POVDiG!’s three members met as colleagues in game development offices. Al King, an avid guitarist, journalist, DJ and radio host, marketing specialist, cyclist, and traveler, plays all guitars. Ivan Drybas, a professionally trained conductor, singer, pianist, artist, and sculptor, plays most of the keyboards. Eugene Smozhevsky, songwriter, producer, and artist, plays bass and Chapman stick while operating groove boxes. “Cloud Maze” is the first piece that went the entire route from “a recorded jam session” to “finished track.” It starts slowly but rewards with an ever-growing build-up, culminating in pulsating, powerful peak run with a solo on top.

New release is the stoner rock take on Napoleon’s obsession with power and Josephine. It bursts with high Punk Rock energy! The song offers a dramatic and almost ironic take on the price of greatness. Fun fact: the producer is a guy from Uzbekistan – pretty unique, right? This song appears to delve into the larger-than-life persona of Napoleon Bonaparte, portraying him as a driven, ruthless, and ambitious figure willing to do anything for his beloved Josephine.

LOMENS, a band hailing from various parts of West Yorkshire, formed in April 2023. After having spent their first year relentlessly writing, rehearsing, and crafting a sound in their own studio (Green Door Music), LOMENS finally released their first single, “Twisted Alive,” in August 2024 and then followed up with their second single, “The Art of Acceptance” one month later. The band then went on to release their third single “Pieces (Of Me)” to coincide with the announcement of their first headline show at local venue The Parish, Huddersfield in January 2025.

Tidal Water is the brainchild of Martin Hovden, a passionate vocalist, songwriter, and producer from Oslo, Norway. Martin, the primary visionary and financial backer, infuses his deep societal concerns and personal experiences into Tidal Water’s music. His background in project management and event production enables him to bring a unique blend of powerful rock music to life, enhanced by the collaboration of talented friends from his musical journey.

Tim Ainslie’s latest single, “Oyster Reach”, takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the rich history and folklore of his native Suffolk, UK, drawing inspiration from a riverside pub that has witnessed centuries of change. With evocative storytelling and vivid imagery, Tim captures the essence of a time when oyster beds thrived along the river, celebrating the pub’s origins that date back to 1612.

Grab your trusty mop and bucket, crank up the volume to ten and listen to “The Mess I Made.” London Town’s finest power pop punk alt trio Barking Poets release their first single of 2025. Hot on the heels of previous single “Arizona” Barking Poets are set to release their tasty new number titled “The Mess I Made”.

“Cold Outside” is a chilled track with emotional vocals and a catchy guitar riff. The track builds and adds soaring strings, sax and synth elements. It is universally loved and had a lot of attention since being selected by BBC Radio.

Singer-songwriter Andriana Lehr is rebirthing herself with a new moniker – Mother Coyote – and a new set of songs written and informed by the immense personal and collective changes experienced in recent years. Created with jack-of-all-trades producer Andy Thompson (Dessa, Semisonic, Belle and Sebastian, Jeremy Messersmith Taylor Swift and much more, When The War Comes, the first EP bearing the Mother Coyote name, combines Lehr’s detailed eye for universal storytelling with monumental, brooding soundscapes built specifically for these trying times.

Anxiety Attack, hailing from Tampa, Florida, United States, is a dynamic band heavily influenced by the likes of The Story So Far, Chunk! No Captain Chunk!, Blink 182, Sum 41, and Saosin. Their music captures the raw emotions of youth, drawing from personal experiences of loss and heartbreak, creating a sound that resonates deeply with listeners.

The album is bound by the chemistry of singer/guitarist Eliza Neiman-Golden, drummer Sam Seymour, and bassist Ethan Gould, who recorded the songs live. Their voices weave in and out of each other while their instruments lock tightly together. It’s an album filled equally with angst and hooks, songs that will make you cry and dance.

This is the first of a half dozen songs this Bay Area based “Bob Dylan with flatted fifths” has recorded with two time Grammy winning producer/arranger Argentine native Nahuel Bronzini (Mixing Engineer, Fantastic Negrito) and his musical counterpart from Chile, Felipe Ubeda (aka Cigarbox Man). After watching Bronzini record a string quartet at an edition of the Music Expo conference, Phillips initially got in touch with him to score a version of his song “Sunday is Made for Loving” that had been covered by alt-pop artist Samantha Margret. But E.G. had always had in mind to do a more in depth project.

SickRichard, hailing from London, England, is a dynamic musical force led by Sam Cuthbertson on lead vocals and guitars, supported by Ed Bernier on bass, live synth, and backing vocals, along with Steve Ramondt on drums and percussion. The band’s formation in 2016/17 through bandmix.com underscores their commitment to crafting a unique sound that draws on influences from iconic bands like Joy Division, The Cure, and Nine Inch Nails.

Night’s Cross is a fascinating contemplation of death and loss that is neither morbid nor depressing. Instead it uplifts with artistic daring, using a wide range of styles and genres, swirled together, to convey human nobility in the face of mortality and fragility. And it’s good blues/rock/folk.

Liverpool Alt/Rock/Folk band Thomas Bradley Project is a cohort of skilled musicians led by talented young composer and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Bradley. Thomas’ songwriting journey began in 2019. He has remained at the core of the project, working with various talented musicians along the way. However, the current lineup has really brought a level of musicianship to the Project that he has been striving for since the beginning.

Midnight Sky, the chart-topping country/americana group led by Tim Tye, has released their highly anticipated new single, “White Heat” via MTS/Virgin/Universal. Packed with fiery imagery and electrifying energy, the song marks a bold departure from the reflective tone of their earlier hits, showcasing a raw and volatile intensity that’s impossible to ignore.

Ludwig Jonsson is a musician and producer based in southern Sweden. He also plays the guitar in My Dear Addiction

Augmented Hearts, a dynamic band hailing from St. Louis, United States, is capturing hearts with their unique blend of rock influences. This quartet came together through the unconventional route of Craigslist, culminating in a solid lineup that exudes synergy and passion. Augmented Hearts draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists including Spiritbox, Amira Elfeky, and Sunny Day Real Estate, infusing their music with a fresh, captivating energy that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Andy’s new single is a stark warning to the world’s leaders to heed scientific evidence and phase out fossil fuels, before global warming leads to further environmental catastrophic consequences. Those of us that have children are introducing them into a dangerous and uncertain climate, we need to act now! Musically, the release builds upon the critical success of Andy’s album Poetry in Exile in early 2024. It sees him returning to the piano this time and duetting with violinist Beatrice Limonti who has performed extensively with Andy and his band over the past 12 months.

Having dug Buffalo, NY singer, guitarist, and keyboardist Bill Nehill’s “art blues/avant country” duo The Guilty Few with Cory Nealon, his longer-running synth-pop/darkwave pair-up with electronics wiz Ed Hallborg — also known as Pieces N/H — is vastly different.

The Scarlet Goodbye is the creative lovechild of long-time Minnesota musicians Daniel Murphy and Jeff Arundel. A chance meeting between Dan Murphy, pivotal in the formation and writing of both Soul Asylum and Golden Smog, and mellow singer-songwriter-producer Jeff Arundel, led to an attic studio in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the lads hunkered down and created the LP Hopes Eternal, a unique and original blend of both artists—part Rolling Stones, part Townes Van Zandt. Hopes Eternal went on to be one the best-reviewed records of 2023, released on The Label Group/ Universal, and supported by some great live shows across the Midwest.

Manchester’s Secret Night Gang returns with a smooth and soulful new single, “How To Love.” This captivating track blends classic and modern influences, showcasing the band’s unique take on love and connection in the modern age. “How To Love” is a sonic journey that seamlessly weaves together elements of R&B, soul, and jazz, drawing inspiration from icons like Bilal, Prince, and D’Angelo. The song’s lush soundscape is further elevated by the masterful touch of multi-Grammy award-winner Russell Elevado (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu) on mixing and Alex De Turk (D’Angelo, PJ Morton) on mastering.

For all the gloomy vamping, Really Great sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Be The Light On is not about escaping that tunnel of despair. It’s about the precious moment when you first realize that escape is possible. And what a beautiful moment that is.

Fringe Frontier’s tunes are fueled by Americana storytelling and gritty guitar hooks. Their music rolls through the back counties of the South up to New York City. Songs from the Wirehouse, their forthcoming LP, was mixed by 2x Grammy-winner and Midlake drummer McKenzie Smith, and mastered by Grammy-nominee Kim Rosen. Fringe Frontier’s new single “This City” hits with all the haunting electricity of New York City. Bit of jangle, a dose of overdrive, and enough searing melodies to make your mohawk pierce the skyline.

Midnight Psychic was formed by Connecticut-based musicians Jayson Munro and George Moore in early 2022. They describe their music as “goth rock inspired by abandoned shopping malls, clown paintings and window blinds.” The band consists of guitar/vocals (Munro), bass (Moore), and programmed keyboard and ‘80s-style drum machines. The band takes inspiration from both classic goth rock and more modern post-punk, darkwave, and shoegaze sounds. Midnight Psychic has performed extensively throughout the New England region, including at Dark Spring Boston 2024.

With “17,” Digital Tapestry shares a deeply personal narrative inspired by his father’s passing, culminating in a poignant farewell that reflects themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. The song not only serves as a tribute to his father but also showcases his growth as an artist, with a production quality that sets it apart from his previous works. Recorded at his home studio, this release exemplifies Digital Tapestry’s dedication to his craft and his ability to channel personal experiences into compelling musical storytelling.

Seven years since their debut, on 7 March 2025, CIRCU5 return with “CLOCKWORK TULPA,” their long-awaited second album and first as a full band, featuring founder Steve Tilling, Mark Kilminster (Tin Spirits frontman, bass & vocals) and Lee Moulding (drums & vocals).

High energy turbo-rock with an infamously chaotic live show. Furiously hard working and proudly DIY. Loud as hell, soaring vocals, riffs for days and a reputation as one of the greatest live bands in the UK. “Slow Down” marks the start of a new journey into the new, matured Mother Vulture.

Recorded in St Albans, Hertfordshire during the summer of 1994, The Sway’s EP was crafted using the same recording desk that legends like Pink Floyd and The Faces had utilized in the past. With the unique incorporation of a female backing vocalist, string quartets, and multi-layered vocals, this release stands out for its innovative approach to music production. As the band looks forward to new opportunities and feedback, they invite music enthusiasts to delve into the reissued Going Blind EP and witness a piece of music history reinvented for contemporary audiences.

Where old-school hip-hop vibes meet funky guitars and soothing soul vocals, plus an ethnic twist at around 3:31, this track will surprise you. Additionally, it was written in memory of the victims of the Tempi Train Crash, an issue which raises massive protests in Greece to this day. Please

Hendrick, a singer-songwriter from Vancouver Island, blends indie-folk with a speak-singing style, elevated by the intricate guitar work of accomplished classical guitarist Scott Cameron from Eastern Ontario. Their collaboration weaves elements of flamenco, reggae, and blues into songs that range from wistful reflections on love to brooding tales of obsession and lighthearted tributes to friendship.

Third Eye Temple, Tyler Kamen’s latest musical offering, delves into themes of inner exploration and inspiration, aiming to illuminate the darkness with its ethereal melodies. Standout tracks like “Skies Awaken” and “Charming King Snake” pay homage to influences like Phish and Santana, while longer compositions such as “Fata Morgana” highlight Kamen’s exceptional lead guitar skills. Moving away from his previous progressive rock style, this album marks a significant evolution in Kamen’s musical journey, captivating listeners with its clean and focused guitar work. As Tyler Kamen aptly puts it, “Remember the light that you forgot you had.”

Following her award-winning debut Csillag, the Music Moves Europe Award recipient, crafts an enchanting sonic journey guided by a mythical dragon at the edge of dreams and wakefulness. Avar masterfully blends atmospheric electronic production with Hungarian folk traditions, featuring original compositions and rare, traditional melodies. Highlights include collaborations with Fanni Zahár (flute), Fatima Gozlán (ney, derbuka), and Zoltán Lantos (violin), as well as co-productions with Zságer Balázs and BALADI.

My past reviews of Boston’s reliable, elusive Physarum have described his songs as “spartan and unlabored, yet fully-conceived and inviting despite their fleeting timespans” and “ample, punchy and engaging.” That holds true for the 20 on these two LPs as well.

Since the release of their debut album, Bittersweet Curse, in 2012— which earned airplay across independent radio stations nationwide—Handsome Midnight has continued to evolve, releasing six additional albums that explore elements of hard rock, pop punk, rock and roll, and acoustic storytelling. Their music often weaves pop culture themes and reflections on current events into lyrically rich, hook-driven songs, ensuring their sound remains both relevant and engaging.

Electric High from Bergen, Norway, plays a special blend of alternative rock and hard rock, kind of like if Rival Sons*and *Royal Blood had crashed the stage at an Aerosmith concert. Fronted by two lead singers, they hit you right in the face with a whole new level of electric energy. 
Get Electrified! 


Melodic indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets presents ‘All Together On 3’, the cinematic first single from their album Tethered Together, slated for release later in 2025. A catchy introduction to their new long-player, it has a timeless quality, tinged with a touch of melancholic reflection, taking us on a sonic trip that is as stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

Born in Wheeling, WV and raised in the dingy, long-gone Welcome Mat trailer park in Pensacola, FL from 1968-88, Atlanta-based (via L.A.) Americana/blues-rocker Mixon’s double LP is a sprawling memoir of growing up there, and his life afterwards.

Adam Ashten, the talented alternative rock artist from Nanaimo, BC, Canada, draws inspiration from icons like Tom Petty, Phil Collins, Silverchair, and Oasis. After a hiatus, he made a triumphant return, releasing monthly singles with visually captivating music videos. With impressive views on YouTube, radio play in Australia and the UK, and a growing fan base, Adam’s music is gaining momentum. His loyal supporters, affectionately called “It’s Only Us,” form a close-knit family, fostering a strong and supportive community around his music.

NYC-based singer-songwriter Olivia Reid has announced her beautiful new single, “All In Time,” out January 31st. A calming indie-folk and soft pop listen set to the pace of steady steps in the snow, “All in Time” describes the natural ebb and flow of life, reminding us that there are seasons where it’s okay to hibernate, move slowly, and rest

Sheykh Forever is a factory for infectious earworms from somewhere between yesteryear and the distant future. Last month came the seminal ‘Run for Cover’, a ceasefire anthem which Radio Brumas called “a singular voice in a world where originality is as rare as it is essential.” A spicy, rebellious ass-shaking romper of a funk song, brand new ‘Sleeping Dogs’ tells the story of one man finally overcoming the propaganda machine that wants to send him to die in a futile war.

Recorded in the Blue Box Studio located in his home in Lincoln, Bracebridge, The Rotor Delta’s single stands out with its indie-folk pop sound and alt-country undertones. The track’s unique arrangement features a mix of acoustic and electric instruments, including piano, drums, and layered harmonies, creating a captivating musical journey that builds in intensity. With a deep-rooted passion for music and a commitment to his craft, The Rotor Delta invites listeners into his world of raw emotion and genuine storytelling, making “Summer days are never the same” a release not to be missed.

“Marble Halls” is the third single from the upcoming album Dear Infrastructure. It’s a lush and vibrant indie-pop duet written in a 5/4-time signature, which is rare for pop. The song is about roaming through desolate and abandoned grand apartments and halls in a ghostly metropolis. About discovering majestic, though withering and crumbling, settings. Written and recorded in the Stockholm archipelago by Marble Raft and filled with layers of analog machines, 12-string guitars, glockenspiel, and more.

UK-based indie folk artist Man With A Corduroy Heart (MWACH) is back with his second full-length album, Weirdos, a whimsical mix of modern indie folk and 70s rock & roll influences. Known for finding beauty in the mundane, MWACH delivers a collection of quirky, relatable stories through his signature witty and heartfelt lyrics.

‘So Much Time’ is about figuring out what’s important to you. We’re all plagued by wanting to live in the moment but always having that niggling doubt in the back of our minds that we have responsibilities, chores, and work to do. Recorded in the band’s hometown of Leeds, this song is an uplifting tune that looks realistically at life’s daily struggles.

The Aluminum Boys have concocted a swirling, sprawling collection of songs that interrogate your soul and forecast a bountiful, celebratory future for American indie rock. It’s an album that dares you to feel big feelings with a sly, reassuring wink, understanding too well that life is a mess of contradictions, grief, and hyperliterate dad-joke double entendres.

Madeline Rosene is an indie pop-n-roll singer-songwriter known for her sharp wit, genre-blending sound, and fearless storytelling. Currently based in Los Angeles, Madeline originally hails from Cleveland, Ohio and New York City. Madeline’s music captures the essence of modern life’s complexities with a mix of humor, heart, and edge. Her debut album, Raised on Porn, boldly explores themes of societal disconnect in a digital age, while her follow-up, “Everyday Existential Crisis”, dives deeper into the psyche with introspective, genre-defying tracks.

”Delay the New Day” is the sophomore full-length from Cardiff’s Red Telephone. They’ve returned with an immersive dark-wave, synth-heavy, and melodic album, upping their songcraft in the process.

MothBreath’s upcoming single ‘Brand New,’ a chill anthem for 2025, is a dreamy, atmospheric track inspired by restorative connections with nature. With rich soulful vocals and echo-laden guitars, the duo’s music blends introspection with expansive, soundscapes. Praised by BBC Introducing and blogs like Cougar Microbes and Obscure Sound, their hypnotic tracks are perfect for fans of dreamy, chilled, shoegaze-inspired indie.