News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
burning rome is a timely and soulful success of an album from Dublin-based artist Danny Groenland. Soul legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder are amongst the album’s influences, infusing a smooth approachability within these serious topics and ensuing calls for united betterment. burning rome pairs powerfully melodic productions with lyrical calls-to-action, inspirational and poignant in their thematic emphasis. Modern music today seems lacking in quality protest music — especially in today’s turbulent political climate — so it’s refreshing to hear an outstanding example in the case of burning rome. The album title refers to the phrase “Nero fiddled while
Los Angeles-based artist Rebecca Anderson casts a dreamy, soulful entrancement on new single “In the Beginning” — resonating in its themes of spiritual connectivity. The track arose in the fall of 2024, when Anderson spent two months in solitude, with a dedication to prayer, meditation, and seeking divine inspiration. The artist describes the release as “a message of eternal love and faithfulness,” noting that the melodies and lyrics “came to me at a that time as an answer to my prayer asking God to show me who He is, not who people say He is, not who religion says He
An emotively impactful track from husband-and-wife Americana duo Eleyet McConnell, “Bed of Roses” infuses a bluesy Americana production within Angie McConnell’s powerful vocal presence and ruminations on the resilience apparent in true love. Chris McConnell’s guitar work captivates alongside, particularly in an affecting solo that rounds the three-minute turn — emitting a grippingly melodic fervency and ’70s rock nostalgia as warming organs linger underneath. “So tonight, I wanna lay down in this bed of roses,” Angie’s vocals follow up, sending chills in its more subtle instrumental backing as Chris’ spirited guitar work re-emerges thereafter. The production excels in shifting between
Western Pennsylvania-based band Noble Hops craft a stirring Americana sound on new single “Kelso Beach,” infusing twangy guitars and heartfelt organs within perspectives of life’s journey — and particularly what lies ahead. Depictions of how a “pressure is constant / it never leaves,” conveys the tumults of life, though also acknowledging how life is best experienced with quality relationships alongside. The result is a fully resonating piece of songwriting from Noble Hops, which was formed in late 2010 by Utah Burgess of Shady Lady Studio Productions and Records. A solemn, twangy guitar emanates initially, building into a warming mixture of
The self-titled debut album from Los Angeles-based project Darker Lighter captivates with a cathartic, melodic rock immersion. Songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Salar Rajabnik conveys relatable thematic focuses — emphasizing loss, heartbreak, and a quest for personal identity following tumult — amidst an array of hook-friendly rock productions. Aesthetically conjuring names like The Verve and Teenage Fanclub, the album stirs in its invigorating sound. Darker Lighter releases on May 2nd. “Hanging On” opens the album with a warming rock expanse; crisp twangs and a sturdy underlying distortion accompany an introspective lyrical drive. “Feeling like someone else, you’ll never feel the same
Dash Hammerstein infuses a duo of separate inspirations — a Kinks-esque haziness and Brat-inspired hyperpop — on new single “Growing Nowhere.” Hammerstein describes the track as amongst the most mellow productions on his new album Franklin, which takes noted inspiration from hyperpop, and Charli XCX’s album Brat especially. There’s nothing particularly hyper about “Growing Nowhere,” instead captivating in its easy-moving lush array of synths and keys. The subdued vocal presence eases in with delicate immersion, dazzling alongside twinkling keys and swelling layers as the mid-point culminates. Hints of the hyperpop infatuation shows in the rhythmic additions thereafter, concluding with a
Effervescent piano and heartrending strings propel a beautiful production in “If You’d Want,” a recent single from Tiny Dolphin, the solo project of Austin-based multi-instrumentalist Alex Fisher. Lyrical depictions of a relationship — and the tendency for partnerships to evolve, in one direction or another — complement the memorable production. “Some years ago, I’d say it’s not for me,” the introspective vocals enamor alongside the effervescent piano liners, culminating in a hooky title-referencing beckoning to “stay by my side,” during difficult times. The standout track comes via Tiny Dolphin’s Golden Sights EP, streaming below — and opened up by the
A trio of standout recent tracks from Portland, OR-based project Adult Male Blondes showcase the project’s versatility and emotional depth, moving fluidly between delicate vulnerability and spirited bursts of sonic color. Released last month, “cut” showcases Adult Male Blondes’ knack for satiating tonal evolution, seamlessly rising from quaint acoustic strums and glimpses of twinkling piano. “I’m gonna be a friend to you,” warming vocals radiate into a bouncy rhythmic backing, bolstered by warming guitar distortion past the one-minute turn. The track develops with embracing, magnetic qualities. Also compelling, “ricky” unfolds with a folk-ready appeal as sturdy acoustics and twangy guitars meld
Austin-based rockers TV Wonder conjure a breezily melodic charm on recent track “Magician of Your Suffering,” infusing magnetic key flourishes and playful guitar swipes amidst a playful vocal entrancement. Gentle water sounds and lush guitar work quickly expand into a vibrant mix, where an illuminated quality enjoyably persists amidst lyrics that depict this “magician,” — leading you to “his hidden enclave.” “To protect you, he must take your life,” the vocals continue, capturing the specter of personal suffering with introspective charm. An enamoring sound takes hold throughout, and especially in a riveting finale, where an added fervency in roaring guitars
A suavely smitten track with soulful pop, chiming folk-rock, and hints of bossa-nova in its sating production, “Summer Kind” is a new track from Silver Lake Rodeo, the latest project from Sloan Dylan Walters. Recorded in Arizona, “Summer Kind” quickly establishes its setting — “country kind of love, red hot sun,” — and the cool embrace of creek-set swimming and potential lovers’ embrace. The summer-y vibe and “burning,” depictions of ardent love move breezily within playfully lush guitars. The second half is more involved, with its bells and brassy intrigue; the track is a thoroughly inviting success from start to
A twangy, summer-set rock delight from Billy Bonbon, the artist’s self-titled track excels in its easy-going guitar drives and accompanying music video — aptly depicting good times and fun, silly jubilation in a sun-soaked city. The Cure is amongst the cited inspirations, and the initially melancholic guitar work showcases that darkened tint — while ensuing bursts of guitars and delectably lush vocals conjure a more modern shine. An especially enthusiastic vocal push arrives past the four-minute mark, weaving in seamlessly as the bouncy bass and surf-y guitar work converge wonderfully. “Billy Bonbon” is a stylish, approachable success. — This and
Artfully capturing cycles or repetition within relationships, “Cicada” is a riveting new track from Austin-based artist Leila Sunier. “Maybe I could shed more than myself,” her dreamy vocals let out amidst a calmy buzzing synth pad and glistening arpeggio, utilizing a cicada metaphor in reference to personal growth. Further depictions of a relationship in strife due to particular demands — “you want me to be good,” — and an ensuing lack of fit thoroughly consume within an art-pop enthrallment. Additional elements — like the warped effect of her grandmother’s voice and the backing sound of a rumbling bus — complement
Texas-based singer-songwriter Ocean Pleasant infuses introspective folk and melodic pop on new single “Upstream,” described as a “jaunty little tune about zombie salmon, imposter syndrome, and realizing you are the avoidant attachment problem.” Gentle guitar strums and twinkling piano arise into a genuine vocal feeling. “If I go fishing for doubt, I’ll catch ’em by the handful,” they let out, aspiring to “sleep through the night,” in pining for a tranquil sort of personal confidence — and ultimately vying to “swim upstream,” and conquer daunting prospects. The frolicking guitars, magnetic piano flourishes, and layers vocal consume throughout, resulting in a
A mysteriously inviting nocturnal soundscape envelops on “Uberchondria,” driven by chilly synths and a patiently unfolding post-punk rhythmic presence. The track comes via Peurs, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and recording artist based in Paris, France. Described as “a 1980’s cold wave synth ballad,” the release balances melancholy and optimism — ultimately presenting how “disintegration can be a path to rebuilding oneself and a realization that in a broken system the fault doesn’t necessarily lie within the individual,” per the artist. A solemn vocal presence moves in seamlessly, lamenting “losing my head,” alongside the moody synth and bass pairing. The heady lyricism
Captivating with its blend of pop-punk nostalgia and modern electronic infusions, Alienation Party is the debut full-length album from London-based band The Kanz. Thematic introspections on loneliness within our digital era provide moments of somber realization, though often set within a raucously inviting punk-friendly energy that celebrates those still championing individuality in a world of hyper-connection. The latter is evident in establishing an audible landscape wherein “extraterrestrial beings throw an out-of-this-world pool party,” playing as a metaphor for breaking free from society’s constraints and embracing one’s inner rebel. Led by the songwriting and multi-instrumental talents of Fabio Nania, The Kanz
An affecting soulful vocal performance infuses within a lush bedroom-pop production on “You,” a memorable new single from Carl Kammeyer. The California-based artist infuses heartfelt lead vocals with engaging vocal harmonies — stirring in both wordless harmonizing and snappy “you,” refrains. Mellow rhythmic pit-pattering and lush keys radiate beneath, as the lyrics exude a smitten quality in its central outpouring: “You’re the only one that I’ve found who’s caring and true.” The initial lyrical reflections compares a beloved to a bright light, guiding through a dark place. “Who lifts me up when I’m feeling bad?” Kammeyer’s vocals ask, culminating in
Madrid-based artist vesky unveils a blissful array of soundscapes on Creation, an album that deftly infuses moody keys, downtempo rhythms, and gorgeous vocal samples. The release is divinely inspired, drawn from vesky’s belief that all creation is reflective of God’s glory and mercy. The result is an album that feels beautifully appreciative of life and its myriad realms of atmospheres and emotions. Gentle piano, caressing rhythms, and distant-sounding vocal samples infuse seamlessly within “Creation,” a compelling opener that sets a rainy-day mood in its shifting between piano-set elegance and more percussive escalations. “Ruach” ensues with a haunting glow, propelled by
The latest success from MothBreath, “Freedom Machine” audibly captures the duo’s joy of cycling and appreciation for nature, all within a memorable dreamy pop expanse. Vocalist and keyboardist Kirsty Dougall embarked on a cycling journey from the UK to Japan in 2020, though the trip was cut short by the pandemic. The track’s reference to a bicycle as a “freedom machine,” emanates throughout the production with charming immersion, fully showcasing the cathartic feelings that arise from such adventures. The track unfolds with compelling momentum. “You take me there, my freedom machine,” a dreamy vocal captivation unveils, complemented by sporadic bursts
Nashville-based Diego Molina delivers an atmospheric pop emotion on new single “What’s That Light in Your Eyes?” — inspired by the artist’s first visit to Colombia, his home country. A brisk rhythmic element persists, showing a reggaeton infusion, while expressive guitar layers move seamlessly within Molina’s smooth vocal delivery and quaint synths. Citing an early ’00s influence — to U2 and Enrique Iglesias, especially — Molina thoroughly succeeds with riveting emotion and a memorable soundscape on the track. He wrote, produced, and mixed the release solely on his own in his Nashville apartment — after originally writing it in Bogotá,
A consuming new album from The Ram, I Am Nowhere, I Am Everywhere channels a blend of moody rock and reflective Americana, steeped in themes of memory and personal transformation. The songwriting of Mark “The Ram” O’Donnell combines with a fantastic production, recorded with his live band in his coastal home of Carlsbad, CA; the album reimagines bare-boned demos into fuller tracks that blend West Coast warm and East Coast memories. An enjoyably hypnotic opener, “Listen to the Cold” melds debonair guitar twangs and mellow keys within a warmly absorbing melodic drive. Descriptive lyrical emotion — capturing a certain feeling
Coventry-based quartet SENSES craft a stellar sound on new track “already part of the problem,” thematically conveying the perils of complicity within a radiant guitar-led array of atmospheric rock. Their previous single “accelerate our love” enamored with its soaring pop and shoegaze-y synergy, and senses continue to tout a textured, atmopsheric hookiness with “already part of the problem.” Production from Gavin Monaghan again dazzles in its cohesive balancing of heavy guitars with shimmering synth flourishes. A spacey synth pulse and quick vocal snippet — “you got some serious problems,” — flash quickly before thumping guitar distortion emerges. An anthemic rock
An ardent rock track from London-based band Holding Poison, “Change It All” pairs anthemic hookiness and an introspective lyrical drive — ruminating on the search for personal struggles, doubt, and finding meaning in a tumult-filled world. Fantastic production from Chris Sheldon bolsters the band’s memorable songwriting, rising seamlessly from the self-questioning verses — “I change it all to put it back,” — into the bridge’s gripping vocal switch-up and central hook’s soaring guitar/vocal intertwining. “All these thoughts and questions, are fighting me inside my mind,” dual vocal layers let out during an enveloping central hook. Expressive guitar lines radiate and
A powerfully soulful rock charm shows across The Art of Letting Go, the new album from Seattle-based project Leanne Wilkins & the Weathered. Wilkins’ riveting songwriting is on full display, inspired by various loves — like the joy of becoming a mother, and rediscovering love for piano — and also personal struggles, like the death of her younger sister and witnessing a time of societal division. The result is sincere and affecting. Two of the album’s singles caught our ears in previous months: the enjoyably moody “Alt-Reality” and grippingly introspective “Push & Pull.” The other tracks here succeed just as
Brooklyn-based artist Jeremy Aaron maneuvers clever depictions of love within a melodic folk-rock arsenal on “I can’t find a reason.” The single references smitten feelings with the literal love sick equivalent, asking “am I happy, or is this a disease?” as sporadic pulses of strings enter the mix, melding with intrigue amidst ruminating guitar tones. “No need to take my temperature, I’m burning up I know I got a fever,” Aaron’s vocals continue, culminating in a title-touting refrain — wondering if this realization of love requires an ER trip, for its feeling is so new and daunting. “I wrote the
Los Angeles-based artist Maybe Human presents a consuming sound throughout the Early Man EP, which infuses a prog-friendly rock edge with spoken-word introspections on survival during humanity’s early stages. Alongside collaborator and writer John Elkin, who has strong knowledge of modern mystical concepts in addition to his studies of ancient times, Early Man marks a thoroughly engrossing success from Maybe Human. Opening the album, “The Land He Knows” showcases the project’s aesthetical intrigue right away. Spoken-word depictions of “running as fast as he can,” in reference to early humanity invokes the struggle of survival. Glistening guitars and steady rhythms infuse
A collaborative album from pianist Sam Miller and drummer Matt Badger, Shiprock enamors with a variety of gripping soundscapes. The all-instrumental album impresses in its eclectic tonal range, from serene and airy piano-led dreaminess to brisk jazz-inclined rhythmic intensity. The duo first collaborated via an impromptu jam session in 2010. Now, 15 years later, Shiprock finds them putting forth a strong atmospheric mystique and impressive musicianship throughout the release, which is out via Jenny Invert Records. A climactic brightness emanates on opening track “Voyage,” where lush piano and jazzy percussive momentum meld with cohesive immersion. The enveloping “Horizon Bound” comes
Pittsburgh-based band XDB invigorates with a charismatic rock nostalgia on new single “When the Love Is Gone,” conjuring an anthemic ’80s appeal. Robert Kane, the track’s songwriter, notes taking inspiration from TNT’s album My Religion and Tony Harnell’s Starbreaker project. “I wanted to write something that was guitar-driven but also had keys in it—especially in the intro,” he explains. Adds guitarist Xander Demos: “We perform it in Drop-D, which gives it a cool mix between TNT and Savatage.” Themes of yearning and lost love provide an emotive edge within an approachable, hooky rock vigor. Kane’s intent to infuse keys and
Chicago-based project Attack the Sound dazzles with a soulful pop captivation on new single “Wake Up Call,” balancing lyrical introspection and hooky spiritedness. Led by Davo Sounds, who is also an army veteran and fireman, Attack the Sound succeeds with a fusing of soul, R&B, pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, and beyond. “Wake Up Call” is described as “a cry, a confession, and a call for empathy in a world that often overlooks the quietest screams.” As Davo explains: “This one came from the darkest corner of my mind. But it’s also about climbing out of that space. Music saved me
An enveloping hip-hop album from Callum Ford, Slow Progress melds intoxicating beats and vocal precision within themes representing adulthood’s challenges. Based in Southend-on-Sea, England, Ford embraced a DIY approach for the album’s creative process, which spanned three years in the making. He collaborated with producer and multi-instrumentalist Filip Przybyla, with the duo working in a home-based studio and embracing a spontaneous creative output — where many tracks first arose as freestyles. “We wanted to take our time, enjoy the process, and make something that felt real,” Ford explains. Opening track “Do It Like This” consumes in its steady momentum —
Channeling both Hawaiian lushness and a bluesy acknowledgement of escaping personal strife, “Slack Key Blues” is a memorable new track from Slack Key ‘Ohana and Rand Anderson. The harmonious, serenely magnetic vocals of Hawaiian native Kela Sako complements the grooving guitars and fluttering ukulele work, resulting in a wholly endearing production. The track’s creative process arose after Anderson, a lap steel guitar player, overheard a visitor to Hawaii complaining about the island’s sights — affirming that Hawaii isn’t always for everyone. Brian Witkin wrote the music on the track, while Anderson contributed the lyrics. Swaying guitar twangs immediately conjure an
A melodic exploration of vices, Seven Deadly Sins is a new album from Chicago-based artist Joseph Schwartz. An approachable alt-rock production, made in collaboration with Udio, bolsters these eight tracks — with each one depicting a character who embodies each sin without remorse. “Each song exposes the dangers of a particular sin through the singer, who embodies the sin, but does not see it as wrong or bad,” Schwartz explains. Opening track “Sloth” conjures a jangle-pop nostalgia, hearkening a ’90s commercial alternative appeal as lyrical yearning to “find my way,” resonates. Twinkling guitar twangs build further into the descriptive setting
Dazzling in its array of dreamy meditations and hypnotic rhythmic undercurrents, A Space Between is an enthralling new album from The Numb Project. The Portland, Oregon-based alias of producer Chris Calarco caught our ears last year with the grippingly atmospheric album Transmissions from a Troubled Radio, and A Space Between continues to showcase Calarco’s penchant for captivating soundscapes. A Space Between succeeds with both lush synth-led entrancement and warming percussion, which melds hip-hop, downtempo, and dub-inspired trip-hop with cohesive allure. “A Monkst” opens the album with glimmering synth intrigue, which moves seamlessly amidst a calming bass pulse and head-nodding percussion.
A lovely track out today from Found Instruments, “Memory Shift” crafts a hypnotic folk immersion amidst introspections on memory’s fluidity and the role of life experiences in altering past perceptions. The project represents the work of singer-songwriter Jack Joseph Titcombe, based in Walton-on-Thames, England. “Memory Shift” marks a new phase for Found Instruments, embracing real drums and a nostalgic ’60s warmness, compared to past use of drum machines and synths. The result is wholly memorable. Lush acoustic strums, sporadic doses of keys, and a warming bass pulse envelop into a contemplative vocal emergence: “thinking about where do we go from
London-based band Sunrise in Jupiter craft an impassioned, replay-tempting rock energy on “Take Me Home.” The memorable track represents the second single from their upcoming album, Mission to Mars Vol. 1. “Take Me Home” reflects a thematic concept, depicting an astronaut as they near the end of their space-set journey — also conveying a strong yearning for home. The track closes out the first volume of Mission to Mars Vol. 1, a double-album that seems poised to succeed in its overall conceptual narrative and melodic immediacy. “Take me on this journey from the start,” vocals beckon initially amidst radiant guitar
Los Angeles-based artist Eric Schroeder consumes with a balance of hooky immediacy and vulnerable introspection across Cat’s Game, an album that enthralls in its depictions of loneliness, lost love, and feelings beyond. Released via Enabler No. 6 Records, Cat’s Game unveils a cathartic sense of overall relief — finding embrace in navigating these various emotions. Complementing these heartfelt themes is a cast of excellent musicians. Joining Schroder are Matt Scheussler on bass, Jake Richter on drums, Aidan Finn on keys — while the standout production comes from Rob Schnapf (Kurt Vile, Elliot Smith, Beck, X, etc). Opening the album, “High
Los Angeles-based act Jangus Kangus compel with a hooky, momentum-filled rock appeal on new album Fortune Cookie. Lead songwriter Jasmine Sankaran shows an eclectic tonal range — from the country-laden twangs of “You Only Love Me When” to the nostalgic starry-eyed appeal of “Goldilocks.” The impressive band is also propelled by the talents of Steph Anderson (keys/backing vocals), Antonio White (lead guitar/backing vocals), Dan Perdomo (drums), and Ryan Kellis (bass). A caressingly melodic charm shows right away on “You Only Love Me When,” emitting a jangly pop charm amidst lyrical “I just wanna make you mine,” yearning. Depictions of complex
An elegantly introspective folk sound stirs on “When It Gets Dark,” a track from San Francisco-based artist E.G. Phillips. Cinematic-feeling string arrangements complement solemn piano lines and trickling guitars, bolstering an enveloping sound alongside Phillips’ steady vocal unveiling. Classical and jazz influences seem to intertwine cohesively within the memorable folk production. The track plays as an ode to react content — a genre of modern media where one posts footage of themselves witnessing something for the first time, often in the form of film, TV, or music. “There is an element of nostalgia to it plus the vicarious thrill of
A harmonious psych-rock appeal lingers throughout “Show Me,” a new track from Austin-based band Personality Contest that succeeds in melding psychedelia with a Beach Boys-inspired soaring pop component. The “show me,” vocal beckoning ventures seamlessly into twangy guitar delights past the mid-point, embracing the psychedelic spectrum with the heavier guitar tones and textured production, while the radiant vocals enamor with a power-pop radiance. “Someday your light will fade away and you will be alone,” they let out at one point, moving cohesively into crunchier guitar pulses and mingling vocal layers. A sweltering guitar solo dazzles as the final minute approaches.
Nashville-based songwriter and producer ELROD showcases a melodic rock appeal on “Staring At The Sun,” which intertwines the metaphor of staring into an eclipse — without protective glasses — with the break-up of a relationship. “I didn’t have any protective glasses but I just HAD to see it,” ELROD says of the solar eclipse last year. “My ex thought it was really funny that I needed to see it that bad that I would risk my vision. Post breakup, it turned into a metaphor of sorts where I was “blinded” by factors in my life contributing to the decline of