Explosive rock and metal blending hard distortion, power chords, fast riffs and melodic vocals – eighties influenced duo Dan Wande and Tomas Ylivainio deliver fierce metal escapism that’s both organic and immersive at its peak.
Music
With Zkrrt’s previous albums, there was something of a new-starter vibe to many of the pop-like arrangements and songwriting transitions. In my view, this latest project has completely overcome that, showcasing a defiant attention to detail and mood that’s intoxicating from one track to the next. The original style and inspiration remains, the reasons for making music stand tall, but the focus, the understanding, and the willingness to move an audience, have only let the style and sound grow stronger and more alluring.
Something brief, beautiful, and brilliantly intense. Two minutes and thirty in full, an audio exploration that carefully and concisely evolves from spoken, meditative ambience, into the full-throttle alternative depth and darkness of dubstep. SuDs and Maya Rose collaborative rather seamlessly, for the provocative and mighty Resurgence.
Sensational indie jams, slick guitar playing and soulful grooves – summer-night saxophone and a generally impressive fusion of excitement and colourful calm. Ununk delivers the goods in strong supply, with an instrumental playlist designed to both uplift and entertain audiences, as well as show off some incredibly handy-seeming musicianship at the helm.
Building from a purely acoustic and nearly whispered introduction, Monsters employs Frida Mann’s unmistakable vocals, and slowly but surely evolves through a story of anger, resentment, confinement. The voice is captivating, and later near-euphoric in its outcry, and as such, this conceptual journey is incredibly passionate, in both vocal and instrumental delivery.
Dreamy lo-fi indie guitar tones and honest vocals guide us into something ambient but organic, as musician and songwriter Charlie Bulmer introduces the authenticity and passion of his music, with worn out sweater.
From a heavy alternative ambiance to pure instrumental intensity, by way of folk-like imagery and scenes – the fiercely unique creative act Second Choice deliver a cinematic and soulful journey, for By The Blackened Fern.
Lush organic piano, strings and guitars light up an indie pop warmth that’s heartfelt, timeless, and naturally uplifting. UK songwriter and acoustic musician Euplasia kicks off an extensive 12-month release schedule for his new album, and ‘You Wonder’ is an inspiring introduction to the project.
Atmospheric sound-design and songwriting unconfined by genre – multi-faceted creative Son and Pro is an intense and thoughtful modern artist, with a chaotic fusion of political rap, rock and introspective indie to his sound.
Capturing a sense of both mental instability and the sheer punk-rock outcry of rebellion, Daily Grind’s hook resounds somewhere between the likes of awakening and melancholic. The chorus is heartbreakingly and painfully relatable, not least of all for those who’ve sacrificed their dreams and freedoms just to make a cheque or pay rent.
Multi-instrumentalist Olly Davidson leads us with evocative and unique, classically inspired piano, into an ambient, reverb-soaked realm of quiet contemplation, and contrastingly uplifting indie gems, for the beautiful new album Up and Awake.
Most recently, Kivo Van Twist launched the single and video for Lay Down, capturing the energy and intentions of the band quite perfectly. From surf-rock hooks and grooves to alternative sentiments and lashings of personality, the performative wonder and musicality of Kivo Van Twist is gripping, and impressively unique.