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Feature: rabbitsquirrel - 'the only way out is strewn' EP
Feeling like a conjuring of otherworldly frequencies in its experimental drone allure, the only way out is strewn is a compelling EP from New York-based artist rabbitsquirrel. The release showcases the role of the Metal Bug, described by the artist as “a self built instrument and effects unit comprising a system of spring suspended metal bowls, finding a space between tuned percussion and spring reverb.” This DIY element combines beautifully with rabbitsquirrel’s knack for dynamic tonal soundscapes, from the whirring intrigue of “To a reach crowded by emptiness” to the pulsating creaking within “We settle for patterns dappled on the
Listen: Ashot Danielyan - "Thinking in Silence #2" -- Obscure Sound
Succeeding with a classical melding of piano and strings, “Thinking in Silence #2” is a memorable track from Ashot Danielyan. The pianist and improviser excels in his discography across a variety of styles — from crossover classical to new age, electronic, and experimental music. An award-winning songwriter, Danielyan succeeds in the more crossover classical realm with “Thinking in Silence #2,” a masterclass in lushly absorbing, atmospheric songcraft and production. Gently inviting piano opens the track, fit for rainy-day contemplation in its serene tonal disposition. A subtle, lingering string-laden presence caresses underneath, swelling with sporadic ease as the piano work continues
Listen: Tropigloom - "Invisible" -- Obscure Sound
A hypnotic, dreamy standout single from Tropigloom, “Invisible” unveils a post-punk and shoegaze immersion. The Toronto-based project excels in mood and atmosphere here, traversing from jangling guitar trickles and introspective vocals into a moody plea. “I just wanna be invisible,” the wistful vocals let out there, while hazy textures meld seamlessly into the clanging guitar feeling, tonally reminiscent of a cross between Interpol and Chameleons UK. The project is fronted by artist Andrew Roy, also noted for his work as a session musician in several Toronto-based bands, including as guitarist for Hannah Georgas on her album For Evelyn. “Invisible” represents the
Feature: Minus32Heartbeat - 'QSFW2S' EP -- Obscure Sound
Two classic love songs are re-imagined with a late-night, Lynchian cinematic flair on QSFW2S, the new EP from Minus32Heartbeat. “My Funny Valentine” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” are interpreted with melodic, atmospheric intrigue within — propelled further by the riveting vocals of Em Bell. Minus32Heartbeat represents the project of New York-based artist Matt Friedlander, who was the guitarist and songwriter for The GoStation prior to a 15-year-hiatus. He re-emerged in 2023 under this new alias, and the debut album DHRICMV followed a year later. Minus32Heartbeat debuted in 2023 with a cover of The Cranberries’ “Dreams” and continues to immerse
Listen: zukrassverliebt - "Way Too Hot" -- Obscure Sound
A delightfully breezy pop sound shows on zukrassverliebt “Way Too Hot,” invoking an island-set escapism in its glistening guitars and serene rhythms. The Hamburg, Germany-based artist infuses heatwave metaphors alongside admissions of falling for someone who is “way too hot” — dazzling melodically throughout, from the crawling bass-friendly bridge to the radiant flourishes of guitar and vocal interplay. The track opens with an inviting, playful appeal. “She is way too hot,” a magnetic vocal refrain commences amidst balmy, lush guitar tones. Pulsing rhythms and vibrant vocal layers arrive thereafter, lyrically depicting a sense of adoration amidst “heat is rising through
New Album: Kay Soul - 'Heavy Set' -- Obscure Sound
Heavy Set is a powerful new album from Kay Soul, an Atlanta-based artist that pairs classic R&B influences with a modern, soul-baring charm. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, her roots in gospel and love for icons like Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill come through in songs that carry both vulnerability and triumph — consistent in their melodic and emotive captivation. The album consistently stands out with its soulfully melodic entrancement. “Profit A Man” is among the many highlights, evolving from whispered dreaminess into a a hypnotic title-bearing introspection. Self-professed ruminations on love’s inspirations and “why can’t I seem
Listen: The Hell Club - "Beautiful Stranger" -- Obscure Sound
Expanding from understated vulnerability into a riveting, layered assortment of acoustic strums and textured guitars, “Beautiful Stranger” is a consuming new track from The Hell Club. The project of Pittsburgh-based artist, composer, and producer Mitchell McDermott, The Hell Club achieve an atmospheric rock and folk cohesion with this standout single — coming via debut album God’s Sick Trick, comprising eight tracks released throughout 2025. Two more singles will arrive, one in September and another in October, before the album’s vinyl release in November. The track struts an abundance of memorable moments, across both its initial sparse and culminating expanse. “Don’t
Chords of Indigo - "The Thread" -- Obscure Sound
A powerfully emotive rocker from Manchester-based artist Chords of Indigo, “The Thread” envelops in its climactic prog-rock dynamics and culminating, hooky vocal soaring. The track marks the opener to the project’s upcoming five-track concept EP, Evelyn and the Evil. Singer-songwriter Lee Hornsby channels an enjoyable tonal balance here and throughout Chords of Indigo’s output. In the case of “The Thread,” a darker intrigue resonates in the verses’ steady guitar pulses, while the cathartic chorus finds an enjoyable uptick in vocal vibrancy and textural guitar immersion. Within the EP’s thematic context, “The Thread” represents “the beginning of Evelyn’s descent into The
Feature: David Bayless - 'Seismic' EP -- Obscure Sound
A beautiful folk sound — propelled by fingerpicked guitar and serenely poetic vocal prowess — shines on Seismic, the latest from David Bayless. The release is a consistent display in riveting songwriting from Bayless, who is originally from Northern California and now based in Zürich, Switzerland. His ability to craft emotively stirring entrancement within often subdued folk productions remind fondly of Elliott Smith. The EP’s opening title track exudes a sense of unraveling, like a seismic shift. “The thread exposed, skinned down to the nerve,” Bayless sings amidst lush acoustic immersion. “Playing tug of war, in a house that burns.”
New Album: Joseph Bell - 'Exploding Stars' -- Obscure Sound
The stirring debut album from London-based artist Joseph Bell, Exploding Stars showcases a songwriter with a gift for pairing radiant melodies and dreamy productions with insightful self-reflection. The record shifts with ease between airy pop sparkle and moments of moody thoughtfulness, anchored by Bell’s engaging vocal presence and knack for hooky melodic unveilings. “Take A Breath” opens the album with a smoothly inviting pop charm, where mellow key twinkling and twangy guitar delights intertwine with layers of vocal introspection. “Some days I’m scared I’ll self-destruct,” Bell’s vocals admit, driving into a title-beckoning call for taking a moment, rather than beating
Listen: Alec André - "Dreams of You" -- Obscure Sound
Warming acoustic strums and glistening keys complement a riveting croon on “Dreams of You,” a track from Alec André, the project of Mexican-American singer/songwriter and artist Alec André Ruvalcaba. The first single from the EP of the same name, “Dreams of You” exudes a palpable retrospection and heart-aching lyrically — “when I first met you, we were kids” — as mellow acoustic strums and late-night keys evolve with melodic allure. “I think of you, you know I do,” an especially harmonious sequence lets out, concluding the track with spine-tingling immersion. — This and other tracks featured this month can be
Listen: HAHN - "Sleeping Meds" -- Obscure Sound
A suave, late-night rock yearning stirs on “Sleeping Meds,” a recent track from Nashville-based artist HAHN with a soulful, atmospheric charm reminiscent of a Toro y Moi. “Do you feel the same?” the hooky central refrain emits, aligning with bouncy bass and hazy guitar enjoyment — overall presenting a replay-inducing psych-pop and rock melding. Intensified guitar distortion and ardent rhythms in the final minute make for an especially exhilarating send-off. HAHN describes the track as “about missing a former love interest deeply, and wondering if they are struggling without you as much as you are without them.” — This and
New Album: villafeign - 'Tragically True' -- Obscure Sound
Tragically True is a consuming new album from NYC-based artist villafeign, moving seamlessly between driving, high-energy rock and moments of reflective intensity. Propulsive guitars, pulsing basslines, and layered synths underpin vocals that shift between urgency and introspection, giving the album a constantly evolving energy. Beneath its sonic momentum lies a narrative of personal reckoning, exploring how we navigate disappointment, self-sabotage, and the sometimes hollow strategies we adopt to get through life. “Seeing is Deceiving” opens the album with heartfelt captivation, infusing jangly guitar warmness and subdued synths amidst a compelling vocal introspection. “Sometimes seeing can be deceiving, when there’s nothing
Listen: Ricochet The Kid - "All I Can Do" -- Obscure Sound
A melodic rock sound shines on "All I Can Do," a recent track from Michigan-based act Ricochet The Kid. Enamoring across both expressive guitar twangs and bass-fronted spaciousness, the track's production shines alongside compelling lyrical vulnerability.
New Album: Alessiah - 'Obscentra' -- Obscure Sound
The gripping debut album from Alessiah, Obscentra marks her bold step into adulthood and artistic self-realization. Building on nearly a decade in music and over two dozen singles, Alessiah crafts a world of dark electro-pop where obsession, seduction, and vulnerability intertwine. Across 14 tracks, hypnotic synths, glitchy beats, and cinematic textures present a moody, immersive universe — where emotional chaos meets transformation, and resulting cycles of desire, pain, and self-discovery. The album consistently stirs in its atmospheric prowess, and it’s evident right away with “loop – intro.” A drip-dropping synth and gentle percussive pitter-patter move hypnotically, as lush spacey synth
Listen: Sunchoke - "Enclave on a Current" -- Obscure Sound
“Enclave on a Current” is a gorgeous, dreamy new track from Sunchoke, the project of Philadelphia-based musician Donald McGrath. Twangy guitar layers and steady percussion craft a warming soundscape, as McGrath’s vocals exude a sense of wistful nostalgia: “Gone are all the days that I knew, I’ll see them in my dreams.” The swaying guitars and gentle vocals absorb with their lush charm, while the lyricism invokes the innocence of childhood memories — spaces unclouded by fear or cynicism, where love and imagination remain intact. Across both wordless vocal harmonizing and striking imagery — “”climbing trees, magnolia flowers” — “Enclave
Listen: Slark Moan - "Emphatic Love" -- Obscure Sound
An enthralling, colorful psych-rock sound emanates on “Emphatic Love,” a newly released track from Slark Moan, the project of New York-based multi-instrumentalist Annie Taylor Sloan. Also featuring an immersive music video whose kaleidoscope of body-paint and trippy imagery makes for a stylish fit, “Emphatic Love” enamors in its range of punchy guitar ardency and hypnotic momentum. “There’s something automatic, about the feeling of this moment,” Sloan’s vocals commence following melodic guitar licks and spacey synth shimmering, arriving into a dreamily enticing central hook: “Got an emphatic love, like static in my blood.” This sequence repeats with fervent infectiousness throughout the
Listen: Robert Peterson and The Crusade - "Eye On The Sparrow"
Melding power-pop and folk harmoniousness, “Eye On The Sparrow” is a memorable new track from Robert Peterson and The Crusade, a band originally formed in St. Paul, MN., and now based in Joplin, MO. Glistening acoustic strums venture into a warming vocal introspection, as Peterson lets out with reassurance: “Noticed you’ve been staring in the mirror lately / Something that is weighing on your mind so heavy.” Backing vocal layers emerge with responsive melodic allure upon the wonderful “can’t you feel the love that’s reigning down?” hook. Additional rhythmic elements lend a livelier appeal entering the final minute, which alternates
Listen: Slow Coda - "Drive-Thru" -- Obscure Sound
Los Angeles-based duo Slow Coda impress with a hooky rock allure on “Drive-Thru,” representing the first single from their upcoming sophomore album, Heavy Zen. Twanging guitars exude a vibrant sound from the get-go, as the hazy vocals emerge amidst steady guitar pulses. “I’m only half-asleep, nothing fazes me,” the vocals let out, singing “we can only sigh” in response to tumult, and venturing thereafter into the delectable central hook: “think it’s time that we flew through the drive-thru.” Featuring Dan Konopka (OK Go) on drums, “Drive-Thru” is a strong showing from the band, whose upcoming album we’re certainly looking forward
Listen: Palejoy - "What a Sad Little Life, Jane" -- Obscure Sound
Delivering an emotive rock sound with an infectious ardor reminiscent of The Killers, “What a Sad Little Life, Jane” is a stellar output from Palejoy. The Aberdeen, Scotland-based band achieve a darker sound here relative to past releases. Lyrical references to fire pair with menacing guitar tones and exhilarating vocals, for an audible reflection of personal tumult and a sense of grief. The single features the band’s bassist Jamie Reid on vocals, and it was written following the loss of his mother to cancer. Pulses of distorted guitars and panting percussion make for an invigorating opener. “There’s something broken in
Feature: Rayhan - 'LAZY BURNING' EP -- Obscure Sound
LAZY BURNING is the latest EP from Rayhan, whose memorable hip-hop sound consumes in its visceral, heartfelt lyricism and dynamic productions, here embracing a dark, haunting allure. The Toronto-based artist has caught our ears with a variety of recent releases — including the albums uLove: Rayhan’s Version and June Was Something — and continues his prolific pace and high-quality output with this new EP. Featuring Kataem & Navin, “So Goes It” opens the EP with moody immersion — infusing glistening keys, a steady bass line, and late-night guitar tones. The lyrics reflect the turbulent nature of navigating life, with experiences
New Album: CAR287 - 'Looking Through The Lens'
Winnipeg-based quartet CAR287 thoroughly impress on their debut album, Looking Through The Lens — showcasing a sound that spans heartfelt folk-rock, blistering guitar-led anthems, and bluesy southern-rock flourishes. Rooted in the heart of Canada, their songs often nod to Winnipeg itself, resonating with local audiences who have already embraced these tracks in live settings and now eagerly await the official release, out on September 20th. “Opening Song” commences the album with a heartfelt rock appeal, infusing twangy guitars and chiming piano infusions amidst vocals that exude a hopefulness in “pulling away from here.” An invigorating call to push forward, and
Listen: Pizza Daddy - "Goodbye Old Town" -- Obscure Sound
London-based duo Pizza Daddy unveil a dreamy, jangly delight in “Goodbye Old Town,” their first release in over two years. Formed in 2020 and comprising Ross Pearce and Mike Stothard, Pizza Daddy draw from a personal place of introspection in the songwriting, which compels in its title-centric expressions and thematic pursuits of moving on from a past that’s becoming less relevant. “This song came from a moment of reflection—leaving somewhere that once felt like home, but no longer fits,” the duo shares. “We wanted it to feel like a sunset you watch through a rainy window.” The track commences with
Feature: Eclectic Whiz - 'Screaming. Casting. Bleating.' EP
Eclectic Whiz introduces Screaming. Casting. Bleating. (S.C.B.), a Bandcamp-exclusive EP built from three inventive takes on the single “Enough, Saturn!” and its captivating sound. While the single and its full version highlight the track’s dramatic core, S.C.B. pushes it further—fracturing it into siren, witch, and goat personas. The result is a playful yet menacing experiment in sound and identity, reflecting the evolving artistry of Istanbul-born, LA-based creator Ismihan Nazli Suzer. Opening the EP and reflective of “screaming” artistry, “Enough, Saturn (siren version)” exudes a menacing enthrallment in its evolution from solemn vocal introspections to buzzy synth pulses and expressive “what
New Album: Christian List - 'Beach' -- Obscure Sound
The riveting new album from Christian List, Beach shows the talented songwriter expanding his sound with a fuller, band-driven approach. The release contrasts his more minimalist 2023 album Spirit by embracing pedal steel, Hammond organ, and shimmering synths alongside vintage guitars. The result is a versatile blend of indie rock, country, and folk influences — a warm, summery collection inspired by List’s seaside childhood and carried by his natural gift for heartfelt storytelling. “On The Beach” begins the album with a hypnotic, twangy allure — as List’s debonair vocals conjure a title-touting setting, with the “won’t see her anymore” yearning
Listen: KARDHO - "(Keep)Groovin" -- Obscure Sound
An atmospheric, thumping house-forward intrigue stirs on “(Keep)Groovin,” a new track from Italian artist KARDHO. The self-taught solo artist takes particular inspiration from the underground house scene, noting artists like Josh Backer, Kettama, and Chris Stussy. A stylish aesthetic ensues, cohesively melding heavy rhythmic strides, savvy vocal samples, and resonating electronic textures. The climactic “(Keep)Groovin” unfolds with steady precision, maneuvering from a quaint buzzing and reflective rhythmic pulse into swelling infectiousness and sample-touched nocturnal entrancement. The first minute dazzles in the interplay between the concisely beckoning vocal sample and simmering drum/bass convergence. “You already have what you need, stop looking
Listen: Bromsen + Reatsch - "Data Highway" -- Obscure Sound
Berlin-based trio Bromsen and producer Reatsch infuse rock, synthwave, and electro-pop immersion on new track “Data Highway,” an overall magnetic success. Bromsen previously caught our ears last year with the album Brothers in Mind, and “Data Highway” continues to show a savvy for hook-filled electronic allure with guitar-laden rock additions. “Data Highway” embraces the atmospheric synthwave realm in its more abstract verses, while exuding a more anthemic and eclectic stylishness in its fantastic chorus. The track’s production comes to life like a futuristic assembly of machines, as buzzing synths and frequency-like bloops machinate into a cohesive electro-pop lushness. The vocals
Listen: Sheykh Forever + KER - "Where is my baby?"
A consuming art-pop vibrancy takes hold on “Where is my baby?” — a new single from London-based artist Sheykh Forever, the project of Iraqi-born artist Mostafa Al. The release is a collaboration with KER, and strongly compels in resembling a cross between trip-hop, soul, and dreamy pop in its intoxicating atmospherics and enveloping vocal work. The track marks another success from Sheykh Forever, following lauded singles like the anti-war cut “Run for cover” and the funky “Sleeping dogs.” A title-touting questioning takes hold right away, as steady rhythmic pulses and lingering organs swell with artful immersion. “Where is my baby?”
New Album: iNL83 - 'Cut Scenes' -- Obscure Sound
A dynamic hip-hop success with a futuristic electro-pop allure, Cut Scenes is a riveting album from iNL83. Each of its tracks resemble a scene from a film, and thus also an element of one’s life — along with the setting, mood, and overall feeling that accompanies it. From the punchy activeness of “Ad Rock” to the title track’s stylish “cinematic life” recounting, Cut Scenes succeeds with consistently memorable productions and enthralling hip-hop flows. The opening “Jansen Message” plays like a futuristic battle cry, with shades of Blade Runner. “Get ready for the long haul, this battle might be lifelong,” the
New Album: Nick Jaina - 'The Monster Mash' -- Obscure Sound
The new album from Nick Jaina, The Monster Mash showcases a spacious guitar-led sound that melodically frames lyrics exploring self-reflection, personal fragmentation, and the beauty of embracing a life that’s offbeat from societal conventions. Across the record, Jaina balances playful nostalgia with introspective moments, capturing both the thrill of youthful abandon and the longing for connection and wholeness, all while wrapping it in delicate organs, twangy guitar lines, and subtly intricate arrangements. Album opener “Strange Undertaking” exudes an introspective lyrical charm amidst tender guitars and a faint backing organ. The track conjures imagery of an overactive mind and stumbling body,
Listen: April Patterson Clemens - "Our Campfire Days"
An enthralling folk track that exudes a timeless allure in its reverberating vocals and hypnotic guitar strums, “Our Campfire Days” comes via April Patterson Clemens, a Vermont-based singer-songwriter originally from Texas. Previously noted in the Burlington music scene and beyond for her part in the gothic-folk duo Blackthorne Wilderness, Clemens’ songwriting resonates with a ghostly, introspective charm on “Our Campfire Days.” The track also features Cobalt Tolbert, a French-American singer-guitarist who impresses with his versatile, stylish playing. Described as about “a girl reminiscing about her first love and their wild days gone by,” “Our Campfire Days” evolves with a dreamily
Listen: Thomas Prothero - "Disposable People" -- Obscure Sound
Haunting vocal harmonies and a dreamily atmospheric immersion consume on “Disposable People,” a newly released single from Thomas Prothero. Exploring the transient nature of relationships, the track stirs in its overall introspective and dynamic tonal push — interweaving both strings and spacey synths across its affecting palette. “It’s about the way people drift into our lives, help us grow, and drift out again — and the cold realisation that sometimes, to others, we’re just as replaceable,” Prothero says of the release. A meditative soundscape establishes quickly, as twinkling piano and nocturnal textural stirrings drive into the heady vocal accounts on
Listen: Carrie Ryan - "Grow Old With You" -- Obscure Sound
A smitten folk charm flows through Carrie Ryan‘s new track “Grow Old With You,” channeling a sense of enduring adoration as lush acoustics, twangy guitars, and mellow piano complement her melodic vocal presence. The Cleveland, OH-based artist conveys lasting devotion and love via heartfelt lyricism. “Still the magic in your eyes / How lucky to call you mine,” she sings, admitting “I fell for you, outta the blue” and noting how “our love like a film plays out in my head.” It’s an overall success in songwriting and sincere audible emotion from Ryan, which also features co-writing, production, mixing, and
Listen: Creatures of the Edge - "The Grand Ah-Whoom"
Melding a spirited rock appeal with an evident Drum ‘n’ Bass influence, “The Grand Ah-Whoom” is a recent track from Creatures of the Edge, the project of musician Justin Sanfilippo. The track’s rhythmic undercurrent initially involved a DnB loop, and Sanfilippo later recorded the final drum track using an actual kit — resulting in a rhythmic appeal that’s enjoyably organic, while still drawing from its original DnB inspiration. An enthusiastic array of guitars, synths, and keys complement this instrumental standout, which doesn’t utilize any loops or samples. The track, which was initially composed 15+ years ago, also draws from a
New Album: Herman Martinez - 'UltraTerrestrial' -- Obscure Sound
Unveiling a memorable rock sound amidst perspectives of personal identity and the oft-elusive power of creativity, UltraTerrestrial is the latest album from Atlanta-based artist Herman Martinez. The release marks another success from Martinez, who first caught our ears in 2021 with the alt-rock single “Days Without” and then again last year with the epic album Immortal Jellyfish. UltraTerrestrial plays as his strongest collection of songwriting yet. “This album was influenced by the usual ghosts of creativity,” Martinez says of the release. The album’s first single, “Changeling” stirs with its array of soaring guitar work and moody vocal introspections, ruminating on themes
Feature: Dim Petals - 'Bilmiyorum' -- Obscure Sound
The second single from Dim Petals’ forthcoming debut album, “Bilmiyorum” presents an immersive, atmospheric sound from the Hamburg, Germany-based project. Their style blends steady vocals, synths, and minimal percussion, drawing from darkwave and electronic influences. “Bilmiyorum” was built around the feeling of “Araf” — a state of in-between, and being neither here nor there. The production shifts from a hazy opening into a steady rhythm, gradually unfolding in tone and structure. “Bilmiyorum” begins with a calm, sonar-like pulse that moves into a slow, trip-hop rhythm. A repeating vocal refrain appears around the mid-point, while faint string-like sounds add a subtle
Listen: And The Broken - "Running Out Of Time" -- Obscure Sound
Pairing folk-ready mystique with relatable lyrical ruminations on coming to terms with one’s life, “Running Out Of Time” is a memorable new track from And The Broken, a band based in Malmö, Sweden. Arriving after a year-long break for the band, this release marks the first single from And The Broken’s upcoming album Changes. Citing influences like Great Lake Swimmers, First Aid Kit, and Calexico — the latter of which is particularly reminiscent in the track’s use of trumpet — the band consumes with their stylish, climactic sound. Debonair, hypnotic verses — propelled by moody acoustics and stately piano —
Listen: Patrick Costello - "You Can't Ask the Wind Not to Blow"
A heartfelt new single from San Francisco-based artist Patrick Costello, “You Can’t Ask the Wind Not to Blow” embraces a timeless bluegrass inspiration in its riveting sound — melding impactful strings and twangy guitars amidst a memorable vocal presence, showing both longing adoration and mourning. The track is a tribute to Costello’s loving wife of 20 years, Erica Ziegler, who passed away only two months following a cancer diagnosis. “The process of writing, recording and producing this precious song has been incredibly cathartic for me, and my heart goes out to anyone and anyone who has lost a loved one