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Salem's Psychedelic Atmosphere
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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
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
New Music Spotlight
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WillB’s Novacane Amplifies The Vibe of Frank Ocean’s Original Track
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 rea
2 min read
Strange Bird Exemplifies the Power of Not Fitting In
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 t
2 min read
In the Dark is a Liminal Rock Pop Experience
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 t
2 min read
Call It Review
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
2 min read
Impress You Review
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 deliver
2 min read
Tear Gas is a Melancholic Exploration of Disconnection Through Harmony
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
2 min read
Daydreaming Music Fiend Is Exploration of Americana from a Diverse and Creative Musical Mind
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 o
2 min read
Lie is a Upbeat Mix of Pop and Jazz
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 frien
2 min read
Let’s Party is The Song We Need Right Now
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 a
2 min read
Fable Is an Enigmatic, Darkwave Experience
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 t
2 min read
Tear Gas By SJS is a Masterclass in Collaboration
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
2 min read
Fill Your Boots Captures Life’s Ebb and Flow
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 agains
2 min read
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