top of page
Salem's Psychedelic Atmosphere
Salem
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
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
New Music Spotlight
The United States of Selfishness Review
The United States of Selfishness by RUSTY REID doesn’t feel like an anti-American song. It seems like the anger directed at quasi-fascist politics, if anything, is present because of the lost potential of a culture that could help, share, and guide people far better. Sponsored The track has this aching melancholy that matches the lost opportunity created by this soaring electric guitar lead. This sound contrasts a more classic guitar part that brings the song to its roots th
2 min read
Mylo Forever Review
Redeemerz’ Mylo Forever is a dream pop album showcasing his deep passion and understanding of the genre and the creation of music. It exudes charisma from start to finish. Through the album’s highs and lows, Redeemz’s personality comes through in the subtleties of the instrumentation, as well as the vocal performance. So much is said without words. I think the lack of lyrics helps some tracks feel universal, connecting to people on an emotional level beyond language. Sponso
2 min read
My Rolex Is Better Than Yours Review
My Rolex Is Better Than Yours by BLINDNESS & LIGHT is an experimental alternative pop-rock banger with psychedelic elements that define modern consumerist culture through a single interaction. Through an argument over which luxury watch is better, we see a microcosm of our brand-defined culture that values how much money you can generate over anything else. Sponsored The song opens with this sharp and discordant sting. It creates a sense of fear by producing a sound that fee
2 min read
Our Love Is Music Review
Our Love Is Music by THE SCREAMING POPE is a collection of electronic tracks that ebb and flow in energy while also providing a cohesive sonic journey. The album has a balance between vocals and electronic instrumentals. Sponsored In the first track, Our Love Is Music, the delivery comes in quite late, allowing time for the instrumental to build up this brilliant rhythm and guitar melody. Later, when the vocals come in, they feel like they build on an already established s
2 min read
Something New Review
Something New by d'Z is an extravagant and confident anthem about reinventing yourself. Charisma oozes from this one in every aspect. It has a cohesive delivery that combines the vocals, instrumentals, and themes into one rich musical texture. Sponsored The use of brass throughout the whole track is a highlight. Right from the opening, the brass provides a shiny timbre and uplifting sonic energy that explores the tone, outlining the melody. They almost work as an introducti
2 min read
Christmas and You Review
Christmas and You by VICTOR V. GURBO is a heart-wrenching ballad about losing everything at Christmas time. There is a reason why lots of different faiths have a winter holiday. The cold is biting and the days are short. Faith and love fortify people. Those connections make people less vulnerable to the outside world. Christmas and You explore a story of losing those connections, making someone numb to the holiday season. The song has a purity and candour that makes it feel
2 min read
21 Review
21 by MATILDA PRATT is an introspective anthem, defined by the bizarre mix of confidence and uncertainty that is a part of growing up. 21 achieves this with a stellar combination of indie pop and soft rock. Sponsored I love the thematic link of having a younger version of yourself sitting in the car with you. I think there is a purity to a child’s dreams. When Pratt says she wants to make her younger self proud, it suggests that she is pursuing the life that she truly wants
2 min read
Free Review
Free by GOODNIGHT SUZIE is an ethereal song with a cinematic awe that elevates it beyond the sum of its parts. I’m impressed by the overall cohesion between the parts and the charisma of its performance. Sponsored The track utilises several layers of strings as well as a rhythmic guitar part. These aspects have a wonderful interplay where the guitar underscores the high notes of the strings, providing them with a more full sound while also grounding them in the rhythmic st
2 min read
Art Therapy, Pt. 3 Review
Art Therapy, Pt. 3 by VIDPOET is a hip-hop adventure highlighting dexterous lyricism, silky smooth flows, and a variety of sonic influences. Sponsored The EP opens with Microwave Burrito, a track that immediately hits with a lyrical onslaught that switches between the narrative and stylised flow. I like how down-to-earth and personal the narrative feels. It goes through parts of the protagonist's daily routine like taking his daughter to the movies. With references to Golde
2 min read
Hollywood Blvd. Review
Hollywood Blvd. by Love Ghost and Go Golden Junk is an exploration of the ups and downs of living in the overstimulated world of Hollywood. Ghostie covers the contrast between the party lifestyle and the loneliness that manifests when finding success in the centre of the entertainment world. Sponsored Playing off the traditional conventions of punk and emo rock, the song challenges the carefree attitudes of the genre with lyrics about passing out drunk and feeling lonely a
2 min read
Sandy Beaches Review
Gary DRANOW is not an artist to shy away from tough subjects in his music. This rings true in his latest release, Sandy Beaches . The track covers the complex relationship a troubled veteran has with the war he fought in, as well as the civilian life he returned to. Sponsored DRANOW addresses the topic through his classic rock lens. The two main guitar parts interact with each other as the track goes on. One has depth, power, and crunchy grit which adds edge to the timbre of
2 min read
In My Dreams Review
In My Dreams by Marc and Coke Beats tells a poignant love story that feels equal parts personal and universal to the human experience. The track portrays that narrative through a synth-pop anthem, with a heavy influence from the house genre that makes you want to nod your head. It nicely balances the storytelling aspects with the melodic needs of the song, managing to explore a compelling narrative without compromising the sonic landscape. Sponsored The line “I’ve been wai
2 min read
bottom of page