“The one consistent theme in human civilization has been progress towards more automated processes, and the people that felt left behind by that, having to adapt to the new world.”
USA
Raw indie energy from a drummer and performer with a somewhat art-noir approach to alternative rock. Name This EP! is every bit as uncertain, confronting and vague as its title and opening track imply, the distorted riff and chaos of Not What You Expect setting the bar accordingly, with upfront vocals and rhythmic vocal loops that are impossible to ignore.
Immediately striking up a sense of deeply evocative heartbreak and optimism united, Peace For Everyone shines light on a completely different side of Christmas to volume one. The season was kicked off with joy and upbeat dance-ready brightness, and now we settle down to consider, to wonder, and to rise up, with the stripped-back soulful intentions and boldly euphoric passion of this new opening track.
If directors or producers are looking for a family-friendly musical that still packs emotional depth, action, humor, and a touch of theatrical magic, PAN is a fantastic fit.
Totally unexpected vibes from long-time artist and friend of mine, Sid Hagan. The World In 25 is a project I genuinely dropped everything for this week, a solo venture from the songwriting legend himself, and a creatively experimental one, to say the least.
Noting a powerful and dark opening line, Nail Me to a Tree is gritty, fascinating, and incredibly brief – less than two minutes of music, a moment captured in time, and a distinct kind of storytelling and liberty to the sound. No doubt further BJ Rexwood singles will prove recognisable once you’ve listened to Nail Me to a Tree.
Reflecting on modern intoxication and the search for truth, the value of using your voice when it matters, TODAY is complex and mysterious, but also manages to pierce through the noise with sharp and smart poetic lines. Everything then comes together beautifully, for what proves a genuinely inspiring chorus, and a sentiment and melody that linger in the mind, long after the music has ended.
Western country wonder, Latin rock swagger, and vocals that evocatively cut through the noise with unmistakable character and raspy, expressive depth. Billy Ray Norris proves a songwriter unconfined by genre, intent on telling stories, gifting melodies and grooves, across a plethora of different songs and styles.
Self-penned as the pickleball anthem you never knew you needed, Andras Jones keeps things raw-indie-rock and catchy, with the intrusively joyous earworm Dink You In The Face.
For modern hip hop fans, emo kids, indie pop and electro lovers – CATHEDRAL is a gem of an album to lose yourself within. While the scene feels overwhelmed with half-assed efforts and AI-generated stories and songs, Kross Irwin brings a level of personal realism, talent, effort, emotion, and originality, and this album celebrates those qualities over and over.
Following dreams and delivering the calm, contemplative vibes required to highlight a clear love for making music, J.Con brings together five smooth hip hop and RnB songs, for the aptly-titled EP Late Nights.
Big country rock vibes and bold, expressive vocals with a fast-paced, long-form writing style – Bianca Joulianou lights up an energising new side of country, with the strong riffs and self-reflective realism of Bad Routine.