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American/Nigerian singer-songwriter duo Steve and Dolapo craft a beautiful vocal jazz aesthetic on new single “Early Morning Glow.” Expressive vocal radiance combines with a smooth-flowing assortment of saxophone, keys, and rhythms — resulting in moments of both lush introspection and effervescent outpouring. The duo’s members — Steve Petrinko and Dolapo Oladejo — met in 2021, and became best friends quickly thereafter. They formed a production company last year, and also released a full-length album, Companion. Petrinko’s multi-instrumental abilities have a notable role on the project’s strong sound, as does the duo’s combined 60 years of choir experience. The mission statement
A riveting rocker from Matt C. White, “The Way Down” excels in its melding of fuzzy psychedelia and rollicking southern-rock charms. Recorded in his Brooklyn home studio, “The Way Down” comes ahead of an upcoming full-length, A Cosmic Year, which is performed, recorded, and mixed entirely by White. The dynamic rock entrancement on this track is bolstered by lyrics artfully conveying a foreboding sense of doom. “I wanted it to feel the writer is bound for the bottom but somehow that last little bit of fall is the trippiest and brightest,” White says. “Almost like there’s a fear of the
A melodic melding of synths and guitar complements a life-phase introspection within “What’s Next?” — the new single from Reduction in Force. The San Diego-based project of Mike Mills excels here with a sound bridging past nostalgia and current energy — with shades of Depeche Mode, The Killers, and MGMT in its powerful sound. For the track itself, Mills describes it as “a song about wrestling with the realization that your Second Act has always been your First Love—that moment when the path you’ve been on no longer defines you.” He continues: “It’s about knowing when it’s time to take the
The self-titled debut album from Pittsburgh-based artist Plough unleashes an atmospheric post-punk appeal, spanning from enjoyably raucous to moody introspection. The project comes via Pittsburgh-based musician Ryan Davis, who wrote, recorded, mixed, produced, and mastered the album on his own. The release is described as “a stark meditation on progress and decay,” — drawing specifically from Pittsburgh’s industrial decay, and exploring the uneasy tension between modern convenience and the longing for something real amidst the noise. Opening track “Drought” is enjoyably representative of the album’s impressively dynamic tonal balances. A delectably eerie assembly of screeches and drones move into a
The seventh album from Toronto-based John Puchiele Ensemble, ALIVE incorporates classical and ambient beauty within a journey of resilient creativity during trying times. Specifically, the album reflects Puchiele’s battle with cancer over the past year. Each track “provides a chronology of events that was experienced during this journey,” per Puchiele, who has wowed us with several albums over the past several years, including Change and AFTER LIFE. ALIVE is another fantastic showing. “Alive” opens the album with a gorgeous, ethereal intrigue. Woodwinds move swiftly with frolicking charm, invoking the minimalism of Steve Reich and Philip Glass in its hypnotic assembly.
“Goners” is a stirring new single from Winston Orz, a Wilmington, NC-based artist who caught our ears last year with the track “Smooth Magic.” “Goners” represents Orz’s first single of 2025, and his fifth overall. A ghostly folk intrigue shows initially, with a whispered vocal entrancement building into a grungy allure as a moving vocal refrain arises. “I am just a goner, she is just a goner,” Orz’s enveloping vocals rise, attaining an atmospheric rock captivation as orchestral elements linger beautifully alongside. Shades of later-era Radiohead show in the emotional, orchestral-tinted rock/folk intertwining. — This and other tracks featured this
A peppy rock radiance charms on “Clunkers,” a new single from California-based band Why Dogs Why. Sharp melodic shifts — from soaring, harmonious surf-y convergences to punk-touched power-pop yearning — complement a crisp overall production. The “let’s write some clunkers together, baby,” anthemic hook and “our friends will never understand,” finality build for a climactic, replay-inducing ascent. The track comes via Why Dogs Why’s upcoming EP, Play The Hits, out on May 6th. Produced by Greg Cortez, the EP was recorded at Elliott Smith’s old studio in Los Angeles: New Monkey Studios. — This and other tracks featured this month
Melding an industrial rock pulse with dreamy intrigue, “deathwishkisses” is an affecting new track from Chrome Zero, a project led by Tony Bautista (bass) and Matt Salinas (drums). Themes within showcase a love that lingers “like a ghost,” — resulting in a sense of loss and ensuing “battle between wanting to escape and fearing the loneliness of doing so.” A contrasting of ominous guitars and lush keys complement a ghostly vocal introspection to start. “I have realized the problem,” they let out, ascending seamlessly into a dreamy title-touting refrain. Nocturnal synths provide a backing illumination, bolstering an emotively enthralling soundscape.
Blending twinkling keys and catching guitar lines, “Hollow Body” is a memorable new single from SAADI. The project of Boshra AlSaadi, a Syrian-American New Yorker living in Los Angeles, SAADI compels with a sound that bridges serene atmospherics and hooky immediacy. “Hollow Body describes the seductive pursuit of that which is unavailable,” SAADI explains. “I tried to conjure an image of Penelope weaving as she waits for Odysseus.” “The initial inspiration was Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time but it soon took on a life of its own, especially after I added the Stratocaster guitar rhythm track,” SAADI continues. Radiant vocal
London-based artist Rob Mawer stirs on his debut single “Cairo,” a darkly cinematic success with visions of nighttime haunts — bolstered further by a series of music videos that depict the titular location “as a nightmarish nightclub.” A memorable vocal brooding combines with a tight mix of guitars, synths, and rhythms that invoke a post-punk engrossment. Lyrical references to darkness and creeping shadows add to a soundscape-filled allure, concocting a ghost-town and eerie alleyways that feel extracted from a lost Lynch film. “I started writing it after visiting Cairo and being struck by the seemingly lawless and chaotic nature of
An invigorating, melodic rock appeal shines across Be Someone, the new album from Dozenz. The project is led by the duo of Saleh Hamed (Sol Farah) and Ahmed Al Jamali, who have been pivotal in the past two decades shaping the United Arab Emirates’ alt-rock scene. Their involvement in the band Gray Test first brought Hamed and Jamali attention. Hamed later joined the successful band Juliana Down, amongst the most successful UAE artists of the past decade — and also earning a nomination with MTV Europe Music Award for Best Middle East Act. With their band Dozenz, Hamed and Jamali
An enjoyably developing art-rock intrigue compels across “Safari,” a track from Spanish project Sehore. A murky guitar-led crawl fuses enjoyably with vocals that range from a spoken-word feeling to quivering psych-ready punchiness. A hypnotic whirring effect around mid-point combines with the jumpy guitar work for an especially memorable sequence, as the vocals assume a sporadic though impactful presence throughout. “Safari” is described by Sehore as utilizing the whole-tone scale, complemented by lyrics that “go against aporophobia.” It’s amongst the many successes on their new album LADENCIA. Other standouts on the album include the atmospheric “Deja de llorar,” a critique of
An illuminating and dynamic track from Peruvian artist Jaime Travezán, “Tribal Trouble” captivates with infectious synth flourishes and tribal-like rhythmic entrancement. The release takes inspiration from the artist’s passion for Africa and Asia — the former emphasized in percussive incorporations of djeme and talking drums, while Asian voices inject with lush intrigue amidst the Eastern melodic scales. An enjoyable shifting of soundscapes takes hold right away. Lush vocal layers build amidst a pit-pattering rhythmic charm, evolving into a more bellowing vocal presence and “la-la,” expressiveness. Spacey synths flash between the vocal elements as the one-minute turn approaches. By mid-point the
Another success from Bristol, England-based artist Ryan McMurtry, “Let Me Be Me” conveys a lush folk introspection in its blend of warming vocals, trickling acoustics, and caressing flute. While just two minutes in length, “Let Me Be Me” makes a stirring impression with its timeless-sounding production; it was recorded on reel-to-reel tape, and bears an aesthetical likeness to classics like John Martyn and Nick Drake, as a result. We last heard from McMurtry via last year’s Ashes EP, which was amongst the year’s finest folk-forward efforts — showcasing a commanding tonal range of both sparser beauty and expansive orchestration. His
The debut single from Stockholm-based DJ and producer Anna-My, “Memoria” blends bursting synth effervescence with hypnotic house-inspired beats for an immersive, replay-inducing success. Noting influences such as Jamie xx, Peggy Gou, and Caribou, Anna-My channels an atmospheric electronic appeal throughout the production, which draws upon personal nostalgia and an appreciation for the city of London. “It feels like I’ve been working on this music my whole life. It’s a reflection of memories and melodies that I’ve collected,” Anna-My says. “Memoria transfers me to the vibrant streets of Brixton, London, where I somehow became an adult. The crowds of people, each
R.M. Hendrix crafts a consuming atmospheric prowess throughout YUKS, whose production is often dark and unsettling — though beautifully so. These productions succeed from the more radiant art-pop yearnings of “What Do Boys Become?” to the trip-hop hypnotics within “A Heat Surrounds the Hive,” in addition to tracks that embrace steadily unraveling drones and inventive sample infusions. Icelandic producer Valgeir Sigurðsson co-produced four of the album tracks, and also handled mixing and mastering. “I wanted an album that was equally lyrical and instrumental, melodic and chaotic,” R.M. Hendrix explains. “The tracks progress through crumbling psychological landscapes.” YUKS thematically plays as
French electronic music producer Antoine Guigan succeeds with dynamic appeal across the No Pants Allowed EP, succeeding from the downtempo house intrigue of opener “STEPPENWÖLFE” to the jazzy piano/bass interplay within the enveloping “MAGMA CREATURES.” Opening the album, “STEPPENWÖLFE” immerses with a spacey entrancement — melding flashes of lush instrumentation with a steady rhythmic drive, embrace a house-friendly flow in its hypnotic captivation. The track was written as a tribute to German-Swiss poet, novelist, and painter Hermann Hesse. The subsequent “LE JARDIN” struts a more elegant disposition, intertwining ghostly backing vocal effects with harmonious piano and orchestral ruminations. “Casey Is
A magnetic pop single out today from London-based artist Floss Jordan, “Midas” combines melodic vocal captivation with a sharp synth-forward production. A compelling theme emanates within the lyrics as well, exploring the Greek myth of king Midas in the context of his “crush” challenging Midas — and preventing him turning her into gold, as a result. “Midas” marks the latest artistic success from Floss Jordan, who has also excelled as an international DJ and acclaimed dancer, working with artists like Charli XCX, Beach, and Years & Years. The “wrapped up in gold,” opening lyrics and lamenting of “losing my soul,”
The first of a series of instrumental works from John Goldrust 2000, “Rainbows & Rivers Meditations One” captivates with its passionate guitar work and atmospheric production. The output stands out as an memorable exploration of music theory, drawing inspiration from Bach’s mathematical approach to composition while also responding to the diminishing complexity of modern music. The artist seeks to break the theoretical constraints of music, believing that freeing composition from its rigid, inherited rules could also expand human consciousness. The track’s creative process underwent several evolutions. Goldrust originally composed this piece as a classical-style piano composition based on music theory,
Dreamy pop, atmospheric shoegaze, and lush orchestral elements adorn the gripping Until All The Flocks Are Gathered, the new album from Sterile Cuckoo. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, the project excels with a dynamic sound throughout — from intensifying rock fuzziness to reverb-laden dreaminess. Somber strings and a vintage crackling effect send chills on the opening “Altered Beast,” which then moves with intrigue into the creaky guitar haunts within “Blatherskite.” A swell of ghostly vocals linger alongside textured guitar work and simmering orchestral backing, attaining a spacey blissfulness in the convergence of dreamy shoegaze and chamber-pop beauty. “Spring And Loss” continues
A psychedelic pop and rock enamoring take hold on Rubbish Twilights, the debut album from Loving Backwards. The band’s primary songwriter, Or Izekson, is based in the remote countryside of Ostfriesland, North-West Germany — in an off-the-grid commune, where he moved with his family last summer as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensified. His songwriting and the band’s high quality of musicianship results in a fantastic psychedelic success. Opening track “Finally” captivates in its buoyant, melodic charm and upbeat lyrical introspection. “Finally I can set my eyes to see,” vocals commence amidst lush guitar tones. An ensuing “la-la-la,” vocal exuberance continues that
Balancing drives for self-betterment with the sweet allure of escapism, “Psyayayduck” is a memorable rocker from Boston-based band Indoor Friends. “I’d rather play Mario Kart all day, than think about the breakdown underway,” the fervent vocals admit alongside melodic alt-rock guitar tones, following recounting of a therapy session. A punchy rock charisma — with ’90s and ’00s nostalgia — emanates consistently throughout. The themes within are particularly relatable in a strife-filled world, filled with ongoing pressures and impacts on mental health. Sources of escape, like songwriting and video games, can meanwhile provide a sense of catharsis and personal achievement. “I
“Cue The Cronies” is a consuming track from Dallas-based band Kids In Decay, whose mixture of progressive, metal, and alt-rock results in a memorably dark success. The industrial-forward soundscape is bolstered by a constant sense of evolution; the guitars expand from creaky haunts into invigorating swells of distortion, while the vocals ascend accordingly from steadier introspection into raucous ardency. “Time for empathy and compassion, everyone of us called to action,” the vocals let out during a climactic drive, complemented by murmuring bass and textured guitars. As the vocals fade momentarily past the two-minute turn, lonesome guitar twangs drive into the
A sharply melodic electro-pop success from producer Consequential, “LivinLife-NeedU” melds a mixture of dreamy and infectious synth tones with a dynamic vocal spirit. Recorded in the Suffolk, England countryside, “LivinLife-NeedU” moves with replay-inducing immersion as spacey synths adorn vocals that span from chopped-up energy to soaring lushness. The Bury St. Edmunds-based artist cites Sub Focus and Wilkinson as amongst their influences, while noting that “LivinLife-NeedU” embraces “more of a poppy vibe than some of the weird stuff I make.” While strutting a pop immediacy, there’s also an inventive structural prowess throughout the release’s production. A buzzing assortment of glimmering and
Spanish guitarist and composer José Torres Vicente compels across the new EP Flamenco de Cuartito Vol.1 Cantaoras, producing a lovely aesthetic described as a fusing of “flamenco with lo-fi aesthetics and DIY culture.” Alongside the gorgeous instrumentation are immersive vocal performances, from four talented artists: Sara Holgado, Inma la Carbonera, Cristina Tovar, and Laura Madero. Their vocal performances invoke traditional flamenco, while Vicente tactfully infuses guitar, electronic elements, and field recordings within the accompanying instrumentation. “SEGRUM” opens the release with an inviting rumba groove, expanding past the one-minute mark into crisper guitars and bouncy percussion as Holgado’s stirring vocals emerge.
Brooklyn-based act Ivy League shows a cathartic rock sound throughout the new album American Love. Referenced within the creative process is the Japanese art of kintsugi, which repairs broken pottery with gold to highlight its history rather than conceal it. Comparatively, the themes within American Love embrace past fractures, weaving them into something more valuable. The album doesn’t dwell on what caused the breaks but instead focuses on piecing them back together, gilding the wounds with reflective lyricism and dynamic rock immediacy. A moody swell of solemn guitars and spacey synth pads stir on the opening “Enouement,” moving into a heavier rock pulse
A gripping tonal evolution consumes on “Doused In Blue,” a track from Moontwin that develops from ghostly folk intrigue into a riveting duet-led expanse. The duo comprises Maple Bee (aka Melanie Garside) and Zac Kuzmanov, who is also founder of indie online radio station XRaydio. They collaborate virtually, with Maple Bee in Cornwall (UK) and Kuzmanov in Plovdiv (Bulgaria). “Without you, I’m doused in blue,” Maple Bee’s dreamy vocals exude amidst trickling acoustics, establishing a captivating soundscape from the get-go. Delectably eerie vocal layers convey a sense of palpable yearning. Kuzmanov’s vocal presence accompanies shortly thereafter, as the rhythm section
A lush yet emotive folk and alt-pop appeal shows on “God You’re Gifted,” a new track from B. Hawksley, the project of South London-based songwriter, vocalist, and producer Alexa Harley. An affecting love song, the melodic production pairs with lyrics that seemingly capture a state of infatuation and the power of love’s arrival. “I’ve been waiting my life for this,” heightened vocal layers consume a serene acoustic guitar backing, bolstered by gentle rhythms as the “bring me back,” reflections come. This evolves enjoyably into a more illuminated synth-forward mid-point and a yearning “to be loved,” — compelling in its dreamy,
Tomorrow marks Opening Day for most teams in MLB, representing a day that brings smiles to baseball fans everywhere. In addition to the return of a sport they love comes the memories associated with it, and the traditions therein. “Opening Day” — the debut single from Jaydee Louise — captures precisely that. “It tells the story about how my late father and I went to 33 consecutive St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day games, and how our very different lives were brought together by this tradition,” he says. The closing refrain — “they’ll be there either way,” — is especially magnetic,
Los Angeles-based project Glyss unveils a hazy, shoegaze entrancement across the debut album Eternal Return. Amongst the many standouts within, “Dissipating” and “Understanding” are two tracks that enjoyably embody that atmospheric, heady rock pursuits throughout the release. The album’s third track, “Dissipating” quickly traverses from brief distortion into a moody, jangly intrigue. Subdued vocals enamor into the re-ignition of textured guitar distortion, aligning with a hypnotic vocal refrain upon its reveal. The track consumes in its steady sense of momentum, succeeding across both its dreamy introspection and sludgy shoegaze-forward invigoration. “Understanding” is a stellar album finale. A dazed vocal elongation
Charming in its pulsing hookiness, “Easy” is a replay-inducing new track from Ballsy, the new solo project of Caveboy’s synth-bassist Isabelle Banos. She describes the release as an exploration of “about getting in your own way of feeling real love.” A glistening pop dreaminess and alt-rock vigor sway back and forth with compelling immersion. The “just dying for you to listen,” vocals envelop alongside dynamic instrumentation — ranging from the balmy acoustic strums and hazy synths to the more ardent rock expanses. “You’ve got a way of making it feel easy,” Banos continues during the lush folk-friendly build-up, culminating seamlessly
A hypnotic psych-rocker that excels in both dreamy and invigorating shifts, “Fazzo Bazzo” comes via newly emerging duo Lucid Theory. Though just in high school, they produce a heady atmospheric listening experience here — melding wordless backing vocal haunts, a grooving bass line, and dynamic guitar work. The latter element is especially impressive, escalating seamlessly from twanging lushness into bursts of heavy distortion. “Fazzo Bazzo” has us firmly anticipating whatever’s next from Lucid Theory. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
“Ugly & Out of It” is a resonating single from Chicago-based artist Jessica Ever, strutting a commanding songcraft in the evolution from jangling contemplations into anthemic rock punchiness. “We ride trains around to feel alive just for a moment,” a steady vocal entrancement commences, expanding seamlessly into bursting guitar distortion from the preceding jangly introspection. “Start to disappear, the more you draw me near,” the vocals let out — with the “I’m not here,” resonance artfully conveying a relatable disassociation from long winters and continuing melancholy. “Ugly & Out of It” is a stirringly emotive success from Jessica Ever. —
An immersive new EP from LOGICA ABSTRACTA, Amber weaves a captivating blend of ethereal, spacey atmospheres and cinematic soundscapes. From the glimmering, radiant swells of “Amber – Video Version” to the haunting, neon-lit textures of “Ecoton,” each track transitions smoothly through moments of vast, otherworldly beauty. The project of New York-based artist Vadim Militsin first caught our ears with last year’s album, Headspace Station, and continues to captivate here. “Amber – Video Version” opens the EP with a spacey, glimmering entrancement. Spacious illumination swells into moments of grandiose power, amidst a mechanical-like flickering that plays with rhythmic effect. Warming synth tones,
Norwegian act the IV combine post-punk and jangle-pop entrancement on new single “Eastern Promise,” which they describe as “an exploration of life in a post-industrial world and an attempt to rebuild a sense of self, both individually and collectively.” A haunting refrain — “we shall overcome / we will never be the same,” — haunts amidst clanging guitars and bustling post-punk rhythms. An ample atmospheric mystique is prevalent in the resonating vocal work and ghostly guitar/bass interplay. the IV is led by Ingvild Nærum, and also includes Per Åsmund Reymert and Peter Hiley. They first caught our ears last year
British-Filipino songwriting duo Ooberfuse meld important thematic poignancy and breezy pop allure on the new single “We Will Overcome.” Its release today, on March 24th, coincides with International Right to Truth Day. The day of observance honors the memories of victims who have suffered from human rights violations, and pays particular tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero. The central call — “stand with us, call for freedom together — we will overcome,” is reflective of the bravery of those like Romero, who bravely speak out in the face of human rights abuses. Ooberfuse wrote the track in
Brighton, England-based act Hybrid Kid consumes on new single “Cry,” delighting in a textured folk and rock cohesion amidst ruminations on persevering through life’s tumults. Fingerpick-style acoustics complement a sturdy vocal presence to start, expanding thereafter into hypnotic, harmonious vocal layers and electric guitar lingering — embracing a psych-tinged rock character as the structure progresses. The project of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Danny Lloyd, Hybrid Kid describes the release as about “getting over disappointments. Picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, getting up and trying again.” Strutting an aesthetic fondly reminiscent of Supergrass’ folk-touched endeavors, “Cry” moves seamlessly from its initial admission
Embracing an ’80s nostalgia in its glistening synths and soaring guitar work, Stockholm-based project Star Vision crafts a stylish, atmospheric cover of Lionel Richie’s “Running with the Night.” Also enamoring on the production is Greek guitarist Jimmy Konsta, whose impassioned guitar lines channel an emotively gripping throwback feeling. Star Vision is the brainchild of artist Scott van Dort, who describes this release as taking him back to the ’80s and ’90s. “I immediately envisioned a version where guitars and synths took the lead, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic take on this classic.” Hazy synths and trickling guitars build a compelling
Stirring in its range from brisk pop/rock to jazz-touched sophistication, Alone in a Crowded Space is a compelling new EP from Water Street. Based in Blairstown, New Jersey, the band excel with a dynamic appeal — from the saxophone-laden rock contagiousness of opening track “The White Rabbit” to the subdued introspection within “Everest,” which attains a sophisti-pop chilliness in its emotively affecting “words couldn’t do,” central hook. “The funny thing with Water Street is that we can never define what genre we fit into, and this EP continues to exemplify that. From moodier tracks to upbeat rock, they’re all distinctly