The Brazil-born/NYC-based saxophonist Ivo Perelman’s profligacy is matched only by his ability to continually extract interesting noises and cool music out of the recording situations he organizes.
Taken from the critically praised debut album, Memory’s Edge, a haunting dive into the recesses of the psyche, Murphy pushes deeper into murky emotional territory with “Leather Cigarette.” The track is a dark, restrained piece of alternative rock, smouldering with quiet intensity and carried by Gordy’s signature mix of psychedelic textures, spacious instrumentation, and raw, poetic lyricism.
The song is about living in this modern world, doing what it takes to get by and basically survive. We all need something to get us through these troubled times, so we all self medicate. Be that with drugs (legal or otherwise), alcohol, or any addictive behavior, whatever it may be, we’re all looking for that magic ‘something’.
Rosetta West is a blues rock band from Illinois. Their music frequently includes elements of psychedelia and world folk music, and their lyrical themes often venture into mysticism and spirituality. Their new release, God of the Dead, is a sprawling collection of raw and wildly diverse gems, including strange blues rock, punk and funk, emotional acoustic songs, piano ballads, and searing feedback instrumentals
Love Ghost combines Alternative rock, grunge, metal, pop-punk, acoustic, hard rock and other genres. Lyrically the songs have an emo, poetic flair, often tackling trauma and Mental Health challenges head-on. Selected for Rockpalast (broadcast throughout Germany), they have played live on 4 continents.
First Stage Separation EP by University Drive is a testament to the band’s collaborative efforts, with each member contributing to the songwriting and musical arrangements. This release pays homage to the band’s influences, including artists like Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and The Pixies, capturing a raw and honest sound that reflects University Drive’s musical vision.
Featuring influences from punk, ska, and anti-folk bands, Saint Nick the Lesser draws inspiration from artists like Laura Jane Grace, Chuck Regan, Tim Barry, and Frank Turner, infusing the album “Growing up, growing out” with a unique blend of personal storytelling and musical diversity.
The Trusted is a four piece from Southend on Sea, blending post punk energy with widescreen pop ambition. Formed during their school years, the band bonded over British guitar heroes and the craft of real songwriting. Their sound draws on the likes of The 1975, The Clash, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Elvis Costello, but always lands with something unmistakably their own.
“I Found A Monster” is Seth Schaeffer groundbreaking release that transcends genres and influences, allowing Seth to create a sound that is truly his own. Drawing inspiration from renowned artists like Hans Zimmer, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Billie Eilish, and FINNEAS, Seth has crafted a track that resonates with raw emotion and unapologetic authenticity.
lomi mae is a self-taught indie artist. Her latest song, “vertigo” blends nostalgic lyrics, floaty textures, and a glitchy outro to capture the feeling of spiraling and disassociation. It’s part of her upcoming EP “lotus”—a collection of songs that feel intimate, dreamy, and a little bit haunted and shoegaze-tinged bedroom pop.
A slow-burn psych-folk track in the vein of Neil Young and Donovan, “Background Actor” explores impostor syndrome and fractured identity through the lens of a fictional washed-up actor. The album was recorded at the historic Peppermint Studios*—home to the first award-winning polka record — with *Anthony LaMarca (The War on Drugs, St. Vincent) and Grammy-winning engineer Gary Rhamy.
Bjӧrk’s iconic 90s anthem “Jóga” — a groundbreaking classic about love, the uncertainty it holds, and the beauty of danger — has received a fresh new interpretation through an arrangement that fuses Arabic instruments and motifs with bold electronic sounds.
Hailing from Oldham, Heywood and Burnley, Mercy Kelly is made up of Jack Marland, Adam Bridge, Joel Buckley, Leon Hepke, and Jacob Simpson, a tight-knit five-piece carving out their own space in the UK’s indie landscape. With driving guitars and introspective lyrics, “Speak Too Soon” builds on the band’s reputation for delivering powerful, honest music that connects.
While the song is best experienced through the listener’s own subjective lens, there’s an unusual detail about its creation: it was written and recorded with a concussion, following an accident. “It wasn’t intentional to create in a state of altered consciousness, but that experience has woven it’s way into the fabric of the song.” Courtesy Car are a British band based in London. This song follows up their previous single “Luxury Apartments.”
Kevin Franco, the creative force behind TMPP plays bass, guitars, mandolin, organ, percussion as well as the vocals. Drums were performed by Marcelo Effori, the talented Montreal-based drummer with Oleg Pisarenko tickling the ivories and Per LÖFdahl with the viola and violins.
Clay Goodman’s release of “Such Fun” marks a significant milestone in his musical journey. The track, born out of personal experiences and influences, stands out with its infectious melody that begs to be played on repeat during road trips. Recorded in Clay’s home studio, the recording process was a unique learning experience for him, reflecting his authentic and heartfelt approach to music.
Cardiff-born singer-songwriter Daddy Drwg (aka Richard Proctor) returns this summer with “Wise Guys”, a bold, swaggering new single; a searing satire of the male ego. Landing on 1st August 2025, the track marks the first new release since his critically acclaimed 2024 debut solo album A Tree Called Happy.
Canadian pop starlet Linds Sais saddles up with her debut ‘Glitter Cowgirl’ EP, packing a sonic pistol that’s ready to fire. With a voice that sparkles like a rhinestone and music that resonates with the depth of a drum beat, she explores the vibrant intersection of self-love, community, and social media.
I Don’t Need Your Permission, the second album from Minneapolis-based lawyer-turned-novelist-turned-musician Mary Strand, was inspired by a near-death experience that shifted her perspective on the world, society, and her life. The songs ask what’s important in life while exploring themes of empowerment, especially from a woman’s perspective, with a new sense of outrage about injustice. The first four singles from the album all landed in the Top 10 of the Radio Indie Alliance Top 100 overall worldwide charts. “Least of All Her” hit # 1 on the RIA worldwide chart.
Pre-Coverage for the 2025 installment of Lollapalooza Music Festival
Zachary Mason is a 28-year-old artist based in Guildford, UK. Since the spring of 2021, Zachary has created around 200 demo tracks on a recording kit gifted to him by a relative. He creates music in different genres, using acoustic and electric guitars, and also keyboards.
Drawing from the grit of early social realist writers, these four compadres are trying to make sense of the fractured intensity of modern life. They don’t do songs about unrequited love or plunge into the self-obsession of minor narcissisms. No wistful romance, no solipsistic spirals, and no power ballads. Just socially-driven, self-deprecating songs about the grey and enigmatic zones of the everyday in their port city of Portsmouth.
Founded by Mike Mills and rooted in the groundbreaking post-punk and New Wave movements of the early ’80s, Reduction in Force blends anthemic alt-rock with synth-driven urgency and a post-punk guitar edge. More than a band, RiF is a creative signal—compelled by its Second Act leap.
Jessica and Steve, the duo behind Higher Selves Playdate, meld catchy art-rock stylishness and emotive introspection on “Take Me With You” — a single about love, partnership, and the everyday choice to stay connected in a chaotic world.
The goal here is unrefined brutality, and boy, did they accomplish that.
Based on the rugged island of Anglesey, Wales and fronted by brooding and emotive vocalist Nathan Jones, Dying Habit*hurl out potent alt-rock framed by hooky refrains and backed by the pulsating rhythm section of *Mark Jones (drums) and Daniel Garner (bass); the quartet are completed by the cultured riflery of guitarist Alan Hart.
Blonde Otter is an NYC rock band crafting explosive anthems with a signature blend of power pop, 80s new wave, and garage rock. From packing backyard shows to selling out the iconic Bowery Ballroom four times over (thanks to a strong grassroots following), they’ve built a reputation for electrifying live performances and a sound that draws comparisons from The Strokes to LCD Soundsystem.
Some bands get a decade or two of absolute glory before they sputter out, losing the momentum of that initial, explosive artistry that inspired their early days. Not Devo.
This is going to end up as one of the finest hardcore punk reissues of the year. Bravo!
NYC band YACOVELLI delivers another angsty Neo-Grunge/Punk jam with “Tell Me Off,” screaming on all services now. The song, produced by underground DIY frontman* Alex Yacovelli*, drives deeper into the modern alternative wasteland, further exploring the “Nu York” sound, a return to the raw edginess of Bowery Punk infused with the caffeine of Seattle grime.
Los Angeles-based band Softer unveil a shoegaze-y, textured rock allure on new single “Cry, Laugh.” This track is about depression, deep introspection, slowly healing, and starting fresh (a similar theme to their previous single “Beachball” and its talk of “baptism in the west coast sea.”).
“W/L (Waiting List) “offers a deeply personal and professional insight into the critical issue of healthcare delays. Dr. Estrada, who balances his medical career with his musical passion, consistently uses his platform to illuminate significant societal concerns, translating complex human experiences into resonant melodies.
*Carrying Torches*is an electric heartland garage rock band known for its raw energy and evocative storytelling. The band is set to release its latest single, “Opening Up.” The track blends haunting melodies with introspective lyricism, exploring themes of vulnerability, self-destruction, and the struggle for connection.
Seek Warmth, hailing from Bristol, England, consists of key contributors Paul McIver, Jay Patel, Miles Ward, and Cal Watkins, who came together through shared musical tastes and various gigs. With Miles’ recording skills, their original album ‘Regular Cares’ was brought to life.
Chicago-based indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets8 present the single ‘Shake It Like You Mean It’, a lighthearted Spanish-tinged rocker about lowering your inhibitions, showcasing their fourth multifaceted album Tethered Together, released via *Flowering Tree Music.
Amanda Emblem is a singer and guitarist who resides in the Mary Valley in South East Queensland. She has been writing and recording as well as performing around Australia (and beyond) for the last 20 years, in various guises, forming The Amanda Emblem Experiment in 2017.
British indie folk artist Jacre joins forces with acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucie Glang for their deeply moving collaboration, “Holy”—a stripped-back acoustic reflection on love, nature, and gentle rebellion against the chaos of modern life.
Portland four-piece KALLAI (sounds like ‘call-eye’) announced the “The Wave”, the first look at the band’s highly anticipated debut LP, We Are Forever, due this fall via Little Cloud Records. KALLAI emerged in 2024 with a distinct alt/shoegaze sound, debuting with the single “Always/Never” in March, followed by the post-punk-infused “Palisades,” which earned a spot on the Audioasis on KEXP Best of PNW 2024 list. Their self-titled EP arrived in June to critical praise—including being listed among the Best of 2024 by Shoegazer Alive.
“Go Sign” blends gritty blues rock with groove-laced undertones, fuzz-drenched guitar layers, and a falsetto-laced chorus that takes flight. Imagine the cinematic tension of Neil Young’s Zuma, the wall-of-sound bite of Dinosaur Jr, and a vocal performance that nods to Paul Rodgers — with a surprising twist of Chicago soul.
Blind River Scare is a vehicle for the Americana, Alt Country & Roots influenced songs of South Wales based singer-songwriter Tim Manning. They have toured extensively both headlining and supporting touring acts including :- Midlake, Clem Snide, Otis Gibbs, Lucy Wainwright Roche, The Deadstring Brothers, Mark Eitzel, Fionn Regan, OX, Vetiver, Peter Bruntnell, Furnace Mountain, Dead Rock West, Piney Gir, Leeroy Stagger, The Rockingbirds, Hungrytown, etc.
Musically, “I Can;t Be On Time” blends indie pop, downtempo, dream pop, and trip hop with ambient textures and lyrical introspection. It’s a slow-burning wave of sound and emotion that speaks to anyone who’s ever been misunderstood for how they move through the world.
Originally formed in 2010 in Rochester, MN, and now based in Minneapolis, The Morning Kings are back with their highly anticipated fourth release, “Soulstice.” This EP fuses funk, rock, and jam with introspective lyricism and groove-soaked instrumentation, following the success of their previous shows and festival performances.
A true artist and songwriter world-renowned for his prolific, heartfelt alt-rock love songs, Stephen Jacques is one of America’s greatest storytellers and Renaissance men. His body of work was culled from a lifetime of self-made opportunities and life experiences, including those as an engineer, a Hollywood actor, a custom builder, a TV host, and a guitarist. Stephen has released 12 albums to date, two of those produced by Steve Albini. Though Stephen lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, his family hails from New Orleans and New York.
Frank Black has had a busy year. He kicked it off by gathering his recording studio mates who helped create his sophomore album Teenager Of The Year and played a couple handful of dates in North America and Europe, and now Pixies are in the middle of their two date per city tour in North America after extensive touring of this set up in Europe last year.
With influences ranging from Post Malone to Leonard Cohen, Adam Wedd’s Merchant Man EP promises a unique blend of genres and narratives that captivate listeners. The release not only features standout tracks like “Shaped by the Stars” and “Pedal to the Metal” but also includes visually captivating music videos that bring his songs to life.
Riddles in the Dark, hailing from the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey, is a one-man band project led by Gundogdu Akin. With complete creative control over writing, performing, recording, mixing, and mastering every track in his home studio, Akin delivers a sound and message that reflects his personal experiences and political views authentically.
Emerging 16-year-old singer-songwriter Sloan Treacy is celebrating the launch of her sophomore EP, was any of it real?, featuring the new single “Pavement.” The EP was recorded in Los Angeles and Sloan’s new hometown of Nashville, TN.
Embarking on a musical odyssey that transcends genres, Nan Macmillan’s From Both Eyes album is a testament to her lyrical prowess and innovative approach to storytelling through music. The record, praised by NPR Music and other notable publications, offers a unique blend of melancholy and optimism, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a world where time stands still yet moves with purpose.
