Lifelong metal devotees Friday Dies have released a plethora of original music under their name, uniting the muggy haze of grunge with the pace and evolutionary composition of progressive metal – a quality that stands insanely tall for the single Of Wizards and Witches.
Singles
Gospel minister and revivalist Ronke Kuti puts in a deeply impassioned performance for this release, the storyteller and writer brings a fresh sense of optimism and gratitude to Faith-based Gospel music, and presents a song that would no doubt raise the roof beautifully in the live setting.
Long-time favourite and easily one of indie’s most engaging songwriters from recent years, Kyle Jaymes leans into the anthemic uplift of Folk Rock, with the brilliantly captivating new single Haunting.
Introducing a timeless Old School Hip Hop track with a catchy musical backdrop and a passionate set of smooth and captivating bars. DJ Brother MANIAC is a creative entrepreneur who consistently gives back to the community that raised him, and the single and video Dyn-O-Mite marks a fine display of his strengths as an independent artist.
For me, tracks like this are few and far between – the vibe is that of an early 2000s alternative rock approach, but the songwriting and personality breathe new life into the delivery; resulting in an independent style that’s honest, provocative, and naturally an earworm.
Pushing the creative boat out far beyond the view of expectation, Brutu Music and Dobie collaborate with singer and artist LaWerra, for a single that’s frankly impossible to pigeon-hole.
Our protagonist sings with emotional strain about loneliness and the struggle to adapt to the fast-pace of life, but meanwhile this ethereal back and forth of the chords and these light drums, the reverb-kissed guitar pouring through like waves of optimism, creates an unassuming safe space – within which these thoughts can really connect.
Backed by another fireside set of visuals, juxtaposition is a crucial aspect of the artistry of Björn Donath. The music presents an ambient to heavy metal arrangement but at a surprisingly mellow, cinematic tempo, the scene feels arena-ready and boldly passionate, yet the setting is calm, collected, ready to relax. The whole thing utilises polar opposites to captivate its audience, and the result is a rather perfectly timed three-plus minutes of expressive and modestly evolving emotion.
Ambient acoustic grooves and stylish bass meet whispered, breathy layers of voice, as the elusive artist you wouldn’t know him, presents the poetic and contemplative depths of his album test of time.
Crafted during a time of profound personal turmoil, the single speaks out on behalf of self-worth and not seeking validation from external sources. It’s an incredibly relevant topic given the rise of image-based influencers, and SABINA has approached it in a broadly accessible, musically timeless fashion, effectively presenting a classic power-ballad with a stylish twist of modern contemplation.
Presenting an increasingly enchanting, uplifting and memorable arrangement, You gathers momentum consistently and impressively, finding its groove amidst the brightness and embrace of Country and Americana, with an impassioned vocal delivery and chorus that naturally lingers in the mind.
What grabbed me the most about this track was Amanda’s decision to write from the perspective of the cult leader. It’s interesting, original, and strangely intoxicating. If ever there was a relevant artistic representation of the allure and appeal that cult leaders manage to enchant their followers with, Cigarettes and Crucifixes is the one.