Sunday Spin: New Releases From EXO, Ellise, XG, WEST., and Nija

Break through the chilly winter weather with EnVi’s roundup of the last week’s greatest new hits! From pop-rock anthems to hypnotic house beats, this Sunday Spin has something for everybody to keep the cold at bay.  

Ellise – “Sexxxtapes”

Dark pop songstress Ellise is back with her new single “Sexxxtapes.” The Iraqi American singer returns with a long-awaited sultry synth track. Initially teased on Ellise’s TikTok last fall as “the craziest song [she’s] ever made,” the track describes Ellise watching back intimate videos with her ex on lonely, late nights. The song’s pulsing bassline and light vocals set the stage for Ellise to reminisce on the relationship.

“‘Sexxxtapes’ is about that dizzying blur where the pain of a breakup meets the heat of a memory,” she said in a press release. “The process of making this song helped heal deeply rooted shame around sex and intimacy for me, finally getting real about taboo emotions that I’d usually keep tucked away.”

Ellise kicked off the second act of her “Pretty Evil Tour” this week in Columbia, MO, with the debut performance of “Sexxxtapes.” She will bring her raw storytelling and dark pop discography on her 16-stop tour across the United States, accompanied by opening performer Meg Smith. 

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WEST. – “Aisyu”

WEST.’s first digital single, “Aisyu,” brings out a new side to the group’s lively discography. Featured on the soundtrack for romance series All Because of You, starring member Ryusei Fujii, this song expresses a love that is bold and infatuated. “Aisyu” translates to affection, which WEST. members honestly declare in the lyrics. They are prepared to sacrifice it all and even fall into a trap for this one true love.

The track blends jazz and rock elements, representative of the sound of a heartbeat speeding up at the sight of a lover. Saxophones add funk, while the drums and guitar riffs add to a feeling of suspense. With an aggressively romantic tone, WEST. proclaim they are the only one their lover needs. Desire is evident and they refuse to hide even as they dance their way through the song. For those looking for a unique love song to sing along to, “Aisyu” is calling for your affection.

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CATCH THE YOUNG – “Amplify”

Korean pop-rock band CATCH THE YOUNG are starting their year strong with their first full-length album, EVOLVE. The five members — Sani, Jungmo, Kihoon, Namhyun, and Junyong — band together on the electric title track “Amplify.” Tapping into their “youth pop-rock” genre, CTY show their determination to amplify their music no matter what stands in their way. In the anthemic chorus, main vocalist Namhyun encourages listeners to “erase all the fear” and “go beyond the limit.” The music video showcases the instrumental prowess with bassist Sani’s skilled solo and maknae (youngest member) Junyong’s work on the keytar.

EVOLVE features 14 tracks produced by each of the members, including solo vocal tracks from three members: Sani (“28 Hours”), Namhyun (“I’m Already in Love With You”), and Junyong (“Reperio”).

The members of CTY expressed their feelings on the album in a press release. “We’re very excited, thrilled, and nervous about it at the same time,” Junyong said. “More than anything, I’m glad that CATCH THE YOUNG has improved further as a band.” With a promise from leader Sani that “we’ll visit and meet many fans overseas this year,” fans have much to look forward to in 2026 from CATCH THE YOUNG.    

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XG – “HYPNOTIZE”

From the first echoes of its short, synthy intro, “HYPNOTIZE” is set on doing exactly what its title suggests. It’s not the first time XG — a shorthand for Xtraordinary Genes — has dipped their toes into the entrancing world of house music. There’s “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT” off their sophomore EP AWE, and “GALA,” a precursor to the group’s first full-length album THE CORE – 核 (in which “HYPNOTIZE” is a featured single).

“Swirling, hypno, disco, illusion,” they sing in the second verse, describing directly what the song sounds like. Whether it’s the production that evokes the same lush ambience of Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia-cum-Lady Gaga’s Chromatica or the similarly-magnetic energy found in IVE and aespa’s discography, “HYPNOTIZE” proves that the group’s X-pop style isn’t just some clever device to remain abstinent to genres. Instead, it frees them from expectations and lets them have fun with the music they create.

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Harry Styles – “Aperture”

After nearly four years out of the spotlight, British pop star Harry Styles is back with his latest single, “Aperture.” Designed to be felt on a dance floor surrounded by friends or lovers, the track is synth-heavy with hints of Jersey Club beats. The chorus, which repeats “We belong together,” introduces a smooth techno-pop edge. Marking the beginning of a new era, “Aperture” offers a glimpse into what Kiss all the time. Disco, occasionally will explore.

The music video plays out like an action-packed short film, following Harry through a hotel-like building as he’s pursued by a mysterious figure who seems to be stalking him. Shifting from confrontation to having a dance off, the vibe moves to both of them mimicking each other, almost as if it were Harry’s shadow. Following the success of Harry’s House, Fine Line, and his self-titled debut, Kiss all the time. Disco, occasionally, promises a return to the dance floor, transporting listeners to dimly lit rooms illuminated by the shimmer of a disco ball overhead.

With 50 stops around the world and a 30-night residency in New York City, the album is set to feature 12 new tracks and to be released this upcoming March 6, 2026.

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Joyce Wrice – “Break Me In”

Four years in the making, Joyce Wrice has released “Break Me In,” the perfect song to welcome the upcoming month of love. The track feels like a throwback to the early 2000s, blending classic R&B with Joyce’s smooth vocals and production. The softness of the beats gives the song a sultry feel. With lyrics such as “Come unravel me, my baby, I’m yours for the taking” and “I been so wild lately, baby, won’t you come and tame me?” Joyce seduces us.

Produced by Malik Ninety Five and Mike Baretz, the song opens the door to what future projects from Wrice might sound like. Following the success of her debut album Overgrown and her EP Motive, “Break Me In” is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. After she performs at Genius’ Open Mic stage, we hope to see Wrice on more stages this 2026!

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SUNGYOO – “Possibilities”

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It seems disco and house music are taking over the year! DJ and producer SUNGYOO is back with his latest mix “Possibilities.” “Possibilities” brings a mix of UK house sound and bounce, aimed for long dancing nights. The track is fun, with vibrant synth accents, a few drum hits, and groovy guitar riffs accompanying the vocals heard throughout the song.

Known for his sets at Korea’s hottest festival, Waterbomb, SUNGYOO is currently hosting a January residency on Insomniac Radio. With the year just starting, we are excited to see what SUNGYOO has in store for us.

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EXO – “Crown”

Coming for the crown, K-pop legends EXO have reunited with their eagerly-anticipated eighth full-length album, REVERXE. The sextet debuted in 2012 with an otherworldly concept — aliens from an “exoplanet” wielding elemental superpowers. Now, after more than two-and-a-half years, they return to their extraterrestrial roots, led by the title track “Crown.”

Fueled by Atlanta trap drums, heavy metal guitar, and EDM touches, “Crown” is a powerful dance track that amplifies EXO’s signature vocals and cements their legacy as third-generation K-pop leaders. Opening with CHANYEOL’s bold declaration — “Now we back and touching down / It’s the king of the town” — the track immediately announces the group’s return to the music scene. EXO come with a strong resolution and renewal of their promise to their fans, EXO-L.

In the chorus, they proudly proclaim that “I’ll give it all / I’ll protect the crown for you,” even if it breaks them. Unfolding an apocalyptic landscape, the “Crown” music video mirrors the track’s cinematic intensity while reintroducing each member’s debut-era powers. And in tandem with their lyrics, the members are all decked out in regal attire. With seven million-selling albums already under their belt, REVERXE proves that EXO are still at the top of their game. 

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Nija and Jordan Adetunji – “In Between”

You may not be familiar with the name Nija. But take a closer look at the credits of your favorite artist’s discography, and you might find her name there. From Ariana Grande’s Positions and LISA’s Alter Ego, to numerous projects with Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion, Nija boasts a repertoire of chart-toppers and Grammy nominees.

Now she’s stepping into the spotlight herself with her latest solo album, What I Didn’t Say. “In Between,” which dropped a week prior, stands out as a highlight. Nija flexes her sultry vocals and penchant for sumptuous R&B production, running up and down scales before rapper Jordan Adetunji jumps in with his feathery inflections. It’s a testament to her prowess as a singer-songwriter, doing what she does best.

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Drexler – “Prague”

Scottish-based Hong Kong musician Adrian Leung, known as Drexler, returns with “Prague,” the final single ahead of his upcoming album Olympia-5. Inspired by a rare trip with his father — their first together as adults — the instrumental track reflects on distance, care, and the unspoken ways love is expressed after years of living across countries. Built around improvised piano and soft melodies, “Prague” captures the quiet, difficult emotions that surface as a parent’s health begins to decline.

Fans can expect to see more of Drexler’s vulnerability on Olympia-5, out next month. The introspective project was born in response to Drexler’s father’s relapse with lymphoma. Using music as a wordless form of comfort, Drexler’s new album is expected to explore tender memories, filial responsibility, and familial bonds shaped by migration and diasporic experiences. But before then, be sure to listen to Drexler’s pre-released singles “Olympia-5,” “Kirrikee,” and “Saturdays,” to fully immerse yourself in the world of Olympia-5.

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Omoinotake – “Wonderland”

Japanese trio Omoinotake return with their single “Wonderland,” which draws on the experience of graduation and what comes afterward. The trio invokes sentimentality in the lyrics, “Even on different paths, we carry the same feeling,” covering the heartache of goodbyes despite excitement for the future.

Ominotake produced a new energetic sound for the band on this track, a contrast to the song’s theme. The drums and strings carry a bright and high tone, while the keyboard is played in lower chords. Each member contributes to the song’s juxtapositions; Leo’s voice projects joy and grief, while Emoaki’s bass and Drage’s drums act as support. Just as the lyrics say, they’re not alone, but forever tied together due to their shared feelings.

While farewells may be bittersweet, Omoinotake reminds us to cherish the time spent together. As this year unfolds, “Wonderland” encourages listeners to embrace the endings just as much as new beginnings.

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Other tracks in this week’s Sunday Spin playlist include “work” by no na, “CHUN” by Lexie Liu, and “my forever” by lullaby. Listen to everything mentioned and more, curated by Team EnVi only for you on Spotify.

Want more of the latest releases? Check out our previous Sunday Spin!