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Listen: Uncanny Valet - "Nonlin" -- Obscure Sound
A dynamic, atmospheric electronic success from Uncanny Valet, “Nonlin” navigates through both neon-lit dreaminess and effervescent passion. The track marks another success from the New York-based music project of writer, publisher, and musician David Byron Queen. Last year’s debut album Silo firmly caught our ears with its gripping soundscapes and quality songwriting/production, and “Nonlin” continues the quality. The second single from Uncanny Valet’s upcoming album Almost Island, out on March 14th, “Nonlin” builds with a climactic artfulness. Concise synth stabs, spacey tones, and wordless vocal effects build beautifully across a patiently unfolding first half. Spritzy synth swells excite thereafter, settling
Listen: Honestus - "What's It For?" -- Obscure Sound
A melodic melding of psych-rock, sophisti-pop, and bossa-nova rhythms captivates across “What’s It For?” — a track from Honestus. A repeating vocal pleading — “I want you to tell me what it’s for…” — moves seamlessly alongside the expanding instrumentation. The “wake up in the nighttime,” refrain is especially magnetic, as the mid-point swells from a quaint bossa-nova lushness into more bursting rock charisma. “What’s It For?” is a thoroughly consuming success from Honestus, originally from Warner Robins, GA, before moving to Marietta, GA in 2019. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating
Listen: Laura Dawn - "The Girls in the Movies" -- Obscure Sound
“The Girls in the Movies” is an affecting new track from Seattle-based singer/songwriter Laura Dawn. “I’m in hell when I’m without you,” an emotive vocal yearning exudes, set amidst moody acoustic strums, steady percussion, and lush piano interweaving. The initial portrayals of isolation combine with depictions of self-destruction, inspired by the media’s tendency to romanticize reckless lifestyles. “I wrote this for all my dead friends and how the lifestyle we use to idolize ended up killing some of us,” Laura Dawn explains. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’
Listen: dr.rift - "Like a Charm" -- Obscure Sound
“Like a Charm” is a stirring new single from dr.rift, the project of Winnipeg-based artist Kyle Halldorson. A psych-friendly pop sound enamors, propelled by a funk-tinged rhythmic backbone and doses of distorted playfulness. The vocals exude a charismatic replay-ability within as well, impressing especially at moments like the one-minute turn — where a soulful, lushly melodic introspection arrives seamlessly following a more debonair wavering. The hook envelops with an even more fervent display a minute thereafter, beckoning “save me a little for later,” with soaring invigoration. “Like a Charm” is a delectably evolving success from dr.rift. — This and other
Album: Tyson Dickert - 'Beneath the Stars, We Dream of Tomorrow's Sun'
A captivating instrumental rock sound flows throughout Beneath the Stars, We Dream of Tomorrow’s Sun, a recent album from Michigan-based artist Tyson Dickert. From the hazy piano-touched introspection of “Endless Summer” to the ardent rock invigoration within “Children of the Moon,” the album immerses with a dynamic tonal range and consistently excellent guitar work. Post-rock and prog influences complement a sound steeped in cinematic-forward soundscapes, often unveiling an ardent vein of rock though not without moments of lush beauty. “When the Stars Seem Close Enough to Touch” opens the album with a balanced tonal captivation. Dreamy jangles and soaring guitar
New Album: Freidrich$ - 'Demo(n)s' -- Obscure Sound
Unleashing an emotively captivating blend of infectious trap and atmospheric pop, Demo(n)s is a memorable new album from Freidrich$. Also featuring the sharp production of Zephyr, Demo(n)s succeeds with a sound that immerses across both serenely hooky yearning like “Real Bollywood” to livelier rhythmic entrancement within efforts like “Joey Ramone.” Opening the album, “Real Bollywood” stirs with a lushly atmospheric sense of yearning. “But who am I, a child of the sun or a child of Saturn?” a vocal introspection exudes, as trickling instrumentation crafts a serene enticement. “You look nice, wanna come over? We can fuck all night,” they
Listen: Psych-O-Positive - "Electric Fratboy" -- Obscure Sound
“Electric Fratboy” is a stirring track from Psych-O-Positive, who caught our ears last year with the gripping “Lipstick.” The band once again strut an artful rock charisma, intertwining debonair vocal dreaminess and ardent shout-y invigoration. The “daddy’s got…” softness and “fratboy!” exultation interchange cohesively during the catching central hook, traversed to enjoyably by a range of twangy guitar tones and thumping rhythmic hypnotics. The production excels in its critiques of nepotism, wealth, and consequences — warning of privilege and self-destruction through snarling punk energy. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s
Feature: Marcus: the Apex Predator! - 'Newborn Fossil' EP
Successfully balancing hard-rocking passion and hook-ready approachability, Newborn Fossil is a stirring new EP from Marcus: the Apex Predator!. The Detroit-based indie/post-hardcore act was formed in 2015, and is led by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Kevin Watts. Joining him on the EP are drummer Nick Marko (also his bandmate in Float Here Forever) and bassist Sean Bondareff (Kind Beast). The EP’s title track opens with invigorating immersion, building from fuzzy guitar briskness into an infectious fervency. “Yes, in the springtime air,” a fierce vocal prowess lets out, traversing enjoyably into the central hook: “I’m standing beside myself, sizing up / This newborn fossil,
Listen: Jack Shields - "Hit My Line" -- Obscure Sound
Nashville-based artist Jack Shields unveils the first single from an upcoming EP with “Hit My Line,” an invigorating single that swells from introspective alternative into a grungy passion. “Waiting for the strength to finally kick it,” smooth vocals aspire during the verses, where jangly guitar strums emanate with patient precision. A title-touting fervency unleashes thereafter, compelling in its pleading, grunge-friendly ardency. A Neil Young-esque, heartfelt twanginess also appeals during the “leave me in the morning,” bridge. “Hit My Line” certainly has us anticipating Shields’ upcoming EP. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating
Listen: Adam James - "Something Will Happen" -- Obscure Sound
“Something Will Happen” is amongst the many highlights on Adam James‘ new album, 'Another Side of Paradise.' The “get me out of this Tinseltown,” yearning melds well with the album’s enjoyable themes of escapism and finding one’s personal paradise.
Listen: The Pulltops - "Carry On" -- Obscure Sound
Milwaukee-based duo The Pulltops balance moody synth-led introspection and bursting rock anthemics on “Carry On.” The track also excels in its fierce lyrical sentiments, encouraging one to reclaim their own path and rise above tumult. Still, lines like “you give me the courage and the stregnth, to knock down all these walls,” also suggest the power of a companion, who can help find “the road to better days.” It makes for another rousing production from The Pulltops, impressing in the past with tracks like “Red Eye Open Sky” and “Ain’t Home Anymore.” “The pain in me is real / I
New Album: J'Moris - 'Toxic Lovespell' -- Obscure Sound
Hillsboro, Texas-based artist J’Moris unveils a dynamic hip-hop appeal on his new album Toxic Lovespell, succeeding across both club-friendly swagger like “Loaded” to the adoring R&B smoothness of “She Knows.” J’Moris refers to the album as “the embodiment of striving for perfection but falling short and learning your imperfections are perfectly blended for you.” He continues: “Love and life is full of highs and lows, learning to navigate them is the toxic peaceful bliss you create.” J’Moris’ compelling lyricism and vocals combine with Supamario Beatz’ enthralling beats for a fully enjoyable listening experience. The album enamors in its confessional, introspective
Listen: Dissocia - "In Your Eyes" -- Obscure Sound
An atmospheric art-pop envelopment unveils across “In Your Eyes,” a newly released single from London-based project Dissocia. Written and produced by Chris Hermon, the track thematically takes inspiration from isolation and dependency arising from “life online.” Enjoyably eerie vocal mixing pairs with a meditative rhythm section and artful synth/guitar interplay for an enthralling melodic drive alongside these poignant, modern reflections. “In Your Eyes” unfolds with riveting, soundscape-forward momentum. Spacey electronic frequencies emanate initially, casting a chilly intrigue. The ensuing, dreamy vocal presence envelops — featuring a reflective element that resembles a robotic coldness. “All my thoughts and desires, intertwined to
Listen: Caleb Loomis/Supra Nova - "I Love You I Hate You"
An impassioned, stylish pop production, “I Love You I Hate You” is a newly released single from Salt Lake City-based artist Caleb Loomis, also known by the alias Supra Nova. Loomis handles all elements of the track’s production and performance, releasing under both his name and alias in showcasing its dynamic balance: “The dual identity allows me to explore different facets of my creativity, with Supra Nova representing my introspective, poetic side and Caleb Loomis embodying my technical, experimental production style.” “I’ll hold you close, I’ll break your spine,” an eerie vocal envelopment arises, building into a climactic swell during
New Album: Bobby Shots - 'The Mind of Bobby' -- Obscure Sound
A dynamic debut album from Bobby Shots, The Mind of Bobby enamors in its wide breadth of styles — from delectably atmospheric hip-hop to heartfelt R&B and country-touched twangs. The power of AI bolsters Bobby’s engaging lyricism and musical ideas. “So while I want to be upfront about my use of AI in bringing my lyrics to life, I hope my audience can appreciate the true art and emotion behind my truly genuine lyrics,” he explains. “Everything on my album was written 100% by me.” “My Proclamation” opens the album with an invigorated confidence. “Give me a beat and yeah
Listen: NUTRI3NT - "Cold Outside" -- Obscure Sound
London-based producer NUTRI3NT enthralls with a fusing of electronic atmospherics and calming folk on new single “Cold Outside.” The release was actually written during a heatwave, with its recording taking place in the artist’s backyard. Nonetheless, wintry weather is certainly captured in the serene acoustics, solemn brass tones, and chilly vocals — emitting “it’s cold outside,” with a lush intrigue. “Sometimes you have no idea where the music comes from, and it surprises you,” NUTRI3NT explains. “‘Cold Outside’ is one of those tracks.” “Cold Outside” represents a continued foray for the artist into the eclectic world of downtempo music, where
New Album: John C Buttigieg - 'Perspectives - Solo Piano'
John C Buttigieg crafts a gorgeous collection of piano music within Perspectives – Solo Piano, an album recorded at his home studio in Shepperton, UK. The British-Maltese neoclassical artist, broadcast composer, and contemporary solo pianist excels with an aesthetic that embraces meditative introspection — reflective of life’s many emotions, from melancholy to joy and hope. Whilst embracing a minimalist lushness, tonally, the album tracks compel with dynamic structural shifts — often navigating both serene quaintness and powerful ardency with cohesive artfulness. An understated, twinkling piano exudes a wintry glow on the opening “Misty Moorland.” A vibrant, sunshine-like quality emanates prior
New Album: Jakey Orbit - 'Amethyst' -- Obscure Sound
The newly released album from Finland-based artist Jakey Orbit, Amethyst is an enamoring electronic success — conjuring a strongly atmospheric, melodic sound amidst inspirations of 2010s EDM. “That era’s melodic, high-energy sound, emotional progressions, and festival anthems shaped my approach to production,” Jakey Orbit explains, also noting that Amethyst “is an album born from late-night nostalgia, synth-fueled heartbreak, and the realization that life moves on—even when you don’t want it to.” Opening the album, “Amethyst” exudes an effervescent glow in its twinkling keys, radiant synths, and clap-laden percussive playfulness. A more pulsing rhythm presence pairs with swelling synth elements for
Album: Hong Kong Stingray - 'The Deepest Shades of Red, Pt.1'
Immersing in its blend of dreamy rock, electronic intrigue, and abstract lyrical artistry, The Deepest Shades of Red, Pt.1 is the new album from Hong Kong Stingray, the project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Chet Delcampo. The thoroughly atmospheric productions complement explorations into the human condition — specifically: growing older, personal connection, and the meaning of life. Eclectic aesthetical pursuits impress — from the mellow jazz of “finding shapes in clouds” to the dream-pop glow of “mel said of anne.” Delcampo began crafting the album as a solo effort during the pandemic, then temporarily shelving it to work with a collaborative
Listen: Strawrest - "Need Some Life" -- Obscure Sound
Alternating grippingly between quaint folk and emotive expanses, “Need Some Life” is a thorough success from Strawrest. The project comes via Norwegian musician Terje Halmrast, formerly of the band Monalia. Pulsing acoustic pulses and prancing keys complement a wordless vocal immersion to start. A delicate folk arsenal unveils thereafter, as vocals beckon “need some life,” and “need someone,” with compelling yearning. Spacey synths arrive as dazed vocals send chills. Mingling acoustic twangs and twinkling piano converge into a stirringly wordless envelopment around mid-point, achieving a textured and emotive pull. The track tactfully explores the fragility of life, a topic inspired
Listen: Caden Stone - "Halogen Heart" -- Obscure Sound
A grungy, ardently dynamic new single from Caden Stone, “Halogen Heart” represents the first single from his upcoming debut EP. “I hope you die before me, but if you want we’ll play pretend,” Stone’s scathing vocals let out, referencing “the bitter end,” as rumbling bass and slabs of electric guitar persist enjoyably. “I only want to hear you say,” he lets out thereafter, into a raspy, scream-y title-touting passion. A dreamy, wordless vocal follows with enamoring impact — thoroughly showcasing the artist’s commendable range, between raucous and dreamy. “Halogen Heart” is an invigorating success from Caden Stone. — This and
Listen: Nematode - "Spirits" -- Obscure Sound
Psych-pop band Nematode craft a hypnotic, immersive sound across their track “Spirits.” Lush vocals admit “I’m out of my mind,” as the production ascends from glistening keys into pit-pattering percussion, spacey synths, and a bouncy bass pulse. The act, led by Aaron Easton and Larry Flatley, impresses especially through a dynamic second half. Glimmering piano tones and reverbed percussion lead into a caressing vocal, haunting and immersive into some gorgeously enveloping brass and strings. “Spirits” is a creative tour-de-force from Nematode. The track comes via the band’s Suds EP, streaming below: — This and other tracks featured this month can
Listen: Color Palette - "Grateful" -- Obscure Sound
Washington, DC-based band Color Palette impress with their new single “Grateful,” which plays as a nod to the role adversity plays in shaping and strengthening oneself. A moody post-punk current emanates in the initial verses, swelling into anthemic rock heights and lush synth complements. The bursting rock character past the three-minute turn is especially invigorating — “I’m grateful…” — into a final heightened alt-rock send-off. The five-piece, fronted by Jay Nemeyer, have a full-length album planned to release in the fall, preceded by singles like this — and if “‘Grateful” is any indication, the band is poised to have a
Listen: Michael Elmer - "Charlie Brown" -- Obscure Sound
A soaring psych-rock radiance stirs on “Charlie Brown,” a delightful track from Michael Elmer. Catching “na-na,” vocal reflections complement the steady vocal lead, as buzzing guitar distortion and panting percussive stomps meld with seamless entrancement. A bass-heavy segment past the two-minute turn furthers the momentum, culminating impactfully in an orchestral spiritedness that adds an enjoyable dynamic to the already thrilling and dynamic psych-rock appeal. A final, distortion-laden hook — “sleeps like an infant,” — caps it all off with satiating effect. The stellar track comes via Elmer’s new album, Venice in June, streaming below: — This and other tracks featured
moonweather - "Fall in the Void" -- Obscure Sound
The stirring title track from moonweather’s upcoming album, out on February 20th, “Fall in the Void” builds with gripping momentum — traversing from haunting folk intrigue into more expressive vocal sentiments, twinkling backing keys, and glimpses of brass. Grabbing our ears with fellow album track “When I Know Her” earlier this month, moonweather again showcase a knack for compelling atmospheric constructions — evidenced especially here by the “now I’m saying quiet,” finality into the sonar-like concluding pulse. An introspective mixture of textured electric guitars and sturdy acoustics intermingle beautifully in the build-up there, maintaining a hypnotic mystique throughout. — This
Listen: Jhon Allan - "ARI" -- Obscure Sound
“ARI” emits a soulful rock captivation from Jhon Allan, a Swedish-Peruvian songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. The eclectic talent describes the track as “the soundtrack to a perfect love story beginning on the dance floor,” noting further that he “wanted to capture that instant connection and raw chemistry.” The result is thoroughly enveloping, strutting a hooky and easily digestible immediacy within a diverse array of influences — touching on R&B, rock, hip-hop, reggae, and ska. “Let’s get out and dance fast,” Allan tempts in the opening lines, matched by funky guitar swirls and soulful backing vocal entrancement. “I’ma take my time,”
Listen: JJ Sweetheart - "Heart Medal" + "Cinnamom"
Two recent singles from JJ Sweetheart impress with a heartfelt rock appeal — spanning from the fuzzier intrigue of “Heart Medal” to the more charismatic immediacy within “Cinnamom.” The former track was written 15 years ago, and was the first song the artist ever wrote. “I barely knew how to play guitar and was going through my first real break up with my highschool sweetheart,” he says. “It’s a romantic but broken song, with a chorus meant to be a drunken sing along chant.” Its “I’m sinking,” vocal ascent proves particularly resonating, as jangling guitars and distortion combine with the
New Album: Esbe - 'Mountain Aires' -- Obscure Sound
London-based artist Esbe crafts a gorgeous instrumental folk appeal on her new album Mountain Aires. Esbe’s tenth release enamors in its multiple layers of guitar and wonderful atmospherics, invoking nature and landscape-set reflections in its track titles and memorable compositions. “Away from the speed and noise of the human world, alone with the natural sounds, the birds, or just the breeze, I wanted to capture the essence of mountain views and the surroundings,” Esbe explains. “Mount Iwaki, Cherry Blossom at Hirosaki Castle” opens the album with an enchanting lushness. A sporadic, flowing lead is complemented by a steady trickling —
Listen: Caleb Nichols - "Love Lies" -- Obscure Sound
A twangy, dreamy hookiness takes hold “Love Lies,” a single out today from Caleb Nichols. An affecting vocal presence, reminding at points of Elliott Smith, moves with deep entrancement alongside the atmospheric rock and psych-pop swirling. “I’ve been dreaming of a love that’s not a lie,” Nichols sings, as the sturdy strums and sporadic twangs meld gorgeously. Nichols notes taking inspiration from two mid-’90s radio hits — Duncan Sheik’s “Barely Breathing” and Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” — for the track, and the production here struts a stylish immediacy that’s comparably nostalgic. “Love Lies” captivates in its balance of moodiness and replay-inducing
Listen: MothBreath - "Brand New" -- Obscure Sound
A moodily atmosphere melding of rock and dreamy pop enamors on “Brand New,” a standout new track from MothBreath that explores nature’s restorative power. “It’s you that makes me feel,” Kirsty Dougall’s soulful vocals let out, emphasizing the “brand new,” emotion thereafter. The chilly soundscape and vocal layers pair with a soundscape-rich production, resulting in a sound that fondly compares to Portishead. Dougall’s vocals and keyboards combine with the multi-instrumental talents of John Libert for a thoroughly impactful sound. The UK-based duo caught our ears last year with their fantastic self-titled album, and “Brand New” represents continued success. Both wavering
New Album: The Davenports - 'You Could've Just Said That'
New York-based collective The Davenports craft a self-produced success with their fifth album, You Could’ve Just Said That. The project is led by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Scott Klass, who describes the full-length as ultimately “about how normal it is to be evasive.” Klass was responsible for nearly every aspect of the album’s recording, providing him with “tremendous freedom to just do whatever I wanted.” Also considered amongst their most intimate and cohesive releases, You Could Have Just Said That consistently compels with its quality songwriting and production. A bass-forward amiability takes hold initially on the opening “When Everything’s Order,” imploring
Listen: Olly Pitcher - "New Track" -- Obscure Sound
The simply titled “New Track” is an atmospheric gem from Brighton, UK-based artist Olly Pitcher, invoking both spacey lushness and jungle-set vibrancy in its atmospheric synths and house-friendly rhythmic grooves. Pitcher’s whistling samples add further to the inventive entrancement, utilized with enjoyable clarity in addition to more creative ambiguity — emulating bird calls, pipes, and other tropical-minded additives. A very skilled producer who seamlessly spans from deephouse, downtempo, and breakbeat into glimpses of serene pop, Pitcher thoroughly impresses with “New Track.” The release represents the fifth release on his own label, Reckless Romantic Records, a platform described as embracing “emotionally
Listen: Ellie Walker & The Folly - "Balance" -- Obscure Sound
Charming in its pleasant melodic folk-pop drive and gleeful instrumentation, “Balance” is the latest single from Ellie Walker & The Folly, a five-piece based in Cambridge, UK. Thematically exploring the ups and downs of modern life, the track excels with a satiating structural expanse — unfolding into a melodic glow of trumpets and recorders amidst the more familiarly inviting arsenal of guitars, piano, and percussion. “Balance” builds with a brisk and pleasant ascent from folk-ready ruminations into a melodic, more pop-laden effervescence. “Every single time I lift my head up to the sky,” the vocals build climactically with dreamy intrigue.
Valley Taylor - 'Sunlight Filtered Through The Tree In My Window'
Valley Taylor captivates with a dynamically emotive charm throughout his new album, Sunlight Filtered Through The Tree In My Window. Seamlessly spanning from dreamy pop gems like “Homesick” to the shimmer folk/rock intertwining within “Death Running,” the album impresses with consistently high-quality songwriting and tonal variety — set alongside relatable themes of personal change and growth. The Winters, California-based artist impresses across both hazy introspection and bursting charisma, resulting in a memorable sound whose replay-inducing charms remind of Beck’s heyday. The album’s first single, “Sometimes My Cat Sits on My Head” is a warmly harmonious delight — reminiscing on carefree
Listen: Leanne Wilkins & the Weathered - "Push & Pull"
An emotively successful new track from Leanne Wilkins & the Weathered, “Push & Pull” pairs gripping introspection and compelling guitar/piano interplay for a soulful entrancement. The track, which was recorded at the renowned Avast studio in Seattle, is described by the band as “about the sometimes painful but healing process of awakening to our soul’s calling.” Specifically, the track was inspired by Leanne’s morning meditation, helping to shut off her mind and arise creativity. “Push & Pull was one of the songs that materialized from that receptive state; it was sort of a mystical experience in itself,” she says. “I
Listen: Nate Silas - "Wandering Lunacy" -- Obscure Sound
A heartrending introspection on friendship and loss, "Wandering Lunacy" is a stirring folk success from Nate Silas. The track is directly inspired by Silas' friend, Shaunah; January 31st represents the anniversary of her passing, and also marks the track's release date.
PsiloMine Sun - "What A Wonderful World" -- Obscure Sound
Chicago-based act PsiloMine Sun captivate with a dreamy, hypnotic take on the classic “What A Wonderful World.” Accompanied by a stirring music video that portrays both warming nostalgia and psychedelic illumination, the release proves absorbing in its evident atmosphere and emotion; the structure swells with cohesive entrancement from quainter acoustic-set ruminations into a second half bursting with beautiful orchestral/synthesizer pairings. “The reality is each individual lives in their own world,” the trio says. “People can experience the depths of hell or transcendent heights in the same lifetime and that’s what we tried to capture in this cover of “What A
New Album: Quaint Delusions - 'Anything Real?' -- Obscure Sound
Quaint Delusions craft a melodic, fervent blend of rock and folk across their new album Anything Real?. Comprising veteran musicians from the Tampa Bay scene, the band excel across a myriad of successes — from the twangy rollicking charm of “Anti-Lover” to the stylish string-laden folk-rock within “Killing What I Can’t Even See.” Quality songwriting melds with stellar musicianship — and particularly excellent uses of lap steel and strings — to result in an album with a variety of replay-inducing successes. In the enjoyably hypnotic realm, “Lite Brite Sky” beckons to “sleep tight under lite brite sky,” as playful organs
Feature: Jemmy Joe - 'Bitter Sister' EP -- Obscure Sound
Bitter Sister is a compelling EP from Jemmy Joe, providing multiple versions of the title track — from ardent rock outpouring to a Neutral Milk Hotel-esque acoustic pulse. Jemmy Joe was initially a noted artist in the Bay Area folk-punk scene, playing banjo with For Fear The Hearts Of Men Are Failing. A move to Olympia, Washington coincided with a focus on home recording and more conventional songwriting. The latest example of that DIY pursuit comes via the Bitter Sister EP, which enjoyably showcases the artist’s aesthetical and tonal range within the same song. A gripping combination of acoustic and