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A rousing rock sound complements explorations of commitment and being stuck in a situationship on “Over It,” a melodic standout of a track from Toronto-based artist Maddy Little. “This song is about being in a situationship that isn’t good for you and them never being able to commit to you,” Maddy explains. Amidst the introspective thematic hold is a track that enamors in both hooky immediacy and the power of collaborative friendship; Maddy recorded the track with several close friends, emphasizing: “I had so much fun just being with friends and recording it.” A grungy initial nostalgia emanates from the
Life on a Shelf is the captivating new album from Boston-based artist Sal Weston. A wonderfully eclectic production shows throughout, from the saxophone-touched sophisti-pop of “Pixel Lights” and the dreamy synth/guitar interplay within “Calm Down” to the concluding “Beautiful Colors,” where a hazy country-folk emotion lingers as vocals pain “I don’t wanna feel this way no more.” Stirring lyricism frequently complements the instrumentation, featuring musicians from around the world — including “full brass from friends in Italy and Spain, and drums contributed by a friend in South Africa,” per Weston. A folk-set retrospection enamors on the opening “Intro (Life on
Slots are the most popular content in casino libraries. Players love them for simplicity and variety. Bright flashing lights and the diversity of themes drive user excitement, and software developers skilfully use psychological tricks to keep users engaged. Not many people notice the sounds surrounding wins and losses in gambling titles, but they play a critical role in their experiences. Here’s one paradox: even when players lose, they often hear a triumphant winning sound. Is it a provider’s mistake or an efficient strategy? Let’s sort everything out here! The Role of Sound in Casino Slot Games Multiple factors affect players’
A beautifully swelling rock sound stirs on “Monkey With a Hammer,” a new track from Odelia. Dreamy, quaint guitar twangs complement introspective vocal lushness to start, quickly rumbling into buzzing guitars as the title-touting comparison takes hold. Palpable emotion and structural momentum is apparent throughout “Monkey With a Hammer,” which is the the third and final single from Odelia’s upcoming EP, created with producer notcharles. Odelia describes the track as “about being the fault line in a relationship that ultimately erupts. It’s about the guilt that comes with the narrative of being the bad guy and being so still while
An emotive, memorable alt-pop production shines on “Blabbermouth,” a new single from D3lta, the project of Robert Coustas. Via the project’s upcoming full-length, out in October, “Blabbermouth” excels across both acoustic-led introspection — complemented by sporadic vocal and piano melodics — and rousing structural ascents. “Now it’s too late, and I’m losing you,” Coustas sings with invigorating emotion during that compelling ascent. “I try to hold your hand, but you slip through like sand,” he continues, conveying a sense of letting go, even when it’s particularly difficult to do so. “It’s an emotional rollercoaster that takes you from the bright,
Dazzling with a bouncy, colorful electronic danceability, “Too Bad, So Sad” is a compelling new track from Martone. The Detroit-based artist impressed us with a blend of house and soulful pop on the track “Chocolate (Drumapella Mix)” in March, and he continues to excel here with “Too Bad, So Sad,” which also features Intelligent Diva. The track comes via Martone’s upcoming album, Phoenix Rising: The Emperor’s Ascension. A debonair title-touting vocal persists initially amidst percussive pulses and radiant electronic flourishes. Martone’s ensuing delivery exudes a spoken-word introspection, ruminating with melancholic reflection on betrayal and remarking “it could’ve been beautiful.” Its
Tricks of the Light is a standout EP from E.G. Phillips, a San Francisco-based artist who first caught our ears a couple months back with the release’s finale “When It Gets Dark.” The cinematic-like string arrangements and lush acoustics melded with beautiful precision there, and that compellingly expansive folk appeal continues throughout the EP’s five other tracks, as well. Phillips recorded the EP with two-time Grammy winning producer/arranger Nahuel Bronzini (Mixing Engineer, Fantastic Negrito) and his musical counterpart Felipe Ubeda (aka Cigarbox Man). “‘We are the sum of our memories’ a hero of mine of once said — and my
A melodic, stylish electro-pop appeal stirs on “Rodeo Clown,” a single from Los Angeles-based artist MERE RITZ. Enjoyably eerie vocal layers infuse within heartrending string reflections and various samples, notably the sound of a horse neighing — seamlessly blending pop and country influence within the mix, and further bolstering the magnetic synth tones and dynamic vocals, which shift between the quainter verses and “off into the night” ascents. The track’s production stirs across a variety of sections — from the playful dance-friendly break passing the one-minute turn, to the ghostly vocal ruminations on heartbreak and the utilization of “spur” as
A dreamy alt-pop intrigue consumes alongside artfully conveyed sentiments of unrequited love on “love me knots,” a new single from Chicago-based artist th0rn. Jangling guitar lines, quaint rhythms, and lush vocal entrancement combine with immersive impact on the standout release, which th0rn describes as “a soft scream for the unrequited lovers and the ghosts who made us this way.” “Say you love me, in the morning, in 20 minutes I’m so boring,” an introspective vocal push begins, lyrically capturing the fleeting nature of some when it comes to love and relationships. The ensuing “say I’m yours, and say you’re sorry”
Nashville-based artist Omer Netzer shows a heartfelt entrancement on new single “Midnight Blue,” which seamlessly ventures from acoustic-set introspection into doses of twangy guitars and warming organs. “I don’t know if it’s you or the ghost that I’m seeing,” Netzer’s solemn vocals let out as the instrumentation begins to intensify, admitting “when you don’t answer, girl, I go insane.” The lyrical depictions of losing someone, and ensuing feeling of being “midnight blue,” are resonating throughout. The standout track, which was recorded at Fame Studios and produced by David Mescon, takes inspiration from a vivid dream Netzer had — resulting in
An emotive rock and pop cohesion stirs on “Brother,” a new track from Black Leopard, a project based in Hamburg, Germany. Prancing guitars and twangy reflections build with textured immersion, while lyrical reminiscing on brotherly love — from childhood to adulthood — prove stirring. The “always be there for you” ascent into the “heartbeat for you” uptick in ardency is particularly impactful. Black Leopard describes the release as “a heartfelt dedication to my younger brother, but it speaks to anyone who stands by their siblings — through joy, pain, and everything in between. It’s a tribute to the quiet strength
The solo debut from Rose Franco, “Mind Racing” consumes with a dreamy pop allure. Franco describes the track, which hypnotizes with its twangy guitars and hazy organs in particular, as “about getting so comfortable being single but then spending your daydreams re-living past relationships and revising history.” The track’s “replay the day you left” retrospective lyricism melds with jangling guitars and into a lovely “just in my head, where you still reside” dreamy vocal layering — playing with heart-aching sincerity in its seamless arrival from the lush verses into an outpouring of emotion, resembling Beach House in its anthemic three-minute
A stylish infectiousness persists on “Better Angels, a recent track from Super Pyramid that enthralls in its fusing of grooving pop nostalgia and psych-friendly guitar swirls. “Where do we go from here, being so in love, being so at odds…” the vocals let out with steady immersion following the memorable title-touting hook, heady and introspective in its soul-searching — and dazzling within a production that ventures through funky guitar shimmers and bouncy bass. With shades of Squeeze and Tame Impala like, “Better Angels” is a surefire winner from Super Pyramid. The track represents the second single from the Montreal-based act’s
Great Horned Owl crafts an impactful sound, spanning from riveting rock to introspective folk, on the new album Longyear. The Portland, Oregon-based project of multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Vanderson Langjahr caught our ears with a couple tracks last month, including “Annie, I’m Leaving,” featuring Marissa Nadler. Those tracks are amongst the many highlights on Longyear, an album with consistently compelling songwriting. Standout track “It Wasn’t Anything” casts a reflective spell, with Langjahr’s affecting voice complemented by a solemnly beautiful acoustic guitar backing. “Standing with you by the lake that night, beneath the trees, the insects buzzing,” he sings, showing a poetic
The debut full-length release from Maxx Wright, The Best Is Yet To Come.. immerses with its atmospheric hip-hop sound and themes of perseverance. Wright draws from his past life experiences, from nearly fatal drug addiction to finding love, in addition to a sense of modern crisis — where, at age 25, depression and bad habits continue to creep in, and the “naivety and innocence” of adolescence are gone. “It was from this place that I began to write, every night, not with the intention of anything other than to pour my heart out and navigate my way through this quarter
An invigorating alt-rock sound shines on “FMLU,” a gem of a track from Canadian artist King of Foxes that pairs infectious immediacy with lyrical explorations of shame — and how it’s weaponized against women in society, as means of control. Coming via the artist’s upcoming album Hall of Shame, out in September, “FMLU” stirs in its visceral vocal passion and overall structural momentum. “What a fine day for a drive,” the vocals swirl alongside a bouncy synth pulse and buzzing guitar ascents. “I need a reason to fuck my life up,” they enamor as layers of crunching guitars align with
A lushly meditative charm takes hold throughout “Lisianthuses,” a consuming new track from Brooklyn-based artist Elly Kace. Glistening guitars lead a sound steeped in dream-pop warmness, while Kace’s vocals exude a serene entrancement in their “hold me closer” beckoning and ethereal tone. The calming vocal immersion and hypnotic guitar tones remind fondly of Beach House, aesthetically. Kace has wowed venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as a lyric soprano, and with successes like “Lisianthuses” shows a standout ability for crafting dream-pop delights as well. Kace elaborates on the track’s themes and symbolism: “Lisianthuses is a radical declaration of self
Denver-based band YAN YEZ deftly balance ’90s nostalgic moodiness and anthemic vigor on new single “futurehUSband.” Described as “a layered meditation on queerness, ambition, romance, and heartache,” the track is a replay-inducing delight. Rumbling bass and effervescent synth tones intertwine with radiant allure, into an “is that you?” moody vocal questioning. Soothing saxophone further bolsters the nocturnal atmospheric intrigue. “You make me shiver and shake, baby, on a warm summer night,” the vocals admit there, ascending in emotion as jubilant guitars, synths, and rhythms into a riveting multi-vocal caressing at the three-minute turn. — This and other tracks featured this
An invitingly raucous and party-set feel-good exuberance shines on “It’s Alright,” a fun rocker from Problematic Jam. The Paris-based trio describe the track as “the essence of freedom and celebration.” The title-touting vocal confidence pairs with clamoring guitars and vigorous production, pulsing with contagious energy — reminding fondly of early Supergrass in the main hook. Soaring guitars approach the two-minute turn with particularly enveloping qualities, as vocals admit to not wanting to be “alone tonight” — instead embracing communal good times, within a punchy rock ardor. The standout track comes via the band’s new album, It’s So Confusing: — This
An empowering, melodic rock sound radiates throughout Believe, the new album from Ehson Hashemian. The Southern California-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist excels with a colorfully magnetic aesthetic, at points resembling a cross between Talking Heads and Vampire Weekend in its trickling guitars, playful rhythmic flairs, and expressive vocal range. The album’s approachable, replay-inducing productions pair with a memorable thematic hold, emphasizing the power of being honest with oneself when facing personal tumult — resulting in an inspirational, motivational call-to-action to embrace hope and inner-confidence. Opening track “Accept” wastes no time in declaring as such, ruminating on “all the things you got
A captivating genre-spanning sound resonates across Love Is The Revolution, the third album from M4TR, the Washington D.C.-based project led by songwriter and producer AJ Solaris. His previous work has artfully conveyed protest and political commentary, poignant within “a time when everything feels like it could collapse at any moment,” Solaris says. This latest album instead exudes a sense of hope for love to prevail through all the tumult. As Solaris explains: “But if love is the one thing that can pull us back from the brink, then what choice do we have but to keep reaching for it?” A
An enthralling folk sound pairs with gripping lyrical depictions of collapse on Songs from the Apocalypse, the debut album from Asa Stone. Recorded in a Los Angeles apartment, the album immerses in its poetic lyrical abilities and eclectic tonal range — succeeding with a variety of sparser folk atmospherics, twangy pedal steel infusions, and synth-touched intrigue. The memorable result is an album that weaves desolate folk and country into a poetic requiem for a deteriorating world and sense of self. Opening track “Mountains” envelops with its immersive soundscape, melding a mysterious ambient swell amidst pulsing synths and twangy guitars. “The
London-based artist Charles Edison crafts a captivating hip-hop sound across June in February. The production consistently stands out with its blend of introspective, artful lyricism and dynamic beats — spanning from the grooving piano-led soul of “Any Time” to the symphonic shimmering within “Let Me Down.” Edison’s delivery infuses precise rhythmic entrancement with a spoken-word direction fit for the mixture of storytelling and universal reminders — which here often point to the various realms of the human condition, from perils like addiction to the importance of gratitude and optimism. Edison cites Common’s Be as a prime influence on the album,
Melding classic hip-hop flows with a futuristic-sounding atmospheric immersion, “Terra Nova” is a riveting hip-hop success from Barbaydose and MacArthur Maze. Buzzing synth tones and driving bass conjure visions of neon-tinted night drives, while the vocal work exudes a melodic precision — which alongside the cut-up production effects make for an enthrallingly nostalgic hip-hop appeal. The track’s trio of Bay Area artists impress with their individual presences and palpable grasp of both compelling wordplay and atmospheric, infectious beat-making with boom-bap appeal. The talents of MacArthur Maze’s D.Bledsoe and Champ Green interweave with the standout abilities of Barbaydose lyricist WeInTheCloud for
London-based artist TC TENET unveils a rousing rock enthrallment across his first live video session with a full band. The three tracks performed, all at the Arcus Sounds in London, channel an invigorating guitar-led rock sound, bolstered by commanding vocals and hooky structural unveilings. In addition to TC Tenet on guitar and lead vocals, the live video session features Alex Colombo on drums, David Needle on guitar and backing vocals, and Jeremi Szczepkowski on bass. “These songs were originally written and recorded by me, in the shed in my backyard,” TC TENET says. “It was such a thrill to
London-based artist MYRY melds a soulful pop intrigue and thematic introspection with gripping precision on new track “Not Urgent,” which explores a struggle with perfectionism. “I just can’t seem to get better at this,” her dreamily enveloping vocals let out amidst both buzzing and lush, spacey synth tones — traversing into a more caressing “it’s not urgent” reminder in reminding oneself that they’re “trying to be perfect.” Wordless vocal entrancement flows with hypnotic impact in the subsequent section, continuing to showcase a masterfully atmospheric production. The memorable track releases alongside a stylish music video, featuring MYRY and contemporary dancer Yanaëlle
Kindwave’s captivating album Net Runner is a “one-hour cinematic ambient suite” that depicts a sonic journey through a dystopian future, where machines run the world. The release is a thorough success from the project, formed by a London-based composer, filmmaker, and actor. Following a mysterious figure that traverses through dark alleys and glitchy mainframes, the album’s narrative draws from inspirations that range from sci-fi scores to lo-fi futurism — with nods to soundscapes within the likes of Blade Runner 2049 and Cyberpunk 2077. The suite opens with a quietly evocative prologue before shifting into the dynamic momentum of “Against The
Boston-based artist Munk Duane enamors with his latest single “Falsify,” an infectious output that cohesively blends synth-pop and retro soul within a savvy ’80s throwback tint. Thematically addressing the high degree of manipulation apparent in politics and society in general, “Falsify” resonates in its poignant lyricism and hooky production. Mastering by Grammy-winning engineer Brian Lucey adds further to the excellent sound. “Falsify” compels with a climactic, stylish invigoration from the start. Growling guitar distortion and debonair bass bounces pair with a visceral lyrical output — “sharper than a scalpel, you’re a killer you’re a jackal” — as trickling guitar tones
A stirring album out today from Irish artist Joe Hodgson, Fields Of Redemption showcases a dynamic appeal that spans from bluesy rock to jazz, country, and Irish traditional music. “The album is fundamentally about reconnecting with my roots, reconciling with and embracing the past, while steadfastly looking to the future,” Hodgson says, noting that the album’s main inspiration came from a journey around his native Ireland with his new wife, and also a Gibson Les Paul at the ready. “It’s also about a journey to find inner peace, which for me is punctuated by laughter and a whole lotta fun.
Fusing classical and ambient atmospheric immersion, “Scania” is the debut single from Soek, the solo project of composer Grant Borland. Already notable for his compositions in TV and film, Borland succeeds here as well with this solo output, which channels his knack for cinematic-fit captivation with personal inspiration. In this case, “Scania” was inspired by a trip to Iceland that Borland took in August of 2024. “It’s somewhat of a love letter to that trip I guess you could say, and the song serves as a mental snapshot of my time there,” Borland says. After writing the track, he felt
Stirring in its array of heartfelt rock and introspective folk, Head Games is the delightful new album from Ryan Shephard, an artist originally from Cincinnati, OH and now based in Chicago, IL. Out on August 22nd, Head Games excels across its nine tracks; each one tells a different story from a specific period in Shephard’s life. The release is a showcase in riveting original songwriting from Shephard, who has also drawn acclaim in performing with dozens of other original and cover acts. Head Games is a fantastic outpouring of heart-on-sleeve, relatable emotion from Shephard, who complements his own songwriting by
A stylish rock appeal shows on “Collective Exclusivity,” a memorable new single from Netherlands-based Brazilian duo The Lower Coast. The project first caught our ears with the track “Reset:Default” — and “Collective Exclusivity” is a stirring thematic continuation of that release. “Reset:Default” depicted a protagonist coming to the painful realization that they’re no different from the very people they once judged. Now, completely disillusioned, they retreat into a delusional state, clinging to the haunting thought: “Who can forgive me if I’m on my own?” Still avoiding true accountability, they remain on a path of denial and self-pity — with redemption
A memorable alt-rock sound shines on Good Luck Have Fun, the new EP from dwn bad, out on June 20th. The Houston-based project of Derek Silva first caught our ears last year with debut single “Palace of You,” and now continues to strut melodic songwriting throughout this enveloping new EP. dwn bad expanded from a solo outlet into a full band following Silva’s move from California to his hometown of Houston, and is now poised to continue ascending with the stellar Good Luck Have Fun. “Try and Try Again” commences the EP with spirited, hooky allure. The “trying my best”
Classical, electronic, and dream-pop elements delightfully converge on Tears of the Sea, the new album from Watercolored. The project of singer-songwriter and producer Itai Bauman, Watercolored infuses poetic lyrical prowess within his memorable compositions; the album enamors in its conceptual pursuit, as well. “Tears of the Sea is a concept album that portrays a journey through the oceans outside and within,” Bauman explains. A ravishing symphonic intrigue unveils on opening track “A Dream.” A spoken-word narration conveys a comparison between self and natural elements like the wind, the moon, and an isolated boat adrift in the ocean. “You are the
On his third album I’m Sorry For Bringing You Down, Andrew Butler invites listeners deep into his psyche, navigating themes of grief, addiction, and disillusionment with stark emotional clarity amidst enchanting folk productions. Written and self-produced over two years between Stroud and Germany, the album pairs Butler’s dynamic vocal range with intricate guitar work and a raw, unfiltered lyricism. Album opener “Nothing New” proves riveting in its mixture of trickling acoustics and sense of thematic reckoning. Initial lyrical admissions — “We still have the fear of God” — and ensuing references to being “trapped and hypnotized” conjure an enthralling, foreboding
Enveloping with a dreamy pop and rock intertwining within a live setting, Is-Y-Deri is an alluring new EP from Liverpool, UK-based band Secret Garden Gathering — releasing on July 4th. The release marks their return after a 12-year hiatus, and compels definitively in its magnetic songwriting and performance, which seamlessly traverses between lushness and emotive ascents. The EP’s title translates in Welsh to “Beneath the Oak” –- representative of the live recording’s setting. “Talking Numb3rs” kicks off the EP in atmospheric form, as panting percussive energy builds into crisp guitar jangles for an overall dreamy appeal. A hazy textural backing
A personal, foreboding rock spell unfolds on “The Knife,” the enveloping new single from London-based artist Blue Loop, the moniker of Emma Hall. The release comes via Blue Loop’s upcoming debut album CYCLES, out later this year. Additional performers on the track comprise Karin Grönkvist (Junodef) on guitar, Alex Malseed (About Bunny) on bass, and Hannah Stacey (Palomino Club) on drums. Hall’s eclectic artistry succeeds here with an industrial rock atmospheric captivation, led by ghostly vocals alongside swampy electric guitar tones and hypnotic rhythmic undercurrents. Hall’s work in the more electronic realms, especially as a producer and live performer, has
Captivating in its eclectic stylish array, from dark rock ardor and noise/industrial intrigue to sentimental folk frolicking, IN ALL MY NIGHTMARES I AM ALONE is the compelling new album from Post Death Soundtrack. The Calgary-based solo project of Stephen Moore enthralls across the album’s 30 songs, many initially crafted a decade earlier, and others created more recently. This album is in some ways a complete breakdown in audio format, and in that there is a powerful breakthrough,” Moore explains. “I find it beautiful and powerful to express what often is not acknowledged or communicated. I learned that from Kurt Cobain
A funky alt-pop emotion invigorates on “Disco Jenny,” an engaging new single from Lexytron. The husband-and-wife duo of Lexy and Mike is based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), NZ. They will be releasing their debut album Something New, from which “Disco Jenny” is the second single. Also featuring on the track are London-based singer/songwriter EVA and Elen Cowlishaw on backing vocals, Stephen Lake (The Spicy Notes) on bass, and Welsh artist Gwyn Owen (Llareggub) on trumpet. Lexytron’s opening vocal declaration is direct in its plea: “Why can’t you just tell me how you feel?” — traversing thereafter from a playful percussive
Philosophical introspection melds with haunting folk and twangy rock intrigue on The Fifth Hammer, the fifth studio release from Art Schop. The project is led by New York-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Martin Walker, whose gripping songwriting has a tendency to frame both current and timeless circumstances in the context of history and the philosophers/artists that inhabited those earlier times — whether on 2012 album Wolfwork and its comparison of the modern financial crisis with the rise/fall of the Greek Empire, or 2021’s Starguide and its exploration of humanity’s place in the universe. Art Schop’s latest album is inspired conceptually by