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Feature: Pol Sembrano - 'Anywhere' EP -- Obscure Sound
A compelling electro-pop sound with both emotive and danceable qualities shows across Anywhere, the new EP from Pol Sembrano. The Seattle-based, Filipino-American composure and classically trained pianist emphasizes an atmospheric yet hooky sound throughout, drawing inspiration from acts like Depeche Mode, New Order, and early Kylie Minogue. “Anywhere” commences the EP with a club-friendly spirit, weaving brisk synth pulsations and bass-y bounces amidst yearning vocals — “just you and me until eternity.” The “go anywhere,” escalation stirs with a spacey synth pad backing, reminding fondly of Erasure in its overall drive. “Open Mind” follows with a more dreamier-paced intrigue, clamoring
Listen: Geoff Gibbons - "Beautiful Broken Things" -- Obscure Sound
A soulful singer/songwriter introspection takes hold on “Beautiful Broken Things,” a new single from Vancouver-based artist Geoff Gibbons. The themes stir in portraying vulnerabilities and personal tumult as sources of strengths, resulting in grace and perseverance. “Everyone has their battle scars,” Gibbons says. “This song is about honoring those experiences—about acknowledging the mistakes, the missed chances, and the moments we can’t take back, while recognizing that through it all, there’s always another day, and we are all in essence still beautiful.” The opening vocals embrace an outpouring of emotions, comforting with a “go ahead and cry,” drive into the melodic
Listen: Lord Sonny the Unifier - "Keep the Fierce" -- Obscure Sound
A charismatic rock sound emanates throughout “Keep the Fierce”, the latest track from Lord Sonny the Unifier. The release represents the lead single from Brooklyn-based band’s upcoming album, You Were Born to Save Your Life, out this coming February. An electrifying, fired-up music video releases alongside the track, capturing the invigorating sense of fierceness and wildness when one remains on society’s outskirts. An “it’s ok to chaos,” ethos is consuming in its conveyance, and is visually reflected in the demolition derby race setting within the video. Synth buzzing and pulsing guitar distortion combine for an enveloping introduction, driving into prancing
Listen: Joe Holt - "Wanting More" -- Obscure Sound
A stirring folk track with shades of gospel in its warming, melodic ascent, “Wanting More” is a recent track from Joe Holt. The first single via his upcoming album I Love You, Say It Back, “Wanting More” is described by Holt as “about yearning for more; more success, more time with loved ones, more fulfillment.” Gentle piano and acoustics pair with introspective lyrical qualities — “I’m hungry for time with you,” and other lines emphasize feelings of dissatisfaction. “And that satisfaction ultimately comes from within,” Holt explains. “Wanting More” has us thoroughly anticipating that upcoming full-length. — This and other
Listen: Boy Bandicoot - "Protagonist" -- Obscure Sound
An anthemic rock success from Cincinnati-based act Boy Bandicoot, “Protagonist” melds playful synth arps and erupting guitar twangs with infectious captivation. Serene vocals enter as the guitars assume more sporadic propulsions, invoking The Strokes in its climactic rise. The hooky escalation — “losing your grip,” — combines invigorated vocals and lush backings for a replay-inducing effect, carried further by the “you’re gonna need all of it,” airiness. The track’s traversal from dark intrigue into a brighter, punk-tinged enthusiasm makes for a riveting listening experience. We’re firmly anticipating the project’s debut album, set to release in 2025. — This and other
Listen: Solomon Miller - "Accost in the Dark" -- Obscure Sound
A strong mystique takes hold on “Accost in the Dark,” a new track from Solomon Miller that envelops in its chilly organs, exotic brass adornments, and slinky keys. The release represents the third single from Miller, who was raised in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Rock, jazz, and dreamy pop converge with stellar qualities on “Accost in the Dark,” which sounds fit for a late-night cruise traversing into the unknown. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
Listen: Charlie Daze - "El Tigre" -- Obscure Sound
Driving with a funky rhythmic charm and rock-forward suaveness, “El Tigre” is a recent track from Charlie Daze. “Burning up like a cigarette,” the hazy vocals envelop into galloping guitar twangs. Shimmering strings inject intrigue at mid-point, as the funky bass line re-emerges. “El Tigre” consistently compels in its infectious structural build and all-out sense of coolness. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
Listen: April Fools - "Hardware Store" -- Obscure Sound
“Hardware Store” is a dynamic, grippingly melodic single from April Fools, via their upcoming EP. “I think I need another drink,” the initially understated vocals admit, driving aptly into a sweltering array of guitars — invoking a ’90s nostalgia in the blend of heavy distortion and wailing twangs. The production consistently enamors in its delectable tonal rise and falls, maintaining an anthemic spirit into its “meet me at the hardware store,” culmination: “We could fix you.” The second half is gorgeous as well, featuring a soaring vocal immersion and dreamier, organ-touched rock pace. April Fools thoroughly impress on this infectious,
Listen: Acorn Theory - "Fireflies" -- Obscure Sound
Rochester-based project Acorn Theory crafts a meditative sound on new single “Fireflies,” melding spacey synths and lush guitar strums for an immersive impact. A soaring vocal introspective calms alongside, exploring “existential themes of spirituality, mortality, and the meaning of life.” The “in the night,” sequence is especially stirring in that regard, capturing a sense of philosophical connectivity and unity. Acorn Theory represents the solo songwriting output of Scott Wright, whose heady and psychedelic sound glistens with replay-inducing appeal throughout “Fireflies.” The track comes via Acorn Theory’s newly released full-length, Remember the Toad. Its an atmospheric, captivating success — and streaming
Listen: Bright Like Stars - "Star Dust" -- Obscure Sound
With the melodic rocker “Star Dust,” Bright Like Stars impress with another cut from their forthcoming album Reflections. Catching our ears recently with fellow album track “Reeling,” Bright Like Stars continue to strut a dreamy, textured rock appeal with “Star Dust” — adding a more pop-friendly touch compared to the shoegaze-forward first single. “We wanted to mix the Power Pop sound of Torche with the mellow sounds of early Slowdive into something that is hopefully refreshing sounding and memorable for the listener,” the band says, whilst noting that Reflections “sort of pays homage to different genres/bands that made an impact
Feature: Aníbal - 'Bungalow Sessions' EP -- Obscure Sound
An affecting EP from Aníbal, Bungalow Sessions presents a captivating blend of layered folk and shimmering rock, weaving heartfelt emotion with dynamic structural builds. With dreamy acoustics, reflective vocals, and moments of nocturnal synth beauty, the EP captures the emotional pull of infatuation and introspection. The El Paso-based singer/songwriter will be releasing the EP on November 26th. “Creative Act” opens the EP with a dreamy folk entrancement, lyrically capturing a changing of emotions within a relationship. “I fell in love with your science fiction, that I created in my head,” Aníbal sings, compelling amidst twangy guitars, steady acoustic strums, and
Listen: Slaughter Beach - "Baby" -- Obscure Sound
Danish trio Slaughter Beach unveil a flourishing pop breeziness on the single “Baby.” Serene vocals lament that “you bring out the worst in me,” alongside twinkling piano, bouncy synths, and lush guitars. A dreamier bridge ensues thereafter — “I can’t get it through my head,” — that builds enjoyably within the more effervescent general drive. The track marks another success from Slaughter Beach, which comprises Nikolaj Westi, Mads Emil Aagaard, and Hasse Mydtskov. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist. The track is also featured in the
Listen: The Sea At Midnight - "Burning" (feat. Chemical Waves)
Balancing passion and introspection within its synth-touched rock sound, “Burning” is a gripping new track from The Sea At Midnight, the project of Los Angeles-based songwriter Vince Grant. Also featuring Chemical Waves, “Burning” envelops in its emotional rock unfolding and heartfelt lyrical depicitons. A sense of atmosphere is palpable from the get-go, as the vocals proclaim “the skies are ablaze, as we stare into the night,” amidst starry-eyed synth buzzing and atmospheric guitar escalations. “Look into the night, we can see the trees are burning,” the vocals attain an emotively charged invigoration, culminating in crisply soaring guitar work — re-emerging
Feature: Anna Josephine - 'everything to everybody' EP
A stirring new EP from Anna Josephine, everything to everybody proves impactful in its ascending melodic drives and illuminating lyricism. Folk and dreamy pop sentiments linger alongside explorations of self and the tendency to give oneself to people, both in positive and negative circumstances. A high-quality range of songwriting shows throughout. A contemplative lyrical immersion pairs with a heartfelt dreaminess on opening track “Safe and Sound.” “Nothing stops the rain from falling down,” soaring vocals let out. The ensuing “my wounded heart,” sequence that culminates in a triumphant title-touting brightness. Anna Josephine consistently shows a knack for satiating structural and
Listen: Maystones - "Meltdown" -- Obscure Sound
A rousing rock single from Hertfordshire, UK-based act Maystones, “Meltdown” melds moody guitar tones with the vocals’ delectably dark foreboding — finding a compelling middle ground between exhilarating alt-rock and atmospheric post-punk. The band notes the track as beginning their new era, stating that it’s “the tune we open with at our live shows and it makes a real impact every time.” This thrilling single, in addition to the upcoming “Flight of the Fall,” fully solidifies Maystones’ continued ascent in their new era. It also follows up noted appearances, like the Isle of Wight Festival and a sold-out headline show
Listen: El Oso Guapo - "Eucalyptus" -- Obscure Sound
A meditative track with psych-rock and rainy-day jazz intertwining, “Eucalyptus” comes via El Oso Guapo, a San Diego-based singer/songwriter. “The rain it never ends,” vocal laments stir amidst a smooth-flowing melding of brass and guitars, conveying ample mystique into a hard-rocking fervency past the two-minute turn. Written during a storm, the calamity around the mid-point enthralls in its audible representation. “Heavy branches gonna bring em’ down, crushing all the people around,” lyrical foreboding plays with eerie immersion, ascending into a percussive ferocity with rising saxophone into the final minute. “Eucalyptus” is a riveting showcase in atmosphere from El Oso Guapo,
Listen: Whalers - "Love & Drugs" -- Obscure Sound
Austin-based quintet Whalers unveil a climactic charmer with “Love & Drugs,” where twangy guitars and suave vocals ascend into a clanging emotional ferocity. The band describes the lyrical focus as a “reminiscence of two people meeting, and navigating their time together through shared debauchery.” Such accounts are reflected in the a particular lyrical drive — “we were young, and we fell in love with drugs,” — that appears intermittently and then concludes the track with a rousing fervor. The track has undergone a variety of transformations, from banjo-led acoustic balladry to a jazz-inspired cut with heavy bass swinging, and ends
Listen: Mieu - "Get Closer" -- Obscure Sound
Contemplations on closeness stir amidst a synth-laden city-pop glow on “Get Closer,” a dazzling track from Los Angeles-based project Mieu. The moody yet melodic sound takes inspiration from artists like Sade and Mariya Takeuchi, consistently melodic despite a nocturnal dose of melancholy. “The night won’t last, a love like that,” dreamy vocals immerse, initially set within lush synths as admissions arise: “You were so close to me sometimes that I can’t take it.” Effervescent synth injections show across the second half, as interacting vocal layers enamor with their ghostly precision. — This and other tracks featured this month can be
Listen: Caroline in the Garden - "Isolation Inside" -- Obscure Sound
A haunting blend of atmospheric piano, sporadic guitars, and heartfelt vocals stir on “Isolation Inside,” a newly released single from Caroline in the Garden. Singer/songwriter and producer Caroline Milby caught our ears under the Carrie Stardust alias earlier this year, and now enamors with “Isolation Inside” under the Caroline in the Garden name. Milby describes this latest release as “about slowly growing apart.” References to “what we do to survive,” signals a sense of urgency. “I wanted us to find a better way to be alright,” Milby’s vocals continue, cementing a sense of somberness and seeking answers; the introspective vocals
Listen: Sam Hoffman - "Afloat" -- Obscure Sound
“Afloat” is an engaging track from Nashville-based artist Sam Hoffman, representing a re-recording from a track off his debut album, Fairweather. Hoffman made the track alongside his former roommate Dave Meyer; they recorded the track in 2021, and mixed it this past year. “I hope you stay afloat,” dreamy vocals let out amidst hazy guitar strums, casting ample mystique from the get-go. Spacey keys add a subtle charm within, as swelling guitars culminate in a jangly crispness into the track’s mid-point; its escalation from lush haziness into a glistening caressing makes for a wholly satiating listening experience, marking another success
Listen: Calico Mantra - "Shade of Love" -- Obscure Sound
“Shade of Love” is a charismatic throwback rocker from Nashville-based band Calico Mantra, invoking an orchestral punch and glam-friendly vocal emotion. The twangy guitars and violin charms pair with debonair vocals for a sound that reminds fondly of a cross between ELO, T Rex, and Foxygen. A stellar throwback engrossment shows, with a plethora of excitable, hooky moments. The title-touting chorus is especially memorable, featuring an ascending vocal emotion that glides amidst the heart-tugging strings and wailing guitars; the lavish orchestral push around 02:30 cements that ELO-esque lovability. The band describes this lovable ’60s and ’70s-inspired gem as the following:
New Album: Singing River - 'Talkin' Destination Blues'
A memorable Americana sound persists throughout Talkin’ Destination Blues, the new album from Singing River. The Rochester, NY-based project is led by Mikey James (the former drummer for Longwave) and Anthony Kuhn. Other players include Jeremy Stoner on bass and Johnny Cummings on piano. The album’s title track opens with a warming allure. “I really like it here with you,” comforting vocals mingle amidst frolicking guitars and gentle piano. Wordless enthusiasm pairs in the background, for hypnotic impact. “I wanna be your destination,” they continue with a soaring emotiveness, easing into the “I like being here with you,” refrain. “A
Listen: Abigail Arkley - "Never Too Young" -- Obscure Sound
Quaintly serene synths and mellow vocal aspirations lead “Never Too Young,” an engaging new track from Chicago-based artist Abigail Arkley. “I wrote this in a time of deep searching for meaning and purpose, desperate to break away from both societal and personal constraints and expectations,” Arkley explains, placing a particular emphasis on youth and feelings of weariness, anxiety, and lofty expectations that come alongside. “Ultimately, ‘Never Too Young’ captures a journey of self-exploration, a desire for renewal, and a confrontation with one’s inner self.” The second release from Arkley’s upcoming EP, “Never Too Young” enthralls in its blissful atmospheric escape
Listen: Bellefolie - "Modern Apathy" -- Obscure Sound
Playful piano, buzzing guitars, and radiant vocal layers enamor throughout “Modern Apathy,” a consuming pop single from Norway-based duo Bellefolie. “I was hopping off trees, into modern apathy,” the vocals let out initially, propelled by piano and rhythms into a soaring expanse — reflecting on emotions within a turbulent world, and balancing a dystopic outlook with the need for optimism. Pairing pop immediacy and introspective wit, the release is a thorough success from Bellefolie, who describe “Modern Apathy” as one that delves “into feelings of disconnection and the struggle to engage with the world in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.” —
Listen: Lowah - "Double Sided" -- Obscure Sound
Brooklyn-based artist Lowah crafts a chilly synth-pop allure on new single “Double Sided,” infusing calming piano tones and sparkling synth adornments. The project represents the work of Vince Simpson, who notes that the track was “inspired by infrequent family visits that seem to get a little bit smaller each time.” References to a “natural regression,” signal an added enthusiasm in the vocals, as sporadic bursts of keys show alongside ruminating percussion. Glistening synth arpeggios take hold at mid-point, building seamlessly back into the initial quaintness and “I’m undecided,” admissions. Trickling water effects add to the caressingly melodic sound, marking a
Listen: Mark Fain - "Meri Misery" -- Obscure Sound
A recent track from Los Angeles-based artist Mark Fain, “Meri Misery” exudes a hauntingly nostalgic psych-rock and folk intertwining, balancing an intriguing daze with more radiant vocal reflections. The songwriter, producer, and composer — who moved from Michigan to LA in 2015, previously performed as Gun Lake — and recenly quit a 14-year animation career in advertising. “Meri Misery” marks Fain’s first single since that career switch, succeeding with a timeless-sounding appeal. The track was poignantly released in the days leading up to the USA’s presidential election, and contemplates on the gravity of such — “an election where we could
New Album: Stratafield - 'Sympathetic Waveforms'
A hypnotic and atmospheric delight, Sympathetic Waveforms is the newest album from Stratafield. The Atlanta-based project of Peter Lewman seamlessly blends electronic, jazz, and folktronica. This album follows up the project’s debut in ravishing form, incorporating a percussive piano sound within consistent acoustic guitar emphasis. The result is a successful merging of acoustic and electronic captivation. “Elysian Fields” opens the album with a magnetic intrigue, immediately showcasing the project’s knack for stirring dynamic interactions. Here, murky acoustics intermingle with effervescent piano for a powerfully atmospheric pull. Nocturnal cricket sounds lend a compelling ambience within. Its vibrant, celebratory vibe moves enjoyably
Listen: FHMY - "my blue heaven" (feat. AQL) -- Obscure Sound
Developing from hypnotic rock intrigue into a swell of invigoration, “my blue heaven” is a new track from FHMY, also featuring AQL. FHMY — who grew up in Cairo, Egypt — describes the release as “about a recent breakup, fueled with intense shoegazy vibes and drowning the mix, which only felt right to do so.” Twangy guitar crawls inject a dreamy entrancement to start, as contemplative vocals enter following a pit-pattering percussive unfolding. A bass-y foreboding also takes hold. The elongated vocals exude a melancholic, reflective immersion — rising the intensity as swells of guitar distortion envelop prior to the
Listen: In Lieu of Roses - "The Gray" -- Obscure Sound
Philadelphia-based rockers In Lieu of Roses captivate with a bursting rock sound on new single “The Gray,” melding nostalgic introspection with commentary on present cultural and societal erosion. Thematically, the track explores the shifting tides of American culture, blending personal reflection with broader societal critique. Frontman Eric Naroden lets out lines like “reminds me of the past, something that I could never forget,” and contemplating what’s left, wondering how the promising forests of youth have become bulldozed and replaced with “empty condos and gaudy McMansions,” in a metaphorical portrayal of changing expectations as one grows older. The angst-y vocal drive
Listen: Slow Dance - "Little Missouri" -- Obscure Sound
Denver-based band Slow Dance consume on their debut single “Little Missouri,” infusing soaring guitars and glistening synth tones for a sound that reminds fondly of The War on Drugs. The project, fronted by singer/songwriter Luke Klifman, describes the track as “a love song to a person, to a river, and to the joy of getting lost — lost in place, and in time.” The band also includes bassist Tim Seale, guitarist Joe Fassler (House of Feelings), and drummer Dan Carlson (Creek). “Little Missouri” commences with a magnetic arsenal of twangy guitars and simmering synths, reflecting each other into the steady
Listen: mio min mio - "My War" -- Obscure Sound
Showing a riveting alt-rock appeal, “My War” is the debut single from Wisconsin-based act mio min mio. The track compels in its more sporadic bursts between dreamy spaciousness and pulsating distortion energy, past the one-minute turn. An enjoyable raucousness persists in those heavier moments, and into the anthemic vocal exultation that lingers alongside reflective guitar twangs. The project describes the stellar track as “about self doubt and ultimately breaking free from a tumultuous relationship.” — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
Listen: Andrea Longato - "Wishlist" -- Obscure Sound
New York-based artist Andrea Longato unveils an atmospheric jazz enthrallment on new single “Wishlist,” propelled by beautiful guitar work and jazzy rhythmic precision. The track comes via Longato’s upcoming album Thinking Heart, out in January. The trio, with Longato as bandleader and guitarist, shows a moving sound throughout, strutting a lush steadiness even in the midst of mixed-meter movements and subtly impactful shifts. Gently captivating guitars move with a blissful pace initially, quicky accompanied by jazzy percussion that furthers a rainy-day, contemplative quality. Intermingling guitar and bass compel into the two-minute turn; the pit-pattering rhythms continue steadily, conveying a soothingly
Feature: Noah Smith - 'Cavaliers Into Cadillacs' EP
Cincinnati-based singer/songwriter Noah Smith stirs with an introspective combination of rock, country, and folk across his new EP, Cavaliers Into Cadillacs. The 37-year-old embraces an honesty within his songwriting, embracing vulnerabilities and impactful life moments — from watching one’s children grow up, to the multiple impacts of heartbreak. “I’m allowing myself to be as honest as I need to be to tell whatever story that needs telling,” Smith says. “Don’t Break My Fall” opens the EP with an aptly dynamic aesthetical charm, swelling from folk-ready acoustics into rousing rock guitar bursts. “I know this is scary, and I know it’s
Listen: Leanne Wilkins & the Weathered - "Alt-Reality"
A memorable single out today from Seattle-based act Leanne Wilkins & the Weathered, “Alt-Reality” invigorates with its soulful vocal presence and moody rock production — embracing a lushly atmospheric yet emotively gripping ascent. The track comes via the forthcoming album, The Art of Letting Go, and takes inspiration from turbulent political times in America. Wilkins’ vocals are thoroughly consuming, enveloping in both wordless dreaminess and rousing lyrical outputs. A beckoning to “wake me from this dream,” stirs with a ghostly immersion, melding with twangy guitars and suave Wurlitzer alongside the riveting vocal coolness. The preceding lyrical sentiments, reflecting on childhood
Listen: Silver Lake - "Flowers Grow In The Saddest Parts"
Melding pop and lush folk appeal, “Flowers Grow In The Saddest Parts” is a new track from Silver Lake. The duo — based in The Hague, Netherlands — draw from both modern production and ’60s folk-pop nostalgia, propelled by the gripping vocals of Marleen Hoebe and stirring arrangements from Jesse Koch. They describe the track as “about navigating the feelings of guilt and insecurity that can arise when supporting a loved one who is struggling with depression.” Comforting guitars and piano complement vocals that aspire for “a nice place to be,” ascending into a moving hook — lamenting “I forgot
New Album: Nuclear Club - 'Black Cats Are Bad Luck'
Scottish band Nuclear Club seamlessly fuse electronic and rock captivation on their new album, Black Cats Are Bad Luck. The release is inspired by post-war artists and architectural movements such as brutalism and modernism. Themes “of accelerationism, cultural lag, environmentalism and social alienation,” are also harnessed with artful appeal. Opening track “Hexavalent Chromium” showcases the band’s knack for unfolding structural intrigue, developing seamlessly from trickling guitar lushness into melodic vocals and a simmering synth-forward buzzing. A stirring, atmospheric rock prowess is on full display. A range of other aesthetical pursuits compel throughout the album, with “Lightning Spike” stirring with a
Listen: Shweta Harve - "Why So Busy?" -- Obscure Sound
An affecting track from Texas-based singer, guitarist, and poet Shweta Harve, “Why So Busy?” consumes in its illuminated drive — featuring glistening keys and organs — to various compelling vocal layers. Harve once again collaborates with Italian music composer Dario Cei; the duo made waves with their debut single “Who Are You?” and now continue to succeed with “Why So Busy?” The track is a poignant, modern take on a chaotic and demanding world — prompting behaviors like being distracted by technology, and becoming overwhelmbed by the burdensome expectations of corporate life. Cei’s effervescent piano glides seamlessly amidst Harve’s alluring
New Album: ReSeT Ryan Tram - 'Digital Voyage, Vol.1'
Digital Voyage, Vol. 1 is an enveloping electronic success from ReSeT Ryan Tram, an Ontario-based artist whose melodic sound draws from childhood nostalgia, video games, Japanese media, and beyond. The album presents a poignant thematic narrative, exploring a relationship in the context of the digital world and self. Red and Blue represent these partners, who become separated within the digital world. “The album talks about the feelings the two might have while being separated in unknown spaces, like freedom from each other, grief from missing one another, and happiness in living a colourful life,” Tram explains. A commencing vocal countdown
New Album: Chris Kunkel - 'Feeling Good All the Time'
Fully impressing in its psych-touched folk sound, Feeling Good All the Time is the new album from Chris Kunkel, an artist based in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Catching our ears in 2021 with the album Waiting to Die, Kunkel follows up that release with this thorough success. Feeling Good All the Time compels in its heartfelt songwriting, maintaining consistent introspection within memorable atmospheric and melodic directions. Following intermingling acoustics and lush piano on “Opening,” the album shifts into gear with a multitude of riveting, vocal-accompanied folk standouts. “Leaving” reveals a haunting quaintness in its “something is wrong,” vocal ruminations and