Salem by MATT TARKA is an evocative and genre-fluid listening experience, capturing the ease of indie rock while exploring the psychedelic influences of artists like The Velvet Underground. Standing on the shoulders of musical giants, they still put their own spin on the tonal palette. The acoustic guitar feels like a guiding light, defining the sound while also introducing us to a rhythmic component. It lays the foundation for the track and allows the other melodic aspects t

Sinking/Floating MAIJAH is an alternative pop power pairing that works like strawberries and cream, delving into the duality of the human experience. As we go through change there are these moments of extreme highs and lows and sometimes the only difference between these states is the way we feel, as opposed to anything external. The nice thing about the poetic way the tracks are written is that they become deeply personal to MAIJAH while also being universal to many people’s

A Different Kind by Social Gravy does the impossible by creating a project that delivers on a deep, emotionally resonant meaning while also having a catchy tune that appeals as much on the first listen as it does on the thirty first. If anything, this project ages like fine wine. Different tones and texture become obvious on subsequent listens, allowing the listener to immerse themselves deeper into the world of the project. Sponsored Instead of following a traditional struct

Overwhelmingly Positive by That Darn Racket is a beautiful project about life in 2025. It takes a snapshot of this era of life, instead of describing the realities of life as they are, That Darn Racket explores the narrative around modernity and captures that uncertainty through constantly evolving tumultuous relationships. Tracks like A Mile Away utilise crashing drums and a confident vocal performance to express the emotional core of the project. They ebb and flow with the

Silent Spike by Ken Woods and The Old Blue Gang is a conceptual album exploring the building of the transatlantic railroad in America. What is often forgotten during that period is that a significant portion of the production was done by underpaid Chinese labourers. Despite their hard work and contribution to the railroad in horrible conditions, there was still a serious anti-Asian sentiment in the states. Sponsored This project feels like a mixture of exposing the darker sid

Noise Against Tyranny by CALLING ALL ASTRONAUTS is a bold, political, gothic project with intense themes and a sense of conviction that elevates it beyond the sum of its parts. The first track gives a glimpse into the deep narrative core of the album with a take on religion and its dominance in so many lives. “Pray For Your Soul” recontextualises the positive, guiding light of religion into this tool that is often used to breed uncertainty and division in people’s lives. Spon

Just With You by Chandra is a beautiful alt rock track with some pop influences, exploring the little moments that make up our memories of a special someone. It sort of feels like these glimpses of moments with this mist of melancholic joy for the times they’ve shared. The track has a tight and confident sonic palette, reminding me a little of musical theatre. It’s clear the vocals sit at the top of the tapestry, drawing the attention of the listener to the storyline but also

No More Ops by JU BLICK is a track full of contrast, it is an exploration of dominance while also being a song about celebrating success. This mixture also feels like it is present in the track’s melodic core with a mixture between rapping and singing present in its style. JU BLICK excels at both, working in his signature smooth flows in the rapping component of the track before changing up the song’s sound with a charismatic and emotive vocal performance. Sponsored The artis

Nothin' But Moonlight by DAVID ALEX-BARTON exudes pure emotion from beginning to end. Exploring the story of the one that got away, the track pushes into the corners of our mind, to that relationship or fling that we can’t quite forget. This sense of truly allowing yourself to think about the experiences and emotions that could have been felt perfectly explored throughout the track. Sponsored Although this song is deeply personal in its execution, it’s candid honesty makes it

Liquid Reality by ANUPAM SHOBHAKAR is an innovative project combining western and eastern influences to create a sound wholly of its own. This project is as avant garde as it is traditional, walking that fine line of respecting their history and moving it forward to a new audience. ANUPAM SHOBHAKAR has combined traditional Indian music with modern electric guitar. The opening track introduces us to the artist's sound with a bang. The traditional sound it draws from has a clea

A Story by RICHARD GREEN is an introspective, new age track with some jazz influences that makes its sound feel unique. The track transcends traditional structure for a more flowing sound that evolves as you listen. The key dynamic feels like the relationship between the violin and the piano. Instead of simply feeling like two different composition techniques they feel like two entirely different characters and personalities, dancing as they interact with one another. It is t

My Alma Latina by MICHELLAR is an excellent example of Latin pop with an alternative, enigmatic core that differentiates it from other projects in the genre. Latin pop has plenty of projects with bold sonic landscapes and intense power but My Alma Latina uses a more subtle emotional tone and conveys itself not just through the sounds it uses but also by the sounds it chooses not use. There is an inherent understanding of negative space in this project. It feels like MICHELLAR

Burned Romances by CS HELLMANN is a dark wave post punk extravaganza hailing from Nashville. The track is as enigmatic as it is powerful. It feels like by holding back the emotion and narrative at the core of the piece's DNA, HELLMANN amplifies its power. The track ebbs and flows between the verses and the choruses, opting for a more optimistic and emotionally connected tone in the choruses and contrasting that with this languid miasma of darkness in the verses. The vocals ha

Broken Love song RICH ALLEN explores the concepts of love, loss, jealousy, and insecurity through an alt folk landscape with some definite indie influences spicing up its sound. This track’s depth is impressive and the vocals stun from the opening. Instead of aiming for pitch perfect vocals, ALLEN emphasises emotion and honesty. The genuine nature of the track shines brighter than any technique. It reminds me a little of Leonard Cohen with this sort of sing-speaking style it

Bonfire by DANIEL BOHN is a confident and passionate project with emotion at its core and a heavy metal soundscape to back it up. The interesting thing about the timbre of this track is the mix between the guitar and the drums. Unlike many tracks where the guitar takes centre stage from beginning to end, this track shares that responsibility between the vocals, guitar, and drums. Sponsored There are points in the composition where the purpose of the guitar and the drums feels

Fires Of The Blue Moon by MEDIVH is an intense and cinematic experience, utilising an alt rock, grunge soundscape to paint this picture of passion and confidence from beginning to end. The track ebbs and flows with tone and energy while also having a consistency of vision that connects and unites its sonic evolutions. The first aspect that stood out to me was the excellent use of harmonies. The lead vocal has a gravelly confidence and charisma that connects each layer togethe

I Found A Monster by SETH SCHAEFFER is a deep and grungey dark pop project with heavy rock influences that define its unique sound. The track conveys a level of power which is hard to come across in modern music. I’m thoroughly impressed with its confidence and commitment to its tone, as well as its style. Despite the weight of the title, this is an inherently positive track, about breaking beyond the expectations of others and finding your own identity. The track is all abou

Das Geisterschiff by NORDSTAHL is an alt rock track with some heavy gothic influences that help to differentiate its soundscape from other tracks in the genre and paint narrative pictures with the track’s melodic style. The song is epic and incredibly cinematic. It truly captures the feeling of approaching a haunted ghost ship full of fury, venom, and mystery. Inherently, it is this sense of uncertainty that makes the track as enthralling as it is. You always get the sense th

Remember Me. Theme by GATIS is a track that refuses to be categorised, dancing between classical, cinematic, and experimental, the track carves out its own sound which is especially hard to do in this saturated music market. The track explores ideas, concepts, and themes that are deeply personal to GATIS but because of the way they are explored, they allow each concept to come across in a way which applies universally. Sponsored This mix is a hard line to strike but GATIS e

Spirit Box by LOVE GHOST is an ethereal and bold rock banger with a slow build and an enigmatic core. The track opens with this slow piano part that develops the track’s sound without distracting with bold and energetic delivery from the beginning. The fact the track is still enthralling at this early stage of its sonic journey shows that the inherent core narrative and melodic building blocks that make it up are beautiful. Sponsored The slow start also allows the vocals to m

No Mercy by BLOODLIN3 describes itself as a hip hop project but there are so many different layers to it that it almost transcends the genre into some miasma of gothic hop hop and rock. Its sonic influences are so varied and deep it truly feels like a unique sound that stands on its own. With that being said, there is clearly a lot of respect for the hip hop genre from the flow and cadence of the lyrics from track to track. Sponsored They feel effortless yet meticulously craf

Aunque sea por una noche by MICHELLAR is a beautiful and deeply personal track about how a single night of passion and love can change your outlook on life. These fleeting moments are that much more important because of how quickly they pass. It feels like MICHELLAR is looking back on these moments with a sense of rose tinted spectacles throughout the track. Sponsored The sparkles and embellishments added throughout the mix hint at the magic at the core of the track’s narrati

Hey Hey Hate! By ENERGY WHORES is an incredible mix of joyous dance fun and an intelligent, cutting, and acerbic take on the division inherent in modern politics and life. There is a long and storied lineage of tracks with a positive sound and a serious, cerebral message behind it. Sponsored Songs like Hey Ya and Pumped up Kicks spring to mind. Although the concepts explored in Hey Hey Hate! are not necessarily as dark, they do express serious themes without compromising the

The Dinosaur's Skin establishes their developing tone with this brilliant new alternative dream pop track. Full of sunbleached melancholy, this nostalgic banger walks the line beautifully between happy and sad. The Dinosaur's Skin’s signature mellow vocals are on display throughout, going from strength to strength, stretching and moulding the lyrics to fit within their lethargic but deeply emotionally potent style. The track bounces tonally between two major melodic devices.

WillB’s remix of Frank Ocean’s Novacane captures the ephemeral, drugged-out confidence of the original while taking the narrative to the next level. It feels as though the remix amplifies the emotions of the original by putting the vibe of the song in its natural context, the club. Sponsored The track opens with a powerful drum rhythm that immediately captures attention. The subtle synths hint at the track to come but as a fan of Frank myself, I probably would not have realis

Strange Bird by WITTMAR is a bold melodic journey intertwining folk and country styling with a universal emotional core. Every track conveys this sense of awe through a generous sonic tapestry. It paints this vivid and diverse picture that changes from track to track. The opening track, Drops of Rain, exemplifies this unique sonic tapestry that drew me into the album. It utilises this bold and dramatic country styling mixed with layers of vocals to build up to a moment of ten

In the Dark by ALEX MCARTOR is a powerful rock-pop anthem about finding the importance of valuing yourself, especially after a relationship ends. Lead by ALEX MCARTOR’s vocals, the track swings between rock and alternative pop with a mix of hard and soft timbre. Sponsored It has hints of The Shave Experiment by Q and Glow by Alice Phoebe Lou. The hiss of the drums is a defining factor of this track that relates it to these other liminal records. There is something about the d

Call It by SUNSET SALORE is an exploration of leaving a relationship, not warranted by one huge incident, but by small incidents stacking on top of one another, until it feels like there’s no coming back from the resentment that has been built. The phrase call it feels like a cold and emotionally disconnected way to end a relationship and the track feels like a journey to discover what created that dynamic - what severed the connection. Sponsored Right from the opening, the g

Impress You by KENT DUSTIN is an indie rock track with heavy-rock elements. These roots contribute to its hyper-confident yet emotionally resonant sound. The track is about the pursuit of a beautiful woman's attention. This subject matter is a complex theme to get across in a hyper-confident way because it acknowledges a sense of vulnerability and a need for her affection. Sponsored KENT DUSTIN walks that line perfectly by accepting his need for her attention while deliverin

Tear Gas by SJS is an intense and bold alternative rock track with some jazz influences that elevate it beyond the sum of its parts. The track has a raw and candid sound, led by vocal harmonies that flesh out the melody from beginning to end. Sponsored They provide a sense of unity to this apocalyptic soundscape. There is a feeling of connection in the weight of the melancholic composition. This is drawn out by the voices, exploring the melody in unison. Later in the track th

Daydreaming Music Fiend by BRENDAN FORREST is an exploration of the bluegrass, Americana sound from an artist with an eclectic and diverse musical background. Forrest has worked with a variety of genres and soundscapes from experimenting with bagpipes as a child to producing hip-hop as an adult. The single through line in all of FORREST’s works is his love for music. You get a sense of FORREST’s genuine joy in exploring a new sound. Throughout the album, there is a feeling of

LIE by JULIA KLOT is a beautiful mix of pop and funk that sways back and forth between the two genres as it continues. The track revolves around the theme of being approached by a guy at a bar who just can’t take the hint that you’re not interested. The theme is handled with an off-handed, rye wit that empowers the vocalist and the person being approached in this situation. KLOT mentioned that she wanted the track to be a reminder that bars are places to have fun with friends

Let's Party by KARSON CITY REBELS is a fun and light-hearted rock tune, perfect to pick up the energy as summer turns to autumn. Here, in the UK the rainy days are eased by this energetic rock anthem inspiring unity, fun, and joy. In that environment, the track hits like a shot of espresso. Sponsored The song explores the different aspects of enjoying a party, connecting with small textural experiences like filling up a plastic cup to huge themes like finding new friends all

Fable by MIKHAIL DAKEN is an enigmatic and dark alt-rock, dark wave track that matches its energy beautifully with an intense music video that emphasises the key themes that make this piece so special. The sound DAKEN captures from beginning to end with this one is a tone of seething, dark power. The guitar layers are the first aspect to lean into that tone. Sponsored They bond and intertwine creating this ever-changing tapestry of sound that bends and shifts whenever you thi

Tear Gas by SJS is a captivating track from A Sequence Of Mistakes. The project brings on new musical influences to the group including an excellent vocal performance courtesy of Kirsty Forster and a jazz piano performance from Richard Naisbett. These two musicians add a significant element to the sound of Tear Gas. I first want to highlight how the group shifted their sound to incorporate and elevate these new creatives. Forster’s vocals cut through the melody like a knife a

Fill Your Boots (More Life) by EINSAM is an enigmatic and powerful Alt Rock track with a heavy psychedelic leaning that gives it a unique vibe. Reminding me a little of Kraftwerk, the track had this robotic, rigid structural tone that allows for a wonderful sense of contrast with the chaotic psychedelic energy that defines the ebb and flow of its sound. The vocals have a repetitive and stoic delivery which lends them a robotic tone. This feels counterintuitive, going against

Remember by ROBBARTI Is an indie, alt-pop track that uses harmonies beautifully to create a psychedelic and unique tone that stands as a cut above its contemporaries in the indie-pop genre. The track has an overall tone of reminiscing, the vocalist is reaching out to their muse, asking them to remember these important moments throughout their relationship, from the music feeling like fire to moments where things begin to fade. There is a subtle desperation in the repetition o

The Void by THE TIDAL WATER is an alt-rock experience with a variety of tonal influences that define its sound. The track has a retro timbre with some bluegrass influences. This is an unexpected tonal switch considering it is Scandinavian based. There is a deep respect for a vintage American sound that has contributed to The Void. Sponsored The narrative of The Void feels like this enigmatic interpretation of this all-consuming void, sucking in light and detail. It feels lik

You Got Me Open (The Club Pop mixes) by RONNUE captures the flair and joy of the original track while infusing it with a steezy energy worthy of the title of Club Pop Remix. The first aspect which stood out to me was the booming bass. The original has a subtle hiss of a rhythm section so the bass was an immediate change. It adds a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm to the track overall, providing us with the foundations for the melody to dance around. Sponsored I love the

You Got Me Mixed Up With That Bottle by SANDY KING is an alternative take on the classic country trope of hard liquor and enigmatic fun. The track has a blues, alt-country vibe that comes into its own towards the choruses. The track’s take on whiskey dulling the senses and dampening the spirit is also a metaphor for the way that a relationship can drain you. King explores this concept by talking directly to someone approaching her. Sponsored She explains with a subtle venom a

If You See Her by JACRE is a beautiful, pure expression of emotional vulnerability explored through layers of narrative and sonic storytelling. JACRE presents this beautiful track through mostly vocals and piano work. The vocals were initially what drew me to the song. They guide the listener through the narrative by providing the emotional through line to add context to the lyrics. Sponsored For example, there are moments where the vocalist says that he doesn’t need his muse

On the Move Remix by ADIK ANGEL captures an addictive rhythmic energy that defines its sound as unique and electric. With roots in electronic disco and a vintage eighties-inspired sound, this track combines its influences to create a tune that suits the dancefloor as well as it does a long road trip. Sponsored The sampling is the first thing that stood out to me over the course of the song. Starting with these ethereal trills that contrast the depth of the rhythm, the vocals

SJS is a band that spans the UK and Australia. This global group of creatives is united by musical intention. The group has given us three brilliant projects displaying their open-minded, genre-bending sensibilities that grow from their confident prog-rock roots. I sat down to talk to Stawman, the band's frontman, about their latest release, A Sequence Of Mistakes. I was particularly interested in Tear Gas, an enigmatic single from A Sequence Of Mistakes. Sponsored Stawman ha

Girl Code by EDIE YVONNE is a grungey alt-rock pop track with some vintage influences, harkening back to the stylish distorted haze of the nineties. This stylistic choice is impressive, coming from such a young artist. YVONNE captures that early 2000s flair while only being fifteen and never having experienced it herself. The vocal execution has a subtle, could-care-less attitude that disguises the meticulously crafted delivery and leans into that vintage alt-rock pop angle.

A Little Life by MUMBO is an alt-rock experience with some ethereal, psychedelic influences that give the piece a unique timbre to match its perspective. A Little Life covers the themes of retrospection, looking at the missed opportunities that present themselves while scrutinizing life. The track has a contrasting tone of peace and tension. This tension makes itself apparent in the vocal delivery and melodic execution. It is almost like the piece cannot decide whether to acc

My Own Superhero by ALLI BROWN is an inspirational folk-pop track about looking after yourself in the darkest times. It is about self-reliance and self-love, acknowledging the work of keeping yourself above water. There is an inherent confidence that BROWN conveys through the theme of being your superhero. This self-reliance allows her to rely on herself to catch her if she falls. This trait of being able to put her faith in her ability gives her a contagious confidence that

ICNCLST/ by MORTAL PROPHETS is an alt-rock experience with a cathartic emotional evolution that leads its sound from beginning to end. The EP opens with Flowers For You. This song immediately introduces you to ICNCLST/'s sound with its enigmatic, subtle vocal delivery and heavy, crunchy guitar performance. These two aspects are at odds. The subtlety of the vocals, combined with the weight of the guitar, creates a dramatic tension that elevates the work overall and prepares

We Shall Not Be Moved by PHAT PROBLEM has a traditional punk sound and modern themes. It stands out because of its bold dedication to its sonic roots. The track opens with this crunchy guitar sound and rolling drums, immediately setting the tone and building the energy. This opening introduces us to PHAT PROBLEM’s punk influences. The distortion on the guitar is industrial and bold, giving the track a confident and unapologetic energy that permeates through the song. Sponsor

Forget What I Said by THE SLEEPING CLIFFS feels like a reinterpretation of every convention in the alt-rock genre, giving it a unique sound that stands alone amongst its contemporaries. They utilise traditional alt-rock instrumentation but transform it with an unconventional rhythm and layers of effects. It gives the song an edge and a fresh timbre to match its liminal tonal core. Sponsored Distortion is a key theme throughout the piece. On the guitars and drums, this his

National Boyfriend Day by ARDEN ALEXA is a poppy and fun take on looking at an ex, with a tongue-in-cheek venom that sways between delving into a relationship and reminding the listener not to take life too seriously. The track opens with a crackly guitar sound. It has a light distortion on it. This sonic choice gives the track a sense of nostalgia. It harkens back to the earlier days of the relationship. Sponsored This sound also allows the melody to become established with