Explosively fast-paced operatic metal meets with electronic design, Faith, and progressive storytelling – Arcane Sage captures the sense of epic adventure implied by the name, as we dive into the complex layers and performative passion of Celestial Desire.
Singles
An old-school intricate mix from techno and trance aficionado BLAND!, DEFCON ONE is a lo-fi and modest to intense original track, blending pure energetic escapism with a slowly evolving industrial landscape of rhythmic hits and warped, playful layers of synth and exploration.
Finely mixed chillout vibes that pour through the speakers at just the right array of angles – a bass-led groove and a musical simplicity and warmth that’s quick to soothe the mood – Storied Windows pair intricate design with soulful vocals, for the beautifully catchy Amaze Me.
Ellyott setts the vibe well for this late night admiration, a sense of bright lights on the horizon, a rightful edge of the unexpected in both the style and substance of the song. We search for meaning, or signs, and as such, we ride this wave of attempting to recognise the subtle and dreamy presence of Echoes In The Night.
An old-school bassline and synth combination sets the mood for a nostalgic boom-bap anthem, as Planet Burna carves out a conscious and clever set of bars and storytelling, for the iconic indie anthem Washed.
Openly a reminder that life is largely unexpected, The Whole Story is a celebration of the messy and hilarious realities that often take us by surprise. It’s also a strong introduction to the style and songwriting of Vermin & the Beachrat – an act with a swiftly expanding repertoire.
Always worthy of good quality speakers, volume, and a few minutes to spare – Effing and Blinding return on top once again, with their latest anthemic rock and roll offering Scab.
Stunning vocals, soulful and reverb-kissed, meet with live rhythmic fragments and a three-chord keys loop, as Marta Federici captures a clear sense of evocative swagger and mood, for Io Sceglierei Solo Me.
Summer vibes pour through with the lightness of old-school hip hop as cleanly mixed, storytelling bars – Mike Mars captures a clear sense of direction and optimism, with the quietly confident and catchy ROB HORRY.
Distorted blues-rock to build up a love for nostalgic escapism once again – Canada’s Jonas & the Jaguar moon bring the perfect balance of melody, energy, vocal character and songwriting, for their infectious alternative anthem Believer.
A cool sound, for lack of a more literary opening statement. Nilipek intensifies the simple strum of an acoustic guitar at pace, with delicate vocals carefully depicting a melody that rises slowly towards the indie rock presence of a simpler era.
UK producer Consequential gets the chemistry just right, carving out an old school drum and bass sound but seamlessly intertwining it with delicate modern vocals and a simple, evocative piano chord progression.