A superb playlist of thoughtful, meaningful pop-punk and rock tracks. Merit Maker bring something clearly original, creative and purposeful to the scene, and the tracks are not only a pleasure to escape into at volume, but help shine light on a sense of warmth and belief in better, particularly during such trying and conflicted times as these.
Rock
Jag, Griffin, Luke and Parker make up Chelekis, a four-piece with a shared passion for the process, and that inherent connection that shines brilliantly through the rhythmic unity and celebratory scorn of Problematic.
Blending the nostalgic indie rock sway of easy guitars, riffs, bass and live drums, with a softly striking vocal, and a conceptual weight and sadness that’s almost unbearable, the mighty MYQO returns this season, with the broken and beautiful before me.
Already an impressive and consistently likable band, this latest offering injects a twist of something like soul and ska modestly woven into the band’s classic tapestry. The songwriting is catchy, the vocals sublime, and the faultless unity between musicians lets this spacious and genuine arrangement create a completely intoxicating groove.
Where Do We Go? is an absolute earworm of an indie rock single – a huge hook, harmonised voices united, a familiar existential crisis at the forefront, and catchy verses that feel familiar but fresh enough in this distorted, high-energy setting. The juxtaposition of confronting lyrical depth and joyful pop-rock escapism is mighty, and that makes this an easy favourite.
Superb guitar play adds a quick-fingered level of skill to an instantly distinct riff. Follow that with sharp, smart vocals, and a long-form melody that’s just as slick and satisfying as the riff, and UK rock outfit STRANGE WOMAN delivers a pretty faultless modern punk-rock anthem, with FAKE VALENTINE.
Introducing a huge rock arrangement and song, from a vocalist and songwriter with a clear twist of character and depth to his approach. US artist Jeremy Serwer puts in a sensational performance, throughout the creative highs and lows of his immense rock anthem Watch Your Myself.
Polish duo BORDER impress intensely with their recent single Fading. Something of a nostalgic pop-punk effort with more punk-rock and grit than anything purely pop-inspired, the track features an immense rock set-up of distorted guitars and explosive drums, but counters and contrasts this brilliantly from one moment to the next.
Noting a clear similarity to the early years of Arctic Monkeys, Black Lounge access a current gap in the modern music scene, with great vocals, clever lyrics, fresh melodies and smart guitar play. Their musicianship is second to none, their unity as a band undeniable, and the pace and presence of this track, the sheer tempo and their faultless delivery of it, quickly overcomes any nostalgic comparisons.
Slick riffs and a cool creative fusion of all things jazz, funk, psycehldic and rock – Nighthawks is the low-key quirky and catchy new single from a distinct Sea Breeze, and its organic make-up and lyrical simplicity make for a colourful, lovable vibe.
Eclectic hard rock with a clear alternative angle leaves familiarity and unpredictable freedom running wildly together. The Juan Solo 7 capture the essence of organic alt-rock songwriting, with the ethereal intensity of Persona.
Introducing a huge summer jam, a big-bank funk-rock release, capturing aspects of disco and pop-rock across an uplifting sentiment and style. Dominick Keath brings catchy positivity and organic musicianship back to the forefront, with the infectious good vibes of an aptly-titled Rise And Shine.