Indie four-piece Gear keep things as simple and effective as their name implies, carving out a uniquely evocative, nostalgic but gritty realm as an authentic band, and building their sound around boldly poetic and powerful soundscapes and songs.
Rock
To counter the influx of intimate, mellow Christmas ballads this year, iconic indie punk outfit King Of Cups take a contrary stance as ever, introducing a high-octane Christmas rock song that’s both lyrically and musically at odds with the vast majority.
Ground-breaking creative project Emotion 8 takes to instantly immersing listeners in a powerfully complex, chaotic and energising realm of sound.
Seamlessly intertwining aspects of electronica, rock and catchy dance-pop, with the occasional twist of rap, their sound is all at once cinematically vast and conceptually sharp. Nowhere do these qualities present a greater crescendo of impact than throughout the brand new single Night Rider.
Self-described as a ‘Third Culture Kid’, Martin was raised in Japan by French and Filipino parents. His unique cultural heritage often pours through in his music, reflecting on a distinct upbringing and mindset, whilst stylistically paying tribute to legendary songwriters like Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor.
There’s an intriguing vagueness to some of these lyrics, especially given the quiet mix, but always we’re gifted a satisfying hook resolve – a broader statement and light melody, to leave us with a strong sense of possibility and calm than anything else. Authenticity seems to be the driving force throughout the Come Along EP, and by employing that without concern, Scott Keesler has drifted down a road that’s entirely his own.
Something a little creatively fearless now. Edinburgh alt-metal act Revelation 23 deliver a gothic rock explosion of poetic reflections, with the heavy fuzz and lighter haunting melodies of Sacrifice.
Ambient soft rock and raspy vocals with a distinctly new tone – JBNG create an intimate to explosive mood, with the sheer dynamic and contrast of a memorable So Nice. Those organic beginnings lay down a kind of nostalgic Staind-esque sound for me, lovely electric guitar riffs and lyrical longing inviting a sense of hypnotic … Continued
LA alt-pop duo Royal She deliver an explosive alternative pop track for their latest offering. Employing contrast quite masterfully, Karma pours into the room by way of its quickly catchy, snappy and nineties-esque hook – this looping statement of ‘Bitch, you gon’ get what you deserve’, backed by an acoustic guitar sound and a clap rhythm.
Centaur is the track, distinct as ever and continuing to strengthen the alternative rock and rap identity of an unmistakable HOLYMAMI. The song was inspired by the artists’ Sagittarius star sign, and acts as a personal ode to the symbol of the centaur. It’s an alter-ego, by all accounts, a declaration of self-expression that rings loud in everything from lyric to design to performance.
Reinventing the song that brought Miley Cyrus her very first Grammy, creative artist Svain completely reinvents the classic pop single Flowers, with this distorted and barely recognisable rock cover.
Their versatility and conviction is forever consistent, regardless of the mood or style of the music, and regardless of whether they’re taking on a political topic or something more imaginative and playful.
From intriguing verses of boldly distinct, crackling vocals and meandering bass, to the full-throttle intoxication of a soaring rock chorus, complete with equally striking guitar solo riffs, Lucious prides itself on this fierce musicality and groove united.