Simple passions in a fast-strummed electric guitar, a shoegaze introduction soon evolving through equally passionate but eclectic vocals, and a suddenly striking rhythm section – which completely redirects things. Promising quiet introspection and falsetto peaks alike, slowdrip questions the role of the self when feeling like an alien in his own world, for Nightflower.
Alt Rock
Beautifully countering the echo of reverb-kissed vocals, with the sheer intensity of heavy basslines, beats and distorted electric guitars, Mexico City trio Cavane achieve an intoxicating blend of indie and hard rock, with the conceptual deep-dive that is Evil Until.
Having kicked off his career as a touring drummer during the COVID years, DAN FROM DOWNINGTON has grown uniquely as a respected independent musician and songwriter. EN-TRO-PY adds another stunning concept album to his ever-expanding and unflinchingly authentic repertoire of powerful alternative rock music.
Something like tribal electro-funk meets Gospel at first, a catchy groove with a fiercely powerful vocal lead, and a rather intoxicating balance of delicacy and sheer intensity alongside – all later evolving spectacularly through heavy rock rhythms, riffs, and vocal refrains. Sinistra captures a whole new vibe and style, with the brilliantly genre-fusing depth and snappy world-music appeal of Symbol.
A scornful take on the people who project their insecurities on those around them, the garage punk essence of Projector is met perfectly by the unrelenting and largely therapeutic process of performing and, in turn, listening to this track at volume. It’s a bold introduction, and the band are clearly holding down the fort for this style right now – the album is must hear for the months ahead.
From an extensive repertoire of over 150 original songs, Hear My Prayer is a euphoric crescendo of passion and production, noting layers of dramatic alternative rock and pop beneath a low-toned, sultry and expressive leading voice.
Original songs with creative chemistry and a gripping dynamic appear few and far between these days – something well-written, snappy and accessible but also interesting, alternative, and edgy enough to feel purposeful. In this case, CHELLYX collaborates with the mighty PRAX, for an unexpectedly performative and unmistakable alternative gem, as CRAWLING BACK sinks straight into your subconscious.
It’s come to my attention that there may well be something in the way we view or listen to music, the applied perspective, that heavily changes the way it affects us. Something about pretending this is an old band from the 90s, and you’re just getting into the history of the genre, gifts it a whole new power.
These recordings feel like single takes, moments captured that can never quite be recreated with the same level of uncertainty and longing. Make It Make Sense is a particularly striking example, but the project in full consistently draws you back to this quality, and as such, it’s addictively understanding, comforting, and heart-breaking, to lose yourself here with Sam.
Alternative rock performer, storyteller and multi-instrumentalist Primordial Alien reaches the pinnacle of his creative output this year, delivering an album of conceptual weight, musical diversity, skill, playfulness, genre-fusion and cool but cutting narratives, as we dive into the brilliantly eclectic pop-punk and progressive rock vibrancy and shadows of Casus Belli.
Massive indie riffs and charming, nearly spoken indie vocals build a quirky and captivating alt-rock sound that’s instantly nostalgic. The Orange Blossoms bring unique lyrical musings together with a distinct performative identity and classic rock guitar sounds, for the brilliantly inspiring album Green Light.
An alluring guitar rock trio from Turkey light up a sensational thread of songwriting and organic, honest performance, as their single Bana Bi’ Yalan Söyle promises an old-school anthemic charm and emotional escape that’s addictive; and beautiful to lose yourself within.