Noting fragments of speech from the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and JFK, Told You So is a bold and beautiful remedy for disconnection. It cries out with gritty realism and passion, on behalf of any and all who’ve felt disconnected or left behind during these trying modern times. It’s a song for the activists, the truth seekers, those who fight for justice, and it speaks volumes for those who are tired of being silenced.
Rock
Indie rock of anthemic highs and conceptual lows, darkness and upbeat optimism carefully combined. Dumpster Fire is Beldon Haigh’s latest poignant re-release, following a video that racked up over a million views in two years, and it’s set to launch in unison with the band’s Rock Opera Premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Alternative rock with a twist of punk rebellion and pace – an indie project openly opposed to division and arising dictatorships. R.L. Wolf blends sarcasm, scorn and satisfying tuneful explosions, for the unapologetic God Bless The 1%.
Utah songwriter and devout creative Richard Tyler Epperson forever leads with an original sense of structure and production that’s unlimited by genre or expectation. His latest work, the full-length album Fragmented Night, is a colourful and impressive testament to that consistency and talent, and it delivers an engaging fusion of familiarity and outright unexpected design.
Tim Stewart, Jonny Drummond, and Tosh Peterson, have performed on some of the world’s biggest and most renowned stages – including The Super Bowl, Coachella, and even The Oscars. Their shared experience is second to none, but more than this, the clear freedom of expression and energy brought to the DAMNAGE album is boldly indicative of this being a genuine, carefree and committed passion project.
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.
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.