A concept album in full, MonSter takes inspiration from thoughts and experiences relating to identity, resilience, and the invisible battles of living with multiple sclerosis.
Music
Dreamy production and unmissable vocals continue to allure, as Matthias Boretius’ growing repertoire of original music offers more colourful entanglements between genres, moods, and moments.
Atmospheric design and a euphoric metal distortion, tempo, and tone – LŸRA showcase a brilliantly unique level of artistic escapism, with the diverse and immersive four tracks of their debut EP The Weight Of Nothing.
Emotional realness, smart bars and modern trap rhythms, a subtle fusion of rap and melody – Moses J. Francis catches a confident but honest vibe, with Luke Skywalker.
Written as an ode to their beloved cat Tracii, about the ‘paradox of love and the limitations of time’, Ashes Upon a Zephyr is simultaneously a tribute to Brazil’s renowned Orelha the dog, and overall, makes for a melodic and passionate dedication to everyone who’s loved and lost a treasured pet.
The connection resounds and comforts, a softness that’s celebratory and calming – Mark Winters blends folk and acoustic pop with timeless positivity, for Man In The Sky.
London’s Dream Delay access something real and profound with this single – a stunning introduction, to an alt-rock act with a clear sense of purpose and songwriting charm that resounds.
Lyrics are powerful, like poetry they hold the potential to completely revitalise or redirect your perspective and understanding. When this happens, you don’t need much more than a genuine delivery and a satisfying, evocative melody, to elevate the wonder of the words. I’ve heard The Low Stakes Band several times before, but there’s something deeply … Continued
Ireland and Northern England unite for an anthemic explosion of raw punk energy and outright uplifting rock rowdiness. DEAD RAZE are based in the mighty Liverpool, and their single Feeling tackles the ever familiar fear of failure that all too often stops us dead in our tracks.
Progressive, haunting metal with fiercely cinematic sound play, expressive guitars, and theatrical, unsettling vocals. Insipidus capture something uniquely story like, with the immersive project Nearest Dusk.
Sometimes a track just works, a sound just gets to you, and its purpose is satisfied. As I Speak counter the intensity and weight of hard rock and grunge, with the delicacy and poetic introspection of singer-songwriter expression.
UK pop-punk is refreshing in itself, but here we get a fast-paced and catchy guitar riff at the forefront, vocals born to perform in this way, and a hugely anthemic earworm of a hook. Say Less blend nostalgia and character quite seamlessly, for the simple and infectious single Go To Hell.