Happy New Year! , from all of us at The Whole Kameese, We have been spending the last few weeks, retooling and we are ready to charge in to 2026, with new and amazing music.
We are kicking off 2026, with an absolutely blazing red hot new single, “Artificial Stars”, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Punk rock power trio Ultrabomb. “Artificial Stars” is the kind of song that will grab hold of your music loving soul and never let go.
You can listen to “Artificial Stars “ on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here
The new kick ass track, “Artificial Stars”, marks the first release from their forthcoming full-length album The Bridges That We Burn, arriving April 3, 2026 via DC-Jam Records/Virgin Music Group.
Artificial Stars” delivers Ultrabomb’s signature blend of urgency, melody, and grit — drawing on decades of lived punk experience while confronting themes of isolation, endurance, and the drive to keep reaching forward even in uncertain times.
Greg Norton explains:
“Sitting in our bunkers, we only have artificial stars to look at. We are all scarred, but we keep reaching for those stars.”
The electrifying sound generated from UltraBomb, brews deep within the next level musicians ( On bass and vocals is Greg Norton, a founding member of Hüsker Dü, one of the most influential American punk bands of all time, whose impact continues to resonate through generations of artists including The Pixies, Green Day, and Foo Fighters. On drums and vocals is Derek O’Brien, best known for his work with Social Distortion, as well as pivotal roles in Agent Orange, Adolescents, and D.I. On guitar and vocals is Ryan Smith, a veteran songwriter, musician, and producer widely recognized for his work with Soul Asylum.) that make UltraBomb, a band that you need to experience immediately.
We are so over the moon excited to present our Proving Ground, “Nothing Left To Prove “ playlist.
We decided to go with a holiday theme pulling a few tracks from the phenomenal new Wicked Cool Records compilation “Wicked Cool Christmas “ as well as Holiday offerings from our friends at Rum Bar Records.
Track 1 – Stop Calling Me Frank- “Naughty Or Nice “ We love the vibe on this tune . You can listen Here
Track 2-Joshua David Thayer- “We Won’t Relent “ Joshua David Thayer, has given music lovers an absolute gift with “We Won’t Relent” You can listen Here
Track 3 – Krooked Tongue- “I Don’t Believe In Ghosts “ One of the most beautiful songs we have heard in a very long time. You can listen Here
Track 4- Charlotte Sands- “One Eye Open “
Charlotte Sands, has delivered a cinematic gem, with “One Eye Open “You can listen Here
Track 5 – Hilken&Melissa featuring, Kay Hanley- “What’s So Bad About Christmas “
Written by esteemed 90s alternative rockers, Fuzzy! You will be singing along almost instantly. You can listen Here
Track 6 – Girl With A Hawk – “I’m in Love With My Friends “
Girl With A Hawk has written your new favorite song, “I’m In Love With My Friends “ You just don’t know it yet . You can listen Here
Track 7- The Empty Hearts – “It’s Christmastime “ Get Your merry on with The Empty Hearts. You can listen Here
Track 8- WYLDLIFE-“Another Ny Christmas (Piss The Season) “ We love the energy from WYLDLIFE on this one! You can listen Here
Track 9 – Jessie Wagner, Rocco Of The Snow- “Christmas With Me” Jessie Wagner, has a voice of an angel and it is on full display on “Christmas With Me “ You can listen Here
Track 10- The Other Girls – “I’m Not Getting Anything For Christmas “ You are going to absolutely rock out this Christmas gem, written by Evan Shore ( Muck And The Mires) You can listen Here
Track 11 – Six Going On Seven- “King Tide”
The Boston indie veterans are back and sounding freaking amazing. You can listen Here
Track 12 – Jennifer Tefft And The Strange – “Salt And The Sea”
Jennifer Tefft, has one of the best voices in music today and The Strange are next level musicians and it is all on full display on “Salt And The Sea” You can listen Here
Track 13 – The Dollyrots- “Auld Lang Syne”
We are over the moon in love with The Dollyrots version of “Auld Lang Syne” You can listen Here
We Hope You enjoy our Proving Ground “Nothing Left To Prove “ Playlist – Happy Holidays from The Whole Kameese
Some songs just seem like they are sent from “the great beyond “ The hauntingly beautiful, piano driven “I Don’t Believe In Ghosts” , from Bristol (UK) , based rock band, Krooked Tongue, is without question one of those songs. You can listen to “I Don’t Believe In Ghosts” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
‘I Don’t Believe In Ghosts’, the latest single to be taken from Krooked Tongue’s debut studio album ‘I Know A Place‘ which arrives on April 24th 2026 to limited edition vinyl.
Recorded and produced with long-time producer Josh Gallop (Sergeant Thunderhoof, Mother Vulture, Phoxjaw) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, ‘I Don’t Believe In Ghosts‘ is unlike anything Krooked Tongue have written before, displaying a fragility not seen in any of their previous works. Delicate, emotive piano keys wrap around Oli Rainsford’s uncharacteristically gentle vocals, lyrically exploring the process of grieving a loved one.
We can honestly say that we were absolutely moved by “I Don’t Believe In Ghosts “ Krooked Tongue, has crafted an absolute masterpiece.
On the single, vocalist and lyricist OliRainsford explains, “‘I Don’t Believe In Ghosts’ is a song that tries its best to pry open the syntax of death, to make sense of it, but knows there’s no way to categorise or organise our emotions when it comes to losing someone. The idea of ‘ghosts’ or ‘the paranormal’ is one we all know and by the most part reject. I don’t buy into any of that stuff, but ‘I Don’t Believe In Ghosts’ acts as a sort of proverbial notepad. A place to whisper your thoughts out into the open and feel as though they’re being heard, even if they’re not. I think we’ve lost our way a bit in this modern age, disconnected from humanity and death in an age where death is so commonly consumed through media. We’ve lost the art of taking a moment, catching our breath. ‘I Don’t Believe In Ghosts’ gifts us that moment to breathe. The lyrics continuously play with the phantom feelings that we all sometimes experience after someone dies. A perfectly timed breeze or a robin that lands nearby on a crisp Autumn morning. We see ourselves and others in moments throughout our life. Whether you believe in those sorts of things or not, the fact that we can even for a split second imagine and say ‘maybe it’s a sign’, is the purity of the human experience.
Death is a weird thing to write about, it’s something so familiar to everyone and yet so alien because it relies on personal experiences. One of the most beautiful things about music is tat it often bridges that gap. We want to dedicate this song to everyone who has lost someone, and to everyone who has carried the torch as life hurtles onward.”
Stop looking for your next favorite new song, it’s right here, with “I Don’t Believe In Ghosts”, from Krooked Tongue
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the stunning new album, “So Little, Close To Nothing “ , from Boston-area songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joshua David Thayer. You can listen to “So Little, Close To Nothing” Here
We first got to experience the glowing musical talent of Joshua David Thayer last year with his immaculate debut, “It Will Still Keep Feeling Rough” , which we declared, “a musical treasure trove filled with well-crafted songs that touch both the heart and soul.”
What immediately stood out to us on “So Little, Close To Nothing “ , is Joshua David Thayer’s ability to bring his music to a whole new level, particularly sonically, Joshua David Thayer, has firmly established himself as a voice you need to hear .
Where his debut was rooted in processing profound personal loss—particularly the passing of his father—So Little, Close to Nothing looks at what happens after grief stops being an event and becomes a condition: something lived with, carried, integrated. “I don’t think anyone ever really moves past or through grief,” Thayer says. “You just take it on. You become everything you were before, plus that experience, and it’s up to you to figure out what and who you are afterwards. I think this naturally leads to thoughts about your place in the universe, meaning, history, legacy, and those thoughts have fueled the process of this record.”
The opening track, We Won’t Relent” is one of those memorable tunes that stays forever in your rock and roll soul ( and you’re totally ok with that ) We found ourselves singing along almost instantly. You can watch the video for “We Won’t Relent “Here
The album’s title comes from a line in “Keep the Sun on My Back,” a song that directly confronts the smallness and transience of human life. Across the record, Thayer turns that humility into a creative stance: memory as emotional catalyst, instability as artistic fuel, and small revelations as meaningful as seismic ones.
Recorded largely in the basement of his Medford, MA home, Thayer performed nearly every instrument himself, with drummer Jason Smith contributing at 1357 Recording Studio and collaborators Mark Alan Miller (mixing) and Nick Zampiello (mastering) shaping the final sound. Sonically, ( which is where Joshua David Thayer absolutely shines) the album expands on the raw urgency of his debut with richer textures, doubled guitars, layered harmonies, and a deliberate sense of space—without sacrificing the edges that give his work its immediacy. It’s an exploration of the grandness that can be found in the minute moments.
At every turn on “So Little, Close to Nothing” , Joshua David Thayer, has crafted a mesmerizing musical experience that is simply divine. We were literally hanging on every word and melody.
Joshua David Thayer, has the magical gift of taking sound and artfully pushing it to the limit. This is on full display on “Pay” , where the subtle ambient noises really make the song shine .
From the cinematic “Keep The Sun On My Back”, the hypnotic, “Pick Up The Fight”, and the epic , “Do You Want To Change Your Life”?” , Joshua David Thayer , has created an instant classic .
So go find your favorite music listening spot and get lost in the beauty of “So Little, Close to Nothing “ from Joshua David Thayer . You will absolutely thank us later .
We recently had the amazing opportunity, to check out the glorious new single, “Cast Out A Line”, from Los Angeles based band, Where’s West?. You can listen to “Cast Out A line” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
It is next to impossible, in our opinion not to be instantly drawn to Where’s West? and their infectious new single, “Cast Out A Line”
The energy generated from , “Cast Out A Line” is a powerful groove filled vibe that we couldn’t help but effortlessly groove along to.
Based in Los Angeles,Where’s West?, have a sound that’s like a musical road trip—think pit stops at rock, indie, dance and a sprinkle of funk— they bring a 70s feel to a modern sound, inspired by the California coast. The band is fueled by love, positivity, and a shared mission to unite people through music.
Where’s West? was born in a small laundry room in the basement of their college house. Inspired by late night jam sessions, the band knew they had something special. With each member sharing a deep rooted passion for creativity and sound, they clicked instantly, transforming the laundry room space into a breeding ground for music. Their infectious energy quickly spread from college backyard shows to school concerts, igniting a fanbase that propelled them to the stages of iconic venues like Sweetwater Music Hall and the WonderfrontFestival. The band continues to push forward with exciting new sounds and energetic live performances. Fueled by love, positivity, and a shared mission to unite people through music, Where’s West? is on their way to make a solid impact in the music scene.
We have a feeling the band (Zan Curleigh (Vocals, guitar), Robbie Cullerton (bass), Aidan Babuka Black (Keys, Vocals), and West Hauser (drums). ) are just getting warmed up and we can’t wait to see what Where’s West, does next.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the sparkling new single, “I’m In Love With My Friends “, from Boston, based band, Girl With A Hawk. You can listen to “I’m In Love With My Friends” Here
A good friend definitely makes navigating this crazy thing we call life a little easier . Girl With A Hawk , have once again crafted an absolute gem with their salute to friendship, with , “I’mIn Love With My Friends “
The Boston rock band, Girl With A Hawk, led by vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Linda Viens , deliver a buoyant and infectious new power-pop single titled “I’m In Love With My Friends” , today ( Wednesday, November 12 via Rum Bar Records)
The next night,( Thursday , November 13th) Viens takes part in the Boston Rebel Rock Coalition’s inaugural fundraiser at TheBurren in Somerville, this one benefiting the ACLU, performing with friends in bands like Diablogato, The Peppermint Kicks, Watts, and others.
The official release of “I’m In Love With My Friends” arriving a little more than a fortnight ahead of Thanksgiving is purely coincidental, as the song spins a tale fit for any time of the year, where the friends we surround ourselves with become the ones we lean on and love the most – in good times and bad, in happiness and sorrow.
‘I’m In Love With My Friends’ is an homage to one’s ‘ride or dies’; our true-blue friends who are there for us when the shit hits the fan, who make us laugh when things look dark, and who inspire us to be our best selves through all of life’s challenges,” says Viens. “Romantic relationships don’t always survive those challenges, but authentic friendships usually do.”
We could literally wax poetic about , Girl With A Hawk, for they have a style and sound , Led by Viens, that you simply can’t ignore.
The opening chords on “I’m In Love With My Friends “ bring an intoxicating retro sound that stopped us dead in our tracks ( Freaking Brilliant!)
Photo credit – Kelly Davidson
The new single sets up a forthcoming full-length set for Spring 2026 release and arrives fresh off Girl with a Hawk’s live performance at Rum Bar labelmates Gypsy Moths’ album release party at The Burren – long a local haven for the good times of personal connection – and is the band’s first new music since “It’s The Way” in July. Before the release of March single “No One Like You,” a track inspired by the passing of Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins, Viens was inducted into the New England Music Hall of Fame.
With Girl with a Hawk, rounded out by Richard Lamphear(keys, backing vocals, and a rippin’ display of Hammond and Farfisaorgan), Daniel Coughlin (guitars, backing vocals), Dan Bernfeld (bass, backing vocals), and Nancy Delaney (drums, backing vocals), Viens is lucky to count her own bandmates as close personal friends.
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out Boston, based Jennifer Tefft & The Strange and their phenomenal cover of The Lumineers , “Salt and the Sea”
There are a few unwritten rules that sort of goes hand and hand with releasing a cover song . The first one , is that you should always try and honor the original version in the best way possible. The second is while not straying too far from the original, you have to make it your own.
Jennifer Tefft & The Strange have not only honored the original version of “Salt and The Sea “… They have also have without question made it their own. They have also once again proven why they are one the most skilled and well put together group of musicians on the freaking planet.
The vocals on “Salt and The Sea”, literally gave us goosebumps, Jennifer Tefft, is in our opinion one of the best female rock vocalists in today’s musical landscape…. And her band is the notch that is way above top notch .
Jennifer shared,“We wanted to try our hand at a reinterpretation of someone else’s work. We’ve been playing this song live for a few months and it always gets a great response. Recording it allowed us to really dig into the song and get creative with the arrangement and parts “
Jennifer Tefft & The Strange’s music combines intense rhythms with unique guitar textures and vocals that wind easily from darkly ethereal to soaring anthems, creating their own brand of gritty-lush alternative rock. Along with Jenn on vocals, the band features longtime collaborator John Parrillo on guitar, Tim Provost on drums, and Stephen”Sharky” Beccia on bass and background vocals. The band released their new album Strange Beginnings, produced by Grammy award-winning Bob St. John in April of 2024, which garnered them an “Album Of The Year” award, as well asthree other nominations in the 2024 New England Music Awards, plus placement on “Best of 2024″ lists. The first single off the album “Caffeine” reached the #1 spot on Radio Indie Alliance’s Top 100 songs. Currently, they arenominated for Rock Act of the Year for the 2025 New England Music Awards and their song “Tonight” was officially accepted for Grammy Consideration for “Best Rock Song” .
You owe it your music loving heart to get lost in the otherworldly cover of The Lumineers ,“Salt and the Sea”, from Jennifer Tefft And The Strange.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “Everyday Dangers”, from Adam Sherman Band. You can listen to “Everyday Dangers” on SpotifyHere and Apple MusicHere
Great storyteller/ songwriters artfully take everyday disturbances and shed a much needed light on them through music. Boston music mainstay Adam Sherman and the Adam Sherman Band , do this brilliantly with the rousing new Americana/ Rock And Roll, single , “Everyday Dangers”
Photo Credit: Carissa Johnson
“I guess I’m always hoping for a bit of good news, but lately every day seems to present a new, dire development,” says Sherman. “The song is about trying to maintain our power and integrity during difficult times. It made me realize how much we depend on the decency of others and how vulnerable we are to those who choose not to respect the value of life. As a songwriter, I tried to create a universal story that would convey the fragility of our society at this time.”
The veteran Bostonvocalist and guitarist has been crafting a sense of comfort and longing in his music throughout a career that spans decades, from his early work with power-pop luminaries Private Lightning, then with rock and roll yearners The Souls, and now lately through his solo material and output with his band, with which he performs every third Sunday of the month at an ongoing residency at The Plough & Stars in Cambridge. A six-time nominee in the Boston Music Awards, Sherman was just nominated for Performer of the Year in the 2025 New England Music Awards.
And the encompassing “Everyday Dangers,” with its weary soul, magnetic allure, and potent lead guitar, which grabs hold of the listener and takes them along for a sonic joyride that belies the track’s thematic intensity, should keep attention in Sherman’s creative direction.
“Everyday Dangers” feels like a melodic moral compass that feels important and needed .
The follow-up to this past March’s critical lauded Nowhere But HereEP, which earned praise in WBUR, Boston’s NPR, as well as Twangville, Americana UK, and elsewhere, “Everyday Dangers” arrives just ahead of a pair of notable live appearances.
The first comes the day after the new single’s release when Sherman performs at the EarfullSeries at The Regattabar in Cambridge on Wednesday, October 29. A night of storytelling from songwriters and authors, the evening also welcomes best-selling novelists Tom Perrotta and Alice Hoffman, as well as indie-folk duo Highway Hoserie.
“I’m honored and very excited to be part of the Earfull Series,” he notes. “Writers read their work and songwriters sing their songs to a respectful, tuned-in audience there to listen. Performing for a listening audience is one of the most satisfying experiences for me as a musician. Lyrics and musical nuance become the center of attention.”
The next comes in January, when he appears at the Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out, a collaborative showcase of varied voices and talents inspired by James Sullivan’s book, Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs, with the event hosted and organized by the respected Boston Globe journalist.
Both events are prime showcases for the messages Sherman is preaching, especially the one that comes to the forefront in “Everyday Dangers,” the first taste of a new album set for release sometime in 2026.
You owe it to your music loving soul to check out “Everyday Dangers” from the Adam Sherman Band.
We recently had the stellar opportunity, to check out the glorious new single, “Paradise Lost”, from Needham (Ma ) native and front man , for the band, The Teardowns, Steve Geraci, You can listen to “Paradise Lost “ on Spotify Here. And on Apple Music Here
Right from the first note of , “Paradise Lost” it is a clear that Steve Geraci, has crafted a song with a classic soulful sound and a modern vibe .
The soulful sound found on , “Paradise Lost” , can be traced back to Steve’s first love, the saxophone.
“Early on, I was in alto and tenor sax sections where I developed a love for harmony and dynamics,”
says Geraci. “It felt great to bring those early roots forward here.”
“Paradise Lost” showcases another stylistic twist in Geraci’s shape-shifting approach to songwriting —something he fully embraces.
“Alt-pop, glam rock, R&B — they’re all represented on the new EP,” he says. “If you like variety, look no further. As long as the music feels authentic, I’ll bring it to listeners who appreciate different styles.”
Produced and engineered by Dave Westner (Peter Wolf, Dropkick Murphys) and recorded earlier this year at David Minehan’s Woolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, Massachusetts, the track features Westner on drums, piano, and bass, alongside Geraci’s guitar, sax, and vocals.
With his time split between solo work and fronting The Tear Downs,Geraci has built a collaborative,non-territorial dynamic that allows freedom across projects. Following his well-received singles “VoiceIn My Head” (March) and “Save Yourself” (August), “Paradise Lost” adds a raw and soulful chapter to Geraci’s evolving solo story.
“‘Paradise’ was a risk taker for me — rough and raw, but really emotive and relatable,”Geraci concludes. “When we listened back to the rough mix, we knew we’d bottled pure octane.”
Steve Geraci, is a master class musician who has the incredible ability to bring songs to life with his extraordinary songwriting and storytelling skills. A Steve Geraci song feels like a New York Time’s Best Seller , but in song form and “Paradise Lost” is no exception.
We recently got our spook on with three killer tunes from three killer bands . First we checked out New York glam-punk rockers, Bad Mary and their otherworldly cover of “Time Warp” from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. We were immediately enthralled with Bad Mary’s drop dead perfect cover of “Time Warp”, they honored the original version but at the same time made it all their own . You can listen to “Time Warp” Here – Bravo
The next spooktacular tune we checked out was “Vampire” from Teen Idle. We absolutely love the style and sound of Teen Idle . Sara Abdelbarry , who is the musical brilliance behind Teen Idle, has crafted a delightful dark musical masterpiece that we absolutely love. You can listen to “Vampire” Here
The final ghoulishly perfect tune, is “Friday The 13th, from Reverse Pathogen. Horror fans rejoice as Reverse Pathogen has crafted a tune in “Friday The 13” that is simply frightfully amazing. Just like the perfect horror movie, we were hanging on every word. You can listen to “Friday The 13th” Here
If Halloween is your jam you need to check out these devilishly amazing tunes .
Sometimes when a new record comes out it feels like Christmas morning. Today definitely feels like one of those days. We are over the moon excited to finally get to check out the debut album, “Bucky”, from rising Bristol (UK) rock group, Oswald Slain . You can listen to “Bucky” Here
As soon as we heard the mesmerizing opening track , “Cranberry Juice “ we were instantly hooked. Oswald Slain ( Charlie Fitzgerald – Vocals, Guitar, Rhii Williams– Drums) have conjured up a one of a kind sound that flows beautifully and freely throughout “Bucky”
“Happiness Is Overrated “, Firing Line , and the extraordinary title track, “Bucky” will quickly climb up your list of your all time favorite tracks.
Photo GLK Media
Born from the creative cocoon of their home studio, Oswald Slain is a testament to both personal growth and musical evolution, their music reflecting a period of deep introspection and growth for the band. Having reconciled with the chaos of youth and the trials of aging, lyricist Fitz channels these experiences into sincere, humorous, evocative songwriting alongside the timeless swagger of old retro rock records
Photo GLK Media
Their debut album ‘BUCKY’ was recorded and produced in-house by Ryan Rogers (Mumble Tide) and the band themselves in their DIY self-built home studio, mixed by John Logan and mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special). For Fitzgerald and Williams, partners in life as well as music, their debut record is more than a curated collection of songs, it’s a love-letter to their trials and errors, their self and musical exploration and perfectly highlights the band’s striking evolution from their previous moniker. Throughout the album’s eight tracks Oswald Slain combine sleazy rhythms, driving drums, nostalgic guitar lines and the evocative lyricism they’re fast becoming known for, to celebrate their personal flaws, flamboyant failures and ultimately sees them finding self-acceptance.
Reflecting on the creation of the album, Fitzgerald says: “Making this record was a massive turning point in our lives. After being a bit unsure of where things were headed and what we were doing, the days spent recording these songs in our little studio were the moments of clarity we needed to get the ball rolling with something new and creatively exciting.
“BUCKY is a short eight track album that captures our moments of surrender, growth and hope within a chaotic and cluttered lifestyle. We made the record pretty quickly, writing songs in the morning then recording them in the afternoon, for the most part pretty live using a cheap dynamic mic on the vocals with no separation from the drums. We weren’t seeking perfection but it felt good not to be too precious about anything. We were living with Ryan Rogers at the time who took a lead role in producing it and added some impeccable enthusiasm which was exactly what we needed. It was nice to make something that felt honest, fun and vulnerable, and we can’t wait to get it out into the world.”
What makes “Bucky”, such a great album is that the songs all have this timeless and authentic quality to them that you can’t help but fall madly and deeply in love with. Oswald Slain has crafted brilliance.
OSWALD SLAINARE:
Charlie Fitzgerald – Vocals, Guitar Rhii Williams – Drums
LIVE MEMBERS:
Chris Axe – Bass Cydney Brown – Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals Will Montague – Guitar
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check the new killer single, “The Vibe” , from Nashville-based rock band , Lombardy. You can listen to “The Vibe” Here
Formed in early 2021. The group consists of Mike Scott (vocals/guitars), Jonathan Plevyak (vocals/guitars), Seth Rentfrow (vocals/bass, and Steve Mascarello (drums). “Lombardy’s new single, “I’m A Vibe,” is a pop rock anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. With influences from Beck, The Viagra Boys, Nirvana, and Weezer, this fun, tongue-in-cheek track celebrates individuality and the power of embracing your quirks. It’s an energetic, unfiltered shout-out to those who refuse to conform, blending catchy hooks and raw rock energy.
Lombardy, is band who have a sound and “vibe” that is exactly what is needed in today’s musical landscape. “I’mA Vibe” is a gem you can’t afford to miss.
“I’m A Vibe” is the second single off Lombardy’s upcoming debut album, bringing rock ‘n’ roll back to the people. The band’s sound is drawn from all eras and flavors of culture with touches of alternative, blues, classic rock, grunge , hip hop, and psychedelic rock.
Lombardy captures the energy of today’s best live acts with the chops of seasoned veterans and the performance of an arena-bound staple. The band records in the studio in one room, often in one take, to capture more familiar, organic, and authentic material.
Since their debut, they’ve been heavily featured on stations like Lightning 100, 102.9 The Buzz, as well as playlists like No Country for New Nashville,Spotify’s New in Rock, and more. They’ve performed at venues across the country including Nashville hot spots such as Basement East, Tomato Arts Festival, Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, 3rd and Lindsley, Eastside Bowl, and more.
Lombardy’s live show receives soaring reviews consistently as they continue to grow into hometown favorites building a faithful following. Lombardy also continues to invest in their local community and rock scene by curating and hosting an alt/rock showcase called Music City Mosh Club, which can be attended quarterly at Nashville’s Eastside Bowl. With new music out now, Lombardy is giving the world incredible new music , after inking a deal with Universal Music Group and Virgin Records’ newest team-up, East Iris Records.
So go find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the magic of “I’mA Vibe” from Lombardy.
We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the new single, “Daughters Around “ from Nantes, France-based noise-rock four-piece Tickles , you can listen to “ Daughters Around” on Spotify Here,
On their new single, “Daughters Around “, ( which is the final single, from their debut studio album ‘Sugar & Plastic Plates’ is due for release November 28th 2025 ) Tickles have crafted a unique yet familiar sound that we became immediately captivated with.
Emerging from the vibrant punk scene in Nantes, France in 2018, Tickles have carved out a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting and unpredictable new bands. The four-piece burst onto the scene with their 2020 debut EP ‘I Love You Paul’, a raw, bruising release that immediately drew comparisons to Idles, Fontaines D.C. and METZ and saw them championed by French press for their fusion of noise, punk and post-hardcore, their chaotic live energy, and their sharp sense of humour. Their second EP ‘Ticklesticklesticklesticklesticklestickles’ further cemented their reputation, showcasing a band capable of matching intensity with intervention.
Their debut nine track studio album was recorded with Christophe Hogommat (Mad Foxes, Basic Partner, 20 Seconds Falling Man, Watertank), mixed by Joris Saïdani (Birds in Row, Bops, Fragments) and mastered by Thibault Chaumont (W!zard,Carpenter Brut, It It Anita). The album is still charged with the raw intensity of their noise-punk roots, but the quartet digs deeper to deliver a darker, more furious and visceral full record. Through apocalyptic riffs, thunderous basslines, frenetic rhythms and cynical lyrics, Tickles wrestle with isolation, anxiety, abandonment and the scars of childhood, a sincere first statement from the band.
Ahead of the album’s release comes ‘Daughters Around’, its final single. A song that tackles the complexities of family life and relationships.
Discussing the lyrical inspirations behind the track, Bonfils says, “Daughters Around questions family relationships and their gender dynamics. While the father goes to work, the son fights, and the mother struggles, the daughters remain around, symbols of both gentleness and fragility. Yet behind this seemingly secondary role, it is upon these figures that the balance of our relationships truly rests. Through music that is heavy yet tinged with disco, this ode to the strength of all our daughters takes shape.”
“Daughters Around “ , from Tickles, has a one of a kind vibe that can’t be missed.
Life sucks, but ALTARBOY is enjoying the ride with their new single “Rave From The Grave,” out now via Crusty Wrapper Records.
We recently had the spook-tacular opportunity to check out the new video and single, “Rave From The Grave” from Philadelphia, punk band, ALTARBOY, via Crusty Wrapper Records. You can listen to “Rave From The Grave” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
You can also watch the video for “Rave From The Grave” below
If you want to know why we live and breathe music…… look no further than Philadelphia based punks, ALTARBOY. They have a sound , style and vibe that could literally wake the dead . If you want more proof than check out their ghoulishly new single and video “Rave From The Grave”
Formed in 2024, ALTARBOY has already carved out a reputation for their high-energy shows, horror-inspired imagery, and campy matching uniforms. The lineup features Sean Flanagan (bass/vocals), Ben Harkins (guitar), Adam Kelly (guitar), and Nick Held (drums). Their sound blends ferocious punk urgency with undeniable hooks, making their music as addictive as it is aggressive.
“We love all of our music videos for different reasons, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But this one was by far the most fun we had shooting,”the band shares.
It’s a ‘zombie party,’ but that’s exactly what it was behind the scenes — just a party. Everyone in the video are our closest friends and we just told them to drink and dance. We hope the video is as fun to watch as it was for us to make. Our friend, Nicky Fexx, directed the whole thing and it was an absolute blast. Life sucks. The world sucks. We’re going to party anyway.”
After years of self-releasing FRND CRCL material, Zac Johnson officially launched Crusty Wrapper Records in 2025. He says ALTARBOY embodies the label’s vision of community and artist development:
“If there’s anything I believe in, it’s artist development. With FRND CRCL, we learned how to push ourselves as both a band and a business. When I first met the guys from ALTARBOY at a show in Lansdale, PA last winter, I instantly fell in love with their sound. They’ve got the music, the energy, and the look. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with them.”
So stop what you are doing and get your zombie on with “Rave From The Grave” from ALTARBOY
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the glorious new single, “Rally Round”, from Boston mod-pop trio, The Chelsea Curve. You can listen to “Rally Round” Here
The Chelsea Curve, deliver yet another soon to be iconic track with their new simply irresistible single, “Rally Round”
Photo Credit- Reuben
Applying a sense of communal awareness with the motivation of hope and a message of coexistence and solidarity, The Chelsea Curve invite us all to “Rally ‘Round” those around us, and hold close the ones we hold dear.
With a sugary-sweet embrace and a shimmering sound that connects a ‘60s folk-pop ethos with a college rock, jangle-pop, and C86 glide, and not to mention a bit of a melodic call-back to Boston’s mid-’90s indie scene, “Rally ‘Round” is the latest in a string of singles for The Chelsea Curve. It follows a pair of sonic firecrackers over the summer in restless powderkeg bop “Kindawanna” and the anthemic, Britpop-inspired “Never Come Down.”
Interestingly enough, the trio — bassist and vocalist Linda Pardee, guitarist and vocalist Tim Gillis, and drummer Bruce Caporal – admit this new indie cruiser has taken on a bit of a different vibe, thematically, since it was first penned back in 2023. And that’s due to the world around us.
“This song has morphed into a different meaning than what was originally intended when written,” admits Pardee. “The lyrics were initially about friendships, acquaintances, people coming into your life. Being part of a community. Finding your people. Despite differences, we can or should be able to at least co-exist.”
She adds: “I realized that, since writing the lyrics, they may come across a little differently now given the current social climate, and that’s okay. It’s hard to be an optimist sometimes, but when I sing ‘We’re all on the same side’, I am thinking – at the very least, we are all humans. But it’s not always easy to sing it, because it doesn’t feel that way.”
The Chelsea Curve, artfully craft music that touches the mind and soul but it is also music that you can’t help but groove to.
We recently had the amazing experience to check out “Get Offline” , from Boston based band , JVK. You can listen to “Get Offline” Here
Get Offline” is JVK’s first single in almost two years that redefines the bands musical trajectory for the foreseeable future. Originally started as a hard rock band, “Get Offline” cements JVK’s new sound as retro, glam rock, synth pop, dance, and punk rock chaos combined into one.
JVK, has a genre defying that is positively electrifying and it is on full display with “Get Offline “
“Get Offline” is the kind of song that you can effortlessly groove to for days .
Bursting out of the Boston DIY scene, JVK entrances audiences around North America with their vibrant live performance, retro-rock sound, and empowering lyricism. Backed by Atticus Crowley, Kay Kwiatek, Liv Barcohana and Zach Feinstein, frontwoman Jo Krieger began JVK in 2022 as a hard rock act playing basements, dive bars, and nightclubs around New England. Since then, JVK has played Louder than Life 2023, Boston Calling 2024, made radio and TV appearances, booked four country wide tours, and was nominated for 6 cumulative Boston and New England Music Awards. With 2 EP’s under their belt, JVK is in the works of creating their debut album which will solidify the band’s sound as retro-glam-synth rock. As the band evolves through new music and opportunities, JVK invites you to be part of their meteoric rise.
New Single Precedes the November 7Release of Their Upcoming Full-Length Disco Lunch via Punkerton Records
We recently had the stellar opportunity, to check out the new single, “American Farts”, from Michigan SKA Punk band, The Boy Detective, via Punkerton Records. You can listen to “American Farts” Here
You can watch the video below
As soon as we heard the first note of the new single, “American Farts”, from The Boy Detective, we were immediately captivated. The vibe and electrifying sound of “American Farts “ is enough to stop Rush Hour traffic.
Produced by Roger Lima (Less Than Jake) and mixed/mastered by Eric Taft (The Dangerous Summer, Cliffdiver, We Are The Union), “American Farts” is a blast of melody, humor, and heart — a classic ska-punk singalong tailor-made for road trips, basement shows, and bad days turned good. The song’s high-octane horns, shout-along chorus, and warm sense of humor make it an instant anthem for anyone who’s ever needed a musical pick-me-up.
“Sometimes you just want to take your partner out for a ride, crank up the stereo, roll down the windows and sing out your lungs. The little things, that’s all…” — Benny Capaul (vocals)
Following the success of 2024’s Art Theft, The Boy Detective return with their sophomore full-length Disco Lunch— a riotous, high-energy record that doubles down on their signature mix of ska-core grooves, punk urgency, and self-aware humor. From blistering horn lines to melodic hooks and lyrical absurdity, the band delivers an album that’s as infectious as it is heartfelt.
“When we say we threw everything and the kitchen sink in, we meant it. Disco Lunch is ten songs that span almost two decades. We’ve opened the vault, collected, and distributed these gems for you. So go ahead and take out a withdrawal on Disco Lunch—you’ll be thankful for the wait. Let’s boogie!” — Benny Capaul (vocals)
We had the distinct honor to check out the blazing new album “Fool‘s Gold”, from Salem and Cape Cod grunge-pop and alt-rock band, The Fool’s Agenda. You can listen to “Fool’s Gold “Here
The Fool’s Agenda, have constructed a one of a kind vibe and sound on their sophomore album, “Fool’s Gold” We are absolutely smitten.
Led by a quartet of singles, including three unveiled just this year in the towering “Feel So High,” the anthemic “Monsters,” and August’s supercharged rock and roll popularity content take down “Dumb (Take Me Out)”, the new album from the Salem and Cape Cod-based powderkeg channels a certain nostalgic optimism that reflects its ‘90s-coded sound, all while aligning the band with a parallel journey that also ties the decade to the two that came before it.
The Fool’s Agenda, consists of a rock solid lineup with , vocalistRhiannon Raine; guitaristKyle Erickson; bassistJon Gray; and drummer and percussionistKamryn Bode.
“This album tells a story of coming home to yourself: Accepting yourself with where you’re at, owning your strengths and your weaknesses, and knowing when to walk away from the things and people that aren’t serving you anymore,” says Raine. “Life is messy as fuck. Own your mess and decide it’s beautiful.”
Erickson agrees, adding: “To me, this album is about independence. Being able to cut through the noise, so to speak, and just focus on things that matter. Recognizing your own faults and those in the world we live in and trying to make something positive of it.”
Where 2021 debut album Reversing The Tower was indebted to a more ethereal ‘70s flair for grandeur, connecting with the more theatrical sounds of Fleetwood Mac and Queen, Fool’s Gold blazes forward with a restless convergence of pop and grunge exemplified by some of the ‘90s’ finest moments.
“This album is distinctly different from our previous works; it’s less theatrical and more direct,” says Gray. “We had a clearer message to send through one collective voice, and naturally that changes the sound the band creates. It isn’t really a concept album, but there are themes that tie the songs together lyrically and phonically.”
Along with the powerful rock and grunge sound that is heard and felt throughout “Fool’s Gold” We also heard an addictive groove that is beautifully woven throughout the record, most notably on “Monsters”
Produced by Logan Tichnor, mixed and mastered by Franco Gravante and Tichnor, and recorded in Massachusetts at both Checkpoint East Studios in Orleans and The Record Co. in Boston, The Fool’s Agenda is a cohesive and comprehensive body of work, where each song emerges as a chapter to a larger, unfolding story. It reflects the highs and lows of life, the short bursts of fear or excitement, and the long, drawn-out emotions that soundtrack both the important and the mundane.
You need to go find your favorite music spot and bask in the glow of “Fool’s Gold”, from The Fool’s Agenda.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single, “Clarity”, from South Bay–born, Nashville-based alternative/pop-punk artist MEGG. You can listen to “Clarity” Here
From the moment you hear the electrifying new single , “Clarity” , from MEGG., you can’t help but be absolutely mesmerized. ( The song is freaking perfect)
“Clarity takes me back to my roots as a vocalist. It’s a cry for any semblance of honesty in our currently very dark world.”-MEGG
A collection of six raw and unapologetic tracks, Low Life Club cements MEGG’s status as one of pop-punk’s boldest new voices. Blending pop sensibility with punk-rock roots, she’s built a sound that’s rebellious, catchy, and deeply personal — a fearless soundtrack for tomboys, romantics, loudmouths, and misfits alike. Channeling Gwen Stefani’s swagger, Hayley Williams’ firepower, and Joan Jett’s grit, MEGG brings early-2000s energy into a modern, unapologetically self-defined era.
Photo: Sarah Rosin
Low Life Club’ feels like the unofficial soundtrack to the West Coast and is easily some of the best music I’ve ever put out,” she adds. “It’s multidimensional — the heaviness, the vulnerability, the riot, the vocal chops, the nostalgia, the party, and everything in between. It’s got a little something for everyone. I’m really proud of these songs and stoked to give them to my fans.”
A graduate of USC’s inaugural Popular Music Performance Program,MEGG has been tearing up stages across the country — from headlining hometown venues like Saint Rocke (Hermosa Beach) to packing The End (Nashville). She’s shared stages with KISS and The Used, opened at Musink, and recently performed at the 30th Anniversary Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach. She’s also sung the National Anthem for the LA Dodgers, LA Galaxy, and LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
Following a string of singles in 2024 — including the bratty fan-favorite “IDC” (currently spinning on SiriusXM’s The Pop Off and 107.7 The Bone’s Bone Breakers) — MEGG continues to build momentum toward Low Life Club. Earlier tracks like “Get Over It” and “The End” gave fans a taste of what’s to come, showcasing her knack for combining anthemic hooks with raw emotion and unapologetic attitude. Pre-Save “Low Life Club” Here
We had the absolute privilege to check out Nashville-based singer and songwriter Sam Varga, and his new EP, “The Fallout” You can listen to “The Fallout Here
We have long been in awe of Sam Varga and his authentic sound and vibe . “The Fallout “ is Sam Varga, at his absolute best.
The seven-track collection brings together his recent run of singles alongside two brand-new songs, “What If I’m Okay?” and “Sticking With It.”
The track that really stood out to us on “The Fallout” is the opening track, “Isabella” . It is a well written track with drop dead perfect vocals.
The Fallout finds Varga leaning deeper into his alt-country edge while holding tight to the raw vulnerability that has always set his music apart. It’s an EP that refuses to sit neatly in one lane, instead bringing together the grit of Americana, the restless drive of punk, the emotional urgency of emo, and the hook-driven immediacy of alt-pop. The result is a sound that feels both grounded and restless, with steel guitars rubbing up against jagged distortion and confessional lyrics unfolding with anthemic force.
The Fallout’ represents the entire past year of my life,” says Varga. “For me, it’s my emotional and social diary of 2025, and it’s allowed me to process the world around me—whether it be breakups, growth, or the political and social hellscapes of this year. It’s also the accumulation of my sonic development since moving to Nashville, with punk, country, singer-songwriter, and folk elements all dancing in rhythm. This project also puts to bed a lot of concepts I’m leaving behind: warring with myself, the self-deprecation, and any residual bitterness I’ve carried. I’m stoked that all of that was alchemized into something fun that just rips.”
Sam Varga is a Nashville-based artist blending his emo roots with Southern grit and singer-songwriter soul. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he came up in the city’s DIY emo scene, cutting his teeth on loud guitars, basement shows, and late-night chaos. At home, his parents filled the house with ’80s rock, Southern staples, and classic lyricists, giving him a rich musical foundation. That mix of raw punk energy and emotional storytelling now fuels a sound that sits somewhere between alt-country and rock. It’s gritty yet melodic, with acoustic textures and dynamic, genre-blurring instrumentation.
Photo Credit: Catherine Powell
Do yourself a favor and find your favorite music listening spot and get lost in the musical goodness of Sam Varga and his sensational new EP, “The Fallout “
The sole purpose of doing The Whole Kameese, is to expose the world to amazing music. We feel that Bristol’s (UK) alt-indie quartet AdultLeisure, is a prime example of band that the world needs to know about.
We have been absolutely smitten with Adult Leisure and now that we finally have the opportunity to check out their debut studio album, “The Things We Don’t Know Yet”, it feels like Christmas morning.
Their debut, 10 track studio album was recorded a and mixed with long-term producer Ollie Searle at Humm Studios and mastered by the acclaimed John Webber (David Bowie, Duran Duran, Coach Party). ‘The Things You Don’t Know Yet’ is a collection of songs about people, love, loss and the feelings and experiences we carry through life. Each track is instantly memorable, delivering dancefloor energy, warm harmonies, vibrant synths, driving basslines, lush guitars, crisp arrangements and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. The result is 10 songs that walk the edge of contradiction, it’s ‘happy music for sad people’.
On the creation of the album, drummer Nathan Searle says: “‘ Things You Don’t Know Yet’ is our way of saying ‘this is who we are’. We’ve lived through different moments, felt the same weight. We each have our own voice, but this album speaks as one. It’s not just a collection of ideas; It’s a reflection of where we’ve been as friends, as musicians, and as people trying to make sense of things. It’s about the stuff we carry, the things we hide, and the moments we hold onto. Writing these songs helped us feel more connected to each other. Now we hope they do the same for you, we hope you find something here that feels like it was meant just for you. They were ours for a long time. Now they’re yours.”
As soon as we heard the melody on the opening track, “Hold Me Close (Before You Go)” we knew were in for an absolutely extraordinary musical experience. ( We were right) One of the many stand out track, is “Kids Like Us “ , stellar and addictive vocals make this one a can’t miss.
Every song on “The Things You Don’t Know Yet”, are gold star worthy . We found ourselves instantly captivated. The one song that absolutely took our breath away , is the beautifully haunting track , “The River” we got chills for days ( absolutely brilliant)
With standout performances across the UK, The Netherlands, Paris, Sweden and Norway, Adult Leisure have earned a reputation for their memorable, leave it all on the stage live show, and their debut album tour is going to be no different. The 12 date headline album tour commences at London’s Sebright Arms on October 9th, ending at Liverpool’sKazimier Stockroom on November 8th, including renowned venues along the way such as Manchester’s Night & Day Cafe, and Bristol’s Thekla, their biggest hometown headline to date, tickets are on sale now and available Here
Poster Credit- Steph Dutton
You need to stop what you are doing and immediately get lost in the melodic brilliance of “The Things We Don’t Know Yet” from Adult Leisure.
ADULT LEISURE ARE:
Neil Scott – Vocals David Woolford – Guitar Luke Denham – Bass Nathan Searle – Drums
Krooked Tongue, has once again set the atmosphere ablaze with their electrifying new single, “Drugstore Cowboy” You can listen to “Drugstore Cowboy” Here
Not only is the Bristol ( UK) trio giving us an incredible new single, they are also pleased to announce that their debut studio album ‘I Know A Place’ will be arriving on April 24th 2026 to limited edition vinyl.
The creative energy that lives within “Drugstore Cowboy”, from Krooked Tongue, is an absolute thing of beauty. We found ourselves completely mesmerized. The perfectly placed melodies and stunning lyrics had us hanging on every word
The album’s previous singles ‘Marigold’, ‘Let ‘Em Loose’, ‘Ember Mile’, ‘Nothing Ever Grows’, ‘Dog Days’ and ‘You Don’t Need A Sun Tan’ saw support from Apple editorial’s ‘Breaking Hard Rock’, ‘New In Rock’, New Noise Magazine, HEAVY Magazine, CLOUT, Fab UK, Bristol 24/7, Sirius XM, Total Rock, Primordial Radio and Boogaloo Radio, with ‘Nothing Ever Grows’ being used throughout the Bivol vs Beterbiev boxing fight on DAZN Sports and ‘Let ‘Em Loose’ being used to soundtrack Progress Wrestling’s live show at London’s Electric Ballroom.
Recorded and produced with long-time producer Josh Gallop (Sergeant Thunderhoof,Mother Vulture, Phoxjaw) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ dials the octane up to 10 from the very first note, blending fuzz-fueled guitars, driving drums and sing-along vocal lines, lyrically exploring the cause and effect of living selfishly.
On the single’s subject matter, vocalist and lyricist Oli Rainsford explains, “‘‘Drugstore Cowboy’ is a high octane goose chase through downtown, knocking over newsstands, bumping into passersby and tearing through the clustered chaos of the everyday hustle and bustle. There’s this movie from the 80’s called ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ with Matt Dillon (based on the book), and I remember watching it for the first time and just soaking in its atmosphere and attitude. It has a ton of 80’s charm that I figured would be a really cool subject to translate into a song. It’s chaotic and brash but at its heart there’s a relatable message. In the pursuit of our own needs, we can often disregard reality. It’s about a man who will do anything for a rush no matter the consequences, and despite this, is thoughtful and aware enough to know that he is the way he is. You might not like it, but you gotta respect it. There’s a divine peace in knowing your downfalls, and ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ is a tune that throws its arms wide open, falls backwards and trusts whatever decision fate casts upon us. ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ is a gunslinging, store raiding soliloquy that acknowledges what it means to truly live in the moment. Being the main character in your own story, even without knowing how that story will end.
The song was actually written on the acoustic, but it was immediately clear it was going to end up a belting javelin of a tune. It harks back to the sounds of mid-late 2000’s rock, which is kind of a vibe we reckon, channeling a bit of what was still left of the golden age of MTV. You can almost imagine the boys from Jackass barrelling down a f-ton of stairs with ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ blasting in the background. At its core it’s just a helluva fun song, and sometimes.. that’s enough.“
Accompanying the single, Krooked Tongue are releasing their most ambitious music video to date, filmed by the band’s guitarist Dan Smith. Being an independent band navigating the costs of releasing an album and working with a £0 budget, the creation of the video saw the band pushing the boundaries of their creativity and resourcefulness; the result being a three minute exploration into each member’s cinematic and creative influences.
You can watch the video below
Discussing the creation of the video, the band state: “With the influence of American film in ‘Drugstore Cowboy’s’ premise, it felt pretty obvious that the music video needed to be cinematic. We wanted to capture the atmosphere of 70’s/80’s Americana, a time when being at the movies was enough for most people. The music video for ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ wears its influences with unapologetic pride. With references to some of our favourite film makers, whether it be the crash zooms of Quentin Tarantino or the colour grading of David Fincher. We had a ton of fun filming this video, thinking on the fly for locations that might be cool around our beloved town of Bristol and unhinging the veil of being rockstars for a bit and taking ourselves less seriously which made way for a load of great scenes and also a load of bloopers.
Krooked Tongue, has once again taken their music and vibe to the next level, with “Drugstore Cowboy” and we absolutely love it . If you are on the lookout for the next great sound… you have definitely found it with Krooked Tongue.
We recently had the extreme privilege to check out the new EP, “How To Sing For Money”, from alt-pop powerhouse, Maggie Andrew. You can listen to “How To Sing For Money” Here
MONEY. The epic EP, features buzzworthy singles such as “Fall Like A Feather,” “How To Sing For Money,” and “Emotional Touchdown,” which broke through on US pop radio this week with a top 60 debut.
Maggie Andrew , is a talented and electrifying artist who is without question the total musical package. We were literally hanging on every melody and note of her stunning new EP, “How To Sing For Money “
With HOW TO SING FOR MONEY, Andrew cements herself as a rising phenom, fully in command of her expansive pop vision. Through glowing ’80s synthscapes, arena-rocking existential dilemmas, and moments of intimate reflection, she delivers melodies that oscillate between sweet and striking. Her lyricism balances sharp wordplay with unflinching vulnerability, underscoring what sets her apart as a songwriter. The record stands as both a milestone in Andrew’s artistry and a glimpse of what’s ahead.
“ I think ‘HOW TO SING FOR MONEY’ offers a clear view into another dimension or chapter of myself,” Andrew says. “It reveals who I am and what I can do if I have the tools and the opportunities.”
One of the opportunities that helped make this record happen was Andrew’s 2024 win in CBC Music’s Searchlight competition, which earned her a recording residency at Calgary’s National Music Centre. Before heading west, she spent a month in Toronto writing and preparing with longtime collaborators Carleton Stone and Kyle Mischiek. “That month helped reignite the magical creative environment I’d been craving,” Andrew says. Their close-knit history—Stone is her partner, Mischiek her ex, and both are frequent collaborators—made for especially fruitful sessions. With the exception of one song, the HOW TO SING FOR MONEY EP emerged entirely from that period of writing.
On HOW TO SING FOR MONEY, Andrew moves fluidly across sounds and themes: the gauzy synths of “Emotional Touchdown” capture the emptiness of a jet-set life; the title track’s grinding guitars mirror the exhaustion of the music industry; and the hazy melancholy of “Unfinished Business” explores the ache of chasing someone still caught in their past. The EP’s focus single, “Did You Cry,” erupts into distortion-fueled catharsis, while “Father Figure” pairs acoustic strums with reflections on growing up and transcending her past. She denounces the idea of a big bearded guy upstairs with the buoyant, folk-leaning “If God Was Real,” before closing with “Fall Like a Feather,” a stirring anthem of resilience.
Photo Credit: Maggie Andrew & Michaela Jessome
Alongside the EP, Andrew unveils the cinematic video for “Did You Cry,” directed by MOOSECANFLY. In it, she embodies a runaway bride escaping a toxic relationship before it’s too late. “I wanted to conceptualize the aftermath of a breakup,” Andrew says. “When you’re with someone and think you’re in love, it’s easy to make promises. The video represents running away from something—or someone—who turned out to be no good. By contrasting stillness with chaos, it captures the wreckage that comes from having your heart broken.”
Call it alternative pop, or call it something else—Andrew’s music resists labels, but its constant is clear: “I embrace my flair and attitude; I don’t give a fuck about external pressure when I’m making music,” she says. “My voice is the thing that makes my sound my own, and the elements around it will always shift and change.”
We recently had the stellar opportunity, to check out the new single, “MB Anthem ( The Market Basket Song) , via Rum Bar Records from long time Boston , based band, Stop Calling Me Frank. You can listen to the instantly iconic “MB ANTHEM ( The Market Basket Song) on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Those of us lucky enough to call New England home , can’t but help but feel a sense of pride when the subject of the iconic New England based , supermarket Market Basket , comes up. With their iconic slogan “More For Your Dollar”,that feels more like a way of life than a slogan Market Basket, is undeniably New England.
Not too long ago, Terry O’Malley of Stop Calling Me Frank got unexpectedly caught up in perhaps the most New England experience imaginable – he was stuck in traffic behind a bunch of cars all headed to the local Market Basket.
“I saw a line of cars stopped on a highway off-ramp that leads to a plaza with a Market Basket,” recalls the saxophonist of the venerable Boston rock band. “I said ‘Everybody’s going to the Market Basket!’ sort of as a joke, but I liked the way those words scanned.”
Tapping into the New England zeitgeist of our modern day, one lined with salmon-colored checker board floors, maroon jackets, and a whole lot of savings, Stop Calling Me Frank soon had a proper rock and roll banger on their collective hands. The sweaty, beer-fueled, and sax-driven rock and roll band now unleash “MB Anthem (The Market Basket Song)” today (Friday, September 26) on Rum Bar Records.
Of course, this rabble-rousing ode to the beloved grocery chain, a classic Stop Calling Me Frank cocktail of jittery hooks and bratty punk-rock urgency, arrives (admittedly unintentionally) at a controversial moment in Market Basket’s history. It hits the streams just over two weeks after the company’s board of directors infamously voted to oust beloved longtime CEO Arthur T. (“Artie T.”) Demoulas over disagreements on how to run the once-family business
All I know is that I love the employees of the Market Basket, and the employees love Artie T.!” says bassistDan Caspariello. “So I’m already on their side for this one. The other thing that boggles my mind is how much more money do you need? It’s all about greed.”
Photo credit Joshua Pickering
O’Malley, Caspar jello, and Stop Calling Me Frank as a band, assert with conviction that this song is for Market Basket, its long-standing culture, and the legions of people who have shopped, with unwavering dedication, at one of the 95 stores around Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine since the grocery store was first founded way back in 1917.
In the usual Stop Calling Me Frank style of loud-fast-fun, the 100-second-long “MB Anthem (The Market Basket Song)” follows a streak of hyperactivity from the band, which got back in the proverbial van just before the pandemic after 25 years out of the Boston scene. In January of this year they released The First Six Years compilation, a callback to those early days, and followed that up with a pair of animated singles in April’s gritty “Good Enough” and July’s punchy “Where You Gonna Hide.”
The band – O’Malley and Caspariello rounded out by vocalistLennie Donohoe, drummerEddie Barese, and guitaristsDavid Forbes and Jeff Ousborne – knew they had something special when O’Malley first came to them with the music and lyrics of “MB Anthem.”
“The first verse came right away,” he adds. “I quickly gave up trying to rhyme ‘basket’ repeatedly and focused on internal rhymes. The guys liked it right away, but it was still a work in progress. I was still tinkering with the exact word order even while we were recording it.”
A bit of “Frankifying” was done by the band, adding their own special flair to the composition, and the track was complete. Recording took place at engineer Ed Riemer’s Edsbarn studio in Canton, about six miles or so from the closest Market Basket in nearby Brockton. The band plans to head back there later this fall to record a few more songs that will appear on a new Stop Calling Me Frank album, but in the meantime, the gentlemen are focused on “MB Anthem.”
It doesn’t matter if you prefer the rotisserie chicken or the delicious hand made donuts at Market Basket,we can all agree Stop Calling Me Frank, has crafted an absolute gem with , “MB Anthem ( The Market Basket Song”
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new album, “Salt” from Santa Cruz, California.beach rock project, Trestles
You can listen to “Salt” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
We have said before and we feel it needs to be said again, Trestles, have such a unique sound and vibe that it is almost impossible not to be swept away by their musical wonderment. This is on full display on their glorious new record
Formed in 2021, the new band made a name for themselves playing in the college rock circuit during the major post-pandemic scene resurgence. While Trestles definitely allows the beach town aesthetic of Santa Cruz to seep into their music, the band is more interested in creating a sound that equally criticizes and celebrates west coast garage rock tradition.
By finding a balance between the nostalgia of 1960’s musicianship and the accessibility of modern garage rock textures and pop sensibility, the band’s sound aims to be relentlessly rooted in the present. This attitude is delivered through sarcastic, yet aware lyrics that aim to make living in the moment feel like a study in social politics. Trestles‘ music is plainly meant for whoever who wants to hear it.
After becoming a quintessential new band to look out for, Trestles released their first LP Halfway Up The Hill in 2022. Propelled by the success of local indie anthems Dwell & Rip Curl Sweatshirt the band embarked on a couple of west coast runs, playing numerous sold out shows in college towns. In 2024, Trestles was recognized as Santa Cruz’s “Band of the Year” for their explosive live shows, solidifying them as one to watch.
From the moment we heard the opening track, “Head First” we knew that “Salt” , from Trestles was going to be something special.
“Salt” is one of those magical records that there is not a bad song to be found. You can literally press play and enjoy.
“Babylon”, “Shake My Hand” and “Bones” are all solid well crafted gems that stayed in our soul long after the music faded .
However, the one song that we simply could shake was , “Having A Day” it is an absolutely brilliant song that every music lover needs to hear.
Trestles, are currently on their “Salt” tour . We have a feeling that they are a band that you can’t afford not to see live.
Lovina Falls , the dark dream-pop project of Valerie Forgione, poetically tip toes beautifully between the dark and the light on “Would That It Were” , and it is magnificent. You can listen to “Would That It Were” on SpotifyHere and Apple Music Here
Lovina Falls’ new EP, is an enchanting dose of eclectic sounds and sororal awareness titled Would That It Were, is available for streaming release today, (Friday, September 5) . The expansive five-track record, a collection of recent singles and two new tracks, arrives a week and a day ahead of its official release party, a carnival-themed evening of sonic enchantment at Sonia in Cambridge alongside the similarly theatrical Count Zero and Gene Dante and theFuture Starlets, where a limited run of CDs will be available.
“It’s been quite a year, and like so many other people, I have been trying to figure out how to navigate the unexpected insanity,” says Forgione, the Boston-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. “Pouring myself into this release and working with such exceptional people has given me something far more positive and productive to focus on.”
Photo Credit: Ken Rothman
Would That It Were, is the official follow-up to 2023 debut album Calculating the Angle of Our Descent, and its tone is firmly planted in the here-and-now, with Forgione approaching life in vivid color to contrast our dystopian landscape’s increasing grayscale. There is hope in this record, a tonic to the world’s hostility.
“Would That It Were” instantly captivated our soul immediately. We found ourselves hanging on every word and chord.
Opening track, “Light and Low” , may simply one of the best songs we have heard all year . “Light and Low” effortlessly bounced around in our soul and we loved every minute of it.
“About The Sun” is brimming with flawless vocal brilliance from Valerie Forgione, that is unmatched.
“Who That It Were” is nineteen minutes of absolute music perfection. Lovina Falls, have take it to a whole new level and it’s positively stunning.
Engineered by David Minehan and produced by Lovina Falls and Minehan at Woolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, Massachusetts, with mastering done by David Locke at JP Masters, Would That It Were was written and performed by Forgione as Lovina Falls, with a sprinkling of studio additions that would be familiar to those who experience the grand spectacle that is the Lovina Falls live show.
Brenden Cobb contributes guitar on “Tragedy” and “Ellery Way”; Chameleonsdrummer and Mistle Thrush stickman Todd Demma supplies drums on those tracks plus “Tragedy”; Lovina Falls live drummerChuck Ferreira performs drums on “In The Corner”; Matt Klain delivers bass on “Ellery Way”;Alice Lee Scott performs guitar on “About The Sun” and “Tragedy”; and Minehan adds additional guitar on “Light and Low,” “About The Sun,” and “Tragedy.” Lovina Falls live keyboardist Carrie Ingger is cited by Forgione with special thanks for the mix assistance.
Go to your favorite listening spot and get lost in the majestic beauty of “Would That It Were” from Lovina Falls
We must confess…. We have an infinite affinity with Bristol (UK) , based band Adult Leisure, and want to tell everyone in the known and unknown universe about them . We are counting the days till their debut studio album, “The Things You Don’t Know “ , which comes out, October 3rd 2025 to limited edition vinyl. However we are blissfully passing the time with the amazing new single, “Boy Grows Old”
You can listen to “Boy Grows Old” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
The album has already amassed over 250,000 streams amongst its single releases, and sees multiple collaborations with longtime The 1975 / Sam Fender collaborator John Waugh. The album’s previous singles have seen support from BBC Radio 6’s Indie Forever Show, The Line of Best Fit, Pop Journal, Fresh on the Net and multiple Spotify editorial playlists with ‘Borderline‘ being used to open an E4 Made in Chelsea episode, their first national TV sync placement.
Their debut, 10 track studio album was recorded and mixed with long-term producer Ollie Searle at Humm Studios and mastered by the acclaimed John Webber (David Bowie, Duran Duran, Coach Party). ‘The Things You Don’t Know Yet’ is a collection of songs about people, love, loss and the feelings and experiences we carry through life. Each track is instantly memorable, delivering dancefloor energy, warm harmonies, vibrant synths, driving basslines, lush guitars, crisp arrangements and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. The result is 10 songs that walk the edge of contradiction, its ‘happy music for sad people’.
The album’s final single ‘Boy Grows Old’ , out today ( September 5th 2025) , their second collaboration with The 1975 / Sam Fender Saxophonist John Waugh.
Discussing the single, guitaristDavid Woolford explains: “Our music often carries a sense of nostalgia, usually viewed through the lens of rose-tinted glasses. While some of our songs romanticise the past, ‘Boy Grows Old’ doesn’t. The lyrics reflect our genuine experiences of youth and the difficulties that accompany growing older. Young people often face immense pressure, and this can be from their families. As we mature, we come to realise that our parents and guardians are not infallible; they are human too. They make mistakes, can sometimes be unkind, and are also finding their own way. This song is a snapshot of childhood, with the luxury of hindsight. It’s a heartfelt message to our younger selves, recognising we can’t change the past but, we can reflect on it and learn from our experiences.”
Adult Leisure, is one of those special bands that you can’t help but wrap your whole music loving heart around. So don’t be bashful and fall in love with the musical goodness of Adult Leisure.
A few months back we made the decision to sponsor live professional wrestling with local wrestling promotion- The Proving Ground. ( You can learn more about The Proving Ground- Here and on the socials at provinggroundne . If you haven’t experienced a Proving Ground show, you are seriously missing out .
We have had an absolute blast sponsoring The Proving Ground and wanted to incorporate our love of music somehow… So starting with “From DuskTill Dawn “ we have created a playlist featuring some of the amazing artists we cover on The Whole Kameese.
1- “Save Yourself “- Steve Geraci
Boston musician, Steve Geraci has a classic alt rock sound that you can’t help but absolutely love . You can learn more about Steve and “Save Yourself” Here
2- “Have You Got What You Came Here For?”-Oswald Swain
Bristol (UK) rock band , Oswald Slain , offer up their unique sound with “Have You Got What You Came Here For” check it out Here
3-“Queen Of The Ashes”- Sam Varga
Sam Varga is a voice you need to hear . Learn more Here
4- “Motorbike”-Lombardy
If you don’t think Nashville, rocks? You have checked out Lombardy. Learn more Here
5- “Agoraphobe”-Blue Deputy
Formed in 2020 in Philadelphia but since transplanted to Belfast as of 2022, Blue Deputy began as a low-key bedroom-bound pandemic project which has grown to be so much more. Learn more Here
6-“Fight Music- Die Job
If you haven’t experienced Viola-Core, from Die Job, well today is the day. Learn more Here
7- “Stupid In Love”- ColorMeKrazy!
We have a feeling that you will be absolutely Krazy, for “Stupid In Love” learn more Here
8- “Never Come Down” – The Chelsea Curve
The Chelsea Curve, have achieved mod-pop greatness with “Never Come Down” Learn more Here
9- “Blue”– Parts Per Million
For premium hard rock you need to check out Parts Per Million. Learn more Here
10- “Blank Wall” –Cape Crush
Cape Crush, is power emo at it’s absolute finest . “BlankWall” , is a must listen. Learn more Here
11- “Dumb (Take Me Out)” – The Fool’s Agenda
Hailing from Salem , Ma , The Fool’s Agenda Delivers smart electrifying grunge-pop with “Dumb(Take Me Out )” Learn more Here
12- “In Real Time “ The Ringer Soundtrack
Sometimes music is absolutely beautiful. “In Real Time”, from The Ringer Soundtrack, is one of those times. Learn more Here
13- “Dog Days – Krooked Tongue
We have been absolutely buzzing about Krooked Tongue, from quite sometime . Do yourself a favor and check out “Dog Days” Learn more Here
14 “Candied Ginger- Maggie Kane
“Candied Ginger, from Maggie Kane, is the most view article to date in 2025, on The Whole Kameese. Learn more Here
15- “Angels” – Warn The Duke
WarnThe Duke, has a style and sound that grabs your attention immediately. This definitely the case with “Angels” Learn more Here
16 “Felt”– Tiberius
The well constructed backbeat on “Felt”, immediately got our attention. Combined with the well formed melodies. Tiberius, have an instant hit on their hands. Learn more Here
17 “Cake” – Spin Class
“Cake” is from Bristol (UK) based four piece Spin Class, is of their amazing EP, “Dinner At Derek’s “ Learn more Here
18 “Time” – Already Dead
“Time”, is Already Dead , at their very best . They couple smart , honest lyrics with raw and electrifying melodies that leave a lasting impression. Learn More Here
19 “The Rules – Adult Leisure
We ask the question… how can you listen to “The Rules, from Adult Leisure, and not want to dance the day away while singing along ? ( We know it is physically impossible) Learn more Here
20 “Alive Tonight” – Mourning Joy
As soon as we hit play on “Alive Tonight”, we were immediately enthralled with MourningJoy. They are next level skilled musicians who have crafted a memorable melody that is woven together with important and impactful words that lingered in our punk loving heart long after the music has faded . Learn More Here
21 “Skin – Escape Durgin
We are all in on Escape Durgin and their debut album. Picking a favorite song off the record is like asking a parent to pick a favorite kid ( it is almost impossible) You can honestly pick any track . The epic “Skin” is an absolute musical opus that literally took our breath away .
We hope you enjoy the playlist and don’t forget to follow us on all the social media platforms @ TheWholeKameese.
We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the new EP, “Red, White, and Blue”, from Boston, hard rock band, Parts Per Million. You can listen to “Red, White, and Blue” Here
Fast, furious and unapologetic, Parts Per Million have crafted pure rock brilliance with their powerful new “Red, White, and Blue “ EP.
The ferocious EP arrives at a time when we need it most. Across nearly 10 minutes of unrelenting sonic fury, the Boston band rages against the regime and all the forces that led us to this moment, with blame to go around on every side and each level of our decaying country. This is no act of moral grandstanding or attempt to convince one side over the other.
This is a band – vocalist, guitarist, and lyricistPaul McSweeney; guitarist and vocalistS. Brian Bailey; bassist and vocalistAlex Marks; and drummer and vocalistBrad Griffen – that’s pissed off, sonically unhinged, and unafraid to astutely point out that we are all responsible for the absolute clusterfuck that is life in 2025.
Creating this record has been so much fun – tinfoil hats and riff city,” says McSweeney. “We spent two weekends together at Halo Studios with our longtime producer and friend Kevin Billingslea working on these songs before we recorded them later in the month. Kevin had a huge part in writing some of the best parts and lyrics of these songs. He always does, but all of us have really had some difficult years recently, and everything going on is fucked. I reached out to some of my favorite artists, poets, and friends and poured my ideas into them and they poured them back.”
“Red” takes on conservatives and how we’ve raised the cult leader in charge to a deity figure, as the band taps into hip-hop and riffs that inspire dancing; a sonic lineage of System of a Down,Faith No More, and Alice in Chains; and references to Daddy Yankee, a now devout evangelical Trump supporter. It finds Griffen jumping into the band’s vocal arena with his harrowing screams.
“White” challenges the role white privilege plays in elevating evil by those indifferent to real-world issues as people of color suffer in plain view. Its sound marries Parts Per Million’s love for Opeth and Devin Townsend, and S. Brian Black’s guitarwork acts a tribute in style to Randy Rhodes and Diary of a Madman-era Ozzy.
“Blue” demonizes progressives on the left for their self-righteousness and lack of any real action, paying musical homage to classic NYC hardcore, with Hannah Arendt emerging in a spoken word bridge narrated by Dvstin Black of VantaBlack and Fathom Farewell
You owe it to yourself to check out the power and fury of “Red, White And Blue”, from Parts Per Million.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the glorious new single, “Have You Got What You Came Here For?”, from Bristol (UK) rock group Oswald Slain. You can listen to “Have You Got What You Came Here For?” Here
Oswald Slain, have unleashed an all time groove with “Have You Got What You Came Here For ? “ and the world is a better place because of it.
Photo Credit- GLK Media
“Have You Got What You Came Here For ?” will be epically featured on their upcoming debut album ‘BUCKY’, arriving on October 24th 2025.
Born from the creative cocoon of their home studio, Oswald Slain is a testament to both personal growth and musical evolution, their music reflecting a period of deep introspection and growth for the band. Having reconciled with the chaos of youth and the trials of aging, lyricist Fitz channels these experiences into sincere, humorous, evocative songwriting alongside the timeless swagger of old retro rock records.
Produced in-house by Ryan Rogers (MumbleTide) and the band themselves in their DIY home studio and mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering(PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), ‘Have You Got What You Came Here For?’ is a fun, frenetic and tongue-in-cheek number that serves as a snap shot of the band’s time touring through the French Alps.
On the single, vocalist and lyricistCharlie Fitzgerald says: “Rhii and I spent a couple of months playing in the bars around the French Alps as a little rocky two-piece. It was really fun. Everyone was always super drunk and it was pretty full on. The crowd just wanted to sing along and dance after a day skiing on the mountain so we would play songs people knew and never really played any original stuff. The movie ‘Saltburn’ had just come out and ‘Murder On The Dance Floor’ by Sophie Ellis Bextor was having a major resurgence. So we played a version of that quite a lot. I wrote the lyrics to ‘Have You Got What You Came Here For?’ in the morning after a particularly fun night playing at Cavern bar in Morzine. The track came alive in the studio with Ryan laying down all the incredible bass bits and Rhii just slaying that drum part. It’s angsty, rebellious and one of our favourites to play live. It has a stupidly long title and some pretty risqué lyrics. It’s definitely the terrier on the upcoming album and stands out from the crowd…. Hopefully in a good way.”
Your mission should you choose to accept it….. Go find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the melodic grandeur of “Have You Got What You Came Here For”
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the glorious new single,”Save Yourself “, from Boston musician, Steve Geraci. You can listen to “Save Yourself “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp, Here
Steve Geraci, has brilliantly crafted an absolute gem, with his latest single, “Save Yourself “
When the veteran Boston musician was penning the words to his latest single, a blistering fit of frenzied alternative rock and neo-glam called “Save Yourself,” which is out today , ( Friday, August 22) , his initial vision of a mythical journey and the characters who would discover a new land and eventually defend it as their own was actually rooted in history. Especially his own.
Turns out, Geraci, the Needham native and frontman for rock band The Tear Downs, was tapping into his own family’s lineage, and leaning into a storyline of past generations coming to this country to find a better life. What began as a wild, made-up tale of fantasy was suddenly hitting close to home.
“‘Save Yourself’ is celebrating the immigrant’s journey to the United States – a very real journey experienced by my ancestors and many other Americans,” Geraci says. “My grandparents’ journey, and my father’s journey. The idea of coming to a foreign country where you didn’t speak the language or know the people for the chance of a better life for your family – that’s the American dream.”
The subject matter has become all the more timely, given recent current events and news headlines detailing our government’s increasingly hostile view on immigration of all kinds. But Geraci knows that his family came to this country seeking that aforementioned American dream, and hopes one day we as a society will be as accepting as prior generations were.
“In contrast to how immigrants are being treated today,” he adds, “I wanted to share a glimpse of how it once was in the U.S., and how I believe it will be again.”
“Save Yourself” was produced and engineered by Dave Westner, known for his work with homegrown luminaries Peter Wolf and Dropkick Murphys, and recorded earlier this year at David Minehan’sWoolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, Massachusetts, a studio often frequented by The Tear Downs.Westner also supplies drums on the track, adding some thunder to Geraci’s guitar, bass, and vocals.
Steve Geraci, is a voice that we need in today’s musical landscape, “Save Yourself “, is a must listen.
We recently had the stellar opportunity, to check out the blazing new single, “Motorbike”, via East Iris Records, which is distributed by Virgin Music Group, from Nashville-based rock band, Lombardy. You can listen to “Motorbike” Here
“Motorbike“, from Lombardy, is exactly the high octane dose of rock and you need in your life, you just don’t know it yet .
The must listen vibe of grunge, rap-rock, and 90s rebellion, channeling the spirit of Beastie Boys and Rage Against the Machine, had us literally hanging on every single word and note
With heavy riffs and nostalgic swagger, Lombardy is bringing rock back to the frontlines of culture. This track kicks off a new era for the band; loud, unapologetic, and made to move. The band formed in early 2021. The group consists of Mike Scott (vocals/guitars), Jonathan Plevyak(vocals/guitars), Seth Rentfrow (vocals/bass), and Steve Mascarello (drums).
The band’s sound is drawn from all eras and flavors of culture with touches of alternative, blues, classic rock, grunge, hip hop, and psychedelic rock. Lombardy captures the energy of today’s best live acts with the chops of seasoned veterans and the performance of an arena-bound staple.
The band records in the studio in one room, often in one take, to capture more familiar, organic, and authentic material. Since their debut, they’ve been heavily featured on stations like Lightning 100, 102.9 The Buzz, as well as playlists like No Country for New Nashville, Spotify’s New in Rock, and more. They’ve performed at venues across the country including Nashville hot spots such as Basement East, Tomato Arts Festival, Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, 3rd and Lindsley, Eastside Bowl, and more. Lombardy’s live show receives soaring reviews consistently as they continue to grow into hometown favorites building a faithful following.
Lombardy also continues to invest in their local community and rock scene by curating and hosting an alt/rock showcase called MusicCity Mosh Club, which can be attended quarterly at Nashville’s Eastside Bowl.
So shift it into high gear and check out “Motorbike, from Lombardy
Lombardy “Motorbike” Single Release Show w/ Kid Pastel, Kandi & The Kavaties Fri Aug 22 2025 9:00 PM(Doors 8:30 PM) @ The Basement East, in Nashville
American Poet and Educator, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, once said “Music is the universal language of mankind “
We absolutely believe the above statement to be a hundred percent true and believe it even more, after listening to the self -titled debut album from Lowell Massachusetts, based rock band , Escape Durgin. You can listen to the debut album, Here
It is our humble opinion that if a band chooses to record an album, it should be the very best representation of the band. This may seem like a simple task however, it is not always the case. Escape Durgin does this and so much more with their new record.
From the moment we heard the opening chord on “Poster Child”, we knew our ears and music loving soul were in for an unforgettable musical experience…. And we were right.
Fast , melodic and laced with perfectly placed lyrics, “I can’t do things the way you want me to because I am one of one” “Poster Child” is the perfect opening track.
Courtesy Of Band – From left to right of band photo Sean Connors (Bass, Vocals), Michael Sirard (guitar, vocals), Quinton Gibbons (Guitar, Vocals), Avery Stout (drums)
Since meeting each other in college, Escape Durgin has been dedicated to being the best band they can be. Playing shows all over Massachusetts, tirelessly writing, rehearsing, and refining their original material. Quinton, Michael, Sean, and Avery, have crafted a debut album that leaves nothing unsaid , the listener gets an 11 track and 41 minute body of work that just might make Escape Durgin one of your new favorite bands.
Picking a favorite song off the record is like asking a parent to pick a favorite kid ( it is almost impossible) You can honestly pick any track . The epic “Skin” is an absolute musical opus that literally took our breath away . Vocally and melodically brilliant. Our favorite lyric hands down comes from “Skin” – “If you could look inside my brain would you be surprised that it looks like a shooting star every time you cross my mind, nice to see you everyday every-time I close my eyes , It was such a luxury to have your skin right next to mine” I mean how can you not love those lyrics??? Pure freaking poetry.
Escape Durgin, might have peaked our curiosity with singles, “Like Vultures” and “Free Shipping “ but honestly that’s only the tip of the iceberg. “Standing In The Rain”, “Grove Street “ and “Change” are solid songs that we found ourselves constantly hitting repeat on .
If we had to pick a favorite song…. It would without question be ….. “9 Days” If we’re being honest we fell hard for this one… It is Escape Durgin at their very very best .
Escape Durgin’s exceptional debut album , was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Casey Dawson.
The best part about Escape Durgin… Is that they are Escape Durgin. They are 100 percent themselves and that makes for a meaningful and thought provoking debut album that you won’t soon forget.
We recently had the outstanding opportunity to check out the new single, “Fool”, from JT Loux . You can listen to “Fool” Here
If you have not had the good fortune to listen to JT Loux, let his blazing new single , “Fool” , serve as the proper introduction.
JT LOUX is a genre-blending musical force born in Sacramento in 2020 and sharpened in Nashville since 2022. Led by frontman JT Loux (vocals/guitar) alongside drummerZach McCoy and bassistEthan Pecha—with a second guitarist added for live shows—the band crafts emotionally charged, sonically rich alt-rock.
Their sound draws inspiration from artists like Jeff Buckley, Fontaines D.C., Briston Maroney, The Backseat Lovers, and The Beatles—fusing atmospheric vocals with vivid guitar work and raw lyrical storytelling.
Following their 2021 debut Taken By Moonlight,JT LOUX signed to Yelawolf’sSlumerican Records in 2024. Recent singles include “Daisy,” “Go Ahead,” and “Waiting For You” (with Riley Whittaker), leading into a new era of music.
“Fool”, from JT LOUX, is refreshing, electrifying rock gem that you can’t help but embrace.
Upcoming releases feature collaborations with John Oates and Yelawolf, all building toward a sophomore album in April 2026. Known for energetic live shows, JT LOUX has toured Spain, opened for Yelawolf across the U.S., and played festivals like Sturgis and Launchpad, with 60+ shows in 2025 alone.
We recently had the honor and privilege to check out the new single, “Esplanade”, from Santa Cruz, California, beach rock project, Trestles . You can listen to “Esplanade” Here
We are in absolute awe of the mesmerizing and radiant vibe that we can hear and feel with the glorious new single, “Esplanade”, from Trestles.
Trestles, are a group made up of next level musicians and it shows on “Esplanade”
By finding a balance between the nostalgia of 1960’s musicianship and the accessibility of modern garage rock textures and pop sensibility, the band’s sound aims to be relentlessly rooted in the present. This attitude is delivered through sarcastic, yet aware lyrics that aim to make living in the moment feel like a study in social politics. Trestles‘ music is plainly meant for whoever who wants to hear it.
“Esplanade” feels free and familiar, while showcasing spotless vocals and and a flow a grove that we simply can’t get enough of
“Esplanade”, will be featured on the bands, upcoming album, “Salt”, which will be released on September 26th
So go and find your favorite music listening spot and enjoy , “Esplanade”, from Trestles.
Since forming in Boston, in 1986, there have been version of The Lemonheads. However, the one constant has been the stellar songwriting and memorable melodies provided by the one and only… Evan Dando
You can listen to “The Key Of Victory “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here“The Key Of Victory “, will be featured on The Lemonhead’s upcoming album “Love Chant” , which will be released on October 24th. You can pre-order “Love Chant” Here
The latest single, “The Key Of Victory “ from The Lemonheads , has a very retro vibe that really adds another dimension to the song. Evan Dando, has once again crafted an absolute gem that has the legendary front man sounding his absolute best.
When listening to “The Key Of Victory “ we can’t help but hear a little Bob Dylan woven in the fabric of “The Key Of Victory “ and…. We think that is absolutely beautiful. Evan Dando once again delivers a poetic masterpiece like only he can.
You owe it to your music loving soul to check out “The Key Of Victory, from The Lemonheads
We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the new single, “Dog Days”, from Bristol, (UK), rock trio , Krooked Tongue. You can listen to “Dog Days” Here
Krooked Tongue, has once again woven an absolutely beautifully crafted gem , with “Dog Days” And… We are positively over the moon .
We know that we might once again sound like a broken record, but… to be honest we don’t care…. KrookedTongue, has brilliantly positioned themselves as a band you need to know about .
“ Dog Days” , is the next single to be taken from their upcoming debut album, arriving early 2026.
The album’s previous singles ‘Marigold’, ‘Let ‘Em Loose’, ‘Ember Mile’, ‘Nothing Ever Grows’ and ‘You Don’t Need A Sun Tan’saw support from Apple editorial’s ‘Breaking Hard Rock’, ‘New In Rock’,New NoiseMagazine, HEAVY Magazine, CLOUT, FabUK,Sirius XM, Total Rock, Primordial Radio and Boogaloo Radio, with ‘Nothing Ever Grows’ being used throughout the Bivol vs Beterbiev boxing fight on DAZN Sports and ‘Let ‘Em Loose’ being used to soundtrack Progress Wrestling’s live show at London’s Electric Ballroom.
The shinning hallmark of “Dog Days” is the stunning well put together lyrics, that really make the song stand out.
Recorded and produced with long-time producer Josh Gallop (Sergeant Thunderhoof,Mother Vulture, Phoxjaw) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, ‘Dog Days’ perfectly encapsulates the urgent, all encompassing feelings of teenage love.
On the single, vocalist and lyricistOli Rainsford explains, “‘I feel like ‘Dog Days’ is a tune that perfectly sums up that feeling of teenage love; There’s a chaotic beauty in teenage love. It’s everything and nothing all at once. We trick ourselves into thinking that this moment, right now, is all there will ever be. Blinded by the vapour of adoration. Hindsight is everything now, but the innocence of youth is everything at that time. We attach importance to things that seem so trivial now but in the moment, are our whole life. Those years are ones where we find ourselves, who we are, and those first relationships we have are cornerstones throughout the rest of our lives. Nobody forgets their first love, that’s for damn sure. There’s a nostalgia for the teen years that I think resonates with most people in their 20s and beyond. A retrospective comfort that makes us remember the weather somehow always being good. Every memory dressed in a golden hue and every moment packed with a constant stream of peers that never seemed to fade. Of course, as we get older they do; friends drift apart and relationships, despite our naivety, come and go. But to have felt the full bearing of our budding emotions at that time, as if the whole world stopped for a summer just so you could live it to the maximum is a beautiful thing.”
Everyone wants to be cool… Everyone needs to listen to “Dog Days” from Krooked Tongue.
KROOKEDTONGUEARE:
OliRainsford – Lead Vocals, Bass Dan Smith – Guitar, Vocals Harry Pritchard – Drums
We were first introduced to the musical wonderment that is Izzy Mahoubi, back in April, with her single , “Wanted” . Izzy has now given us an absolute musical masterpiece, with her glorious new single , “Good” ( SPOILER ALERT: It’s better then “Good” it’s phenomenal)
Folk/Americana artist, Izzy Mahoubi who hails from Phoenix, Arizona, artfully blends influences from The Beatles and Fiona Apple, Izzy creates her own soulful folk sound with elements of classic rock.
Izzy, has a real authentic writing style, that feels like she’s talking to a friend- disclosing deepest insecurities and unafraid to share blunt, sometimes comedic, details.
At just 20, Izzy has built a name for herself the last few years opening for artists around America such as Adam Melchor, Em Beihold, LAUNDRY DAY, Mt Joy, and more.
Listening to Izzy Mahoubi sing is a one of a kind musical experience that is on full display with her powerful new single “Good”
Go find your favorite music listening spot and get lost in the musical goodness of “Good”, from Izzy Mahoubi.
Last month we had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the epic debut single, “Like Vulture”, from Greater Boston, based alternative band , Escape Durgin. , is kicking down the door into August, with their second single, “Free Shipping”
You can check out the stellar new single, “Free Shipping” Here
Escape Durgin, absolutely hits the sweet spot, with “Free Shipping” We hear shades of Boston greats, Buffalo Tom and The Lemonheads . However , Escape Durgin,(Sean Connors (Bass, Vocals), Michael Sirard (guitar, vocals), Quinton Gibbons (Guitar, Vocals), Avery Stout (drums) ) have their own unique killer style, sound and vibe that makes them immediately standout.
Courtesy Of Band – From left to right of band photo Sean Connors (Bass, Vocals), Michael Sirard (guitar, vocals), Quinton Gibbons (Guitar, Vocals), Avery Stout (drums)
On “Free Shipping” , Escape Durgin, brilliantly uses volume to add an additional sonic dimension to the track . Rather than blast through on high volume, the band is artfully able to use sound (both loud and soft ) to craft a fully developed and memorable song.
It is crystal clear after listening to “Free Shipping”, that Escape Durgin, is a band who is just getting warmed up.
So make sure you tell everyone you know about the sensational new single , “Free Shipping” , from Escape Durgin .
We recently had the distinct honor of checking out the amazing debut album, “MESS I’VE MADE” , from Boston, based alternative rock band, Big Rav “ ( SPOILER ALERT: 🚨 It Is Absolutely Breathtakingly AWESOME )
You can listen to the very epic, “MESS I’VE MADE” Here
We are going to be honest, as soon as we heard the opening note on the opening track, “Another Tomorrow “, on “MESS I’VE MADE” we were instantly enthralled by the one of kind , mind blowing sound of Big Rav
Big Rav will be playing their release show in support of the album Saturday, August 2nd at 7:00 PM at The Burren in Somerville, MA. Tickets are available for presale Here
Big Rav (Maddy Montaquila, vocals, keys, Dan Colvin, guitar, Seamus Winters, bass, and Nick Montaquila, percussion) have a next level musical synergy that feels positively otherworldly.
No stranger to the Boston music scene, Big Rav has been filling local venues andporchfests for the past four years with their unique blend of in-your-face, pop punkinspired vocals, overdriven and melodic guitar riffs and solos, heavy, modal basslines,vintage synths, and foundational, never obvious grooves (think Paramore meets Rush).
Photo Credit: Grace Herron
Self-deprecating title aside, the band is incredibly proud of this labor of love which came to be over a series of intermittent recording sessions with Sean McLaughlin of 37’ Productions coordinated between the individual members’ “real jobs” (a product manager, a developer, an engineer, and an accountant walk into a bar…) and the obligations that come with adulthood. In a sense, that is the true theme of the album -grappling with the phenomenon of growing up, and the infinite possibilities of lifebecoming casualty to responsibilities, relationship issues, and struggles with mentalhealth. Throw in a wall of layered guitars, thick bass, bombastic drumming, and raw,expressive vocals, and you arrive at the essence of the appropriately labeled “Big Rav” sound.
Every song, on “MESS I’VE MADE”, had us tapping and singing along almost instantly . We found ourselves entranced with “Alien” with its bluesy vibe , showing off the band’s versatility.
Our favorite track on the album, without question is the amazing title track, “MESS I’VE MADE” The combination of the ultra cool melodic groove and the flawless vocals, make “MESS I’VE MADE” , an instant classic.
You owe it to your music loving heart to check out the stunningly brilliant debut album, “MESS I’VE MADE” from Big Rav
We recently checked out the new single, “neckdeep,” from Alt-pop trailblazer Charlotte Sands. You can listen to “neckdeep” Here
Following the success of her 2024 album can we start over?, Charlotte is stepping boldly into a new era, first teased with June’s fiery single “HpUSH” and now ignited with “neckdeep.” Blending bratty hyperpop with brooding alt-rock, the song delivers a vibrant collision of anthemic pop hooks, raw angst, and metallic punk grit. “neckdeep” is a cathartic scream into the void, a full-body release and the perfect soundtrack for the next chapter of a brat rock summer.
Photo Credit: Dillon Jordan
“neckdeep” is a song about the realization you’re no longer a priority in your relationship and the desperation that comes with wanting to be seen,”Charlotte shares. “It captures the chaos that comes with being pushed past your breaking points and constantly existing on the edge of helplessness and revenge.”
Known for her genre-blurring sound, radical honesty, and electric live shows, Charlotte Sands has built a dedicated cult following by turning vulnerability into empowerment. Her music soundtracks the highs and lows of growing up, pairing emotional intensity with massive, singalong-ready hooks.
Since making her debut in 2018, Charlotte has charted in the U.S. Top 40 for over 15 weeks, won ‘Best Breakthrough Album’ at the Heavy Music Awards, and has amassed over 300 million global streams — all while remaining a fully independent artist. She’s shared the stage with acts like My Chemical Romance, 5 Seconds of Summer, and YUNGBLUD, and in 2024, she embarked on a highly successful global headline tour in support of her album, which further cemented her status as one of the most compelling live performers in the alt-pop space
No one brings a vibe and energy like Charlotte Sands, We are all in on neckdeep, and we know you will be as well.
Charlotte Sands Tour Dates: July 11 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore July 12 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre July 13 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre and Ballroom July 15 – Newport, KY @ MegaCrop Pavilion July 18 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada July 19 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium July 20 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center July 22 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo July 23 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater July 26 – Long Beach, CA @ Vans Warped Tour July 27 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre July 29 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Dallas July 30 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston August 1 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works August 2 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade August 3 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live August 5 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring August 8 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom August 9 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium August 10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall November 15-16 – Orlando, FL @ Vans Warped Tour
When done right, rock and roll can be the sweetest treat you’ll ever consume. This is with a doubt the case with the sensational new album, viaRum Bar Records, “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum”, from Boston , power pop rock and roll treasure, The Peppermint Kicks.
You can listen to “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and on BandcampHere
In the world of technology, there is a term , “Plug and Play” Which by definition – is used to describe computer equipment, for example, a printer, that is ready to use immediately when you connect it to a computer ( So basically nothing complicated just plug and go ) The same could be said for the brilliant new album , “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum”, from The Peppermint Kicks . A straight up power pop rock and record that all you need to do is press play and… You achieve rock and roll music listening perfection instantly.
Ever since we heard the June single and fiery ode to the airwaves “Radio Wam Bam Boom”, we have been fixing for more rock and roll goodness…. And that’s exactly what we got with “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum”
Courtesy Of The Band
The Peppermint Kick, ( The Boston duo of Dan Kopko and Sal Baglio) triumphantly return with their first new Peppermint Kicks album in three years in Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum, a livewire collection of anthemic, retro-kissed power-pop and neo-glam belters out via CD and streaming today, (Friday, August 1 ) on Rum Bar Records.
“Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum” , from beginning to end, is loaded with every you would ever want in the perfect rock and roll record.
10 tracks – swirling around playful themes of lollipops and candy, crushes and longing, breakups and redemption, all served with a sizable sonic dose of hope and fun – explode out of the speakers with distinct personality and purpose. And the lyrical subject matter is varied, but oddly pointed.
“The Peppermint Kicks go international on Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum – perhaps even unintentionally, but we are not telling!” says Baglio with a laugh. “There are songs about French girls, candy, and trash cans. Twiggy-esque Lollipop Girls in the UK. An Italian female pop star from the ‘60s, paeans to classic Japanese cartoons, NYC, and Boston, too. And it would not be a Kicks record without songs about radio and rock and roll.”
We felt ourselves falling deeper and deeper for the sweet sounds of The Peppermint Kicks, with every song sounding better than the last.
“Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum, its title taken from a lyric in the album’s riff-tastic spotlight single “Too Sweet (Oh Yeah!)” – “Excitations on my tongue / pop rocks in my chewing gum,” We can neither confirm or deny that we may have been belting these lyrics EVERYWHERE.
It is next to impossible to pick a favorite song from “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum”. “Little Doll (Piccola Pupa) “ , “Shangri La” and “Lollipop Girl” , had us dancing our hearts out. However, the one song that really hit the sweet spot , was without question- “Number One Record “ we simply could not get enough of this freaking power pop masterpiece.
Both Dan Kopko and Sal Baglio performed all the instrumentation on the record – Baglio on guitars, piano, vocals and Kopko on guitars, bass, vocals – aside from drums, which were provided by Kevin Rapillo, Chris Anzalone, and Napoleon Hashimoto. The album was mixed and mastered by Kopko’s alter ego, Danny The K.
If it is music you crave…. Then you owe it to yourself to check out “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum” from The Peppermint Kicks.
We recently had the distinct honor and privilege, to check out the new single “Light Speed, via East Iris records, from Nashville, based rock band , YearB4. You can listen to “Light Speed” Here
YearB4, have an electrifying sound and vibe , that is on full thunderous display, on “ Light Speed “
YearB4, creates a fresh rock sound, with “Light Speed” that brilliantly takes elements of hard rock and alternative rock , to deliver memorable and standout sound.
Just as they proved on their previous single, YearB4 ( Lucas Blair (lead vocals), Mike Milaitis (lead guitar), Abby Chuck (bass) and “Pretty Boy” Floyd Fulton (drums), prove that they are next level musicians who have a knack for creating sonic and melodically pleasing gems
YearB4, are a band that you need to know about… Flawless vocals that are nestled perfectly with sensational melodies, make “Light Speed”, a can’t miss.
So buckle up and enjoy the rock goodness of YearB4
We recently had the opportunity to check out rising indie-rock artist meg elsier, as returns with spittake (deluxe), via Bright Antenna Records. the expanded edition of her acclaimed debut album, featuring 17 tracks including unreleased demos, raw live recordings, and intimate B-sides.
Blending gauzy shoegaze textures, grungy guitars, and razor-sharp lyricism, spittake (deluxe) gives a more unfiltered glimpse into the messy, uncertain, and deeply human process behind the music. Through candid reflections on love, loss, nostalgia, youth, anxiety, and self-doubt, meg draws listeners deeper into her sonic world with sharp self-awareness and a distinctly self-deprecating edge.
photo credit: Jacq Justice
“These B-sides, these demos, this deluxe—it’s a celebration of all the little choices that made ‘spittake’ what it is,”meg says. “Creating is such a vulnerable playground. It’s a place to make mistakes. It’s a place to try these characters and voices and performances without anyone watching. I wanted to show how much beauty can exist in the unfinished and imperfect.”
In listening to spittake (deluxe) you can hear the ever evolving artistry of meg elsier.
One of the most exciting and electrifying new voices in the indie-rock scene, meg elsier juxtaposes sweet vocals and opulent melodies with grungy guitars and weighty production. Her 2024 debut LP garnered praise from DIY Magazine, OnesToWatch, and CLASH for its emotionally raw storytelling and distinct sonic identity. Known for her emotionally charged live shows, meg recently wrapped tours with Blondshell and Liz Cooper, further cementing her reputation as one of indie rock’s most compelling new voices.
Our favorite track on Spittake (deluxe) , is “run[old song]”. We are absolutely in love with the sound and vibe on this track. It is meg elsier at her absolute best.
Spittake (deluxe) from meg elsier, is an absolute delight.
We recently had the absolutely sensational opportunity to check out the new EP, “Five By Five From Four”, via Rum Bar Records, from Massachusetts garage-pop soul shakers, The Gypsy Moths. (Spoiler Alert: This EP Will Make Fall Hopelessly In Love With The Gypsy Moths)
You can listen to “Five By Five From Four “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
Right from the first note on “And You Know I Do”, on – “Five By Five From Four” we were instantly smitten with the one of a kind sound from The Gypsy Moths
The five-track record, which arrives today (July 25th) is a proper primer for the quintet’s ambitious double-album set for release in October.
The EP is perfectly timed , as The Gypsy Moths unveil the record just ahead of appearing at Rum Bar labelmates The Dogmatics’ album release party blowout on Saturday, July 26 at the French-American Victory Club in Waltham, alongside Band 19, Last Stand, Stop Calling Me Frank, and several others.
The title of Five By Five From Four is also a nod to the band – a group of longtime friends, collaborators, and conspirators consisting of Steve O’Brien (vocals); Chris Conway (guitar, vocals, keyboards, percussion); Phil Thompson (bass); Matt Miceli (drums and percussion); and Dave Buckley (keyboards) – and the forthcoming double-LP: Five songs, by five Moths, from four sides of the album.
Courtesy Of The Band
There is an authentic “feel good” sound that is present throughout the EP, that we are positivity over the moon about.
“This is probably the most excited I’ve been for any of our releases,” says Conway, who produced the EP. “We’ve pushed the corners further on what the band is all about musically, both with our recordings and in the writing. All five of us have known each other and played music in one form or another with each other going back to the mid-’80s when we were in high school together, so this set of recordings is the first representation of that bond of music, friendship, and creativity that has been coming together for over 40 years now.”
Five By Five From Four, was recorded with Ed Riemer at Edsbarn in Canton, Massachusetts,and mastered by Dave Westner
The record both blooms in several creative directions while oddly continuing in a GypsyMoths throughline: “Before The Lights Went Out” tugs at jangle-pop heartstrings with an R&B-rock undercurrent; “Cover For Me” is a swagger strut of a tune that wouldn’t be out of place on a long-lost ‘60s best-of comp; and “Fold Up The Air” boasts a piano and guitar riff lead before vividly blossoming into glam and psych daydream territories.
The stellar “Five By Five From Four “ , from The Gypsy Moths, is a can’t miss.
We recently had the glorious experience to check out the wonderful new single, “Darkness”, via S-Curve Records, from The Moss. You can listen to “Darkness “ Here
We were absolutely enthralled with the stunningly crafted new single, “Darkness”, from The Moss, it literally took our breath away.
Originating on the shores of Oahu as teenage buddies, Tyke James (vocals/guitar) and Addison Sharp (guitar) traded in beaches for the Great Salt Lake joining forces with Willie Fowler (drums) Caiden Jackson (bass) to form The Moss.
As the group’s principal songwriter, Tyke channels his own personal experiences and passions into The Moss’ radiant and deceptively sunny tunes—their unique version of organic indie rock draws from artists like Pinegrove and Kevin Morby for sonic inspiration. The band’s insightful songs and memorable live shows have earned The Moss acclaim across the music press world, including Alternative Press, Under The Radar, The Alternative, LADYGUNN, Earmilk, Atwood Magazine and OnesToWatch.
The Moss , have a vibrant and authentic sound that washes over you like the perfect cresting wave . We found ourselves singing and vibing along to the melodic tones of “Darkness” almost instantly.
You owe it to your music loving heart to check out “Darkness “ from The Moss.
Album Cover Photo- Luke Orion Photo Album Layout / Cover Design- Benjamin Lieber
We are beyond thrilled to finally to check out the blazing red hot new album “Left Behind “ from New Jersey, based Indie Alternative rock band , The Spins . You can listen to “Left Behind “ Here
From the moment we heard “The New Me” , from The Spins, we were instantly hooked. The Spins, have a sound that is effortlessly and timelessly cool .
Since their inception in 2016, the band has incorporated their wide range of influences into their music, while still managing to have a distinctly unique sound that is wholly their own. Whether it be dancey and infectious indie rock, gut-wrenching emo, high-energy pop punk, catchy, hook-heavy pop, or the guitar centric classics of old, The Spins present music that anyone can find a way to tie back to their individual musical palettes.
“Left Behind “ depicts a band who is rapidly evolving and developing their artistry . ( We feel like we are witnessing a band who is getting to soar to the next level .
Singles, “Rain Or Shine”, “One More “ , and “Break It Off” are solid well written songs that show off the brilliant musicianship of The Spins ( Nick Coombs (rhythm guitar/vocals), Freddy Smith (drums), Jimmy Barr (lead guitar), and Phil Dunphy (bass)
If we had to pick our favorite song on “Left Behind “ (which, is almost impossible to do ) We would without question pick , “ It’s Me ” The song is ultra catchy and we found ourselves singing along almost instantly- Bravo
Every song on “Left Behind “from The Spins, held our attention like a page turning novel ( and we loved every minute of it )
So go find your favorite music loving spot, and get lost in the incredible musical goodness of “Left Behind” From The Spins you will most certainly thank us later,
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new EP, “Casino”, from Nashville, alt-rock band,McKay. You can listen to “Casino” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
McKay, has crafted a breathtaking new EP, with “Casino “ We were instantly taken right from the first note, by the well developed melodies and flawless vocals.
Originally formed as a banjo-guitar folk duo, McKay evolved into a full-band project that blends the melancholic storytelling of Nick Drake with the textural depth of The Shins, Pinegrove, and Alex G.
Opening track, “Same” has a slow beginning that beautifully builds in to a solid well formed alt-rock that we felt in the depths of our music loving soul.
Singles, “All On My Own “ and “Luna” , showcase a band who have firmly established a tight knit one of a kind sound. There is a cinematic quality that is woven effortlessly within the songs on “Casino”, which add another dimension to McKay’s irresistible sound.
The title track of the EP, may be McKay at their very best . “Casino “, is a well written intimate sounding track that is brimming with authenticity and honesty.“Casino”, has a beautiful familiar tone that we kept returning to again and again – Bravo
Finding the right band with the perfect collection of songs that moves you is like hitting the jackpot…. We feel like we hit the jackpot with the new EP, “Casino”, from McKay.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the debut album , “The Horrors Of Adulting, via Punkerton Records, from Florida melodic punk rock band, Lot Lizards.
You can listen to “The Horrors Of Adulting” on Spotify Here and Apple MusicHere
“The Horrors Of Adulting “, from Lot Lizards, is an absolute melodic triumph that doesn’t let for a second. High energy punk perfection.
Blending explosive energy, sharp lyricism, and a healthy dose of existential dread, The Horrors of Adultingis a 12-track punk rock blitz that covers everything from self-destruction (“Surprise Party”) to moral fatigue (“Good Intentions”) and escapist daydreams (“Great Escapes”).
Our first full-length record, The Horrors of Adulting, is about exactly what it sounds like,” says frontman Jon Barnes. “Being an adult is shitty most of the time. We were so fucking stupid for wanting it so bad when we were younger. If we only knew what a pain in the ass it would be…”
The album —while injecting a fresh urgency and Southern grit.
“The Horrors Of Adulting “, from Lot Lizards, is overflowing with punk rock goodness. However, if we had to pick our favorite song, it would without question be “Explosive Heart Syndrome “. Lot Lizards hit a punk rock home run with this song .
“Explosive Heart Syndrome “ is a fast paced high energy punk rock masterpiece that can’t be ignored.
Lot Lizards—(Jon Barnes (vocals/guitar), Alex Trellu (bass/vocals), and Mikey Henk (drums) are a band who represent everything that is good about punk rock . You owe it to your punk rock loving heart to check out “The Horrors Of Adulting “ from Lot Lizards
We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the new single, “The Flood” via ENCI Records, from Southern California’s genre-defying rock outfit SUNBENDR
“The Flood” from SUNBENDR, is an electrifying, musical gift that feels more like a magnificent musical adventure than a song .
The Flood”, is the second release from SUNBENDR’s powerful five-song session with acclaimed producer George Perks. Recorded between Tom DeLonge’s private studio and Chris Prescott’s Belly of The Whale Studio, the track captures the band at full creative strength.
“The Flood” is SUNBENDR using all of our powers,” says drummer/vocalist Chris Coté. “The theme has a lot to do with making tough decisions and trying to better yourself through that process. It’s got the anthemic moments, the tender moments, the layers, the psychedelic stuff, and a driving feel that hopefully takes listeners on a journey.”
The Flood from SUNBENDR , has all the makings and feels of a classic cinematic moment playing out on the silver screen.
Run, don’t walk to your favorite music listening spot and enjoy the musical greatness of “The Flood”
“IDC” comes just in time for her performance at the return of the iconic Vans Warped Tour this weekend in Long Beach, CA.
MEGG, has a style and vibe that is next to impossible to ignore. “IDC” is real , raw and authentic. We found ourselves singing along almost instantly.
Known for her gritty blend of pop hooks and punk rock attitude, MEGG writes anthems for the loud, the loyal, and the unapologetically real. With “IDC”, she cranks the volume and throws a middle finger to fake, boring, and rude energy everywhere. “This is my proclamation to the world and the last single I’m releasing from the EP I’m dropping in the Fall.” says MEGG. “Its anthemic, its loud and it’s crazy fun – we really didn’t hold back on this one”
Co-written by Brian Wight, Sophie Shredz, and MEGG, and produced by Wight and Rob Nagelhout, IDC” is 100% DGAF attitude reminiscent of Joan Jett and early Green Day with a chorus that’ll have you screaming it on repeat. Mixed by Nagelhout and mastered by John Greenham (Billie Eilish, FINNEAS), it’s another power move from an artist who refuses to play it safe.
A graduate of USC’s inaugural Popular Music Performance Program at the Thornton School of Music, MEGG has shared stages with the likes of KISS and The Used, and headlined iconic LA venues including Saint Rocke. Her live résumé also includes performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Disney Concert Hall, and national anthem appearances at Dodger Stadium, Crypto.com, LA Galaxy and LA Sparksgames. You may also remember her standout run on NBC’s The Voice.
Now based in Nashville, MEGG is spreading her California punk spirit in the heart of Music City—sand still in her Vans, middle finger still raised. Following a streak of seven single drops in 2024 and fan-favorites “The End” and “Get Over It” in 2025, “IDC” is the latest anthem in MEGG’s growing arsenal of fearless, genre-blurring tracks.
Turn it all the way up and get loud with “IDC”, from MEGG
We recently had the distinct honor and privilege to check out the new EP, “New, Better Things, from Hudson, New Hampshire, alt-rock trio, Robotic Hawks.
You can listen to “New, Better Things “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
The greatest feeling in the world as a music blogger, is when you listen to a new record, and at end throw off the headphones, and shout , “That was freaking amazing!” , this is without question , how we feel about “New, Better Things , from Robotic Hawks
Photo Credit: Drae’ the UnDead
Robotic Hawks, have unleash a new full-throttle, four-track EP titled New, Better Things , today , (Thursday, July 24,) ahead of a live appearance and performance later that tonight ( July 24th) on WaveRadio just over the state line in Lowell, their “drunk” swell of creativity arrived last spring.
The band had just finished participating in the 2024 Rock and Roll Rumble, and fresh off the release of their All Business EP – whose lead single, “High Maintenance,” was spun as one of The Coolest Songs in the World by Little Steven’s Underground Garage on SiriusXM – banged out a series of successful live gigs around southern New England. Momentum was on their side, and creativity was flowing.
“We stared at the blank page and kept throwing stuff around until we found our spark,” says vocalist and bassistTyler Pollard. “We always write together in the same room. If one of us likes something, we stop to explore and develop. These three songs all popped out pretty quickly – but the refinement took several months.”
The “refinement” Pollard references was another example of Robotic Hawks — Pollard joined, as usual, by Shawn Doherty on guitar and Brian Sturk on drums – stepping out of their comfort zone. The band recorded New, Better Things with Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios in Allston, Massachusetts, a departure from the practice space self-recordings of prior work, which was then co-produced and mixed by longtime ally and associate Andrew King. The Hawks then took it to be mixed by Paul Q. Kolderie, the iconic producer, engineer, and mixer known for his work with Pixies, Radiohead, Hole, Dinosaur Jr., Juliana Hatfield, Morphine, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and countless others.
“New, Better Things “ from Robotic Hawks, sounds like a perfectly tuned 1969 MGB roadster, but in record form. We were completely blown away.
In our honest opinion, opening track, “Andale’”, may be Robotic Hawks, at their very best . The sound , the vibe …. Letter perfect.
The record artfully , showcases the band’s pub rock energy, garage-pop smarts, and power-pop urgency over three new original tracks, led by first single “Heartbeat,” a bass-driven number that shines like glass and cuts with the same intensity, and a cover of CrowdedHouse’s 1980s classic “Something So Strong.” New Better, Things is teeming with anthemic choruses and sing-along verses, and continues to showcase a band growing more confident in its sonic swagger.
“This EP has all of the standard Robotic Hawks hallmarks, but with more attention to vibe and groove,”Pollard says. “Our mission statement has always been ‘As long as it’s rock and roll, it’s us.’ We always just try to write interesting songs, but this feels more measured and well-paced to reveal the personality of each song. These songs just feel looser, but manage to come across as surefooted.”
Through all the spectacular melodies and perfectly places lyrics throughout “New, Better Things”, what stood out most to our music loving ears, is how “riff-tastic” , “New, Better Things “ is . Every song is chock full of show stopping tasteful guitar goodness that we simply could not get enough of.
Go find your favorite music listening spot, and get lost in the musical goodness of “New, Better Things” from Robotic Hawks.
In the beginning of July, we had the unbelievable good fortune, to check out , melodic East Vancouver, punk rock geniuses, Die Job ( Cyrus Lord, vocals/guitar , Jessie Rockley, viola/vocals, Jesse Death, bass/vocals, Violet Becker, drums ) and their epically awesome single, “Creature Of Habit “, which if your scoring at home ( and we know you are) we freaking loved it !!!
Well we are still basking in the warmth of July, and we get another Die Job single….. we feel like we have won the punk rock lottery with the new single, via Kinda Cool Records, “The One Where Cyrus Has Friends “
You can listen to “The One Where Cyrus Has Friends “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
“This is a poetic, yet rowdy journey through the ups and downs of friendship. The wordplay in this cathartic anthem isn’t just a clever trick, it’s a tool to process grief and contemplate mortality. A triumph for fans of the golden era of Skate Punk, it hints at the speed and harmony of NOFX, while winking with a Rancid like swagger. Soulful & fun, this song burns bright in honour of everyone we’ve loved & lost… because through art, they live on forever!” – CyrusLord
A melodic sing-along, punk masterpiece, “The One Where Cyrus Has Friends” is ready to be your new favorite song . And… like we said before… Any band that has a viola , should be toasted and celebrated for infinity.
“The One Where Cyrus Has Friends “ is a lightning quick ball of punk rock energy, that we simply couldn’t get enough of. We found ourselves dancing around our office and singing at the top of our lungs. Die Job are more than a band they are the ultimate punk rock experience.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the blazing new video for , “Whiskey Queen”, from Casket Rats . You can watch “Whiskey Queen “ below
“Whiskey Queen” , from Casket Rats is an absolutely brilliant example of what happens when high level musicians get together and create an instant rock and roll smash . The stunningly drop dead perfect video, directed by Justin Maloney only adds to the magnificent rock goodness of “Whiskey Queen”
Photo Credit: Hillarie Jason
“Whiskey Queen “, is only the beginning kicking off a fury of activity that leads to some exciting announcements in the fall.
But in the meantime, “Whiskey Queen,” the Allston foursome’s first new music since its 2022 self-titled debut EP, sets a relentless tone through a sweaty blitz of hard riffs, thunder bass, punching drums, and gritty, weathered vocals. It’s loud, aggressive, and quite simply, necessary as fuck
“It’s a punch in the face,” says bassist and vocalistKeith Bennett, a Boston hardcore veteran. “It’s a greasy, sleazy rocker from a greasy, sleazy rock and roll band. We’re letting the world know we exist, and it’s no time for polite introductions.”
Bennett and the band, rounded out by Brendan O’Hare on vocals and guitar; Goose on guitar and vocals; and Phil Slopak on drums, have been creating a noisy racket around the Boston neighborhood of Allston since their inception a few short years ago. And shortly after the video drop, they crank up the volume in their own backyard for a free, outdoor gig at Courthouse Park in Brighton on Sunday, July 27.
How stroked are they to release this visual? “I think the phrase ‘rabid dogs’ would be very appropriate,” Bennett says with a chuckle.
The black-and-white, foot-on-the-pedal, all-gas-no-sass music video Maloney created, capturing Casket Rats in their natural habitat – throwing down a live performance clip at their Foster House practice space. Sometimes it’s best to just keep it simple and let the music do the barking.
Photo Credit- Justin Maloney
Casket Rats, are the real life version of that hidden gem phenomenal band that you find at an out of the way watering hole, playing an amazing take your breath away tune , while enjoying your favorite frosty beverage. The video for Whiskey Queen, from Casket Rats is a royal treat.
We recently had the extreme privilege to check out the new EP, “Dinner At Derek’s”, from Bristol-based (UK) rock four-piece Spin Class. You can listen to the flawless “Dinner At Derek’s on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
We hope you have a hearty appetite for mind bending, bone shaking , flawless rock. Because, that is exactly what you are going to get with the spectacular new EP, “Dinner At Derek’s “ from Spin Class.
Formed in 2023, Spin Class’ sound combines proggy riffs and hook-heavy melodies baked in a grunge sprinkled, desert rock confection. Their songs touch on the topic of the mind’s eye, breathing life into an ‘ADHD-fuelled, visually stimulating riff machine’.
Spin Class, released their debut six-track EP‘Wednesday’, in December 2024. We got our first taste of Spin Class, with their delicious single, “Bagel Bagel Bagel” back in April and we have been obsessed ever since.
With the EP, the band wanted to capture the frenetic energy of their live show, opting to record ‘Dinner at Derek’s’ live in its entirety with Josh Gallop (Krooked Tongue, Phoxjaw, Sergeant Thunderhoof) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath. The result is a five-track feverishly moreish adventure through the band’s inner experiences of mental health, intrusive thoughts and addiction.
On the creation of the EP, vocalist Louis Slater says, “Dinner at Derek’s is a 12 minute, 5 course meal that will leave you satiated; Your tastebuds tingling from our next batch of juicy tunes! This EP feels like a new era of Spin Class. We’ve spent a year crafting our tone, writing together all in the same city this time, and playing live. Dinner at Derek’s promises a menu of shorter, yet fuller tunes, chock full of chops and changes, riffs to make your belly rumble and melodies you’ll find yourself singing along to, without even realising. We’ve approached this body of music with feeling rather than thinking, which comes across, especially in the performance as the whole EP was recorded live. This has been a massive fete for us but one we loved and will most likely be our process moving forward. We are very proud of this EP and can’t wait for you to get your fill with Dinner at Derek’s!”
On their decision to record live the band explain, “Bands like Soundgarden and Led Zeppelin and how they recorded tracks were a heavy influence for us in the creation of this EP. This live approach has been something we’ve never done before but felt very natural. We’re a live band first at the end of the day, and capturing that raw energy in the production was essential. The result bounces between overstimulated punk intensity with each violent transition amplifying the live feel we’ve wanted to capture at gigs and rehearsals
Every song , feels like a master class in what the perfect rock song should sound like. Flawless vocals , carefully woven between otherworldly melodies. “Dinner At Derek’s “ from Spin Class , is magnificent.
We effortlessly jammed out to every track , However, the one track that stood out to us was the closing track, “Cake” . The song is about intrusive thoughts and feelings, lyrically told through the point of view of those feelings once they’ve become the unwelcome voice inside your head.
the track, Slater says: “Cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and more cake for dessert! This track is a different one for us; it’s straighter, more to the point and has a pop-py flair. It’s fast paced and in your face, intended to hook you in and leave you wanting more. The acorn that baked the cake was pooped out by our very own Sonny Gazzard. We then brought it to the rehearsal room and it formed almost as quickly as its 2:21 run time.
“Lyrically, the perspective comes from looking through the eyes of unwelcome feelings. Ones that sink their teeth into you and don’t let go no matter how hard you try to shake them off. In ‘Cake’, those feelings are the song’s protagonist.”
Spin Class, delivers 12 minutes of splendid rock perfection on “Dinner At Derek’s”
SPIN CLASS ARE:
Louis Slater – Vocals Sonny Gazzard – Guitar Sam Savidge – Bass Harry Parkes – Drums
We recently had the tremendous opportunity to check out the new single, “Kindawanna”,via Rum Bar Records , from Boston mod-pop trio, The Chelsea Curve. You can listen to “Kindawanna”, on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and Bandcamp Here
“Kindawanna” packs an electrifying buzz that can be felt on both sides of the Atlantic.
Kindawanna,” an assertive declaration that raises a glass to the good times and the ones we love
Photo credit: Trebmal Photography
“It makes me ‘Kindawanna’ jump on top of a table and scream real loud!” says vocalist and bassist Linda Pardee. “It’s Chelsea 2.0 – bigger, badder, maybe even a bit goofier, too!”
The opening riff on“Kindawanna” , from The Chelsea Curve , hits like the opening salvo of the most brilliant summertime fireworks display you have ever seen.
Flawless vocals and melodies that will dance with you for days, “Kindawanna” is kinda a big deal.
Back in May, the stylish trio returned to the scene with a fresh double A-side single featuring a rousing cover of Mickey Lee Lane’s 1960s Northern soul stomper “Hey Sah-Lo-Ney” and an Andy Lewis remix of “Jamie C’Mon” – with both tracks currently hanging steady for several weeks in the Top 5 of the global Radio Indie Alliance Chart – before the 7-inch arrives this summer on Mod Glass Clear or Sharp Suit Black vinyl. And just last month, the band unleashed through new label home of Rum Bar a reloaded CD re-issue of 2022 debut album All The Things – this one dubbed All The Things (And More) — that collects what the band’s been up to in the time since.
With the band freshly outfitted by 66 Clothing and Mod Shoes, the trio takes “Kindawanna” and both new and classic material out on the road for several shows this summer both near to and far from home.
The slate kicked off July 13 with a party at The Worthen Cafe in Lowell with friends and comrades Corin Ashley, Stop Calling Me Frank, and DJ Sherman, before bouncing down to New York City on July 19, the day after the “Kindawanna” drop, with their familiar DJ in tow to light up The Parkside with Palmyra Delran & the Doppel Gang and The Pin Ups.
From there, The Chelsea Curve then cross the Atlantic for another England mini-tour, a three-show burst that plays Poco Loco in Chatham on August 21 with The Len Price 3, Burntwick Smugglers, and Cream Soda; followed by Concorde2 in Brighton on August 22 with The Jam’d, Sharp Class, Cian Downing; and then linking up with mod-pop brethren and stateside tourmates Sharp Class to play Ryde Pavilion on the Isle of Wight at the world’s largest scooter rally.
We are absolutely stoked about “Kindawanna”, from The Chelsea Curve and.. we know you will be too.
We recently had the spectacular opportunity to check out the new album, “EMBERS”, from Boston grit-pop trio , Happy Little Clouds. You can listen to the extraordinary “EMBERS” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
“EMBERS”, is a fierce, authentic and vibrant collection of songs. Happy Little Clouds, may have just delivered the album of the year… You just don’t know it yet .
Embers hits the streams today ( Friday, July 18) , the path that led to this moment tells a greater, more poignant story of reflection, assessment and awakening. When the band takes the stage at The Burren in Somerville the following night, on Saturday, July 19, alongside theatrical glam superstars Eddie Japan, there will be a sense of cathartic release, one building inside founder Jac Mestel since the release of the band’s debut album, Shift, nearly a decade ago.
Photo Credit: Jac Mestel
lot has changed since then: for Mestel (they/them), the multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and lyricist who has since come out as trans; for the band, now completed by bassist Derek Bergstrom(he/him) and drummer and percussionistJess Townsend (she/her); and for the world in which Happy Little Clouds reside with a sense of defiance and pride.
The nine tracks on “Embers”, are absolutely glowing. The stories contained within, packed tightly in the band’s eclectic, melodic, and soulful post-grunge sound, offer an invitation to seek refuge, seek allyship, and attempt, both collectively and individually, to make sense of an insane world. The record’s title derives from a lyric in new single “Liar Fire” — “All my body curls like embers / Up or down I’m forced to choose” – a white-hot blast of ‘70s arena-rock ambition that sets a striking tone for an album packed with definable moments.
“We really liked the symbolism of embers because it represents an intense, ephemeral light – like life,” the band states. “While an ember burns you can’t tell which way it’s going to drift. In the song, it represents a panicked moment where you are at a crossroads in life. You either choose to give into your fear or move toward love.”
We knew as Happy Little Clouds, began releasing the singles which lead up to “Embers”, that we going to get something special…. And we were right . From the electrifying energy of “Higher” to the otherworldly drumming from Jess Townsend, on “Clear andPresent Danger, we were on the edge of our seats (literally) and those songs only scratch the musical goodness from Happy Little Clouds on “Embers”
We found ourselves marveling at the flawless and moving vocal performances on “LiarFire” and “Offswitch” However, the closing track, “The Water At Your Feet” , completely took our breath away. It was without question our favorite track on the album. The beautifully woven melodies and vocals are positively divine.
Seven of the songs featured on“Embers” were recorded and mixed at Deadmoon Audio in Somerville, Massachusetts, just after Bergstrom joined the band, bringing a bassline buoyancy inspired by the likes of Gang of Four, The Replacements, and Future Islands. The two most recent Sound Cove singles, “Higher” and “Clear and Present Danger,” were recorded and mixed by Ethan Dussault at New Alliance Audio in Somerville, where the creative trio truly flexed as a cohesive unit. All the songs were mastered by Pete Weiss at Jade Cow Music in Middletown, Rhode Island.
“Embers”, from Happy Little Clouds, is an album that is impossible to resist.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the album, “Nowheresville” , via Rum Bar Records, from Boston, garage legends, The Dogmatics. You can listen to “Nowheresville – on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
The Dogmatics, are a timeless energy that is vibrantly on display on the positively electrifying “Nowheresville”
Photo Credit: Nicole Tammaro Photograph
The common thread that links the band from its ‘80s heyday to now is family. Music history is littered with collectives known loosely as family bands, but it can be argued there has never been a family band quite like TheDogmatics. The sentiment fueled their inaugural run 40 years ago, launching out of the vibrant Boston music scene in 1981, and is the creative conduit that energizes this awe-inspiring second act.
The best part of this new era is what it has always been – fun and friendship,” says co-vocalist and guitaristJerry Lehane, joined in The Dogmatics by longtime confidants Peter O’Halloran (rhythm guitarist and vocalist); Jimmy O’Halloran (bass); and Tom Long (drums), with 2019 recruit James Young on mandolin, guitar, and assorted vocals.
Everything The Dogmatics do revolves around this keen sense of family pride, and the album reflects this on several fronts: Honoring fallen brother and bassist Paul O’Halloran, whose tragic 1986 death brought a sudden end to the first iteration of the group; presenting Nowheresville with artwork of a vintage photo snapped by Mary Lou O’Halloran depicting two kids from the Pacific Northwest, rocking perhaps the very first Dogmatics t-shirt design several decades ago; and taking its title from a song Lehane and Paul O’Halloran were working on just before he passed, enduring after only as a long-lost live recording on WERS’ classic Metrowave radio show and a few efforts to record it with later projects that never came to fruition.
Even the album’s record release party, a raucous one-day mini-festival at Waltham’s French American Victory Club on Saturday, July 26, serves as a communal collection of The Dogmatics’ extended network of friends and family. The inspired lineup, in addition to The Dogmatics, features Black Cheers, Jay Allen and the Archcriminals,Last Stand, Gypsy Moths, Tom Baker and the DoubleDown, Stop Calling Me Frank, and Band 19.
“The 10 songs on the album show a lot of variety and breadth beyond the classic garage-rocking reputation,” says Young, who grew up listening to the band before officially joining for this second act. “As a new-ish member to the band who started as a fan, it’s great to see the feedback about the band making new music that’s relevant today, and not just being a reunion act. I’ve always had so much respect for the individual band members as musicians, it’s a pleasure and privilege to be part of demonstrating the flex of those skills.”
Nowheresville is more than just a straight garage rock record. The 10 tracks offer an eclectic spectrum of genres and styles. Recorded at Edsbarn in Canton, produced and engineered by Ed Riemer, and mastered by Dave Westner,
We found ourselves endlessly basking in the eclectic glow of “Nowheresville “ Tracks like “You’ve Got What I want, and “Library Girl” give off a Ramones/ Descendents vibe. While , we felt a folk/country / rockabilly feel with “Con Job” .So many bands tend only have one gear – this is definitely not the case with The Dogmatics on “Nowheresville”
Every track on “Nowheresville” , from The Dogmatics, is better than the last . This is an album that is a must listen.
We had the absolute honor to check out the magnificent debut single, “Like Vultures”, from Greater Boston, based alternative band , Escape Durgin. You can listen to the melodic wonderment of “Like Vultures” on Spotify HereApple Music Here
The first thing that caught our ears while listening to “Like Vultures “ is the next level musicianship of the band. Escape Durgin (Sean Connors (Bass, Vocals), Michael Sirard (guitar, vocals), Quinton Gibbons(Guitar, Vocals), Avery Stout (drums) ) are brilliant sound architects that have given music lovers a memorable melodic gem .
Courtesy Of Band – From left to right of band photo Sean Connors (Bass, Vocals), Michael Sirard (guitar, vocals), Quinton Gibbons (Guitar, Vocals), Avery Stout (drums)
Since meeting each other in college, Escape Durgin has been dedicated to being the best band they can be. Playing shows all over Massachusetts, tirelessly writing, rehearsing, and refining their original material. Quinton, Michael, Sean, and Avery are incredibly excited to have the fruits of their labor shared with the world with the release of their debut single “Like Vultures” with plenty more music soon to come.
The band shares : “Like Vultures is a song about introversion, feeling deeply isolated and overwhelmed at a party”
“I was listening to a lot of Ween at the time, and this was my attempt to write Transdermal Celebration, but eventually the song took on a life of its own and bringing it to the band really made it unique to us.”, shares guitarist and vocalist, Quinton Gibbons
“Like Vultures”, was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Casey Dawson in The Record Co. and Casey’s home studio.
Escape Durgin, is a band who brings a welcoming and refreshing sound and vibe to a sometimes mundane musical landscape.
The mark of a great song is when it truly resonates within your soul . “Like Vultures” is without question a great song.
We were absolutely stoked to check out the new EP, “Stranger at Best”, from rapidly rising Boston, singer-songwriter, Preston Lydotes.
You can listen to the stellar , “Stranger At Best” Here.
We first discovered Preston Lydotes, this past February, when we heard his stunningly brilliant song , “The Critic In Me” We were literally speechless as our music loving heart became absolutely captivated with the flawless vocals and well crafted lyrics on “The Critic In Me”
Photo by Asher Thomas
The versatility and musicianship of Preston Lydotes, is absolutely off the charts and it is on full display throughout “Stranger At Best”
The EP, was created while Preston earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Berklee College of
Music. Mixed by Grammy-winner Ariel Borujow,
The other three singles, from “Stranger At Best”, could be used to help a story unfold on the silver screen.
We were immediately taken with the tone and tempo with “Wrong” as Preston proved effortlessly on the track that he is a multi dimensional performer.
As we commented in our original review, “5 to 9” is a lively and vibrant song that has Preston Lydotes, firing on all cylinders. What we love about “5 to 9” is the authentically woven soulfulness that is felt throughout the song .
There is a subtle blues feel to “The Fallout “ that we absolutely love . On “The Fallout”, Preston artfully shows his gift not only as a musician but all as a gifted and talented storyteller.
The title track, “Stranger At Best” is the newest track on the EP, and is the perfect example of the evolving artistry of Preston Lydotes. As we listened to the melody and words take shape during “Stranger At Best” , our ears and hearts were witnessing an artist in Preston Lydotes who is on his way to greatness.
If you are looking for a new favorite artist, look no further than Preston Lydotes, and his new EP, “Stranger At Best”
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the new EP, “Ephemera:Part 1”, from Boston, singer-songwriter, Billy Dodge Moody. You can listen to “Ephemera:Part 1” on Bandcamp Here , Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
Billy Dodge Moody, proves on “Ephemera:Part 1” that he is without question, a true voice of musical importance.
Courtesy Of The Artist
The four-track effort is the first in a series of EPs that will compose his next album, thematically centering around navigating chaos and finding clarity in life. A few months later, Moody takes the record and his magnetic sound to the stage, performing live at The Extended Play Sessions Live From The Fallout Shelter in Norwood on November 15.
“Everything on this EP felt like it came from a natural, honest, genuine place in the writing process,” Moody says. “They’re songs I wanted to write, versus what I thought people would like. The themes in the lyrics are pretty universal, so I hope listeners find at least something to connect with.”
Ephemera is Moody’s first extended release since 2022 album Condition, and is led by a pair of singles in May’s cinematic “Meaning to Disaster” and June’s buoyant and summer flavored “Nobody.” Both tracks helped earn the EP a place on WBUR’s Summer Music Preview, billing Ephemera as one of the most-anticipated New England releases this season and noting Moody’s “unbelievable knack for writing folk-pop mini-masterpieces… everything from dramatic chamber folk to appealing sunshine pop…”
The reflective and authentic feel ofEphemera opener, “ Meaning to Disaster” is Billy Dodge Moody at his absolute best , melodically perfect with a vocal performance that you can feel deep in your soul.
“Nobody” has a upbeat/ summer chill feel with indie pop elements , but also explores darker themes, its lyrics warn the listener about how we’re all dealing with internal struggles, and no one really understands what we’re all privately facing each day.
The two new tracks that round out the EP, are beautifully crafted songs that both eloquently show the breathtaking artistry of Billy Dodge Moody.
“Made to Decide,” with backing vocals from Hannah Foxman adding to the aching harmony, centers around making difficult choices, inspired by an ailing pet – his cat Bruce – who became gravely ill, and passed away a day before his euthanasia appointment after Moody and his wife spent weeks painstakingly mulling the decision.
“The title is a bit of a double entendre in that ‘made’ refers to both being, and feeling, forced to choose between two shitty options, and that life in general is decision-making and how the oftentimes difficult choices we make shape who we are and who we’ll become,”Moody admits. “Part of the song is also about that where there are people, pets, and things that come into our lives that we never intended to fall for or develop such a deep connection to. The song was also used as a vessel to talk about other divisive aspects of life that others value and oppose like faith, ideology and overall perspective of mortality.”
The Ep closes with stunningly melodically perfect “Suddenly” , filled beautifully with heartfelt emotion, “Suddenly” left us absolutely speechless , as Moody, reflects on his position as a musician, and explores the highs and lows – and more lows – of being an independent creative at a time when art is seemingly not valued by those who consume it.
It’s mostly about the struggle and perseverance of an artist,” he adds, “maintaining hope and realizing things change when you least expect it, especially when you feel like you’ve been spinning your wheels on something that never comes to any sort of resolution or catharsis.”
Ephemera was produced by Brian Charles, who engineered the EP over several sessions alongside co-producer and engineer Annie Hoffman. Recording the EP began at GuilfordSound up in Vermont, and then completed closer to home at Charles’ freshly-minted Rare Signals studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
For these songs, the vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist Moody was joined in-studio by Sam Bouve on bass; Parker Goessling on guitar; Tyler Simko on keyboards; Jon Chapman on drums; and the aforementioned Foxman on backup vocals. And Charles led the way.
“Ephemera: Part 1”, from Billy Dodge Moody is the kind of record that feels timeless the first time you listen to it.
There is nothing we love more than good news.. And Bristol (UK) based rock group, Oswald Slain, is releasing their new single, “Firing Line”, today ( July 11th) . You can listen to the glorious new single , “Firing Line”, on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
You can also check out the lyric video for “Firing Line” below
In addition to the new single, Oswald Slain, is also announcing upcoming debut album, “BUCKY” due for release October 24th 2025.
All of this exciting news, comes on the heels of April’s debut EP ‘KISS ME ON THE MOUTH’,
Born from the creative cocoon of their home studio, Oswald Slain is a testament to both personal growth and musical evolution, their music reflecting a period of deep introspection and growth for the band. Having reconciled with the chaos of youth and the trials of aging, lyricist Fitz channels these experiences into sincere, humorous, evocative songwriting alongside the timeless swagger of old retro rock records.
GLK Media
We here at The Whole Kameese, freaking loved April’s debut, five-track EP ‘KISS ME ON THE MOUTH’ and we were not alone as it was celebrated by the likes of Asbo Magazine, RTE, Fame Magazine, KUTX, Sirius XM, Rough Trade’s ‘Counter Culture’, Ones To Watch and Apple editorial’s ‘New In Rock’.
Produced in-house by Ryan Rogers (MumbleTide) and the band themselves in their DIY home studio and mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), ‘Firing Line’ is a bustling concoction of sleazy rhythms, blues-tinged guitar riffs, impeccable percussion and lush harmonies that sees Oswald Slain at their most earnest, lyrically exploring the emotional boundaries of loving someone.
On the single, vocalist and lyricist Charlie Fitzgerald says: “It’s a Ride or Die, deeply romantic tune about supporting and loving someone during their roughest moments. It’s one of our absolute favourite songs off the upcoming album. It was massively satisfying to record and really grounding to write the lyrics. We had been listening to lots of Weezer and Pixies when we recorded Firing Line so that was a huge influence on the recording for sure.”
We simply cannot wait for the upcoming debut eight track album, “BUCKY”
Discussing the creation of the album, Fitzgerald says: “Making this record was a massive turning point in our lives. After being a bit unsure of where things were headed and what we were doing, the days spent recording these songs in our little studio were the moments of clarity we needed to get the ball rolling with something new and creatively exciting.
“BUCKY is a short eight track album that captures our moments of surrender, growth and hope within a chaotic and cluttered lifestyle. We made the record pretty quickly, writing songs in the morning then recording them in the afternoon, for the most part pretty live using a cheap dynamic mic on the vocals with no separation from the drums. We weren’t seeking perfection but it felt good not to be too precious about anything. We were living with Ryan Rogers at the time who took a lead role in producing it and added some impeccable enthusiasm which was exactly what we needed. It was nice to make something that felt honest, fun and vulnerable, and we can’t wait to get it out into the world.”
Oswald Slain has an aura and coolness about them that puts the band in a class all their own . “Firing Line” is the song you needed in your life but you didn’t know it till you heard the first amazing chord. We are definitely putting “Firing Line”, on repeat as we anxiously wait for “BUCKY”
GLK Media
OSWALD SLAIN ARE:
Charlie Fitzgerald – Vocals, Guitar Rhii Williams – Drums
LIVE MEMBERS:
Chris Axe – Bass Cydney Brown – Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals Will Montague – Guitar
LIVE DATES:
July 12th 2025 – Le Pub, Newport (Supporting Emily Breeze) July 18th 2025 – Paper Dress Vintage, London (Supporting Emily Breeze) July 19th 2025 – Alphabet, Brighton (Supporting Emily Breeze) August 15th 2025 – JT Soar, Nottingham (Supporting Emily Breeze) August 23rd 2025 – Shambala Festival, Northamptonshire August 25th 2025 – Becider Seaside 21 Festival, Burton
You can check out the video for “Break It Off” below
“Break It Off” will be on their new album “Left Behind” to be released July 25th. The Spins are determined to defy the status quo of genre expectations and craft something new. Since their inception in 2016, the band has incorporated their wide range of influences into their music, while still managing to have a distinctly unique sound that is wholly their own. Whether it be dancey and infectious indie rock, gut-wrenching emo, high-energy pop punk, catchy, hook-heavy pop, or the guitar centric classics of old, The Spins present music that anyone can find a way to tie back to their individual musical palettes. Made up of Nick Coombs (RhythmGuitar/Vocals), Freddy Smith (Drums), Jimmy Barr (Lead Guitar), and Phil Dunphy (Bass)
The Spins seem to always take it up a notch with every new release. “Break It Off” showcases both the flawless vocal and stellar musicianship that is becoming the hallmark of The Spins.
The Spins are about to be your new favorite band… you just don’t know it yet.
We had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Gary Busey” , from Nashville based , indie rock band Arts Fishing Club. You can listen to “Gary Busey “ Here “Gary Busey” is off the band’s new EP Supernational Groove to be released August 1st.
“Gary Busey”, from Arts Fishing Club, is an addictive, catchy well written gem that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Arts Fishing Club are not just a band; they are storytellers, explorers of the human condition, and purveyors of living life boldly. An ethos demonstrated by frontman Christopher Kessenich’s first 4.5 month tour in which he walked 1600 miles along the east coast from Maine to Atlanta to Nashville, played 60 shows, and slept in strangers’ living room floors.
The boldness that compelled such an adventure is felt in Arts Fishing Club electrifying live shows where the band weaves the raw energy of rock and the introspective lyrical honesty of folk to create a sound that is timeless and refreshingly original.
Whether performing in sold out small clubs or on festival stages (Bonnaroo, Summerfest, Treefort, Mile of Music), their engaging stage presence and ability to connect with fans makes their live performances a cornerstone of their success. With a growing fanbase, commitment to pushing their creative boundaries, and an infectiously entertaining live show, Arts Fishing Club is refreshing presence on the indie music landscape.
So get ready to get your groove on with “Gary Busey” from Arts Fishing Club.
We here at The Whole Kameese, fully believe if your going to put out an album, you should go full tilt , hold absolutely nothing back and deliver an album that you can proudly share with the universe. Royal She , have done that and then some by delivering a positively inspiring and stunning album with , “Befores and Afters”. You can listen to “Befores and Afters” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
We first fell in love with the authentic and vibrant sounds of Los Angeles based 2 piece rock band, Royal She ( vocalistAlison Freed and multi -instrumentalistAlexandria Reyes) back last October , with their authentic and honest vibrant single, “My Ex” . Some bands try to get by with smoke and mirrors…. Not Royal She. They are 100 percent the real deal and it show with everything they release. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch them grow their artistry .
We even had the pleasure of interviewing Royal She, back in December, where Alison, shared with us the creative process of RoyalShe, “It’s really a joint effort and a beautiful, connected experience. When writing, Alex started playing a riff and I started singing melodies and lyrics. For the most part Alex writes the music and I write the vocal melodies and lyrics. We both are involved in every step of the production and mixing of each song”
With the arrival of the new album, “Befores and Afters “ what listeners get is an album that shows off a band in Royal She, that is firing on all cylinders and it is breathtakingly brilliant.
Their genre-bending sound blends elements of rock, pop, hip hop, rap, and electronic music, creating a sonic signature that evokes comparisons to PVRIS, Phantogram, Evanescence, and TLC. Produced by Logan Mader (Five Finger Death Punch, Machine Head) and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, David Bendeth, Jay Baumgardner, and Math Bishop, Befores and Afters hits hard as a statement of survival, transformation, and rebirth.
Right from the opening track, “Worth It”, it is crystal clear that this more than just an album but a complete musical experience.
“Silent Killer” and “Karma” are two tracks that show how diverse and fluid the sound of Royal She , can be. So many bands only live solely in one style or genre of music, which is why Royal She, is so refreshing.
We enjoyed “Befores and Afters”,from beginning to end …. But , two tracks really touched our soul. The first one is “Let Her Go” Some songs you fall hopelessly in love with the first time you hear them…. “Let Her Go” is one of those songs . Flawless vocals, perfect melodies this song is an absolute masterpiece.
The second song is “Healing Anthem “ in our opinion this is Royal She at their absolute best . “Healing Anthem “ delivers an important and authentic call for unity and resilience, which is needed more than ever .
With “Befores and Afters” , from RoyalShe , we are treated with a musical work of art full of heart , soul and truth .
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, via Lauren Records, “Days Without”, from Montreal’s-based indie rock quartet frownline. You can listen to the glorious new single, “Days Without” Here
First off, can we just say how much we love the new single, “Days Without”, from frownline… “Days Without “, is one of those songs that grabs you from the opening chord and doesn’t let you go until the last chord has faded.
Photo Credit- Alice Hirsch
Written at the height of personal turmoil, “Days Without” channels jagged ’90s alt-rock guitars into a wall of cathartic noise, then anchors it with Annika Devlin’s clear-eyed vocals and a racing rhythm section. “It captures a chaotic stretch of my life that I could only survive thanks to my best friend,” Devlin explains. “Even in its heaviest moments, the song is really a thank-you.”
“Day Without” follows frown line’s studio debut single “Anyway” released last spring. What began as Annika’s 2020 bedroom 4-track demos has grown into a full-bodied Montreal foursome: Devlin (guitar/vocals),Juan Jimenez (bass), Owen Viragos(guitar), and Lucy Grant (drums). Their sound stitches jangly hooks to squalling feedback, pairing Devlin’s deceptively upbeat melodies with lyrics that sit “secretly sad” beneath the surface.
frown line , brilliantly weaves a relatable truth in “Day Without “ that stays with the listener long after the music has faded .
frown line , will be on tour in Canada, starting July 27th . You can check out dates below
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the latest single, “Creature Of Habit” via Kinda Cool Records , from East Vancouver, Canada, based melodic punks, Die Job. You can listen to melodic punk goodness that is “Creature Of Habit” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
If punk rock is your thing….. wait….if you like music of any kind you owe it to you music loving heart to check out “Creature Of Habit”, from punk rock geniuses, Die Job.
We listen to a lot of music (we’re a music blog it’s what we do ) However, we were absolutely blown away by Die Job. Any band who can incorporate a Viola ( yes we said Viola) in a punk band deserves the key to the city they live in and their own holiday .
The next level musicianship that is present in Die Job is off the charts . (We are pretty sure that Die Job could turn “Row Row Your Boat” in to a punk rock masterpiece)
What needs not to be lost about Die Job, is that neatly placed within the wondrous Melodic tones of “Creature Of Habit “ is the authentic and honest truth that truly make Die Job, standout – Bravo
We are wicked pumped to finally check out the new EP, “OLLIE”, via Hey!Fever Records from Southern California punk band Heartwells. You can listen to “Ollie” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
Heartwells have an infectious sound and vibe that comes at you fast and furious, this is on full display on the band’s latest EP, “Ollie. If you are not hyped up after this EP, we suggest medical attention- freaking brilliant!
“This record is extremely sentimental and personal to me,”says Heartwells’sJT, who wrote what he calls “probably the saddest song I’ve ever written” about his father. “We feel we’ve come a long way since our last release. The chemistry and dynamic of the band really shine on this EP—it feels like a full-length record in just six songs.”
From the first note on the first track, “Over Me”, there is no denying the sheer power, emotion, and energy that is ever present throughout “OLLIE”
Following up their fan-favorite The New Old School, the band put everything on the table to push themselves further. Two songs were written in the studio on the spot, with band members creating their parts without hearing the songs beforehand—an approach that was “both exciting and stressful,” according to JT.
Recorded at Buzzbomb Studios in Orange, CA with longtime producer Paul Miner, the EP benefits from a collaborative energy and veteran production touch. “Paul has been our guiding light from the start,”JT says. “He really stepped up as a producer on this one, helping bring out the full potential of every song.” The EP was mastered by Chris Hesse of Hoobastank, giving Ollie its polished yet punchy final sound.
The title Ollie is a nod to both the band’s skatepunk roots and the adorable dog featured on the cover—Moki’s pup, Ollie. It’s a playful visual for a record that dives deep into themes of personal struggle, fractured relationships, family dynamics, and social unrest. “It’s a pretty dark record,” JT explains, “but it has a lot of bright energy. I figured putting a cute dog on the cover would balance it out.”
We are all in on Heartwells and their spectacular new EP, “Ollie” And…. We think you will be too.
If you have been following The Whole Kameese, for any amount of time then you know when we come across something that we really love we are not shy about it . This is the case with the epic new single , “It’s TheWay”, from Girl With A Hawk. You can listen to “It’s The Way” on Spotify HereApple Music Here
The new single, It’s The Way” via Rum Bar Records, from Boston based , Girl With A Hawk is 5 minutes plus of absolute music heaven.
We have been fans of Girl With A Hawk , for quite sometime however, When we heard “It’s The Way “ our love for the band grew 10 fold .
Linda Viens, offers a stunning and flawless vocal performance on “It’s The Way” that is simply unforgettable . Viens has written an absolute gem that it brimming with unforgettable words that stay in your heart long after the music has faded .
The song writing on “It’s The Way” is an absolute work of art .
“And there’s a song, that you know you’ve got to sing, that is true, that is true to you And there’s a space that you know you’ve got to make For something new, for something new”
We have said before but, it bears repeating, Girl With A Hawk ( Linda Viens, Lead vocals, backing vocals, guitars, Richard Lamphear (keyboards, backing vocals), Daniel Coughlin (guitar), Dan Bernfeld (bass), and Nancy Delaney (drums) are a band with next level musicianship. If you need more proof, just listen to “It’s The Way ( Stinson Beach/Full Version)”. Here This otherworldly version of “It’s The Way” which was recorded at Panaramic House Studio in Northern California with the band’s good friend and producer Pete Weiss, is without question Girl With A Hawk at their very best ( we got literal goosebumps.
So do your self a favor and get lost in the beautiful musical magic of “It’s The Way”, from GirlWith A Hawk.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new album, “Only Frozen Sky Anyway”,the 18th album, via Blue Arrow Records (vinyl and CD will be released at a later date TBA), from legendary singer-songwriter, Jonathan Richman, and spoiler alert: it is stunning.
You can listen to “Only Frozen Sky Anyway” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
With his longtime drummer and percussionist Tommy Larkins and former Modern Lovers bandmate the inimitable Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) on keyboards, Richman follows in his longtime tradition of injecting his lyrical wit into indie rock in a fashion that he perfected over the decades.
Kicking off with the rhythmic “I Was Just A Piece of Frozen Sky Anyway,” the album finds Richman better than ever traipsing through acoustic styles effortlessly from track to track. Lifting the melody and chorus from Bee Gee’s eponymous hit single, Richman creates a nostalgic narrative in “Night Fever,” where he takes on a voyeuristic look on typical a Saturday night in Europe. The infectiously propulsive “The Older Girl” sees Richman warning a younger fellow to avoid dating up (“She was a whole year older / And I looked a lot younger / I was too young to know how important those two things were”). The Spanish-inflected “Se Va Pa’volver” captures the thematic thread of departures and returns that permeates the album. Richman explains, “Like many of the songs on this new record, which either existed in a vague, skeletal form or did not at all before we started recording on January 5th of ’25 (and finished by January 10th), this song fits in with the theme that seems to have taken shape during that recording session. The song is about how our friends are leaving, in their dying, on an errand, only to return in another role… with another mission. How do I dare say such a thing? Oh…I don’t know.”
In addition to this album of all new material, Blue Arrow will be releasing his last three albums Ishkode! Ishkode! (2016), SA! (2018) and Want To Visit My Inner House? (2021) as well as the EPs Cold Pizza & Other Hot Stuff(2022) and Yatasamaroun (2023) to streaming services for the first time ever. Previously only available via Bandcamp or for purchase at shows, the rollout of these releases finally makes them accessible to a much larger audience. Of these albums, Richman says, “Jerry Harrison, Nicole Montalbano and I produced [Want To Visit My Inner House?] as well as SA! (2018). To us, the two albums are related in the sense that Want to Visit My Inner House?suggests where SA was starting to head.”
In support of Only Frozen Sky Anyway,Richman has announced a Fall tour that kicks off October 3rd in Boise, ID and circles the continent, hitting Calgary, Winnipeg, Minneapolis, Albany, before wrapping up at Portland, ME’s SPACE Gallery. Dates and info
Jonathan Richman, is more than your average singer-songwriter, he is a musical institution . “Only Frozen SkyAnyway “ is an absolute triumph from Jonathan Richman.
Jul 01Aladdin TheaterPortland, OR
Jul 02Aladdin TheaterPortland, OR
Jul 31 UC Botanical Garden at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA
Oct 03 Shrine Social Club (Shrine Ballroom)Boise, ID
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Minute Man”, from Nashville-based artist,Sam Varga. You can listen to “Minute Man” Here .
Sam Varga, has a sound and vibe that needs to be heard in today’s ever changing world. “Minute Man” comes at you fast and leaves a lasting impression.
Varga transforms modern anxiety into an anthemic love song for the end of the world.
I told myself I’d never release a political song,”Varga admits. But in a world where the political is personal—and survival feels like spectacle—he leans into the chaos, offering a defiant, cinematic track that captures the strange romance of collapse. “Minute Man” doesn’t take sides. It’s a scorched-earth snapshot of young love in a broken world: biting, beautiful, and wide open to interpretation.
“We’re all made to feel like it’s the end of the world every day—whether it is or isn’t is above our clearance level,” Varga says. “So I wrote it like a sonic inkblot test. The song doesn’t point fingers. What you love—or hate—about it probably says more about you than it does about me.” Threaded with lyrical Easter eggs and cultural landmines, “Minute Man” invites listeners to project their own beliefs, fears, and hopes onto its apocalyptic backdrop.
Sam Varga blends his emo roots with Southern grit and singer-songwriter soul. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he came up in the city’s DIY emo scene, cutting his teeth on loud guitars, basement shows, and late-night chaos. At home, his parents filled the house with ’80s rock, Southern staples, and classic lyricists, giving him a rich musical foundation that laid the groundwork for his genre-blurring sound. That blend of raw punk energy and emotional storytelling forms the backbone of his sound, landing somewhere between alt-country and rock, woven with acoustic textures and dynamic instrumentation.
Find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the musical magic that is Sam Varga and his new single, “Minute Man”
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the new single, “Luna”, from Nashville, based alternative band, McKay. You can listen to “Luna” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here. You watch the video for “Luna” below
.
McKay, brilliantly walks between the dark and the light on their sonically and melodically pleasing new single, “Luna” and it is positively divinely beautiful.
McKay, are a band that are brimming with master musicianship, as they have effortlessly crafted an absolute gem in “Luna” that has us completely captivated.
Photo by Jake Bibb
Along with the new single, McKay, is also releasing a beautiful visual for “Luna” When asked about the video the band shared, We worked with Josef Lloyd to encapsulate an aesthetic vision we have had since the conception of the band. Trains have always felt like a pertinent image to us due to what we feel like they represent (transit, change) and felt like this particularly applied to Luna since the song takes the listener through a process of emotional growth and maturity. We also felt like the character of Luna was something to be explored and saw this video as a perfect opportunity to depict the character as a device to represent that change, someone who is on their own journey and, literally or metaphorically, moving from place to place. The visuals of the video were inspired by a run-down industrial aesthetic that we have always felt drawn to as a band. Working with Josef and his team we felt like we had finally created something visually that represented us.
So go find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the musical goodness of “Luna” from McKay
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “Cry”, from 21 year old New Zealand-born, Gold Coast-based,multi -instrumentalist, Sam Osbourne Bryant. You can listen to “Cry” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
The amount of energy that is packed into “Cry”, from Sam Osbourne Bryant, is positively off the charts.
Photo Credit: Sam Stent
Sam brings a raw, emotional edge to the world of alternative rock. With a sound that channels the spirit of Oasis, Nirvana, and Stone Temple Pilots, Sam’s music blends grunge, Britpop, and hard rock into something both nostalgic and urgently current.
His new single “Cry” captures the restless, heavy-hearted frustration of young adulthood—feeling stuck, running in circles, and wrestling with the fear that nothing might ever change. With gritty guitars and laid-back vocals, “Cry” simmers with internal tension. Lines like “I can’t shake this feeling of being wasted” and “They told me that it would be alright / All you need is just a little patience / I don’t got no time to wait” cut deep into a sense of disillusionment that defines a generation.
We were instantly captivated by the next level skill of Sam Osbourne Bryant, “Cry” is an instant rock gem that you can’t afford to miss.
So find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the rock goodness of “Cry” from Sam Osbourne.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new split single , via Double Helix Records from Las Vegas trio MERCY MUSIC and international punk collective DANGER DAYS—out digitally now via , with vinyl to follow July 11, 2025.
Watch the Mercy Music “Big F*cking Mess” lyric video Here and Danger Days “Wasted Time” Lyric Video Here
Mercy Music Photo: Lisa Johnson
Opening the EP is Mercy Music’s “Big Fucking Mess”—an emotionally raw, melodically sharp anthem that hits with everything the band’s known for: heart, hooks, and high-voltage energy. Brendan Scholz, alongside bassistJarred Cooper and drummerRyan Seaman, crafts a track that’s as cathartic as it is catchy. Coming off their Bill Stevenson–produced LP What You Stand To Lose, the Vegas trio shows no signs of slowing down.
We absolutely love the energy and vibe from Mercy Music, “Big Fucking Mess” is absolutely electric.
Danger Days Courtesy Of Danger Days
On the flip side, Danger Days deliver “Wasted Time”—a lean, hook-driven punk track with an unmistakable sense of urgency. Featuring members of Millencolin, The Rabble, MovinIn Stereo, and Flirting With Disaster, this international group spans Sweden, the UK, and New Zealand. Their chemistry and raw execution are instant and undeniable.
We found ourselves instantly singing along to “Wasted Time” from Danger Days.
Mercy Music and Danger Days offer a split single that represents all that is good in punk rock.
Mercy Music Summer Tour Dates
With The Bombpops: • 7/12 – Venice, CA @ Venice West • 7/13 – Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction • 7/15 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar • 7/16 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar • 7/17 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad • 7/18 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Vultures • 7/19 – Denver, CO @ Punk In The Park Festival
With Agent Orange: • 7/26 – Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive
With Homegrown and Cigar: • 8/14 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile • 8/15 – Ventura, CA @ Ventura Music Hall • 8/16 – Oakland, CA @ Crybaby
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the amazing new single, “2 AM”, from Miami, Florida, based indie rock band, Mustard Service. You can listen to “2 AM” Here
known for their vibrant mix of surfy guitars, jazzy rhythms, and Latin flair, Mustard Service, shine brightly on latest single, “2AM”
Credit: Evan Garcia)
New single “2AM” offers a fresh twist on their evolving sound, entirely in Spanish and steeped in late-night longing. With a smooth, soulful melody, jazzy undertones, and a laid-back groove, “2AM” captures the kind of intimacy that only surfaces in the early hours. “The later it is, the easier it is to feel close to someone,” the band explains. “It’s beautiful because it’s fleeting, not despite it.” Rich with poetic imagery and romantic nostalgia, the song reflects on the quiet magic between two people who know their time together is borrowed. It’s a hauntingly beautiful track about love, trust, and the spaces we fill in each other’s lives, if only for a moment.
2AM” is the latest offering from their upcoming album Vice City Magic, set to release on July 18th. The album promises a new chapter for Mustard Service, one that deepens their genre-blurring approach while embracing intimacy and storytelling with more nuance than ever before. To celebrate, the band will hit the road this summer for their Vice City Magic Tour, bringing their dynamic live show to nearly 30 cities across the U.S
Mustard Service, are a band that possesses a unique and vibrant style and sound that effortlessly reaches your soul immediately. “2AM” is a song you simply can’t ignore.
We were excited beyond words to check out the latest single, “Get On This Ride” via wicked Cool Records, from beloved punk rock power trio The Dollyrots . You can listen to Get On This Ride” Here. The Dollyrots are also releasing a 7 Inch Single Featuring “Get On This Ride” and a Cover of Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” available Here
We were singing along to “Get OnThis Ride, almost immediately. The Dollyrots , have crafted a high energy well written gem that will have you pumped up for days . The Dollyrots always bring flawless vocals and memorable melodies to everything they do and… “Get On This Ride” is no exception.
Photo: Jen Rosenstein
The Dollyrots are also hitting the road this summer, kicking things off with a West Coast run alongside Go Betty Go beginning June 26. You can check out dates below.
In celebration of milestone anniversaries, the band has also released two deluxe remastered vinyl reissues:
A 20-year collector’s edition of their debut Eat My Heart Out, pressed on candy cane-patterned vinyl and featuring a 12-page booklet
A 10-year anniversary deluxe picture disc of Barefoot & Pregnant
Known for blending raw punk energy with undeniable pop hooks, The Dollyrots (Kelly Ogden (bass/vocals) and Luis Cabezas (guitar/vocals), with Simon Hancock on drums) continue to evolve their sound while staying true to the DIY spirit that has defined their career.
Tour Dates
West Coast with Go Betty Go: (Nicolette Vilar – vocals, Aixa Vilar – drums, Betty Cisneros – guitar, Michelle Rangel – bass)
June 26 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
June 27 – Portland, OR – Twilight Café
June 28 – Eugene, OR – John Henry’s
June 29 – Sacramento, CA – Starlet Room at Harlow’s
June 30 – San Francisco, CA – Music City
July 1 – San Jose, CA – The Ritz
July 2 – San Diego, CA – The Holding Company
July 3 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
July 5 – Anaheim, CA – Parish Room at House of Blues
East Coast with Black Widows:
July 31 – Bensalem, PA – Broken Goblet Brewing
August 1 – Baltimore, MD – Zen West
August 2 – Washington, DC – Pearl Street Warehouse
We recently had the opportunity to check out “HIGH(er)LIFE”, which is the deluxe version of the 2024 album HIGH LIFE, from indie rock trio ,Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes
Formed in Nashville but now peppered across the country. The band is known for their high-energy live performances, introspective lyrics, and a touch of something familiar that you can’t quite pin down every time you hear it. “HIGH(er) LIFE, features the unreleased track “Keep It Cool”, a stellar reimagined piano and strings version of “After All,” ( We loved every second ) and a remix of “High Life” by artist/producer Kyle Andrews. We found ourselves, effortlessly singing and dancing along to every track.
This expanded release offers a fresh perspective on the album’s bold, hook-filled spirit – an album Spectrum Culture called “…23 minutes of densely layered… highly danceable indie rock, with plenty of hooks. Almost every track sounds like it could be a hit.”
Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, prove once again that are next level musicians by delivering a deluxe album with “HIGH(er) LIFE, that is an absolute work of art.
Every track is carefully constructed to give the listener an epically unforgettable musical experience.
You owe it to your music loving heart to check out “HIGH(er) LIFE “, from Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes
We recently had the opportunity to check out new live album, The Bear Is The Mountain – Live 1979-1985’, from, songwriter, painter, music producer,- Robert Ellis Orrall. You can listen to The Bear Is The Mountain – Live 1979-1985, Here
The new live album, from Robert Ellis Orrall, is a trip ( literally) as t transports listeners back to the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s early-’80s glory days around Boston, showcasing his trusted band of musicians who could conquer any stage at any time, from the seedy dive bars on the outskirts of town to the glossy main stages of posh downtown theaters. But it also brings us forward, planting its flag in the modern day, delivering these four friends and collaborators back to the stage as one cohesive unit, and offering a glimpse – and a sound – of just what is to come.
The Bear Is The Mountain showcases a band at its sweaty, bluesy, breakneck-pace peak – Orrall on lead vocals and keyboards;Kook Lawry on guitar and vocals; Don Walden on bass and vocals; and David Stefanelli on drums and vocals. The record also features Brian Maes (touring keyboards in 1983); Eddie Grenga (tour keyboards in 1984); and a pair of original Robert Ellis Orrall band members in guitaristDouglas Millett and drummerSus.
Reclaiming the magic they first felt decades ago, Orrall, Lawry, Walden, and Stefanelli are all back together again after a 35-year break, coming together during the pandemic, not only to help Orrall unearth and polish up these lost recordings, but also create an exciting new chapter. It started with 2022 collaborative record 467 Surf & Gun Cluband last year’s studio album The War Between Us (recorded in 1986 at Downtown Recorders), continues with the summer live shows, and eventually leads to a new album on the way, Wrong Thing, showcasing the quartet’s first new all-original music in nearly four decades, due out in the fall.
The Bear Is The Mountain pulls from Orrall’s three studio albums for RCA Records: 1981’sFixation, 1983’s Special Pain (his Top 40 debut with Carlene Carter, “I Couldn’t Say No,” is excitedly included here), and 1984’s Contain Yourself, all originally recorded in Wales with producer Roger Bechirian (Elvis Costello, Squeeze). It’s a snapshot in time, one before Orrall relocated to Nashville to become a prolific songwriter, producer, and in-demand collaborator, with five Number 1 songs to his credit across an eclectic and expansive 350-track catalog.
The album kicks off with a manic rendition of “Inspired,” originally recorded in 1979 with former members Millet on rhythm guitar and Sus on drums. The energy from the recording explodes out of the speakers, and sets a brazen tone for the 15 tracks that follow, all offering an odd cohesion for songs that at some points have six long years wedged in between recordings. But it paints a vivid picture of Orrall’s band, and comes across like one compact live concert where the band was firing on all cylinders.
It was finding this recording on a cassette tape that made me search for more,” Orrall says about “Inspired,” perhaps enjoying what the title suggests for this new era as much as the recordings’ quality itself. “I dug deep and uncovered about 30 cassettes, digitized them, and then found the 16 best sounding/slash/best performances. When we got back together to rehearse, we actually pulled up some of those live tapes to remind us of the changes you make when you’ve been playing constantly for years. More reminders than inspiration, because we’re beyond ‘Inspired’ to be playing all these songs again.”
And play them they will. After the Marblehead gig over Fourth of July weekend, Orrall and his band canvass New England for the summer circuit, just like old times (with admittedly a bit more space between gigs), with additional shows July 17 as part of the Wildcat Concert Series in Jackson, New Hampshire; August 22 at The Cut in Gloucester; and September 13 at Two To Lou Music Festival in Sandown, New Hampshire.
The Bear Is The Mountain – Live 1979-1985, from Robert Ellis Orrall , is a beautiful melodic example of how the past can get us excited and energized for the future.
We were absolutely over the moon thrilled that we got to check the EP, “I’d Be Delighted “, from Boston based , The Grimly Pleased . You can listen to “I’d Be Delighted” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
Often when we talk about bands, we talk aboutbands having “IT”. We don’t always know what “IT” is but we definitely know it when we hear “IT” . We can say without hesitation that when we listened to “I’d Be Delighted”, from Boston based The Grimly Pleased, we definitely hear “IT”
The new release continues the band’s unique ability to be relentlessly upbeat and
simultaneously edgy. The songs explore the happiness of being in a relationship (“I’d Be
Delighted” and “My Superstar”) as well as leaning into the hopefulness of the absurd (“I Will Say” and “Ah Ah Ah Oh”).
What we really love most about The Grimly Pleased, is they have a unique and original sound that is both fresh and familiar. Punk,grunge,indie rock- all rolled into an incredible sound.
We found ourselves dancing around the office and singing along almost instantly.
Recorded in April of 2025 at the Record Co. in Boston and engineered by Mike Quinn (The
Daylilies, The Magic City), this release furthers the band’s partnership with artist DanielBenayun, whose cover art is also meant to pair with the band’s future 7” release, “I’ll Choose It”
So go ahead and find your favorite listening spot and get mesmerized by The GrimlyPleased and brilliant EP, “I’dBe Delighted “
If high octane , no thrills punk rock is your thing …. We have the EP, you have been waiting for! Massachusetts based Already Dead , have delivered a new EP, “I Think It’s Time To Leave” that will send your music loving heart in to an absolute frenzy.
You can listen to “I Think It’s Time To Leave..” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here .
The new hardcore punk EP called I Think It’s Time To Leave…, from, Already Dead, is out on digital and 7-inch vinyl today.( Friday, June 20. )
The new record comes hot on the heels of last year’s explosive Something Like a War album – which earned the band mentions and microphones everywhere from WGBH’sThe Culture Show and WBUR, Boston’s NPR to New Noise, Maximum Rocknroll, and Dying Scene – and delivers Already Dead’s first-ever vinyl issue. The 7-inch release party goes down Saturday, June 28 at Koto in Lowell alongside Vauli, The McGunks, and Autumn Astronauts.
Courtesy Of The Band
Front and center on the new record,is a reloaded and rebooted Already Dead lineup, as founding members Dan Cummings (vocals and guitar) and Brandon Bartlett (vocals and guitars) are now rounded out by Ian Killpartrick (bass) and Forgie (drums). Cummings and Bartlett, who also split writing duties on this record, with Bartlett taking on an enhanced role in the band’s creative process, did not have to look far for the new members. In fact, they just had to look at their own teenage backyards located just outside of Boston.
“The whole band is now from the same damn small town, born and raised,” Cummings says with a laugh. “We all know each other in different ways, and are somewhat separated by age, but there is a certain camaraderie when you grew up partying in the same woods or neighborhoods. It made it really easy to be comfortable and start creating immediately.”
I Think It’s Time To Leave… was co-produced by the band and longtime collaborator Jim Corbett, and recorded and mixed by Corbett at The Bridge Sound and Stage in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The record was mastered by Stephen Pettyjohn at EtherealMastering, and as for all Already Dead releases, the artwork is illustrated and designed by Mark Saffie of Saffie Design.
The EP, packs a perfectly crafted sonic punch that you feel from the first note of the opening track , “I’ll Go Mind”, all the way through to the last note on “Nothin Wrong” On “I Think It’s Time To Leave.. “ , Already Dead , prove to be punk rock kings of the ring, with an EP, that is an absolute knockout.
Each song centers around a loose theme of getting out of somewhere – whether it be a bad relationship, a difficult situation, a person’s expectations, or simply an annoying conversation. And as usual, the brute force Already Dead deliver this theme provides enough motivation to just get up and leave with purpose and distinction.
All the songs on this record felt cohesive, so I tried to think of something to tie them together,” says Bartlett. “Pretty quickly I Think It’s Time to Leave… popped into my mind because I equated it to making sense, in some way, for each song. Adding an ellipsis after the title leaves it open to what we’re leaving behind in each song.”
Lead single, “Time” and “Sick Talk” are two solid songs that we were singing along to almost instantly. The standout track, on “I Think It’s Time To Leave..” , in our opinion is “Gettin By” . We love everything about this track. It is Already Dead at their absolute best.
You owe it to your music loving heart to check out “I Think It’s Time To Leave” from Already Dead. You will not be disappointed.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single, via Rum Bar Records, “You’ve Got What I Want”, from Legendary Boston garage rock band, The Dogmatics. You can listen to “You’ve Got What I Want” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
Brimming with classic Dogmatics punkabilly and surf n’ skate energy at an economical 95 seconds in length, “You’ve Got What I Want” is the final single before the band unleashes its first new full-length album in nearly four decades, arriving on Friday, July 18.
“You’ve Got What I Want “ is a melodic and sonic dream. Nobody brings it like The Dogmatics…. NOBODY! We were dancing and singing along instantly.
The Dogmatics, and their new single, “You’ve Got What I Want” represent a feeling and a sound that feels like a celebration that is a reserved for your birthday and the Fourth of July. It just feels right
A raucous record release party at Waltham’s French American Victory Club follows the release on the next weekend on Saturday, July 26, and the lineup is pretty much its own one-off music festival. Joining The Dogmatics from afternoon to evening are a host of friends and family, rounding up the definable sound of Boston across several decades: BlackCheers, Jay Allen and the Archcriminals, Last Stand, Gypsy Moths, Tom Baker and the Double Down, Stop Calling Me Frank, and Band 19.
Photo Credit: Nicole Tammaro Photography
Recorded at Edsbarn in Canton, Massachusetts, and produced and engineered by Ed Riemer with mastering by Dave Westner, “You’ve Got What I Want” is a link to The Dogmatics’ past that also allows them to embrace the future. After reforming in 2019, the band has gigged regularly around New England, releasing a series of well-received singles and a 2022 EP for Rum Bar in Drop The Needle. Uninterested in being purely a throwback or nostalgia band, the newly-released Dogmatics material sounds like it came from a new band emerging out of an Allston basement or Somerville loft.
We are all in on “You’ve Got What I Want” from The Dogmatics, and know you will be too!
We were beyond excited to check out the killer new single, “You Don’t Need A Sun Tan”, from Bristol(UK) alt-rock trio Krooked Tongue. You can listen to “You Don’t Need A Sun Tan”Here. “You Don’t Need A Sun Tan is available today , ( June 20th) The alt rock gem is taken from their debut album , out early next year.
Recorded and produced with long-time producer Josh Gallop (Sergeant Thunderhoof, Mother Vulture, Phoxjaw) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, ‘You Don’t Need A Sun Tan’delivers an addictive dose of nostalgia, blending driving fuzz-fueled guitar lines, explosive drums and infectious melodies, urging listeners to get out from under the weight of what’s familiar and discover the unknown.
Krooked Tongue, has a robust, electrifying and thunderous sound, that shines brightly on “You Don’t Need A Sun Tan” We really enjoyed the opening to the track as it has a “stick in your soul “ feel that we just couldn’t shake .
On the singles lyrical inspirations vocalist and lyricistOli Rainsford states, “The idea behind ‘You Don’t Need A Sun Tan’ came about after visiting the town I grew up in one summer weekend. Meeting up with your old mates, getting leathered at the pub, and realising that everything is almost exactly how it was when you left. Sure, there’s a new wave of people, the next generation of Wetherspoons patriots, but nothing really changes and it’s a double edged sword. It’s a reminder of why you left to begin with, to see the world, get out of the bubble and head to the city. But there’s also a sense of belonging, being back with ‘your’ people. A certain comfortability that comes with heading back to the old stomping ground. It’s an ode to that message, not one that’s positive or negative, just merely an observation. I think ‘Sun Tan’ also acts as a word of encouragement for people to get out from under the weight of what they know, and discover what they don’t know yet.”
Krooked Tongue, has delivered another absolute smash with , “You Don’t Need A Sun Tan “ that you can’t miss.
We recently had the extreme privilege to check out the new single, “Sportscar[Scrapped]” , from rising Nashville, based indie -rock star, meg elsier. You can listen to “sportscar[scrapped] Here
You can also check out a live visual of the new single below.
“sportscar [scrapped],” is the lead single from the deluxe edition of her acclaimed debut albumspittake, out July 25th via Bright Antenna Records.
“Sportscar [scrapped], is a well crafted, emotionally charged indie rock gem that we were immediately enthralled with.
photo credit: Jacq Justice
“sportscar [scrapped]” fuses crisp guitar textures, shimmering synths, and a driving rhythm. The song unfolds from quiet introspection into a soaring, energetic chorus, mirroring the emotional acceleration alluded to in its title. Hook-laden, heartfelt, and tailor-made for late-night drives, “sportscar [scrapped]” captures the weight of growing pains with poetic clarity.
“‘sportscar’ is a really interesting addition to the deluxe, specifically because ‘spittake’ almost had a completely different identity,” meg reveals. “There was a time when I was playing with the idea of naming the album Check Engine Light On. The influence of cars and how they move you through life is something I didn’t realize was so important to ‘spittake’ until after I’d written it.”
She continues, “I was really identifying with my beat-up car my mother gave me. It was this thing handed to me that I treated like shit… But that kinda was my life at the time. Something that was shiny and fast, a veneer; but if you checked under the hood, it was burning out. The oil was dark, and the engine was smoking. I would dye my hair (new paint job), get dolled up (took her to the car wash), and perform so well socially when I went out (that V8 engine purring, baby), but that was all it was. I had a coming-to moment like, ‘This isn’t sustainable and I’m about to crash out.'”
The single arrives alongside a live visual ( which you can watch above) —an ambitious, theatrical performance video crafted with her longtime collaborator Jacq Justice. Together, they reimagined what a “live” performance could be, building a stylized world that blends stagecraft with raw energy. “Why can’t a fucking rock show be theatre? Why can’t it be camp?” meg asks. “Why does it have to live in reality to be real?”
meg elsier, is a one of a kind artist with an absolutely unique and otherworldly sound that is front and center on “sportscar[scrapped]”
We had the fantastic opportunity to check out the wondrous debut single, “Beach Bum”, via Punkerton Records , from Queens,New York , Alt-Rock trio, Mayzie Belle ( Chrissy Menfi (vocals), Brandon Malave (bass/vocals), and Adam Troselj (guitar) You can listen to “Beach Bum “ on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here
Mayzie Belle, has a one of a kinda sound that pulls from many different genres to deliver a vibe and sound that is hard to ignore. “Beach Bum” from Mayzie Belle , might be our new favorite song of the summer.
With shimmering glide guitars layered over tight power chord rhythms, “Beach Bum” captures the blissful weightlessness of summer’s simplest pleasures. The song evokes the melodic rawness of The Breeders, anchored by lead vocalist Chrissy Menfi’s powerful delivery and a chorus that sticks like sand on your feet.
It’s a modern day ‘Summer Lovin’ from Grease,” says Menfi.
Despite its breezy vibe, the song was born from a moment of introspection. Bassist Brandon Malave (also of polka-punk outfit The Dreadnoughts) penned the track after a day spent people-watching on Brighton Beach during a major life transition. The overwhelming sense of freedom he witnessed inspired a song that came together in a single night after bringing the idea to Chrissy.
“Beach Bum” from Mayzie Belle, is an absolute gem and we can’t stop singing along.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Exits”, from Los Angeles-based heavy rock outfit Gale Forces.
You can listen to “Exits” Here You can also check out the b/w “Losing To Win”Here
“Exits”, a track that dives deeper into the band’s evolving sound—melding explosive riffs with eerie spaciousness, lower guitar tunings, and rhythmic angularity. Produced by guitarist Gabe Van Benschoten(Mossbreaker) and featuring drummer Isaac Carpenter (Guns N’ Roses, Awolnation), “Exits” is a gritty, immersive exploration of isolation, inertia, and inner escape.
The track’s concept loosely follows two mechanics drifting through space aboard a freighter, lost in their routine transmissions home—apathic, yet surrounded by the vast unknown. The single’s cover art—a fogged-up car interior—echoes the theme of escapism, suggesting that even the most mundane portals can lead to untapped corners of imagination.
Exits” marks the latest chapter in Gale Forces’ progression from founder Jade Devitt’s solo project into a fully realized band. Formed in 2014, Gale Forces grew from Devitt’s early solo recordings (Gale ForcesEP, 2014; Strawberry Peak, 2017) into a collaborative effort with the 2023 release of Highlights of Existence. Alongside Van Benschoten, Carpenter, and newest member Peter Forslund on bass, the band continues to channel the raw spirit of 90s Seattle underground with a modern edge that leans into the heaviest elements of their collective pasts.
We are absolutely enthralled with the blues/rock flavored groove that gives “Exits”, a whole new dimension. We were moving along almost instantly.
Gale Forces will celebrate the release of “Exits” with a special matinee performance on Saturday, June 14 at 5 PM at The Redwood Barin downtown Los Angeles. They’ll be joined by Museum of Light and If It Kills You for an early evening of immersive, high-decibel rock.
We recently had the otherworldly experience to check out the new single, “RadioWam Bam Boom” , from The Peppermint Kicks . You can listen to “Radio Wam Bam Boom “ Here . It’s a vibe and a sound that you simply can’t ignore.
From those hazy early days of scanning through the AM and FM stations to punching buttons on our phones to fire up a digital stream via the other side of the world, the ethos of rock and roll radio has stayed the course. The Peppermint Kicks are now sending out their own signal with “Radio Wam Bam Boom,” a dynamite new single featuring The Underground Garage’sPalmyra Delran as the voice of radio, set for release today, (Friday, June 13 ) on Rum Bar Records.
Photo courtesy of The Band
We are beyond excited for “Radio Wam Bam Boom” from The Peppermint Kicks. It’s the first new music from the collaborative project of Sal Baglio (The Amplifier Heads, The Stompers) and Dan Kopko (The Shang Hi Los, Watts) since their self-titled 2021 debut album and a one-off Christmas single that arrived later that year. And it sets a restless tone for the Kicks’ sophomore album, Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum, ready to be unleashed this summer.
With the adrenalized “Radio Wam Bam Boom” and its grandiose momentum, retro-rock swagger, and effortless cool, The Peppermint Kicks are callin’ America, callin’ radio London Town, and callin’ all cars — with a fiery request to turn up the radio. The upbeat and muscular garage rock track emerges from the speakers with a timeless punch, and is sure to shake up the scene this summer.
“‘Radio Wam Bam Boom’ is a big loud bite,” says Baglio. “It’s an eardrum of rock candy about radio past and present, transistor, satellite, vinyl records revolving, guitar licks dissolving, disc jockeys spinnin’ & rock n roll dreamin’.
And there was no better person to extend an invite to than Delran, who as an essential voice of Little Steven’s Underground Garage on SiriusXM has helped countless bands, from Boston and beyond, reach global audiences. Her show, Palmyra’s Trash-Pop Shindig, as well as Bill Kelly’s Blackhole Bandstand, The Rodney Bingenheimer Show, The Mighty Manfred, Michael Des Barres and all the inspired 24/7 programming on the station, has been helping carry the torch for rock and roll radio.
The electrifying energy on “RadioWam Bam Boom” from The Peppermint Kicks, is enough to send a signal into the stratosphere and beyond.
Our music loving heart are beyond full thanks to the rock and roll magic from The Peppermint Kicks
So run don’t walk , to your favorite music listening device and crank – “Radio Wam Bam Boom” , from The Peppermint Kicks .
Tomás Doncker is pleased to reveal that his upcoming EP ‘Hard Is Hard’ is set for release July 4th 2025
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the stunningly perfect and soulful cover of “Ace Of Spades” from NYC-based alternative-R&B producer, singer, songwriter and indie label CEO Tomás Doncker. You can listen to “Ace Of Spades” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
Tomás Doncker has long been a prime mover on the New York music, arts and culture scenes. From the early 1980s, as a member of groundbreaking No Wave and Punk Funk bands The Contortions and Defunkt, international touring, recording and songwriting collaborations with luminaries such as Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ivan Neville, The Specials and the legendary Ms. Patti Smith, to helming his own band, The True Groove All-Stars, Tomás has established himself as a cross-genre innovator without peer.
Discussing his decision to cover the single he explains, “Motörhead… Lemmy…Ace of Spades. Who doesn’t love this song? I have since I first heard it many lifetimes ago. A few years back, I was in a car and it came on the radio – and it spoke to me in a very different way than it ever had before. This was the moment when the idea of covering it popped into my head. When I read the lyrics, it became clear to me what it was that was tugging at me…The Blues. I realised that Motörhead had changed the spirit of Son House, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and the Delta Blues storytelling tradition and sped it up to create one of the quintessential rock and roll anthems of all time. It became obvious that I had to sing this song. I saw myself in it.”
We blissfully basked in the absolute soulful perfection of the phenomenal version of “Ace Of Spades”, from Tomás Doncker
The upcoming EP ‘Hard Is Hard’was produced with James Dellatacoma (Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock) and mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (Paul Weller, LL Cool J, Miles Davis) and includes guest instrumentation from Frank Benbini (UB40, Fun Lovin’ Criminals), Adriano Rossetti-Bonell (UB40) and The Specials Horns. With elements of soul, blues, funk, rock and some jazz thrown in for good measure, ‘Hard Is Hard’ is a five-track masterclass in Doncker’s innate knack for genre fluidity. The EP lyrically explores themes of racial inequality, social injustice and keeping a positive mental attitude through hard times.
Doncker was recently invited to support Fun Lovin’ Criminals on their extensive tour throughout the UK and Europe alongside his band, The True Groove All-Stars, which include members of The Specials Horns.
On the tour, he says, “I’m so honoured, and excited to have been invited to be a part of the upcoming Fun Lovin’ Criminals fall UK/EU tour. They’ve really made me feel welcome as a member of the international / UK music community, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity. It’s gonna be a lot of fun for sure!“
You can check out tour dates, below
We absolutely can’t wait for the release of “Hard Is Hard” , from Tomás Doncker. In the meantime we will groove out to “Ace Of Spades”
LIVE DATES:
July 12th 2025 – Cosmopolitan Arts Festival, Leicester July 12th 2025 – Cumberland Hotel, London (British Summer Time Festival After Party) July 25th 2025 – Barefoot Festival, Leicester July 27th 2025 – High Tide Festival, Twickenham August 1st 2025 – Le Pub, Newport August 6th 2025 – Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham
September 4th 2025 – Sub 89, Reading (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) September 5th 2025 – Waterfront, Norwich (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) September 6th 2025 – The Garage, London (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) September 7th 2025 – Concorde 2, Brighton (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) September 18th 2025 – Arena, Torquay (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) September 19th 2025 – Thekla, Bristol (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) September 28th 2025 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 2nd – La Madeleine, Brussels (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 5th 2025 – Werk2, Leipzig (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 6th 2025 – Hole44, Berlin (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 7th 2025 – Hirsch, Nurnberg (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 8th 2025 – Backstage Halle, Munchen (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 10th 2025 – Das Rind, Russelsheim (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 11th 2025 – Opderschmeltz, Dudelange (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 12th 2025 – Patronaat, Haarlem (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 14th 2025 – La Salle des Fêtes, Bordeaux (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals) October 30th 2025 – Lucerna Music Bar, Prague (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
We recently had the mesmerizing experience, to check out the new EP, “All You’ll Ever Be Good For”, from Brooklyn, New York , based Alt-Rock band, War Honey. You can listen to their third EP, “All You’ll Ever Be Good For” Here
We first heard the exquisite sound of War Honey, back 2023, when reviewed their single, “I Don’t Blame The Rats”, which we were instantly enthralled with.
Their new EP, “All You’ll Ever Be Good For” , from War Honey, is a well curated collection of music that may just be one of the best EP, of 2025
In our opinion the best music is not pigeon holed in to one genre, but rather is a cornucopia of sounds and styles, War Honey, has accomplished this and then some. On “All You’ll Ever Be Good For”, War Honey ( vocalist Gabrielle Dana, guitaristBen Fitts, bassist David Bloom, and drummerVictoria Smith) are a group of next level musicians, who’s attention to detail on “All You’ll Ever Be Good For”, is both noticeable and appreciated.
The intro, “This Time It Will Be Different “, has a cinematic feel that immediately made us take notice. Gabrielle Dana , sends every track on “All You’ll Ever Be Good For “ into the stratosphere, with her beyond flawless vocals. “My Little House “ is a stunningly beautiful track that literally gave us goosebumps.
“The Ballerina” is more than just an ordinary song , it is a musical event that we won’t soon forget. Perfect vocals , that had many different vocal stylings woven together. We were left absolutely speechless. The closing composition, “Behind The Glass”, was a hauntingly beautiful way to end a sensational collection of music.
War Honey , is band who has just released an EP, “All You’ll Ever Be Good For” that has done some we thought was impossible…. It has made us love music even more .
New EP coming June 20 titled I Think It’s Time To Leave…
We recently had the glorious opportunity to check out the new single, “Time” from Massachusetts punks, Already Dead (Spoiler Alert: This Song Freaking Scorches) You can listen to “Time” on Spotify Here , Apple Music , Bandcamp Here
We have been pretty smitten with the raw and powerful sound from Already Dead, for quite some time. Now they come roaring back into view with their explosive new single, “Time” The blazing new single, comes ahead of their new EP, “I Think It’s Time To Leave..” which arrives, June 20th .
Courtesy Of The Band
The new record comes hot on the heels of last year’s explosive Something Like a War album – which earned the band mentions and microphones everywhere from WGBH’sThe Culture Show and WBUR, Boston’s NPR to New Noise, Maximum Rocknroll, and Dying Scene – and delivers Already Dead’s first-ever vinyl issue. The 7-inch release party goes down Saturday, June 28 at Koto in Lowell alongside Vauli, The McGunks, and Autumn Astronauts.
The new record also shows off a reloaded and rebooted Already Dead lineup, as founding members Dan Cummings (vocals and guitar) and Brandon Bartlett (vocals and guitars) are now rounded out by Ian Killpartrick (bass) and Forgie (drums). Cummings and Bartlett, who also split writing duties on this record, with Bartlett taking on an enhanced role in the band’s creative process, did not have to look far for the new members. In fact, they just had to look at their own teenage backyards located just outside of Boston
“The whole band is now from the same damn small town, born and raised,”Cummings says with a laugh. “We all know each other in different ways, and are somewhat separated by age, but there is a certain camaraderie when you grew up partying in the same woods or neighborhoods. It made it really easy to be comfortable and start creating immediately.”
“Time”, is Already Dead , at their very best . They couple smart , honest lyrics with raw and electrifying melodies that leave a lasting impression.
We can’t wait for the new EP, “I Think It’s Time To Leave..” Meanwhile, we will pass the time by cranking the epic new single, “Time”
We recently had the extreme privilege to check out the blazing new single, “Honey Pie”, from Cornwall (UK) -based indie-rock quartet The Ultra Violets. You can listen to “Honey Pie” on Spotify Here , Apple Music, Here
We are over the moon in love with “Honey Pie” from The Ultra Violets. We fell instantly for their vibrant and thunderous sound.
Recorded and mastered with Ross Rothero-Bourge and the band’s Perran Nicholls at The Cube in Cornwall, ‘HONEY PIE’ is an aggressive wakeup call to the dark side and addictive nature of social media, urging people to stop turning a blind eye to the atrocities we see on our phones in favour of the superficial ‘sweet stuff’.
On the track’s subject matter the band explain, “The song is essentially about people only wanting the sweet stuff in life, and sugar coating anything and everything that may be a difficult subject. We live in a society where social media is treated like the Holy Bible, simultaneously releasing dopamine hits, a highly addictive drug, when posting pictures for ‘instant gratification.
“It seems there’s a lot of wrong in the world right now, but let’s all turn a blind eye and keep posting our best lives, sugarcoating the stark contrast of the disarray. But in reality, you can hear the ‘sirens of hate before the day is dawning’ waking you as it simmers through the cracks of your windows in the morning.”
The melodic and sonic eruption on “Honey Pie” is an absolute thing of pure beauty ( We can neither confirm nor deny we shed a few tears)
A powerful thunderous melody that we simply can’t shake, coupled with a powerful message, make “Honey Pie” , a song you need in your life.
The Spins says, “We wrote this one with the intention of keeping it purposely ambiguous and able to be applied to many different subjects in the realm of addiction and the inability to kick a habit. Whether it’s a drug, a toxic relationship you can’t seem to leave behind, or a bad habit in general, we’ve all experienced that struggle of being unable to leave something behind once you’ve experienced its thrill and intoxication. I think everyone has universally had the experience of telling themselves “This is the last time, I swear….”. This is about that struggle of eliminating that temptation to go back to what’s comfortable, comforting, or captivating to you, even when you know it’s not good for you.”
The Spins, artfully give “One More” the perfect amount of soul to give it an extra jolt to a simply phenomenal song. “One More”is a high-octane, dancefloor-ready banger, propelled by a syncopated guitar riff lace with a slick chorus effect that hooks you from the first note. Paired with a relentless, funky drum beat – driven by rapid, rhythmic hi-hat hits that pulse like a drum machine – and a groovy, locked-in bassline that surges through the track, “One More” is pure kinetic energy.
The Spins, are a band of next level musicians who put their whole heart and soul into their music and it shows.
D CullenAlso Announces New Album, “City Soundscapes “ For September Release
We recently had the stellar opportunity, to check out the stunning new single, “Young Men”, from D. Cullen an acclaimed alt-rock artist from Dublin, Ireland.
You can listen to “Young Men”, from D. Cullen, Here
We have said it before, and it bears repeating… Sometimes it only takes hearing a song one time and … You are hooked . This is definitely the case with , “Young Men”, from D. Cullen.
Young Men” is a song that deals with the rising issue of toxic masculinity in our society.
From my earliest days in an all-boys school in Dublin, I’ve never really felt at home in heavily masculine/laddy circles. I’ve always felt like an outsider in those circles. Increasingly, in the wake of the last few years where movements like “the Manosphere” and figures such as Andrew Tate and Joe Rogan have taken more of a hold on the culture, I’ve become more and more concerned and distressed with how unpleasant certain men’s behaviour can be. At the same time, there’s a growing sense that a lot of men are using these behaviours to hide behind while they deal with some seriously heavy struggles. This song tries to address both issues, by both prodding at some of the more distasteful elements of “lad culture” and also shining a light on the vulnerability behind a lot of that bravado. Although the song was written well before this came out, the show “Adolescence” floored me when I watched it recently, as it captured that dichotomy perfectly. I hope this song can capture some of that current cultural tension in the same way.”
Having previously released his debut album ‘Sing My Story, Tell My Song’ followed by the EP ‘Tiny‘ he now announces a new chapter for 2025. with the release of new single ‘Young Men‘ and forthcoming new album “City Soundscapes” which will be released on Sept 19th.
“Young Men” has an authentic and honest vibe that really makes the song stand out .
D. has had his music featured on BBC Scotland, RTE Radio One, Today FM, and twice performed on Ireland’s largest TV chat show The Late Late Show. He has supported such artists as Mundy, Eddi Reader, Brian Kennedy, Bry, and many many more!
We recently had the unbelievable opportunity to check out the new single, “Cross My Heart” , from singer and songwriter, Claire Guerreso . You can listen to “Cross My Heart” Here.
Claire Guerreso artfully and effortlessly fuses indie-pop, rock, electronic, and soul, to create stunning musical compositions . “Cross My Heart” from Claire Guerreso, is a lively breath of fresh air that you did know you needed .
Claire Guerreso, is drawn to music that dials in on deep emotions. Her airy, unearthly tone perfectly ties together each song. She specializes in making and performing music for media outlets such as film and TV as well as writing with and for other artists. Her ability to write and sing many different genres has taken her music around the world. Equally apt at writing dark, ethereal songs, upbeat dance tracks, and introspective ballads, Claire imparts depth into her songs with her haunting, compelling voice and melodies.
You may recognize her music from such shows as, Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, Reign, Lucifer, Pretty Little Liars, Shades of Blue, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, American Ninja Warrior, and many more.
“Cross My Heart” is one of those special musical moments that stays in your heart long after the music has ended.
Music should be fun , music should move you . Lowell, Massachusetts, band The Ghouls, achieve this and so much more on their epically explosive debut album, “Handle With Care” You can listen to “ Handle With Care” Here
As soon as we heard the opening track, “Pocket Of Gold “ from The Ghouls, our first immediate thought was “Good Lord ! , Where Has this band been our whole life?”
“Handle With Care” is the Fourth of July, and Christmas, rolled into 9 explosive gems.
Photo by Kira Emery
2024, was a hell of a ride for The Ghouls,
In May, the young Lowell band won the esteemed Rock and Roll Rumble, the decades-old institution known as the “World Series of Boston Rock,” and come December scored Rock Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards, where they were also invited to perform live and nominated in the New Artist category. But this new album is no simple encore, nor a fight to live up to lofty, already-cast expectations.
It feels like The Ghouls, are just getting warmed up. “Handle With Care” is out today ( May 30th ) A week later, on June 6, they celebrate the record, the past year, and all the excesses along the way with the official release party at The Middle East in Cambridge.
“Handle With Care”, has the band, ( vocalist and guitaristGeorge Danahy, guitaristPeter Trainor; bassistJacob Babcock; and drummerBryce Maher, who all recently met as students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell – firing effortlessly on all cylinders.
“I hope this record is universal for the listener,”Danahy admits. “I hope it is an album they choose to listen to while working out, while driving, on amazing days, and on awful days. Handle With Care reflects how young our band is in the grand scheme of things, in a positive way. There are many wildly different sounding tracks on this record, yet all of them still sound like they come from us. It all still feels cohesive.”
“Garfield” , “Hellbound” and “Reach For The Sky” ( the guitar work on “Reach For The Sky” is absolutely mind freaking blowing) were some of the stunningly crafted gems on “Handle WithCare” . If we had to pick a favorite from “ Handle With Care” , it would most certainly be… “For You” We loved the drop dead perfect vocals and haunting melody that stayed with us long after the music ended.
Part of the spoils of winning the Rumble is the competition’s vaulted “prize booty,” a collection of assets that include studio time, photo shoots, radio and media publicity campaigns, and other stuff a band would kill to acquire. Nearly all the prizes afforded TheGhouls helped to shape and create Handle With Care. The band hit several studios around the region – New Alliance Audio in Somerville; 37’ Productions in Rockland; Henley Row in Stoneham; and Rare Signals and Q Division in Cambridge – all while working with esteemed producers and engineers like Ethan Dussault, Sean McLaughlin, Dan Nicklin, Brian Charles, Craig Small, and Colin Lester Fleming.
Love is music , music is love….. we Freaking LOVE – “Handle With Care” from The Ghouls and we know you will too.
We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the new album, “My Version Of Desire” , from Philadelphia, based Maximum Alt-Country’ band Labrador. You can listen to “My Version Of Desire” on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here
Labrador, has crafted memorable and melodic gems on “My Version Of Desire” that are authentic and lasting.
As soon as we heard the opening chords on “Someday I Pay”, we were absolutely mesmerized. Labrador, has a style and sound that perfectly blends a rock / alt -country sound that is letter perfect.
Led by guitarist, singer, and songwriterPatKing, Labrador has been around for a handful of years — seen moves to a new city (Philadelphia), seen a handful of lineup changes (the band is now officially King, Will Hochgertel and Steve Kurtz), and an excellent full-length breakthrough in 2023’s Hold The Door For Strangers. As you might guess from the title, Strangers was an album about empathy, full of poignant character studies and patient witching-hour ruminations.
“Dry June, and “A Favor To Someone”, are two solid tracks , that show off the next level musicianship of Labrador.
The title track, “My Version Of Desire “ in our opinion, is the best track on the album and is Labrador, at their absolute best.
Flawless vocals and brilliantly crafted melodies make “My Version Of Desire”, from Labrador, a must listen.
‘MY VERSION OF DESIRE’ RELEASE SHOWS
5.29 — Brooklyn, NY @ Sleepwalk NYC w/ Perennial + RADAR 5.30 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Khyber Pass Pub w/ Hurry + Lowercase Roses + Petal 5.31 — Holyoke, MA @ Tori Town w/ Perennial + Radical Joy + Blue Penny
We recently had the chance to check out the new single, “Burn Cruise”, from Omaha, NE’s Post-Rock band LEAFBLOWER. You can listen to “Burn Cruise” Here
The track is the second single taken from their upcoming new album Burn Cruise which is due out June 13th, 2025 via Max Trax Records. “Burn Cruise” is about blowing off some steam to recenter yourself due to life’s stressful turbulences. Bassist Craig Fort explains about the track, “It’s how you prepare yourself to navigate whatever’s in front of you.” Tackling anxiety head on, the song reflects on the necessity of taking a breather when needed. Lead Singer Danny Maxwell adds, “Everyone needs a moment to step out, let the mind wander, absorb fresh perspectives through new experiences, andreturn with renewed focus to get the job done.”
Looking forward to the album’s release on June 13th, Craig Fort reflects, “From the opening of the album when we turn the key until we’re relaxing on the front porch after all the chaos at the end, Burn Cruise is a complicated adventure through the struggles and roadblocks of our lives, and our ways of coping with what we are dealt while trying to make the best of it and try to enjoy the ride.“
We are absolutely mesmerized by the groove on “Burn Cruise“ LEAFBLOWER, is a band firing on all cylinders.
We are absolutely taken with Belfast based quartet Stratford Rise. They have a one of a kind sound that is both powerful and beautiful. Today they offer up their debut eponymous EP. (Which if you are scoring at home, is absolutely brilliant)
You can listen to the debut EP, on Spotify Here, Apple Music, 🎶 Here
We first got to know the mighty Stratford Rise, by their phenomenal single, “Gunshow”, but as we listened to the new EP, we quickly learned that it was only the tip of the iceberg.
The melodic madness of “Prone” , absolutely blew our minds . “Prone” is carefully chaotic and spectacularly stunning. Stratford Rise , is a band who is ready to reach amazing heights and we can’t wait to watch .
“Snowsports” has a very cinematic feel to it with a memorable melody and flawless vocals.
The closing track, “Machine To Water” , showed of the amazing versatility of Stratford Rise.
Their explosive live shows have made them one of the most talked about bands in the Irish live circuit. In a short period of time, they have built an impressive repertoire of performances. From supporting noise rock legends, The Jesus Lizard in Belfast’s Limelight, and a sold out show in Dublin’s The Button Factory, proving their ability to hold their own alongside the greats. At Whelans Ones to Watch Festival the band stole the show, with audience members surfing across the room. In 2024 they also embarked on their own five- date Irish tour. Their stage presence is erratic, theatrical, and visceral, with each members becoming enveloped by the music, offering a visually exciting performance for audiences. Other notable highlights: Just Mustard support slot at Limerick’s legendary Féile Na Gréine, support slots for Crows and Junk Drawer support, and write ups in Hot Press and The Thin Air magazines.
2025 is set to be a big year for Stratford Rise with the release of this debut eponymous EP. The EP delivers a blistering collection of tracks that encapsulate the band’s intensity, a tasting platter of their live staples thus far. It is a collection of songs that explore extremes in music, interlocking rhythms, and combining harsh, noisy ideas with consonant ones. Lyrically, it’s about small fleeting glimpses into characters at crossroads and crisis.
Stratford Rise, is a band that you owe it to your music loving heart to check out , you won’t regret it.
We recently had the epically awesome opportunity, to check out the new single, “New Orleans” , from Dublin indie rockers , Kippax. You can listen to “New Orleans” on Spotify Here, Apple Here
As soon as we heard the jangly guitar driven, “New Orleans “, from Kippax, we knew we had stumbled upon something special. ( We were right)
Kippax – credit – Kate Lawlor
The four members , who met in school and having only released their debut single in February 2024 have played consistently packed out and sold out shows around Dublin. Notably a sold out headline upstairs in Whelan’s, a slot at Whelan’s ‘Ones to Watch 2025’ and supporting Getdown Service on the Irish leg of their UK/IE tour.
The style and sound of Kippax, is on full display on , “New Orleans “ as the band artfully weaves mesmerizing grooves under well crafted and well written lyrics.
Kippax, will release their debut EP, Voyeurism‘ later in the year. The band will play The Workman’s Cellar on Friday, June, 27th . You can get tickets Here
We recently had the privilege to check out the tremendous new single, “The Drip” from Dublin psych-pop powerhouse THUMPER. You can listen to “The Drip” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
THUMPER, comes in red hot with their new electrifying riff fueled new single, “The Drip” and we loved every freaking second of it .
The track is the first of a series of releases across 2025 leading to the release of their sophomore album which follows debut Choice Music Prize nominated Delusions of Grandeur which was an epic introduction to the band’s psych-drenched rumble which juxtaposes walls of distortion with saccharine melody and unabashed hooks.
The Drip is a song about tour burnout and relationship strain. The song was written almost a line at a time, small lyrics jotted down at different moments on tour, in different cities, different head spaces. The title refers to that slow accumulation, drip torture was on my mind, but also an IV drip – something that keeps you alive, hooked to your veins. In this case my deep love for making music, and the people I make it with.
The song has no chorus – no release. But it’s joyous and builds with momentum with each passing section, even as the lyrics seem to become more abstract. This conflict between love for the thing, and that thing destroying you – that’s The Drip. “Poke to find a vein, flick the bag”
The song was recorded with producer Rian Trench in rural Donegal, in a cottage that we converted into a studio. We built a control room in the sitting room, and ran cables into the various bedrooms for guitar amps, even using Alan’s van to house the bass amp outside (as the volume inside the house was making the fillings in our teeth come loose). The double drums were then recorded in Attica Studio in Donegal owned by Tommy McLaughlin ( Soak, Villagers, Ailbhe Reddy). There was no signal, no wifi, no distractions – just friends making music together. We were listening to a lot of DIIV and Wednesday at the time, and we were lucky enough to rope in Alex Ferrar (engineer/producer of Wednesday,MJ Lendermann, Angel Olsen, etc) on mixing duties.’
We can’t believe we are just discovering, THUMPER, and their otherworldly sound (we apologize) Go immediately listen to “The Drip”, You will be absolutely amazed.
We recently had the awesome opportunity to check out the new album, “Back To Life”, from Multi-platinum rock icons Hinder. You can listen to “Back To Life “, Here
Back to Life, is the bands 7th Studio album and available on all DSPs worldwide today. The release comes just ahead of a packed summer that will see the band’s 2nd headline tour of the year and a number of festival appearances including Louder Than Life, Aftershock, and Summer of ‘99 & Beyond. After shelving a full album in 2020, Hinder nearly swore off the idea of ever writing new music again. But when the album’s lead single “Bring Me Back to Life” unexpectedly came to fruition, everything changed.
“When you’ve been writing songs for over 20 years, sometimes you run out of things to say,” confesses drummer + founding member Cody Hanson. “In life in general, it’s easy to become complacent and uninspired. That’s why ‘Bring Me Back to Life’ is such an important track, not only for the album, but for our band as a whole. After writing an entire album and then throwing it away in 2020, we had become discouraged and decided that we weren’t going to release any new music, much less an entire album. However, as soon as we wrote ‘Bring Me Back to Life,’ everything changed. Sometimes, it just takes one special song to breathe life back into a band, and this song became the catalyst for the entire album.”
Hinder’s story begins in 2001, when Cody Hanson (drums), Joe “Blower” Garvey (lead guitar), and Mike Rodden (bass) met and activated their musical chemistry. The 2005 hit “Lips of an Angel” from the band’s debut album Extreme Behavior, since certified 3x Platinum, topped the charts and remains a radio mainstay. Powerful lead vocalist Marshal Dutton joined them in 2015. Throughout their discography, Hinder has embodied an ethos of defiance and tenacity through gutsy lyrics, rousing melodies, and soaring choruses. Each album in their musical journey has reflected a progression, from the grittier early days of Take It to the Limit to the more introspective and exploratory energy of their most recent album, 2017’s The Reign.
“Back To Life”, from Hinder, is the band firing on all cylinders, delivering a high octane rock record that will put a smile on any rock fan’s face.
Album opener, “Live Without It” , is a brilliantly crafted song with a memorable melody and flawless vocals , we found ourselves hitting repeat on this track several times.
“Everything Is A Cult” , “Break The Cycle “ and Vultures are some of the solid tracks that really stood out to us . As a whole, “Back To Life” is a phenomenal collection of songs
If we had to pick one song that really resonated with us , it would be without out a doubt, be “Time To Breath “ We were literally hanging on every word and chord on this stunning song . – Bravo
“Back To Life” from Hinder, is an absolute “Must Listen “
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single, “All On My Own , via East Iris Records, from Nashville, based alternative band, McKay. You can listen to “AllOn My Own” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here.
Emerging from Nashville’s DIY alternative scene, McKay blends melancholic storytelling with rich, textured arrangements, drawing inspiration from artists like Nick Drake, The Shins, and Alex G.
Originally a folk duo, the band has evolved into a full-band project known for its emotionally charged performances. Their new single, “All On My Own” ,via East Iris Records, captures the ache of change and longing, weaving delicate melodies into a powerful, raw-sounding chorus. We were immediately enthralled with “All On My Own”, it is a song that instantly touched our soul.
The best bands , don’t just make songs you can hear, they craft songs that you can feel- “All On My Own” , from McKay is without a doubt one of those songs
With 200,000+ streams on their independent debut LP and a growing regional touring presence, McKay continues to make an impact with their authentic, heartfelt music.
“All On My Own” is a melodic and cinematic gem from McKay, that you can’t afford not to listen to.
We recently had the distinct honor to check out YEARB4 , a new hard rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, that gives you everything you love from 80s hard rock and 90s grunge but with a new, fresh sound. YEARB4 delivers new single, “Rebel Without A Cause” , that is exactly the dose of high energy rock that you need …. You just don’t know it yet.
You can listen to “Rebel Without A Cause “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music, Here
Lucas Blair (lead vocals), Mike Milaitis (lead guitar), and “Pretty Boy” Floyd Fulton (drums), met in Nashville playing in other bands but quickly found chemistry amongst themselves. Upon forming the band, they played Edgeout Record’s “Rockvasion” 2022 showcase where they caught the attention of Universal Music Group’s Patrick Kraus. After recording a collection of EP’s and singles at East Iris Studios in Nashville, the boys found electrifying bassist Abby Chuck, finalizing the band’s stacked lineup. Now with their final lineup, YEARB4 delivers a high-energy, rock-driven sound that’s as timeless as it is electrifying. Their live shows consistently leave the audience in awe with the band’s high-energy stage presence, impeccable musicianship, and face-melting sound. YEARB4 is thrilled to announce that we have officially signed a distribution deal with Virgin and East Iris Records. “This partnership is a dream come true for us and we are beyond thankful for the opportunity to grow alongside such an amazing team. We cannot wait to share all of the music we have been working on the last few months with the legendary Obie O’brien, known for his work with Bon Jovi, and the incredible staff at East Iris Studios including Pat Kraus, Kevin Reeves, Trent Woodman, and Grant Morgan. Stay tuned- this is just the beginning!”
There is so much to love about, YEARB4, and their high adrenaline sound that combines killer riffs/ melodies and flawless rock solid vocals that will leave you absolutely speechless.
So run don’t walk to your favorite music listening device and get lost in the rock and roll goodness of , “Rebel Without A Cause” from YEARB4
Brooklyn bruisers Cash Bribe are back with their third EP, “Demonomics,”dropping June 13, 2025, via Futureless. This marks their first release on the label, and they’ve never sounded louder, sharper, or more furious.
The band has unveiled a music video for the title track off their upcoming ‘Demonomics‘ EP. You can check out the video below
You can listen to Demonomics HerePre-order the LP here (on “Eco Citrus” vinyl, limited to 100): Here
We have said it before and will continue saying it, Cash Bribe, are a refreshing, powerful sound that is desperately needed in today’s musical landscape, “Demonomics”, is a song that is an absolute absolute triumph. We are anxiously awaiting the “Demonomics” EP.
Cash Bribe is:
Vocals — Joey Dahlstrom Guitar — Kirk McGirk Bass — Brian Jackson Drums — Larry Koch
Cover art & LP design: Unexpected Spector
CASH BRIBE SHOW DATES:
June 13 — @ Lucky 13 Saloon, Brooklyn NY, w/Expollutants, Circle Breaker, and Fuckcrusher (album release show)
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “Communion” from Cologne, Germany based “brutal post-punks” TV CULT. The band is also proud to announce that their second album, Industry, will be released later this year on 10th October 2025.
You can listen to “Communion” on Spotify, Here and on Apple Music Here
On the forthcoming new album, TV CULT are set to chart darker waters than ever before, exploring themes including the decline of western culture and rejecting the belief systems that are presented to us.
Nirén Mahajan- photo credit
Recorded by Christoph Scheidel at 79 Sound Studios in Cologne, the album was mixed at Holy Mountain Studios, London by Misha Hering (High Vis, Idles) and mastered by Brad Boatright(Off!, Sleep, Stranger Things OST) at Audiosiege, Portland.
The artwork for Industry features a photograph from world famous Köln based photographer Boris Becker’s ‘Konstruktionen’ series (http://www.boris-becker.com) and will be revealed in the coming weeks.
To celebrate the news, the band are sharing lead single ‘Communion’ which is available now released on all good digital platforms.
Commenting on the track, the band said: “The theme of ‘Communion’ is the idea of rejecting a belief system by calling it out for being vacuous and empty. Only by rejecting the false beliefs presented to us can we start seeking and embracing true meaning in this world.”
We love the vibe and feel of , “Communion”, from TV Cult. The band brilliantly combines the “old school” music vibe and the “new school” music vibe, to deliver an absolute gem.
Do your music loving soul a favor and check out , “Communion”, from TV Cult .
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the latest single/video, for “Alright//Too Slow”, from rising South London Pop-Punk gem Keeper. You can listen to “Alright//Too Slow” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
You can check out the blazing video, for “Alright//TooSlow” ( which is an absolute work of art) below
“Alright//Too Slow “, from Keeper, is an infectious adrenaline rush, that we simply can’t get out of our soul!
Following on from the release of his latest singles ‘Taste It’ and ‘Cynical’ – which garnered high praise from BBC Radio 1 Introducing Rock show host Alyx Holcombe and others – Keeper explores recovery and self-love in his latest single ‘Alright/Too Slow’.
On ‘Alright/Too Slow’, Keeper’sEmanuel Andrade shared ‘This track […] is about acknowledging the damage and pain but refusing to let it define you. It’s about pulling yourself up, moving on, and chasing the goals that once felt hindered by the relationship.’
Discussing the lyrical content, Keepercontinued – ‘one of my favorite moments is the fourth-wall break after the solo: ‘It’s so hard to accept the fact that I’m feeling better alone. You’re losing sleep and I’m out here, still singing this song’. That line hits especially hard because, despite being blocked, my ex has found new ways to reach out—new Instagram accounts, new numbers. It’s honestly terrifying, and this song is a very real reflection of that for me. When I find myself in those moments, I listen back—almost like I’m speaking to myself. It makes me realize just how much I’ve changed, how far I’ve come, and all the steps I’ve taken—not just to get back to normal, but to be better.’
There is so much to love about, Keeper, and his electrifying approach to music, it honestly is so refreshing to hear an artist who doesn’t take their foot off the gas, even for a second.
Music is meant to be exciting and exhilarating, and you definitely get that on “Alright//Too Slow” from Keeper
It is in our opinion, not if Keeper, will be the next big thing but…. When
We recently had the opportunity, to check out alt-pop artist, AViVA and her single, “Heaven&Hell” You can listen to “Heaven&Hell” on Spotify Here, Apple Music, Here
Heaven & Hell” is a bold, anthemic release from her forthcoming album Eyes Wide Shut. With raw guitars, pounding percussion, and soaring vocals, the track captures both sonic power and emotional depth. Lyrically, it offers a critique of the passivity and soul-selling often associated with the music industry.
Photographer MataisC
We love the electrifying alt-pop energy on “Heaven&Hell” , from AViVA. We were hanging on every note .
Double Gold and Platinum award-winning artist AViVA is an artist unafraid of baring all in her music. AViVA and her unique alt pop sound has created a growing groundswell online, building a strong community of fans- her ‘Outsiders’. She continues to explore the themes of control and isolation. The Los Angeles based artist describes her songs as being about the “Outsider experience” something clearly expressed in both her lyrics and the sonic palate of her catalogue.
“Heaven&Hell,captures both sonic power and emotional depth. Lyrically, it offers a critique of the passivity and soul-selling often associated with the music industry—a world AViVA has deliberately remained independent from, refusing to hand over her masters or compromise her values. “‘Heaven & Hell’ reflects my own experiences,” she shares. “The devil, literal or not, sits waiting for the next artist to fall into the trap.” Still, she leaves space for the listener to interpret the song through their own lens. “I have my story, but I want others to apply their own lives and feelings to it. That’s something I always strive for in my music.”
“Heaven&Hell, from AViVA, is definitely a can’t miss !
AViVA – Tour Dates 2025
May
30.05.2025 – Camden Assembly – London, UK
June
05.06.2025 – Hydozagadka – Warsaw, Poland
07.06.2025 – Rock Im Park – Nürnberg, Germany [Festival]
08.06.2025 – Rock Am Ring – Nürburg, Germany [Festival]
11.06.2025 – Aeden – Berlin, Germany
13.06.2025 – Turmzimmer – Hamburg, Germany
15.06.2025 – Les Etoiles – Paris, France
17.06.2025 – Kiff – Aaura, Switzerland
19.06.2025 – Café V Lese – Prague, Czechia
21.06.2025 – Patronaat – Haarlem, Netherlands
22.06.2025 – Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium [Festival]
July
26.07.2025 – Vans Warped Tour – Long Beach, California [Festival]
27.07.2025 – Vans Warped Tour – Long Beach, California [Festival]
August
22.08.2025 – Leeds Festival – Leeds, UK [Festival]
24.08.2025 – Reading Festival – Reading, UK [Festival]
November
15.11.2025 – Vans Warped Tour – Orlando, Florida [Festival]
16.11.2025 – Vans Warped Tour – Orlando, Florida [Festival]
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “XO”, from Sophie Powers and producer RJ Pasin. You can listen to , “XO” Here
“XO”, is an explosive new single that plunges into a chaotic, cinematic soundscape where hyperpop’s frenetic energy collides with the raw power of metalcore.
“XO” captures the emotional volatility of a generation overwhelmed by societal pressure but unwilling to stay silent. With piercing, unapologetic vocals and a sharp lyrical perspective, Sophie cuts through the noise with fearless clarity. The result is a track that feels both defiant and cathartic, grounded in Sophie’s emotionally unfiltered delivery and signature melodic punch.
“‘XO’ is pure femme fatale energy—like kissing destruction on the mouth,” Sophie shares. “Working with RJ Pasin unlocked this wild sonic tension I’ve been chasing for a while. It’s the sound of me stepping into womanhood, claiming my power, and still recklessly chasing chaos like it’s love. As Hannah Montana said, sometimes you really do get the best of both worlds—and this song is proof. My voice wraps around RJ’s guitar in a way that feels both raw and hypnotic, but it’s that mysterious, unhinged energy that gives ‘XO’ its heartbeat.”
Driving the track’s sonic intensity is RJ Pasin, the multi-hyphenate producer known for fusing cinematic metalcore with emo rap and electronic math rock. RJ injects “XO” with glitch-heavy textures, punishing breakdowns, and a jolt of unpredictability. With over 300 million solo streams and credits alongside Sexy Redd, Flo Milli, Bring Me The Horizon, and more, RJ brings both subcultural grit and forward-thinking precision to the collaboration, amplifying Sophie’s voice without ever overshadowing it.
“XO”, from Sophie Powers, featuring RJ Pasin, is an electrifying, powerful thrill ride of a track that we are absolutely mesmerized by.
We recently had the phenomenal opportunity to check out the new record , “sorted”, via Wicked Cool Records, from New York City based WYLDLIFE. You can listen to red hot new record, “sorted.” Here
One listen to, “sorted”, from WYLDLIFE, and it is crystal clear that these guys are the epitome of bad ass , loud, perfect rock and roll.
Recorded over three years across half a dozen studio sessions, sorted. is a snarling, swaggering sonic mélange of all things rock ‘n’ roll.
“It’s like dumping out a big box of puzzle pieces,”says frontman and lyricist Dave Feldman. “It’s all over the place — and so are we. But now, it’s sorted.”The title is both a nod to British slang and a tongue-in-cheek reflection on the long road to its creation. But those pieces snap together into ten wonderful, disjointed yet somehow homogenous tracks that hit hard, fast and filthy – delivering WYLDLIFE’s trademark cocktail of catchy, irreverent, and razor-sharp rock with more bite than ever.
“Fast Dreams”, “Little Headcase, and Generate 2 Terminate are strong well written gems that we were absolutely smitten with.
If we had to pick a favorite track off of “Sorted”, it would without question be , “Dizzy” , we simply couldn’t get enough of this track. Perfect melody, flawless vocals – freaking brilliant.
Reflecting on “Dizzy”, vocalist Dave Feldman says, “In writing “Dizzy,” we just wanted people to have that feeling of coming home from school in 1995, turning on MTV and hearing some “choooon” from the UK. Personally, I never want to lose that feeling or exit that headspace. We always told journalists ‘we love BritPop’ and we did it way before it was cool (again). Well here you go, folks: Here’s our love anthem to BritPop.”
“Sorted” from , WYLDLIFE, is the rock and roll thrill ride that you didn’t know you needed.
Photo: Jason Yamauchi
WYLDLIFE is:
Dave Feldman — Vocals
Sam Allen — Guitar
Spencer Alexander — Bass
Russ Barrnett — Drums
Upcoming Shows: 5/16 Philadelphia @ Nikki Lopez 5/17 NYC @ Bowery Electric with Ravagers and How Tragic (Hometown Album Release Show)
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new blazing single, “Some Of These Days” , from Madrid born , Los Angeles based musician, Doc Burner. You can listen to “Some Of These Days“ below
You can also check out the stunning video for “Some Of These Days” below
Doc Burner, the moniker of Spanish musician and industry visionary Paco Fernandez, has released his epic high-energy rock n’ roll belter “Some of These Days,” available to stream now on all DSPs worldwide. The track delivers a hard-hitting, high-voltage ride through the wreckage of lost love, and will make you feel the need to turn it up to 11 and let the good times roll. “Some of These Days” comes just ahead of Burner’s debut album Unobedient, out May 22nd.
“Some Of These Days”, from Doc Burner, is an instant rock gem . We were tapping and singing along right from the first note.
Photo credit- Iñigo de Amescuna
’Some of These Days’ is a reckoning – the moment when love turns into a lingering ghost, when the weight of what’s lost finally settles in,” says Fernandez. “It’s not just about heartbreak; it’s about the echoes that stay long after the door has closed. Musically, I love it because it has everything I want in my headphones; big melodies, anthemic choruses, and the kind of soaring energy that begs to be played loud. It’s got that undeniable rock ‘n’ roll spirit, but with a polished edge that makes every hook hit just right.”
Doc Burner was born in Spain, got lost in rock ‘n’ roll, and somehow ended up in Los Angeles. A disciple of raw energy and tight hooks, his music channels the reckless charm of punk and powerpop while refusing to be just another nostalgia act. Over the past few years, he’s hauled his guitar across the US., UK, Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico, playing everywhere from dive bars to festival stages—collecting stories, bruises, and a few broken strings along the way. Now, he’s unleashing Unobedient, a record built on loud amps, emotional gut punches, and the DIY grit that keeps real rock alive. Produced in Cape Town by sonic mastermind Reinhard Van Biljon, the album is less of a career move and more of a war cry. Between endless gigs, late-night video shoots, and the fine art of shoving his music into people’s ears, Doc Burner is here for one thing: keeping rock ‘n’ roll worth believing in. So do the right thing—hit play and turn it up.
We are all in on Doc Burner and his killer new single, “Some Of These Days” we can’t wait for more…
We recently had the opportunity to check out The Disassociates sparkling cover of SZA’s “Kill Bill” You can listen to “Kill Bill” Here
Southern California alt-rock standouts, The Disassociates, are continuing to build on their recent buzz with the release of a high-octane rock cover of SZA’s chart-topping hit, “Kill Bill.” Known for their genre-blending sound, sharp wit, and unforgettable hooks, the band has carved a bold new space in the rock scene.
We have forever said that the true mark of a great cover, is when a band takes a song and makes it their own. The Disassociates, have most definitely achieved this with their cover of SZA’s , “Kill Bill”
The group burst onto the map with their 2024 debut album, No Reason This Can’t Be Fun—an explosive fusion of rock subgenres, layered with clever, boundary-pushing lyrics and irresistibly catchy melodies. Since its release, the album has garnered critical acclaim and captivated a growing fanbase.
In addition to their musical chops, The Disassociates gained viral fame through their wildly popular “Wrong Door” social media series, racking up over 6 million views. Their single “30mg” earned both Single of the Year and Video of the Yearat the Bakersfield Music Awards, cementing their status as one of the most exciting acts to watch.
Featuring vocalistBrie Marie, guitaristJordan Sutton, drummerMichael Bonanno, and bassistJustin Pittman, the band is celebrated for their genre-defying approach, drawing influences from pop punk, metal, Broadway, and classic rock. Their newest release—an amped-up take on SZA’s darkly addictive hit—brings their signature edge to a song already rich in drama.
“‘Kill Bill’ was begging to be a rock song,” the band shares. “SZA’s incredible lyrics are all about revenge, pettiness, violence, madness—a lot of themes we cover in our original music, so we were extremely drawn to this song. And it’s a Tarantino reference!? Come on—that’s so punk and dramatic—we live for it. The original was so beautiful, we just knew we had to make a high-energy mess of SZA’s masterpiece.”
We can’t think of a better way to spend 2 minutes of our day than listening to The Disassociates , picture perfect cover of SZA’s, “Kill Bill”
Catch The Disassociates live at their upcoming shows:
We recently got a chance to check out the spectacular debut album from Worcester based alternative duo , Sunday Junkie ( Tom Martin and Shawn Pelkey) You can listen to their debut album, on SpotifyHere, Apple Music Here , Bandcamp Here
Sunday Junkie, has a sound and vibe that is a one of a kind musical experience that is in full effect on their flawless debut.
Photo Credit- Sunday Junkie
It has been an absolute pleasure to listen to the magnificent singles, beginning with last fall’s mesmerizing“Vultures” and last month’s excellent gem “Fever Dream.” that have been released prior to today’s ( May 9th ) release of the debut album.
The result is a stirred Molotov cocktail of noise, a torrent of blissful agitation that corrals digestible genre lanes of post-punk, emo, ‘90s alternative, post-hardcore and whatever else from the duo of multi-instrumentalist and vocalistTom Martin and drummer and percussionistShawn Pelkey, two longtime friends who recently were part of Massachusetts hopefuls Not Bad Not Well.
“Our sound emerged purely unintentionally – it’s just a pretty faithful expression of our influences and where we’re at in terms of writing abilities,” admits Martin. “I’ve never been a fan of trying to sound like xyz, or feel like we need to stay within certain parameters of a genre, but rather letting the songs just happen as they’re meant to.”
Martin and Pelkey co-engineered the album, with Martin developing the artwork and the overall aesthetics. The record was then mixed by Jack Shea, and mastered by Jay Frigoletto at Mastersuite in Brookline, New Hampshire.
The amazing energy and creativity that makes Sunday Junkie standout, is over flowing at a fever pitch on every track throughout the album.
The opening track, “Vultures” is an epic example of two like minded musicians making next level music with melodies that impress from note one
“Holy, Holy”, is perhaps our favorite track on the album. As we noted in our original review, ‘Holy, Holy’ from Sunday Junkie is the kind of song that effortlessly finds its way into your soul and stays with you long after the music has faded.”
We loved the hypnotic feel of “Seventeen”, we could easily picture this song on the silver screen.
“For the lyrical themes on this album, I’d say it’s a pretty even split of deeply personal, introspective lyrics and then dealing with discontent in relation to the world at large,” says Martin. “On the more personal, introspective side are songs like ‘Death Defier’ and ‘Fever Dream’ that delve into romantic relationships, and ‘Constellations’ aims to examine the dull ache of nostalgia and fleeting youth. ‘Emergencies’ hits on religious hypocrisy and the mainstream media’s constant cycle of fear often played ad nauseam.”
Sunday Junkie, is a band that take music places that are absolutely otherworldly. Their debut album is an experience that should be on the top of every music lover’s list.
We recently had the epic opportunity, to check out the new single, “Demonomic”, via Futureless, from Brooklyn hardcore outfit Cash Bribe. The new single, is the title track off the band’s upcoming EP, “Demonomics” which is out June 13th. You can listen to “Demonomics” , Here
Every time we hear a new song from Cash Bribe, our love for their phenomenal sound grows, and “Demonomics” is no exception.
Photo: Moya Ferenchak
Cash Bribe, is definitely a band that stands out . They artfully take hardcore and punk vibes and make it all their own .
The musicianship is front and center in everything they do and it is top notch.
The EP’s title track, “Demonomics,” is now streaming everywhere—an absolute sonic assault that sets the tone for what’s to come. ( We can’t freaking wait )
So strap in and hold on tight because, Cash Bribe, have a sound and vibe that will blow your mind.
CASH BRIBE SHOW DATES:
May 10– @The Gutter, Brooklyn NY w/ Chemical Man, End State, Fuckcrusher and Overture
June 13 — @ Lucky 13 Saloon, Brooklyn NY, w/Expollutants, Circle Breaker, and Fuckcrusher (album release show)
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Bulletproof”, from Los Angeles-based band The Manic Standstill. You can listen to “Bulletproof” Here You can watch the video below
We are absolutely infatuated with this groove from The Manic Standstill, “Bulletproof” is the song you need desperately in your life but didn’t know it , until you heard the infectious opening chord.
Bulletproof” is a song that came together with striking speed and intensity. Inspired by a casual challenge, vocalist and songwriter Adam Bones (known for his work with Save Ferris, Richie Ramone, Josie Cotton, The Two Tens) asked his wife, Megan, a true crime enthusiast and talented writer, if she could pen lyrics rooted in the genre. To his surprise, fully written lyrics appeared in his inbox the very next day.
I was so excited and inspired by these incredible words that the music just poured out of me — I must have written the music in about five minutes,”he says. Megan later revealed that her lyrics were loosely based on the harrowing true story of Mary Vincent, a survivor of a brutal attack and an enduring symbol of resilience.
Following the success of their debut single, “Reasons Why,””Bulletproof”was once again recorded and produced by Davey Warsop at Strong Studios. The track features the dynamic talents of Aixa Vilar (drums) and Michelle Rangel(bass) from the iconic punk band Go Betty Go, adding even more energy and urgency to the song’s message of strength.
The vibrant music video for “Bulletproof“was brought to life by Nicolette Vilar, lead singer of Go Betty Go, who also directed and conceptualized the project.
I had seen Nicolette’s incredible video work for Go Betty Go and was blown away,” says Bones. “I asked if she’d be interested in making a video for us, and she came up with an amazing, colorful, and creative vision. We trusted her completely — and she absolutely delivered.”
Vilar says, “It was a pleasure working with The Manic Standstill on this very fun music video. The concept came to me when listening to the chorus of the song and knowing how tall everyone in the band is. I played with the surreal idea of a woman who goes from being tiny to crazy tall. I’m also inspired by the colors I see out in the California desert. I had a lot of fun directing the band and putting it all together in post.”
Bones adds, “At the time the video for ‘Bulletproof’ was conceptualized and shot, we had already established the core lineup of The Manic Standstill:Adam Bones, Eddy Hewitt, and Brad Dickert.Unlike the ‘Reasons Why’ video, which featured an ensemble of musicians, ‘Bulletproof’ proudly introduces and highlights the band’s official trio for the very first time.”
Bulletproof” will appear on the band’s upcoming album, set to drop later this year via Wiretap Records/Double Helix.
Featured guests on the upcoming LP ‘Moving’ include: Ian Fowles (The Aquabats) Kevin Preston (Prima Donna) Kody Templeman (Teenage Bottlerocket, The Lillingtons) Nicolette Vilar (Go Betty Go) Aixa Vilar (Go Betty Go) Michelle Rangel (Go Betty Go) Jonah Nimoy, Kelly Ogden & Luis Cabezas (The Dollyrots) Drew Champion (Suzi Moon) Paul Roessler (The Screamers) Packy Lundholm (I Fight Dragons) “Lights Out” Levine (Prima Donna) “Little” Dave Parker (Billy Liar, Johnny Madcap & the Distractions) Ari Shineplus Production by Davey Warsop.
“Bulletproof”, has us so amped up for more music from The Manic Standstill
It is next to impossiblenot to get wrapped up in the punk rock goodness of “Insolence” from Walt Hamburger.
Insolence,” is a punchy, full-band anthem exploring the isolating realities of modern dating culture. The track sets the tone for Hamburger’s upcoming album “…And Louie!” — due out June 20th — and features an all-star cast of punk rock royalty.
“Insolence” showcases a powerhouse lineup: Neil Hennessy (The Lawrence Arms), Asher Simon (Joey Cape’s Bad Loud), Mikey Erg (The Ergs,The Unlovables), and Jon Snodgrass (Drag the River, Scorpios). The result? A gritty, heartfelt, and infectious punk jam that will resonate with fans of Joey Cape, Jon Snodgrass, Frank Turner, Bryan Walstrom, and Tim Barry.
“…And Louie!” continues Walt Hamburger’s evolution from underground hero to genre mainstay. Known for blending sharp wit, emotional depth, and infectious energy, Walt brings the same passion that’s defined his career—from his early days in The Hamburgers, to his time on One Week Records and Barely Standing Records, to his solo ventures and charitable work with theWalt Hamburger Foundation 501(c)3.
We have put “Insolence” , on repeat and can’t for “….And Louie!” as it marks a bold new chapter, fusing Hamburger’s DIY ethos with the muscle of a seasoned full band.
We recently had the brilliant opportunity to check out the new single, “Coming In Hot”, via Man Demolish Records from Hull (UK) band, ROTHCO. You can listen to “Coming In Hot”Here.
You can’t talk about music without talking about energy, ROTHCO has enough energy to power a city and this is evident on their blazing new single, “Coming In Hot”
Commenting on the single, the band said: “There’s a simple rule for when the going gets tough and the world grows cold: it’s time to light it up and come in hot. Remember that change comes from within, but it doesn’t hurt to give yourself a banging makeover and walk with purpose.”
Credit – Victoria Smith
The track is the latest to be taken from their forthcoming debut EP Fools Gold, set for release on June 6th, 2025. The title track was released earlier this year to regular support from BBC introducing Hull and York and BBC introducing West Yorkshire.
To celebrate the news, the band have also announced a short run of select UK live dates, with appearances at Beatherder Festival and Sesh Festival also confirmed – tickets are on sale now, see below for listings.
It’s hard to imagine that ROTHCO, has only been together for just over a year , they are a flawless musical unit that feeds off one another to produce an electrifying sound that is both vibrant and lively.
If music is what you crave , you owe it to yourself to check out “Coming In Hot” , from ROTHCO.
Live Dates:
11 May – BBC Introducing Hull + York live session 16 May – Wrecking Ball, Hull – BBC introducing gig (SOLD OUT) 17 Jun – Beatherder Festival 02 Aug – Sesh Festival, Hull (Deadbod Stage, 19:15) 23 Aug – Newcastle, Cluny 24 Aug – Hull, Adelph
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new video for “Death Tax”, from Brooklyn, NY, based band , Cash Bribe. You can watch the video for “Death Tax” below
Brooklyn bruisers Cash Bribe are back with their third EP, “Demonomics,”dropping June 13, 2025, via Futureless. This marks their first release on the label, and they’ve never sounded louder, sharper, or more furious.
Photo Credit- Moya Ferenchak
the charge is the blistering first single, “Death Tax,” now streaming everywhere. The companion video for “Death Tax “ is above and it kicks some serious ass.
Vocalist Joey Dahlstrom says, “We did all of the Death Tax video — except for the time lapse — in one day last December with our pal Charlie Jordan, who shot it and put it together for us. We wanted to reflect our surroundings in Brooklyn and the themes of grime, erosion, and decay.”
Of the single, Dahlstrom: says, “Death Tax comes from thinking about entropy and decay. Nature can be cruel, violent, and indifferent — the suffering seems pointless — but accepting and understanding the terms of our existence comes with a certain viriditas, an empowering vitality to approach it head-on.”
GuitaristKirk McGirk adds, “This one made it into our live sets pretty quickly – people would respond to it pretty well, and we like when we do something that makes people move.”
Cash Bribe, have an absolutely breathtaking, one of kind sound that is both sonically and melodically perfect. We were stopped dead in our tracks when we heard “Death Tax” If you’re not aware of Cash Bribe, now is definitely the time to start.
Hearing a great freaking song, is like when you hear a ball hit with a bat a certain way … you just know it’s a hit…. “Death Tax” is a hit
CASH BRIBE SHOW DATES:
May 10 – @The Gutter, Brooklyn NY w/Chemical Man, Fuckcrusher, one more tba June 13 — @ Lucky 13 Saloon, Brooklyn NY, w/Expollutants, Circle Breaker, and Fuckcrusher (album release show)
We recently had the opportunity to check out Skeetch , a skate punk band from Leipzig, Germany, and their new single, “Loose Thoughts “ You can listen to “Loose Thoughts “ Here
Formed in 2021 by four friends brought together by their shared love of fast, melodic punk rock. Growing up during the golden era of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtracks, the band draws heavy inspiration from genre-defining acts like Pennywise, Millencolin, Bad Religion, and many more. Fueled by that same DIY energy, Skeetch quickly hit the ground running.
By the end of their first year, they had already released two EPs and embarked on their first European tour. Since then, they’ve continued to make a name for themselves across Europe, playing shows in countries like France, Croatia, and beyond. After releasing their third EP, Skeetch or Die, With Max Schlegel on vocals, Tom Kühnel on guitar and vocals, Markus Ackert on bass and vocals, and Richard M. on drums, Skeetch is carrying the torch for skate punk and proving that the sound that shaped their youth is alive and well.
The band is now gearing up to drop their first full-length album, coming later this year on Punkerton Records, and they couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world.
When speaking about the new single, “Loose Thoughts” , Max Schlegel, shares :
Loose Thoughts” is the first single from our upcoming debut album [Will be announced at a later date] , and it’s all about the random thoughts that run through your mind. It’s a tribute to all the daydreamers out there and a reminder of how important it is to lose yourself in your thoughts, whether to spark creativity or escape negativity. It’s also about questioning everything whether it is your past, your choices, and the “what ifs” of life. What if things had turned out differently? What if everything changed? With a touch of humor, these lyrics are meant to make you reflect on your life while also reminding you not to take everything too damn seriously.
Skeetch, crafts perfect punk melodies that are packaged with boundless and electrifying energy that we can’t get enough of. We are absolutely enthralled with the punk rock goodness of “Loose Thoughts”
Find your favorite listening spot and get lost in punk rock magic of “Loose Thoughts” from Skeetch
We are beyond excited, to finally check out the new EP, “Brittle But Elite”, via the fine folks from High End Denim Records, from Charlottetown, PEI , punks , TeethOut. You can listen to “Brittle But Elite “ Here
Formed in 2024 in Charlottetown, PEI, TeethOut is a punk band that plays like they’re still 20—fast, loud, and with something to prove. Rooted in the traditions of skatepunk and 90s melodic hardcore, the band blends breakneck speed with introspective lyricism, delivering a sound that’s both nostalgic and urgent. Despite their recent formation, TeethOut has already earned a reputation for raw, high-energy live shows and no-frills punk songwriting.
We were immediately drawn to the style , sound and vibe of TeethOut. They pour everything they have in to their music and, it shows glowingly on “BrittleBut Elite”
The project began with a simple idea: reconnect with the cathartic energy of the music they grew up on. Early writing sessions between founding members Jason, Josh, and Ira sparked what would become Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, their debut EP released in January 2025 on High End DenimRecords. Tracks like “Streetlights” and “Down on Queen” introduced listeners to a band unafraid to mix emotional honesty with punk aggression.
The lineup has since solidified with Josh Lavigne (vocals), Ira Banks (guitar), Brandon Doyle (guitar), Pete MacDonald (bass), and Jason Ezeard (drums). Each member brings decades of experience in East Coast punk and hardcore, but TeethOut is more than a throwback project—it’s a reaction to the chaos of modern life and a commitment to staying loud through it all.
If you like punk rock…. TeethOut, is the band that will get you to love punk rock. The band has further crafted and redefine their already killer sound and elevated it to new heights with their second EP , Brittle But Elite
Featuring a guest spot from Madison Regan (Last Good Thing) on the lead track “Lifeline II,” the new record digs deeper into themes of regret, survival, and hope in a collapsing world. From the explosive melancholy of “Walking Down” to the stripped-down vulnerability of “Cancel Me (Acoustic),” the EP balances chaos with clarity—delivered at full speed. TeethOut, is not a one trick pony and it really shows on “Brittle But Elite”
Catch TeethOut on tour:
July 17-18 – Gutterfest 2025 – Avon Valley Lanes – Windsor, NS July 26 – Gus’ Pub & Grill – Halifax, NS
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the new record, “Pest Sounds“ from Philadelphia , based punks , Five Hundred Bucks , You can listen to “Pest Sounds “ Here
“Pest Sounds “, from Five Hundred Bucks, is a punk rock lovers dream. Every single song is full of punk rock goodness.
On their second full-length Pest Sounds, lead songwriter Jeff Riddle has written a set of maximalist punk rock songs that buzz like a metal detector in a crowded mine-field while never shying away from classic pop structures and affecting storytelling. This is punk-pop for the kicked-around. Sing-along songs for the rough-around-the-edges, and the sound of a new and exciting band stumbling onto their masterwork.
Going back a few years, Riddle (formerly of The Holy Mess) hooked up with his old friend, drummer William Francis Orender (Captain, We’re Sinking), to fulfill an assignment of writing the soundtrack the hit indie horror flick Uncle Peckerhead, written and directed by Riddle’s friend and close collaborator, Matthew John Lawrence. During the dire days of the pandemic, the two got together for almost daily writing sessions. They quickly amassed a well of songs and a sound that stays true to their punk past but makes room to include their all-encompassing musical vocabularies. The band made a name for themselves on their 2022 debut $500, as well as with the success of Uncle Peckerhead, but have dug even deeper into their modus operandi of following wherever their muse leads them on this new batch of songs.
We’re doing this for us,”says Riddle of their approach. “If people connect with it, great. But we’re not writing for anyone else.” And it’s that defiance that shapes Pest Sounds, which swings from world-dominating heartland anthems like “Promises of Gold” to the wild, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fury of “Baker’s Lung.”to the sleazy 70’s rock strut of “The Cramp.” There’s no safe zone here—every track is an unpredictable dive into a new corner of the band’s world.
While the album is chock full of hooks that pass by with a rabbit’s heartbeat, Riddle is opening up lyrically in a way he never has. Emotional haymakers like the stomping “Denialism” offer a sepia tone snapshot of days of yore: fleeting impressions of innocence—a stolen cigarette here, a bummed ride there—swirling in a fog of nostalgia and droning Leslie organ.
When we were younger and just discovering punk we dream of finding a band like Five Hundred Bucks, now our dreams have come true .
Every song on “Pest Sounds” , is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. “pest Sounds”, from Five Hundred Bucks, is everything we wanted in a punk rock record and more.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “Gunshow” from Belfast based quartet Stratford Rise. You can listen to “Gunshow “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
If you don’t get absolutely charged up after listening to “Gunshow” from Stratford Rise, we strongly suggest getting medical attention.
Stratford Rise, leads the charge towards a new breed of guitar music rising from the Irish noise rock scene.
“Gunshow” , from Stratford Rise, is a fresh sounding track from a band that is taking noise rock to the next level
We were literally hanging on every brilliant sound and melody . It was like we were listening to the rebirth of music.
Their explosive live shows have made them one of the most talked about bands in the Irish live circuit. In a short period of time, they have built an impressive repertoire of performances. From supporting noise rock legends, The Jesus Lizard in Belfast’s Limelight, and a sold out show in Dublin’s The Button Factory, proving their ability to hold their own alongside the greats. At Whelans Ones to Watch Festival the band stole the show, with audience members surfing across the room.
In 2024 they also embarked on their own five- date Irish tour. Their stage presence is erratic, theatrical, and visceral, with each members becoming enveloped by the music, offering a visually exciting performance for audiences. Other notable highlights: Just Mustard support slot at Limerick’s legendary Féile Na Gréine, support slots for Crows and Junk Drawer support, and write ups in Hot Press and The Thin Air magazines. 2025 is to be a big year for Stratford Rise with their debut eponymous EP set to release in late spring. The EP promises to deliver a blistering collection of tracks that encapsulate the band’s intensity, a tasting platter of their live staples thus far. It is a collection of songs that explore extremes in music, interlocking rhythms, and combining harsh, noisy ideas with consonant ones. Lyrically, it’s about small fleeting glimpses into characters at crossroads and crisis.
Find your favorite listening spot, and get lost in the musical triumph of “Gunshow” , from Stratford Rise.
We recently had the stellar opportunity, to check out the new single, “Bagel Bagel Bagel, from Bristol (UK) based rock four-piece SpinClass. The new single, is taken from their upcoming second EP ‘Dinner At Derek’s out later this year. You can listen to “Bagel Bagel Bagel” Here
Right from the first sonically perfect note on “BagelBagel Bagel, we were absolutely mesmerized by the rock and roll goodness of Spin Class .
Formed in 2023, Spin Class’ sound combines proggy riffs and hook-heavy melodies, with some grunge and desert rock thrown in for good measure.
With ‘Bagel Bagel Bagel’,the band wanted to capture the frenetic energy of their live show, opting to record the track live in its entirety with Josh Gallop (Krooked Tongue, Phoxjaw, Sergeant Thunderhoof) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath.
On the single’s lyrical inspirations, lyricist and vocalist Louis Slater says, “Do you ever feel like a bagel? A soft, round but delicious outside with a hole in the middle where all the bits should be? Now times that by three and you get Bagel Bagel Bagel. The majority of our lyrical inspirations are a retelling of our inner experiences and in this belter it’s paired with humour with lines like ‘ain’t the mix that makes the bread, hole in the bagel.’ This song is the perfect way to start the next chapter of Spin Class. It’s punchy and energetic with a layer of frustration, yet it’s a song that’s designed to light you up.”
On their decision to record live the band explain, “For this track we wanted to write an intense, in your face punk song and go in the live-recorded direction, bands like Soundgarden and Led Zeppelin and how they recorded tracks being a heavy influence for us. This approach has been something we’ve never done before but felt very natural. We’re a live band first at the end of the day, and capturing that raw energy in production was essential. The result bounces between overstimulated punk intensity with each violent transition amplifying the live feel we’ve wanted to capture at gigs and rehearsals.”
Sometimes, bands decide to hold back and deliver sound that is too polished, while there is nothing wrong with a high quality recording, you can fake the raw frantic energy of a rock and roll band . Hundreds of bands strive to bottle their live sound on a studio recording. Spin Class , not only successfully deliver an amazing studio track with magnificent live energy with “Bagel Bagel Bagel” …. They do it with absolute brilliance.
From the moment we hit “Play”, on the new single, “Marigold” from Bristol (UK) rock trio Krooked Tongue, we knew we were listening to what we believe to be the future of rock music. You can listen to “Marigold” Here
Recorded and produced with long-time producer Josh Gallop at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, ‘Marigold‘ highlights the sophisticated, multidimensional capabilities of Krooked Tongue’s songwriting. A slight departure from the band’s usual gritty, anthemic rock, the track immediately pulls at the heart strings, lyrically exploring the ‘what could have been’s’.
Describing the single, vocalist and lyricist Oli Rainsford states, “‘Marigold’ is a love letter to the ‘what might’ve been’. Do you ever meet someone in passing and wonder where their life is going to end up? What struggles they might have, what their family is like, what they do in their spare time. I’ve always liked to people watch; you can defer so much from just a few seconds of looking at someone, and yet have no idea at all on how valid your assumptions are. Most of the time when we interact with strangers, it never gets a second thought. Maybe a subtle glance, or a smile here and there but mostly it’s a cold and disconnected endeavour. But then there’s those moments where you have instant chemistry with someone, and for a minute it’s electric; the room stops spinning and the chaos fades away. And then you never see that person again. Who knows where a split decision could’ve taken you. ‘Marigold’ is THAT electricity.
It’s a song that tries its best to put into words the love that lies dormant in us, waiting for someone to break open the safety glass. Although I think it’s less of a ‘love at first sight’ cliche and more of a homage to missed opportunities. ‘Marigold’ is a fascination with the high speed pace of everyday life, and how we ebb and flow into each other’s periphery…like atoms. Destined to live separately or destined to veer from the main road and see where a chance will take us. Like a flower, that only blossoms when the time is right.”
Krooked Tongue, is one of those special bands that you want to keep to yourself but also want to share with the universe at the same time.We have a feeling that “Marigold” is going to rule the top of many playlists.
With interest in the band quickly growing, in addition to the announcement of the single, Krooked Tongue are very excited to announce that they’ve signed a publishing deal with Wipeout Music, and have very recently joined TRUST Artists’ live roster, and hope to continue to cement themselves as an emerging band to watch in the UK.
We have known for quite sometime how special Krooked Tongue are….. We can’t wait for the rest of the world to find out as well.
We are beyond excited to finally check out the new album, Heartbreak Designer via AWAL, from Indie rock band, Phoneboy. The album is out now on all platforms. You can listen to “Heartbreak Designer “ , Here
Phoneboy’s third album, Heartbreak Designer, is the next chapter for the indie-rock group, blending their signature infectious energy with a more refined, introspective sound. Following the success of Moving Out, the album explores love, loss, and self-discovery, marking a new level of depth in their songwriting and production. Phoneboy was formed in 2018 when college friends, Wyn Barnum and Ricky Dana, teamed up with Barnum’s childhood friend, James Fusco. They got their start making music in a scene that had little room for indie rock.What began as campus shows soon turned into packed venues, millions of streams, and a reputation for high-energy performances. After years of playing alongside the band, longtime friend Jordan Torres officially joined on keys and vocals, bringing a fresh dynamic to their sound.
“Heartbreak Designer “ from Phoneboy, is one of those albums we are going to be talking about way beyond 2025.
Sonically and melodically pleasing, “Heartbreak Designer “ , from Phoneboy doesn’t stop impressing till the final note .
Strong singles, “Better ThanYou”, “I Look Alive”, “Talking To Heads” and“Red Wine” are only the beginning of the great music found on “Heartbreak Designer “ which is an album in our opinion that is deeper than the ocean.
Phoneboy, plays with an electrifying energy that is second to none. Some of our other favorites on “Heartbreak Designer “ are “Hung Up”, “On and On” and the title track, “Heartbreak Designer “ If we had to pick our absolute favorite, it would be without question, “OMG” We love the the energy and melodic goodness on “OMG”
If your are looking for the absolute best in indie rock, you need to check out , “Heartbreak Designer” from Phoneboy.
We recently had the stellar opportunity, to check out the new single, “Hey Ramile”, from Irish indie rock band InBetween Honey . You can listen to “Hey Ramile” Here You can watch the video below
InBetween Honey, create smart and melodic indie rock songs that totally kick ass …. “Hey Ramile” is definitely one of those songs .
InBetween Honey are a fast rising Irish indie rock band who are forming a reputation for delivering hard hitting guitar driven songs. Having twice played Electric Picnic Festival and performed across Ireland they recently made their UK debut at the legendary Dublin Castle in London. With the release of ‘Driving Home‘ the band storm into 2025 and display their intent on it being a year where they go from strength to strength.
Guitarist, JohnPaul, comments about the song : Written in the springtime of 2023 after the realisation that I had fractured my back and the torment it had caused me in the run up to knowing the news. “Hey Ramile?” tells the story of a conversation I had on the phone with a nurse to the endless nights I spent on a hospital ward during that March where frustration, anxiety and amongst it all laughs are experiences i will keep forever.
“Hey Ramile”, is one of those songs that you can listen to a million and one times and never get bored of.
InBetween Honey are Dylan Hickey, brothers Matty & JohnPaul Melady, Ciara McManus and Dan Battigan.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the amazing new single, “Dizzy”,via Wicked CoolRecords, from NYC, based indie/alternative band , WYLDLIFE. You can listen to “Dizzy” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
We feel here at The Whole Kameese, feel that it is impossible not to love the melodic goodness of WYLDLIFE, The new single “Dizzy” has us spinning in total delight.
Photo by : JasonYamauchi
Fueled by infectious riffs, shout-along choruses, and undeniable charm, WYLDLIFE delivers a sound that nods to the golden age of ’70s punk, glam rock, and power pop. Their music crackles with raw energy and a sense of timeless cool, fusing melody, attitude, and a rebellious streak into every track. With a deep reverence for rock ‘n’ roll’s icons, they channel the high-voltage swagger of the past while injecting a sharp, modern edge—creating songs that grab you instantly and live shows that hit like a bolt of electricity.
Reflecting on the new single “Dizzy”, vocalist Dave Feldman says, “In writing “Dizzy,” we just wanted people to have that feeling of coming home from school in 1995, turning on MTV and hearing some “choooon” from the UK. Personally, I never want to lose that feeling or exit that headspace. We always told journalists ‘we love BritPop’ and we did it way before it was cool (again). Well here you go, folks: Here’s our love anthem to BritPop.”
“Dizzy” will appear on the band’s forthcoming Wicked Cool Records release, ‘Sorted.’
WYLDLIFE, has an energy, style and vibe that is off the charts. “Dizzy”, is a track that needs to be heard .
WYLDLIFE is:
Dave Feldman — Vocals Sam Allen — Guitar Spencer Alexander — Bass Russ Barrnett — Drums
Upcoming Shows: 5/16 Philadelphia @ Nikki Lopez 5/17 NYC @ Bowery Electric with Ravagers and How Tragic (Hometown Album Release Show)
We absolutely can’t get enough of Nashville, based alternative rock band, “Cinema Stereo” You can listen to “Can’t Get Close Enough “on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
Cinema Stereo, has a unique alt-rock sound that borrows from the past but also paves it own original path . From the very first note on “Can’tGet Close Enough “ , you can feel the raw , electrifying energy from Cinema Stereo, and it is magnificent.
Every track on , “Can’t Get Close Enough “ has its own undeniably unique sound that you simply can’t ignore.
The opening track “Acércate a mí” has a very percussive feel that we couldn’t help but tap along to. “I know You Like It, But I Don’t “ has a very straight ahead 80’s rock feel, we love the vocals on this track .
Our favorite track on the EP, is “Love You Madly”, which was released as a single back in March. “Love You Madly” has such a beautiful melody that is absolutely perfect. We definitely hit repeat on this one a few times.
CINEMA STEREO consists of 4 unique individuals: lead vocalist, bassist & keyboard player Ian Rayha, guitaristsSebastian Borysek & Will Sawyer, and drummerLuke Pate.
If you are looking for high energy inspiring alternative rock, look no further than Cinema Stereo, and their brilliant new EP, “Can’t Get Close Enough “
We are beyond excited to finally get to check out the debut album, “THE PIT”, via AWAL, from Northport, Long Island-based indie rock band, Arcy Drive. You can listen to “THE PIT” Here
Arcy Drive , have crafted an absolute indie rock masterpiece with , “THE PIT” We have literally been counting the days for this one . (It did not disappoint)
From the very first note on “Under The Rug” , all the way through to “Swimming ” , Arcy Drive ( guitarist/vocalistNickMateyunas, guitaristAustin Jones, bassistPatrick Helrigel, and drummerBrooke Tuozzo) have created more than just an album with “THE PIT” they have created an incredible, world class listening experience.
There is a electrifying freshness with Arcy Drive that we honestly can’t get enough of . They have a versatile and vibrant sound that reminds us why we love music so much . Every song feels like a moment in time that simply can’t be missed . We found ourselves literally hanging on every note and every melody on “THE PIT”
Truthfully, there isn’t a bad song to be found on “THE PIT” “Recipe”, “The Itch”, and “Rocket Chair “ are some of our favorites Arcy Drive effortlessly weaves smart and thought provoking lyrics in between beautifully constructed melodies that sound like a little piece of heaven.
We fell endlessly in love with every single that was released in the build up to “THE PIT” ( “Under The Rug” , “Louie”, “Oak Tree(Daydream) , “Thrift Store”, “The Itch” and “Rocket Chair” However, “THE PIT” is full of other magical melodies, such as , “Creatures Of The Night and “Swimming”
With an album like “THE PIT” it is nearly impossible to pick a favorite song, but the one song that really stuck out to us is , “Lights Fall”. We instantly captivated with the melodic wonderment of the song. The vocal performance on “Lights Fall “ is absolutely breathtaking. We have a feeling that the live performance of “Lights Fall” is absolutely magical.
The band just wrapped up tour dates supporting Flipturn and will head to Europe in May as support for Cassia. The band’s headline US tour commences this fall.
From top to bottom, “THE PIT” is a special album from a band, who is about to launch themselves to the moon and beyond … and we can’t to watch.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the debut EP, “Kiss Me On The Mouth”, from Bristol, UK rock band, Oswald Slain. You can listen to “Kiss Me On The Mouth” Here
Oswald Slain, have just right sound and vibe that could quite possibly save the world ( or at the very least make you have the best day ever) “Kiss Me On The Mouth” is about to be your new favorite EP, you just don’t know it yet .
Photo Credit GLK Media
Recored entirely from home in their DIY home studio and mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), ‘KISS ME ON THE MOUTH’ reflects a period of introspection and growth for vocalist and lyricistCharlie Fitzgerald. Having reconciled with the chaos of youth and the trials of aging, Fitz channels these experiences into sincere, humorous, evocative songwriting alongside the timeless swagger of old retro rock records, lyrically exploring personal flaws, self-acceptance and the feelings of constant imposter syndrome.
Right from the start there is an ultra cool presence that flows freely throughout the EP.
The opening track, “Ugly” is a total gem. As we stated in our original review, “We love everything about , “UGLY”, from Oswald Slain, we found ourselves singing along instantly. Oswald Slain, have a vibe and an energy that is impossible not to fall in love with”.
You can you check out the fantastic video for “Ugly” below
“Road Runner “ (aka, “Sean Paul”) is the most stunning 2 minute and 46 second dance party we have ever heard . Oswald Slain, have a beautiful habit of creating incredible jams , and “Road Runner “ is no exception.
Discussing the creation of the EP, vocalist and lyricistCharlie Fitzgerald says: “We spent a couple of weeks in 2024 writing and recording loads of tunes. Every day I’d get up and write a couple of ideas and some lyrics, then we’d work together to orchestrate it, finishing the song together and tracking everything there and then. It was all pretty quick and it was a great way to make music because everything was pretty much written and recorded on the same day. We ended up with around 18 tunes. The EP was made up of all of the fun little bangers that we loved but couldn’t fit into what we wanted for a future album, which is a very exciting and different beast entirely. A lot of the EP lyric-wise comes from dealing with constant imposter syndrome and confidence loss. It’s important to go through change as a person but also nice to make it into a positive thing that can be fun and joyful. I was lucky enough to have people around me at the time who were keen to make this music and for that I’ll be forever grateful.”
The third track, on the EP, “Mystery Bag”, is a mesmerizing melody that has flawless vocals and a groove that you just can’t escape .
Photo by : GLK Media
We were immediately attracted to the drum beat and percussive sounds of the title track, “Kiss Me On The Mouth” After listening tothe track, we might have to add the title lyrical genius to Charlie Fitzgerald.
The closing track , “Baby Boy” has a real old school feel to it . We heard shades of Bob Dylan, on this track . We can neither confirm or deny that we have listened to this song a million times (freaking brilliant)
If your music loving soul, is aching for amazing music, look no further than the dazzling debut EP, “Kiss Me On The Mouth “ from the mighty Oswald Slain.
To celebrate the release of the EP, Oswald Slain are excited to be embarking on their debut UK tour which commences at Newcastle’s Trillians Bar tomorrow (April 17th). You can check out other dates below.
OSWALD SLAIN :
Charlie Fitzgerald – Vocals, Guitar Rhii Williams – Drums
LIVE MEMBERS:
Chris Axe – Bass Cydney Brown – Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals Will Montague – Guitar
LIVE DATES:
April 17th 2025 – Trillians, Newcastle April 18th 2025 – Cafe Indiependent, ScunthorpeApril 25th 2025 – 229 The Venue, London April 26th 2025 – Rossi Bar, Brighton May 2nd 2025 – Golden Lion, Bristol July 5th 2025 – The Weekend Rumble Festival, Wales
Illustration by Morrison Digital Art Designed by J. Kaliontzis
We recently got check out the brand new video for “Boiling The Ocean”,from Boston alt-rock band, TELL. You can watch the Rick Berlin directed video below.
Boston alt-rock band, TELL, artfully addresses the over-crowded internet landscape, the way we communicate, and how those things shape both what we consume and what we exude, through a rumbling new single titled “Boiling The Ocean.” ( and we love every minute of it.)
The follow-up to March’s fiery and anthemic “Sweet Proximity,” this slow-burner companion track with a heavy low-end and atmospheric snarl first arrives via a Rick Berlin, brilliantly directed music video today, (Tuesday, April 15,) before the streaming release that following Friday. The band are eager to perform the song live – and in-person – when they play The Square Root in Roslindale on May 9, and then Allston’s O’Brien’s Pub alongside Joe Kaplow on June8.
Photo credit- Dan Saltzman
“This is my ‘fuck the internet’ song, expressing frustration how as creative artists we all have no choice but to use this same medium to get our music out,” says outspoken TELLguitarist and vocalistDavid Wildman. “In that sense it is kind of a ghetto that is impossible to escape. We’re all on our own trying to figure it out. And while there no longer are record companies exploiting us, there is also no way to make any money because streaming sites like Spotify have pretty much demonetized everything, and the labels that do exist push crap at the highest level. So yeah, we’re saying blow the whole thing up.
It is crystal clear that TELL, isn’t afraid to tell it like it is , and this definitely the case with “Boiling The Ocean “
The title, “Boiling the Ocean,” is lifted from the business world, a phrase that urges a person, team, or company to do whatever is necessary to get a result, even if the task seems impossible. So as Wildman – joined in TELL by guitaristJim Foster; bassistJay Raffi; and drummerPatrick Crann – decries our current conundrum where the internet is paradoxically facilitating and standing in the way of communicating the quartet’s music, he suggests it’s high time, to borrow a common post-punk rallying cry, to just rip it up and start again.
“It’s all about the frustrations of connecting in this present environment, because in order to do it, you have to bend yourself to fit the medium,” Wildman adds. “I suppose this goes back to the early days where pop songs had to be 3:30 minutes tops because that’s all you could fit on a 45. Now the conditions that form the music are much more complex and on multiple levels, but no less restrictive in their way. Of course no one gives a shit about any of that, and we just want to make a video that catches people’s attention with cool images.”
Enter Berlin for that, who agreed with the band on a concept that showed TELL performing live, but with the ocean projected over them, inspired by early Andy Warhol shows with The Velvet Underground. The symbolic gesture enhances not only the visual but the lyrical matter; an all-encompassing body of water can either drown a person or lift a person up, and in the video, TELL, dressed in all-whites as a cohesive unit, deliver “Boiling The Ocean” as found-footage scenes flash across their bodies and faces, the blue glow of the ocean both suffocating and illuminating. Just like the internet itself.
Boiling The Ocean,” the track, was produced and mixed by Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios in Allston, Massachusetts, who also lent his studio work to “Sweet Proximity.” True to the songs’ sharing their companion nature, as both mark the first new TELL music since last year’s breakout EP Life In Reverse, the single artwork is the same as that of “Sweet Proximity,” featuring an illustration by Morrison Digital Art and design by J. Kaliontzis. The band is taking a classic double A-side approach, another way to angle their art for the modern digital promo landscape.
We love the beautiful art/musical entanglement that races throughout “Boiling The Ocean “TELL has truly given the world a wonderful artistic gift.
We recently had the epically awesome opportunity to check out the blazing new album, “Holding On To Hope”, via Thousand Islands Records from Montreal punks, The Last Mile. You can listen to “Holding On To Hope” Here
“Holding On ToHope” , from The Last Mile is everything you could ever ask for in a punk album and then some. We truly believe we just listened to 10 tracks of melodic punk greatness.
With the release of their second full length, ‘Holding On To Hope,’ collectively released on Thousand islands Records and Pavones Records, The Last Mile are moving forward and intensifying their sound. The aesthetic of the record was designed and laid out by Stealworks a.k.a. John Yates, known for his genre defining work with bands such as Lifetime, Jawbreaker, Alkaline Trio, Bad Religion, Alternative Tentacles, and so much more.
Recorded in Vancouver by long-time collaborator, Jesse Gander (Brutus, Japandroids, DBS, Daggermouth) and mastered by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room, these songs are a natural progression of the bands signature heartfelt songs, leaning in a more modern hardcore vein while still retaining their punk rock roots.
As soon as you press play on “Holding On To Hope” you are taken on a remarkable musical experience that is second to none. The Last Mile, pours everything they have into every song and it shows.
We can honestly say with our whole music loving heart that there isn’t a bad song on “Holding On To Hope “ The Last Mile write authentic and heartfelt songs that move your mind and soul as well as your feet.
“Farewell For Now “, “Anything” and “Hot Box” are all solid well written musical compositions that we absolutely loved . The one song that stood out to us on “Holding On To Hope” was “Water Mary” The melodic and sonic tones complement each other perfectly .
Flawless vocals ( which feature both make and female vocals) and next level musicianship make “Holding On To Hope” an absolute can’t miss.
The Northern Line celebrate the single later that night ( April, 11th ) at Fireseed Arts in Framingham with The Chelsea Curve and Britpop Social Club
We had ourselves an absolute blast and a half checking out the splendid new single “Throw A Fist” from Boston indie band, The Northern Line. You can check out “Throw A Fist” Here
There is nothing better in the whole world than listening to a song for the first time and being absolutely blown away from the musical bliss that you just heard . This is absolutely the case with “Throw A Fist”
Photo Credit: Harrison Searle
With a sound unlike anything else making waves at the moment, The Northern Line filter their style of Britpop, baggy, Madchester, and acid house through an invitation urging everyone to bang a drum, throw a fist, and get on the indie dancefloor. And the invite now takes on a literal meaning.
The crisp and emphatic “Throw A Fist” gets the single release treatment on release night at Fireseed Arts Studios in Framingham, pairing up The Northern Line with Boston mod-pop trio the Chelsea Curve and BritpopSocial Club, the mad-fer-it DJ team of MichaelV (the pill boston) and Lady K.
After declaring arrival with anthemic debut single “Lightning Strikes” this past fall, the Mass.-chester lads of The Northern Line now settle into a delectable groove with the melodic “Throw A Fist,” with both to be featured on their debut EP set for release later this year. It’s a song fueled by euphoric liberation, indebted to memories and moments – and the ability to move on past life’s stresses. It’s a throwback in style while looking entirely ahead.
“‘Throw a Fist’ is a personal song, but it is also a song that connects with anyone who has done the hard work to move on after a meaningful relationship falls apart,” says vocalist Bilvox. “The liberation, the freedom of the ‘fist’ that’s thrown – mostly metaphorically – is throwing away the pain, the failed dream, and embracing the future.”
That kind of optimism harkens back to the halcyon days of the early- and mid-’90s, when all we needed was a melody and a dream. “Throw A Fist” serves a song that truly defines The Northern Line’s sonic exploration; it was the first track that came together after Bilvox’s prior band fell apart, and where “Lightning Strikes” declared a sort-of arrival, “Throw A Fist” is the sound of a band settling into its own creative skin and forging a true super-sonic identity.
Settling in as a cohesive unit – vocalist and guitaristBilvox joined by keyboardistMike Ackley; lead guitaristPete Zeigler; bassistJoshh Magee; and drummer, backing vocalist, and engineerMcG – the new single finds the quintet firing on all creative cylinders.
The drums provide quite a spark in “Throw A Fist “ which , ignites an electrifying spirit throughout the amazing new track. The Northern Line, have scored big time with their latest melodic gem .
We recently had the glorious opportunity to check out Southern Rock band, Holy Roller and their cover of Elvin Bishop’s “Fooled Round and Fell in Love” You can check it out on Spotify HereApple Music Here
We are absolutely captivated with Holy Roller’s flawless version of “Fooled Around And Fell In Love “ We had literal goosebumps it was simply spectacular. The amount of heart and soul poured in to this amazing performance, is off the charts .
Holy Roller released their sophomore album, Good Religionlast year and boasts some seriously riff-heavy, yet deeply intimate songs that are best played L-O-U-D. In support of their new music, the band has been touring nonstop .
They been dominating the east coast, selling out nearly every show over the last year, not to mention some outstanding performances that landed them as festival favorites at Bristol Rhythm & Roots and Red Wing. In May, they will be playing at the Boston Calling Festival.
There is a beautiful uniqueness to Holy Roller, that we absolutely love and it comes across crystal clear on “Fooled Around And Fell In Love “
New album Heartbreak Designerto be released April 25th via AWAL
We recently had the epically awesome opportunity to check out the new single, “Talking To Heads” from indie rock band, Phoneboy. You can listen to “Talking To Heads” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
We have said it before and it certainly bears repeating. Phoneboy brings a supercharged energy with their music, that cannot be ignored, and “Talking To Heads” is no exception.
Once we heard the vibrant and electrifying tone and melody of “Talking To Heads”, we couldn’t help but move our feet and sing along
Phoneboy’s third album, Heartbreak Designer, is the next chapter for the indie-rock group, blending their signature infectious energy with a more refined, introspective sound. Following the success of Moving Out, the album explores love, loss, and self-discovery, marking a new level of depth in their songwriting and production. Lead single “I Look Alive” has already made waves, landing in Sirius XM/Alt Nation’s Top 18 and setting the stage for the full release. With this record, Phoneboy isn’t just evolving—they’re defining their place in the indie rock landscape.
In support of their new music the band just wrapped up a tour as support with Good Kid. Now in May-June you can catch the band on their headlining tour this spring as they bring Heartbreak Designer to life on stage.
Formed in 2018 by Wyn Barnum, Ricky Dana, and James Fusco, Phoneboy started as three college friends making music in a scene with little space for indie rock. What began as campus shows soon turned into packed venues, millions of streams, and a reputation for high-energy performances. After years of playing alongside the band, longtime friend Jordan Torres officially joined on keys and vocals, bringing a fresh dynamic to their sound.
So do yourself a favor and get yourself lost in the musical magic that is “Talking To Heads” from Phoneboy.
We recently had the splendid opportunity, to check out the new single, Come Visit”, from Brooklyn-based band, Whitehall You can listen to “Come Visit” Here and you can watch the video below
Whitehall, cast a timeless, cool vibe on their latest single “Come Visit “ The melody on “Come Visit “, gently sneaks up on you until you are fully surrounded by the otherworldly musical composition that is “Come Visit”
Photo: David Patiño
The band says, “This song is about the perpetual longing for something that feels solid- it’s wrapped up in the feeling that the grass is always greener. It’s an isolating feeling when everyone else looks like they’ve “figured it out”. To us, this song recognizes that feeling and instead of isolating, it invites you to “come visit.”
Known for their dynamic alternative sound, sharp lyricism, and infectious melodies, the band—Paddy McKiernan(vocals, guitar), Avery Greeson (guitar), Brennan Clark (bass), and Davis Rowe(drums)—continue to evolve while staying true to their roots.
The single offers a first taste of Whitehall’s upcoming album, set to arrive later this year. Following millions of streams, praise from NPR, Alternative Press, and American Songwriter, and tours alongside Goo Goo Dolls, Arlie, and Carver Commodore, Whitehall is gearing up for their next chapter—one that promises even more evolution, energy, and introspection.
“Come Visit” by Whitehall, is definitely a trip worth taking.
Upcoming Shows (with Cal In Red):
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Boston, MA Deep cuts
Thursday, April 17, 2025 Brooklyn, NY TV Eye
Friday, April 18, 2025 Philadelphia, PA Foto Club
Saturday, April 19, 2025 Harrisonburg, VA The Golden Pony
Sunday, April 20, 2025 Washington, DC Pie Shop
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Richmond, VA The Camel
Thursday, April 24, 2025 Asheville, NC The Grey Eagle
Friday, April 25, 2025 Atlanta, GA Altar @ Masquerade
Saturday, April 26, 2025 Charleston, SC Lofi Brewing
Monday, April 28, 2025 Cleveland, OH The Foundry
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Columbus, OH Rumba Cafe
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Ann Arbor, MI The Blind Pig
Thursday, May 01, 2025 Cudahy, WI X-Ray Arcade
Friday, May 02, 2025 Ames, IA The A Hole
Saturday May 03, 2025 Grand Rapids, MI Speciation Cellars
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out Indie Rock Duo, Ray and Paul, and their new single “Scars” that is out now on all platforms. You can listen to “Scars” Here
We were mesmerized with the overall tone and melody of “Scars” in from Ray and Paul. “Scars”, is an honest , heartfelt and poetic track that we simply couldn’t resist. There is a welcomed freshness with Ray and Paul that really stood out to us .
“Scars” is the second single that will be featured on their upcoming EP “Fading“. “Scars” is a heartfelt, mid-tempo track that lingers somewhere between sorrow and resilience. Ray wrote the lyrics during his freshman year of college as “a reflection on the intensity of young love and the difficult process of moving forward when it’s lost.” Now, four years later, the song has come to life and carries the weight of experience and time. Recorded at The Ship in Los Angeles with producer Jarvis Taveniere (Allah-Las, Mild High Club). Ray and Paul are two brothers from the SF Bay Area who formed the band together when they were just 17 and 13 respectively. Their first single “Mystery” in 2019, written when Ray was seventeen, made waves in their Bay Area Community and went on to feature in several Spotify Editorial Playlists, giving them the platform to record their Self-Titled Debut Album. “Butterflies” off the album landed a sync placement in HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls. Moving to Santa Barbara for college infused their music with Surf/Garage Rock’s reckless energy and let them cut their teeth while playing shows all over Isla Vista and integrating into the local band scene. In October 2023, the band released the track “Pelican” which is currently their number one track on Spotify. The follow up single “Blue”, which expanded their sound further by featuring vocal melodies over heavier guitars, has quickly become a favorite in the live show. This year Ray and Paul have been touring all over the West Coast, selling out numerous clubs along the way. They also recently played SXSW 2025, Treefort Festival and supported Sun Room on tour. The live band also features Aidan Reese (guitar) and Mac Bihn (bass). Ray and Paul also recorded several new songs with John Goodmanson (Weezer, Pavement, Nada Surf, Hockey Dad) at Robert Lang Studios and an EP with producer Jarvis Taveniere(Mild High Club, Surf Curse, Allah Las) which is set to be released in 2025 via AWAL.
“Scars” from Ray and Paul, is an absolute can’t miss.
We recently had the splendid opportunity to check out Indie rock band, Arcy Drive and their new single “Rocket Chair” that is out now on all platforms. “ You can listen to “Rocket Chair on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
Arcy Drive, is brimming with a feverish brand of energy that is absolutely electric, the energy is on full display on their latest single, “Rocket Chair”
Rocket Chair” is the sixth single off their debut album The Pit to be released April 18th via AWAL. Arcy Drive is a Northport, Long Island-based indie rock band, consisting of guitarist/vocalist NickMateyunas, guitaristAustin Jones, bassistPatrick Helrigel, and drummerBrooke Tuozzo. They command more than 144,000Instagramfollowers, and 195,000 on TikTok. Mateyunas, Jones, Helrigel, and Tuozzo grew up on Long Island. As Mateyunas and Jones bounced musical ideas off each other, they realized they had something — especially as the pandemic hit, with its members home from college When Helrigel came along, Arcy Drive was off to the races: they posted their original songs on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to a glowing response. Around then, Arcy Drive’s innate work ethic clicked into gear: they bought a school bus and spent a summer converting it into a tour bus. In 2022, Arcy Drive released their debut single, “Roll My Stone.” 2023 brought Arcy Drive’s debut, five-song EP, Beach Plum — their first in a proper studio. That year, Arcy Drive also embarked on their first headline tour, where they performed at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and South by Southwest. What accurately describes Arcy Drive’s trajectory; with a profound appreciation of the rock ‘n’ roll canon, endless youthful zest, and melodies for days, they’re shooting for the moon. Go find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the amazing vibe of “Rocket Chair” from Arcy Drive .
Every day we are giving stunning examples of why we love music so much. Today’s example, is courtesy of Boston alt-rock band, Real Beaut and their epically awesome new EP, “Politics”
The Boston alt-rock band, composed of all those other rock and roll groups that soundtracked the gritty and messy underbelly of the city’s music scene over the past several years, unleash new EPPolitics today, (Friday, April 4) . The official record release party goes down the following night at the band’s unofficial home base, The Middle East in Cambridge, leading a sparkplug bill alongside American Ethos, Dwelley, and Bad at Drawing
Photo Credit: Morgan O’Meara
And regardless of where one may be on that Saturday night, the might and magnitude of Politics should be audibly heard far and loud. A powderkeg of a four-track record and the follow-up to 2023 debut EP Gentle Messages, it finds Real Beaut’s four members – guitaristAndrew Doherty; drummer and producerBenny Grotto, bassist and vocalistJohnny Northrup; and vocalistKeith Pierce – shifting into creative overdrive and embracing a new creative gear after years of collaboration, chemistry, and friendship.
Our excitement around releasing Politics is fairly boundless,” says Pierce. “We have been trying hard to keep this record under wraps. Creating new interesting guitar-driven music in a relatable, communicative way is difficult but Real Beaut is one of the finest rock experiments I’ve ever been a part of. This new EP is very different from some of our earlier productions but we tried to retain the speed and ferocity of our youth through practice, recording, and respect for the listener.”
An EP, like “Politics ”, is what happens when four next-level musicians get together and make the most spectacular-sounding collection of songs, we have heard in quite some time.
Even with each of the four blistering tracks all assuming its own sonic identity – confrontational opening banger “Politics on the Internet,” abrasively addresses what the title implies; the seismic “Paying Attention,” which hit Bandcamp early as an aural appetizer and has been described as a sort of grunge take on Van Halen; the hypnotic rock murkiness of ”Profane and Pedigree”; and the suffocating guitar assault of closer “Islands” – there is a cohesion that flows across the EP’s breathless and impatient 12 minutes of runtime.
“Real Beaut always strives to find ways for building tension and allowing opportunity for release,” says Doherty. “Sometimes this is achieved by riding the line between discord and melody, or by letting the song sit in a sustained, dark pocket… festering or incubating, before breaking through and emerging as something new. These new tracks are a continuation of a process from our early work, but with more identifiable Real Beaut qualities.”
We hope to meet with the members of Real Beaut someday soon so we can personally congratulate them on crafting a stunningly brilliant EP, with “Politics”
If the new EP, “Before The Fall” from-based accordion-driven country-rock sextet Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners , was whiskey it would be from the best barrel in the land – guaranteed. You can listen to the splendid new EP, “BeforeThe Fall” below
the high-octane sextet, led by longtime Boston music scene veteran Kier Byrnes and the recipient of Americana Act of the Year at the 2024New England Music Awards, unleashes the stunning new EP , Before The Fall , today, (Friday, April 4.) The spirited and feisty six-track EP, which blends a spectrum of subgenres that bridge alt-folk, gypsy punk, Celtic, old-school country, and whatever else, gets the proper release party treatment a week later at The Plough & Stars in Cambridge come April 11.
Photo Credit: Monica Sager
“My hope is to create a unique blend of music from genres I closely identify with; country, rock, Celtic and Bavarian folk music and turn it into something new that defies any genre,” saysByrnes. “You know the joke about what happens if you play a country song backwards – you get your car back, you get your woman back, and you get your dog back. My aim is to take a country song and turn it completely inside out.”
The Before The Fall EP, fueled by potent lead single and opening track “White Russian,” continues a dynamic 2025 for the band, with no immediate signs of a slow down. In the Kettle Burners, co-vocalist and acoustic guitaristByrnes is rounded out by lead guitarist and co-vocalistDan DiBacco; accordion playerJason McGorty; washboard playerMonica Sager; bassistJoe Miller; and drummerBrian Lilienthal. And the band just banged out seven live shows over a five-day stretch leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, celebrating their also-new In The Key of Guinness EP of Irish music with high-profile gigs at Harpoon Brewery, The Burren, and a massive 10-hour all-day holiday set at The Stockyard in Brighton.
Every song on , “Before The Fall” , felt more like a monumental musical event rather just an average song , we were literally hanging on every word and melody.
Remarkably, for a band with the Kettle Burners’ hustle and all-overdrive ambition, the tracks that make up Before The Fall were all written and recorded last summer, just ahead of the band’s appearance at Outlaw Music Fest in New Hampshire alongside Willie Nelson & Family,John Mellencamp, Charley Crockett, and others. A few weeks before the gig arrived, Byrnes suffered a tumble down a set of stairs, leaving him with severe injury to his legs and requiring surgery. Finishing the songs was placed on the back-burner, allowing Byrnes time to heal and giving the record its title, as the songs were all written Before The Fall.
With its title already ominous, the lyrical material reveals a slightly darker undercurrent than what the upbeat and zestful music would imply.
“Some of my favorite country and folk songs are the ones where the music seems really nice and happy-go-lucky, but if you listen to the lyrics, it’s really gory and/or tragic,” admits Byrnes. “It’s fun to sing about darker stuff in an upbeat, energetic way.”
We blissfully sang and danced our way through “Before The Fall” from Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners and truth be told we enjoyed every single minute of it. . “When The Money’s All Gone” , “Train’s Off The Rails and “Hurting or Helping “ are absolute gems that we are absolutely over the moon about . Flawless sing along vocals woven between memorable melodies make “Before The Fall” a collection of music to cherish forever. Our favorite track on “Before The Fall” , is without a doubt “Quarter-Life Crisis “ Everything about this song is “stop you in your tracks “ good.
Do yourself a solid and check out “Before The Fall” you certainly will not regret it.
We recently had the delightful opportunity to check out the latest single, “Fever Dream” , from from Worcester , alternative duo , Sunday Junkie ( Tom Martin and Shawn Pelkey) You can listen to “Fever Dream” Here
“Fever Dream” , from Sunday Junkie, is the definition of what perfect musical ebb and flow, sounds like . The song has this beautiful natural progression of sound that literally took our breath away.
Vocally, “Fever Dream” is in our opinion, a flawless and emotional performance of epic proportion. Sunday Junkie, really puts themselves in a class all by themselves with “Fever Dream “ We often get asked to recommend music quite often. “Fever Dream” is at the top of our list.
There is a distinctive melodic tone on “Fever Dream“, that really resonates throughout the track . Melodic calmness that effortlessly gives way to a jangle pop/grunge aggression that is absolutely brilliant.
We have said it before about Sunday Junkie, but it bear repeating…. Song after song , Sunday Junkie, proves that they are one of the most versatile bands in the music scene today.
Close your eyes and open your ears and soul and get lost in the musical greatness of “Fever Dream”, from Sunday Junkie .
We recently had the phenomenal opportunity to check out the new single, “I Don’t Mind”, from Toronto, based rock band , Goodnight Sunrise. You can listen to “I Don’t Mind” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
We were instantly drawn to the dual male-female vocal excellence of keytarist, Vanessa Vakharia and guitaristDavid Koch berg,
Goodnight Sunrise, has an authentic, vibrant vibe and sound that immediately resonates with the listener. “I Don’t Mind” is a well written, perfectly crafted gem that stays in your music loving soul , long after the music has faded.
The melodic and sonic balance on “I Don’t Mind” really makes the song standout in an otherwise mundane musical landscape.
“I Don’t Mind” , will be included on Goodnight Sunrise’s, new album , “Get A Life” , which will be available May 2nd. You can pre order the album Here
We absolutely love, “I Don’t Mind”, from Goodnight Sunrise, and we can’t wait for more .
So go find your favorite music listening spot and get lot in the musical beauty of “I Don’t Mind” , from Goodnight Sunrise.
We recently had the phenomenal opportunity to check out the sonically perfect new single, “Save Me” , from PortugueseAlt Rock Trio, Treewax. You can listen to “Save Me” Here You can also check out the video for “Save Me” below.
As soon as we heard the first note of “Save Me” from Portuguese alt rock trio Treewax, we were instantly mesmerized. The sound and vibe on “Save Me” from Treewax, is next level alt-rock perfection.
Photo credit- João Fitas
“Save Me” , dives into the complexities of love, loss, and the desire for redemption.
The track is the latest to be taken from Portuguese shoegaze/post-metal band ICOSANDRIA and alt-rock trio TREEWAX’s forthcoming split EP,Void Intention, set for release 18th April 2025—a dynamic and emotionally charged collection of tracks that traverses one band’s immersive atmospheres and the other’s raw intensity with confidence.
An impressive new offering from the three piece, ‘Save Me’ brings raw and intense emotions to the forefront, with lyrics that should resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of love. Atmospheric instrumentation and an abrasive vocal performance create a sonic landscape that perfectly complements the emotional weight of the song—with nods to their influences Weezer, Nirvana, and Ozma—and the rousing bridge in particular highlighting the band’s growth in terms of songwriting.
Commenting on the track, frontman Gonçalo Ferreira said: “‘Save Me’ is about feeling lost, about uncertain days, about the ‘last cry’ before everything might fade away, but while there’s still hope.”
Lead single ‘Chronophobia’ by ICOSANDRIA was released earlier this year, with underground tastemakers Noizzepremiering the official video.
Showcasing a unique blend of alternative rock, grunge, shoegaze, and post-rock influences that will resonate deeply with fans of those genres and beyond, Treewax and Icosandria may hail from opposite ends of the alternative spectrum, but together they’ve created a thrilling shared sonic journey.
Consisting of Gonçalo Ferreira (guitar and vocals),Gustavo Ribeiro (bass), and Francisco Amado (drums), each member of Treewax brings their own unique influences from the worlds of alternative rock, grunge, punk and pop-rock to the table, making the perfect mix for high-energy songs that encourage listeners not only to hear them, but to live them.
Hop in the driver’s seat and crank it to 100. “Save Me”, from Treewax is an absolute alt-rock gem.
On Valentines Day , we were absolutely smitten with the release of “#1 Most Likely “ from Boston based garage/glam octet Smitt E. Smitty & The Fezztones. We now have been smitten X 2 , with the release of the absolutely fabulously fantastic video for “#1 Most Likely” You can check out the awesome video for yourself below.
You can also listen to “#1 Most Likely“ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Smitt E Smitty & The Fezztones definitely did not disappoint with another glorious visual spectacular . ( which, if you are scoring at home is brought to you in beautiful“FezzAScope” . )
One listen to the mesmerizing “#1 Most Likely” and the song was floating effortlessly in our soul . We couldn’t help but get swept away by the hypnotic melody. sing along. We felt exactly the same way about the video.
Smitt E. Smitty & The Fezztones, are know for first rate oddball fun and that is exactly what we got with the amazing video for “#1 Most Likely”
“We are going to have some FUN with this video,”Smitty concludes. “Since this is not a traditional ‘love song’ by definition, the music video should also not be traditional. We promise to make it very unusual. Turn it on its side. Without giving too much away, we will be doing an homage, of sorts, to a filmmaker we all know and love, but I don’t want to spoil it by saying too much.”
“I love all that oddball stuff, and I love good bad art,”Smitty says with a laugh. “#1 Most Likely” was recorded with Alec Rodriguez at New Alliance Audio in Somerville, MA, and the Fezztones are returning to the studio to prepare additional releases for 2025.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Me&Vincent” from Side 4 Collective featuring Colm Quearney and Keith Margo.
You can listen to “Me&Vincent” Here You can also watch the video below
Spearheaded by internationally renowned Irish drummer Dave Hingerty, Side 4 Collective brings an eclectic array of Irish and international artists together, sculpting songs from scratch using Hingerty’s pre-written melodic and primal drum patterns. ‘Me & Vincent‘ features the additional writing, performing and production talents of Colm Quearney and Keith Margo.
This song, ‘Me & Vincent’ is a love letter to the urban and suburban communities of Dublin. The youth are the life and soul, humour and character of our beautiful city. The protagonists in the song’s lyrics are on a fun journey that pays homage to how Dublin Youth bring a sense of adventure and colour to our city. The video was edited by Kevin Lynch and filmed in Dublin City Centre and in Poppintree, Ballymun by Dave Hingerty and Niamh O Donnell. The Poppintree Youth Centre were so helpful in allowing us unique access so we could see how everybody there learns about music, express themselves and develop their talents.
Colm Quearney: “When Dave explained his concept for making this album, I honestly never heard of a better idea. Dave is someone who has brought his creative support and patience to so many songwriters compositions. The whole Side 4 Collective project has given his many song writing peers the chance to reciprocate their talents to his creations. The innovative thing about the project is that it turns the song writing process on its head. Dave invited songwriters to compose a song from an opposing perspective. He started out the project by sharing original drum parts with various songwriters and performance artists. Then, they got to enter the process of writing from a rhythmic perspective. The results have yielded an incredible cornucopia of songs, music and spoken word; with the common thread being Dave’s gift for finding an infectious pulse”.
Colm chose one of Dave’s exciting grooves from the Side 4 vaults. This song was recorded between three studios in Dublin and London. Colm and Keith worked back and forth on the music and lyrics responding to Dave’s funkadelic groove. Writers: Colm Quearney/Keith Margo/Dave Hingerty Published by: Strange Vibe Producers: Colm Quearney/Dave Hingerty/Keith Margo Engineers: Anthony Gibney/Keith Margo Mixed by: Anthony Gibney Mastered by: Ruadhri Cushnan
“Me&Vincent” from Side4Collective featuring Colm Quearney & Keith Margo, is a vibrant authentic song that you can’t help but smile wide when you hear it .
We recently had the exciting opportunity to check out the new single “Call Out Your Name”, from Dutch artist Inge Lamboo, featuring The Who’s Pete Townshend. You can listen to “Call Out Your Name” Here
We absolutely love the energy from Inge Lamboo on “Call Out Your Name”, featuring Pete Townshend. The authenticity of the track which is layered in a beautiful blues rock and indie tone, that is positively perfect.
Dutch singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Inge Lamboo is about to enter a new phase in her career. Known for her alt-pop sound embellished with country flares, Inge embraces nostalgic songs to create a distinct musical landscape. She has gained recognition through her unique mashups and covers on social media, catching the attention of artists such as Lindsey Buckingham, P!NK, and YUNGBLUD. With millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, Inge Lamboo has quickly become an artist to watch.
Her latest release “Call Out Your Name” is from her upcoming album, This Is How The Future Sounds, and is a special collaboration with Pete Townshend. After one of her mashups went viral on Instagram—where she performed “Do I Wanna Know” by Arctic Monkeys in the style of “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac—Inge caught the attention of the legendary guitarist from The Who. What started as a spontaneous online interaction evolved into a remarkable musical connection. “Do I dare ask him to play on my new album?” Inge constantly wondered. “I spent two weeks thinking about it.” She gathers her courage and sends a message with her most indie song, “Call Out Your Name”. Two weeks later, Townshend responds with his contribution, a blazing guitar solo that he has patented. The windmill-like arm gestures from his heyday are something the listener can imagine. “His playing is very recognizable, rhythmic, and full of attitude,” she says. She solos just as fiercely alongside him. Pete is on the left, and Inge is on the right. She also points out the Morse code he hides in his guitar playing.
The result is a powerful and dynamic track where his iconic playing merges seamlessly with Inge’s emotional songwriting. This collaboration not only highlights Inge’s versatility as an artist but also proves how music can bridge generations.
Townsend shares, “It was an honour to be asked to play guitar on one of Inge Lamboo’s new tracks. I follow her work on Instagram and she is making terrific Indie-style music with some really smart twists. The guitar work on her tracks is perfectly wonderful without me, so I decided to throw some mud at the wall – in the old ‘60s style, and amazingly it worked. Inge is a special talent, we should ALL look out for her.”
On March 30th, Inge will visit Pete at The Who’s show at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where she will personally hand him the 7” vinyl of “Call Out Your Name”, which will be released on April 12th for Record Store Day. You can watch the interaction between Pete and Inge here. This Is How The Future Sounds is set for release May 30th 2025.
We recently had the incredible opportunity to check out the latest single , “Dig Down”, from Chicago, based hard rock band , Dark Sun.
You can listen to “Dig Down“ on Spotify Here, Apple Music, Here
Dark Sun ( Tristan Sheedlo, vocals,guitar , Luke Sheedlo, drums) brilliantly takes the familiar hard rock/ grunge sound and makes into a sound and vibe that is all their own.
As soon as we heard the opening riff on “Dig Down” we were totally mesmerized. Dark Sun , has crafted an absolute gem .
The soaring vocals are perfectly placed between perfect and memorable melodies that ring in your soul, long after the music has ended . We have a feel that this Dark Sun is freaking phenomenal live and in person.
The level of musicianship with Dark Sun is absolutely off the charts . They are a well oiled rock band that appears unstoppable. We can’t wait to see what they do next
Looking Glass War will be celebrating the release with a show at Faces Brewing Company in Malden, Saturday 29th March.
The saying goes : “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” . This is definitely the case with Boston based quartet, Looking Glass War , who after three amazing singles, ( See You in Hell,Liberty Bell”, RuminationHouse” and “Adamantine Chain Gang”) are excited to announce the releaseof their next EP,“Saints of the Lost and Found”, featuring the brand new single,“Seance by the RCA”
Photo Credit: Coleman Rogers Photography
You can listen to “Saints Of the Lost and Found “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here, Bandcamp Here
Every musical composition crafted by Looking Glass War, is crafted with such a high level of style and “Rock And Roll Elegance”, and the new single , “Seance by the RCA, is no exception, as it the perfect bow on the amazing new EP, “Saints of the Lost and Found “
“Seance by the RCA” leads with hypnotic drums that had us completely entranced.
Drawing inspiration from a topic increasingly relevant in today’s complex world, the song reflects on the legacy of the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini—not just as a performer, but as a fierce skeptic who exposed mediums and spiritualists exploiting grieving families with their deceitful tricks.
One particular debunking of a seance-fraudster took place in the band’s own hometown of Boston, and serves as the subtext for most of the song’s lyrics. A wealthy socialite of the city’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood had a lucrative hustle of fleecing others with promises of reuniting them with departed loved ones. She was also the spouse of an esteemed surgeon in the area. Taking some creative license with the real life story, Glenn infers that the surgeonhusband–despite being so familiar with the spectre of death as he “opens people for a living”–isironically haunted by his own mortality. In her imagined defense of her fraud, the socialitemedium claims she only engaged in the occult to aleve her husband’s fear of what lies beyond this world.
The EP artwork for “Saints” itself depicts a turn of the century seance taking place.
“Seance by the RCA” kicks off with a commanding guitar riff before breaking into one of the band’s most rhythmically intricate drum and bass grooves to date. Drummer Tony Porter cites a fusion of influences behind the innovative rhythm: “When Pete and Mike first brought the verseriff to rehearsal, I envisioned shifting away from a traditional rock beat toward a breakbeat or slowed-down drum ‘n’ bass feel. Interestingly, it was a Velvet Revolver track that inspired me tosimplify during the choruses, emphasizing just crash cymbals and bass drums. My influences can be eclectic, but ultimately, it’s about serving the song in the best possible way”.
Pete adds, “I was listening to a lot of Mineral (90’s Mid-West emo legends) when I wrote this guitar line. I love the directness of their stuff and how the guitars work so tightly with the drums.I think that definitely came through, but it also keeps to the Looking Glass War sound as well -we can’t help but sound like us in the end.”
Looking Glass War has a sound and vibe that is simply on another level . “Saints Of the Lost and Found” is the kind of EP, that is packed with musical goodness from first note on the first track all the way through to the last note on the last track.
At the end of the day, what makes LookingGlass War , so special is their ability to fuse musical brilliance and cerebral brilliance as one to create an extraordinary musical experience. “Saints Of the Lost and Found “ is an EP, you’ll want to hold on to.
Oswald Slain announce debut EP ‘Kiss Me On The Mouth’ and new single ‘Sean Paul’
We recently had the absolutely splendid opportunity to check out the new single “Sean Paul”, from Bristol (UK)rock group Oswald Slain, you can listen to “Sean Paul” on Spotify Here, Apple Music, Here
There is no question in our mind that Oswald Slain gives every thing have in to making amazing music. This is front and center on their latest blazingly cool new single, “Sean Paul”
As soon as you hear the opening to “Sean Paul” you just know in every fiber and bone in your body that you are listening to the coolest thing your ears have ever heard.
The melody from “Sean Paul”, grabs hold of you and you feel like you are being ushered into the coolest club on the planet.
GLK Media
Sean Paul’ is a track that exudes an effortlessly cool, feel-good swagger, singalong choruses and razor sharp lyrics which humorously highlight a series of personal failures for vocalist Charlie Fitzgerald.
Discussing the single Fitzgerald says, “It’s a nostalgic confrontation of personal flaws and failures, dressed up in a pretty little surf smock and a happy-go-lucky pair of shiny loafers. I was trying to write a classic loser song but it ended up all fun and silly and brought a great sense of humour to something that can haunt me from time to time.”
“Sean Paul” from Oswald Slain, is the kind of song that is cool, you can help but love it . We can’t wait for the new EP, “Kiss Me On The Mouth”
OSWALD SLAIN ARE:
Charlie Fitzgerald – Vocals, Guitar Rhii Williams – Drums
LIVE MEMBERS:
Chris Axe – Bass Cydney Brown – Acoustic Guitar, BackingVocals Will Montague – Guitar
LIVE DATES:
April 17th 2025 – Trillians, Newcastle April 18th 2025 – The Indiependent, Scunthorpe April 19th 2025 – The Snug, Atherton
April 25th 2025 – 229 The Venue, London April 26th 2025 – Rossi Bar, Brighton May 2nd 2025 – Golden Lion, Bristol July 5th 2025 – The Weekend Rumble Festival, Wales
Red hot Bristol (UK) nu-gaze band, Split Chain, announce the release of their debut album, ‘motionblur’, out July 11th on Epitaph Records.
We are over the freaking that Split Chain have announced their highly anticipated debut album, “motionblur” we have a feeling it is going to be absolutely brilliantly epic .
Speaking of the album, bassist Tom Davies says, “’motionblur’ is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a celebration of our adolescence and the things that defined us. We wanted to encapsulate the feelings of angst and isolation that so many struggle with growing up—but just as importantly, we wanted to honor the things that shaped us: the lifestyles, the music, and the pop culture that became part of our identity
This album is an amalgamation of our individual and collective experiences. While its themes can be dark, at its core, ‘motionblur’ is about resilience—about making it through without letting those experiences weigh you down. It was crucial for us to create an album that felt like a cohesive piece of art while still being sonically diverse. We wanted to capture the feeling of growing up in an era when albums were more than just collections of songs—they were experiences, meant to be played from start to finish, over and over again.”
Speaking of today’s new single, ‘bored. tired. torn.’, frontman Bert Martinez-Cowles says, “‘bored.tired.torn’ explores the difficulty and pain of growing up in a broken childhood home. Thematically the song centers on whether or not someone should have to deal with the shit they’re dealt by relatives just because they’re family. The song is a declaration against that, and tries to positively convey the message that nobody has to put up with it just because they’re share blood with the people hurting them. Don’t feel bound to it just because society would expect you to, always make the best decision for yourself regardless of what anybody else makes of it. You’ll be grateful you did.”
You can listen to “bored.tired.torn” Here You can watch the video for “bored . tired.torn” below
Split Chain comes at you with so much energy and force that you can’t help but take immediate notice. Their new single “bored . tired.torn” has the blazing red hot band , firing on all cylinders.
We are super pumped for the new album “motionblur” and the new single, bored .tired. torn”
Split Chain On Tour April 24 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground w/ Teenage Wrist
April 25 – Louisville, KY – LDB Festival
April 26 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade w/ Silverstein
We recently had the magnificent opportunity to check out the new album, “Nights Like These”, from singer, songwriter, producer, and senior audio engineer, Jordan Duffy
The music showcases Jordan’s most vulnerable moments over the past 15 years. Songs about anger, sadness, longing, shock, wanting, and most of all about her most personal experiences. Produced by Party Nails, Jordan Duffy’s latest album “Nights Like These” breaks tradition by showcasing a multitude of genres in one LP.
From 80s synth, to rock, opera, folk, americana, and indie pop; there is something for everyone to fall in love with on this record.
She shares, “The music is about those late night thoughts – moments that play over and over in your head. About the ‘what ifs’ or ‘what could have been’. Reminiscing on those who have hurt me or let me down, about those I cared for and wish could be more, but sadly never will be. And the album ends (purposefully) on a wishful note for the future.”
Jordan, is influenced by the likes of Adele, Lake Street Dive, Yola, and Charlie XCX, to name a few. Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, she began her music career writing songs about heart breaks in dive bars, female empowerment, exploding toads, one night stands, and zombie lovers. At 18 years old, her first professional show was opening for The Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickie Betts. It was in college when she discovered her stunning 4 octave range while studying and performing Opera. She continued her education and landed her role as the first female audio engineer at Earwolf/Stitcher Podcasts. There she has had the opportunity to sing to Weird Al Yankovic, do her own rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Fart” on “The Office Ladies”, and is the vocalist for the “Just Between Us” Podcast theme song. You may even recognize her (and her laugh) as Engineer Jordan from the “Best Friends” podcast.
Because , of Jordan’s amazing vocal versatility, every song on “Nights Like These” is able to have its own unique vibe and sound which is a refreshing change of pace in a sometimes mundane musical landscape.
“Nights Like These” is full of well written indie-pop gems that not only made us sing along but also moved our music loving soul.
Some of the stand out track on “Nights Like These” include, “Let Me Down”( great opening track) , “Means” ( We love the melody on this track) , “Not Your Dream Girl” ( We loved the vocals on this track! , you can check out the video for “Not Your Dream Girl” below
Our favorite track on the record is “CMF” , we love everything about this track . It is an honest and authentic track that absolutely rocks . Jordan Duffy, absolutely shines on “CMF”
You owe it to your music loving soul to check out “Nights Like These”, from the amazingly talented Jordan Duffy.
We recently had the magnificent opportunity to check out the new album, “Big Smile” from SoCal indie rock band, Greer. You can listen to “Big Smile” Here
Judging from the first two singles, “Had Enough” and “Franken” we had a feeling that “Big Smile” from Greer, was going to be something special…. We were right!
“In a way, we always say this record has been six years in the making,” they reflect. After a few years of being a band, signing to Epitaph and releasing two buzzy EPs (LullabyFor YouandHappy People), the young SoCal foursome behind Greer was feeling burnt and disconnected from the songs they’d written and toured. While 2021 came and went, a pandemic-induced fatigue led to their decision to go on an indefinite hiatus while finding individual clarity. Greer had to grow up again.
Returning to drummer Lucas’s Orange County garage where it all started, the band began to unearth old drafts and alchemize their matured, fully realized sound, eventually entering the studio withRob Schnapf(Elliott Smith, The Vines, Beck) with over two hundred songs written. The thirteen tracks that make up the album are the band’s emotional champions that track the tumultuous period between the start of their break and the peace they found on their way back. “‘Omnibus,’ the album’s opener, presents confusion in a vacuum of noise,” the band explains, “the overbearing weight of loss and struggling to find purpose, which slowly tames and realizes itself progressing through the track list; while ‘audio_77’ is the gossamer, an acoustic closer that reveals a placid beauty and quiet realization, concluding a long and chaotic haze with tender rest.” Laced between are vignettes of raw intensity, releasing the somber energy retained from Greer’s individual experiences while unveiling a complex new texture to their sound and reclaiming their narrative in the process.
Every song on “Big Smile” is a well thought out , well crafted gem . We were hanging on every word and melody. It was like we were reading a best selling novel.
“Big Smile” , from Greer , is a record that has a big beautiful sound that we can’t help but gravitate to . If David Bowie, made an indie rock record in 2025, we think it would sound a lot like this .
Leading into the record’s release, the members of Greer – Josiah(vocals, guitar), Corbin(guitar, vocals),Seth (bass guitar), and Lucas (drums) – participated in a 36-hour livestream as part of their Greer On Display x Heaven by Marc Jacob’s exhibition. Enclosed together in a 7’x7’ space and displayed in the gallery’s window on Fairfax in Los Angeles for that time while committing to limited technology usage and radical transparency, fans had the chance to follow every moment of Greer’s experiment, capped by a raucous DIY performance in the space.
The band also recently announced their month-long North American headlining tour kicking off in Phoenix, AZ on May 30 and wrapping up in Santa Ana, CA on June30. “Despite the amount of time that has transpired since our last release, we as a band feel solid as a rock,” says Greer. “We’re nervous for our old fans to hear how our sound has changed, but that nervousness quickly overlaps with the excitement we feel in listening to the songs. We are so excited to get back on stage and sing our hearts out.”All dates are listed below, and tickets can be purchased here.
“Big Smile”, from Greer is one of those special records we will be talking about for years to come.
TOUR DATES
May 30 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom May 31 – Santa Fe, NM @ Meow Wolf June 2 – Austin, TX @ Antone’s June 3 – Dallas, TX @ Trees June 5 – Atlanta, GA @ The Loft June 6 – Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theatre June 7 – Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall June 9 – Washington, DC @ The Atlantis June 10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts June 12 – Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw June 13 – Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair June 14 – Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa June 15 – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House June 17 – Ferndale, MI @ The Loving Touch June 18 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge June 19 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line June 21 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater June 22 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell June 24 – Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall June 25 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos June 27 – Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post June 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom [SOLD OUT] June 29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom June 30 – Santa Ana, CA @ Observatory
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Big Time” from Miami-based, indie rock band, Mustard Service. You can listen to “Big Time” Here
“Big Time” from Mustard Service, is a big time song that we are absolutely obsessed with . If you are looking for a new song to play endlessly on repeat…. “Big Time” is absolutely that song.
Photo Credit: Evan Garcia
“Big Time” is lyrically driven by themes of personal growth, overcoming struggles and shedding toxicity
Mustard Service is an indie rock band based in Miami, Florida. Self-described as “zest pop”, the band’s music draws influences from rock, surf, jazz, funk, and bossa nova, while also infusing Cuban, Uruguayan, Argentinian and Mexican flavors into their unique sound.
The three-piece lineup features Marco Rivero Ochoa on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Leo Cattani on keyboard, and Adam Perez on drums. Their Latin heritage is deeply embedded in their sound, with many of their songs featuring Spanish lyrics and vibrant Latin rhythms.
The band confides, “This song is basically about cutting off a friend who you really love – but you know you have to cut them off or else you’re gonna drown with them. It explores how sad it is having to come to terms with the fact that you have to let them go and grieving that relationship.”
Produced and engineered by Chad Copelin (Wilderado, Broncho, Avril Lavigne, Sasha Sloan), “Big Time” boasts a feel-good, sun-soaked vibe, with jangly guitars and vocals that channel the infectious energy of TheStrokes. Its catchy, carefree melody is perfectly complemented by a prominent, bouncy bassline that gives the track an effortlessly cool, groove-driven charm.
Mustard Service has previously opened for Bombay Bicycle Club, and sold out the prestigious El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on numerous occasions as the headliner. With a strong live presence, growing fanbase, streaming numbers in the millions and a compelling new narrative, Mustard Service is positioned for a breakout year with their upcoming music and nationwide tour.
We said it in the title of this article.. We are all in on “Big Time” from Mustard Service and we think you will be too.
Whenever we find out that Rum Bar Records is releasing a compilation, we get so excited because, it truly feels like Christmas Morning, their latest compilation “Swagger: Second Shot” is perhaps the best one yet!
You can listen to “Swagger: Second Shot on BandcampHere
Rum Bar Records, offered up its first Swagger compilation back in Summer 2023, putting a spotlight on the venerable Boston label’s West Coast roster of bands and artists, it was only a matter of time before the comp’s rock and roll ethos spread across the country.
Now, Rum Bar is serving up another round, as the free, 28-track “Swagger: Second Shot” compilation hits the label’s Bandcamp page today, (Friday, March 21). You can listen to “Swagger: Second Shot on Bandcamp Here
And with this raucous blast of rock and roll action that spans both coasts – and everything in between – comes another round of label discounts, as the tireless Lou Mansdorf offers up a 15% off label-wide discount through April using the code swagger15.
Come for the free comp, and stay for a Nice Price of affordable and cost-friendly rock and roll. The swagger15 discount code is good for all Rum Bar’s physical products, bundles, swag and digital releases via its Bandcamp Shop. There’s also an 80% off offer for Rum Bar’s full digital discography, and Mansdorf is applying the new 15% discount to that as well.
“I’ve been using the term ‘Swagger’ for the past few years to categorize the music we work with – and our love of dive bar, three-to-four-chord rock and roll,” says Mansdorf. “It’s got a groove with elements of garage, punk, glam and alt-country tossed in. This year we had some new releases and artists we wanted to get heard, mixed it up a little between West Coast and East Coast. We added some more elements of Boston and rebel-rouser Rum Bar acts along with some catalog tracks and came up with a brand new compilation that I think sounds fresh and exciting. I hope listeners will crank up and enjoy it as much as we did putting it together.”
This new Swagger: Second Shot features (in order on the comp): 20th Century Boys,Slamdinistas, Foxy, Joe Jennings MVP’s, Gene Champagne, Brad Marino, Jay Allen and the Archcriminals, The Hellflowers, The Laissez Fairs, Tony Marsico and the Ugly Thingz, Tom Baker, The Ghost Truckers, Miss Georgia Peach, The Hi-End, Junior Varsity, Stop Calling Me Frank, The Lemon Drop Gang, French Girls, The Glimmer Stars, The Hollywood Stars, Watts, Richard Duguay & The Beautiful Decline, The Short Fuses, Tim McCoy, The Cornfed Project, The Legendary Swagger, Mochines, and The Dogs.
We are over the moon for “Swagger: Second Shot”, there is something for every music lover on the planet. Lou Mansdorf has truly outdone himself this time.
But wait… there is more news!
Lou, is excited to share : “We have heard rumblings of new music coming this summer from The Spackles, Stop Calling Me Frank, The Hi-End and The Peppermint Kicks, the collaboration from Sal Baglio and Dan Kopko,” Mansdorf reveals. “We will also be working and supporting the brand new album from Muck and the Mires coming out on Dirty Water Records this year. Our biggest announcement to share is the highly anticipated brand new full length release from The Dogmatics due out in July!! That’s right, a brand new full-length album release from The Dogmatics. All of that plus a few more surprises on tap.”
As always great things are coming from Rum Bar Records, and we can’t wait.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Anything” from Montreal’s , The Last Mile.
You can listen to “Anything” Here you can also watch the video for “Anything “ below
Sometimes all it takes is one listen to a song, and you are instantly hooked . This was definitely the case when we heard “Anything” from The Last Mile.
With the release of their second full length, ‘Holding On To Hope,’collectively released on Thousand islands Records and Pavones Records, The Last Mile are moving forward and intensifying their sound. The aesthetic of the record was designed and laid out by Stealworks a.k.a. John Yates, known for his genre defining work with bands such as Lifetime, Jawbreaker, Alkaline Trio, Bad Religion, Alternative Tentacles, and so much more.
Recorded in Vancouver by long-time collaborator, Jesse Gander (Brutus, Japandroids, DBS, Daggermouth) and mastered by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room, these songs are a natural progression of the bands signature heartfelt songs, leaning in a more modern hardcore vein while still retaining their punk rock roots.
The first single, “Anything,” is a rallying call to help inspire those who are feeling lost or forgotten. There was a time when people believed that they could be anything they wanted, but that feeling is waning and people are feeling helpless. It’s time to believe in ourselves again. One thing that stands out to us listening to “Anything” from The Last Mile, is the next level musicianship from the band. We got literal goosebumps when we listened to the guitar work on “Anything “ it is simply breathtaking.
Do yourself a favor and find your favorite music listening spot and get lost in the absolute beauty of “Anything” from The Last Mile.
The new album, “Under A Plastic Bag”, via Stomp Records , from Edmonton’s pop-punk powerhouse Real Sickies, is an absolute punk rock thrill that we didn’t want to end. You can listen to “Under A Plastic Bag” You can listen to “Under A Plastic Bag”, on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here you can check out their latest video for “Wild Imagination “ below
We absolutely love the style and vibe of Real Sickies, “Under A Plastic Bag” is an absolute gem.
Known for their relentless touring and infectious melodies, the band channels the spirit of punk’s golden age with a fresh and approachable modern twist. Even Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day has hailed RealSickies as his favorite Canadian punk band, cementing their status as a standout act in the global punk scene.
Real Sickies, hold nothing back, as soon as we heard the opening track, “Under A Plastic Bag“ ( which is also the title track ) we knew we were about to experience a complete punk rock adrenaline rush.
Photo Credit: Lyle Bell
Described as “the Teenage Bottlerocket of the Great White North” by The Punk Site, Real Sickies fuse the raw power of Ramones-core with melodic hooks that could just as easily resonate in packed punk venues as on alternative FM radio. Written between whirlwind international tours, late-night demo sessions, and chaotic live performances, Under a Plastic Bag is an album brimming with raw, high-energy anthems. Tracks like “Wild Imagination,” “Should Have Seen It Coming,” and “Triage” showcase the band’s knack for crafting catchy choruses and sharp songwriting, blending the simplicity of the Ramones with the wild edge of Teenage Head, the melodic urgency of the Buzzcocks, the quirky, off-kilter energy of Devo, and the brooding intensity of The Sound.
The recording process for Under a Plastic Bag was as intense as the themes the album explores. Engineered and produced by Joshua Wells (Autogramm, Lightning Dust), the album was recorded in Edmonton’s Riverdale Recorders during one of the city’s coldest winters. “I was brought in specifically to bring more of the post punk weirdo sound to this record,” said Wells of the sessions. “Josh flew in from Chicago and joined us in our Little Italy studio in Edmonton,” recalls frontman Ben Disaster. “We hunkered down with coffee and sandwiches, sometimes only sleeping five hours a night. It felt right—it was positive, freeing, and creative. We had a lot of songs and big ideas, but everything came together in that short, freezing stretch of time.” The studio itself became a character in the creative process. “We built a fort in the studio to keep warm, drank endless coffee, and powered through long nights,” Ben shares. “The cold and isolation somehow fueled the energy of the recordings. It was a weirdly perfect environment to make a record about chaos, resilience, and piecing things back together.” The result is an album that retains the band’s signature energy while pushing into new sonic territory.
Every song on “Under A Plastic Bag, is absolutely phenomenal, however the one track that stood out to us was , “Wild Imagination “, we love everything about this track . The sound and vibe on “Wild Imagination” is absolutely breathtaking. You can also check out the video for “Wild Imagination“
If punk rock is your thing you can’t afford to miss “Under A Plastic Bag “, from Real Sickies.
We recently had the thrilling opportunity to check out the new single, “Bystander” from NYC band WYLDLIFE, via Wicked Cool Records. You can listen to “Bystander” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
WYLDLIFE, had us hanging on every word/melody. “Bystander “ is the kind of song that you have to crank all the way up.
Photo: Jason Yamauchi
Packed with infectious riffs, sing-along choruses, and irresistibly charismatic lyrics, WYLDLIFE crafts a sound that pays homage to the golden era of ’70s punk, glam rock, and power pop. Their music bursts with an energy that feels both raw and refreshingly nostalgic, blending attitude, melody, and a rebellious spirit into every track. With a deep appreciation for the legends that came before them, WYLDLIFE channels the high-voltage swagger of classic rock ‘n’ roll while injecting their own modern edge, making their songs impossible to resist and their live shows an electrifying experience.
Reflecting on the new single “Bystander”, vocalist Dave Feldman says, “We are morons. Maybe the sharpest morons in the room, but morons nevertheless. Complexity is not in WYLDLIFE’s shallow bag of tricks. This is a punk song, as it were. It’s a track along the exact lines of the material we’ve always loved listening to and along the exact lines of the material we’ve always loved to write. Hearing this song makes me so happy, I just wanna punch someone in the face.”
You need to immediately check out “Bystander “ from WYLDLIFE, you will definitely not regret it.
WYLDLIFE is:
Dave Feldman — Vocals Sam Allen — Guitar Spencer Alexander — Bass Russ Barrnett — Drums
RXGhost returns in all their melodic glory with with “Anytime But Now,”a new 7″ single that explores the psychological territory between awareness and action. The Kansas City quartet’s latest offering examines the peculiar comfort found in self-destructive patterns, whether chemical or emotional – that space where you recognize something isn’t good for you but can’t seem to break away.
You can listen to “Anytime But Now” on Spotify HereApple Music Here . You can listen to the B-side “Undersaid” on Spotify HereApple Music Here . You can watch the video for “Anytime But Now “ which was directed by Brodie Rush, below
“Anytime But Now” from RXGhost, checks all the boxes of a true musical experience. A hauntingly and melodic track, “Anytime But Now” is good for the ears and the soul.
The track showcases the band’s ability to craft expansive soundscapes through the interplay of Jeremiah James and Josh Thomas’s guitars, anchored by the precise rhythm section of Justin Brooks on drums and Chris Smead on bass. Recorded by Thomas and mixed by Shiner’s Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios, the song weaves atmospheric textures through subtly shifting time signatures and unconventional structures. The accompanying video, directed by Brodie Rush and filmed in the band’s basement recording space, captures the intimate energy of their creative process while adding his distinct visual perspective
The single is backed with “Undersaid,” a more subdued B-side that offers a balancing counterpoint. Where “Anytime But Now” builds into post-rock chaos, “Undersaid” offers a more minimal, atmospheric companion piece.
The physical release is a handmade, numbered edition of 77 copies, cut on a vintage mono Presto 1D lathe head from a 1950s radio station. The records are cut at Celery Wolf Records, where each groove is embossed in real-time onto the record, making every copy uniquely different from the next. Available now on 7″ vinyl and all streaming platforms.
“Favorite Dogs” is the lead single off their debut album FERAL, also announced today, and is an exciting introduction to the Los Angeles-based, four-piece rock outfit. The album will be released on May 2 via Sneak Dog Records.
“Favorite Dogs” from Punk Crush, immediately grabs your attention and makes you instantly want more. We were taken by all the melodic and sonic goodness the track had to offer… we freaking loved it
Photo Credit: James Duran
“Favorite Dogs” is a wild ride through reckless youth–about running with your friends, pushing boundaries, and dealing with the consequences. It’s driven by front-person G Leonardo’s melodic, fuzzy guitar work and razor-sharp vocals, balancing grit with infectious hooks.
“”Favorite Dogs” is a labor of love with my favorite people,” said G. “It was about taking a moment and watching it change in beautiful, unexpected ways as my band mates put their indelible marks on it.”
G continued, “We wanted to commemorate the electricity of unconditional friendship, of ride-or-dies, and of knowing that despite life’s brevity, there are people that will fiercely love you for exactly who you are.”
We are absolutely loving “Favorite Dogs” from Punk Crush and we can not wait for the debut record “FERAL “ You can pre-save “FERAL” Here
LA based band, Pinstock, continue to amaze with their blazing new single/ video, “Going Backwards” You can listen to “Going Backwards “ Here You can watch the video below.
We are absolutely all in on Pinstock and their latest single “Going Backwards” Pinstock, artfully blends Alt-Rock, Pop-Punk & Hip-Hop,the band formed in 2019.
“Going Backwards”, the second single from their forthcoming debut Wiretap Records EP out later this year
Produced by the legendary Paul Miner—former Death By Stereo bassist and renowned producer for Zebrahead, the Adolescents, CJ Ramone, and more—“Going Backwards” originated from a demo written and recorded by Pinstock’s drummer Jeff in the early 2000s. Here’s what the band had to say about the music video:
For the music video we decided to run with the theme of “Going Backwards”, and create a fictional story of us meeting and forming as a band. We all play exaggerated versions of our “old selves” (Myself being Hip-Hop, Ricky being Emo, Jeff being Punk Rock and Danny being Metal). An A&R for a Record Label (played by my wife Rosa Finch) is tasked with finding the next big thing, and decides the best way to do that is to bait us with “Money, Fame, Sex, Girls & Love”. Once we are all trapped in a room with instruments, we try out different variations until something works! After we leave the rehearsal room, we realize we have grown into new people and are ready for the next chapter in our lives.”
Pinstock has a creative and unique sound that takes Pop-Punk, Alternative Rock, and Hip-Hop influences to craft music that is truly jaw dropping amazing,and this is front and center on“Going Backwards “, Pinstock, is exactly the kind of band that made us fall in love with music in the first place.
We recently had the excellent opportunity to check out the new single, “Voice In My Head” from The Tear Downs frontman , and Needham native, Steve Geraci. You can listen to “Voice In My Head” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
Years ago, Boston music scene veteran Steve Geraci had a baseball coach who would often say “You don’t wanna compete against an opponent AND yourself during a game.” While at the time the sentiment was directed to his inner voice that was questioning his own ability – and in this case, his fastball – the message stuck with him through adulthood. Now, the core of that sentiment emerges through Geraci’s vibrant new single, “Voice In My Head,” hits the streams today, ( Friday, March 14. )
We are absolutely infatuated with new single, that is a stunning indie rock cruiser that blooms with an addictive melody that are couple with smart lyrics that ooze with brilliant rock sensibilities. The Tear Downs frontman and Needham native will be rolling out a series of solo material over the course of the year, the follow-up to his 2024 EP Coming From Your Blind Spot.
Photo credit Jennifer Geraci
It’ll lead up to a new EP at some point in the foreseeable future, and possibly a debut solo album late this year or in 2026. But for now, “Voice In My Head” serves as a light-hearted cautionary tale that recalls the new wave glide of Talking Heads and indie-pop buoyancy of Vampire Weekend
‘Voice In My Head’ is about the driving inner voice inspiring us to reach new heights or daring us to fail,” Geraci admits. “It can help build you up, but also quick to knock us down or second guess; solving all your world issues when your head hits the pillow or when you’re out at dinner and it’s scolding you not to take the extra slice of pie or telling you to drive faster as you approach a yellow traffic light.”
That voice in Geraci’s head is also leading him to contribute to societal good, as The Tear Downs will perform live March 29 at Needham Town Hall for the Needham Community Council’s Party for the Pantry food drive benefit.
Geraci says the relationship he has with his Tear Downs bandmates allows him to branch out and take a few musical chances, all while retaining his own creative vision and weaving it into the band’s emerging storyline.
“The Tear Downs are a great group to collaborate with and are very supportive performing my solo stuff along with our originals,” he says. “But, with this EP and specifically ‘Voice In My Head,’ I had a well-defined path regarding arrangements and instrumentation and a small window to record. So, tracking the four tunes came together rather quickly.
Part of that was due to Geraci’s collaboration with producer and engineer Dave Westner, known for his work with homegrown luminaries Peter Wolf and Dropkick Murphys, who provided drums and piano on the track to complement Geraci’s work on guitar, bass, and vocals. “Voice In My Head” was recorded by Westner at Woolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, where The Tear Downs often recorded with Dave Mineham, and it was mastered by David Lock at JP Masters in Seattle, Washington.
Steve Geraci, brings a refreshing vibe and sound with his latest single, “Voice In My Head” We were singing and dancing almost instantly.
Illustration by Morrison Digital Art Designed by J. Kaliontzis
TELL perform live at The Warp & Weft in Lowell on Friday, March 14
So being a music blog, we totally realize that being descriptive is part of the job , it helps the reader get a clear vision of what we are talking about. However sometimes one word can sum it all up. In the case of the new single “Sweet Proximity “ from Boston alt-rock band , TELL, that one word would be “WOW”
“ Sweet Proximity” from TELL, is alt-rock perfection in every way . The melody and vocals washed over our music loving soul like a musical awaking of epic proportion.
You can listen to “Sweet Proximity” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
when David Wildman offers up the refrain with a weathered, weary snarl, as he does in TELL’s driving new single “Sweet Proximity,” we’re reminded that life is not about naively adhering to a broken social contract, but what we’re ready to do when “the futility of existence,” as drummer Patrick Crann puts it, is simply too much to ignore.
“Sweet Proximity” kickstarts both a new year and a new fire for TELL, marking the first of two releases that set up a new music video in April for the single’s companion track, “Boiling The Ocean.”
Photo Credit- Dan Saltzman
The band celebrates the unveiling of “Sweet Proximity” and this new era of music with a release show that same night at Warp & Welt in Lowell, before playing The Square Root in Roslindale on May 9. And the live shows are notable, because what we need more than ever is a human connection to help cut through the stress of the day.
“‘Sweet Proximity’ was originally about the frustration of desiring a connection beyond a face on a computer screen,” Wildman admits. “I’m a fiction writer, so I tend to create characters to make a point. There are three scenarios presented: A stunt driver on a closed track, which represents isolation from himself and the world that he entertains for a living; a guy who loves the lonely girl next door, but neither of them can escape the barriers they put up; and a test pilot crashing into the Earth.”
“Sweet Proximity “ was Produced and mixed by Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios in Allston, MA
TELL, takes us on a magnificent journey, with “Sweet Proximity “ it is absolutely amazing.
Fake Dad Showcase Indie RockGreatness With New EP “Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine “
We were completely captivated by the absolute indie rock tour de force that Los Angeles based, NYC bred indie rock Los Angeles based, NYC bred indie rock meets dream pop duo , Fake Dad , have created on their spectacular new EP, Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine “ You can listen to the new EP on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
Before, getting deep into our review, we would like to mention that Fake Dad, is one of our most commented about bands that we cover . Every one wants to know who they are …. And with good reason.
Andrea de Varona (she/her) and Josh Ford (he/him) aka Fake Dad, formed in 2020, the two met at a college party in the East Village and have been inseparable ever since. Melting their own unique artistic visions to build a shared sonic shorthand, Fake Dad create an intoxicating and colorful musical fusion complete with catchy pop-laden hooks, crunchy, 90s inspired guitars, grooving bass lines, and buoyant synths. With a distinctive production sound and a signature vocal delivery, the two write and record expansive musical moments from their apartment.
Their otherworldly new EP, Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine, Fake Dad have created characters that live in their made up world of angry, burger-flipping clowns, star-crossed knights, and masked sleep paralysis demons. Throughout the process, Andrea and Josh realized that they were using the fiction to unpack very real aspects of their lived experiences—including their identities and sexualities as romantic partners in a straight-passing relationship.
There are so many amazing moments on Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine”, from Fake Dad. Every track has this gorgeous and cinematic appeal that we simply can’t look away
The energy on the opening track, “Crybaby” is absolutely electric, we were singing and dancing along almost instantly.
The addictive beat on “Odyssey To Venice” is an intoxicating indie dream that we did not wake up from .
The track that really got our attention was, “WANTO” , the track has a really mysterious vibe that we felt ourselves instantly gravitating to – Bravo
Tour Dates:
March 10 – 15 SXSW – Austin, TXMarch 25 – Hi-Dive – Denver, COMarch 26 – Kilby Court – Salt Lake City, UTMarch 27 – Treefort – Boise, ID March 29 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, ORMarch 30 – Sunset Tavern – Seattle, WAMarch 31 – The Pearl – Vancouver, BCApril 2 – Brick and Mortar – San Francisco, CAApril 3 – The Echo – Los Angeles, CA
We are beyond excited to report that hardcore foursome, Feed The Beast, will be releasing their latest album, “Mercy”, their debut for Futureless. You can check out the earth shaking new single “Tombs Underneath The Tombs” Here
Feed the Beast’s history has been cultivated via years of consistently releasing recordings and fortifying a considerable presence across venues in their western Los Angeles and Santa Monica locales. Mercy signals their return from a hiatus with a reshuffled roster and new record label affiliation in tow. The group has seized the opportunity to not only elevate its presence, but also expand its latitude of sonic expression, melding the time-tested heaviness with occasions for experimentation and engaging in novel musical niches.
Photo: Hunter Astrid @shottbyhunter
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Nick Jett (of Terror) in under a week, Mercy is a compendium of punishing yet precise heavy cuts, deftly interspersed with melody, space, dynamics and syncopated rhythms. Original members James Hutchinson (vocals) and Nicholas Garcia (guitar) penned Mercy across a span of a few months with former Feed the Beast members Tye Trujillo (bass) and Patrick Chavez (drums).
“Nick’s the man,” says Garcia of Mercy’sproducer. “He’s very efficient and it still blows my mind that we tracked seven songs in three or four days. It’s very cool to get to work with someone who is very professional.”
With Trujillo and Chavez leaving to focus on other projects (Trujillo plays in Suicidal Tendencies, filling his father Robert’s spot that became available when he joined Metallica, while Chavez plays with OTTTO), Hutchinson and Garcia retooled the lineup, recruiting new band members Julian Lincona (bass) and Billy Greenwood (drums) to support Mercy, which is slated for a release on Futureless in May 2025.
Mercy’s first single is “Tombs Underneath The Tombs,” of which Hutchinson says is about “being content with and even embracing hell, which is a fate worse than hell itself. It takes on the perspective of an incredibly narcissistic individual who believes they are smarter and stronger than everyone, including creation itself.”
“Tombs Underneath Tombs” from, Feed The Beast, hits like an explosive and precise bolt of lightning. We are in absolute awe of the powerful and breathtaking sound.
We are absolutely ready for more music from , Feed The Beast .
We recently had the incredible opportunity to check out the new single, “Plastic Lives” , from Montreal skate punk favorites Dutch Nuggets, You can listen to “Plastic Lives” Here
You can also watch the video for “Three Of Clubs” Below
“Plastic Lives, is Plastic Lives” is the third and final single from , Dutch Nuggets ahead of their album Fishbowl’d!. This time, the band delivers a more melodic, mid-tempo punk rock anthem—showcasing yet another side of their sound and proving they still have plenty of surprises up their sleeve.
The fury and speed of “Plastic Lives” had us on the edge of our seats. Dutch Nuggets have their own of melodically and sonically perfect style of skatepunk that is absolutely off the charts .
The band is back from hibernation with their long-awaited second full-length album, Fishbowl’d!, out April 4th via Thousand Islands Records/Bearded Punk Records. The boys teamed up with Thousand Islands Records and Chris Fogal (Cigar, Pears, Counterpunch) to deliver a perfected and matured version of their signature blazing punk/hardcore sound, complete with infectious three-part harmonies, while also exploring some new territories. Dust off your board, old fart—the Nuggz are back at it!
Fishbowl’d! will be available as a 180g gatefold edition LP with 2 Ecomix color variants. 2$ per album sold will be donated to Carbone Boréal, a greenhouse gas offset program through tree planting.
And there’s more… “Nervous Wreck”, the band’s 2013 debut album, is being reissued on vinyl for the first time—remastered and now with a bonus track! Also available in 2 Ecomix variants.You can pre-order both albums now in Thousand Islands Records’ shop or through Bearded Punk Records in Europe. You can even build your bundle!
We can’t wait for the release of “Fishbowl’d!” , until then we will keep “Plastic Lives” on repeat.
We recently got the stellar opportunity to check out the vibrant new single, “M2M”, from Irish alt-rock artist Iann Brennan. You can listen to “M2M”, on Spotify, Here, Apple Music Here
M2M” is the electrifying second single release of 2025, blending fast-paced, melodic rhythms with anthemic energy. This high-octane track captures the feeling of reaching a pivotal moment in life with someone, a place so significant that there’s no turning back. With its uplifting vibe and driving beats, “M2M” delivers an emotional journey, embodying the rush and intensity of shared experiences that change everything. It’s a powerful anthem for those moments of life-altering connection.
Iann Brennan is an Irish indie rock artist from Dublin, Ireland. Late 2023 saw Iann release his debut album “Start As You Mean To Go On” under record label AGR Television Records. 2024 saw Iann’s rise as he released 4 singles from the debut album and performed 3 sell out shows in the UK.
“M2M”, is an authentic , powerful song that grabs your attention. Iann Brennan, delivers a flawless vocal performance that is beautifully blended with a melody that is simply breathtaking.
2025 will see Iann continue to release quality music and tour nationwide. Iann’s sound is best described as strong, anthemic, soaring vocals with plenty of balls to the wall guitars…. think Kings of Leon meets Stereophonics meets Noel Gallagher.
In addition to the new single, Iann, is announcing that he will do a headline show at The Soundhouse in Dublin on Sat May, 10th
Listening to the new single, “Sister” from Worcester alternative duo , Sunday Junkie ( Tom Martin and Shawn Pelkey) feels like a new level of a constantly evolving music experience has been unlocked. Sunday Junkie , does not put themselves in a musical corner with each release showing a different side of the duo . You can listen to “Sister” on Spotify Here, Apple Music, Here
Sunday Junkie artfully as with past singles ( Haunted Head, Vultures and Holy,Holy) has developed a well formed melodic center with , “Sister” that is drop dead perfect. “Sister” is the type of song that you need to revisit and explore because another dimension of the song reveals itself, each time you listen.
“Sister” also showcases the incredible musicianship between Martin and Pelkey, they truly are a well oiled music making machine that work seamlessly together.
Sunday Junkie, has a vibe and sound that nods to both melodies of the past and future , we can’t wait to see what happens next .
Linda Viens penned ‘No One Like You’ as a tribute to the impact and legacy of late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the beautifully crafted new single, “No One Like You”, from Boston, rock band, Girl With A Hawk. You can listen to “No One Like You” on Spotify Here, Bandcamp Here
Being a drummer and being of a certain age , the passing of Foo Fighters , drummer Taylor Hawkins , hit me pretty profoundly, I never knew Taylor, but through music he was an important part of my life .
Being the talented songwriter that she is, Linda Viens did what she does best – she wrote a song, and a few years later, that reflective instinct comes through in “No One Like You,” the new Girl with a Hawk single is out today , Friday, March 7 on Rum Bar Records.
It was one of those ‘gifts from the gods’ songs – it flowed into the heart and mind in one tearful piece,” Viens admits. “The song came through the ether as a whole entity, and was written subconsciously from Dave Grohl’s point of view, but also from the point of view of speaking through the veil to my own lost ones who died suddenly and shockingly – whether from health struggles or untimely overdoses or, most torturously, from the tragedy of suicide.”
“No One Like You”, from Girl With A Hawk, is a reflective and therapeutic song that you can carry with you long after the song has faded .
No One Like You,” arriving fresh off Viens’ induction into the New England Music Hall of Fame, is Girl with a Hawk’s first new music since a pair of fall 2024 singles, and sets up a new record from the Boston quintet due out later this year. And it continues Girl with a Hawk’s penchant for weary, weathered, heart-on-sleeve storytelling; something Viens and the band have developed over time as rock and roll lifers.
“No One Like You” was produced and engineered by Pete Weiss and recorded with Weiss at Panoramic House Studio in Stinson Beach, California, part of three new tunes that will eventually help compose the band’s debut full-length record. It was mixed and mastered by Weiss a little closer to home, at Jade Cow Music in Somerville, Massachusetts, with vocal overdubs recorded at Somerville’sBluetone Studio and assistant engineering done by David Grabowski.
“Making songs that pack a punch and give people strength to face what is to come is what’s on my own mind right now,”Viens concludes. “There’s no goal but to make some music that we feel good about and if the music we make touches people – that is just immensely satisfying.
Music is the great healer, “No One Like You “ is an incredibly great song , from a phenomenally great band . Go find your favorite music listening spot and enjoy the greatness.
We are over the moon excited to check out two new amazing albums from acclaimed queer singer-songwriter Heather Mae. You can listen to “What They Hid From Me “ (alternative) – on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and “kiss and tell” (pop) on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
Raw, raucous, and deeply introspective, “WHAT THEY HID FROM ME” is Mae’s most unfiltered work yet. Produced by ZDAN and featuring an all-female band—including Grammy winner Allison Russell and the powerhouse duo SistaStrings—the album explores religious trauma, survival, and resilience. “What I Know Now” is a gut-wrenching survivor anthem that unpacks consent and self-blame, while “All’s Not Lost” transforms the daily battle with depression into a folk-rock catharsis. “Black Lives Do” is a searing call for racial justice, written from the perspective of someone whose partner is Black. With an unrelenting blend of Americana, alt-rock, and raw storytelling, “WHAT THEY HID FROM ME” is a reckoning with the past and a rallying cry for those reclaiming their truth.
Heather Mae, is a phenomenal storyteller and musician who is absolutely the total package . The passion and energy that Heather Mae puts into her music is simply unmatched, and on full display with “WHAT THEY HID FROM ME” (alternative) and “kiss & tell” (pop)
If “WHAT THEY HID FROM ME” is the reckoning, “kiss & tell”is the rebellion. Co-produced by Mae and Nashville’s pop mastermind Lollies (Timbaland, Hayley Williams), the album is a celebration of queer joy and unapologetic love. “take it slow” drips with R&B-infused sensuality featuring a rap verse from ATL’sYani B Fly, while “shook” and “ode to joy” explode with hands-in-the-air queer euphoria. The breakout single, “Kissing Girls,” released in June 2024, is both a bi-anthem and a love letter to LGBTQ+ folks who grew up in spaces where their queerness wasn’t an option.
But Heather Mae isn’t just making music—she’s making space. Both albums were created entirely by women and nonbinary music makers, from the guitarists to the engineers to the producers and photographers. Every note, every lyric, every choice is an act of defiance in an industry that continues to sideline marginalized voices. “WHAT THEY HID FROM ME”and “kiss & tell” aren’t just albums; they are declarations. Mae’s music is a fist in the air, a love letter to the misfits, and a battle cry for those who refuse to be erased. And with these two records, she’s making one thing clear: no matter what policies are passed or how hard they try to silence us—we are here, we are loud, and we are not going anywhere.
We Indie rock band, Arcy Drive is thrilled to announce their debut album “The Pit” to be released April 18th via AWAL. As a preview, the band has released the fifth single “The Itch” You can listen to “The Itch” Here
Arcy Drive, have a unique and a one of kind sound that is front and center on “The Itch”
The melody coupled with NickMateyunas’s flawless and memorable vocals, make “The Itch” a song that you need to experience.
Arcy Drive, is a Northport, Long Island-based indie rock band, consisting of guitarist/vocalistNick Mateyunas, guitaristAustinJones, bassistPatrick Helrigel, and drummerBrooke Tuozzo. They command more than 144,000 Instagram followers, and 195,000 on TikTok. Mateyunas, Jones, Helrigel, and Tuozzo grew up on Long Island. As Mateyunas and Jones bounced musical ideas off each other, they realized they had something — especially as the pandemic hit, with its members home from college When Helrigel came along, Arcy Drive was off to the races: they posted their original songs on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to a glowing response.
Around then, Arcy Drive’s innate work ethic clicked into gear: they bought a school bus and spent a summer converting it into a tour bus. In 2022, Arcy Drive released their debut single, “Roll My Stone.” 2023 brought Arcy Drive’s debut, five-song EP, Beach Plum — their first in a proper studio. That year, Arcy Drive also embarked on their first headline tour, where they performed at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and South by Southwest. What accurately describes Arcy Drive’s trajectory; with a profound appreciation of the rock ‘n’ roll canon, endless youthful zest, and melodies for days, they’re shooting for the moon.
We are all in on Arcy Drive , and we think after you hear them, you will be too .
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the debut album, “BS” from alternative/rock band duo Baby Said. You can listen to “BS” Here.
Baby Said are made up of Italian/Punjabi sisters Veronica and Jess. Baby Said, create well written songs that are melodically and sonically pleasing and absolutely rock, We won’t be surprised if “BS”, ends up on many best of 2025 list.
Baby Said decided to record their album with Patch Boshell and Steven Battelle as they had already written three songs with them – Mean Girlz, Dead to Me and Hate Me – they knew they understood their vision.
Recorded over a few months, they did live drums, bass and some guitars at the ‘Puzzle Factory’ and the rest of the guitars and vocals at Patch’s studio, with the aim to maintain the rawness of the rock band they aspire to be.
Having almost all the songs brewing for about a year, this made the experience so much more rewarding to hear the recordings to their full potential. Since their debut, Baby Said has been making waves in the alternative world. Their tracks “YOU KILLED IT’’, ‘’FIGHT’’, ‘’MOUTH SHUT” and PANIC ATTACK were released on their debut EP Who Gives A Rock in May 2024, all of which caught the attention of the Apple Editorial team who placed them on their Flagship Global Rock Playlists The New Rock, New in Rock alongside some the worlds most respected and well-known artists. Support at Radio 1 from BBC Local,National Introducing and R1 Rock queen Alyx Holcombe.
Baby Said, do a phenomenal job on “BS” of showcasing the many sides of their authentic and unique style and sound . If we had to pick a favorite track off the record, which is next to impossible to do , because they are so good , we would have to go with , “Burn” We fell instantly for this track it has a melody that we can’t get enough of.
Do yourself a favor and check out the debut album, “BS”, from Baby Said, you will be glad you did .
Independent Record Label, Wiretap Records, has announced the launch an offshoot imprint label, Sleep Walk Sounds. The newly formed imprint, will specialize in releasing music in various genres from soul, roots reggae/rocksteady, jazz funk, americana, indie and more.
“For the past 10 years of running Wiretap Records, I’d constantly receive submissions from bands/artists of all types of genres. From soul, country, R&B, roots reggae and more. I love all sorts of music as we all do. While a lot of times, the music and artists were not the ideal for a Wiretap release, I still found it appealing to possibly create an imprint that was able to cater to those sounds that weren’t punk/hardcore, alternative/rock leaning.”–Rob Castellon, Owner Wiretap Records, Sleep Walk Sounds
The newly formed Sleep Walk Sounds,has announced it’s debut release due this spring, a solo record Benergy from Big D and The Kids Table bassist Ben Basile.
While Ben has performed and recorded with dozens of artists throughout his career, this is his first album consisting of his original compositions. In February of 2023, Ben enlisted the help of his best friend and bandmate Jon Degen to produce the new album. Recording took place in the spring and fall of 2023 and was completed just before the year’s end.
The pun “Benergy” was coined by one of Ben’s students during a bass lesson. From its initial inception, Benergy was simply a collection of compositions; now it is an album that encapsulates the joy, rhythm, and spirit of the music that has helped shape Ben Basile as an artist.
Benergy” is a pun that one of my bass students came up with. I was explaining to my student what it means to play “on top of the beat” which means playing just slightly early to push the feel of the bassline. “When I play ska punk, like with Big D and The Kids Table, it’s all about playing on top, playing with momentum and energy. Pushing the music the entire time.” Her response was: “Benergy?” with a smile. We shared a laugh and I wrote it down for later.
The debut single, “Mountain Road” from Ben Basile is an absolute musical treat that simply can’t be ignored. It is a burst of traditional ska/rocksteady goodness that’ll have you tapping your foot in no time. You can listen to “Mountain Road “ Here
Ben says, “”Mountain Road” was written to represent where I am now in life… It’s literally the road I live on currently.”The track is now streaming everywhere via Sleep Walk Sounds.
Irish rock-alt singer, D. Cullen offers up his latest snappy guitar driven single, “Where Did You Go? , and it does not disappoint. You can listen to “Where Did You Go?” Here You can also watch the video below.
It is next to impossible not to get swept up in the alt-rock brilliance of “Where Did You Go?”, from D.Cullen. From the moment we heard the first chord , we know we were in for an absolute banger of a song ( and we were right!)
D Cullen photo credit
D comments: “This song is a mission statement for my 2nd album. I came of age during what was possibly the last great era for guitar music. The early-mid 2000’s were a golden time for indie music. Big Guitars, Big Drums, records that simultaneously sounded raw & massive on the radio, big hooky pop songs played loosely & dangerously. That’s the sound I wanted to convey on this album, and “Where Did You Go?” perfectly captures that’
Having previously released his debut album ‘Sing My Story, Tell My Song‘ followed by the EP ‘Tiny‘ and sophomore album ‘Standalone‘ he now announces a new chapter for 2025 with the release of the track ‘Where Did You Go’
If you haven’t heard of D. Cullen, we think that listening to “Where Did You Go” is a pretty good place to start.
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the new EP, “Summer Bummer” via Epidemic Records from Vicenza, Italy-based band Hearts Apart. You can listen to “Summer Bummer ” Here
We first got a chance to fall in love with the Punk and Roll sound of Hearts Apart, back in January, with their high energy single, “I Hate Summer” ( which we had on permanent repeat )
After years of live shows and two EPs that defined their sound, the band raises the bar with six new tracks recorded spontaneously and directly, thanks to an idea from producer and friend Maurizio Icio Baggio. The result? A rawer, more visceral, and authentic sound that perfectly captures their essence: emotional intensity, self-irony, and an unstoppable drive to play punk rock.
The energy that Hearts Apart put in to their music is absolutely electrifying that it practically burst out of the speakers .
Pic Credits: Alessandro Digiuni
“We recorded these six songs in no time, letting instinct guide us,”say Hearts Apart. “What came out is an even more direct and spontaneous EP compared to our previous work. And despite the cassette recorder, it sounds absolutely killer!”
One listen to “Summer Bummer” and our love affair with Hearts Apart . that started with “I Hate Summer” , was immediately rekindled- Bravo!
Hearts Apart brilliantly take everything that is good about punk and rock and roll and make it a 1000 times better. So many bands just follow the same trend with no originality, Not – Hearts Apart , they have a unique sound that is all their own.
Every song on “Summer Bummer” is an absolute rock gem . We literally sang our hearts out and danced our butts off on every track.
“Forget About Me” , “I Wanna Have Fun”, “Oh People” and “Did I Mention “ have taken up permanent residence in our rock and roll heart and… we wouldn’t have it anyway . So much energy so freaking fun ! We loved all the songs on “Summer Bummer” but the one that really stuck out as our favorite is …. “You Better Let It Go” everything about this song is perfect, melodic , flawless vocals – everything! It is the perfect song to blast on an open highway.
If you love music … You owe it to your self to checkout , “Summer Bummer ” from Hearts Apart .
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check the new single , “The End” , from LA’sSouth Bay born & raised alternative artist, MEGG. You can listen to “The End” Here
MEGG, blends her love for pop music with her punk rock roots to create a fearless sound for the tomboys, loudmouths, romantics, and all the misfits in-between.
MEGG recently made the move to Nashville, TN, bringing her SoCal punk rock vibes to Music City with sand in her Vans and a bottle in hand. She dropped seven singles in 2024, with her latest banger, “The End,” out today (February 28) . And that’s just the beginning—she’s gearing up for her fourth EP this fall. Oh, and did we mention? SHE’S PLAYING VANS WARPED TOUR in Long Beach, CA this summer on July 26 & 27!
Photo Credit: Madison Hedgecock
Regarding the new single, MEGG says, “We wrote The End about some mental shit I was going through. This song is about the battle between two versions of myself in my head: the fun, happy, stops and smells the flowers kind of girl and this other crazy bitch who tries to tear everything apart. I wanted the music to feel unhinged yet familiar, something we can all scream and dance along to, as I imagine we’ve all felt this way in some capacity. I’m stoked on this one.”
We absolutely love the style , sound and vibe that , MEGG, brings to “The End” , MEGG, is a refreshing change in a sometimes mundane musical landscape.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Let ‘Em Loose”, from Bristol,UK, rock trio Krooked Tongue
You can listen to “Let ‘Em Loose”, on Spotify Here, AppleMusic Here, and on Amazon Here
The new single, “Let ‘Em Loose “, follows 2024’s ‘Nothing Ever Grows’ and ‘Ember Mile’, taken from a longer body of material, with further details to be announced in the coming months. Their previous singles saw support from Apple editorial’s ‘Breaking Hard Rock’, New Noise Magazine, CLOUT, Total Rock, Primordial Radio and Boogaloo Radio, and ‘Nothing Ever Grows’ was used throughout the Bivol vs Beterbiev boxing fight on DAZN Sports.
Krooked Tongue,(Oli Rainsford, vocals, bass, Dan Smith,guitar, vocals, Harry Pritchard, drums) have the amazing ability to take sounds and lyrics and construct songs that appeal to both the mind and soul , “Let ‘Em Loose” is not just a captivating song but it also serves as a powerful point for thought provoking discussion.
Recorded and produced with long-time producer Josh Gallop at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, the track uses playful phrasing, scathing sarcasm and sharp humour to cast a penetrating lens on the damaging toll technology is taking on real life relationships.
Describing the single, vocalist and lyricist Oli Rainsford states, “Let ‘Em Loose’ is a song that parallels the technological age we found ourselves in today. We’re all so addicted to screen time that we forget how important it is for us to spend time with each other, really with each other. No distractions.
Let ‘Em Loose’ is a song that reminds us to be a little more present in a world where it seems like being tethered to a plug socket is the norm. Whilst you’re scrolling reels or finding yourself down Youtube rabbit holes all night, you’re missing your kids growing up, you’re missing out on your Grandad’s most compelling stories and you’re eating away at the dwindling hourglass of time. It’s harder now more than ever NOT to be sucked into the world of social media, but in the words of Eddie Abbew… ‘Wake the fuck up.’
Oli continues: The lyrics in the chorus draw inspiration from the Black Mirror episode ‘Metalhead’. I think the way in which technology is represented as these robotic minions hunting people in rural settings is quite a relevant visualisation of the message in ‘Let ‘Em Loose’. Especially now with a sudden push for AI to do everything that’s made us human. Maybe there’s a place for that somewhere, but it shouldn’t be used where it can fragment society more than it already is now. We need to regain our sense of importance. ‘Let ‘Em Loose’ is your warning.”
So drop whatever you have going on and get lost in the musical goodness that is “Let ‘Em Loose” from Krooked Tongue.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “Spit” from Detroit-born and Nashville-based, Alternative/indie trio, Pretty Jane. You can listen to “Spit” Here
Pretty Jane are thrilled to release their new single “Spit” that is out now on all platforms. This is the third single from their forthcoming EP to be released later this year. Last year the band released the other 2 singles “Stand So Close” and “Quiet,” which is also off the coming EP. As a start to the new year in 2025 they recently released a cover song of Alanis Morrissette’s “You Oughta Know” that is out now.
Pretty Jane, craft real authentic and relatable songs with killer melodies. Pretty Jane, may not be perfect but their music is pretty close. The lived experiences of the band breathe fluidly through the tracks as their music yearns for connection, intimacy, for home or the past.
Pretty Jane’s latest single , “Spit” is a dreamy indie pop gem that could very well be playing in the background of your favorite movie.
Meeting first by dating the same set of twin, the Detroit-born and Nashville-based trio—Trevor Dalrymple [vocals], Luca DiVergilio [bass], and Ethan Strain [lead guitar]—fearlessly flaunt personalities just as outsized as these emotions, garnering them an online following of over one-hundred thousand.
After amassing ten million-plus streams and earning early acclaim from A1234, SHEESH, and many others, the band continues to give form to relatable feelings on an upcoming 2025 EP. Their mastery of unexpected and unfettered intimacy live up their moniker of ‘music that feels like kissing your friends.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Gratitude”, from Cambridge singer-songwriter and Boston music scene veteran, Adam Sherman. The song also features Boston music icon Robin Lane
We were immediately taken with “Gratitude” from Adam Sherman , featuring Robin Lane, there is a heartfelt message of hope that lingers gently within the beautiful melodic tapestry of the song that stays with you long after the music has faded
Photo by Carissa Johnson
A needed tonic for our collective demoralization and a welcome dose of communal appreciation, “Gratitude” is the follow-up to last fall’s Bandcamp-exclusive “Pure As Yours,” and leads off Sherman’s forthcoming new EP, Nowhere But Here. The four-track collection of new material is out digitally and compact disc on March 28, with the record release party the following night at Club Passim in Harvard Square, Cambridge.
“‘Gratitude’ is about focusing on thankfulness for the good things in our lives, rather than the difficulties we encounter every day,” Sherman says. “It’s about finding light in the darkness. It’s about having hope when there is so much sadness in the world. I challenged myself to write a song about all that I have to be thankful for… I often write about love and loss and I wanted to go in an entirely new direction.”
Sherman, known for work that spans decades from early bands like Private Lightning and The Souls to a distinguished modern-day solo career and as former guitarist for the resurrected Nervous Eaters . Adam Sherman is a gifted songwriter/ storyteller with an authentic voice with a message that shines perfectly on “Gratitude”
Sherman is truly at his collaborative best, enlisting Boston music icon Robin Lane for harmony vocals. Lane, known for her work in the ‘80s fronting beloved pop-rock group The Chartbusters, provides her unmistakable voice to the Nowhere But Here EP, and joins Sherman on stage at the Passim release party on March 29. But despite Sherman and Lane both having deep, rich histories in the Boston music scene, they began collaborating only recently.
“Robin and I met by sharing songs with each other by email,” Sherman admits. “I’ve always loved Robin’s voice and when she responded positively to ‘Gratitude’ I asked if she would be willing to sing harmony. She agreed, and when we began recording in the studio it became clear that her voice would be beautiful on the other songs as well.”
Produced by Ken Field; recorded and mixed by Jon Evans at Brick Hill Studio in Orleans, MA; and mastered by Mark Alan Miller, “Gratitude” represents a bit of a new chapter for Sherman, who self-releases the track under his own Haddon Road Music. It’s indebted to his past work, but also clears a new path forward as his artist studio in Cambridge provides the backdrop for his various creative passions, from writing and playing music to painting to graphic design to running a successful voice lessons business for the past 12 years.
“Gratitude”, from Adam Sherman, featuring, Robin Lane is absolutely gorgeous track that you simply hear…. You’ll be grateful you did.
We recently had the opportunity to check out Toronto based singer-songwriter, Jessica Lockwood and her powerful debut single “Only Child” You can listen to “Only Child”Here
Jessica Lockwood, has an electrifying vibe and sound and it is center stage on her debut single, “Only Child”
We talk all the time about how some musicians just “Have It “ , we can’t always explain “It” … But we know “It” when we hear “it” andit only took us one listen to “Only Child” from Jessica Lockwood, to know without question, that she has “It”
“Only Child “, from Jessica Lockwood, is a soulful blues injected rock song that is an absolutely wonderfully crafted gem . We were hanging on every word and found ourselves completely mesmerized by the memorable groove and the flawless vocals. Vocally, Jessica Lockwood, has the kind of voice that could stop traffic on the freeway ( a one of a kind voice that you can’t ignore.
Do yourself a favor and find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the musical beauty of “Only Child” from Jessica Lockwood, we have a feeling she’s just getting warmed up.
We recently had the amazingly awesome opportunity to check out the blistering new single “Paradigm” from Birmingham (UK) based band, TEMPLETON PEK. You can listen to “Paradigm” Here
British band TEMPLETON PEK have announced their signing with Austrian label SBAM Records. As part of the deal, the band will also release via Double Helix Records in the US.
To mark the occasion, the band has released their melodically and sonically pleasing new single, “Paradigm” which is available on all good streaming platforms.
Commenting on the announcement, the band said: “Working with Stefan and his team at SBAM was a natural fit for us, we have known them for a long time and have worked together on previous projects, including their festival. After seeing how they have built their label over the years, they were our first choice to release new material. They align with our values and the way we do things, and are just good people, which is pretty rare in the music industry. We are excited to see where this partnership takes us.”
The new single, “Paradigm” from TEMPLETON PEK, is the kind of that you want shout at the top of your lungs, till the whole world hears it. (It’s That Good!)
Commenting on the single , the band said:“We wanted to release a song that speaks for itself and gives a taste of what is to come from us in the near future. The song is about the art of playing with being underestimated, something we have definitely been over the years, an underdog, and like this song, we use that to our advantage wherever possible, almost like fuel to push us forward.”
“Paradigm” is part of a new album to be released via SBAM and was produced by George Perks (Enter Shikari, Skindred) at Vada Studio in the band’s hometown of Birmingham and mastered at the legendary Metropolis Studios in London.
We are absolutely enthralled with “Paradigm” from TEMPLETON PEK, and can’t wait for more
After two EPs and a three-year hiatus, Southern California indie rock four-piece Greer is just beginning to write their story with their debut full-length, Big Smile, out March 21 via Epitaph.
You can listen to “Franken” on Spotify HereApple Music Here
The upcoming album is at once a return to form and a monumental step forward, tracing the sound of a band exorcising their demons and learning to trust themselves. Accompanying the announcement is their new single “Franken,” surging into emotional crescendos rising and crashing before pulling back into the ether with a resounding ache.
“Learning to heal through emotional fallout, ‘Franken’ displays desperation and denial of loss,” the band explains, “showing that the harder you deny and try to emotionally graft and force yourself to relive your losses, the more tragic the outcome. There is no healthy healing in forcing your denial onto others and using them for your own benefit. ‘Frankensteining’ your broken heart back together with the pieces of others around you may taint what it once was and turn a loss into a tragic and disgusting image for yourself, making it harder to move on or grow. Coveting broken pieces alone will only send you further into a pit of isolation and regret.”
Photo Credit: Jaxon Whittington
The sting of isolation emerged as a theme often returned to over the course of writing and recordingBig Smile with Rob Schnapf (The Vines, Beck) and Matt Schuessler (Kurt Vile, Cat Power).“After the pandemic and taking a break from the band, we had to pick up the pieces of all that was left behind,” they recall. When they reconvened in 2023, they went back to where it all started – drummerLucas Ovalle’s garage. It was in this familiar environment that he, guitarist and lead singerJosiah, guitaristCorbin Jacques, and bassistSeth Thomson remembered how to be friends and shared all the anxieties and revelations they’d endured on hiatus through their songwriting process. Greer grew up again.
Greer , brings a musical energy that is second to none. Listening to “Franken” reminds us why we love music so much . We can’t wait for “Big Smile”
This past Friday, we were absolutely honored to check out the brand new single, “UGLY“, from Bristol (UK) rock band, Oswald Slain .
Not only do we get the fabulous new single for “UGLY” But today we get a sparkling new video for “UGLY” You can watch the video below.
The video, is a live session filmed at Bristol’sSt. Dunstans House. The video for UGLY, is a fantastic of glimpse of Oswald Slain absolutely slaying it with their red hot new single, “UGLY” You can listen to “UGLY” Here
The song was produced in-house at their DIY home studio and mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), and was inspired “by the film Boogie Nights and all of the deranged antics that went on behind the glitz and the glamour of the 70’s adult entertainment industry”
“UGLY”, taken from their debut EP ‘Kiss Me On The Mouth’ due for release April 2025.
Alongside the single, Oswald Slain are excited to announce that they’ll be embarking on their first tour of the UK, commencing April 17th 2025 at Newcastle’s Trillians Bar to celebrate the release of their debut EP.
Oswald Slain, have an electrifying sound and vibe that is front and center on “UGLY”, and we cannot get enough, it is absolutely stunning.
We recently had the extreme honor of checking out the new record “Soap Box Hero” from San Diego punks, Punchcard, via FelonyRecords . You can listen to “Soap Box Hero”Here
We are still buzzing from Punchcard’s single ,”Stealing My Identity” to get a whole album. feels like a gift from the punk rock gods . Right from the first note on the opening track” “Die” , Punchcard, comes out firing on all cylinders and it is a thing of beauty.
Formed in San Diego in August of 2006, Punchcard emerged on the San Diego punk scene with a fast, melodic and technical punk rock style. Over the course of nearly the next 2 decades, they’ve built a signature sound unique to themselves, all the while keeping true to the genre. Their songs have something for everyone as they emphasize political fallout, social instability, and personal mistrust. all with a dose of sing-along vibes, and passionate taunts.
If you look up a picture of a well rounded, melodically perfect and killer riff filled punk album, we are pretty sure you would see a picture of the “Soap Box Hero” album cover , Punchcard have delivered big time !
One of our favorites is “PBR”, not only are vocals absolute fire but we are completely obsessed with the amazing melody – freaking brilliant.
There is no shortage of electrifying energy on “Soap Box Hero” , “Mucho Dinero” and “You Sure About That” ,have enough frantic punk energy to light a small city .
The title track, “SoapBox Hero” , is a straight up anthem, and showcases Punchcard at their very best and the guitar work is absolutely genius.
Just when you think that the record couldn’t get any better , Punchcard deliver an epically awesome cover of the 1992 alt classic “What’s Up”, from 4 Non Blondes– freaking phenomenal.
So your punk loving heart a favor and check out the fantastic new album “Soap Box Hero” from Punchcard.
The stunning melodic brilliance continues from Boston based hardcore band , The Promise End as they deliver their striking new single , “A Long Shadow “ You can listen to “A Long shadow on Spotify, Here, The track is also accompanied by an animated lyric video from the talented visual artist Bizhan Khodabandeh. You can watch the video below.
Regarding the track the band states, “We are the malcontents of manufactured consent. In opposition, as one voice of dissent.”
The Promise End, take the quickness of lightning and the power of thunder and harness it to make breathtakingly beautiful music, case in point… the beauty and power of their latest single , A Long Shadow .
The Promised End will enter the studio to record the follow up LP to 2024’s “For The Buried And The Broken”on April 18th. In November of this year, the band will embark on a tour of mainland Europe
2024 was a banner year for Boston hardcore outfit The Promised End. In February the band released their debut full length record “For The Buried And The Broken” on Sound Investment Records (US) and Gunner Records (Germany) and received critical praise for its energy,authenticity and thoughtful lyrical content.
In August/September of 2024 the band embarked on their maiden tour of Europe where they played 16 dates in Germany and Poland. Returning home the band was nominated for a 2024 Boston Music Award where they were in the company of such nominees as Converge, The Dropkick Murphys and Fiddlehead. The band has been busy writing their sophomore album
We can’t wait for more music from The Promise End, in the meantime we will keep “A Long Shadow” on repeat.
Upcoming Show:
March 22 @ Moon Base One24 New Derby Street Salem, MA 6pm All Ages $10 (W/ Deprogrammer, Cult Born, Cursed American Ethos)
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Beautiful Sky”, from Canadian, singer-songwriter Andy Stochansky. You can listen to “Beautiful Sky “ Here. You can also watch the video below
We are completely taken with the new single, Beautiful Sky” , from Andy Stochansky, via ENCI Records , offering a glimpse into his forthcoming album, Poetry of Birds.
“Sometimes I get overwhelmed by social media and I just need to look at something to ground myself. When writing this song. I remember just going outside and looking at the sky and not needing anything else.”
Andy Stochansky , is a master singer-songwriter and storyteller who creates music that you can’t help but instantly connect with .
Andy crafts music that is both intimate and immersive. His latest project, Poetry of Birds, reflects on the beauty of simplicity, translating everyday wonder into vivid lyrics and organic instrumentation.
“It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the modern world,” he observes. “I love electronics as much as anybody else does, but I wanted to show some respect to nature. It can teach us everything we need. Poetry Of Birds is a reminder to look at the beauty of the simple things around us.”
Photo: David Patino
Andy, eloquently takes melody and tone and creates beautiful melodic works of art . So much is beautifully woven into the inner fabric of “Beautiful Sky “ we were completely mesmerized.
With a career spanning decades, Andy’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Toronto-born artist first made waves as a touring and studio musician for indie icon Ani DiFrancobefore launching his solo career in 1999 with Radio Fusebox. His evolution continued with albums like 5 Star Motel(2001) and 100 (2005), the latter produced by Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls. His songwriting prowess has left a global imprint, with his song Shine—covered by Australian Idol winner Shannon Noll—dominating the Australian Singles Chart at #1 for eight weeks and even serving as the Commonwealth Games theme song
We are anxiously awaiting the release of “Poetry Of Birds”, but for now we will put , “Beautiful Sky on repeat.
We were beyond excited to check out the new single, “UGLY ”, from Bristol (UK) , rock group Oswald Slain . You can listen to “UGLY” Here
Born from the creative cocoon of their home studio, Oswald Slain is a testament to both personal growth and musical evolution. Recorded over the miserable January of 2024, Oswald Slain’s music reflects a period of introspection and growth. Having reconciled with the chaos of youth and the trials of aging, lyricist Fitz channels these experiences into sincere, humorous, evocative songwriting alongside the timeless swagger of old retro rock records.
GLK Media
We love everything about , “UGLY”, from Oswald Slain, we found ourselves singing along instantly. Oswald Slain, have a vibe and an energy that is impossible not to fall in love with.
“UGLY’follows the release of November’s debut single ‘Happiness Is Overrated‘, championed by RTE, Fame Magazine, KUTX, Rough Trade’s ‘Counter Culture’ and Apple editorial’s ‘New In Rock’.
Produced in-house in their DIY home studio and mastered by Jason Mitchell at LoudMastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), ‘UGLY‘ lifts the red curtain on the darker side of the 70’s adult entertainment industry.
GLK Media
Speaking on the inspiration for the song, vocalist and lyricist Charlie Fitzgerald says: “UGLY was one of the first tunes we made at home messing about in our little studio. We really enjoyed the slapping drum beat and fuzzy guitars and wanted to make something gross and tacky with some pretty moments. Lyrically it’s inspired by the film Boogie Nights and all the deranged antics that went on behind the glitz and the glamour of the 70’s adult entertainment industry. I like things that aren’t perfect and people who are not afraid to just be themselves; everyone has an ugly side or a bad angle but that only adds to an overall greater beauty in my opinion.”
We are convinced that Oswald Slain, don’t just write songs … No Oswald Slain write freaking ROCK ANTHEMS! UGLY is a freaking ROCK ANTHEM.
“Let The Praying Begin” is off upcoming LP ‘Straight Up’
We recently had the honor to check out the fantastic new single, “Let The Praying Begin via Oglio Records, “ from guitarist, singer, and songwriterJamie James. You can listen to “Let The Praying Begin”Here
Jamie James has had a rich and varied musical career, best known for his work with DQ and The Sharks (featuring actor Dennis Quaid), his long-time collaborations with the late Harry Dean Stanton, his role as a touring member of Steppenwolf in the late ’70s, and as the lead singer and founding member of the LA-based rockabilly trio Kingbees—the band behind the hit “My Mistake.”
On his upcoming 10-track solo LP, Straight Up, James reunites with his DQ and The Sharks bandmates—Tom Walsh (drums), Ken Stange (organ), and Tom Mancillas(bass)—with Jamie on guitar and harmonica.
The first single, “Let The Praying Begin” from Jamie James is an absolute religious experience. Jamie James, puts his whole heart and soul into his music and it is a beautiful thing.
Of the single, James says, “I grew up in rock ‘n’ roll in the ’60s—let’s just say I didn’t always live the life of a choirboy. But after a while, you find someone you actually love, and that feels better than anything. The song is about saying, if this relationship is wrong or a sin, or if this woman is too good for me, I’m not stopping—so go ahead and pray for me. In the end, the power of love makes us better”
A true survivor of rock’s ever-changing landscape, Jamie James remains an influential figure whose contributions to rockabilly, rock, and Americana continue to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike. Straight Up, marks a return to his roots while showcasing his evolution as an artist, blending his signature style with fresh, contemporary sounds. With its raw energy and heartfelt lyrics, the album further cements Jamie’s place in the pantheon of rock’s most enduring voices.
As James, explains, “There isn’t a dishonest word on this record.”
Jamie James, is a refreshing sound in today’s somewhat musical landscape. We found ourselves completely mesmerized by the melodic and soulful goodness of “Let The Praying Begin “
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the new single, “Born All Wrong “ , from Seattle’s Museum Of Light, “Born All Wrong,” is the third single off their upcoming sophomore album Diviner, set for release on March 14 via Spartan Records.
The 11-track LP was produced by Scott Evans (Sumac, Thrice, Kowloon Walled City)..
Museum Of Light, are the absolute masters of being able to brilliantly sculpt sound in to beautifully sonic and melodic works of art , “Born All Wrong”, is no exception.
Drummer Rob Smith says, “As with much of Diviner, “Born All Wrong” is a continuation of all the things that interested us on our first record, just taken further. The heavy stuff is heavier, the pretty stuff is prettier, and the weird stuff is weirder. The song dives into some of the expanded sonic palette that sets this record apart from Horizon. Here, we used a new, lower tuning, replaced some of the synth parts with a human voice (Elissa Alvarez, who is all over this record), and even mixed in some of the crashing waves and sea birds we heard outside the studio window as we worked. The big riff that anchors the first half of the song was written several years ago when we were between bassists. So, we were leaning more on huge, monolithic ideas that sounded good with the guitar running through both guitar and bass amps at the same time. As one of the older songs on the album, we weren’t sure if if was going to make the cut, but as soon as we heard playbacks in the studio, we all had the same thought: ‘well, that’s definitely making the record.”
Photo Credit: Scott Evans
Catch Museum Of Light on tour in March/April.
“BornAll Wrong” , artfully delivers all of the elements that Museum Of Light, are known for , blending crushing, heavy swagger with ethereal, sparkling melodies, creating a dynamic, otherworldly atmosphere that combines raw intensity with haunting, operatic vocals and poetic, existential lyrics
Catch Museum Of Light on tour in March/April.
3/22 – Seattle, WA (Record Release Show) – Substation w/ with Serial Hawk and Heldscalla
4/10 – Spokane, WA – Big Dipper w/ DUG 4/11 – Seattle, WA – Bad Bar w/ DUG + Constant Lovers 4/12 – Portland, OR – High Water Mark w/ DUG + Spares + Hiss 4/13 – Bend, OR – Webfoot Garage w/ DUG
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single , “Our Hearts Need Electricity “, from Boston, based indie-rock power trio, Cold Expectations, you can listen to, “Our Hearts Need Electricity “ on Spotify, Here, Apple Music, Here and on Bandcamp, Here
With Valentines Day, just a few days passed and February, being National Heart Month, the new single , “Our Hearts Need Electricity” arrives at the perfect time .
Written from a hospital bed where band member Steve Prygoda was diagnosed with advanced heart failure requiring an immediate pacemaker implant to keep his heart beating, the song percolates with a pulsating insistence that will compel you to get on up and rock out! We were absolutely enthralled with the jangle indie rock greatness of Cold Expectations, and their beautifully crafted new single, “Our Hearts Need Electricity”
Cold Expectations were participants in the 2024 Rock and Roll Rumble, and their recent full-length album, STATIC REACTIONS (Red on Red Records), was a CMJ radio favorite on countless college radio stations. Described as “dark jangle pop” and “hauntingly beautiful”, the band has drawn comparisons to Mission Of Burma, X, and New Order, amongst others. With an indie rock character that touches on power pop elements of melody and harmony, the vocal interplay between Steve and bassist/vocalist, JoEllen Saunders, and the rock-solid back beat of drummer Mike Demers, gives Cold Expectations their own unique and authentic sound.
Not only is is “Our Hearts Need Electricity “the perfect song to get your rock and roll heart pumping, it also carries an important message.
With the release of “Our Hearts Need Electricity”, the band is bringing awareness to the warning signs that your heart may be in trouble and need “more electricity” – which is the impulse that tells your heart to beat. Shortness of breath, low energy, feeling dizzy or tired can all be signs of Heart Failure or the onset of a cardiovascular episode. You might think it’s normal to feel these things on occasion, but it could be your body telling you it’s something more serious. If not for talking to his doctor, Steve’s heart would have stopped beating without notice
Steve has this to say about the new single: “We are excited to put this track out into the world with our pals at The Sound Cove; this song was a truly collaborative effort with all three of us pushing the song to its limits, striving to make it as intense and bracing as possible, to really crush it. Thanks to producer Matt Alexander’s work behind the board, we really feel it was mission accomplished; this is one of the strongest tracks we’ve ever done.”
So go find your favorite listening spot, and get lost in the magical indie rock experience of “Our Hearts Need Electricity “ , from Cold Expectations.
Album art: Collage by Simi Text by Quinn Paint by Noah Body Character by Nori Hilto
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new alum, “Husk Of A Body” , via Sad Cactus from Portland,Maine, based cousin rock band , Amiright? You can listen to “Husk Of A Body”on Spotify Here , Apple Music, Here and Bandcamp, Here
Amiright? delivers an electrifying charge of musical energy and creative brilliance with their latest album, “Husk Of a Body” , cousins, Noah Grenier-Farwell: Lyrics, Guitars, Drums, Vocals, Quinn Farwell: Lyrics, Guitars, Drums, Vocals, Keyboard, and Simi Kunin: BassGuitar, Vocals , do a phenomenal job of crafting a sonically and pleasing gem of an album.
From the opening track, “Jaundice”we were completely enthralled with the stunning melodic tone and sonic joy of Amiright?
Amiright? artfully balances a memorable sonic presence on “Husk Of a Body” We effortlessly found ourselves instantly singing and moving along to such gems as “They Are Burying a Barry Berkman Out Back” ( an absolute melodic work of art ) , “Four Legs Six Ribbits” ( vocally stunning) Every song on “Husk Of a Body “ , is an enjoyable musical experience.
If we had to pick one favorite track, which is next to impossible to do on such a great record, but if we had to pick one … it would be without question, “Car Dealership “ , we love everything about this track. The musical energy on this one is off the charts .
You need to feast your ears on the musical wonderment that is “Husk Of a Body” , from Amiright?, you won’t be disappointed.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single, “Slaughterhouse”, from NY hardcore punks , Chum Huffer . You can listen to “Slaughterhouse”, on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
We are so excited for Chum Huffer , and their highly anticipated third studio EP, Slaughterhouse Five, on their own DWY Records, in May 2025. Inspired by Kurt Vonnegut’s classic novel, the EP’s title track draws eerie parallels between the chaos of the book’s wartime setting and the unrest in today’s world.
“With everything happening around us, it feels like we’re unstuck in time—just like Vonnegut’s character Billy Pilgrim,” says the band. “This record explores the battle between past and future, reality and illusion, and what it means to hold onto your own sense of morality.”
Today ( February 14th) we get our first taste of the new EP, with the first single , “Slaughterhouse,” (spoiler alert: this song is freaking amazing) Pre-orders , for theEP, are launching on February, 15th at ChumHuffer.com .
The new single, “Slaughterhouse”, from ChumHuffer is an explosive, sonically perfect tune that doesn’t step off the gas for one second. Chum Huffer , brings their raw energy and razor-sharp social commentary that they are known for and it is a thing of beauty.
Amazing thought provoking lyrics with melodies delivered at breathtaking speeds, If you crave the old school punk sound with a modern edge…. Congratulations you found the absolute perfect band .
Single Artwork by Zoe Collins – Instagram: @Zoemakesart.png
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the beautifully crafted new single “Lovesick”, from South-West based Alt-Rock trio, Pollyanna Blue (and in case you are wondering???…. It’s absolutely spectacular)
Those of you who are regular readers of The Whole Kameese, know that we are not in the business of hiding our emotions about bands that we love, And….. Without question Pollyanna Blue is definitely one of those bands . Returning with their single of 2025, “Lovesick “ absolutely sparkles .
An ironic Valentines Day release, ‘Lovesick’twists the very definition of the charming phrase, by exploring the notion that it might not turn out to be the idealistic type of yearning you once imagined…
Produced and recorded at Lower Lane Studios by Sam Bloor(roster including Heavy Music Award 2024 winners Graphic Nature, Dream State, Black Coast, Graywave, Mercury and Queen Cult, etc), ‘Lovesick’ is an anthem for the disillusioned admirers and unlucky lovers on this years February 14th.
About new single “Lovesick”, Pollyanna Blue comment:
“Lovesick”is a different take of the commonly used phrase and plays on the idea that falling for someone isn’t always a good thing. In this take, the feelings of infatuation isn’t one that is wanted and over time makes you feel sick of being in love.
Taking their name from the book ‘Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway’ which describes the nickname ‘Pollyanna‘ given to the optimistic, and juxtaposing that with ‘Blue’ to represent sadness even the most positive amongst us can feel, Pollyanna Blue started up in 2019 just before the world went into lockdown. As a band spread across Bristol, Exeter and Hereford, they adapted their songwriting process to sharing demos and creative ideas via online mediums until they were ready to meet up in Bristol and work on it in person.
Polyanna Blue taken by Sophie Eacock – Instagram: @Sophiealice.creative Photo edited by Zoe Collins – Instagram: @Zoemakesart.png
Our first introduction to Pollyanna Blue , was in 2022, with the hypnotic single , “Haunted “ ever since then we have been hooked on the melodic and sonically pleasing sounds of Pollyanna Blue . ever since.
Musically, Pollyanna Blue have brought a little bit of something from each members music taste, Zoe bringing the melody and influence of 2000s emo and pop rock of bands such as Fall Out Boy, Paramore, My Chemical Romance,Rich bringing the heavy and alternative sonic of Garbage, Thornhill, Wolf Alice and Neil brining the high energy sounds from Vukovi, Gojira and Yonaka. The three have created a modern punchy alt-rock wall of sound that sounds familiar in many ways, yet something that can only be defined to them
The musicianship, in Pollyanna Blue, is off the charts . “Lovesick “ is a song that surrounds all your senses and pulls you in close as you are awash in beautiful melodic tones that are woven between flawless, otherworldly vocals . Pollyanna Blue, has sculpted a work of art with “Lovesick”
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “All”, from Sacramento punk heroes Another Damn Disappointment (A.D.D.)
You can listen to “All” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and on Amazon Music, Here
You can watch the lyric video for “All” below
Another Damn Disappointment (A.D.D.) are back with the new album Bedlam, set for release on April 21 via the band’s own label imprint Disappointed Records. The album is the last to feature founding member/bassist Casey Marsullo, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 2016.
Lead singer Joshua Thompson was able to finish the lyrics and record the vocals later, ultimately completing the album with support from the band. Bedlam was self-produced at Pus Cavern in Sacramento, with engineering by Joe Johnston, known for his work on Platinum records like Cake’sFashionNugget and Prolonging the Magic.
Mixing and mastering was completed in 2024 at the legendary Blasting Room with Jason Livermore (Descendents, Rise Against, Black Flag, Frenzal Rhomb etc).The album’s artwork was done by Barcelona’s Joel Abad (NOFX, Pennywise, Mad Caddies, etc). The band has a few shows coming up this spring (see below) and is working on a summer/fall tour.
Appearing on “Bedlam”, is the new melodic banger , “All” , The new single is the perfect reintroduction to a band whose last studio album was in 2008. We were absolutely captivated by the well crafted gem that is “All”, from Another Damn Disappointment ( A.D.D.)
Another Damn Disappointment (A.D.D.) sounds absolutely amazing and are ready to make their music be heard loud and clear.
Do yourself a favor and check out “All”, from Another Damn Disappointment ( A.D.D.
We recently got the distinct honor to check out the latest single, “WTF” from Boston, Massachusetts, band Adios Fatso. You can listen to “WTF” Here.
Full disclosure, ( as always on The Whole Kameese) , we had the heard the name, Adios Fatso, but up until a few days ago we had never heard any of their music . ( We want to publicly apologize to the band , we are sorry it took us so long to discover the incredible punk rock goodness of Adios Fatso)
Adios Fatso , who spent 2024, promoting their No Cap album, a dope vinyl release, and also got a couple of shows under their belt , they are off to a fast start in 2025, with their latest single , “WTF”
We were absolutely enthralled with “WTF”, Adios Fatso , is a band who has one of the most unique sounds we’ve heard . There is definitely a punk sounding influence in their sound (Descendents,Ramones) but there is also this magnificent blues tone in “WTF” that gives it such an amazing added dimension. We also loved the thoughtful guitar work on “WTF”– absolutely freaking brilliant.
“WTF“ dives headfirst into the chaos of “crab mentality,” delivering razor-sharp lyrics rooted in real-life scenarios and the band’s signature unfiltered edge.
Adios Fatso, are a well oiled group of next level musicians, who have an amazing sound and vibe, and this shines brightly on “WTF”
Speaking of Descendents , “WTF”, was Mixed by Andrew Berlin (Descendents, TeenageBottlerocket, Rise Against) and mastered by Jason Livermore (NOFX, Propagandhi,Lagwagon) at The legendary Blasting Room in Fort Collins, CO.
Adios Fatso, has two shows , coming up in the Massachusetts area , details below
2/15 Thirsty First in Lowell, MA. 2/19 Silhouette Lounge in Allston, MA.
Listening to a band like Adios Fatso, and a song like WTF, reminds us why we fell in love with music in the first place.
We recently got the stellar opportunity to check out the new single, “Pushing Daisies “ , from Bay Area indie punk quintet, Star 99.
“Pushing Daisies”, will be included on Star 99’s upcoming sophomore album, Gaman, which drops March 7 via Lauren Records.
You can listen to “Pushing Daisies“ on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
Photo by: Ishan Ghoshal
Following the release of lead single “Kill” last month, “Pushing Daisies” tells a story of a phone call gone wrong over the band’s fuzzed-out driving guitars and hooky melodies. “It’s a song about bad communication and losing faith in people,” says Thomas Calvo.
“Pushing Daisies “, from Star 99 is a sonic and melodic dream. Star 99, has created an absolute work of art .
Since forming in 2021, Star 99—formed by four best friends Saoirse Alesandro, Chris Gough, Jeremy Romero, and Thomas Calvo—has come a long way since their humble beginnings. Their debut album, Bitch Unlimited (2023), introduced their high-energy sound to a wider audience, earning praise from outlets like Stereogum, BrooklynVegan, and Consequence. With Gaman, the band expands their sonic palette, blending high-energy indie rock with more delicate moments, reflecting on relationships, persistence, and personal growth.
You owe it to your punk loving heart, to check out “Pushing Daisies“, from Star 99.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new album “Soundtrack For A Movie That Has Not Been Written Yet “, from Berlin-based band, Rikas. You can listen to the new album Here
Rikas, is the band that should be on every music lover’s radar. We were instantly impressed with their unique blend of musical prowess and distinctive style. “Soundtrack For A Movie That Has Not Been Written Yet” is a stroke of musical and creative genius.
The Berlin-based four-piece are known for their brisk, easygoing harmonies, anthemic choruses, and egalitarian style, where each member contributes equally to songwriting and shares the spotlight both in the studio and on stage. The breezy alt-pop band have been in forward motion with each other since their earliest days starting out in their hometown of Stuttgart. Now, guitarist and keyboardistSascha Scherer, bassistSam Luca Baisch, drummer Ferdinand Hübner, and guitaristChris Ronge are unveiling their riveting sophomore album, Soundtrack For A Movie That Has Not Been Written Yet.
With an underlying theme of motion and driving, the band were inspired by their travels during the creation of the album. Written across Berlin, Los Angeles and also in Amsterdam with Benny Sings, Sascha shares, “I think a lot of bands have trouble staying still. When you stop touring and moving to a new city each day, you feel lost. I feel like our new album is capturing that feeling of go, go, go.” This feeling of inertia contains layers: there’s a sense of restlessness, but also brotherhood and camaraderie—feelings Rikas aim to depict in each of the album’s videos
Credit: Lisa Nguyen
Opening soundtrack is “Bike In LA,” a mid-tempo, piano-led ballad that reflects Rikas’ excitement to be in Southern California and simultaneous bemusement at how little distance a two-wheeler will cover in Los Angeles. “We rented a car, and it was such a different world to the one we were used to in Europe,” says Sam, who is German–American. “We did everything with that car. It was like such a contrast to the city life we have here in Berlin, where I can walk everywhere.” Sascha adds: “It means that finding our path, shaping our art and growing our relationships takes patience. Because you have to find out how your vehicle works and therefore where it belongs.”
The album which is a treasure trove of melodic wonderment , also includes the psychedelic groover “Passenger,” where Rikas invites their audience to ride with them on the band’s unpredictable yet undeniably rewarding journey. “The moment that we wrote ‘Passenger’ was late in the process of making the album,” Sascha says. “The record made more sense to me after writing it. Before going into the mixing process, we were on holiday for two weeks during the summer. Sam and I came back and talked about what our plans are now. After we had some coffee, we started to make music. The recording process is not as creative as writing, sometimes. It felt like we were leaving to just play music and write. ‘Passenger’ finished in a day. It had to go on the record because it closes this chapter off.”
Rikas, has created more than just an album, with “Soundtrack For A Movie That Has Not Been Written Yet” It is a one of a kind musical adventure that is a must listen .
We recently had the fantastic opportunity to check out the new record , “Dreaming In Stereo,via Wicked CoolRecords, from Harrisburg, PA’sThe Jellybricks.
The Jellybricks ( Larry Kennedy — guitar,Garrick Chow — bass guitar, vocals, Bryce Connor — guitar, vocals, Tom Kristich — drums, vocals) bring instant melodic perfection throughout their new album , “Dreaming In Stereo, starting with electrifying opener “Age Of Stupid “ and it’s a thing of power pop beauty .
Photo credit: Sean Simmers
Guitarist/vocalistLarry Kennedy says, “We are incredibly excited to be releasing our new full-length album, “Dreaming In Stereo” on Wicked Cool Records! It’s our second full-length release for the label, and it will be the eighth full-length release of our career. Once again we offer a collection of songs written, arranged and performed by us, this time with Geoff Sanoff (Jesse Malin, Bush Tetras) producing all of our work at Renegade Studios in NYC, with additional recording by Michael Washkevich at MDW Productions in Harrisburg, PA. We had a great time collaborating with Geoff on these recordings. We’re always looking for new ways to present our songs to a dedicated listening audience who have supported us for nearly three decades. The new songs feature lead vocals by myself, guitarist Bryce Connor, and our drummer, Tommy Kristich, and this album also features several fantastic guest guitar appearances by Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices, Nada Surf). We relish the opportunity to share these twelve new songs, some of the best work we have yet created together as a band. We hope that these songs will entertain and please our long-time fans, as well as find their way into the hearts, minds and souls of many new ones!”
If melodic power-pop music is your thing then, you have hit the absolute jackpot with “Dreaming In Stereo” Every song on the album 1- 12 has hit single potential ( yep the record is that good .
The title track, “Dreaming In Stereo”, has this cinematic hit soundtrack kind of feel that we absolutely love , we were singing along at the top of lungs by the time the second chorus kicked in .
On the addictive “Monday’s Never” ,The Jellybricks, seem to find another gear with an amazing vocal performance woven beautifully between next level melodies .
We loved the 60’s feel bass line on “Follow That Girl” it’s a tremendous groove that we absolutely loved .
On an amazing record, like “Dreaming In Stereo“ , it is impossible to pick a favorite track, but the one that one that really stood out to us was “Crazy Weather”, we loved everything about this song ( the harmonies are so freaking dreamy)
“Dreaming In Stereo” is an absolute gem that can’t be missed , The Jellybricks, have really hit it out of the park!!!
We recently had the excellent opportunity to check out the new single “Holy,Holy” from Worcester, Massachusetts, alternative duo , Sunday Junkie. You can listen to “Holy,Holy” Here
“Holy,Holy”, from Sunday Junkie , is the kind of song that effortlessly finds it’s way into your soul and stay with you long after the music has faded.
Photo credit- Sunday Junkie
Holy, Holy” is the third offering from the duo of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Tom Martin and drummer and percussionist Shawn Pelkey, following the fall release of a pair of striking debut singles in “Vultures” and “Haunted Head.”
Each track will be featured on Sunday Junkie’s forthcoming debut album, due out sometime later this year. But before an overarching storyline emerges, these inaugural Sunday Junkie singles each strike a specific mood. As “Holy, Holy” twists and crawls through a dramatic atmosphere of tension, the duo quickly positions itself as a band with a lot to say and seemingly not a lot of time to say it.
Sunday Junkie, formed last year from the ashes of scene spark plug Not Bad Not Well,
“I had issues with drinking in the past, and the lyrics on ‘Holy, Holy’ pretty heavily revolve around using alcohol as a means of self-medicating and ignoring a larger, underlying issue,” Martin adds. “It can be pretty insidious when it seems to provide relief, but the toll it’s taking is more evident to those around you and they just hope you can eventually see it too. The line ‘Honey on our tongues / Sucking on the rind’ is more of a reference to having everything at your fingertips, not realizing it, and choosing to throw it away instead.”
Familiar but deeply unique at the same time , Sunday Junkie have molded sonic and melodic tones to absolute perfection.
There is this real cinematic tone on “Holy,Holy”, that that really makes the track stand out . Martin and Pelkey have undeniable musical synergy that is front and center on “Holy, Holy”
Close your eyes and open your soul to the mystical soul of “Holy,Holy”
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “ Thrift Store ” from Long Island based indie rock four piece Arcy Drive . You can listen to “Thrift Store” Here
In music , you either “have it” or you don’t . We can undeniably claim that Arcy Drive, definitely without question “have it” . One listen to their new dynamic single “Thrift Store , and you will totally agree.
We first heard Arcy Drive, through their previous single , “Oak Tree(Daydream)” , now with their latest single “Thrift Store“, our appreciation has only grown . We have a feeling that you are definitely going to hit repeat on this one a couple of hundred times
Arcy Drive, ( Nick Mateyunas: Vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Patrick Helrigel: Bassist and harmonica, Brooke Tuozzo: Drummer and Austin Jones: Lead guitarist) have a vibe and sound that is off the charts . The melodies and vocals are truly level stuff .
So go find your favorite music listening spot and get lost in the totally amazing vibe of “Thrift Store “ , from Arcy Drive
We recently had the delightful opportunity to check out the new single “Lost My Head-Rediscovered ” from Cincinnati based indie rock band , Coastal Club. You can listen to “Lost My Head” Here
“Lost My Head-Rediscovered ”, from Costal Club , is the kind of song that feels like a magical , hypnotic 4 minute and 11 second vacation.
To say we were instantly captivated by “Lost My Head–Rediscovered”, from indie pop sensation Coastal Club, is a massive understatement.Known for their infectious guitar-driven hooks and uplifting, high-spirited anthems. The band consists of drummerDavid McGuire, leadguitarist and vocalistAvery Benter, and lead singer and guitarist, Alex Hirlinger. Drawing from influences like Young the Giant and COIN, Coastal Club exudes a refreshing sense of optimism and joy through their music, while creating a sonic landscape that is both electrifying and comforting. Though based in landlocked Ohio, there is a longing for the coast found in their romantic, lighthearted, and beachy melodies.
With a sound and vibe that will leave any music lover smiling from ear to ear , we can’t wait to hear more from Coastal Club .
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Bloom” from UK based Hamartia. And… it is absolutely stunningly spectacular.
You can listen to “Bloom” Here You can also check out the video below
Following up on an epic 2024 which saw the band appear alongside exciting new talent such as Lake Malice, Orchards and Love Rarely, self-proclaimed ‘losercore’ quartet Hamartia have released their sensational brand new single, ‘Bloom’ – with a debut headline show slated for February12th at Cardiff’sTiny Rebel.
Photography by Claire Hodgkins Photography
‘Bloom’ is an anti-Valentine’s anthem about coming to terms with the fact that not only has your relationship has run its course, but you’ve lost yourself in the process. It’s about realising that it’s better to be alone and totally free to be yourself, than it is to feel restricted, stuck and suffocated in a relationship – and using that freedom to try and reclaim what’s left of yourself.
Vocalist Sophie Smith said “Bloom is another track that feels to us like a three-minute long post-breakup therapy session. We’ve all been in a position where we’ve changed who we are for somebody in the hopes that it ‘fixes’ something – but in reality, it does the opposite.”
Hamartia’s heart-on-sleeve brand of ‘trauma dumping’ has always set them apart from the rest of the scene – connecting quickly with a rapidly-growing, dedicated fanbase. The band has been labelled as one of Noizze’s Top 20 Artists Set to Conquer 2025, thanks to their unwavering desire to be true to themselves at every opportunity in their songwriting and their live shows – which at times could be mistaken for group therapy sessions.
Sophie continues, “This song is our opportunity to lay all of our feelings bare, work through them and hopefully come out the other side with a new found appreciation for being true to ourselves, and putting ourselves first for once. You’re more than your worst boyfriend.”
Hamartia, has an authentic sound and vibe that we can’t help but gravitate towards. “Bloom” is an emotionally charged song that we simply can’t get enough of.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new record, “Amnesia” , from Western Massachusetts, rock band , The Will Call. You can listen to “Amnesia” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here .
The Will Call, deliver 9 well crafted gems on “Amnesia “ The band has a indie-rock sound that has a touch of alt country that really makes the band stand out .
The Will Call ( Monte Arnstam, drums and percussion. Marc Seedorf , bass and keys. Andrew Rushguitar and vocals) are a tight musical outfit, that display next level musicianship throughout, “Amnesia”
You really feel the energy from “Amnesia “ immediately with the driving opening track ,”Green MountainWoman “, we love the alt -country- rock feel that had us moving almost instantly.
The Will Call, effortlessly deliver high quality and memorable tunes with the melodic and sonically pleasing “The Scrawl” ( the opening drum beat is freaking epic ) .
One thing that really stands out on “Amnesia”, from The Will Call, is the poetic brilliance that exists within the lyrics that were perfectly woven within the melodies . We found ourselves really digging into the lyrics on every track.
The title track, “Amnesia” is a stunning haunting musical composition that is beautifully constructed with a curious tone that lurks mysteriously throughout the track.
We heard influences of bands , such as Dinosaur Jr. and The Pixies . However , The Will Call have a style and vibe that honors their influences but it also shines the light on a fresh and original sound that is all their own
“Amnesia” , is the fourth album from The Will Call. The record was recorded at Greenfield’s 1357 Recording Studio.
We especially loved the closing track, “Song For Vincent Musetto” which of course is in reference to Vincent Musetto, who was an American newspaper editor and film critic for the New York Post . Musetto, is perhaps best know for his headline “Headless body in topless bar” , which is brilliantly mentioned in the song .
So go and find your favorite music listening spot and become one with the musical goodness of “Amnesia”, from The Will Call.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Let Her Go” , from genre-bending rock duo , Royal She, from Los Angeles, CA, You can listen to, “Let Her Go” Here
Royal She ( Alison Freed, singer/front woman and multi-instrumentalist, Alexandria Reyes.) have and a powerful and authentic song that is present in every song they create , this is absolutely the case on “Let Her Go”
Building off previous singles, “My Ex”, “Karma” and “Silent Killer” , “Let Her Go” shows just how powerful and diverse the sound of Royal She is .
“Let Her Go” , from Royal She, is the kind of song that resonates in your soul long after the music has faded . We found ourselves hanging on every word becoming fully invested in this true work of art .
The tasteful and moving guitar work on “Let Her Go” , really added another dimension to the track .
We can’t wait to see what is next for RoyalShe , in 2025.
We recently had the absolute honor to check out the new single, “Left Me Hanging”,via Wiretap Records, from Los Angeles based band, Pinstock.
You can listen to “Left Me Hanging “ Here . You can also the video which was directed by Jeff Antons below
Pinstock is a band that is a melting pot of musical styles and this is front and center on their latest single, “Left Me Hanging” Pinstock, artfully blending , Alt-Rock, Pop-Punk & Hip-Hop, formed in 2019. The band recently announced signing with LA based Wiretap Records.
Not only do we get the kick ass new single, “Left Me Hanging “ – But…. We also got a blazing hot video , directed by Jeff Antons , that you can check out above.
Vocalist/guitaristShane Finch says, “Our newest song Left Me Hanging was recorded at Buzzbomb Studios in Orange County with Producer Paul Miner. We’ve worked with Paul in the past and it’s always a good balance of creative freedom while also knowing you have the support you’ll need for those areas that still need growth. Also just a great, fun time!
This song was actually the first we have recorded with our current drummer Jeff Antons. Jeff has been in the band for a few years now so it was great finally getting to see his songwriting abilities come to life
Lyrically, I think this song is pulled from a subconscious part of the brain. Sometimes songs are our own truth and sometimes they are told from a fictional point of view, or perspective of someone else’s experience. I think Left Me Hanging is a combination of all of those things. My own experiences may have planted the seed and then I just imagine if that had grown into larger feelings.
Signing with Wiretap is a great accomplishment for us. When you meet someone through music that likes it enough to invest time and effort into it, it is a feeling we might be onto something. We look forward to working with them more in the near future!”
Pinstock, has a sound and dynamic that is simply epic , pulling from different musical styles allows the band to come at the listener at different angles and we think that because of that, the band really stands out in a sea of somewhat mundane musical offerings.
We recently had the beyond amazing opportunity to check out the new album “Grim” from Knoxville, Tennessee, based Alternative rock band Marigold Thieves, and we have to be honest…. This record is drop dead perfect. You can listen to “Grim” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
Marigold Thieves ( Jacob Beach, Joe Wilaniskis, and brothers, Dylan and Drew Coffey.) are an absolute rock tour de force and this is evident from the first note of “Liar, Guilty, Thief “ “Grim” is 43 minutes of melodic and sonic rock perfection.
You can hear echoes of 90’s influences but, trust us MarigoldThieves, have a style and sound that is all their own ( and we freaking love it.
“Greed” was one of the many tracks we were immediately drawn to. The vocals are an absolute thing of beauty that go along with an addictive groove .
The title track, “Grim” is a stunning track , that literally stopped us dead in our tracks . The vocals were dead perfect , If alternative rock is your thing you cannot ignore this band… absolutely brilliant.
We have a feeling , Marigold Thieves, are just getting warmed up and we can’t wait to see what they do next .
We recently had the extreme pleasure of checking out the new album “The Speed Of Lies” , from Trois-Riveres , Quebec , Canada, skatepunk band 2Fast4U. You can listen “The Speed Of Lies” Here
We have said it before and we feel it bears repeating…. Melodic skate punk is an art form. 2Fast4U, who have been perfecting their craft since 1996 have created a museum worthy collection of songs with their latest “The Speed Of Lies” .
There is so much punk goodness coming out of “The Speed Of Lies “ , listening to the album is pure heaven.
From the melodic beginning of “Rain In My Heart” we knew that, “The Speed Of Lies” from 2Fast4U, was going to be absolutely epic !
2Fast4U, are next level musicians who write memorable song with melodic melodies that settle deep in your music loving soul. “Samurai” is a lighting quick song with sonically perfect drumming .
2Fast4U, are firing on all cylinders with the melodic and sonically pleasing “Sideways “ The picture perfect vocals woven with spectacular guitar work, make “Sideways “ are freaking phenomenal.
Another track that really showcases the sound and vibe of 2Fast4U, is “Sleeping Pills” (Less Bad) we love the energy and punk spirit that shines through loudly on “Sleeping Pills” ( Less Bad)
On a record like “The Speed Of Lies” it is next to impossible to pick a favorite track . But… if we had to pick one it would be “Mother’s Day”, there is just something really special about this track. It really shows that 2Fast4U” is a band with many different sides and we love that . ( and the overall groove is amazing) .
We can’t think of a better way to spend 33 minutes of our day than listening to “The Speed Of Lies “ from 2Fast4U.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the debut single “Circling” , from LA musician MADiSON ViOLETT. You can listen to “Circling” Here . You can also check the official lyric video below.
“Circling” from MADiSON ViOLETT, is an energetic melodic jolt that makes you stand up and immediately pay attention. Memorable and powerful lyrics combined with blistering and sonically perfect vocals, make the debut single “Circling” from MADiSON ViOLETT a track that you soon won’t forget .
MADiSON says, “”Circling” is about realizing that it’s okay to acknowledge that people have hurt you, and that’s the first step to recognizing that you are above the ones who have wronged you. You are so much more than the people who have put you down- and after all, their words are just words. The fact that people are trying to bring you down confirms that they’re intimidated by your resilience and strength. What I want to convey to all my listeners is to stay strong. Keep your head up and don’t let anyone dim your flame. Don’t stop chasing what you’re after.”
It is crystal clear to us that MADiSON ViOLETT, is a talent that is a refreshing sound in today’s somewhat mundane musical landscape.
Fusing the nostalgia of 2000’s post-hardcore with innovative metalcore and pop-punk of the 2020’s,MADiSON is an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with. Based out of Los Angeles, she emerged into the modern metal scene in 2025 with her anthemic and climactic debut single ‘Circling’. Emotionally charged, carried by hard hitting vocals, catchy riffs, and intelligent lyrics, it is a quintessential must-listen track for all fond of the genre.
“Circling” was produced by Jonathan Mireles at Audiomech Productions .
“Circling”, from MADiSON ViOLETT is absolutely electrifying , and we can’t wait to hear what’s next.
We recently had the distinct honor of check out the new single “Transistor RadioChildhood” from Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame member Ricky Bird . You can listen to “Transistor Radio Childhood” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
There are certain songs that just blow you away right from the first time you hear them, “Transistor Radio Childhood ” from Ricky Byrd is without question one of those songs . With every word and note you instantly get taken back to a different time and it is absolutely stunning.
Melodically and sonically perfect, with probably Ricky Byrd’s best vocal performance captured on tape , “Transistor Radio Childhood “ is Rock And Roll perfection.
“Transistor Radio Childhood”, is “The CoolestSong In The World “, for the week of January, 27th in Little Steven’s Underground Garage, and we are not surprised.
“Transistor Radio Childhood”, will be featured on Ricky Byrd’s new album , “NYC Made” which will out on March 28th on Wicked Cool Records. You can pre-order “NYC Made “ Here
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single “Car Crash” from Welsh alt-indie duo Cursive Youth. You can listen to “Car Crash” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
We absolutely love the melodic precision of the stunning new track, “Car Crash”, from Cursive Youth.
Cursive Youth photo credit Laura Carys Photography Studio
“Car Crash” ( their second single) , follows quickly from their well received debut ‘i’m gonna pretend that i’m not sad your leaving’ and delves into the turbulence of a volatile relationship, mirroring the intensity and destruction of a car crash exploring the raw emotions and exhilaration found in a relationship that teeters on the edge of destruction yet remains irresistibly thrilling.
Youth Cursive, does a brilliant job of crafting a great track that vividly paint the picture of a love affair fraught with toxicity and passion, the song captures the paradoxical nature of a bond that is both destructive and exhilarating. Rapidly becoming known for their distinctive blend of introspective lyrics and infectious melodies,
Youth Cursive, without a doubt, is a duo on the rise we can’t wait to see what they do next.
With A Wilhelm Scream’sTrevor Reilly behind the console and with the addition of a new member,OH THE HUMANITY , stepped outside the box, and delivered what they collectively feel is their most significant release to date. ( we completely agree)
“Ground To Dust” is loaded with ripping guitars, big hooks and gut-wrenching lyrics, this record has something for everyone.
“Ground To Dust” is explosive from note one . OH THE HUMANITY! doesn’t let off the gas for on second. ( and it’s a thing of beauty.
Ground to Dust showcases their diverse influences with 10 tracks of fast technical melodic punk capped off with emotionally resonant lyrics. Recorded by Trevor Reilly (A Wilhem Scream) at Anchor End Studio in New Bedford, MA, Ground to Dust is the band’s third studio album and is slated to release on January 24, 2025 via Sell the Heart (U.S.), Thousand Islands Records (Canada), and Engineer Records (UK).
“Ground To Dust” is a well crafted record that we are completely enthralled with . With stellar tracks like “Upper Riffspiratory Infection, Gutted , and our personal favorite “Love Irresolute “ you will be energized for days .
Do yourself a favor and check out “Ground To Dust” it is an absolute can’t miss .
We recently had the fantastic opportunity to check out the earth shaking new single “DayOf The Canyon “ from the Boston and Phoenix melodic noise-rock duo, Canyons And Locusts You can listen to “Day Of The Canyon” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
It is the second offering from the band’s forthcoming discordant anti-hero concept album, The Goal Gigolo, which boils to the surface on February 21 and was tabbed by WBUR, Boston’s NPR, as one of the most-anticipated New England records of the winter. The album draws together several storytelling narrators underneath the duo’s unhinged wall of fuzzed-out rock and roll, and carries an unfurling narrative that began in November with the release of the gritty, confrontational, and catchier-than-an-attitude lead single “Anna Save A Life.”
There is such a commanding presence on “Day Of The Canyon “ from Canyons And Locusts. The sonic and melodic elements on the track complement each other perfectly.
Courtesy Of The Band
At its magnetic core, stripped of all the meaning and clues buried beneath lyrics and the Canyons and Locusts sound, “Day of the Canyon” is a declaration. It finds vocalist, guitarist, and bassistJustin Keane and drummerAmy Young locked into an adrenalized harmony, crafting their chaotic cacophony of sound – and ultimately, a storytelling vision – that extends far beyond the imagined capacities of two musicians currently situated on opposite sides of the country, leaning on a shared chemistry that belies their physical 2,700-mile separation.
“This is a song of arrival,” says Keane. “That’s the capstone lyric: ‘We have arrived’. Stepping off the plane and into the sun. Take your pictures and flash your bulbs. Game on.”Young agrees, adding: “It truly does come down to those three words. We are comfortable in our skin as a band in a very exciting way. We’ve kept the power from past lessons, shed the rest, and are here for all of what is now and what’s next.”
“Day Of The Canyon” from Canyons And Locusts is a musical triumph that shines the spotlight on impressive musicianship and music at it’s absolute best , find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the musical brilliance of “Days Of The Canyon”
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “Kill” from Bay Area indie rockers Star 99. The track is the lead single off their forthcoming sophomore album Gaman, out March 7 via Lauren Records. You can listen to “Kill” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Star 99, have the kind of sound and vibe that you can’t help but gravitate to. They give us Letters To Cleo, Red Five vibes but we love their fresh melodies and drop dead perfect vocals .
Photo by : Ishan Ghoshal
“Kill” is about self-fulfilling prophecies and the creeping, constant fear-lull of death “that’s telling me I need to get pre-Botox and sabotage my relationships,” said Star 99 vocalist and guitaristSaoirse Alesandro
Formed by four best friends—SaoirseAlesandro, Chris Gough, Jeremy Romero, and Thomas Calvo—Star 99 has come a long way since their humble beginnings. The band first made waves with their 2021 debut EP, My Year in Lists, a nod to the beloved Los Campesinos! song. This led to tons of shows throughout the SF Bay Area and multiple West Coast tours where they have shared the stage with bands such as Scowl, Mom Jeans, Spy, Bug Bath, Supercrush, and Slumped. In 2023, they released their debut full-length album Bitch Unlimited via Lauren Records where the band’s eccentric hard twee sound was fully realized.
Star 99 are firing on all cylinders on “Kill”, and we have a feeling they are just getting warmed up and we can’t wait for more
Gaman will be released on March 7, 2025 via Lauren Records. Fans can pre-order the album on vinyl here: https://lr-d.ffm.to/kill
We recently had the absolutely stellar opportunity to check out the new single “I Hate The Summer” from Vicenza, Italy-based band Hearts Apart, via Epidemic Records
We are 100% all in on the new explosive punk and roll track “I Hate The Summer “ the energy and vibe that Hearts Apart brings is positively electric.
Photo: Alessandro Digiuni
When asked about the single the band shares: I Hate The Summer is a song that encapsulates much of what Hearts Apart is about: punk rock, desperation, rock’n’roll, sadness, fun, nerdy vibes, irony, failure. Yes, we believe you can sweat away the darkness by dancing and crying at the same time, and this song is perfect for that.”
Those who have already appreciated Hearts Apart’s electrifying energy, catchy melodies, and engaging live performances will be thrilled with this comeback. All the signature elements of their unique sound are present but cranked up to the next level. If “I Hate The Summer” sets the perfect mood for this return, the entire EP, titled“Summer Bummer,”is ready to give voice to the mix of conflicting emotions that summer tends to amplify.
Hearts Apart ( Checco, Giò, Punch, and Silva.) are a highly skilled and energized band that we feel are just getting Rev’d up. We absolutely can’t wait for more from Hearts Apart.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the brilliantly melodic debut album,”Fundamentals” via Thousand Islands Records , from Quebec City, punks , Drop It First. You can listen to “Fundamentals” Here
If you are a fan of melodic punk rock, then you owe it to your punk loving soul to check out the sonically and melodically stunning new album , “Fundamentals” from Drop It First .
From the first note on “Where The Wind Blows” we were completely hooked .
Photo: Med Desmeules
Featuring standout tracks like “Hold On,” “Come Back Home,” “Strong From Within,” and “Where The Wind Blows,” “Fundamentals” is a powerful anthem for anyone navigating the highs and lows of existence. This is most definitely one musical experience you do not want to miss.
Every track on “Fundamentals” is an absolute home run however, the one track that we absolutely loved was “Demons Inside “ We felt on this track that DropIt First was absolutely mint perfect, melodically, vocally, we honestly couldn’t get enough
DropIt First ( Vince Fournier, Jam Gosselin, Mathieu Hébert, Jo Thivierge,and Maxime Larouche) are a band that we feel are just getting started . We highly recommend that you drop everything that you are doing and get lost in the absolutely amazing sound and vibe that is Drop It First and their fantastic debut album “Fundamentals”
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single and video for “I’m Not Dying To Be Here, from Bristol (Uk ) , 5 piece band Split Chain. You can listen to “I’m Not Dying To Be Here” – Here and you can check out the video directed by Zak Pinchin below.
Split Chain ( vocalistRoberto Martinez-Cowles, guitaristsOli Bowles and Jake Reid, bassistTom Davies and drummerAaron Black) deliver an absolutely melodic and sonic triumph with “I’m Not Dying To Be Here”
Photo by Zak Pinchin
Following acclaim from outlets like Revolver, who lauded their “super catchy nu-gaze sound”, the Bristol five-piece returns with another wave of roaring, hypnotic riffs and melancholy grooves. Paired with gritty, emotional vocals and the lyrical content to match, the band explains that the song is “a raw and honest reflection on the courage it takes to choose yourself, even when it means walking away from someone you once trusted.”
Split Chain , offer up an unapologetic and authentic sound that surrounds your senses and leaves you wanting more. We have a feeling that they are just getting warmed up.
Split Chain formed almost 2 years ago as a creative outlet for its members who were all facing different stages of addiction recovery at the time. By channeling their personal struggles into emotionally charged songs, they have connected with a growing fan base drawn to their vulnerability and honesty. “We were writing music as an escape, a distraction, to create what we wanted to listen to,”they explain.“We ended up loving what we had created so much, and from this, Split Chain was formed.”
The band is currently on tour in the U.S. with Silverstein and Thursday you can check out dates below
“Use Your Heart” was produced by Simon Small, Sam Porter and engineered by Simon Small
We continue to be impressed by the electrifying energy that Sorry Holly bring on each track .
In a musical landscape that can be mundane at times , Sorry Holly, is refreshing breath of musical fresh air .
As you navigate through “Use Your Heart”, your ears are hearing a band who craft high quality melodic melodies that stay with you long after the music has faded .
From the moment we heard the opening track “Earth Tones And Pastel” on “Use Your Heart” from Sorry Holly , we knew were in for an absolute treat .
We were enthralled with “Dental”, “Cauchy-Euler, and “How Fast Are You Going” honestly you can press play and not skip over one track .
Sorry Holly, also show that can artfully shift gears ( “Curse You, Kerr and the closing and title track “Use Your Heart “ )
We listen to a lot of music , ( We are a music blog it’s what we do ) and in our opinion Sorry Holly has hit an absolute home run with “Use Your Heart”
“Warm In The Winter “ co-written with longtime collaborator, Wyatt Funderburk
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single , “WarmIn The Winter” from Acclaimed American musician/songwriter, and power pop/rock maestro Kurt Baker, via Wicked Cool Records.
We were absolutely captivated by melodic wonder of “Warm In The Winter” from Kurt Baker.
Kurt says, “Warm in the Winter” for me is kind of a classic Wyatt Funderburk / KB tune. We’ve been writing songs together for years now. It all started with the song “Telephone Operator” which was recorded by my first band The Leftovers, and became a regional hit in places like San Diego, Biddeford, Maine and Kenosha, Wisconsin. That was back in 2009. Well, now it’s 2025, and Wyatt and I are still working together after all these years. We’ve worked on many records together, and it is always just a pleasure to collaborate on music with him. “Warm in the Winter” was written during the songwriting sessions for my last LP “Rock n Roll Club”. We didn’t end up recording it finally, but got around to it last year. It’s a timely song as we are now in the dead of winter, and musically it’s kind of the perfect balance of power pop and pop punk. Definitely influences of Elvis Costello (duh), Screeching Weasel (high school KB to the max), and Green Day (gods). I hope you enjoy it!”
When it comes to crafting magnificent power pop masterpieces, Kurt Baker , is an absolute master , and “WarmIn The Winter” is one of his absolute best .
What we love about Kurt Baker , is how he is able to take so many different musical elements and mold it into a power pop gem . On “Warm In The Winter” you can hear elements of surf, pop, rock , punk . It is literally a cornucopia of musical goodness and we love every minute of it.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “Build Up” from Boston based band Impossible Dog . The track also features Boston based alternative/emo band Good June . You can listen to “Build Me Up” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
“Build Up” from ImpossibleDog, featuring Good June , further proves what we have been saying for quite sometime….. The Boston area music scene is in our opinion is as good as it gets.
“Build Up” is the third beyond amazing single , from a new 3-way split EP called Good Dogs Wear Capes, set to release on January 24, 2025. The EP features Cape Crush , Good June and Impossible Dog . They have been releasing a song a week up until the release of “Good Dogs Wear Capes” Last week we were treated to “Better In The Morning ” from Good June , featuring Cape Crush . The week before that we feasted our ears on “Apple At The Aggy” from Cape Crush, featuring Good June.
This week’s offering “Build Up” from Impossible Dog, featuring Good June , is an absolute melodic dream come true . “Build Up” is one of those songs that you can’t help but sing along . “Build Up” is the kind of song you want to run and tell all your friends about.
The single was mixed by Nicholas Starraninto, Mastered by: Pierce Johnston Mastering and vocals engineered by Evan Doherty and Walker Bristol.
In addition to the 3-way split EP, the bands will celebrate with a Split Release Show at DeepCuts in Medford, MA, on January 31, 2025, bringing this collaboration to life in an unforgettable night of music.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “Had Enough “ from West Coast indie rock four-piece Greer , You can listen to “Had Enough “ Here
It’s been 3 years but Greer is back and we couldn’t be happier. Greer ( Josiah (vocals), Corbin (guitar), Seth (bass) and Lucas (drums) delivers the anthemic new single “Had Enough,” out today via Epitaph.
Photo credit- Grace Cynthia
Had Enough” is an audible release of the band’s refreshed energy, we simply can’t get enough of the electricity generated from “Had Enough “ from Greer. It’s literally enough energy to power a small city.
Had Enough,’ formerly known as ‘Charburger,’ is the second single released following ‘audio_77.’ Originally inspired by The Eagles ‘Chug All Night,’ ‘Had Enough’ serves as a fun pop song about the different struggles pets go through when first meeting their owners,” the band shares of the new track produced by Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Kurt Vile, Beck). They reflect fondly upon the moment it came together – “Fun fact about this song – after figuring out the bridge, we all simultaneously exclaimed, ‘PIZZA TIME!’ Although this coincidence is not yet explained to us, it’s something we oftentimes remember, forever symbolized as a signifying moment representing our newfound unity as a band.”
Greer hinted at new material to come last month with the cryptic YouTube release of “audio_77.” In the clip, dim lights and a lonely bedroom greet lead singer Josiah as he settles into an intimate tune, his melancholy vocals floating over acoustic guitar. Check it out Here
We are over the moon excited for new music from Greer, and can’t wait for more .
Music is a powerful energy that when correctly harnessed can be a beautiful and effective way to communicate. Boise, Idaho based post-hardcore/emo band winterforever , brilliantly presents stunning musical compositions with their mesmerizing new EP, “Home Feels Like A Luxury Hotel” Which, is available today (January 16th) via Heading East Records.
You can listen to “Home Feels Like A Luxury Hotel” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Right from the first track, “Tailpipes” there is this soaring emotional surge within the melody that makes the listener sit up and immediately take notice . We definitely hit repeat on this one a couple of hundred times .
winterforever, recently celebrated their 6th year as a band and while listening to “Home Feels Like A Luxury Hotel”, you can hear a band who is highly skilled and 100 percent on top of their game .
The melodic force and driving beat on “Selfish” is straight up awe inspiring , then when the vocals hits …. It’s an absolute musical gift . ( Do Not Skip This Track)
We really like the tempo and flow on “Reunion Blues” , this track also shows off the great song writing ability within winterforever. ( Also “Reunion Blues” is where the EP gets its name “Home Feels Like A Luxury Hotel”
In our opinion, the shining star on “Home Feels Like Luxury Hotel “ is the highly emotional track “Barclay” Everything about “Barclay” screams hit . This is the track is going to be your favorite song … you just don’t know it yet.
The closing track “Soft Teeth “ is yet another well written emotionally charged gem. We may or may not have sang this out loud at the grocery store. ( Hey if it’s a kick ass song , why not sing it loud and proud.
winterforever, who will play the annual Treefort Music Fest on March 26th in Boise, as well as hitting the road this spring for an East Coast tour. are band that can not be ignored. Everyone is always asking us to recommend a band that we think is on the way up. Look no further than winterforever, and their stunningly amazing new EP- “Home Feels Like A luxury Hotel “
We were first introduced to Raleigh, North Carolina based Hyper-Rock/ Emo band , ColorMeKrazy last March , when we checked out their single “Ex-Friend “ which in case you were wondering we loved almost immediately, saying “We were captivated by “Ex-Friend , by ColorMeKrazy from note one , it was love at first listen.”
We then made ColorMeKrazy, our “Artist Of The Day” for March 7th 2024 . We had a chance to chat with the band and get to know them. Including their beverage of choice. Mia declared they are a healthy bunch, and they are always bringing water to things! But probably a more fun answer is whatever soda they decide to pick up at Cookout!,Zach added: & A few of us enjoy dabbling in all things whiskey!
We then got to check their new single “Fences” in September. remarking, “Fences” from ColorMeKrazy! is a frantic melodic blur of hype rock goodness. We were instantly hooked from note one.
Courtesy Of The Band
In November, ColorMeKrazy, released their otherworldly debut EP “Paint The World” The EP depicts a band who is adding a vibrant splash of color to a sometimes mundane musical landscape .
You can listen to “Paint The World “ on Spotify Here and on Apple MusicHere
Every song is a burst of melodic goodness that leaps from the speakers right to your soul . ColorMeKrazy, does a brilliant job of carefully weaving various tones and melodies to really bring each track to life . We love the haunting undertones of “In My Arms “ and the vocals are drop dead perfect.
Courtesy Of The Band
ColorMeKrazy ( Mia Brunel,vocals, Tom DeTrick,guitarist, Zach Gehr,drums, Drew Hutchins,guitarist and bassist Edward Lee ) is a band of musicians that display next level musicianship throughout “Paint The World”
ColorMeKrazy, shows further diversity with not one but 2 versions of “Losing My Head” offering both an electric and acoustic version ( both are absolutely amazing .
ColorMeKrazy, had quite a busy year, in 2024 ( including live shows in Richmond, Virginia and D.C.) We have a feeling that 2025 will be even more amazing.
If it is music that you crave then you owe it to your music loving soul to check out “Paint The World “ from ColorMeKrazy.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the amazing debut record “The Aluminum Hand” via Heading East Records from Wilmington, Delaware based Challenger. You can listen to “The Aluminum Hand” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
We were beyond pleased when we discovered Challenger, and their beyond amazing debut album “The Aluminum Hand”
Challenger (vocalist,Andrew Price and multi-instrumentalist and producerSteve Payne) have created a unique and original sound that artfully draws from 90’s alternative and emo.
Challenger, teamed up with co-producer , Fred Mascherino ( Taking Back Sunday/Say Anything) on The Aluminum Hand”, and the results are freaking amazing.
From the moment we heard the opening track “Hoodie Kid” we knew good things were about hit our ears . “Hoodie Kid“ is a melodic feat with “stop the world “ perfect vocals . We absolutely love this track.
We then floated into the mesmerizing “406” , Challenger, is a band that delivers well written and well thought out musical compositions that stay with you long after the song ends . “Sitting, Waiting and “Feels” are absolute smash hits ( We hit repeat many , many times with these two tracks) .
The title track “The Aluminum Hand” is a stunningly breathtaking track that literally took our breath away , Challenger is definitely firing on all cylinders on this track .
We can’t think of a better way to spend 30 minutes than to listen to “The Aluminum Hand” from Challenger.
We recently had the beyond amazing opportunity to check out the stunning new LP “Let Me Be” from twin cities, Mn based indie rock band Mayfly Moon. You can listen to “Let Me Be” on Spotify Here, Apple Music, Here
As we heard the opening chord on “Things To Say” from Mayfly Moon, we knew we were in for an absolute indie rock treat .
The style and vibe of Mayfly Moon is both familiar and refreshing all at the same time . The band (guitarists, Nick Larson and Jake Wilcox and brothers Charlie Lindstrom on bass and vocals and Simon Lindstrom on drums ) are a well oiled music making machine who display next level musicianship.
In addition to being a band of skilled musicians, Charlie Lindstrom, brings it all together with a spectacular vocal performance throughout the LP.
We love it when we go to put on a record and you can let it play till the end without skipping a single song, this is most definitely the case with “Let Me Be “
Mayfly Moon, also does a stellar job of combining so many different musical influences , throughout the album.One stand out is “Slacker” which is a well written indie rock gem that we couldn’t get out of our head we were singing it long after the music faded .
The mesmerizing intro to “Starla At Night” really caught our attention, the melody is absolutely intoxicating.
When we do a review, we typically like to pick one song as our favorite. However , “Let Me Be” has so many amazing melodic gems that it is almost impossible to pick a favorite… But we think the one that really stood out to us was “Let Me Wonder “ The track has this really cool 60’s garage / surf rock vibe that we absolutely love .
If you are looking for new amazing music to fill your music loving soul , then look no further than Mayfly Moon and their amazingly brilliant new LP “Let Me Be”
First and foremost we are music lovers of the highest order here at The Whole Kameese . So whenever we get the chance to comb for new music, we never refuse. Recently we stumbled upon Oakland , California based Indie rock/ power pop band The Bye Bye Blackbirds and their amazing tune “Mending Time”
You can listen to “Mending Time “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
We love everything about the sound and vibe of The Bye Bye Blackbirds, well crafted melodic indie rock with power pop and garage rock elements. The Bye Bye Blackbirds deliver some of the most addictive harmonies we have ever heard, and this is front and center on “Mending Time”
“Mending Time “ , is a beautifully crafted power pop gem that is absolutely perfect .
“Mending Time”, was released back in June, and we can’t wait to hear more music from the band soon. The Bye Bye Blackbirds
The Bye Bye Blackbirds ( Bradley Skaught, Aaron Rubin, Lenny Gill, Joe Becker , KC Bowman, and Kelly Atkins ) are a band that you owe it yourself to checkout and their brilliant tune “Mending Time “ is a great place to start
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Better In The Morning “ from Boston based alternative/emo band Good June . The track also features North Shore, Massachusetts, based power-emo band , Cape Crush.
We’ve said it before but, we think it bears repeating. The music coming out of the Boston area right now is simply beyond amazing. If you need proof then look no further than a new 3-way split EP called Good Dogs Wear Capes, set to release on January 24, 2025. The EP features Cape Crush , Good June and Impossible Dog . They will release a song a week up until the release of “Good Dogs Wear Capes” Last week we were treat to “Apple At The Aggy” from Cape Crush , featuring Good June .
This week we further get to experience pure alternative/emo perfection with “Better In The Morning “ from Good June , featuring Cape Crush .
“Better In The Morning “, from Good June , featuringCape Crush is one of those songs that is so well written and performed that you can’t help but get completely consumed by its musical goodness. We were also really taken by the overall tone and killer harmonies on “Better In The Morning” , making the track extremely pleasing to the ears.
The single was mixed by Nicholas Starraninto, Mastered by: Pierce Johnston Mastering and vocals engineered by Evan Doherty and Walker Bristol.
In addition to the 3-way split EP, the bands will celebrate with a Split Release Show at DeepCuts in Medford, MA, on January 31, 2025, bringing this collaboration to life in an unforgettable night of music.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “ Oak Tree(Daydream)” from Long Island based indie rock four piece Arcy Drive . You can listen to “ Oak Tree(Daydream)” Here
Arcy Drive ( Nick Mateyunas: Vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Patrick Helrigel: Bassist and harmonica, Brooke Tuozzo: Drummer and Austin Jones: Lead guitarist) are clearly a band who is firing on all cylinders and are poised for big things.
We absolutely love the sound and vibe of Arcy Drive, their sound has been described as “attic rock”. The band started playing in East Northport, rehearsing in Tuozzo’s shed on a street called Arcy Drive.
The new single “Oak Tree(Daydream)” sounds amazing and also has an interesting story . The band realized that this song sounded like John Sebastian’s “Daydream” but they made it their own and John actually heard the demo and loved it and played on the song with the band when they were in Woodstock.
Nick in the band says, “For me, things got super emotional though, when he did sit down to play on the song. It was one of the most overwhelming experiences of my life actually. Oak Tree is a dreamy song, when I sing it I can feel my childhood and picture my future. And now in the studio when I saw John Sebastion, a guy who had seen it all sitting down to play the little song I wrote in my grandpa’s backyard. The whole thing was just too much and it reminded me of the circle of life.”
Arcy Drive , has managed to gain an impressive following on Tik Tok , after posting original videos that received tens of thousands of views.
The melody and feel of “Oak Tree “ ( Daydream) is full of honesty and authenticity and we absolutely love it. Do yourself a favor and get lost in the beauty of “Oak Tree(Daydream)” from Arcy Drive.
We recently had the extreme privilege to check out the new single “Devil’s A Day Away” from Harrisburg, PA rock band The Jellybricks . The new single is from their new album ‘Dreaming In Stereo‘ on February 7 via Wicked Cool Records. You can listen to “Devil’s A Day Away” Here
As soon as the drums hit on “Devil’s A Day Way, from The Jellybricks, we knew we were in for an absolute treat ( We were right)
The Jellybricks, always deliver melodic and catchy gems that you can’t ignore and “Devil’s A Day Way “ is no exception.
Speaking on the upcoming record , Guitarist/vocalist Larry Kennedy says, “We are incredibly excited to be releasing our new full-length album, “Dreaming In Stereo” on Wicked Cool Records! It’s our second full-length release for the label, and it will be the eighth full-length release of our career. Once again we offer a collection of songs written, arranged and performed by us, this time with Geoff Sanoff (Jesse Malin, Bush Tetras) producing all of our work at Renegade Studios in NYC, with additional recording by Michael Washkevich at MDW Productions in Harrisburg, PA.
Forming in the late 90’s, the Harrisburg, PA-based crew have opened for bands like Live, Goo Goo Dolls, Fuel, and Better than Ezra. In 2019, they were nominated for “Best Video” at the Independent Music Awards and received the Central PA Music Hall of Fame “Best Rock Band” award.
If perfect power pop melodies are your thing, then you owe it to yourself to check out “Devil’s A Day Away” from The Jellybricks as well as their upcoming new album “Dreaming In Stereo “ on February 7th .
Seattle’s Museum Of Light have announced details for their sophomore album Diviner, set for release on March 14 via Spartan Records.
“Blunt Force Drama,”the lead single from the 11-track LP produced by Scott Evans (Sumac, Thrice, Kowloon Walled City), is out now. You can listen to “Blunt Force Drama , on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
We were immediately taken by the melodic and sonic brilliance of “Blunt Force Drama” from Seattle’s – Museum Of Light.
Some track have this real cool unexplained vibe to them- “Bunt Force Drama “ is definitely one of those tracks .
Photo Credit: Scott Evans
Guitarist Ted Alvarez says, ““Blunt Force Drama” is a bit representative of the whole recording experience in that the basic structure existed for a while, but it only really took shape at Ocean Sound. You can spend a lot of time rehearsing and think, “yeah, this could be a cool song,” but it’s largely in your mind until you hear all the unknowns — new bassist, new voices, crazy location — fall into place. In my memory, this one came early and quick. I can recall Scott (Evans) blasting an early mix while staring out across a damn fjord and thinking, ‘alright, we might be on to something.’ Not all the songs came together that easily, but I’m glad this one did because it set a bit of a road map for the giant sounds and moods we were going for.”
The melodic tapestry on “Blunt Force Drama” washes over you as a perfectly balanced wave of sound. We were beyond moved by this stunning musical composition.
We are all in on Museum Of Light “ , and their otherworldly new single, “Blunt Force Drama”, as well as the new album “Diviner”
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single and video “In Pursuit Of” , from Southern California post-hardcore outliers Spark of Life. You can listen to “In Pursuit Of “ Here. You can also check out the video below
“In Pursuit Of,” is the next single off the band’s upcoming sophomore album, Plagued By The Human Condition, out soon on New Age Records.
“In Pursuit Of” turns an instantly memorable heartland rock riff into a devastatingly sung admission of regret and loss. Singer Steve Jennings says, “Matters of the heart are always risky. ‘In Pursuit Of’ is about knowing those risks and deciding to chase the love your heart wants anyway…even though it might break in the end”
“In Pursuit Of” from Spark Of Life , is a sonically please track that is brimming of melodic wonder .
SparkOf Life,is that formed in the suburbs of Los Angeles almost 25 years ago, this life has been anything but predictable. In their original formation, the band-comprised of various musicians over the years, but always centered around the songwriting nucleus of singer Steve Jennings and guitarist Nicholas Piscitello
Spark Of Life , is sounding more explosive then ever , “In Pursuit Of” is a post-hardcore gem- we cannot wait for “Plagued By The Human Condition “
Upcoming shows (with Loved Up):
1/22 – The Rainbow Bar – Hollywood, CA 1/23 – The Hive – Flagstaff, AZ 1/24 – Yucca Tap Room – Tempe, AZ 1/25 – Groundworks – Tucson, AZ 1/26 – Till Two Club – San Diego, CA
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single “SJC” from Portland, Oregon post punk trio Sorry Holly.
You can listen to “SJC” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Sorry Holly, is a band that does not beat around the bush , they come out firing on all cylinders and this is on full display on their kick ass new single “SJC” We love everything about this track but the groove that Sorry Holly have cooked up on “SJC” is like next level stuff . ( The drumming alone on this track is freaking legendary)
“SJC” will be included on the band’s long awaited debut album, “Use Your Heart” which, will be out on January 17th and we can’t wait.
So find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the goodness that is “SJC”
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “Lost And Found”, via Sad Time Productions “ from Portland, Oregon post punk trioSorry Holly. You can listen to “Lost And Found” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Sorry Holly , has a distinctive and electrifying sound and it is on full display on their latest single “Lost And Found”
Courtesy of Sad Times Productions
Sorry Holly, is living proof that things as a band don’t always happen over night. SorryHolly is a post-punk trio ten years in the making. Life gets in the way in many shapes and forms, keeping the band apart for a few scattered years. But in 2023, the band headed to Chicago, IL to record their first full length with producer Simon Small at Type One Studios. The debut album “Use Your Heart” is a dedication
With pristine vocal and an additive melody, “Lost And Found “ , from Sorry Holly is ready to be your new favorite song. “Use Your Heart” will be out on January, 17th , until then we will keep “Lost And Found” repeat.
“Apple At The Aggy” is the first single from for a brand-new 3-way split EP, Good Dogs Wear Capes, featuring Cape Crush, Impossible Dog and Good June set to release on January 24, 2025
It’s a new year and we are super psyched to get new music from North Shore,Massachusetts based power emo band Cape Crush . The vibrant new single “Apple At The Aggy”, featuring Boston based band, Good June . You can listen to “Apple At The Aggy” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
We have been highlighting the wonderful Boston area music scene for five years and we are beyond excited about the brand new 3-way split EP “Good Dogs Where Cape” because it features 3 of the best bands ( Cape Crush,Good June and ImpossibleDog) that the scene has to offer .
The first single “Apple At The Aggy “ from Cape Crush , featuring Good June is a melodic gem that showcases Cape Crush and Good June at their absolute best . The vocal pairing on “Apple At The Aggy” is literally a thing of beauty.
“Apple At The Aggy” has a little bit of a “Britt-Pop” feel to it that gives it an added dimension that we absolutely love .
“Apple At The Aggy”,was Mixed by: Nicholas Starraninto and Mastered by: Pierce Johnston Mastering , Vocals Engineered by: Evan Doherty and Walker Bristol
Singles from the split will debut every Friday in January, culminating in the full release on January 24th. To top it off, the bands will celebrate with a Split Release Show at DeepCuts in Medford, MA, on January 31, 2025, bringing this collaboration to life in an unforgettable night of music.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the latest single “Blur” from Davis County , Utah rock band Riff Wood. You can listen to “Blur” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
If your wondering about the future of rock is.. Let us introduce you to Riff Wood. Riff Wood ( Carson Groves (15) , Hyrum Russon (15) , and Asher “Shredder” Winegar (16) is an electrifying rock band from Davis County , Utah.
We instantly fell for the style and sound of Riff Wood . The band artfully molds a modern rock sound with a bit of a throw back rock sound , this sound is on full display on their latest single “Blur” . Flawless melodic vocals weave effortlessly in and out of a memorable and perfect melody.
Riff Wood is without a doubt a band that you need to pay attention to. So go find your favorite music listening spot and get lost in the musical goodness of Riff Wood.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single and video for “In The Throes” from Salt Lake City , Utah , melodic punk band Bridge The Gap. You can check out “In The Throes” Here You can also check out the video below.
Bridge The Gap returns this spring with powerful new LP“Gainsayer”
Look we are going to cut right to chase, if melodic punk is your thing , you need to check out the phenomenal new single “In The Throes “ from Salt Lake City punks Bridge The Gap. (Vocalist/guitaristChad Jensen , Bassist/vocalistShon Foster and drummer/vocalistRyan Thompson) Not only do they have a kick ass new single with “In The Throes “ but they also have a new LP arriving in the spring, their sophomore full-length, Gainsayer, their highly anticipated follow-up to Secret Kombinations.
Recorded at the renowned Blasting Room in Fort Collins, CO, and produced by punk rock legend Bill Stevenson (Descendents, Black Flag), with mixing and mastering by GrammyAward winner Jason Livermore (Rise Against, Hot Water Music), Gainsayeris a thrilling new chapter in the band’s sonic evolution.
The album’s first single “In The Throes” is now streaming everywhere. You can check it out Here and you can watch the music video Here
The band says, “”In The Throes” deals with the topic of battling inner demons and searching deep to find the resolve to overcome them. Hopefully, the song is relatable and inspires some hope, not only that there are literally millions of people going through such struggles but also that there might be a way through without succumbing to the worst of it. We chose In The Throes to be our first single because it’s an accurate snapshot of what fans and listeners can expect to hear from Gainsayer as a 14-song album. This was our second time working with Bill and our friends at the Blasting Room, and they really turned it on for us with Gainsayer. We spent a lot of time with Bill getting the vocal ideas for “In The Throes” ironed out and tracked, and we’re stoked with how it all shook out.”
The band adds, “In the video, we’re not depicted with our figurative knives out, battling demons. Rather, the “In The Throes” video was meant to show our fans that we’ve been ‘in the throes’ of making this music together for decades now, working out our artistic impulses and creativity dating back to the late ‘90s. It’s a kind of then-and-now showcase of where we started as a band and where we are today. Our buddy Alaric from Gearly Beloved Productions helped us make this video, shooting the band performing the song live at a show we played with Chaser in Salt Lake City, juxtaposed with a host of old VHS clips we had digitized from the ‘90s and ‘00s. This was the third time we’ve worked with Alaric on a music video and it was a blast, as always.”
“In The Throes” from Bridge The Gap, is absolutely perfect. We can’twait for “Gainsayer”
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the video for “Kiss Me Like You Miss Here” . You can watch the video below
You can also listen to the single on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here.
Bristol-based alt-indie quartet Adult Leisure artfully deliver a stunning visual for “Kiss Me Like You Miss Here “
The stunning new music video was filmed by the band themselves, on their phones, in its entirety, keeping true to the track’s subject matter, highlighting the everyday anxieties for someone living on the breadline.
Discussing what they hoped to achieve with the music video, drummer Nathan Searle says, “To reflect the harsh reality of the cost of living crisis in the UK, we wanted this video to feel simple and genuine. A polished production wouldn’t have felt appropriate for the story we wanted to tell. Instead, we filmed the entire video ourselves, working with what we had and keeping things as straightforward as possible. This approach highlights how creativity and resourcefulness often emerge from limitation. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t need to be extravagant to be powerful, it just needs to be honest.”
Adult Leisure, is a band who truly mastered the art of bringing their music compositions to life . There is a brilliant sense of artistic genius that lives and breathes within Adult Leisure and the fabric of that genius is beautifully captured in the video for “Kiss Me Like You Miss Her”
Boston independent garage rock and power-pop record label wraps a lively 2024 with free 38-track comp today, (Tuesday, November 26)
You can check out “Second Shots “ on Bandcamp Here
RumBar Records brilliantly captures the true heart and soul of the local Boston music scene and beyond and, this is on full vibrant display on “Second Shots”
Lou Mansdorf’s ( an absolute music legend) esteemed and independent Boston-based label, which last year celebrated its 10th anniversary, caps a wild and busy 11th year of operation with Second Shot, a free 38-track compilation of garage rock, power-pop, pub rock, indie, punk, and swaggering rock and roll set for digital release and available for download starting today , (Tuesday, November 26. ) Seriously there is something for every music lover on planet on “Second Shots”
Serving as a look back at Rum Bar’s active 2024 – full of both homegrown and national bands and artists – and a peek into what next year may bring, Second Shot drops just ahead of Black Friday, and for good reason: Those who use the discount code niceprice20 at checkout will score 20 percent off all purchases on Rum Bar’s Bandcamp page through December 31, including pre-orders, all physical and digital music purchases, and merchandise.
In addition, the label is donating 20.25% of all profits during the month of December to Planned Parenthood. And Rum Bar is offering a “brown bag special,” where during December fans can get 5 CDs, randomly selected by Mansdorf, as well as a label koozie and sticker, for just $15.
“From day one, this has been a labor of love,” Mansdorf says. “All we want to do is create one fan, one listener, one follower, one customer a day, a week, a month, a year, so we can just keep helping these artists spread their gospel and grow their fanbase.”
The free compilation features music that extends well beyond the Boston scene, rounding up tracks from Slamdinistas, The Hellflowers, Tom Baker, The Glimmer Stars, The Legendary Swagger, The Mochines, The Dogs, The Amplifier Heads, Tim McCoy, J Prozac, The Cretins, The Yum Yums, Boris The Sprinkler, Pavid Vermin, WiMP!, Shaggahs, Rick Barton, Jittery Jack with Amy Griffin on Guitar, Cindy Lawson, Girl with a Hawk, The Wynotts, Hotbox, Joe Jennings MVP’s, The Spackles, The Carnivals, Tony Marsico and the Ugly Thingz, The Hollywood Stars, Junior Varsity, Muck and the Mires, Gene Campagne, Diablogato, The Cornfed Project, The Hi-End, Richard Duguay & The Beautiful Decline, Cheap Cassettes, The Shang Hi Los, The Dogmatics, and Stop Calling Me Frank.
The songs on “Second Shot” are seriously the finest collection of music around….. hands down. We are talking 38 tracks and not a bad one in the bunch . From the Amplifier Heads , “The Best It’s Gonna Be” , Girl With A Hawk, “Way With Words” , Muckand The Mires, He’s Not The One” – absolutely amazing!
Lou Mansdorf, Rum Bar Records , “Second Shot” and all the artist involved represent all that is good in music today . If you consider yourself self a music fan this is one compilation, you can’t miss”
Every time krooked Tongue releases a new single, it’s as they are trying to top the one before (spoiler alert:Every song Is Amazing) and their latest “Ember Mile” is no exception.
Ember Mileis the follow up to September’s celebrated single ‘Nothing Ever Grows’ which saw support from Apple editorial’s ‘Breaking Hard Rock’, New Noise Magazine, CLOUT, Total Rock and Boogaloo Radio and was used throughout the Bivol vs Beterbiev boxing fight on DAZN sports streaming platform.
Recorded and produced with long-time producer Josh Gallop at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, the track mixes tight, driving drums, scuzzy, distorted guitar lines and Rainsford’s signature lyrical wit and vocal swagger, channelling the rush of excitement of a creative idea coming into fruition, where previous single Nothing Ever Growsencapsulated the negative emotions involved with the feeling of writer’s block.
Describing the single, vocalist and lyricist Oli Rainsford states, “In a lot of ways, ‘Ember Mile’ is the more positive cousin of ‘Nothing Ever Grows’. It’s a victory song. The cry of the inner battle when it comes to trying to create. The concept of ‘Ember Mile’ is something that I conjured up that embodied the electricity of a moment. To me it feels like the part of a movie where the hero finally knows what they have to do to save the day. Here comes the triumphant music and the 80s montages. You could say it’s our Rocky 4.
I wanted this song to feel like an internal monologue, breaking the fourth wall and spitting back with a sarcastic tongue. ‘Ember Mile’ refers to a proverbial golden, fiery strip of road where the final idea awaits on the horizon. In my case it’s referring to the final hurdle before finishing writing a song.”
Krooked Tongue and their latest single“Ember Mile “ are a crystal clear reminder of why we love music so much.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new EP “Inside A Dream” from Boston based alt-rock band,Gretchen Shae & The Middle Eight. You can listen to “Inside A Dream” Here.
Gretchen Shae & The Middle 8 come out absolutely blazing on “Inside A Dream” The trio ( Gretchen Shae : Guitar and Vocals, Ronan Fahy: Lead Guitar and Nick Mejia : Drums/ creative designer) are sonically and melodically in sync as they charge into the opening track “Heroes Shouldn’t Be Villains,” . You can check out the lyric video for the track below
“Heroes Shouldn’t Be Villains,” expands their creative dynamism far beyond genre limitations. Part of that is the result of the set-in chemistry of Gretchen Shae & The Middle Eight’s now-established lineup: Vocalist, guitarist, and lyricistShae alongside lead guitaristRonan Fahy and drummer and creative designerNick Mehos, all collaborating as songwriters and contributors. The other part is the source material; when Shae and the boys stir the emotional weight of personal loss into the band’s rock and roll expression, what comes out on the other side is purely an emotive extension of themselves.
“The songs are really just a response to loss in a number of ways, whether it is a friend, family, or a loved one,” Shae admits.
Photo Credit- Richard Cramer
The intoxicating drum beat that is the lead in for the title track “Inside A Dream “, gives way to flawless vocals coupled with a memorable melody. Gretchen Shae & The Middle Eight are without question a band who is on top of their game on “Inside A Dream “
Produced by and recorded with Roger Lavallee at Wachusett Recording in Princeton, MA, Inside A Dream is the band’s first new music since last fall’s “Safehouse” single. Over its 12-minute runtime, the record brazenly extends the realm of loss through added layers of grief, frustration, and stigmatization of mental health. The lyrical themes cascade over heavy riffs and a thunderous backbeat, as jangly and echoing guitarwork exchanges freely with Shae’s introspective and lived-in wordplay.
The closing track, “Little Armies “ features some mesmerizing drumming that really adds another dimension to the track. The vocals on “Little Armies “ have this haunting quality that gives the track a little mystery.
“Inside A Dream” from Gretchen Shae And The Middle Eight is over flowing with rock goodness this is an EP you can’t ignore.
We recently had the incredible opportunity to check out the latest single “Quiet” from Detroit born and Nashville based Indie Rock trio , Pretty Jane. You can listen to “Quiet” Here
Pretty Jane ( Trevor Dalrymple [vocals], Luca DiVergilio [bass], and Ethan Strain [lead guitar]) , have a vibrant indie rock/pop sound that goes straight to your soul. Their latest single “Quiet” has a mysterious melody coupled with strong flawless vocals , you will no doubt be hitting repeat a few hundred times on this well written and perfectly crafted song .
Pretty Jane , have amazing pop appeal, these guys were made for the spotlight . The trio has gained an online following of over one-hundred thousand. After amassing ten million-plus streams and earning early acclaim from A1234, SHEESH, and many others, the band continues to give form to relatable feelings on an upcoming 2025 EP.
Do yourself a favor and check out “Quiet” from Pretty Jane, you will thank us later .
We recently had the absolutely amazing opportunity to check out the debut album “One Cut Away From Love” via Punkerton Records from Jacksonville,Florida based punks , KNIVES.
You can listen to “One Cut Away From Love “ Here . You can order the LP (Vinyl/CD ) Here
First things first…. We freaking love absolutely everything about KNIVES. We love the sound the vibe …. EVERYTHING. These guys ( DannyAttack – Vocals/GuitarBrendan Morrison – Screams/GuitarAdam Johnson – Bass Josh Kidd – Drums) ) are the real deal and then some. The combination vocals of Danny Attack and screams of Brendan Morrison, make KNIVES one of the most versatile punk bands out there.
KNIVES was originally meant to be a one-show project. But the self-proclaimed “boys of summer” quickly realized they were onto something more. Soon after, they added Josh Kidd (Drums) and Adam Johnson (Bass) to complete the lineup. With soul-baring lyrics, blood-curdling screams, infectious grooves, and catchy melodies, the sky is the limit for this up-and-coming pop-punk juggernaut.
We were in pure punk rock bliss, as we made our through “One Cut Away From Love” Every song hit just right, half way through listening our fingers got tired from hitting repeat so many times.
“Moments”, “KNVS, “Oh This Sin Of Mine” are just a few of our favorite tracks. If we had to pick our favorite ( So hard to do) it would without a doubt be “Ghost”. “Ghost “ is KNIVES at their absolute hands downs best.
Do Yourself a favor and check out “One Cut Away From Love “ from KNIVES, you will be in punk rock heaven.
We were super psyched to check out the new single “Inner Demons “ from acclaimed American musician/songwriter, and power pop/rock maestro Kurt Baker via Wicked Cool Records. You can listen to “Inner Demons “ Here
Kurt Baker is firing on all cylinders with his latest offering “Inner Demons”
“It’s kinda annoying to trace many stories back to such a horrible time, the pandemic, but this song came from that period,” explains Baker. Locked in strict confinement in Madrid, I was in my tiny room, just listening to the radio and watching episodes of Bob Newhart.
“Inner Demons” was originally called “Keep Wishing” and I wanna thank my friend from Australia, Mark, for being the instigator for this track. He had asked me to start throwing around some song ideas for a possible record for his band, the Stanleys. This is one of the songs that came from that time I was stuck inside and just writing tracks. It’s changed a lot since then. It became a contender for the “Rock N Roll Club” LP, but never made the cut.
Kurt Baker, makes music that touches your soul and makes your feet move . “Inner Demons “ is an absolute gem that is already living on constant repeat in our office . Go and check out “Inner Demons “ you will definitely thank us later.
We recently had the absolute honor to check out the new single “Anna Save A Life” from Boston and Phoenix melodic noise-rock duo, Canyons and Locusts. You can listen to the glorious new single “Anna Save A Life” Here
From the moment we heard the first note on “Anna Save A Life”, from Canyons and Locusts, we knew we were listening to pure melodic greatness. Everything about this song is drop dead perfect.
“Anna Save A Life” , is the first dose of new music from the Boston and Phoenix melodic noise-rock duo since March’s The Red Angel EP, a record dedicated to late Red on Red Records founder Justine Covault that earned mentions in Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, and elsewhere. And it’s the attention-grabbing inaugural blast from vocalist, guitarist, and bassistJustin Keane and drummerAmy Young’s forthcoming concept album, The Goal Gigolo, surfacing sometime in the early stages of 2025.
Courtesy Of The Band
To understand the unfolding world of The Goal Gigolo, a discordant, anti-hero record that draws together several storytelling narrators underneath Canyons and Locusts’ unhinged wall of fuzzed-out rock and roll, one must first embrace Anna. Even if our central eponymous character doesn’t quite understand who she may be or how she plays into this universe.
“Anna Save A Life” is a song from the vantage of a guy looking at the pit,” Keane says. “The line at the beginning of the song – ‘neon lights and empty nights, my disgrace’ – is the rosetta stone for this one. This album is the story of a pretty flawed protagonist, himself The Goal Gigolo, who’s made some bad decisions and has gotten himself into trouble trying to help people in his new location. He’s got to go through some shit to get back on his feet again, and he’s looking at that pit he’s about to jump into, but at that same time he’s got enough gallows humor to imagine writing a letter to someone named Anna who might very well save someone’s life – a life, not necessarily his.”
Produced by Keane and Ethan Dussault, and recorded and mixed by Dussault at New Alliance Studio in Somerville, MA, with mastering by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East earlier this year, “Anna Save A Life” is a tale of desperation. It’s also the first Canyons and Locusts track to feature bass guitar, adding a low-end thunder to the band’s chaotic cacophony of sound.
There is beautiful fiber of kinetic energy that flows effortlessly throughout “Anna Save A Life” It’s a familiar and relatable feeling that lives within all of us and Canyons and Locusts beautifully and loudly bring it to life .
We recently got the chance to check out the epic new single “Karma” from Los Angeles-based duo Royal She, comprised of vocalistAlison Freed and multi-instrumentalist Alexandria Reyes. You can listen to “Karma”
Royal She artfully blends an eclectic mix of rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic influences on their newest single “Karma.” With a sound reminiscent of PVRIS and Paramore, their vibrant energy and sharp lyricism have quickly garnered attention since the 2019 release of their cover of Billie Eilish’s “My Girl,” produced by South African producer and hit-maker, Esjay Jones. Known for their catchy hooks and dynamic productions, Royal She is poised to make a significant mark on the music scene as they prepare to release their debut album “Befores and Afters,” in early 2025 hot off the success of the projects first singles, “Worth It” and “My Ex.”
Royal She has a vibe and style that is 100 % real , no tricks or smoke and mirrors and we love it . “Karma” is one of those songs and we.. LOVE IT.
Royal She is everything we absolutely love about music and “Karma” is an absolute smash hit .
“Karma,” is a feel-good rock anthem that delivers a playful yet piercing take on retribution. Crafted for those who’ve been wronged, this addictive track captures the essence of karmic vengeance wrapped in a trilling beat, soaring guitars, and powerhouse vocals. Its catchy melody and satisfying hooks make it the perfect soundtrack for reclaiming your power, whether you’re blasting it after a breakup or just enjoying the ride of life’s ups and downs. “Karma” is not just a song; it’s a vibrant celebration of karmic justice that leaves listeners humming its infectious refrain long after the last note fades.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “Kiss Me Like You Miss Her” from Bristol, (UK) alt-indie four-piece Adult Leisure, out today.
You can listen to “Kiss Me Like You Miss Her” Here
Recorded and mixed with Ollie Searle at Bristol’s Humm Studios, and mastered by John Webber (David Bowie, Duran Duran, Coach Party), Kiss Me Like You MissHer perfectly highlights the band’s talent for genre fluidity with the band expertly mixing rich melodies, shimmering synths and explosive drums with Neil Scott’s snarling call and response vocals and socially aware lyrics, holding a lens firmly on the state of Britain, pre-election 2024 and the damage austerity has caused.
Adult Leisure, continue to impress, they are world class musicians, who are not afraid to speak up. They are the total package.
“It’s easy to get blindsided and almost complacent with music that tackles social commentary. However, we’ve all had, or still have, ongoing experiences of the damage austerity has caused. We wanted our chance to express that anger. We saw a way to create a story drawn from personal and everyday experiences.
Life still isn’t good, and our way of dealing with it is through music – this is our petulance and frustration in a song.
Having to choose between eating a hot meal or putting £10 on the gas meter takes its toll. We’ve seen it up close in recent memory. It’s so important for these subjects to remain in conversation.”
2024 has been a really pivotal year for the band, with their most successful releases to date, tracks chosen for sync on national TV show Made In Chelsea, and their first trip into Europe at Sweden’s Live At Heart showcase festival. 2025 is already shaping up beautifully with festivals in the UK and Norway already confirmed, we can’t wait to see what next year brings…. Do your music loving heart a favor and check out Kiss Me Like You Miss Her” from Adult Leisure.
Be Prepared To Be Absolutely Mystified By Sergeant Thunderhoof’s Sensational New Album “The Ghost Of Badon Hill” which, is out today. ( November 15th)
We recently had the opportunity to check out the amazing new folklore inspired concept album from rock five-piece Sergeant Thunderhoof, “The Ghost Of Badon Hill”
You can check out my new album on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
Coming from the historical area of Somerset (UK) Sergeant Thunderhoof have yet again delved deep into local history, mythology and folklore to deliver their most focussed album to date. “The Ghost of Badon Hill” is a true conceptual piece, set in the 4th Century AD and positively charged with raw emotion and Arthurian mysticism. Recorded with Josh Gallop (who recently became an official member of the band) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath and mastered by Tony Reed (Mos Generator), their new LP sees the band exploring wider and more textured sonic landscapes, whilst conceptually delving into Somerset’s famous Battle of Badon.
We were literally hanging on every note and word on “The Ghost Of Badon Hill” Sergeant Thunderhoof have created an absolute masterpiece.
Discussing the lyrical themes explored throughout the album vocalist and lyricist Dan Flitcroft says: “This new album feels to me like our most focussed and thoughtful release to date. In the past we’ve not had any limitations when it comes to song lengths and structures as we didn’t have a label calling the shots. But one thing that I knew was needed for this album was to set some boundaries. Foremost of which was the ability to get it onto two sides of vinyl, as opposed to us having to put most of our previous works onto double packages due to the sheer length of the songs.
“So, knowing that we only had 22 minutes or so per side to play with, it forced us to take the songs we had been jamming and sort the wheat from the chaff. Anything that felt unnecessary or superfluous was scrapped, with every moment on the record needing to justify its own place. I came across the theme for the album by sheer accident when out walking with my family. I had no idea that Bath was a possible location for a real-life battle between the Britons and invading Anglo Saxons, on what was known as Badon Hill. There are a few prominent hills in and around our city that have been suggested as possible locations, famously Peter Gabriel sang about Solsbury Hill many years ago, and that is such a special and romantic place to visit”.
Sergeant Thunderhoof does a brilliant job in bringing this epic tale to life . Highlighted by otherworldly vocals and spectacular melodies, “The Ghost Of BadonHill “ is destined to become an instant classic.
From the breathtaking beginning of “Badon” , the memorable single “Blood Moon” and the mysteriously beautiful “Sentinel “- “The Ghost Of Badon Hill is an absolute can’t miss.
SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF ARE:
Daniel Flitcroft – Vocals Mark Sayer – Guitar Josh Gallop – Guitar Jim Camp – Bass Darren Ashman – Drums
We recently had the exceptional opportunity to check out the latest single “Brother”, via Memory Music label from New Jersey based band Flycatcher. You can listen to “Brother” Here You can also check out the video for “Brother” below.
Sometimes you don’t choose the music but, the music chooses you. We were recently scanning for new music when seemingly out of nowhere we stumbled upon Flycatcher and their amazing new single “Brother”
“Brother” from Flycatcher, is a well written song that grabs your attention right from the first note . Melodically pleasing with indie appeal. We may have found your new favorite song ( you’re welcome)
Flycatcher ( Gregory Thomas Pease – Vocals and Guitar, Justin VanNiekerk,Guitar, Jack Delle Cava, Bass and Connor Carmelengo, Drums) are a well oiled music making machine, and we feel they are just getting started .
“Brother” was Produced, engineered, and mixed by Will Yip. “Brother” from Flycatcher, is a brilliant and stunning musical experience that you can’t afford to miss .
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out emerging indie rock artist , JT Loux and his stunning new single “GO AHEAD ” You can listen to “GO AHEAD” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
We can’t enough of JT Loux and his blazing new single “GO AHEAD” , it’s has a fresh electrifying sound but also has this classic retro feel that jumps out of the speakers. ( We literally had goosebumps)
Recently signed to Yelawolf’s label, Slumerican, JT has quickly proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.
He took his electrifying performances overseas, touring Spain in 2024. As he gears up to hit the road with Yelawolf
“Go AHEAD” really shows the extraordinary talent of JT Loux. He is definitely an artist you need to keep your eyes on.
JT is preparing to release a highly anticipated album in 2025, set to solidify his place in the rock world.
We recently had stellar opportunity to check out the new album “thought so” from genre-straddling Boston alternative band , Count Zero. You can check out the otherworldly experience that is “thought so” Here .
“thought so “ from Count Zero is the band’s first taste of new music in 13 years, and it is absolutely glorious . “thought so “ is beautifully bold and grand, all the things we love about Count Zero. Not only do we get a new album with “thought so “ which is out today (Friday,November 8th ) but…. We are also getting a BumbleBee Radio Presents release party later tonight at Sonia in Cambridge.
Our music loving soul is absolutely blissfully overwhelmed with all the musical goodness packed in “thought so” ,from Count Zero
“Our music has always been dense – occasionally one might argue too dense,” Peter Moore muses from his home studio. “Now we’re learning to trust sparseness and space more, trusting the hooks, the vibes, the grooves.”
Photo Credit- Kelly Davidson Studio
The awaited follow-up to 2011’s Never Be Yourself, thought so finds Count Zero as its most assured, no small accomplishment given the confidence the band weaponized to swerve around most of the pitfalls and landmines of the Boston rock scene. And in a weird way, the dystopia of the world around us has finally caught up to the cacotopia weaved delicately within the Count Zero sound for so long.
Every song on “thought so” plays out like a show stopping theater production. We were mesmerized by the opening track “Never Be Alone” The artful use of sound , really made the track stand out. With so many different styles and vibes on “though so” it is next to impossible to be board . One track that really stood out for us is “You Were You Are” A well written track with a mysterious melody coupled with flawless vocals – Bravo
A new component in this fresh batch of Count Zero compositions is that while most lean on the traditional social observations and dystopian awareness, a few – “South,” “You Were You Are,” and inaugural offering “Overthinking” – serve as more introspective and autobiographical than Moore’s past efforts. Moore was always a performer’s performer, and his persona was never far behind.
“There are songwriters that exclusively write autobiographically, but my default has been to fear that sharing The Real Me is burdensome on the listener,” he admits. “I usually get more traction embodying a persona, and finding myself in them. This is more of a Bowie thing. Probably didn’t hurt that when I toured with Blue Man Group we opened up for Bowie every night, and I got to see him from the side of the stage night after night. He channels characters, or personae, but they’re always a part of him.”
Great art hangs proudly in a museum. Great music is heard jolting out of speakers or coming to life on stage . “thought so” from Count Zero is not just a great album but is a true work of art.
Ok music lovers , let’s get something out of the way right now. “Happiness Is Overrated “ from Bristol, UK based rock band Oswald Slain absolutely kills . We got major goosebumps from the first note . You can listen to “Happiness Is Overrated “ Here
Formerly known as Little Thief, Oswald Slain’s sound is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of classic Americana, echoing the timeless vibes of Neil Young and The Band, whilst infusing it with the gritty, energetic rock essence familiar from their previous works.
Under their previous moniker, the band toured the UK multiple times, playing slots at esteemed festivals such as Glastonbury, Shambala, Liverpool Sound City, Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling and Greenman Festival, receiving support from the likes of Far Out Magazine, RTE, BBC Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq and BBC Radio 1.
There is an honesty and conviction that runs through the core of Oswald Slain, and it is front and center on “Happiness Is Overrated”
Co-founding members Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, who have been writing music together for over 10 years, took the difficult decision to change the band name and move forward in a new direction.
Oswald Slain is a testament to both personal growth and musical evolution. Teaming up with producer and fellow band member Ryan Rogers, their upcoming debut single was produced in-house in their DIY studio. Mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), ‘Happiness Is Overrated‘ is a song that pushes back against the pressures of being happy.
Reflecting on the single, vocalist and lyricistCharlie Fitzgerald says: “Happiness is Overrated is a rise about misery and a rebellion against the pressures of being ‘happy’. The song came out of a pretty low point in my life: Final lockdown, locked up at home. Everything had kinda fallen apart in my musical world and we were just drinking corner shop wine and trying to keep morale up. I had been listening to Bob Dylan’s ‘115th Dream’ on repeat and loved the story-telling aspect of the lyricism, so enjoying writing something with lots of words and more of a storyline.
The lyrics sat on my computer for a few years and never really got used until one rainy day in January 2024, they found a final resting place in this big, sad, bar-crawl of a tune.”
“Happiness Is Overrated “ from Oswald Slain is an absolute must listen.
Today (Friday,November 1st) The Downstrokes & The Prozacs deliver two highly anticipated singles from their upcoming split album, Better Late Than Never, presented by Punkerton Records.
The Downstrokes unveil their track “We Gotta Go” –Here on Spotify and on Apple MusicHere And wait…. There’s more… The Prozacs release their second single, “Awake” – Here on Spotify and on Apple Music Here
These new singles deliver a thrilling taste of the 12-track LP, Better Late Than Never(Available December 13th), where each band offers up its unique style with unfiltered punk rock energy. Alongside their digital release, both bands are dropping individual EPs featuring alternate covers.
You can pre order “Better Late Than Never”on vinyl Here
We are head over heels for both The Downstrokes and The Prozacs, they bring a sound and energy that is simply electrifying. If you need examples of two killer punk bands look no further than The Downstrokes and The Prozacs .
The Downstrokes merge gritty, high-energy punk with hard rock influences from the 60s-90s, Frostburg, Maryland’s The Downstrokes bring a raw edge to rock n’ roll. The Downstrokes are: Gerry LaFemina, RobinSummerfield, Josh Turner, Greg Wood
Hailing from Massachusetts( Our Home State) , The Prozacs bring a distinct style influenced by 90s Lookout and Mutant Pop Records. Since 2001, frontman J Prozac has led the band through decades of high-energy punk. The Prozacs are: J Prozac: Guitar & Vocals, Greg Russian: Bass, Mark Pena: Drums.
Legendary Arizona punk rock band Authority Zero is marking its 30th anniversary with the release of a new six-song EP titled Thirty Years: Speaking to the Youth.
We consider ourselves super lucky to be able to check out the new EP “Thirty Years :Speaking To The Youth from legendary Arizona punk rock band Authority Zero (SpoilerAlert , this EP is absolute fire!)
You can listen to “Thirty Years:Speaking To The Youth Here You order the absolutely beautiful vinyl Here
We can’t believe it’s been thirty years of absolutely incredible music from Authority Zero. And based on their blazing new EP, “Thirty Years:Speaking To The Youth they sound better ever !
The EP, titled “Thirty Years: Speaking to the Youth,” is “essentially about believing in yourself and fighting for what you believe in,”frontman Jason DeVore says. “Whatever that may be.”
The lyrics reflect on the world he sees around him through the filter on his own experiences.
It’s about the journey of this life and the awareness of it all,”he says. “Each moment good or bad. If there’s something that you love and feel a strong conviction about, don’t be afraid to stand up and speak about it, fight for it, be heard, and ultimately live and embrace it in its entirety.”
DeVore, bassist Mike Spero, guitarist Brandon Landelius and drummer Chris Dalley spent a week in Arizona writing “30 Years,” their first new music since the 2021 release of “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free.”
“So, it’s really what Authority Zero sounds like right now when you put the four of us in a room for a week,” DeVore says.
The bandmates then spent two weeks with producer Cameron Webb, who also took the helm on “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free” and 2013’s “The Tipping Point” at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California.
We absolutely cannot get enough of this new EP , right from the first note on “A Change In The Tide” we found ourselves in the presence of absolute punk rock goodness.
We love the energy on “Lights Out”, in our opinion, this song is best enjoyed with the windows in your car down and the volume all the way up . We got lots of looks dancing it out at red lights but who cares? …. If you can’t dance it out to an amazing song… what’s the point?
We love the ska/reggae feel on “Ways To Wage A War” Authority Zero absolutely shines on this amazing track.
With six amazing songs , it is almost impossible to pick a favorite but, if we had to… it would be without question “Long Way To Go” , we love everything about this song . Sonically and melodically perfect… an absolute gem.
The message and vibe on “Second Chances” is absolutely on point , we really like the melody and vocals on this track.
The final track on the EP is the title track “Speaking To The Youth “ is an incredible groove that is overflowing with energy . We had this one on repeat for days.
“Thirty Years: Speaking To The Youth”, from Authority Zero is quite possibly the best way to spend 22 minutes of your day.
You can check out tour dates for Authority Zero below
CD release arrives ahead of November parties in Boston and Providence
We had the amazing opportunity to check out the new EP “Snake Oil Salvation “ from Boston band Diablogato, via Rum Bar Records. You can listen to “Snake Oil Salvation “ on Spotify Here and Bandcamp Here
It is crystal clear from the first note , that “Snake Oil Salvation, from Diablogato , is far more than just an EP but an epic sound blistering experience that you simply can’t miss .
With the video single “Lost Highway” and fellow visual and 2022 standout “Jet Black Night” setting the tone, Snake Oil Salvation is Diabogato’s darkest and grittiest record yet, taking the quartet’s weathered brand of rock and roll and filtering it through the strain and hostility of 2024’s cracked lens. The follow-up to 2019’sOld Scratch finds each member of the veteran band – vocalist and guitaristDrewIndingaro; guitarist and backingvocalistCharlie MacSteven; drummerJesse Von Kenmore; and upright bassistJohnny Custom – coming out on the other side of what was a batshit insane five prior years with fresh battle scars and new tales to tell.
Photo Credit- Pat Piasecki
The opening track “Heaven’s Gate” is a grade A rock masterpiece. The pristine soaring vocals hit your soul like the Fourth of July and never leaves.
“Snake Oil Salvation is a reflection of the world we’re living in,” says Indingaro. “The idea of snake oil – the slick talkers, the cons, the false promises – felt like the perfect metaphor for everything we’re trying to say. And salvation? Well, that’s what everyone’s chasing, right? But maybe it’s all smoke and mirrors. We’re mixing the grit with the hope, the lies with the redemption. It’s got a bit of that old-school hustler vibe, with a modern kick in the teeth.”
Diablogato are like a group of well trained rock soldiers as they effortlessly deliver solid soon to be classics. We loved the cadence and tempo of Wandering Hearts” …. And did we mention the bass line and the incredible guitar work? Holy Smokes!
The track that really stood out to us is “July 1969” in a treasure trove of remarkable songs, “July 1969 “ is without a doubt the crown jewel. You really get to hear and feel the incredible energy of Diablogato, and it’s absolutely stunning.
The EP was recorded by Shawn Reilly at PunchDance Studios in Waltham, MA; mixed by Duggan at Blue Banshee Studios in Brewster, MA; and mastered by Simon Francis (except for “Jet Black Night” and “Lost Highway,” mixed by Shawn Reilly and mastered by Nick Z at New Alliance East in Cambridge, MA.)
A pair of regional release parties help celebrate: November 23 at Faces Brewing in Malden and November 29 at The Parlour in Providence.
We recently had the privilege to check out the brand new album “Opus” from Boston rock band Derek Smith And The Cosmic Vultures
You can bask in the majestic glow of “Opus” on Spotify HereApple Music Here
“Opus” from Derek SmithAnd The Cosmic Vultures is a beautifully woven musical tapestry that shows off the many sides of a band who always artfully raises the creative bar on every thing they do.
We love that “Opus” does not box itself in a stylistic corner, rather it finds its way to the center of the room and shows all of its beautiful colors.
“This album is a noteworthy moment in my life,” Smith admits. “It’s a collection of art that I am putting on display in my own personal art studio. Each chapter brings a new feeling. A cosmic play of dark and light. It’s the sky I always wanted to paint. It’s a shrouded, cynical page from the vault in my mind. A tiresome reflection of life and death. When you put these colors together, you get Opus.”
So far, listeners have been treated to two tracks from the record, both released this year: July’s enchanting spark plug single “Tomorrow Morning,” ( an absolute musical gem) with its stirring cocktail of glam, psych, and soft rock and ready-made ambition that allowed it to hit Number 4 on the global Radio Indie Alliance charts and caught the attention of WBUR, Boston’s NPR, which previewed Opus in its 2024 Fall Album Guide as a record not to be missed; and September’s “Songbird,” a melodically lush and sonically dense composition (peaking at Number 16 on RIA) that suggested Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures were leaning into a more expansive musical alchemy. Remarkably, a trio of singles — the majestic “White Spade Symphony”; the celestial alt-rock hypnosis of “Waiting”; and the gritty and anthemic “Black Angel” — did not make the Opus cut.
The songs that made the cut for “Opus” cover a wide range on the musical spectrum but, that is what makes them so special. We were immediately captivated with “No Cigarettes” Smith takes a cheeky and comical look at his admittedly boring life of no drinking or smoking. The line “No Happy Hour, For Me” stayed with us long as the music ended ( Just ask the people in aisle 3 in Market Basket) “So Far Gone “ is a mesmerizing tune that seems to flow right of the speakers . We definitely hit repeat many times with this one .
Smith is effusive with his praise for his bandmates, especially his longtime partner-in-crime Strakus: “Michael’s intricate guitar work weaves melodic threads that elevate each track, showcasing his ability to blend technical prowess with emotional depth. And he’s quick to note the rhythm section: Steve’s rhythmic bass lines provide a solid foundation, enriching the band’s sound with groove and harmony, while Dalton’s dynamic drumming drives the energy of the music, creating an infectious pulse that resonates with listeners.”
Opus was mixed by Erik von Geldern, Don Schweihofer, and Monty Dale; mastered by von Geldern, Schweihofer, and David Locke; and engineered by a cast that includes von Geldern, Schweihofer, Dale, David Minehan, and Jonathan Chesbro. “The countless hours that were put in by Erik von Geldern and Don Schweihofer at Berlin Audio Productions cannot be understated,” Smith notes. “These guys did such an amazing job. This record wouldn’t be off the ground without them.”
Do your music loving heart a favor and get lost in the magic of “Opus” from Derek Smith And The Cosmic Vultures.
We recently had the tremendous opportunity to check out the debut single “Lightning Strikes” from new Boston band The Northern Line. You can listen to “Lightning Strikes” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
Boston’s newest band The Northern Line is all that is cool and right about music , they have brilliantly unearthed a sound that is deeply rooted in the past but also serves as a refreshing beacon to the present and future. The debut single “Lightning Strikes “ has an energy that is simply electrifying.
Raised on a steady diet of Britpop, baggy, Madchester, and modern alternative all filtered through an American lens, the quintet unabashedly urges everyone to raise a fist, bang a drum, and get on the indie dancefloor.
“‘Lightning Strikes’ is about moving past the struggle of life, the banality, the brow-beating of it all, and ‘When the lightning strikes…’ in your life, for that moment, you feel that joy,” says frontmanBilvox. “It’s about embracing those moments and living out loud. Buggering through the tricky bits of life and when the good things come to you, embrace them and celebrate them.”
We couldn’t agree more Bilvox, we are all about celebrating amazing music here at The Whole Kameese. And…. “Lighting Strikes” is most definitely celebration worthy.
With its members culled together from a selection of Boston bands, both past and present – Strangeways, The Daily Pravda, The Luxury, Looking Glass War, and others – The Northern Line has come together sharing a common musical vision and stylistic blueprint.
Photo : Harrison Searle
A plan first hatched by Bilvox (vocals and guitar) and Mike Ackley (keys) to revisit classic sounds of their youth – the former here in the United States and the latter in Manchester, England – has evolved into a mighty sonic dynamo, with Joshh Magee (bass), Matt Scheinman (guitar), and McG (drums and backing vocals) rounding out the cohesive and chemistry-driven five-piece.
Ackley believes “Lightning Strikes” acts as an appropriate opening salvo for the band, and an invitation to go deeper as new music emerges – similar to how all those Britpop records in the mid-’90s exposed a new generation to all the mod, psych, and British Invasion that came before it.
“This one is a nice intro that really showcases all the band,” Ackley notes. “It’s also a central point in the sound; we have slower, more anthemic tunes, tunes that are a little more rocking, but this one is core to our sound. Plus it’s a banger.”
Adds Bilvox: “I think ‘Lightning Strikes’ is a great representation of the fun energy of our music. Also, as we introduce ourselves to the world, this is a fist-pumping ear worm that forces itself into your room and makes you want to move. It kicks down the door and says ‘Hello!’ And I think it honors some favorite vibes of music we all celebrate, while creating a new space and sound to dive into. I think the vibe is a good indicator of things to come.”
“Lightning Strikes” was written and produced by The Northern Line as a collective unit after Bilvox brought in the lyrics and a handful of chords via an early acoustic demo. The rhythm section of Magee and McG – a duo whose name pairing just sounds iconic off the jump – changed the groove of the demo and made it danceable. Scheinman and Ackley added a “call and answer” relationship between the guitar and organ, allowing the track to bloom over its five-minute runtime without ever overstaying its welcome.
We are all in on The Northern Line and their blazing debut single “Lightning Strikes”
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “Erase You Away” from singer-songwriter Trev Peacock.
You can check it out via Spotify below.
Trev Peacock, has a style and vibe that is washes over you like a wave of alt-pop goodness . “Erase You Away “ is a well crafted moody alt-pop gem. that showcases the vibrant talent of Trey Peacock, front and center.
The track comes ahead of Trev’s debut album, out in 2025. The song, along with the upcoming album, was produced by the heralded Mike Spink, whose name holds credits with The 1975, Jake Bugg, The Gaslight Anthem, and many others.
Trev first fell in love and became obsessed with the guitar at 13. Soon after, Trev discovered a passion for songwriting and began writing songs to express emotions and tell stories. Throughout his young career, Trev has formed and performed with many bands, playing regionally in and around New York and the Tri-state area. Trev would later attend Berklee College of Music, where he honed his guitar playing and composing skills.
Photo credit- Photo by Matt Stasi
“Erase You Away” chronicles the ups and downs of a situationship, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes along with it. Sonically, the track channels influential giants like Glass Animals and Twenty One Pilots, gracefully toeing the line between alternative, pop, and hip-hop.
“We all know what it feels like when someone ghosts you and starts talking shit about you,” says Trev. “Sometimes, acting like the other person never existed is the ego boost you need.
Truth, Honestly and a memorable melody, make “Erase You Away” from Trev Peacock an absolute can’t miss.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single “Witches” from New England alternative trio Falsely Accused. You can listen to “Witches” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here And on Bandcamp Here
We were instantly mesmerized by the devilishly wicked and hypnotic sounds of “Witches” Falsely Accused has crafted a beyond memorable groove on “Witches” , that will stay with you long after the music has faded.
Normally, releasing a single called “Witches” in October would allude to some spooky, Halloween-related themes. But for bassist and vocalistMatt Tavano, the origin story of these “Witches” is rooted in something far more scary – where a sense of dread from an impending physical confrontation is augmented by the fact that most of the general public is becoming increasingly unhinged.
‘Witches’ is about a road rage incident I was involved in a couple years ago that quickly escalated into a roadside robbery,”Tavano admits. “As the scenario was playing out it seemed like violence was going to be unavoidable. But with a little luck, everyone went home in one piece, even the bad guys. It was, as they say, a wicked nail biter.”
Tavano won’t get too deep into the specifics beyond that. But one part of the tense ordeal stuck with him so much, he took it to the band – rounded out by Mike Azzolino on drums, percussion, and backup vocals; and Mark Young on guitar and backup vocals – and soon the seeds for what would become “Witches” were planted.
Where the explosive “A Drink Before the War” leaned into the Falsely Accused’s newfound heaviness, raising the volume on a post-grunge sound while steering away from the bluesy swamp rock muck heard on their 2021 debut album Compression, “Witches” finds a middle ground between the two eras. Both are linked by the power-riff for the emerging rock trio, which formed just before the pandemic as Young completed the lineup after Tavano and Azzolino were looking for a fresh start after a previous project faded out
Written and performed by Falsely Accused, “Witches” was recorded and engineered by Steve Aliperta at Kennedy Studios in Burlington, Massachusetts, and mastered by Dominik Honold at Protonaut Studios in Erkelenz, Germany.
Courtesy Of The Band
“Witches” from Falsely Accused is both a sonic and melodic marvel that showcases a band that is firing on all cylinders-Bravo
As soon as we heard the new single “Adamantine Chain Gang” from Boston based post-punk band Looking Glass War we were over taken by the mesmerizing groove that the band has tastefully cooked up on the their latest single, and we absolutely love it. You can listen to “Adamantine Chain Gang “ on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
The new single, is from from their forthcoming EP, “Saints of the Lost and Found”
Photo Coleman Rogers Photography
“Adamantine has a darker feel to it, a bit more ominous than the earlier releases this year. We decided to release this one close to Halloween due to it sounding a bit spookier than the rest of the songs we recorded this year” says drummerTony Porter.
This is actually one of our older songs” reports Bassist, Mike Ackley. “Pete and I wrote the music for an earlier project but it was only when Looking Glass War got started and Glenn added his lyrics and vocal melody that the song really took shape”. Zeigler adds – “It never worked though and once we got together with Glenn and Tony and Glenn added his vocal melody along with Tony’s drumming, it really came to life and became the tune it is today. It’s a good process!”.
Vocalist Goddam Glenn adds, “Lyrically, this is my rock adaptation of Milton’s “Paradise Lost” when Lucifer gets booted from Heaven. That’s what the “adamantine chains” refer to. Those adamantine chains were basically wrapped around Satan to keep him strapped into Hell. Like some kind of infernal ankle monitor. The line “I’m not counting all the stars I crossed tonight” describes a falling star seeing all the other stars on his way down. And the line “It’s really not so bad once you get past the flames…”? It becomes pretty obvious what’s happening here. Maybe the song will set off an all new “Satanic Panic” for Gen Z. How’s that for spooky season?”
Rhythmically and melodically awash in musical greatness, “Adamantine Chain Gang” is a song and Looking Glass War are a band that reminds us why we love music so much.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single “The Ballad Of The Washed Up(and Seemingly Forgotten) from Massachusetts alternative rock band, The Brother Stereo. You can listen to The Ballad Of The Washed Up (and Seemingly Forgotten) on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
There is something very organic and authentic about the new single “The Ballad Of The Washed Up ( and Seemingly Forgotten) from The Brother Stereo that makes the song so appealing. The message that the song tells about the struggles and pitfalls of those who struggle in Hollywood is a bit ironic. Because, “The Ballad Of The Washed Up (and Seemingly Forgotten) is a song that deserves its place on the silver screen.
“The Ballad of the Washed Up (and Seemingly Forgotten),” marks the third effort from the Massachusetts alternative rock band, led by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Robert Kelly, the brother of longtime Dropkick Murphys drummer Matt Kelly, and the Boston punk band’s substitute touring bass, banjo, and mandolin player, following punchy spring debut “After The Rain” and summer’s aching “Time in History.”
An upbeat tune for downtrodden times, “TheBallad of the Washed Up (and Seemingly Forgotten)” continues to expand The Brother Stereo’s expansive sonic landscape, building upon a foundation of indie, psychedelia, post-Britpop, and guitar-driven space rock, but also taking the sound to unexpected places. It comes across as oddly timeless, a notion at playful odds with its storyline.
“It’s about being at the top of your game and being a human under a lot of pressure,” Kelly says. “It’s about the superficiality of the people you meet, keeping up the facade of fame in the eyes of the world and trying to relate to others.”
“The Ballad of the Washed Up (and Seemingly Forgotten)” was written, recorded, produced, and engineered by The Brother Stereo; mixed by Trevor Buckingham; and mastered by Jay Frigoletto at MastersuiteStudio in Brookline, New Hampshire, just over the Massachusetts state line where Pelkey and Kelly grew up together.
“The Ballad Of The Washed Up (and Seemingly Forgotten) by The Brother Stereo is a songwriting and musical feat that needs to heard and celebrated.
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the new single “Blood Moon “from Somerset (UK) based Rock five-piece Sergeant Thunderhoof via Pale Wizard Records.
You can listen to “Blood Moon” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here . You can also check out the video below
“Blood Moon” from Sergeant Thunderhoof is an absolute triumph both sonically and melodically. If “Blood Moon” is any indication of what to expect on Sergeant Thunderhoof’s upcoming album “The Ghost Of Badon Hill” We are in for an absolute treat.
Lyrically, the song Blood Moon is about finding courage and hope when all around is despair. Knowing that what we do in this life, echoes through eternity long after we’re all gone. The song came together very quickly as a result of a jam in our rehearsal space. It’s a much shorter and punchier song than is usual for our band which makes a refreshing change.” says lead vocalist Daniel Flitcroft
“Blood Moon” is a brilliant introduction to “The Ghost Of Badon Hill”
SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF:
Daniel Flitcroft – Vocals Mark Sayer – Guitar Josh Gallop – Guitar Jim Camp – Bass Darren Ashman – Drums
LIVE
November 22nd – Saltbox, Nottingham November 23rd – Corporation, Sheffield January 31st – Planet Desert Rock Weekend, Las Vegas March 1st – Glastonbury Calling, Glastonbury March 13th – Hard Rock Hell Festival, Yarmouth
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the latest single “Static City, USA from NYC Pop-punk band Shower Beers.
You can listen to “Static City, USA on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Shower Beers are an absolutely electrifying band and this is on full display on “Static City, USA .
Produced by Rob Freeman (Gym Class Heroes, Cobra Starship) and mastered by Grammy-nominated Mike Kalajian, “Static City, USA” follows Shower Beers 2nd EP“Miracle on 34th & 3rd.” We were instantly taken with “Static City , USA . It is both melodically and sonically pleasing . You didn’t know it before you pressed play but, “Static City,USA is absolute pop punk perfection.
So get ready to sing along and have the time of your life listening to “Static City, USA from Shower Beers
Here’s some awesome news to report: Montreal’s The Last Mile, joins Thousand Island Records , and wait there is more… They have also announced vinyl reissue of out of print 2021 debut LP “Respect The Frequency “, with alternate art work.
Reissue of The Last Mile’s highly acclaimed and out of print debut LP ‘Respect The Frequency’. Featuring an alternate artwork and lyric insert and pressed on a beautiful Blue-ish Aside/Bside vinyl. You can 1000% count The Whole Kameese as fans of The Last Mile.
The Last Mile write songs that are rooted in melody and angst, love/hate and an unwavering hope, even in the darkest of times. The current line up has proven to be extremely proficient, arranging and recording all of the drums and bass for 11 songs over a week at The Posicorebox studio in Brooklyn. The guitars and the vocals were recorded in Montreal with Ryan Battistuzzi and feature help from some great friends, including guest vocals from Greg Laraigne as well as Lucas Rupnik (Dirty Tricks, Delta 666), Mathieu Forcier (Oktoplut, Prevenge), and Mike Gabriel (Answers, PL Mafia) on guitar, and Delano Pelletier (Indochine) on saxophone. The record was mixed by Jesse Gander and mastered by Stu Mckillop at Raincity Recorders in Vancouver.
You can check out the video for “Skyline” below
Tracklist:
1 – Skyline 2 – Bloodlines 3 – Heaven 4 – Better World 5 – John Ellwood Taylor 6 – SCCS 7 – Angry Man 8 – Dedicated To 9 – Nice Knowing You 10 – Toujours Seule 11 – The Last Call
The Last Mile are currently touring Europe with Thousand Islands Records labelmates The Corps.
Band features members of fellow North Carolina bands and Wiretap label mates, WolvesxWolvesxWolvesxWolves and Youth League
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out Durham,NC Post Hardcore band Treasure Pains and their new single “Blowout” . You can listen to “Blowout” Here
We are all in on Durham,NC post hardcore band Treasure Pains and their killer new single “Blowout” The band recently signed with LA-based indie Wiretap Records, to release their debut EP “Charming” out later this Fall.
Treasure Pains was formed through collaborative writing sessions with Jessi and Zach(Youth League). It gradually evolved to include close friends Kellette and Kyle (wolvesx4). The Post-Hardcore band produces a uniquely melancholic and aggressive sound, which is complemented by an impressively tireless force of driving energy.
“Blowout” is the second single from the new EP “Charming “ following the equally awesome single “Vines” which was released in August. “Blowout” really places the spotlight on the stellar musicianship of Treasure Pains . We especially love the beginning of “Blowout “ it has almost a surf/60’s vibe that we love.
“‘Blowout’ started with a riff idea I thought would fit well with what Zach and I were writing. The lyrics came to me when I was sick with a high fever. It felt like any noises I’d hear sort of appeared as a flash in my vision, even though it was actually a sound. Made me think of my inner wiring malfunction.”–Jessi Knop
It is such a cool feeling when we hear an amazing band for the first time, it makes us want to shout from the rooftops. Everyone is always looking for something cool to listen to . Look no further than “Blowout” from Treasure Pains .
To Be Or Not To Behave artwork. Photo and design by Goddamn Glenn. Image features (from left) Maggie Maraschino,Honey Pie and Tracey Vaughan.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new EP “To Be Or Not To Behave” from Boston based Parlour Bell You can listen to “To Be Or Not To Behave “ on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
Parlour Bells ( Goddamn Glenn – Vocals Allison Sigrist – Keys Mike Leggio – Bass Tony Porter – Drums Michael Johnson – Guitars) are far more than just a band they are a musical experience. Listening to their new EP“To Be Or Not To Behave” reminds us why we love music so much .
The opening track “Knight Owl” greets your soul like spiritual awakening. Goddamn Glenn effortlessly weaves his perfect vocals between spectacularly placed grooves .
We love the sensational low end melodic magic on “Dixie’s” The guitar work on “Dixie’s is off the charts good .
Parlour Bells. Clockwise from top: Goddamn Glenn, Allison Sigrist, Tony Porter, Michael J Johnson and Mike Leggio.
The crown jewel of “To Be Or Not To Behave” is without question “Slasher Movie Weather” We were enthralled with this track from note one . It’s one of those special songs that grabs your soul and doesn’t let go . And… not only is “Slasher Movie Weather” a kick ass tune but there is also an amazing video as well. The video was directed by Glenn and his wife and creative partner Honey Pie.
You can check out the video below
The Final track on “To Be Or Not To Behave” is The Ballad of Felix Moncla (2024 Version)The song is an updated and fully realized version of a song the band created and released remotely from quarantine during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. “Back in 2020, when we were unable to perform or even assemble in a room together, we were intent on staying creative. As happy as we were with the results of putting this one together from our respective home studios, it still has the overall vibe of something recorded in isolation,” Glenn explains. “Initially, there was never any plan to re-record this one, but we found ourselves with some extra studio time and our bass player Mike Leggio suggested we use the time to attempt an updated version. It was an excellent suggestion on his part because Brian Charles ended up giving the song the lush production value that it always deserved.”
The song is a brilliant way to close out a beyond stellar EP that shows a band who is a 1000% on top of their game . Do yourself a favor and check out “To Be Or Not To Behave” you will be beyond glad you did .
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the new EP “Another Kind Of Vision “ from Boston alternative rock quartet Charming Arson You can listen to “Another Kind Of Vision” Here
We were immediately taken by the EP “Another Kind Of Vision from Charming Arson . The EP is vibrant musical experience that grabs hold of you right from the first note of “Hey,Policeman all the way till the last note of “Magic Alex Knows “
We felt a lot of Brit Pop vibes with Charming Arson. Every song was a well crafted gem that had very cinematic/music theater vibes .
Like the quartet’s music itself, a psychedelic trip of expansive sounds that transports the listener from one place to another, usually within the same blossoming song, the journey Charming Arson took to get here in assembling this kaleidoscopic six-song EP is just as fascinating as the destination.
And at the core, under all the harmonies and melodies and hooks and riffs, is a sense of joy, a feeling that takes anecdotes of modern life with inspirations of yesterday to craft a cohesive and vibrant record that not only stares back at the listener, but provides a cushion for the inevitable fall deep within the band’s blooming world.
Courtesy Of The Band
“It’s important to me that the lyrics express a sense of exuberance and of joy,” says Charming Arson vocalist and guitarist David Cameron. “I’m not talking about ‘the sun is shining and I’m in love’ kind of joy, but a deeper spiritual joy that I believe lives in the core of every human being, whether you know it or not. It will always be chic for lyrics to be dark and brooding — and more power to the ones who do that honestly. But there’s also room, and a thirst, for music and lyrics to reach the untapped joy within.”
“Another Kind Of Vision” from Charming Arson is the kind of EP that once it seeps into your music loving soul there is simply no escaping its musical greatness.
That’s at play across Another Kind of Vision’s six blossoming tracks, including the rollercoaster power-pop of May single “Saving Chelsea,” the groove-train swagger of June’s “Inside You I See Everyone,” a homage to the Indian saint Ramana Maharshi that provides the lyric inspiring the record’s title; and the punchy opener and July table-setter “Hey, Policeman!”, inspired by the Breaking Bad character ASAC Hank Schrader.
Combined with three new offerings, including the psychedelic yacht rock of “The Golden Teachers,” a song inspired by a popular strain of magic mushrooms, and aided by a video by Harvard University digital animator Ruth Lingford, which arrives this month, the EP is taking Charming Arson to new creative territories. That’s heard clearly on the street-walking and confrontational “Subway” and EP closer “Magic Alex Knows,” a theatrical tribute to Alexis Mardas, the huckster engineer who once famously duped The Beatles.
The six tracks were engineered, mixed, and mastered by Alex Garcia-Rivera at his all-analogue Mystic Valley Studios in Medford, Massachusetts.
So go ahead and find your favorite music listening space and soak in the magic of “Another Kind Of Vision “ from Charming Arson.
We recently had the remarkable opportunity to check out the new single “Songbird” from Boston rock band Derek Smith And The Cosmic Vultures. You can listen to “Songbird” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
The latest beautifully crafted single “Songbird” from Derek Smith And The CosmicVultures, is the fourth single of 2024 from the genre-expanding rock and roll band, following this summer’s electric spark plug “Tomorrow Morning,” and both are featured on the band’s forthcoming new album Opus, out in November.
Every song that we get from Derek Smith And The Cosmic Vultures always seems to top the last one . We don’t how they do it but it is a truly magnificent feat. “Songbird” is no exception. DerekAnd The Cosmic Vultures have really created magic with “Songbird”
What is really so freaking cool about “Songbird is that the song is a true treasure trove of melodic wonderment. We hear some jam band elements, some 90’s Alt, county and as with every Derek Smith And The Cosmic Vultures tune there is always the perfect dose of good old rock and roll.
Photo courtesy of The Band
‘Songbird’ is about people,” Smith says. “We sing the same song. We follow similar patterns to each other. We have secrets, ideas, fears. We all eat, sleep, breathe, lie to ourselves, cry, laugh. We all question things. At least the smart ones do. And we are all going to walk that mile. That one last stroll to whatever our ultimate finale is supposed to be, or what we force it to be. Is it a rebirth? Is it a final resting place? We don’t know. So we make up a fantasy of what it could be.”
The new single is a compass for compassion; it’s a way forward, through the highs and lows of life, softening the twists and turns and highlighting the good while snuffing out the bad. It’s a song rooted in 2024, but its sound rings out as timeless as echoes of ‘70s AM radio gold canvas a yearning spectrum that soars through the songs that shaped us before touching down in the modern day.
“We should never stop squinting our eyes at life,” he adds. “We need to keep discovering and keep wondering. But we need to laugh on the way to the finish line. Because life is the perfect blend of ugliness and beauty.”
“Songbird” was mixed at Berlin Audio Productions by Erik von Geldern and Don Schweihofer; mastered by David Locke; and engineered by von Geldern, Schweihofer, and Jon Chesbro, with Rob Countie on as engineering assistant. The single’s artwork was contributed by Smith’s father, accomplished painter and artist Robert Smith.
Derek Smith And The Cosmic Vultures are not only phenomenal musicians, but they also are world craft musical sculptors and with “Songbird” They have created an absolute beauty.
Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures are:
Derek Smith: Lead and Backing Vocals and Rhythm Acoustic Guitar
We recently had the amazing good fortune to check out the new single “A Drink Before The War” from New England alternative rock band Falsely Accused. You can listen to “A Drink Before The War “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
Falsely Accused absolutely shines while delivering a well defined heavy and soulfull alt-rock sound on their new single “A Drink Before The War “ and we absolutely love it. The heavy sound from Falsely Accused is music to our ears .
Courtesy Of The Band
The riff-fueled track arrives the day the power trio performs live at Thirty First in Lowell, and begins a series of new releases that lead to a new EP arriving in early 2025.
Show poster by Sam Pitino of Answerman
“A Drink Before the War,”Falsely Accused’s first new music since 2021 debut album Compression and the following year’s holiday single “Northbound (For Christmas),” takes its title from Dennis Lehane’s 1994 crime novel of the same name, and is a rallying cry for those we do battle with as we go through our daily lives.
“I think about ‘A Drink Before the War’ as a love song,” admits vocalist and bassistMatt Tavano. “I wrote the words for my wife. It’s about finding the person you’re going to spend your life with and then fighting life’s battles together. Sometimes I’ve found that before we’ve had to do a hard thing together, it’s good to take a moment, gather our collective strength, and then get after it. A quiet moment before the fight. I think every couple has had those moments.”
“A DrinkBefore The War” was written and performed by Falsely Accused.Recorded and Engineered by Steve Aliperta at KennedyStudios in Burlington, MA and mastered by Dominik Honold at Protonaut Studios in Erkelenz, Germany
“A Drink Before The War” is a freaking great song from a freaking great band . Don’t miss this one.
Falsely Accused is:
Mike Azzolino: Drums, percussion, and backup vocals
We are absolutely enthralled with “Lowbender” from Trip Villain , the electronic and metal vibe is exactly what is needed in today’s musical landscape.
Raised on metal and shaped by Bushwick’s electronic renaissance, TRIP VILLAIN’s rhythm-forward approach is both relentlessly heavy and irresistibly danceable. Regularly hosting shows that blend metal with electronic DJs, TRIP VILLAIN has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative crossover bands in the scene today.
Trip Villain delivers music that makes you think and move absolutely brilliant we love it when bands come full force with a fresh take .
Do yourself a favor and check out “Lowbender” from Trip Villain it will make your music soul rejoice.
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the new single “Good With It” from New Jersey singer songwriter and producer Eric “Dash” Friedman. You can listen to “Good With It” Here
We absolutely love the latest single “Good With It” from the very talented Eric Dash .
“Good With It” is the second single from his new album Bystander which will be released October 11th . Not only did Eric write the new album Bystander, he also self produced the record as well. Eric Dash delivers a cool effortless vocal performance with a tasteful soulful groove on “Good With It” that is simply divine.
Good With it” is the kinda song that finds its way into your soul never leaves . Eric Dash is without question an artist you need to check out.
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the new single “Haunting You” from Boston based band Astral Bitch. You can listen to “Haunting You” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
Astral Bitch has this deep mesmerizing rock sound that honestly is like nothing we have heard in quite some time. “Haunting You” is a hypnotic sonically perfect song that doesn’t let up even for a nano second.
Astral Bitch ( Sam Coren-Guitar and vocals, Mike Nashawaty,drums and JC Superstar,bass) are an ultra tight band and the groove they have created on “Haunting You” is legendary.
“Haunting You “ was engineered by Robert V Ives at Rock Valley Studios in Easthampton, MA. Mixed by Alec Rodriquez , Mastered by Mark Allen Miller at RadioValkyrie
Fresh off an electrifying set at Moon Over Salem, Astral Bitch plays O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on October 19th .
Do yourself a favor and check out “Haunting You” from Astral Bitch you will thank us later.
Hello Music Lovers, It’s Jay From The Whole Kameese and we are over the moon excited about the inaugural Moon Over Salem festival ( Who’s Coming???) happening this Saturday (September 14th) in downtown Salem, Ma featuring Six Stages of Live Music & A Salem Flea Art And Vintage Market.
Moon Over Salem aims to support the community by raising funds for local scholarship programs. Proceeds from the festival will go towards awarding two scholarships to students pursuing music or the arts in college. The scholarships will be awarded to one NAGLY youth and one North shore student, helping to nurture the next generation of artists and musicians.
The festival will feature a diverse lineup of live performances across various venues, each highlighting a unique genre or “vibe”:
Bit Bar: 2pm-6pm
– Gulu-Gulu: 6pm-10pm
– CHAGALL PAC: 7pm-11pm
– Cinema Salem: 1:30-9pm
– Ames Hall: 1pm-10pm
– Koto: 9:30pm-12am
Full Line up:
Actor Observer, Ashen Veil, Astral Bitch, Awnthay, Canadian Sailor, Clay Pigeons, Dead Wait, dropbear, Good June, megan from work (solo performance) , Hell Beach, Jeff Savlon, Jimmy Clifford, Jude Ivy, Kal Marks, ladybug, Molly O’Leary, oldsoul, ONE FALL, Permanent Blue, Pregame Rituals, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Radio Compass, Return Address, Saeddyr, Sailor Down, Shabby Two-Times, shiver., The Freqs, The Rupert Selection, Winkler
Plus DJ sets from Healers Co., Jon Glass, SK, & Sir Rollie at the Market!
We will be hanging out all day and we can’t wait to see all the amazing artist and soak in the amazing vibes !! Tickets are still available and you can get them Here
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out Connecticut indie songwriter Joey Wit and his stellar new album “Rose Gold “ which, is out today (September 13th) via H1 Massive.
You can listen to “Rose Gold” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Photo credit – Kayla Erny
We have patiently been counting the days until we could finally listen to the highly anticipated new album “Rose Gold” from indie songwriter Joey Wit. We are beyond excited to announce that “Rose Gold “ is an absolute rock and roll masterpiece. Joey Wit is a multi dimensional artist who is a gifted songwriter and storyteller that we feel is just getting warmed up.
With lyrics and music written by Wit, Rose Gold includes contributions from 2015 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett & The Blackhearts) and drummer Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big). The record was produced and engineered by Mick Connolly, who also provides bass, backing vocals, and additional guitars. It was recorded at Red Room Sound Studio in Torrington, Connecticut, and mastered by H1 Massive’s John Eye at Beach House Studios in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
When we listen to “Rose Gold” we can hear the rock and roll spirit of Bruce Springsteen, the independent soul of Elliot Smith. But when you really listen, what you hear is an artist in Joey Wit who is able to draw on several different musical influences to deliver a sound and vibe that is 100 percent Joey Wit.
“This collection of songs sort of felt like I found myself as a songwriter from a confidence standpoint and decision-making standpoint,” says Wit. “There was a willingness and eagerness to explore other avenues. We didn’t just try and paint a picture, rather we sketched it out first in black-and-white and then found the appropriate shades of color to fill it in. As a whole, I think it showcases everything from the traditional songwriting elements, a sort of pop sensibility, a couple of heartfelt ballads, and several new unexpected movements.”
From the moment we hit play, we found ourselves falling in love with the 10 soon to be classics on “Rose Gold “ . As soon as we heard “What Went Wrong “ we couldn’t help but sing along . The slow tempo vibe on “Slower” is absolutely mesmerizing. “Borrowed Time” , “Where Have Been “ and “Storytelling “ really show off the amazing artistry of Joey Witt. If we had to pick a favorite song ( which is next to impossible to do) we would have to go with “Fake Paper” it has such a unique vibe we couldn’t get enough.
Joey Wit not only has been tearing it up on stages in the U.S. but he has also been able to find success on the other side of the Atlantic as well.
September tour will take Wit across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Iceland. You can check out dates below .
If you love music like we do then you owe it to your music loving heart to check out “Rose Gold” from Joey Wit.
We recently had the tremendous opportunity to check out the well crafted new record “Better Days” via Bloated Kat Records and Midnight Werewolf Records from Worcester, Massachusetts based Pop-punk band Hedge . ( Christopher , vocals,guitar, Pete, bass guitar and Julian, drums)
Hedge is one of those bands that have the ability to produce a memorable and catchy melody on every track, seriously we were singing along almost immediately. “Better Days is a treasure trove of pop punk goodness. Hedge also brilliantly mixes in a jangle pop sound similar to The Lemonheads . However, like most well put together bands , Hedge artfully presents a sound all their own .
Photo courtesy of the band
“Better Days” was skillfully produced by Ezra Cohen. One listen to “Better Days” and it is crystal clear that Ezra definitely knows what buttons to push as he has the band sounding great on “Better Days”
From the first note on “Boulder Toss” we were completely captivated by honest and authentic sound of Hedge.
“SPF” (this song had a killer melody mixed with an addictive guitar riff. The title track “Better Days” is definitely a defining moment on the album. Hedge, displays expert musicianship on this track. We can not confirm or deny that we had an office dance party with “No Monsters” and “Bike Song “ It is almost next to impossible to pick a “favorite” song , especially with the quality of song assembled on “Better Days” but we without question have to say our favorite is “Peeling Back The Vines” We loved everything about this tune , the band was firing on all cylinders on this one.
From top to bottom Hedge has delivered an album in “Better Days “ that we think might be your new favorite album… You just don’t know it yet .
We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the deluxe edition of 2023 LP “Numb” from Baltimore Alt-Rock super hero’s Have Mercy “Still Numb” via Rude Records and it is beyond amazing!
After a hiatus in 2020, Baltimore’s alt-rock powerhouse Have Mercy made a triumphant return with their December 2023 album NUMB, released via Rude Records. This LP, a milestone in their career, explores themes of perseverance, sobriety, new love, and a healthier lifestyle, solidifying their presence in the alt-rock scene. Self-produced and primarily recorded in Brian Swindle’s basement, NUMB revisits the essence of their early sound.
Now, Have Mercy is set to release ‘Still Numb’ today (September 6) —a deluxe edition of the album featuring the new single “Dead Letter” and two acoustic renditions of original tracks “Numb” and “Alive.”
If you have a Rock And Roll heart you owe it to yourself to dive in head first into “Still Numb” from Have Mercy . You can stream the glorious “Still Numb” Here You can also order the vinyl ( limited to 500 copies ) Here
Lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Swindle sees the release of “‘Still Numb’ as an opportunity to expand on the NUMB era, re-imagining some tracks and introducing a new song. He explains, “I think ‘Dead Letter’ really captures the new sound of Have Mercy. We’re more involved with our art than ever before, having learned from years of experience and rediscovering our identity as people and artists.”
Reflecting on the process, Swindle adds, “This record feels like a return to the spirit of our debut album, The Earth Pushed Back. It’s about us three guys creating music because we love it, and it’s been a challenge to make something special.”
Have Mercy kick off a UK tour this week. See dates below.
UK Tour:
SEPTEMBER 6th- LONDON, UK @ MOTH CLUB
SEPTEMBER 7th- NOTTINGHAM, UK @ THE BODEGA
SEPTEMBER 8th- LEEDS, UK @ BOOM
SEPTEMBER 10th- GLASGOW, UK @ NICE N SLEAZY
SEPTEMBER 11th – MANCHESTER, UK @ THE NIGHT AND DAY CAFE
We recently had the opportunity to check out the blazing red hot new single “Nothing Ever Grows” from Bristol (Uk) rock trio Krooked Tongue. You can listen to “Nothing Ever Grows”Here
We are absolutely captivated beyond words with the latest single “Nothing Ever Grows “ from Krooked Tongue . We have been fans of the boys ( Oli Rainsford, vocals, Dan Smith, guitar,vocals and Harry Pritchard, drums ) from Bristol, since the first note we heard and with every new song we fall deeper in awe of the mighty Krooked Tongue.
“Nothing Ever Grows” was recorded and produced with long-time producer Josh Gallop at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, a brooding number which serves to highlight the importance of a positive mental attitude.
We love the sonic groove/stomp on “Nothing Ever Grows” once you hear it you can’t shake it ( that’s a good thing )
Describing the single, vocalist and lyricist Oli Rainsford states: “‘Nothing Ever Grows’ is a right moody geezer of a song. It was one of those tunes that transpired really quickly and it just captured the essence of the mood perfectly. I think it stems from frustration with yourself when you can’t finish that idea, or that lyric. It’s an ode to the tortured artist. It’s a splash of cold water, a slap across the face followed by a shot of whiskey. A defibrillating wake up call to say ‘Oi, if you don’t get yourself in a better headspace, nothing good or prosperous can come out of it’. Hence ‘Nothing Ever Grows’. And I think that relates to every aspect of life, not just to creativity”
August 2024 saw their biggest support tour to date, supporting Kid Brunswick on his final ‘Dead Forever’ tour across the UK. They’ve also recently shared the stage with FalseHeads, Virgin Marys, Phoxjaw, Moriaty, Pulled Apart By Horses, The Soap Girls and Mother Vulture and have played slots at festivals such as Icebreaker, Dot to Dot, The Godney Gathering, Estonia’s Tallinn Music Week and Burn It Down.
We have saying it for a while butit bears repeating…. Krooked Tongue is on the verge of something really big and “Nothing Ever Grows” only reinforces our thoughts about this . So climb on board and strap in because it’s going to be positively amazing.
FELDSPAR Releasing Debut Album “Old City New Ruins” on September 30
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the amazing single and video for “18 Karat from Rome Italy based Italian rockers FELDSPAR. You can listen to “18 Karat “ Here. You can watch the video for “18 Karat”below
We absolutely love the sonic and melodic goodness of “18 Karat” from FELDSPAR.
The latest single “18 Karat” is a high-energy song that plays on the stereotypes of success, the fleeting pursuit of it, and the deviations tied to the quest for visibility and personal approval, sought ten, a hundred times a day. Essentially, it’s about designing one’s life as a fairy tale and presenting it in the public arena to gauge how much social approval we receive.
Photo credit- Simone Marte
The song doesn’t lack irony, as highlighted by frontman Riccardo Zamurri: “We want to criticize those who resort to endless filters, both metaphorically and literally, the filters of social platforms that force unattainable standards, fanciful realities, and success. How much human misery is there in all this? But at the same time, how much unintentional comedy does it produce?
FELDSPAR smartly take brilliant hardcore vocals and pair them with a stunning melodic backdrop. “18 Karat” from FELDSPAR is an absolute work of art.
FELDSPAR will release their upcoming debut LP, “Old City New Ruins” on September 30th via TTK Records.Produced By Nick Terry (The Libertines, Simian Mobile Disco, Turbonegro, Kvelertak)
Do yourself a favor and check out “18 Karat” from FELDSPAR and get pumped for their debut LP. “Old City New Ruins”
We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the new single “Lightbreaker” (Ladder) from Boston based post-punk band The Collect Pond . You can check “Lightbreaker” (Ladder) on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here
We first got to know the incredible sound of The Collect Pond last month when we checked out “Disassociating “ ( Cigarette Dress) which, if you are scoring at home ( and we know you are ) we freaking loved .
The band has now given the universe a new single “Lightbreaker” (Ladder) and it is an absolute gem . The Collect Pond meld post-punk immediacy and jangle pop with a sprinkling of alt-country, synth wave, and indie folk. and it is such a brilliantly constructed sound and it is front and center on “Lightbreaker” (Ladder) .
The Collect Pond is the name under which songwriter Danny Moffat produces his own music. Studio recordings often resemble a collective of musicians with a core four. They are Moffat: Vocals/Guitar, Rob Carrington: Drums, Roger Maranan: Keys/Bass, and Ben Bonadies: Guitar/Bass. They met through connections with the music blog Allston Pudding.
Moffat grew up in Bellingham, Washington State in the shadow of grunge and alternative music. Early influences were Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr., and Pixies.
When he was 23 he moved to New Zealand and played in The Future’s Bright (live guitarist) and Frend (songwriter/singer/guitarist) which resulted in the latter bearing a critically acclaimed EP that was requested to be in the New Zealand National Libra
Moffat was born with a rare spinal condition called spina bifida, which often manifests in debilitating nerve pain. He is reminded everyday how much of a gift it is to physically make music, and that sense of urgency fuels the drive behind creating The Collect Pond.
We found ourselves gleefully singing along to “Lightbreaker” (Ladder) at several points in the day ( In our book that’s a good thing .
One of the best feelings in the world is finding a song that just hits perfectly and you want to shout from the rooftops how good it is . We feel this way about “Lightbreaker” (Ladder) from The Collect Pond.
We recently checked out the new single “Your Not The Only One” from New Jersey singer songwriter and producer Eric “Dash” Friedman. You can listen to “Your Not The Only One” Here
Eric Dash has an infectious energetic sound that you simply can’t ignore. “You’re Not The Only One “ is Fresh , Fun and absolutely electric.
Strong vocals with a stunning melody “You’re Not The Only One” checks all the boxes of a great song .
Eric grew up playing all over the Philadelphia-area, finding his first charting success at 23 with his single “One More Love Song” that was produced by Jack Joseph Puig (John Mayer/No Doubt). That led to Dash touring with Heffron Drive, fronted by Kendall Schmidt from Big Time Rush. He continued playing and opening for other acts such as Train, Nelly, Eve6 and The Janoskians
His first release artist release as a producer, Unspecified, a singer/songwriter and alt pop EP that has garnered over a million streams. “Talk” and “Sober” in particular. Since then, there’s been an array of releases and he’s been on the front of American Songwriter Magazine numerous times.
Dash’s first full length album, “Bystander”, which he also self-produced, is now on its way. There is much more coming from Dash, including records for other artists as well as a new pop project for himself called “LOLA” in honor of his dog that he loved.
We cannot wait for music from Eric Dash . In the meantime we are going to sit back and enjoy “You’re Not The Only One “ and you should too.
We recently got a chance to check out the latest video for “Figure In The Dark” from acclaimed UK rock band Delta Sleep . You can check out the single Here and you can watch the video below
Delta Sleep, renowned for their innovative sound and poignant lyrics, have unveiled the music video for the single “Figure In The Dark.”
The clip was directed by the band’s singer and guitarist, Devin Yüceil, who is an accomplished filmmaker and Emmy Award nominee. Yüceil says, “Expanding on themes from the song about escapism while facing the darkness of the world. Lane, our protagonist, is paralysed by his dissociation and unable to engage with the world around him. The anxiety reaches a boiling point, and Lane has no choice but to face his own demons.
The video was shot on a day off from tour, in the countryside of West Virginia and it involved renting a hand cranked fork lift from a local hardware store.”
The UK band’s recently announced fourth studio album, Blue Garden, will be released on October 11through the band’s own imprint Sofa Boy Records in partnership with Wax Bodega.
We are absolutely head over heels in love with the sound of “Figure In The Dark” , Delta Sleep has a unique and intoxicating sound and is 100% on display on “Figure In The Dark “
Have Mercy Releasing ‘Still Numb’ on September 6 Via Rude Record
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Dead Letter, from Baltimore alt-rock band Have Mercy
You can listen to “Dead Letter” Here. You can check out the video for “Dead Letter” below
It is nearly impossible not to fall for the brilliant new single “Dead Letter “ from Have Mercy. The Baltimore based band has an original alt rock sound that is down right electric.
After a hiatus in 2020, Baltimore’s alt-rock powerhouse Have Mercymade a triumphant return with their comeback album, “NUMB,” released in December 2023 via Rude Records. The LP marked a significant milestone in their journey, celebrating themes of perseverance, sobriety, newfound love, and the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, firmly establishing their place in the alt-rock landscape.
Self-produced and largely crafted in Brian Swindle’s basement, the album captured the essence of their early sound.
Fast forward to now, as Have Mercy gears up for the September 6th release of ‘Still Numb,’ a deluxe version of the album, that features the new single “Dead Letter,” plus two acoustic renditions of tracks (“Numb”, “Alive”) that were part of the original release.
Lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Brian Swindle says,“Dead Letter is a song about the past and what the impact would be if you were able to change it. Would it make a difference or would the pieces just fall in the same places?”
We can’t wait for the deluxe of “Still Numb”
Have Mercy will be touring the UK this fall in support of ‘Still Numb.’ See dates below.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new album “Antebellum” from singer-songwriter Marcos Cabanas. You listen to “Antebellum” Here
Born in Madrid but hailing from Rolle,Switzerland. Marcos Cabanas is a singer-songwriter with authentic sound and style that is a breath of fresh air in today’s world . Macros, is a brilliant and vibrant storyteller whose songs are like best selling novels that you can’t put down .
“Antebellum” from Marcos Cabanas is smartly written album that had us hooked from note one . You are going to want to clear your schedule before listening to this one …
Every song on “Antebellum” is relatable and genuine. Marcos sings from both experience and his heart and it shows .
Right from the first note of “Cigarettes and Coffee “ we knew this was going to be a special record that was going to be hard to walk away from…. We were right!
The storytelling from Marcos Cabanas is next level. We really felt this on “Self Love “ it is an absolute gem and we were singing along instantly.
The title track “Antebellum” has this incredible energy that is simply intoxicating. Marcos absolutely shines on this track- bravo
On an album like “Antebellum” it is almost impossible to pick a favorite song but if we had to pick one it would be “Ocean Kinda Gal” It is just a brilliantly written song and the vocals are flawless. We hit repeat on this one many times.
“Antebellum” from Marcos Cabanas is musical treat that you can pass up. We loved every minute of it and think you will too.
We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “Showtime,Baby!” from Canadian singer and songwriter Annabel Gutherz. You can listen to “Showtime,Baby!” Here
We are beyond excited to get a new single from Annabel Gutherz . We have loved watching her take her talents to new heights, and with her latest single “Showtime,Baby!” She has risen to new heights and beyond.
Combining classic rock sounds with modern pop melodies, “Showtime, Baby!” glistens with a sun-soaked sentimentality as Annabel delves into the duality between her desire for validation and her need for genuine connection.
What stands out for us on “Showtime,Baby!” is the flawless vocal performance. Annabel is one of those special performers that you feel her whole heart and soul in every note.
In a statement about the new single, Annabel elaborates: “If life is a stage, am I always performing? This is a central question in ‘Showtime, Baby!,’ where I explore the tension between living authentically for myself and living to meet others’ expectations. It addresses the fray of seeking approval and belonging while striving to be truly seen and understood for who I am. Ultimately, I’ve learned that prioritizing my own feelings and experiences is essential, as it’s the only way to lead my every day with purpose and meaning and foster deep happiness.”
Find your favorite music listening spot and let yourself fall in love with the stunning new single “Showtime,Baby!” from Annabel Gutherz.
I often get asked “Why do you love music so much? While there are numerous reasons, The main reason is that it brings me absolute joy to bring attention to bands that need to be heard. Bristol (UK) alt-indie 4 piece Adult Leisure,is without question a band that deserves and needs to be heard .
The latest single “Borderline” is an absolute musical gem that we can’t get enough of . You can listen to “Borderline” Here.
We fell instantly for Adult Leisure and their brilliant alt-indie sound and with “Borderline “ the love affair continues.
Formed in 2020, the band released a string of celebrated singles before unveiling their debut critically acclaimed EP ‘The Weekend Ritual’in December of 2022, streamed over 60,000 times to date and championed by BBC Radio 1, Variance Magazine, The Independent, RTE and more, which soon saw the band embarking on multiple tours of the UK, earning a handful of rave live reviews along the way.
“Borderline”, was recorded and mixed with Ollie Searle at Humm Studios and mastered by John Webber (David Bowie, Duran Duran, Coach Party). Rhythmically and texturally, Borderline is a clear continuation of what they built with their previous EP, yet there’s an added sense of urgency bubbling throughout. Rich melodies, radiant synths and explosive drums come together with Neil’s anguished vocals slicing through the atmosphere like a knife, lyrically exploring the emotions that come after the end of a long-term relationship.
Reflecting on the single the band explain: “Dave had sent through a Police-y style demo back last April (2023) and we knew we wanted this to be the next release after our second EP, it felt like a continuation of our sound.
Borderline was inspired by the break-up of a long term relationship around that time for Neil and the feeling of hindsight in the months following it. We always try to write from a personal perspective, however these feelings are so common amongst people that there’s a strange balance of the situation being incredibly personal yet not alone. We allowed ourselves more time in the recording process to try new things and develop our sound, and with thanks to our producer Ollie, we feel it’s sonically our best song to date.”
We are absolutely smitten with “Borderline” and we can’t wait to see what Adult Leisure does next.
ADULT LEISURE ARE:
Neil Scott – Vocals David Woolford – Guitar James Laing – Bass Nathan Searle – Drums
It is so refreshing to listen to a record like “Another Big Explosion “ Right from the first note it is crystal clear that Jr. Juggernaut ( Mike Williamson,lead vocals, Wal Rashidi,drums and Noah Green ,bass) had an absolute blast making its fourth full length “Another Big Explosion “ which is their first record on Mindpower Records, and the first to feature bassistNoah Green (of L.A.’sThe Pretty Flowers).
“Another Big Explosion “ is a real live and kicking rock record that has a big loud and authentic sound that we simply can’t get enough of enough.
“Another Big Explosion “ is the kind of the record that you turn on and not skip over a single track . We found ourselves singing along and playing air guitar almost instantly.
Some of our favorite tracks on “Another Big Explosion “ are “Hang On” ( The opening lick is mint) “Take Alone” and “After Tonight” are two other highlights from “Another Explosion “ .
Jr. Juggernaut, have delivered an absolute phenomenal record. It is an absolute must listen.
Global rock sensation Thousand Foot Krutch is honored to announce today ( July 26 ) Endurance Music Grouprelease of The End Is Where We Begin: REIGNITED along with the band’s groundbreaking and critically acclaimed 2012 album The End is Where We Begin that has been completely remastered and available in Dolby ATMOS.
You can listen to “The End Is Where We Begin: REIGNITED on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Produced by Aaron Sprinkle, TFKvocalist / songwriterTeerawk (aka Trevor McNevan) and TFK bassist Joel Bruyere, REIGNITED includes performances by Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, RED,Citizen Soldier, James Michael of Sixx:A.M., Adelitas Way, New Medicine, Saint Asonia and Adam Gontier, Icon For Hire, The Funeral Portrait and more.
“Endurance Music Group has done a great job pulling this together,” says Teerawk. “It’s truly humbling to be honored by so many great artists and to hear a fresh take on these songs again. Big thanks to all of our Rock family who participated and made this something special. These songs and this album will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The original The End is Where We Begin, which was released independently by Teerawk, Bruyere and drummerSteve Augustine, has received over two billion streams to date and sales approaching one million units. In 2023, the popular song “Courtesy Call” achieved RIAA Platinum® sales. The track “War Of Change” went Gold® in 2021.
Along with the digital release on July 26, a limited-edition 2-CD, double-vinyl-album and multiple exclusive t-shirts will be available on November 8.PREORDER them via https://thousandfootkrutch.rosecityworks.com/.
Thousand Foot Krutch, has a one of kind sound and it is showcased front and center on “The End Is Where We Begin:REIGNITED
Album release party set for July 27 at Lowell’s Thirsty First with Lenny Lashley and others
We recently had the opportunity to check out the much anticipated new record from Massachusetts Punks, Already Dead . And.. it did not disappoint. “Something Like A War” from Already Dead, consist of 14 well crafted songs that touch both the mind and soul.
You can listen to “Something Like A War “ on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here and Bandcamp Here
Photo Credit- Dan Johnson
“Something Like A War “ grabs your attention right from the start . The Opening track “The Spirit Of Massachusetts Avenue” is a well written , loud and proud anthem of a song that doesn’t let up for a second.
Every single song on “Something Like A War” is brimming with authenticity and truth . It is crystal clear that vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Dan Cummings is not afraid to speak his mind (there is no sugar coating going on at all ) He has also assembled a group of musicians ( Brandon Bartlett,guitar, Brian Ferrazzani,bass and Nick Cali,bass) that add the perfect punch and attitude to his powerful lyrics.
Something Like A War, both the song and the album, are filled with the type of intensity we all need in facing our daily lives – and maintains the Already Dead working class ethos, positioned steadfast as a voice for labor movements and working class solidarity. And besides, there’s no chance of a sophomore slump when the moniker is nicked from baseball, yet another way Already Dead areembedded in Boston culture. “I was watching the Ken Burns documentary on baseball,” Cummings admits, “and heard the Ty Cobb quote about how ‘every game is something like a war’. It immediately resonated with me for a few reasons .First it just sounds badass [laughs]. But also to describe approaching something with that kind of intensity and determination struck a chord.”
What we love about “Something Like A War” is that it is a record that is full of brilliantly constructed songs . We live in era where everyone is going for the “single” it’s a nice change of pace to hear an album that kicks ass from top to bottom . From “One Foot”, “Rock Bottom” , “Wits End”and our personal favorite “When You were Great” Something Like A War “ is an album that needs to be heard and played loud .
We were so excited to check out the new album “The Psychotron Speaks” , from Providence based Rock band Salem Wolves . Out today on Tor Johnson Records,both digitally and on cassette “The Psychotron Speaks” is a blazing red hot concept album, that tells the story of Danny Morton Jr., a down-on-his luck ‘80s-era SWA pro wrestler named The Stranger, who rises to glory after tapping into a mysterious power delivered from an unknowable and unthinkable eldritch device capable of bending the world around it and creating distortion, both aural and psychological.
The album is produced and mastered by Jay Maas (Defeater, Bane) This is the main event you have been waiting for . You can listen to “The Psychotron Speaks “ Here
Love it or hate it … professional wrestling is the perfect creative canvas. The perfect tag team partner for wrestling is without a doubt Rock And Roll.
Salem Wolves combine their electrifying sound mixed with a story that some day should find the lights of broadway .
Opening track “Away With It” is absolutely the perfect opening track as it brilliantly sets the scene for an epic musical experience. We also think “Away With It” would make a great wrestling entrance song .
“Low Card” has a real theatrical feel that we absolutely love.
“The Psychotron Speaks” is more than a concept album. SalemWolves , have delivered arena worthy songs with “So Desperate” and “November “ We couldn’t help but get super hyped up while listening to this record.
The title track “The Psychotron Speaks!” feels like one of those songs that we will be talking about for years to come . A stroke of genius lives both with the album “The Psychotron Speaks” as well as the title track . We simply couldn’t get enough.
Photo Credit Black Cherry Creative
with a rock-and-wrestling release show to follow in August, a higher calling to create this record stirred within the band for a long time. Its source material nearly lost to history, Wolves frontman Gray Bouchard finally pulled the lever. ( We are so glad he did )
“This record emerged first from the Psychotron,”Bouchard admits, noting it’s been in development by the band for a long while. “Eagle-eared listeners will note that references to the Psychotron – and other eldritch devices – have popped up for years in Salem Wolves songs, though rarely in the foreground. For me, the Psychotron has been humming in my head for over a decade; this unknowable force of distortion and noise, neither malicious nor benevolent. Going into this cycle of writing and recording music, I thought the time was right to lean into its power and influence – as the Stranger did.”
While talking about the concept,Bouchard, reveals“The record’s storyline was right there.” “The Stranger, is a bit of a cult figure to fans of territory wrestling in the mid-to-late ’80s. He was such a beast as a heavyweight champion, coming out of nowhere to dominate the SWA for like three years while the promotion went nuclear. You watch clips of Brawlcade and StarrSlam on YouTube, and it’s a weird precursor to the Monday Night Wars of the ‘90s in the way they presented edgy, hyper-realistic bouts that had the fans going nuts. But at the center of it is Danny, and he’s kind of a mystery: He was only active for that short run in the ‘80s, and then he fell off the map. He never went to the WWF/WCW, even after the SWA was sold to [Jim Crockett Promotions] in the early ‘90s. He existed in the weird, pre-WWF-dominated period where the line between a work and a shoot was blurred, especially in a local territory like the SWA.”
Grab your championship belts and your vintage wrestling action figures and enjoy the greatness of “The Psychotron Speaks” from Salem Wolves .
We recently had the opportunity to check out the brand new single and video for “Brighter Lights” from transatlantic indie rockers , The BackFires . You can listen to “Brighter Lights” Here and you can check out the video below .
The band is known as New York’s most promising bands, this is their first release of music since 2023.
Formed in 2018, when Alex Gomez (vocals) left New York to study in London and met Harry Ruprecht (guitar) and Max Wanduragala (drums). The three of them then returned to the states in 2019 and recruited Matt Walter (bass) before they recorded their debut EP, ‘Consider the Backfires’ in the hazy midst’s of lockdown. In 2021 the band returned to London for a stint where they recorded singles, ‘Blindsided’ and ‘Reflections On My TV’and are now permanently based out of New York.
Inspired by the city’s infamous nightlife, “Brighter Lights” is a raucous indie club floor filler, that combines a driving riff with hints of disco and a huge euphoric chorus.
The band says, “We wanted to make a song that sounds like New York” the band explain. “Then we got to recording and made the beginning of the track feel like you were entering a club. The song nods to the dance and club music of New York that we’ve gotten to experience in the past couple of years of living here.”
We love the feel and vibe of “Brighter Lights” , The Backfires have this familiar indie rock sound but then they reel you in with their unique approach that is both refreshing and just the right amount of low key cool
If you like the single, then you are going to love the ingenious/insane video, portraying the band involved in a complex heist with the aim of stealing a disco ball. It’s basically Reservoir Dogs meets Studio 54.
The band continues about the video saying, “The video is this ridiculous spectacle of action and excitement that’s reflective of being in the energy of New York. The bright lights of New York are intoxicating but are shrouded in superficiality. Who would carry out a heist for a disco ball, and drive away in a convertible, all to perform at a nightclub? It’s absurd.”
Do yourself a favor and check out “Brighter Lights”, from The Backfires , you will be glad you did .
We all know that one song that is just an instant hit , from the moment you hear you are hooked for life. If it’s been a while since you have felt that way about a song… Let us introduce you to “This Thing We Call Life “ from Pop-rock duo Evaride ( frontman Sean Michael Murray and guitarist Hayden Maringer) You can listen to “This Thing We Call Life” Here
“This Thing We Call Life “ is a brilliant song that is both sonically and melodically pleasing , Evaride, have crafted an absolute pop-rock gem.
With the perfect combination of raw talent, enduring drive, soaring vocals and rhythmic guitar riffs, Evaride has already garnered the attention of some of the music industry’s best. On their highly anticipated EP, Vol. 2. Evaride worked alongside several top producers, including Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, DesRocks, Goo Goo Dolls, Train), Doug Rockwell (Sabrina Carpenter, 5 Seconds of Summer, Joshua Bassett) as well as GrammyAward-winning mix engineer Joe Zook (One Republic, AJR, Rachel Platten, One Direction, Andy Grammar)
Both Sean and Hayden had very successful individual careers in the music industry prior to forming the band in 2018. Sean Michael Murray grew his pop/rock roots starring in Billie Joe Armstrong’s Broadway musical American Idiot as the lead, Johnny. He also won VH1’s reality show Make a Band Famous hosted by none other than All American Rejects frontman Tyson Ritter. The win led to his first record deal with Republic Records. You might recognize Hayden from FOX’s Glee, or from the multitude of his nationally televised performances. He’s played guitar on the American Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, Ellen, and most recently on NBC’sThis Is Us with Mandy Moore and the Iheart Radio Festival in Vegas with legendary band TLC
A catchy song with an addictive melody and beat , “This Thing We Call Life “. from Evaride is the perfect song to super charge your summer
What stands out about Shiver., is that they are truly in every sense of the word a versatile band . They are able to artfully take their already well crafted sound and brilliantly add new twists and turns to keep it fresh .
“Depths Of Salem” has this slow building stomp/groove that has Shiver. absolutely firing on all cylinders as they prove definitively that they can freaking rock and we love every bit of it .
Shiver. has our full attention with “Depths Of Salem” and we can not wait to see what they do next .
Boston based indie alt-rock sextet Jean Paul Jean Paul delivers beautifully crafted sophomore album “It Comes Back”
We recently had the opportunity to check out the lively sophomore album “It Comes Back” from Boston based indie alt-rock sextet Jean Paul JeanPaul (spoiler alert: this record is absolutely a must listen)
So we are going to cut right to chase “It Comes Back”, from Jean Paul Jean Paul may not only be the album of the summer but, we would also loudly argue that it may end up being one of the best albums of 2024.
Courtesy Of The Band
From the first note on the electrifying opening track and red hot new single “Jai alai” it is crystal clear that Jean PaulJean Paul are a musical force that needs to be heard .
The follow-up to 2022 debut Pollyanna, which boasted a Boston Emissions’ Song of the Year in “Bruiser,” this 11-track effort from Jean Paul Jean Paul finds desire at its thematic core, weaving tales of love, heartbreak, self-reflection, pain and joy as the cyclical nature of life plays out through a genre spectrum of guitar-rock that blends elements of jangle-pop, alt-rock, folk, reggae, grunge, and what the band itself dubs “guitarmonies”
Every song on “It Comes Back” from JeanPaul Jean Paul could easily become your new favorite song of all time.
Our ears were in total bliss as we sang and danced along to “Girl You Like “ the chorus was absolutely amazingly addictive.
On “Mona Lisa” we may or not have danced ourselves into an absolute frenzy in our living room ( We are claiming musical research)
For a band named after a sleepy Seinfeld character, Jean Paul Jean Paul has a level of energy that is second to none.
Produced, engineered, and mixed by Benny Grotto and recorded at Mad Oak Studios in the band’s home base of Allston.
“One major component that we all were striving for with this album was to capture the raw energy that these songs have when we play them live on stage,” says bassistChristopher Cornell. “Not to make a live album, per se, but to somehow thread that needle of raw live energy with amazing production value. The band isn’t afraid to incorporate any and all styles of music to avoid running the risk of becoming stagnant. We’re pulling from all of our roots and at the same time being open to what’s new.”
Jean Paul Jean Paul ( Steve Harding: Vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion, Andy Gelb: ,drums, Christopher Cornell: Bass, vocals, Andrew Cornish: Lead electricguitar, 12-string guitar, Warren Forbes: Lead electric guitar, vocals and Tyler Dell’Aquila: Keyboard, vocals) are a band who have a style and sound that is brimming with musical brilliance. Find your favorite music listening spot and get lost in the greatness that is “It Comes Back” from Jean Paul Jean Paul
We recently had a chance to check out the amazing new album “Chicken Fight” from Rock band The Stews . You can listen to “Chicken Fight “ Here
The Stews formed in the midst of the pandemic, and used their ample free time to hone in on their songwriting and musical skills. As the world reopened, they brought this new music into the light, much to the delight of music lovers everywhere.
The Stews, play a brand of rock that truly touches the soul. The Stews have a classic soulful rock sound that borrows perfectly from the past but, also touches the future as well .
The band is thrilled to release new music for the first time since 2022, with their upcoming album Chicken Fight. The Chicken Fight Tour will give fans in every corner of the country an opportunity to bear witness to the experience that is a Stews show. With shows from New York City all the way to San Diego, Nashville to Seattle, the band is thrilled to play these new songs for more fans than ever before.
While We have never personally experienced a Stews show . One listen to “ Chicken Fight” and it is clear to us that, The Stews are a band who were built for the stage . The master musicianship present on “Chicken Fight” must be a thing of beauty live .
The Stews majesticallypull of many different musical styles on “ Chicken Fight”
The title track “Chicken Fight “ has a very fluid soulful almost jam band feel to it . The groove on the track is intoxicating.
The Smokey blues feel makes it was throughout the album with tracks “How It Ends” and “Hourglass” .
“So Much More To You “ shows a little different side to The Stews . Flawless drop dead perfect vocals make this track stand out.
In our opinion the absolute gem of the album is without question “Hard To Fine” If we close our eyes we can picture a stadium full with cell phone lights lit swaying to an absolutely brilliantly beautiful song.
Do yourself a favor and check out “Chicken Fight” from The Stews , you will not be disappointed.
We recently had the honor and privilege to check out the new single “Stay” from South Florida Modern Rock/ Alternative Rock band Vagrant Son.
You can listen to “Stay” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here . You can also check out the lyrical video for “Stay” below
We were absolutely floored when we heard the latest single “Stay” from South Florida Modern Rock/Alternative band Vagrant Son.
Vagrant Son , has a authentic earth moving rock sound that is absolutely phenomenal. There is a familiar tone and sound with Vagrant Son but they offer a fresh musical approach on a sometimes mundane musical landscape . “Stay” will definitely stay with you long after the music has ended .
We can’t not wait for the new EP “Bleed Me” on July 26th which will be the bands third EP.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the super charged debut single “Wake Up” from MEGAWHAT, ( Chris Sanders (guitar/vocals), Victor Cavola (drums), Christopher Swenson (bass/vocals) &Joe Casey (guitar/vocals),the band’s humble origins began in the backwater bars of Memphis, Tennessee.
You can listen to “Wake Up” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here and you can watch the video below
“Wake Up” from MEGAWHAT is a electrifying tour de force of authentic rock and roll that literally sent shivers up our spine.
MEGAWHAT preaches to the power of living your life to the fullest and experiencing everything with full-throttle passion. We could feel that passion come to life as the song exploded out of our speakers.
The track captures the energy of a live performance as MEGAWHAT leans into an Elvis Costello-esque pop-punk melody that bleeds into a bright, upbeat earworm of a chorus. Everything about “Wake Up”unleashes the positive, confectionery style of the band, serving as the perfect introduction and sneak peek at what’s to come on their impending full-length debut album
We love the 80’s garage band feel on “Wake Up” we also have no problempicturing “Wake Up” blasting out of a packed arena.
“Wake Up “ is like musical caffeine for your music loving soul, this is one you can’t miss .
Boston Music Scene Stalwarts Parlour Bells Have Reached New Heights With “Knight Owls “ New EP “To Be Or Not To Behave” arrives later This Summer.
We recently had the extreme honor and privilege to check out the new single “Knight Owl” from Boston Rock band Parlour Bells
You can listen to “Knight Owl” on Spotify Here , Bandcamp Here
A good song is truly something special. On “Knight Owl” from Parlour Bells we were captivated from note one. Frontman Goddam Glenn has the amazing ability to make a strong connection with every song /performance making for an unforgettable experience , and “Knight Owl” is no exception.
“Knight Owl” is a songwriting and musical gem that captivates both the heart and soul by feeling like a summer time best selling novel but with music .
Parlour Bells are a well oiled music machine who are firing on all cylinders with “Knight Owl” . Tony Porter is a skilled drummer who’s thunderous sound gives “Knight Owl” just the right kick. Mike Leggio’s bass lines are artfully crafted to give the track a soulful dimension. Goddam Glenn delivers a flawless vocal performance that felt like he was seasoned sea captain navigating through the perfect storm. Allison Sigrist delivers stunning new wave tones that add color and flavor to the track. Finally Michael Johnson made our music loving heart jump out of our chest and take immediate notice with his phenomenal guitar solo that was simply otherworldly.
“Knight Owl,” as with all of the forthcoming To Be Or Not To BehaveEP, was recorded at both Q Division and Rare Signals. Mixed and produced by the brilliantly talented Brian Charles of Rare Signals in Cambridge MA
Parlour Bells are faithful and noble soldiers of rock who shine brightly in the task of bringing intoxicating and memorable music to the masses.
Parlour Bells celebrates the release of “Knight Owl” on Saturday July 6th at The Rockwell in Davis Square, Somerville. They perform at 8pm and will be followed by Lovina Falls and Happy Little Clouds.
Massachusetts punk band Already Dead are one of those bands we just can’t get enough of. Already Dead comes at you full force armed with an explosive sound and message to match . This is on full display on “Something Like A War”
We loved the ska feel on “Something Like A War” It is one of those songs that stays with you and before you know it you are singing along . “Something Like A War,” the single, is a missile of a song that clocks in at under two minutes. And might just create a new wave of ska-punk on its own.
“It’s about our personal battles – we all know ‘em, we all have ‘em,” Cummings says of the Something Like A War title track. “The struggle we go through to make the right decisions, day in and day out. Accepting we will make mistakes along the way. But still fighting every day, sometimes to amend the sins of yesterday. This and ‘Spirit’ represent the vibe I think the album encapsulates. Lyrically they have themes of social commentary and self-reflection, and musically both are on the harder side.”
We are all in on “Something Like A War” and we are counting the days until the album release.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new video and song “Dead Friends Still Alive “ from Italian rock band FELDSPAR, it is second single + video off the band’s upcoming debut LP out this fall on TTK Records.
You can listen to “Dead Friends” Here and you can check out the video below
The video reveals the collaboration between Feldspar and Thru Collected, multi-talented musicians and artists who have released work through Bomba Dischi, the quintessential Italian indie label.
Full disclosure, “Dead Friends Still Alive “ is the first song we have heard from Feldspar and we were completely mesmerized. Feldspar have beautifully crafted a melodic work of art – Bravo
Commenting on the single, frontman Riccardo Zamurri says: “It was a great joy to work with the guys from Thru Collected. They perfectly captured the sense of physical loss but also the constant presence that a friend leaves around us when we grow up together and lose them forever”
We are over the moon for “Dead Friends Still Alive” This is definitely a song you don’t want to miss trust us you will thank us later .
We don’t like to beat around the bush here on The Whole Kameese so, we are just going come out and say it Boston based Looking Glass War is the definition of cool. Their latest single “See You in Hell, Liberty Bell” is hands down one of the best new songs of 2024 .
You can listen to “See You in Hell, Liberty Bell Here.
Fresh off an appearance in the semi-finals of Boston’s infamous “Rock and Roll Rumble, Looking Glass War are set to release their first single off the forthcoming EP, “Saints of The Lost and Found “, set for release later this fall. Fans of the band’s driving post punk energy and soaring vocal melodies from their 2023 debut EP, “Where Neon Meets The Rain”, are in for a special treat as they continue to evolve their style with the new song “See You In Hell, Liberty Bell”.
Guitarist, Pete Zeigler and bassistMike Ackley, established the foundation for the song, Zeigler citing “a three parts equal mix of Chameleons, old REM and Stone Roses”. After the bones of the song quickly evolved creating a song that drummer Tony Porter describes as “one of ourmost interesting yet” with what singer Goddam Glenn believes to be one of the catchiest vocalmelodies he felt he had written for Looking Glass War to date.
Reflecting on the lyrics, Glenn explains “I wanted to write my own version of ‘here we are now, entertain us’ from that little song you might be familiar with. So I came up with this line ‘inspire us or die,’ which is obviously a much more menacing demand from the audience. That sets up the overall ‘attitude’ of the song, lyrically speaking. From there on out, it’s the story of two people trying (and failing) to establish a relationship in a world that’s falling apart around them. They are angry and cannot decide whether it’s each other to blame or the rotten state of the world in which they are trying to make something beautiful emerge.”
“See You In Hell, Liberty Bell” creates an awareness within the band that they have raised the bar on what they can create through a deeper commitment to collaboration and experimentation. “See You In Hell, Liberty Bell” was produced and m astered by Brian Charles Recorded at Rare Signals
If the love of music runs deep in your soul, then Looking Glass War is without question a band that you need in your life . From top to bottom “See You InHell ,Liberty Bell “ is a melodic work of art with flawless vocals .
“Dreamer”, showcases Kobra’s open heart to the magic of a child’s mind… Kobra takes you on a journey with “Dreamer”, expressing how nurturing the purity and innocence within the children of this world symbiotically nurtures and creates healing of our own inner child.
Kobra wrote this song with her dear friend and collaborator Timo Somers. Timo is featured on several songs on her upcoming project. They met many years ago on a European tour and it’s been a great experience for Kobra to collaborate on her new music and share his versatility both as a guitarist and songwriter.
“Dreamer” has this mythical quality to it that is simply mesmerizing. We were hanging on every word and note from Kobra Paige .You definitely need to check it out. We can’t wait to see what Kobra Paige, does next.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new “Chasing Echos EP from Boston based indie rock band Bird Language.
You can listen to “Chasing Echos “ from Bird Language here.
There is something absolutely magical about the new EP “Chasing Echos “ from Boston based indie rock band Bird Language. From the first note on “Slow Shove” which the band released in May,we were swept away by a sound that quickly opened our eyes to the melodic goodness of Bird Language. The summer vibe is definitely in full effect on “Chasing Echos” We found ourselves grabbing hold of the beautiful wave of sound that was carefully and wonderfully constructed by Bird Language on “Chasing Echos”
Photo credit -Pat Plasecki
“Chasing Echos is about the nostalgia of warm summer nights, swimming with friends under starry skies,” says guitarist Andrew Doherty. “The good stuff we all miss when we are in traffic on I-93 South or sitting on the T en route to our day jobs.”
Recorded by Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios and mastered by Will Benoit at The Radar Studio, Chasing Echos is comprised of four tracks: Last year’s yearning lead single “Heartbreak Summertime,” which landed on Boston Emissions’ short list for Song of the Year; punchy new single and alt-country-ish opening track “Slow Shove,” which hits the streams ahead of the band’s show last month at Sonia in Cambridge; the expansive and layered “Perdido”; and a gripping instrumental ripper called “Full Voltron” that pays homage to early Smashing Pumpkins (the band often performs classic Pumpkins’ track “Rocket” in their live sets).
“We’ve been holding onto these songs since 2022 and it’s sort of a level up in terms of our intentionality and songwriting; leaving room for vocals, and allowing ourselves to get a little quieter and a little louder at the same time,”saysguitarist Neil Simmons. “So it’s a bit cathartic to get it out there. Trying to write songs, not just for the sake of putting some sounds out there, but leaving room for vocal melodies.”
“Chasing Echos” from Bird Language feels like the perfect summer night campfire , starting slowly with only a few sticks, but gradually catching fire giving way to a giant bright glow that stays with you long after the fire fades .
Soak up summer and enjoy the brilliant sounds of “Chasing Echos” from Bird Language.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to checkout Portland , Oregon based Americana singer-songwriter Paul Nourigat and his new album “Smiles That Pass By”
If you have a music loving soul then you are going to absolutely love “Smiles That Pass By”
Paul Nourigat is an artist in every since of the word. Paul Nourigat’s music may be rooted in Americana, he artfully weaves in folk, country, rock, and blues elements that at times are simply breathtaking.
“I’m at a point in life where I’m compelled to share what’s on my mind,” says Paul, who recently turned 65. “Having experienced many highs and lows, I’ve come out of the extremes stronger for the experiences, which is the essence of the lyrics for each song on Smiles That Pass By”
The opening track “Assumed It Would Happen “ grabbed our attention immediately. We were instantly taken by the country feel that flowed effortlessly from our speakers. Paul Nourigat really brings his “A Game” to the track . We found ourselves singing the brilliant lyric “It Was What Is Was”
“Call Us What You Please” has a great percussive feel . We loved the tempo on this one . “Call Us What You Please “ does a phenomenal job of showing the listener PaulNourigat’s soulful side and we loved it .
The Title track “Smiles That Pass By” is positively electric. The blues/rock feel is a contagious sound that you can’t ignore. Paul Nourigat’s vocals absolutely shine on “Smiles That Pass By .
You can watch the video for “Smiles That Pass By “ below .
Paul Nourigat is a master storyteller . At the heart of Paul’s songs is his life. Growing up, his family moved around internationally and nationally as a result of his father’s military career, and he lived in 12 homes by the time he graduated high school. This transient existence forced his sense of independence and mindfulness of the world around him. Just after high school, he survived a brutal and humbling motorcycle accident that claimed a few digits on his shattered hands, after which he discounted playing musical instruments. That is, until his wife of 40 years signed him up for a group ukulele session, which led to guitars, writing over 150 songs, and the rest is history.
“My songs speak to people who want to hear stories,” Paul says. He crafts each album with well-developed overarching themes, and each song features narratives with classic story arcs, including sweet resolutions. In the future, Paul plans to leverage his vast unpublished lyrical catalog for other artists, and license his works to film and stage productions. Outside of music, over the past decade Paul has been parlaying his literary gifts as a noted author, writing and publishing 10 books, which are distributed around the world, teaching kids, teens, and young adults about life essentials and financial topics. This year, the country of Canada selected one of his graphic novels for use in its ESL program for 50,000 teens for the next 7 years.
“Smiles That Pass by “ from Paul Nourigat is the kind of album that touches both your heart and soul as you gleefully sing along to 10 wonderfully crafted songs.
Do yourself a favor and find your favorite music listening spot and enjoy “Smiles That Pass By “ from Paul Nourigat .
We recently had the otherworldly opportunity to check out the latest single “SUNGAZER” from Australian indie-rock band Dear Seattle. (Brae Fisher, Jeremy Baker, Lachlan Simpson and Lewis Armstrong )
You can listen to “SUNGAZER” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Dear Seattle,has a one of a kind sound and vibe , that you cannot resist. The band has artfully taken all that is good about music and have created a sonic and melodic gem that is literally out of this world.
So strap in and get ready to blast off with Dear Seattle and their new masterpiece “SUNGAZER”
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single “Saving Chelsea” from Boston alternative quartet Charming Arson.
You can listen to “SavingChelsea “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Really great songs have a way of finding their way into your heart and soul, this is most definitely the case with “Saving Chelsea” from CharmingArson.
Courtesy Of The Band
Charming Arson ( Stefano Bellezza, lead guitar, backing vocals, Dave Cameron, lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Dave Gould , percussion, backing vocals Aaron Clark, bass guitar, backing vocals) do a phenomenal job of delivering a vibrant melodic and sonically pleasing power pop gem , that stays with you long after the music has ended.
The track was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Alex Garcia-Rivera at his all-analog Mystic Valley Studio in Medford, “Saving Chelsea” serves as the first in a series of new CharmingArson singles set for release this spring and summer, all leading to a new EP.
“Lyrically, the song aims to capture the inherent absurdity of trying to save someone who romanticizes their own decline,” Cameron says. “Personally, I’ve always wanted to do something that harkens back to Bob Mould from his Sugar days. This certainly comes closer to that than anything we’ve done.”
Charming Arson has a vintage power pop sound on “Saving Chelsea that we are absolutely loving .Do yourself a favor and get lost in the musical magic that is “Saving Chelsea” from Charming Arson
We started The Whole Kameese back in 2020 as a way to keep busy during the pandemic. We are so lucky to have worked with so many wonderful artists, promoters and other music professionals. We were also so blessed to be able to share so much amazing music . We have made the difficult decision to put the blog on the back burner. At this time we need to focus on other important matters. We do not know how long we will be away but, we will return. We thank all of you for your support
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single / video “Bullet In Disguise “ from California rock ‘n’ roll sister duo Dog Party .
You can listen to “Bullet In Disguise “ Here You can also check out the video below
We are 1000 percent over the moon about Dog Party’s new single and video for “Bullet In Disguise” The vibe and sound , everything is just absolutely electric.
Also, not to be lost in the shadow of an awesome new single… Dog Party , announced their seventh studio album Dangerous, which will be out digitally and on vinyl on May 17 via the newly formed Sneak Dog Records (founded by Dog Party and Lizzie Killian ( Teens In Trouble)
Loaded with raw emotion, “Bullet in Disguise” packs a mean punch, galloping over Western-tinged dark twang undertones. Vocalist/drummerLucy Giles takes the listener through the twisted torment of a deceitful romance as she chants, “Your love was nothin’ / your love was nothin’…” before wailing the chorus with vocalist/guitarist Gwendolyn Giles. The single is accompanied by a music video directed by Aja Pop (SOUL GLO, Teens in Trouble).
“It made sense for us to lead with “Bullet In Disguise” because it showcases the true Dog Party sound – catchy riffs, bombastic drums, and emotive belting,” said Lucy Giles. “‘Bullet In Disguise’ also gives the listener a glimpse of the elevated production of the album! It is a nice little teaser for what’s to come!”
Dangerous is coming to digital streaming platforms and on vinyl. Pre-save here and pre-order on dogpartylive.com.
Dog Party also announced the US West Coast leg of their Dangerous tour with an album release show at The Starlet Room in Sacramento on May 17. The tour dates are listed below, with more to be announced.
Dog Party Tour Dates
Apr 9 – San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside
Apr 18 – El Cerrito, CA @ Little Hill Lounge
Apr 20 – Reno, NV @ Reno Punk Rock Flea Market
May 17 – Sacramento, CA @ The Starlet Room
May 23 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Red Dwarf *
May 24 – San Pedro, CA @ The Sardine *
May 26 – Chino, CA @ Rat Nest *
May 29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Redwood Bar x Grill *
May 30 – Morro Bay, CA @ The Siren ^
May 31 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Moth Fest at Moe’s Alley
Jun 14-16 – Davis, CA @ Davis Music Fest
Jun 26 – Eugene, OR @ Old Nick’s Pub ^
Jun 27 – Portland, OR @ The Big Legrowlsk ^
Jun 28 – Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project ^
Jun 29 – Spokane, WA @ Mootsy’s ^
*with Sweet Gloom
^with Pancho and the Wizards
So much awesome stuff coming from Dog Party …. We Can’t Wait
We recently had the phenomenal opportunity to check out the latest single “Nothing Yet” from Phoenix, Arizona alt-rock band Vinyl Station . You can listen to “Nothing Yet” Here
“Nothing Yet” is Vinyl Station’s fourth and final single leading up to their April 2024 Answer Slow EP, and it is absolutely beautiful.
Listening to “Nothing Yet” from Vinyl Station,is the equivalent of watching a cinematic masterpiece on the silver screen. Vinyl Station has artfully crafted a song with “Nothing yet” that is brimming with so many emotions, our music loving soul was moved beyond words .
“Nothing Yet” epitomizes Vinyl Station’s singular talent for transitioning from robust, larger-than-life power to pin-drop intimacy, engrossing the listener in its passage from its intense outer shell to an ultimately tender core. Lead singer Matthew Thornton’s delivery is captivating, at once movingly passionate and effortlessly engaging. Patrick Andrew’s rich bass lines and Roy Cameron’s full-bodied drumming gird up Sturgis Water’s lead guitar, which ranges from being absolutely immense at volume to subtly poignant in softer moments. Vinyl Station has that rare combination of four distinct musical identities operating in perfect creative harmony, and “Nothing Yet” puts that synergy on captivating display.
“Nothing yet” is honest , authentic and one of the most beautiful melodies you will ever hear out of your speakers. Do yourself a favor and get lost in the beauty of “Nothing Yet”
Some artists have such a memorable and powerful presence when they sing that it stays with you long after the music has ended.
This is most certainly the case with Americana singer-songwriter Daniel Nickels and his brilliantly crafted new single “Annabelle”
You can listen to “Annabelle”on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
New single Annabelle features Nickels’s soulfully melodic vocals in an alt-country setting nuanced with pedal steel and organ. The song’s narrative recounts a relatable tale of co-worker frustration. “I wrote ‘Annabelle’ when I was a manager for a surgery center, and one of my employees was really indecisive about working for me and the company. I started to imagine what it was like to be her boyfriend,” Nickels reveals. The song’s imagined romance unfolds with country poetics. He sings: I’m only as good as I am with you/You turn my mind into a question mark/I can’t shake how you drink me up/And pour me out of this paper cup. Nickels is the sole writer of “Annabelle,” though Dave Hagen co-produced and mixed the song. “Annabelle” was tracked at Brokenworks studio in Ashland OR with Nickels’s live band augmented by Hammond organist Phil Madeira(The Civil Wars,Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks) and pedal steel player Sammy Kovic.
We can’t wait for Nickels’s forthcoming roots-y and reflective three-song EP, Drive Us Home.
The EP was recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Hagen (Keb’ Mo’, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire) at Dark Horse Recording Studios in Franklin, TN.
Daniel Nickels is firing on all cylinders, with “Annabelle” We are absolutely taken by his unique and authentic sound, which is extremely refreshing in today’s somewhat mundane musical landscape.
We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the debut full length LP “RAIDHO” from Nashville based rock band Dead Runes. You can listen to “RAIDHO” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here and on Bandcamp Here
Dead Runes has a unique soulful sound that is beautifully manifested by 3 master level musicians( HunterEast,guitar,Vocals,Pogs,bass and Steve Janson,drums) The band displays an expert level of musicianship as they flawlessly deliver an LP that is the perfect slice of honest to goodness great rock and roll.
The album opens with the melodically pleasing “Secrets Of The Mountains” The guitar work on “Secrets Of The Mountains “ was a pure of art .
“Allfathers Path “ is simply a tremendous groove, the band is most definitely running on all cylinders on this tuneful track .
The title track “RAIDHO” is Dead Runes at their absolute best , “RAIDHO” is one of those songs that is just perfect it’s not too much or too little everything about it , sound , style, vocals – perfect.
Our favorite track on “RAIDHO” has to be hands down…. “Different Stars” We love the melodic tones on this track it pairs perfectly with the vocals . If someone is looking him for a good song , play them “Different Stars” from Dead Runes they will definitely thank you later.
Make sure to catch the band on April 6th in Indianapolis @ State Street Pub and on April 20th in Nashville @ 5Spot
Dead Runes is what happens when three incredibly talented musicians get together and pour their heart and soul into their music, “RAIDHO” is 47 minutes of pure musical goodness that you can’t afford to miss.
Norway’s The Cocktail Slippers Release New Single “I Still Dream You” (Written, Arranged and Produced By Stevie Van Zandt) On International Women’s Day
We recently had the opportunity to check out the brand new single “I Still Dream You” from Norway’s The Cocktails Slippers .
On International Women’s Day (March 8), the formidable Norwegian female rock force known as the Cocktail Slippers, unleashes a new single, “I Still Dream You,” recorded at Renegade Nation studio in NYC, and written, arranged and produced by Stevie Van Zandt. This explosive live band fuses garage rock, punk, and 70s rock, delivering unforgettable and electrifying performances. Following the release, catch them on their USA tour, with stops in SXSW Austin (TX), Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
“I Still Dream You” captures the energy and passion that define Cocktail Slippers’ signature sound. The band’s extraordinary musicianship and undeniable chemistry shine through every note, promising an immersive listening experience that will reverberate with rock enthusiasts worldwide.
Photo: Cato Ingebrigtsen
Cocktail Slippers have been collaborating with Stevie Van Zandt for more than a decade, and it’s not the first time the girls have been in the studio recording music with the famed musician.
We have a close collaboration with Stevie and always send over songs before we go into the studio here in Norway as well. Then we usually spend some time bouncing ideas back and forth before we record,” says Sara (VEGA) Andersson.
This time we got feedback from Stevie that the song we had written was so good that he got inspired and ended up rewriting everything” laughs vocalistSilje (HOPE) Hope.
“It was really fun recording songs in Stevie’s studio in New York. Great atmosphere and a lot of hard work! We probably didn’t have more than about 30 minutes breaks any of the days and worked about 16 hours both days,”says drummerMaria (SMASH) Storaas.
Van Zandt recalls, “The Cocktail Slippers sent me a song they´d been working on for a while but couldn’t quite unlock its mystery. Every song has one. I dug the sexy vibrations of it and started exploring, intending to just solve the puzzle. But sometimes songs just want to write themselves. I ended up taking it in a different direction and rewrote the whole thing. And really – not because the song wasn´t good enough, you’ll hear great ones all over the album, but because the Cocktail Slippers relentlessly inspire me!”
The Cocktail Slippers have a sound and vibe that is absolutely mesmerizing. “I Still Dream You “ is perfect.
The Cocktail Slippers will be touring the US as part of the upcoming The Wicked Cool Records Revue! Presented by Hard Rock and Little Steven’s Underground Garage. The 5-city trek, which kicks off in Austin, TX during SXSW on March 16, also features Slim Jim Phantom & The Wildcats, Soraia, and playing their first live shows in over 15 years, fabled garage rockers The Chesterfield Kings. See dates below.
HARD ROCK AND LITTLE STEVEN’S UNDERGROUND GARAGE PRESENT
THE WICKED COOL RECORDS REVUE!
STARRING
SLIM JIM PHANTOM & THE WILDCATS
THE CHESTERFIELD KINGS
SORAIA
COCKTAIL SLIPPERS
MARCH
16 – Austin, TX – Continental Club (SXSW) *
* w/ The Jellybricks and Bobby Mahoney
19 – Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent
20 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room Highland Park
21 – Las Vegas, NV – The Shag Room at Virgin
22 – San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Photo and design credit: Danny The K (with an AI-assist)
The Boston rock and roll band hit the record store for a new single out March 8 via Rum Bar Records, with the music video debuting March 20
We recently had the fantastic opportunity to check out the new single “Op-Operator” from Boston based rock and roll band The Shang Hi Los which is available today (Friday, March 8th ) via Rum Bar Records .
Sometimes (us included) you can take music a little too seriously. But then an amazing band comes along with an irresistible song and you remember how fun rock and roll can be. The Shang Hi-Los are without question an amazing band and their killer new track “Op-Operator” is absolutely an irresistible fun track that we can’t get enough of .
Photo Credit- Joan Hathaway
Marking The Shang Hi Los first dedicated dose of new music since last year’s debut album Aces Eights & Heartbreaks, the glossy and hook-laden “Op-Operator” showcases what the supergroup does best – linking up the retro-pop melodic cool of yesterday with a super polished and modernized sound narrated by our vulnerable human impulses. And here, it’s all about looking for love amongst stacks of vinyl – and finding something else entirely after that first connection is made.
“A chance meeting in a record store turns into a telephonic love affair – or so it seems,” says co-vocalist, co-guitaristDan Kopko. “Unfortunately for our protagonist, he soon finds it is a one-way connection and he is but one of many gentlemen callers!”
Listeners around New England have been phoning up The Shang Hi Los since their inception a few years ago. “Op-Operator” is the first in a series of forthcoming new singles and videos, all released by Rum Bar Records, further showcasing the band’s solidified 2024 lineup of Kopko (Watts, The Peppermint Kicks); co-vocalist and co-guitaristJenD’Angora (Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, The Dents); bassistLee Harrington (TheNeighborhoods); drummerChuck Ferreira (Eddie Japan); and guitaristChad Raleigh (The Rationales).
“This is the sound and feeling that is fundamental to the band – upbeat, hooky, rich with layers of harmonies and guitars, and solid backbeat,” saysD’Angora, who describes “Op-Operator” as “an instant mood booster” with its March release “timed perfectly for escaping the doldrums of winter.” Adds Kopko: “It’s been almost a year since our last release, so yeah, we are so ready to push some fresh music out there, like lilies from the frozen ground.”
That frozen ground led Hathaway and The Shang Hi Los to a pair of trusted filming locations for the “Op-Operator” video: Chris Anzalone’s renowned Stereo Jack’s Records in Somerville (“The band were all like little kids in a giant candy store; very inspiring to be among all those classic LPs while shooting,” says Kopko) and the familiar basement dwellings of local music scene champion and photographer Nicole Tammaro (“without a doubt the biggest supporter of Boston rock and roll there ever was or will be,” he adds).
The Shang Hi Los play Faces Brewing in Malden on April 5,
“Op-Operator” from The Shang Hi Los is an absolute music lovers dream , we recommend you disconnect from what you’re doing now and go listen .
Poet? , Steel pedal? Punk beats? Yes! Sam Varga brilliantly brings together a unique style and sound with his latest single “Never Better “ We consistently get asked what’s new? Look no further than singer -songwriter Sam Varga . Sam, blends brash literalism with a biting wit and sensationalism that simultaneously opens the wounds and mends them.
He’s a well-read recovering shit show breaking out of the emo diaspora of Nashville and coming of age just a little too late.
Sam Varga literally had us hanging on every word . It was like reading a page turning best selling novel. We simply can’t wait to see what Sam Varga does next , we have a feeling it’s going to be amazing.
The Point Break Festival, an all-new two-day music festival, today announced Sublime and Rebelution will headline the event coming to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront June 1-2, 2024. Featuring more than 20 bands throughout the weekend, the first-time festival will take place at 5th Street on the beach.
Sublime
Presale details will be available Here on Thursday, March 7 at 10 a.m. ET and tickets go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET.
As part of a limited run of tour stops in 2024, the perennial alternative rock radio outfit Sublime will take the stage on Saturday, June 1, with new lead singer Jakob Nowell, the son of the beloved original lead singer Bradley Nowell, alongside founding members Bud Gaugh (drums) and Eric Wilson(bass). The Grammy-nominated band Rebelution, best known for their soulful modern reggae, mixed with pop hooks, alt-rock grit, and hip-hop grooves, will anchor Sunday’s stacked line-up.
The inaugural event will also feature performances by Wiz Khalifa, Stephen Marley, Steel Pulse, Pepper, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth, Hirie, The Expendables, Bumpin Uglies, Denm, Tropidelic, Artikal Sound System, Ballyhoo, Passafire, REGLDGRN, Kash’d Out, Joe Samba, The Supervillians, Of Good Nature, Quasi Kings, Cultivated Minds, and Ganja Cat.
Rebelution
Doors will open at 12:00 p.m. ET each day with live performances starting at 1:00 p.m. The Festival will also feature local food vendors and local craft vendors.
Truth be told Virginia Beach is one of our favorite spots on the planet. The Point Break Fest is going to make it 10 times more amazing.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Hammer Of The Gods “ from guitar legend Billy Alexander .
You can listen to “Hammer Of The Gods” Here and you can watch the video below
Billy Alexander is one of those special musicians who can do it all . Whether it’s on the road with his band YYNOT , John Waite and Anna Natick or producing, writing, and recording for various artists, and having two Billboard charting songs with his band Feel
There simply is no stopping the style and sound of BillyAlexander.
The new single “Hammer Of The Gods “ from Billy Alexander is a brilliantly written piece of music that you can feel deep in your soul .
When asked about the song Alexander explains, “Hammer Of The Gods” is a salute to some of the bands of the 70’s who went big and bold. Re-shaping rock by allowing their imaginations and musical skills to take them to new places. Not afraid to experiment with new sounds, and arrangements or write more intellectual pieces. Critics of the time often calling them “self-indulgent” while I call it “adventurous”.
His upcoming debut album Rock & Roll Diary is a nine song-set that covers the full spectrum of rock n’ roll genres. “After writing and producing three albums for my band YYNOT and years of writing for other artists, I started writing a batch of songs with no aim or intention other than just to write for myself. The songs were shaping themselves up to be a kind of reflection of my early influences and inspirational bands and artists from my youth and beyond. Some progressive rock and others more classic rock. Hints of Rush, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Tom Petty, The Beatles, and others were creeping into my creative process more and more,” shares Alexander.
He continues, “When it came time to start putting the songs together in the studio, I felt even more liberated to just make a record in the spirit of the ones that lit my fire as a young teen and helped shape me as a guitarist, songwriter, and musician. Yet, I didn’t just go for an obvious “retro” vibe as I’m still very much into the here and now in terms of current influences and growth in all areas. As much as this record is a celebration of my rock and roll heroes, at its core it’s my story. But hopefully a story many others can relate to. My goal was to make a modern-classic Rock and Roll record similar to the ones I love”.
We are all in on “Hammer Of The Gods” from Billy Alexander and we absolutely can not wait for “Rock&Roll Diary” we have a feeling it is going to be phenomenal.
Thank god for Philadelphia based rockers SORAIA and their absolutely killer new single “Bang Them Bones via Wicked CoolRecords. SORAIA and their epic new single have kick our Friday to new heights. – much appreciated
Frontwoman ZouZou Mansour said, “We love recording while we’re touring in Sweden–and have done so every time we go. It always feels like we’re just a little more “beat up” mid-way through our tours there, so it’s a good time to get some honest representation of ourselves recorded. This one was another song written by Sulo (Sören Karlsson, frontman of Swedish rock band The Diamond Dogs). We immediately love how it reminded us of a 60s/70s rock anthem. The title can be interpreted in so many ways, too–which we love writing our own songs in that style, and often, Sulo’s style complements our songwriting in that way. This time, we recorded in a new-to-us recording studio–which keeps things fresh and fun for us.”
Photo credit- Cassandra Panek
“Bang ThemBones” was produced by Sören “Sulo” Karlsson and recorded at Dog Pound Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Engineered by Jonas åhlén, Mixed by TravisSmith,Masteredby Joe Lambert.
The perpetually touring band is hitting the road once again, joining the lineup for The Wicked Cool Records Revue, presented by Hard Rock and Little Steven’s The Underground Garage. The traveling Rock ‘n’ Roll roadshow will showcase some of the stars from Wicked Cool Records, the groundbreaking label founded in 2007 by the legendary Stevie Van Zandt – a.k.a. Little Steven. The 5-city tour commences on March 16 (during SXSW) at the renowned Continental Club in Austin, TX. Tickets available at www.undergroundgarage.com. Check out the dates below.
Dates:
March 16: Austin, TX – Continental Club
March 19: Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent
March 20: Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room Highland Park
March 21: Las Vegas, NV – The Shag Room at Virgin
March 22: San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar Music
April 25: Hamden CT – The Cellar on Treadwell (Soraia only)
We absolutely love the energy of “Bang ThemBones” from rock tour de force SORAIA
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single “Ex-Friend “ from Raleigh, North Carolina based hype rock band ColorMeKrazy!
You can check out the stunning new single “Ex-Friend on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
If we are being honest (and if you are a regular with the Whole Kameese, you know honest is all we ever are ) ColorMeKrazy has a brilliantly original sound that will literally stop you dead in your tracks. We were captivated by “Ex-Friend , by ColorMeKrazy from note one , it was love at first listen.
ColorMeKrazy ( Mia Brunel,vocals, Tom DeTrick,guitarist, Zach Gehr,drums, Drew Hutchins,guitarist and bassist Edward Lee ) the band may just be getting started but they operate like a well oiled machine.The stunning vocals of Mia Brunal mixed with the expert level musicianship of the rest of the band make for can’t miss musical experience.
The seeds were planted for ColorMeKrazy in 2023, when vocalist & producerMia Brunal teamed up with guitarist & recording engineerTom Detrick to meld the saccharine aesthetic & sensibilities of modern hyperpop artists (Brakence, 100 Gecs, Charlie XCX) with the powerful, dark, scream-crying-in-the-rain-angst of yesteryear’s emo titans (My Chemical Romance, Senses Fail, Taking Back Sunday) into a brand new, never before heard sound. Dotingly, they call this new genre “Hyper-Rock.”
Soon after the band’s inception, their musical path collided with that of another duo, consisting of producer/drummer Zach Gehr, & guitarist/creative visionary Drew Hutchins. The lineup would be completed with the inclusion of music-major bassistEdward Lee
We are all in on ColorMeKrazy and can’t wait to see what they do next, so do yourself a favor and get lost in the musical goodness of “Ex-Friend” from ColorMeKrazy.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the sonically perfect new single “WeCame To Rock “ via Rum Bar Records. from SalBaglio’s phenomenal rock and roll project The Amplifier Heads which also includes the soulful “once in a lifetime “ vocals of Barrence Whitfield
Art Credit-Adam Sherman
You can listen to “We Came To Rock” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here.
“We Came To Rock”, is the title track to the soundtrack of They Came To Rock, Executive Producer Norty Cohen’s immersive rock opera about an alien invasion that first debuted in Nashville three years ago, detailing a story about extraterrestrials coming to Earth – which they call The VinylFrontier – in search of the type of music heard through static and noise on their radio. Who are they, and what do they want?
“We Came To Rock “ is an absolute blast. We fell instantly for the vibe and sound of this gem of a track.
Ready to rock out, the aliens have now landed close to home, as the pair of longtime Boston music scene veterans – known for work that spans decades: Baglio first in rock scene pioneers The Stompers; Whitfield dominating stages across New England fronting TheSavages – come together for a fiery and attention-grabbing single that sets a loud tone for the 10-song, eight interlude soundtrack.
“The term rock opera has come to mean different things to anyone’s interpretation,” Baglio says. “There is a lyrical and musical line that follows through the record. Some fantasy, some fact. It is a musical speed rocket trip and the seat belt sign is off!”
“They Came To Rock” is the third single from the forthcoming record, following last fall’s Jen D’Angora-led “Something Went Down” – about the most famous UFO event in England’s history, taking places at Rendlesham Forest on Christmas 1980 – and 2022’s “Space Cadette,” which received heavy airplay and attention on Little Steven’s Underground Garage on SiriusXM, about Betty and Barney Hill’s 1961 encounter of a UFO on a deserted highway in New Hampshire.
Written and produced by Baglio, who also performs guitar, mellotron, glockenspiel, and backing vocals, “They Came To Rock” features Samantha Goddess on vocals; Brad Hallen on bass; Kevin Rapillo on drums and percussion; Tom West on piano; Henley Douglas Jr. on baritone sax; and David Bryce on theremin. But it’s Whitfield who helps take it across the galaxy and back again, hurling through his vocals like a man possessed.
Barrence & Sal at Bang-A-Song Studios Gloucester MA
We are absolutely mesmerized by the stunning brilliance of “We Came To Rock” from The Amplifier Heads featuring Barrence Whitfield. This is one magnificent track you can’t miss.
We have one question that came to mind while listening to the new single “Vampire” from Boston rock legends Nervous Eaters…. Whatever Nervous Eaters are doing we don’t want them to stop …. They sound absolutely amazing. We were first introduced to Nervous Eaters in our youth ( so we’ve been fans for a while ) But…. “Vampire” (b/w “Knockdown Day”) which is out via the fine folks at Wicked Cool Record is a freaking masterpiece.
You can listen to “Vampire” and (b/w “Knockdown Day”) Here and you can watch the video for “Vampire” below
Boston rock pioneers Nervous Eaters return with another new single, “Vampire,” which offers up plenty of sharp hooks and jangly guitars. B-side “Knockdown Day” is a slower-tempo track that evokes feelings of longing and reflection.
Founding member and front man Steve Cataldo sets the scene for “Vampire”: “In a once vibrant town, business by day, swinging by night, always had its own unique rhythm. Strange and without reason, the pace of the small bustling California borough, somehow slowed to an unearthly rhythm. Most of the young people gathered on the village green every Friday night. Hundreds of candles lit the surrounding walkways, creating a festive vibe to the weekly affair. Gradually the areas fresh crisp evening air bit by bit changed to a dank mist ushered in by a ghostly vermilion wind. Winding its way down the country streets, forcing the young Rooks back to their homes, encased within a false security as they morphed into harbingers of tomorrow. Acting as if the coming dawn would be their savior, people finally came out of the homes to investigate the sudden perturbation. Simultaneously, a synchronous fear befell the entire crowd as, The Beautiful Stranger’s mysteriously haunting trance beguiled the village. The Witch, “with shaded eyes”, her infectious yet imperceptible hypnotizing glances, compelling anyone, everyone, to follow her spectral sway. Captive to the Vampire’s ministering Dominion hosting parties by day, slaves to her by night. “Sundown is her town, Everyone is going down” Such is the premise of Vampire.”
Of the B-side “Knockdown Day”, guitarist/vocalistAdam Sherman says, “Isolation and the feeling of being left out of the party are at the heart of “Knockdown Day”. Rest assured, a knockdown is temporary. We pick ourselves up and face tomorrow with humility and optimism.”
Do yourself a favor and check out “Vampire” from Nervous Eaters you won’t regret it.
The Magic City perform live at The Cantab in Cambridge on March 1
There is nothing better in this world than listening to amazing music . Boston based modern rock band The Magic City , has definitely delivered amazing music with their latest single “A Series Of Chemicals”
You can listen to “A Series Of Chemicals” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
When we got our first taste of The Magic City , last year with provocative debut single “Roadrunner Vs. Your Mother” we were instantly captivated with the brilliant British Invasion vibe .
“A Series of Chemicals” brings it back home, drawing on several generations of American punk and power-pop. And like fellow Boston heroes The Cars, The Magic City now reveals itself as a band with more than one frontman, allowing bassist and producer Mike Quinn to take the mic and drive home the vocal charge.
Photo by: Ken Marcou
“We have been working to develop an exciting and diverse catalog of songs that we hope will inspire repeated listens,” says Quinn. “We want to be your favorite band.”
With a heartfelt flair and power-pop punch, “A Series of Chemicals” not only expands the sonic palette of The Magic City, but also its rich storylines and gravitational world-building. The band first formed in early 2022, just as the pandemic haze began to lift, with Quinn rounded out by a trio of longtime collaborators in guitaristAdam Anderson, guitarist and vocalistDavid Jackel, and drummerKen Marcou. But where “Roadrunner Vs. Your Mother” zeroed in on the human element of relationships, family, and getting older; this new single delves deeper into our shared chemistry – and how it shapes our behavior with others.
There is this magical jolt at the beginning of “A Series Of Chemicals “ from The Magic City that feels like what happens when the scientist flips the switch on the Bunsen Burner it is musical perfection.
“I am not a scientist, but I am fascinated by science,”Quinn says. “The disciplines of chemistry and biology, and how they differ and overlap with each other is interesting to me. This song explores the idea that we make our decisions not because of free will, but in the various biological and chemical reactions going on in our brains and bodies… the billions of bacteria in concert with and/or at odds with the hormones we produce and the drugs we ingest. Is it our fault when we make bad decisions? Or is it due to bacterial behavior in our gut or an imbalance of chemicals in our heads? The protagonist in this song blames the chemicals while also praising them.”
Melodically pleasing with the kind of vocals that could stop traffic . The Magic City has definitely found the secret ingredient to making unforgettable music…. we can’t for more.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the epic new single “Caffeine” from Massachusetts based band Jennifer Tefft & The Strange.
You can listen to “Caffeine” on Spotify Here and on Apple MusicHere.
“Caffeine” is text book rock perfection. The single which is out today (February 23rd) via Rock Garden Records , and Tefft and the band celebrate the next night at The Square Root in Boston. Her new album, Strange Beginnings, is out in May.
‘Caffeine’ just felt like an end-of-the-night song from the start,” says Tefft. “So it is an invitation to the people at a show to come back, because we want to see your face again. We appreciate that exchange of energy from stage to audience – it feels so much like a caffeine buzz, that we will keep that energy alive until we meet again to do it all over again.”
As soon as the flawless vocals from Jennifer Tefft kick in on “Caffeine” we are instantly hooked. Tefft’s new band The Strange – rounded out by lead guitaristJohn Parrillo; bassistStephen “Sharky” Beccia; and drummerChris Georgenes complement Tefft perfectly.
Photo Credit: John Parrillo
The vibrant “Caffeine” was produced, recorded, and mixed by GRAMMY award-winning producer Bob St. John (Duran Duran, Collective Soul, Extreme) for PDQStudios, with additional recording at Knyff Compound Studios. It should further elevate the profile of Tefft, the acclaimed musician who has been nominated in both the BostonMusic Awards and New England MusicAwards, while her compositions have been heard across international televisions on Cruel Summer,CSI, StargateUniverse, One Life To Live, The Young & The Restless and elsewhere.
“This was the last song written for the album – and the first song we’ve really written together as a band and we are all wicked excited about how it came out,”Tefft admits. “We were still actually writing it in the studio, so it is fresh and new for us. Everyone we’ve played it for really responded excitedly to it, so it seemed like a no-brainer to make it our first single.”
Listening to “Caffeine” from Jennifer Tefft & The Strange is as magnificent as watching a beautiful fireworks display on the FourthofJuly.We cannot wait for more….
New Single “Shoot The Stars” Is Out Now Listen Here
We just received the best news… Renowned musician Steve Conte, known for his work with the New York Dolls and Michael Monroe, has revealed information about his forthcoming album, ‘The Concrete Jangle,’ which serves as the successor to his 2021 opus ‘Bronx Cheer.’
Scheduled for launch on Record Store Day (April 20th), this 10-track album features collaborations with XTC’s Andy Partridge, who co-wrote five of the songs with Conte, including the newly released single “ShootOut The Stars.”
To learn more about the vinyl release of ‘The Concrete Jangle’ for Record Store Day, visit:Here
Photo Credit- Rob Armstrong
“My new single ‘Shoot Out The Stars’ is another co-write with my songwriting hero, ANDY PARTRIDGE of XTC,” explainsConte. “When Andy & I got together on Zoom to have our writing sessions I threw out a bunch of titles – and among them was “Shoot Out The Stars.”
“He liked it and said, “Oh yeah, we can do something with that” and then immediately started banging out those opening guitar chords and singing that verse melody. I then came up with the chorus and knew how that title should be sung.
We made the song about nihilism – bored teens in Hollywood out looking for thrills. Andy & I had a strong synergy going on…we got into a real groove when writing these songs.
For example, I had a line in the first verse where the kids say “Let’s drive out to the Hills and climb up on our cars…” and then in the 2nd verse Andy added, “The grown-ups are to blame for all the hurt we got – under the hood”. He may have meant it as the hurt kids have hidden inside, but I also see it another way. We never spoke about tying it in with their cars and I didn’t notice it until recently, but there it was. An Easter egg, the Partridge gift that keeps giving. There are a lot of these kinds of things in the songs.
And the song is in one of my favorite rock ‘n roll guitar keys, the key of B – really great for power pop. I went a bit psychedelic with it; using fuzz & backwards guitars as well as playing Mellotron (and my mandolin made an appearance!)
I hope you dig it baby!!”
We are over the moon about the vibe and for the latest single “Shoot Out The Stars “ Steve Conte delivers a stunning rock and roll gem with “Shoot Out The Stars”that you owe it to your rock and roll heart to check out .
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Other End” from heartland, country-rock duo hailing from the town of the same name in West Michigan.
You can listen to “Other End” on Spotify Here . You can also check out the video below
FrontmanMitchel Arnold and lead guitarplayerPhillip Vilenski met when touring the world teaching children music with Bill and Robyn Brawley of Heart Global. They left the UK with their first batch of songs and set off to build a fanbase that nobody could take away from them.
They toured the country independently for seven years selling out venues as a headliner all over the midwest, opening for crossover acts like Shinedown, Lifehouse, Colt Ford, Blackberry Smoke, and Buckcherry, securing slots on major, national rock festivals, and building relationships with radio stations all over the country by singing three part harmony at seven am live on air on radio and television. The band won two official Sixthman Cruise competitions which landed them slots on the Kiss Kruise and Bon Jovi Cruise.
Crafted in the seclusion of a Michigan cabin, “Other End” stands as a testament to Wayland’s evolution amid personal growth, catalyzed by Phillip’s (lead guitar player) transformative journey following a poignant divorce. The serene Michigan woods provided the backdrop for Phillip’s introspection, influencing the emotionally charged single. Returning to Joshua Tree, CA, and collaborating with Mitch, (lead singer) the duo birthed a song capturing the raw essence of personal struggle and growth—a visceral response to seven years of relentless touring, experiencing the toll on hearts and the band itself.
A milestone in Wayland’s career, “Other End” marks the first release solely produced by Phillip. The creative process unfolded in Joshua Tree, California, where the band pushed beyond their comfort zone, seamlessly blending rock, country, and bluegrass influences.
“Other End” from Wayland feels like a perfectly crafted bottle of fine whiskey, carefully constructed and nurtured to give the listener a full and authentic musical experience that they soon won’t forget.
Do yourself a favor and find a comfortable spot and enjoy “Other End” from Wayland , you won’t regret it.
We were so impressed by the brilliant“Here Comes Your Ghost “ that we we were anxiously awaiting the latest single “Why Wait” and… we were not disappointed. “Why Wait” comes ahead of the band’s April 2024 EP “Answer Slow “
“Why Wait “from Vinyl Station is one of those stunningly beautiful songs that effortlessly finds your way into your soul , and you are better for it .
“Why Do You Wait” is a testament to VinylStation’s versatility in sound and songcraft. Evocative and spanning a wide range of feeling, “Why Do You Wait” grabs the listener by the ear and dares them to not to be taken in.
Lead singerMatthew Thornton explores the song’s dynamic scope, his warm delivery full and powerful before suddenly yielding to a more delicate falsetto. Sturgis Water’s guitar work matches this volumetric variance, bringing texture and definition to the song’s more quiet moments and amplifying points of fervor. Patrick Andrew’s alliterative bass takes center stage, deftly cutting through its cavernous surroundings on those softer occasions where Water’sguitar draws back. Roy Cameron’s drumming fills out the space, navigating the band through hushed fades and leaps to towering crescendos.
“Why Wait” is perfectly crafted for large arenas and made to resonate through stadiums, “Why Do You Wait” is tailor-made for electrifying live performances – an area where the band excels. With a track record of captivating audiences in packed venues with thousands of spectators, Vinyl Station has proven their prowess, having previously opened for renowned artists such as CountingCrows and Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20. Channeling the impassioned energy of U2, the emotional nuances of Coldplay, and the intimate stylings of Band of Horses
It is such an amazing feeling to get excited about a band and the music they make , this is definitely the case with Vinyl Station.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single “Waiting” from Boston based Alt-Rockers , Derek Smith And The Cosmic Vultures.
You can listen to “Waiting” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
We cannot contain ourselves any longer… We have been waiting for “Waiting” from Derek Smith And The Cosmic Vultures. And in case you were wondering ( we know you were…) the song is a cinematic, mesmerizing musical composition that is just stunning
“Waiting” merges the Boston songwriter’s solo material with his longtime indie band.
After forming roughly a decade ago, the Cosmic Vultures developed a reputation around New England for their electric live show and eclectic blend of genre-spanning rock and roll. But a few years back, frontman, vocalist, and principal songwriter Derek Smith branched out with solo material, unleashing the creative fire burning within. He released a pair of albums (2022’s Rubedo and last year’s Obscura) that explored new musical territories before October’s well-received and anthemic “Black Angel” single, all featuring members of the band, around the same time the Vultures were nominated for Rock Artist of the Year at the 2023 New England Music Awards.
Before the year was out, Smith and the band decided to merge and become a unified entity, re-christening the project as Derek Smithandthe Cosmic Vultures, and the first offering in this new music chapter arrives today with “Waiting,” a celestial cruise through an alt-rock galaxy that was produced and mixed by David Minehan at Woolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Courtesy Of The Band
The irony is not lost that Smith and theCosmic Vultures quickly rediscovered their musical chemistry through a single called “Waiting,” as with both projects gaining momentum in the Boston music scene, the time was right to come together once again for a unified creative vision.
‘Waiting’ is about waiting for something to happen,”Smith says. “Waiting for the money to fall in your lap. Waiting for the big break. Waiting for death. Waiting for the chickens to come home to roost. It’s everything and anything you can be waiting for. But for me I always had this idea that maybe something will just happen. I was very wrong. Waiting for something to happen to you is a sad thing. I’ve learned that you need to go out and do it. Do what you need to do. Make your own luck.”
Smith always envisioned the final version of “Waiting” to have a big, galactic sound to it, something to be heard in the car while flying up and down Interstate 93. And after the grand ambition and skyscraper force of “Black Angel,” enlisting Minehan for that final studio polish and working with the Cosmic Vultures – lead/rhythm electric guitarist and backing vocalistsJonathan Chesbro and Michael Strakus; bassistSteve Constantino; and drummerDalton DeLima – made all the sense in the world. The three players were natural fits on “Waiting,” complementing Smith on vocals, B3 Hammond Organ, and rhythm guitar.
“I wanted to do something a little harder for this one,”Smith admits. “I can do more than just soft and melodic. I didn’t think of it as the first song after merging, but more of the next chapter after ‘Black Angel’. I look at the body of work that hasn’t been released and sort of see what makes sense next. Maybe I was just tired of waiting to record this one.”
So far, merging Derek Smith the solo artist with Derek Smith the frontman of the Cosmic Vultures has been seamless, as the band continues to perform live around the New England area, taking part in the New EnglandMusic Awards’ Last Band Standing competition in March. With the two entities coming together, the catalog has now expanded to include five albums, two EPs, and now, with “Waiting”, there’ll be four stand-alone singles.”
Sometimes when you hear a song it just speaks to you … it’s not a planned event just something that just cosmically materializes. “Waiting” is not only is beautifully constructed but , it is also a song with a message that you can feel deep in your heart and soul.
We recently had the opportunity to check out Rockand Roll Hall Of Famer Ricky Byrd and his stunningly beautiful new single “Rhapsody In Blues (One for Jeff)” via Wicked Cool Records.
You can listen to “Rhapsody In Blues (One for Jeff)”Here
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, guitarist /singer-songwriter/producer/recovery advocate Ricky Byrd(inducted in 2015 with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts), has had a career in music spanning over 40 years.
Although best known for his time spent with The Blackhearts, Byrd has also recorded and played with Roger Daltrey and toured with Ian Hunter and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes respectively. He has also been blessed to have had the chance to, at one time or another, share the stage with music royalty including Paul McCartney, Ringo, Alice Cooper, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt, Joe Walsh, Mavis Staples, Dion, Brian Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Jimmy Page, Graham Nash, Sam Moore, Steve Miller and Elvis Costello…to name just a few.
Photo credit- Frankie Byrd
Byrd’s new single “Rhapsody In Blues (Onefor Jeff)” is an instrumental tribute to his guitar hero, the late Jeff Beck. The track follows the release of his recent digital/7″ singles “Louanne”, “Alien” and “Glamdemic Blues”, which featured a b-side cover of the Four Tops‘ classic “Reach Out (I’ll Be There).
Byrd says, “The only way I felt I could properly pay tribute to Jeff Beck, whose playing has inspired me my whole life, was to record this track dedicated to him. This is a track I felt I needed to write. I did it as a thank you to Jeff. He was such an important part of the process for me as a guitar player. First as a teenager discovering all this cool new music I was soaking up, trying to learn a riff here and there (the easy ones ;)), to all these many years later where I’m still in awe of where he took guitar playing. And yes I’m still trying (mostly unsuccessfully) to nick one of his riffs. Thanks again Guv’nor”- Byrd
If you are a lover of absolutely amazing mind blowing music, then you owe to yourself to Ricky Byrd and his brilliant tribute to the legendary Jeff Beck “Rhapsody In Blues (One for Jeff)”
One of the things that makes “ETERNALISM” so epic , music lovers from spanning MyChemical Romance’s early 2000s emo era to classic rock fans who seek music influenced by The Beatles’ White Album will find something to love amongst the varied tracklist
The piece combines vivacious theatrical rock and influences from rock n roll’s past icons with poignant lyrics exploring the depths of consciousness, the universe, and lifeforms beyond Earth.
Beyond the out-of-this-world themes, the band maintains their humanity with songs about loss, mental health, and the challenges of life. The band continues to weave masterful storytelling and thought-provoking philosophy into everything they do, with this album being their most ambitious themed record yet.
Eternalism is a theory that proposes that the past, present, and future are all equally real and all happening simultaneously. Subject matter revolving around this theory is the main thread of this album. We touch on ideas involving ghosts and how they could be glitches in the timeline, as well as UFO’s, which I suggest may be piloted by dead or future humans who are no longer tethered to linear time and as such can now travel across the entire expanse of existence freely. Ghosts and UFOs will also be the main visual aesthetic, as seen on the front cover art by Caitlyn Grabenstein (@cult.class) and the back cover art by Danielle Marshall (edit by Nate Baer). Mental health and depression are other prominent themes on this album, on display in songs like ‘Stick Around’ and ‘Who Will Find My Body?’. The creative process is therapy and that catharsis is the driving force behind our compulsion to create. Sonically, we scaled back the production and went for a more raw approach than our previous works. Throughout the recording process, our reference points were Nirvana’s In Utero, The Beatles’ White Album, and Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures. This album feels haunted.” – Derek Henry, Observe The 93rd
Alternative rock band Observe The 93rd was voted the best rock band of 2021 by the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and for good reason. The name, ‘Observe the 93rd,’ is a reference to the Observable Universe, which is 93 billion lightyears in diameter and constantly expanding, and a Da Vinci quote, “Observation is the key to understanding.” As time passes, more light is able to reach us and more of the universe is revealed to us. This sentiment poetically intertwines with their musical and personal mission statement to collect experiences that broaden our perspectives and allow us to better understand ourselves as time passes, just like the universe.
Each raw, visceral track is guided by feelings, experiences, failures, triumphs, suffering, joy, and any other abstract internal entity that yearns to be expressed through melody. With every Observe The 93rd release comes a new puzzle piece in their musical galaxy that is intertwined with easter eggs and secret hints that tie all of their releases into one expansive story about life. Vocalist/guitaristDerek Henry and drummerDylan Zepp created more than just a band, it’s a universe for fans to dive into.
Observe The 93rd have given the universe and music lovers everywhere, an absolute gift in the form of their last masterpiece “ETERNALISM” Every track feels like an experience you soon won’t forget.
We recently had a chance to check out the new album “Undertow” from Montclair, NJ art-rock band ELK CITY via Magic Door Record Label
You can check out “Undertow” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Right from the first note on “Undertow” you can not help but be pulled in by the mesmerizing and hypnotic sounds from Elk City .
We found ourselves tapping and singing along almost instantly. The melodic vibe on “Undertow” is a thing of absolute beauty.
Photo credit- Renee Lo Blue
“Undertow” was produced by RAY KETCHEM (Guided By Voices, Luna, Gramercy Arms) Undertow is the darker continuation of the band’s latest ‘Above the Water’ LP – here, the band goes deeper into unchartered sonic waters.
Every track on “Undertow” is absolute perfection. Some of our favorites include the title track “Undertow “ , “Strong(Your Not Alone) , “Tried To Move On” , and “Keep It”
We are absolutely smitten with “Undertow” from Elk City , and we think you will be too.
Elk City is Renée LoBue, Ray Ketchem, Luna’s Sean Eden, Richard Baluyut (Versus) and Chris Robertson (Psychedelic Furs side project Feed, Punch Havana).
We recently had the chance to check out the latest single “The Hills Of Pennsylvania “ from New Jersey based band CR and The Nones.
You can listen to “The Hills Of Pennsylvania “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here You can check out the video below
“The Hills Of Pennsylvania “ is from the band’s sophomore album “The Ghost Are Coming Home” which, you can check out Here.
We are absolutely loving the Americana/Classic Rock feel with “The Hills Of Pennsylvania” from CR and The Nones, it has all the feels.
CR and The Nones artfully fuse genres in their music giving it a very unique feel.
“The Hills of Pennsylvania‘ is the most Americana-influenced track on the album. Gennone notes, “I wrote this song in my car while driving to visit my grandmother in the hospital. I started humming a melody and the words came pretty quick. She’s hanging in there, but I was on edge! My friends Andrew Merclean and Liz Sadkowski shot this video at my apartment and around some farm land outside of Kutztown, PA”
CR and The Nones are a band that you need to check out.
CD release party goes down December 8 at The Burren in Somerville
We were beyond honored to check out the new EP “keep ‘er lit” via Rum Bar Records from Boston based rock band Girl With A Hawk .
You can listen to “keep ‘er lit” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Our first introduction to Girl With A Hawk was back this past January when the band released the absolutely beautiful and heartfelt track “Same Stars” since then we have fallen deeply for the amazing brand of rock that Linda Viens and company bring to the table.
Photo Credit: Kelly Davidson
Featuring five tracks, including four prior singles, like last month’s “Feel Me,” the EP is a showcase for Girl with a Hawk’s engaging and infectious brand of rock and roll, which sometimes veers into new wave territory, other times into emotive guitar-pop, Americana, and modern rock. It’s a record of perseverance, and its title, keep ‘er lit, taken from an old Irish expression that loosely translates to “do not stop,” is a reflection of that attitude.
There is this genuine authenticity that seems to be woven deep in the musical DNA of Girl With A Hawk that, we absolutely love. What you get is real music that touches your heart and soul with each memorable note , all of which is front and center on “keep’er lit”
In our opinion “keep’er lit” is proof positive why Linda Viens has one of the best voices out there period. She sings with an energy and passion that is like no other voice in music today.
“All the songs on the EP are about surviving the vagaries of fate as well as taking responsibility for choices made, etc., about the search for identity and wholeness (and in some cases; sobriety), and about finding some kind of peace and comfort through knowing one is not actually alone, even though in tough times, we can feel alone,” Viens says. “It’s also about the many ways we are connected to our loved ones, and rooting for them, even if separated in physical time and space. There are a lot of parallel themes with keep ‘er lit and Justine and the Unclean’s record, The Signal Light – addiction, depression, and surviving life’s tough losses and challenges.”
The experience has brought the band even closer together. In Girl with a Hawk, the singer-and-guitaristViens is joined by keyboardistRichard Lamphear, drummerNancy Delaney, and guitaristDan Coughlin. Original bassistLee Harrington, who appears on the record, has since been smoothly replaced by Daniel Bernfeld. Their shared chemistry is evident across keep ‘er lit – from the emotive draw of “Same Stars” to the pop-rock buoyancy of “The Romantic” to the new wave flair of “Feel Me.”Viens says despite it all, the writing and recording process for this record has been joyous, with the band coming together for the music they’re creating.
If You are a music lover, then you need to listen to “keep ‘er lit” from Girl With A Hawk , it is absolute work of art .
We recently got to check out the epic new single “Here Comes Your Ghost “ from Phoenix based band Vinyl Station.
You can listen to “Here Comes Your Ghost” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Vinyl Station has this real special almost otherworldly energy about them , and it is certainly present in their latest single “Here Comes Your Ghost “ which, is out today, (December 8th ) via H1 Massive.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the band
For some, the “Ghost” in question could be the band’s past, as a handful of fan-favorite tunes comprise the quartet’s forthcoming EP Answer Slow, set for unveiling in Spring 2024. But it could also be something a bit more pure: A return to the sensation of hearing something truly great, the feeling we once had when we first heard the seminal bands and records that shaped us into the people we became.
Vinyl Station, with its arena-ready, cerebral indie rock that harkens back to the songwriting ambition and grandeur of the likes of U2, Coldplay, The National, Band of Horses, and other luminaries, is ready to take that next step into our hearts and playlists. That “Here Comes Your Ghost” leads the band’s reemergence, complete with a fresh and polished re-recording by its newly-minted lineup – songwriter, singer and guitaristMatthew Thornton; drummerRoy Cameron; guitaristSturgis Waters; and bassistPatrick Andrew – is a bit of a coincidence, given its title. But it’s no less impactful as a result.
“I am really excited about sharing these songs with the world, and putting something out which represents the band in its current form,” says singer, songwriter, and guitarist Matthew Thornton. “These are the first recordings with the current members of Vinyl Station, and I think the recording of the Answer Slow EP and the album to follow has been an incredibly rewarding creative endeavor.”
Adds Cameron: “I think the EP turned out great despite us having to piece the recording together over several months due to scheduling conflicts. In this regard, the recording process was different than usual for a creative band but not uncommon these days.”
“Here Comes Your Ghost” from Vinyl Station is a solid well written rock song that you can’t help but want to hear again and again . Definitely a song you need to hear … trust us your ears will thank you .
Recently we had the opportunity to check out the new single “Runnin” from San Diego, CAreggae/rock/soul duo The Goodies.
You can listen to “Runnin” on Spotify Here and On Apple Music Here
The Goodies,founded by Justin Goodman (“Goodie”) and Zan, have given us an amazing new single with “Runnin” which, will appear on their upcoming 6-song debut EP , due out in January 2024 .
The track is the follow-up to their recent singles “The Maze,” and “Around The World.”
“Runnin” from The Goodies is a well crafted song that you simply can’t resist, Zan’s performance is absolutely phenomenal.We love the vibe and sound of “Runnin” –Bravo!
“Runnin” was recorded at 17th Street Recording Studio on Costa Mesa with Lewis Richards (The Dirty Heads, Micah Brown, Seedless)
Of the latest single, the band says, ““Runnin” is the story of Zan, who like many young people at 18, found herself entangled in a bunch of bad situations she needed to break free from! It tells her journey of doing what needed to be done at any cost and summoning the courage to leave! Well…. She did, in her 1973 VW bus, to San Francisco, where she managed to make a fresh beginning, rise above, and set out on a new path in life.”
The Goodies have spent the last several months engaging with fans via a well-received series of videos featuring the duo putting their own spin on classic songs by the likes of Nirvana, Bob Dylan, Guns N Roses, Willie Nelson, Queen, and many more (these covers are absolute fire, you need to check them out .
Watch The Goodies’ cover song video series here:Here
The duo says, “As we started introducing all the new original music we have been working on, we felt like releasing this series of covers would give the listeners more context into where some of our inspiration comes from. Our love for music is very diverse and we draw inspiration from so many different places, we wanted to put our abilities to the test and we really had fun exploring these amazing songs in a Reggae style.”
The Goodies have this unbelievable energy with their music. We can’t wait for more music from The Goodies, they make music that will put a smile on your face and touch your soul.
Not to sound like the old guy who reads the newspaper on his front porch but, back in our day there was nothing better than a label sampler/ compilation . Boston Indie record label has pulled out all the stops and given us an epic free 31 track compilation available on Bandcamp today (December 1st)
But wait….. there’s more! Rum Bar Records is offering a label wide 20% off discount through the end of the month on Bandcamp, using the code holiday20
The compilation and the Bandcamp sale is part of Rum Bar capping off 10 years of music from Boston and beyond, specializing in the kind of garage-pop and rebel-rousing, swaggering that had made the label a fixture in the global music scene. The Nice Pricepulls together more than 30 selections from Rum Bar’s 2023 release slate, including music from The Lemon Drop Gang, Kevin Stevenson, Danny The K, The Gypsy Moths, The Amplifier Heads, Cindy Lawson, Eddie Japan, Leather Catsuit, The Shang Hi Los, Stars Like Ours, Stop Calling Me Frank, Girl with a Hawk, Jay Allen and the Archcriminals, and plenty more. It follows the summer’s Swagger compilation, and October’s After School Special: Second Semester.
“I love doing these label sampler and Bandcamp compilations,” says Rum Bar Records honcho Lou Mansdorf. “Over the years I have done various ones some sequels, some with altering music themes related to the Rum Bar Records roster of genres and artists falling under our gonzo hybrid garage rock, power pop, glam, girl group sounds, swaggering rock n roll, rebel rousing alt country rock, and heartland punk.”
While past compilations often span bonus artists across the Rum Bar family tree, The Nice Pricelocks in on the year that was, which saw a tireless Rum Bar unveil more than 30 releases – singles, EPs, albums, re-releases, comps, and whatever else – since January.
“After compiling and sequencing I just got extremely excited – like a kid who ate too much candy,” laughs Mansdorf. “Just one song after the next, I am like ‘Damn I love this song… man, I love this band.’ I just am so thankful and grateful to still, after 35 years, be involved with artists, musicians and bands making music that I love to listen to. It’s been a long and stressful year and we had all of this unbelievable music created by incredible people to keep us going. I can listen to this all day long and would love anyone giving us a listen to play this start to finish making it the soundtrack to your playlist, day and week.”
We are absolutely over the moon about “The Nice Price” from Rum Bar Records it is a can’t miss of some of the bands and artists in Boston and beyond.
Cheers to Lou Mansdorf and the whole Rum Bar records family for giving us music lovers an incredible 2023…. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2024
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the brand new single and video for “TALKK” from the legendary Boston based rock band Nervous Eaters
You can listen to “TALKK” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here you can check the video below
We may be a tad bias when it comes to The Nervous Eaters ( seeing how we are from Boston ) But their latest single and video for “TALKK “ is absolutely wicked amazing .
Nervous Eaters— contemporaries of bands like the Ramones, The Police, Iggy Pop, and The Pretenders— give us the red hot single “Talkk” which comes on the heels of the band’s critically-lauded 2022 return full-length, ‘Monsters + Angels,’on Stevie Van Zandt’sWicked Cool Records.
We are seriously starting to think these guys are actually getting younger with every new release they put out
Photo : Carissa Johnson
Founding member and front man Steve Cataldo says “TALKK is very much along the lines of the NERVOUS EATERS song CHAD, heard on our “Wicked Cool LP – Monsters and Angels”. The narrative explains a boyfriend’s loss of contact with the love of his life. He desperately tries to find her. Endlessly looking through social media, constantly walking the city streets searching the old romantic places they used to hang out, unrelenting in his promise to find her. He finally pleads with all his friends, who knew them both as a couple, to pass on this message should they ever hear from her. “Please tell her I was wrong, that I have changed my ways, and if she comes back home, there will be a brand new man here for her to find”.
In the end, TALKK as with CHAD, despite all the boyfriend’s searching, he never finds her, thus he has to live with the endless regret of realizing, much too late, that each person’s idea of love is unique unto them. That physical love by itself is never enough. That listening, patience and unconditional caring is the “Real Love”, everyone is looking for. Everything else is just TALKK.”
If it is real authentic RockN Roll you crave then look no further than The Nervous Eaters and their new single and video “TALKK”
Cover Design by Adam Sherman; cover photograph by Wayne Viens
We recently had the privilege to check out “Feel Me” from Boston basedband Girl With a Hawk . “Feel Me “ is dedicated JustineCovault, the late Red on Red Records founder and Boston music scene champion. Girl with a Hawk was previously signed to Red on Red, and “Feel Me” channels the raw emotion and sadness the band has felt since Covault passed away unexpectedly over the summer.
You can listen to“Feel Me” on Spotify Here and on Apple MusicHere And on Bandcamp Here
Photo by Kelly Davidson
We love everything about Girl with a Hawk . We love their sound their vibe . We also love their passion which is front and center in their music, especially on “Feel Me”
We never had the pleasure of knowing Justine Covault However, based everything we have heard about her, she was a true pillar of the Boston music scene . Her music and her love for the Boston music will no doubt be her legacy that will continue to live on.
For Girl with a Hawk, the Boston band led by indie scene veteran Linda S. Viens, the past year has been highlighted by a blur of massive highs and the lowest of lows. It started in December of 2022, when the late Justine Covault asked Girl with a Hawk to join her emerging indie label Red on Red Records, releasing a new single and video for “SameStars” a few short weeks later. Over the summer, Covault unexpectedly and tragically passed away, while Girl with a Hawk’s second single on the label, “The Romantic,” was enjoying success across the blogs and digital radio, helping to earn a New England Music Awards nomination in the “Rising Stars: Massachusetts” category.
Nearly a year after Covault’s invitation, Girlwith a Hawk are preparing their debut EP, Keep ‘Er Lit, set for release on December 8, with a party that night – booked before Covault passed away – at The Burren in Somerville. But first comes a new single, an upbeat synth- and guitar-led yearner called “Feel Me,” dedicated to Covault and her impact on both the band and its members, out today (Friday, November 17) on the band’s new home of Rum Bar Records.
“Feel Me “ has a real cool throwback/ new wave sound . Vocalist Linda S. Viens, gives a powerful and flawless vocal performance that gave us chills . We could definitely feel the love and emotion on “Feel Me”
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check the new single “Drive” from Boston based country supergroup and cosmic canyon rock band, Other Brother Darryl.
You can listen to “Drive” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
“Drive” from Other Brother Darryl is a timeless heartfelt track that gently touches both your mind and soul.
Photo by : Chris Valle
The message of the new single “Drive” is simple – even if we live in not so simple times: When you see your friends, tell them that you love them. Because we’ll never know when that last chance comes around.
It’s a sentiment the cosmic canyon rock group knows all too well, and one that swirls with impassioned honesty over its hypnotic new Americana single, “Drive,” set for release on Friday, November 10, with a music video to follow afterwards. It’s the second single from the ensemble band, led by Boston music scene veterans Dan Nicklin, Nate Leavitt, DanCedarholm, and one that continues to cherish and maintain the memory of their beloved friend and band member Dave Mirabella, who passed away unexpectedly in in the spring of last year.
“It has a laid- back feel, but still drives forward, which mirrors how the band works,” says Leavitt. “Move at your own pace but get there just the same. A motivational rhythm and tempo. Instrumentally, it covers a wide range of sounds that capture the cosmic canyon rock.”
There is this strong energy that is associated with “Drive” from Other Brother Darryl, It is often said that music can be a great healer of both wounds we can and can not see . We definitely feel this is the case with “Drive”
Other Brother Darryl, its name taken from a Newhart reference, was first conceptualized a decade ago at long-lost Somerville venue Radio, with its members bonding over The Jayhawks, Wilco, and the various projects each had been a part of over the many years spent in the trenches of a local music scene. But time was on their side, and after loose exchanges of ideas it would be seven years before the group began writing music together, crafting the harmony-driven, Americana-leaning sound that their spectral surroundings and sharp songwriting acumen were destined to produce.
Then Covid hit, and the world stood still. And in April 2021, the band’s world collapsed: Mirabella died, leaving an empty space within Other Brother Darryl both as musicians and friends. Suddenly, time, once a casual asset, became anything but, and a common refrain of telling friends and family how much we care for them became an important one.
While Other Brother Darryl captured Mirabella’s guitar parts for “Drive,” he was never able to provide vocals for the track. An important and disappointing turn of event for a band that leans into vocal harmonies so heavily. But remarkably, the band discovered that during one guitar recording session, Mirabella actually counted himself in, whispering “Six… seven… Dave.” That part was added to the very start of “Drive,” giving their late friend a voice that introduces and welcomes the listener.
“Drive” is truly a team effort. It was written by the core Other Brother Darryl team of Mirabella (guitar, count-in), Leavitt (guitars and vocals), Nicklin (vocals), and Cederholm (drums); produced by the band at Henley Row; and recorded and mixed by Nicklin at his aforementioned studio in Stoneham, with mastering by Brian Charles. It expands the Other Brother Darryl collective outward, featuring Jim Collins on bass and vocals; Dave Lieb on acoustic piano; Matt Odabashian on B3 organ; Paul Gallo on conga and percussion; and Jason Meeker on bongo and percussion.
Do yourself a favor and get lost in the beauty of “Drive” from Other Brother Darryl
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new EP”Present State Of Joy And Grief” from Bristol (UK) -based melodic alt-indie four-piece Adult Leisure.
You can listen to “Present State Of Joy And Grief” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here
We have said it before and will say it again… We love absolutely everything about Adult Leisure . We love their sound and vibe .
The brilliant EP begins with “All For You” We are immediately seduced by the incredible drum sound . But we are truly captivated by the flawless show stopping vocals .
Adult Leisure continued to win our music loving heart with the haunting second track “You Weren’t There When I Needed” We found ourselves singing the memorable chorus… almost instantly.
Adult Leisure gives us a little soul infused track with “All Our Days Are Now So Quiet” Adult Leisure gets a little help on this track with Milo Gore and Fare . The thing that stands out to us about this track is their is this real cool Peter Gabriel vibe to it and.. we love it.
The final track on the EP, is hands down our favorite track … “Bad Idea” We love everything about this song . We have had this tune on repeat for quite sometime. Adult Leisure is at their very best on “Bad Idea”
Everyone always wants to know where they can find good music ? Well.. look no further then the brilliant new EP “Present State Of Joy And Grief “ from Adult Leisure
We recently checked out the new single and video for “CTRL ALT DEL” from Boston based hard rock band Parts Per Million
You can listen to “CTRL ALT DEL” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here .
You can also check out the stunning video below , directed by Tyler Ayres at Revelry Studios in New Hampshire, depicting the band slowly being replaced by machines.
Parts Per Million are a band with a style and sound is unlike anything we’ve ever heard .
A resistance to our tech overlords is at the noisy core of “CTRL ALT DEL,” the Boston hard rock band’s blistering new single and dystopian music video, set for release today, (Wednesday, October 25. ) In both the song and visual, Parts Per Million grapples with unwanted advances in technology, and does so with weaponized riffs at significant volumes.
There is this beautiful cinematic quality with “CTRL ALT DEL. The song has such a big and commanding sound , that we feel it would fit perfectly on the big screen. Parts Per Million are without question a band on the rise .
Photo Credit Parts Per Million
‘CTRL ALT DEL’ is about the rise of A.I. and where we all fit in as things change with that technology,” says Parts Per Millionguitarist and vocalistPaul Mcsweeney. “It’s kind of a scary feeling to imagine being replaced in areas where we have always been needed. We’re on the cusp of a revolution that actually may hurt humanity as a whole if we don’t also rethink some of our social constructs and just put people out of jobs that may never return. That’s not even getting into the ultra scary idea of this thing sort of going full Skynet mode.”
The powerful“CTRL ALT DEL” was recorded at The Halo Studio in Portland, Maine, produced and mixed by the band’s longtime collaborator Kevin Billingslea (Lamb of God, Trivium, The Pretty Reckless), and mastered by Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound (The Eagles, Green Day, Norah Jones). Mcsweeney brought what he calls “riff salad” to the rest of the band – guitaristS. Brian Bailey; bassistAlex Marks; and former drummerJake French, since replaced behind the kit by Brad Griffen – and the group worked together to flesh out the track, allowing for changes in the studio to develop it into its final form.
The sonic and melodic presence on “CTRL ALT DEL” is absolutely mind blowing. Parts Per Million brilliantly have crafted your new favorite song, you just don’t know it yet.
So find the perfect spot and crank “CYRL ALT DEL “ all the way up and enjoy .
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the new single “Girl With No Name” via Wicked Cool Records from acclaimed singer and songwriter Steve Conte. (New York Dolls, Michael Monroe )
You can listen to “Girl With No Name” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
New York City guitarist, singer-songwriter Steve Conte is back– following the summer release of his single “Fourth Of July” (co-written with Andy Patridge of XTC)– with his latest track “Girl With No Name.”
Conte says, “This is a song of regret…about missed opportunity and lack of skills in meeting someone you’re attracted to.
“When putting my new album together, I was looking for songs that would fit nicely alongside the songs that Andy Partridge and I had written for it and I kept thinking of this one. I wrote it back in 1984 and never forgot it – which was a good sign.
Because it came to me so long ago I can’t exactly remember my process for writing it, except that since I was young & single at that time I was probably experiencing these kinds of situations & feelings on a daily basis!
Musically, I can hear what was influencing me back then; mid 60s Beatles, mid 80s XTC, and that beloved Motown groove from a certain Diana Ross & The Supremes song…”
A follow-up LP to Conte’s acclaimed 2021 solo album Bronx Cheer, is expected in early 2024 via Steven Van Zandt’sWicked Cool Records.
Steve Conte is an absolute guitar legend known for his memorable guitar work as a member of New York Dolls, as well as former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe’s band (with whom he still performs), Steve found international fame in recent years via his collaborations with Japanese composer and artist Yoko Kanno on the soundtracks to several hit anime series, including Cowboy Bebop.
We instantly fell for the well crafted and memorable “Girl With No Name” , from Steve Conte . We found ourselves humming and singing “Girl With No Name” everywhere we went whether it was the bank or the grocery store “GirlWith No Name “ is song you won’t soon forget.
We can’t wait for more music from the amazing Steve Conte
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out rising electronic/rock act SOPHIE SHREDZ and her electrifying new single “EYEZ ON ME” which, drops today (September,29th )
You can listen to “EYEZ ON ME” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here .
We were absolutely floored when we heard “EYEZ ON ME”SOPHIE SHREDZ has a style and vibe that is straight up otherworldly. In other words… she flat out rocks .
Blending exhilarating hyper-pop production with infectious pop melodies and classic rock instrumentation, she delivers an explosion of personality with each new release.
Sophie’s new single, “EYEZ ON ME,” is a frantic explosion of vibrant synths, heavy-hitting bass, and distorted vocals.“‘EYEZ ON ME’ is about a time in my life when I was getting a lot of negative attention and it felt like all eyes were on me,” she explains.
Instead of wallowing, she transformed her pain into a rebellious anthem about embracing the attention of the spotlight. “This song was a huge turning point in my life. I realized I didn’t care about what anyone thought about me. It’s about regaining confidence and making the best of bad situations.” To put it simply, “EYEZ ON ME” is the ultimate IDGAF anthem!
SOPHIE SHREDZ is the project of New Jersey-born, Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Sophie Ruggiero. She was raised listening to classic rock greats like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Heart, and became an avid guitar player by the age of 7. While her current sound certainly draws influence from the experimental electronic world of hyper-pop, she also imbues her songs with a tapestry of classic rock influences, like show-stopping guitar solos and driving percussive elements.
We 100% need people like SOPHIE SHREDZ filling our ears and souls with amazing music . “EYEZ ON ME “ is so electrifying that we are pretty sure it could bring traffic to a complete stop.
Sophie is redefining what it means to be a modern day pop star — she’s bold, evocative, openly queer, and a fierce advocate for female empowerment. Her music reflects her own personal and artistic growth and experiences, making it both relatable and authentic. She hopes her music will inspire others to pursue their dreams and unlock a new level of confidence within themselves.
There is something truly special about listening to a really really good record…. It is like time is paused , and all you can feel and hear is the music. Boston based Paper Tigers have offered up their extraordinary debut record “Charmer” to the universe and it’s phenomenal.
You can listen to “Charmer” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Photo credit – Tiffany Hu
It is highly appropriate that the treasure trove of wondrous rock music on “Charmer” is being released on a Tuesday. There was a time when all the great and important music was released on a Tuesday. Paper Tigers are a throwbackand their debut is both great and important.
Paper Tigers formed in Allston in 2019 and quickly weathered a global pandemic, a venue crisis in their home city, a growing national hostility to the arts and those who create it, and collective whirlwind of insanity that seems to mark each day. Charmer, and all its furious ambition, is the ultimate release for Paper Tigers, a burning exhale that follows a string of four EPs and several singles, including last year’s breakout “I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me This Sooner” (which secretly contained a snippet of the new album’s title track). -( If you are scoring at home we think containing a snippet of the new album’s title track is absolutely brilliant)
Charmer is a rock record with a pop polish, and a pop record with rock edge; the more the listener peels back each lyrical and sonic layer, tying together the band’s disparate sound that incorporate post-punk, grunge, Britpop, and American indie, the more reality’s grim nature starts to come into view.
If we’re being honest ( and trust we always are ) We are absolutely enthralled with Paper Tigers and their debut album “Charmer “ We haven’t felt this way since we first heard a certain band from Seattle in the 90’s
“We’re proud of this album,” declares PaperTigers. “With each release, we pushed ourselves both in terms of songwriting and production and this was the culmination of everything we learned about both. It represents the very best we’re capable of and we wouldn’t change a thing about it. With every song we write or piece of art we create, we just hope it connects with our audience in some special way. This LP represents our most thought-out and effortful body of work to-date. We’re hoping it elevates our fan’s perspective of the band and that they’re drawn back to it, many times.”
Repeated listens is where the elements begin to shine: The razor-sharp guitarwork and production of Bjarki Guðmundsson; the heavy, absorbing basslines of MatthewHughes; the thunderous drums and atmospheric percussion of Ben “Cutty” Cuthbert; and the sardonic vocals of Michael Medlock, a man with a street preacher urgency hellbent on warning the world both of the dangers within and an optimistic way out.
Paper Tigers are a band that is musically on a different level. Like highly skilled precision craftsmen , Paper Tigers have created an absolute masterpiece with their amazing debut album “Charmer”
From heralding the age of revolution and its dissemination through media (“Pariah”) to ‘90s grunge-era conspiracy theories (“Soft Focus”), Charmer is a lyrically confrontational album as Medlock registers and relays the world around him. As he sings in the swirling, paranoid album track “The Drugs Are Kicking In”: “Modern living made life easy / But it also made us angrier.”
“The lyrics on Charmer are both anecdotal and narrative,” the band admits. “Sometimes Michael is singing from his own perspective and other times he’s writing fiction. His lyrics orbit around love, loss, personal life experiences and his hopes for the future.”
We honestly were consumed almost immediately with this record. Intoxicating melodies mix with flawless vocals , there isn’t a bad track on “Charmer” . We found ourselves singing along almost instantly. Standouts on “Charmer” include “Sandcastle”, “Animals” and the two scorching summer singles “Wedding Cake” and “Into That Good Night”
The storylines that emerge through the calculated noise are plentiful, and remain open to listener interpretation. But one aspect of “Charmer” that was made clear from the start was the ability to convey these songs in a precise and crystalline manner, made possible in part by work done at both Paper Tigers’ home studio at Cataclysmic Records in Brighton, and with recording engineer Alex Allinson at The Bridge Sound and Stage just across the Charles River in Cambridge.
“In the past, we’ve tried to do as much as we can by ourselves,” saysPaper Tigers. “There was a time when we saw it as a way to speed up the learning curve of being a band. It would have been fun to go into a proper recording studio for the first EPs, but we needed to do all that homework and run into all the obstacles to progress as a band and songwriters. We met up with Alex Allinson at The Bridge and pitched the idea of tracking live versions of the songs in the studio, to capture drums. We ended up getting so much more than drums during that one-day session, thanks to Alex. He went above and beyond, made us feel comfortable, and was able to dial in the perfect sound in a matter of seconds. Having those great-sounding tracks from Alex made the process so much easier, and because of that, we could allocate more of our time to the creative side of production than before.”
We strongly feel that listening to music should be a memorable experience. Paper Tigers deliver a memorable musical experience with their impressive debut album “Charmer” that you won’t soon forget.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the debut studio album “DIY” from Bristol (UK ) based rock multi-instrumentalist Lucky Thief .
LUCKY THIEF is Ed Jefferson, a multi-talented artist who’s written and recorded everything you hear across the span of the album, aptly titled DIY. You can check out some behind the scenes footage below
You can listen to “DIY” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
We have had August 25th circled on our calendar as, we have been anxiously awaiting the debut studio album “DIY” from Lucky Thief and believe us when we tell you , it was well worth the wait.
Crafted over the course of three intense years, DIY, recorded at Humm Studios with Dom Mitchison (Heavy Lungs, The Manatees, Pet Shimmers), mixed by Ky Witney (The Naturals) and mastered by Pete Maher (Pixies, Jack White, The Rolling Stones), is the result of his ambition to produce an authentic album that reflects himself and what he believes in. He explores his own mental health struggles, relationships, substance abuse, and the impact of his religious upbringing throughout the album.
“DIY” is an absolute treat , Ed Jefferson has crafted an absolute gem.
“DIY” opens with the sonically pleasing track “Landlubber” , the track sets the perfect tone for a collection of outstanding songs.
“DIY” is filled with absolutely infectious grooves, one of our favorite’s is “Equator “
“Silencer” is an absolutely blazing track . We found ourselves singing along to this one well after the music stopped.
We try to always pick a favorite track when we do an album review however, with “DIY” we actually have two …. The first one is “Filthy” We can say with absolute certainty that, “Filthy” is one of the best songs we have heard all year ( So Far) “Filthy “ is a brilliantly crafted track that just flat out rocks .
The other track that we couldn’t get enough of is “Menace” sonically and melodically pleasing. We might have scared a few people grooving to this on the highway but , it was well worth it
“DIY” from Lucky Thief is what a great rock record sounds like, Do yourself a favor and check it out – you won’t regret it .