sounds in fine voice on the first song from a new album, Astronaut Meets Appleman, due in September. You Just Want, on YouTube now, drifts along beautifully for over seven minutes.