UK rock three-piece Lois keep things authentic and engaging, with their electrifying fusion of nostalgia and anthemic songwriting, throughout the riff-strong high-energy album 67 Skies.
Rock
This is genuinely one of the most likable, engaging and rather addictive alternative rock EPs to hit the scene in recent years. Smokedown master the space within which the music exists, not just playing for themselves, nor simply for you, but creating something that feels both comforting in its groove and persistence, and completely unexpected in both topic and tenacity.
Long-time musician and songwriter Paul Maged ignites a sense of artistic legacy, bringing together the pace and energy of pop-punk with a progressive rock thread of musicality and lyricism. His five-track EP Crossroads proceeds to explore the depths of modern life and war amidst a melodic, awakening background.
Melodic to gritty indie rock with a mild essence of punk to the vocal stylings – Chris Thomas & The Merrymakers bring strong riffs and vocal unity to the forefront of the indie space, with FromTheTop 2.0.
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.
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.