Review: Wet Leg – moisturizer

There’s so much to love when a talented young band quickly figures out their sound and takes their music in the directions you were hoping they would. There is no “sophomore slump” to be found on moisturizer, the second LP by indie rockers, Wet Leg. After an astounding self-titled debut record garnered the band some Grammy wins and a moment of, “Holy shit, we’ve arrived” in the chart-topping singles of “Chaise Longue” and “Wet Dream”, Wet Leg appeared to solidify their status as much more than a one-trick pony on moisturizer. The set was once-again produced by Dan Carey (Civil Twilight, Foals) and this continued relationship truly pays off here. Wet Leg was founded by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, and the two songwriters are joined here by Ellis Durand, Henry Holmes, and Joshua Mobaraki to round out their attack found on this blistering record that is filled with brash guitars, hooks for days, and improved songwriting.

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Interview: Idobi Radio Summer School Tour Preview

Summer School

Recently, I was able to schedule some Zoom calls with Idobi Radio Summer School Tour artists Taylor Acorn, Charlotte Sands, and Arrows In Action to ask them about what they’re most looking forward to once the trek kicks off today (July 11th). In these full interviews with each artist, I asked each of them about their own “summer school” experiences as kids, the music they have been working on, and what to look forward to from each of them once the tour wraps up. Idobi Radio’s Summer School starts now, and there are still a few tickets available here.

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Interview: Bert Martínez-Cowles of Split Chain

Split Chain

This past week I was able to schedule a Zoom call with lead vocalist Bert Martínez-Cowles, of the UK rock band known as Split Chain. The band is gearing up for the release of their debut LP, motionblur, via Epitaph this Friday, July 11th. In this interview, I asked Bert about how the band got their name, the meaning behind the title of the record, and some music discourse on how Split Chain realized they were on the right track. Split Chain’s debut can be pre-ordered here.

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Native Sun – “No” (Video Premiere)

Native Sun

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single and video from NYC-based rock band, Native Sun, called “No.” On this picturesque video, Native Sun evoke the right emotions through their unique brand of music that has previously earned praise from Rolling Stone, FLOOD, and more. The band shared, “‘No’ captures the tension of trying to hold onto yourself while the world is pulling you in different directions. It’s feeling of swinging between overload and emptiness, between faith and disillusionment. You’re searching for a foothold while the ground keeps shifting beneath you.” If you’re enjoying the single, you can stay on top of the latest Native Sun news here.

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Neutral Snap – “Waltz”

Neutral Snap

Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from pop-punk band, Neutral Snap, called “Waltz.” On this slick-sounding pop-punk/emo jam, New Orleans’ Neutral Snap quickly solidify themselves as a key band to watch in 2025. Collaborating with Fred Mascherino (Say Anything, The Color Fred, Taking Back Sunday) and Rob Freeman (Hidden in Plain View), “Waltz” features melodic hooks culminating into a chorus exploding with unfiltered emotion and a frenetic energy that is uniquely theirs. Bassist, Dan shared:

’Waltz’ is our favorite song we’ve ever written! We pushed the boundaries of normal pop punk and came up with something catchy that keeps you on your toes! The song is about coming to terms with an ending situation-ship. It shows you the two sides to the breakup. The first verse is very somber, while the second verse is a little more tongue in cheek! We filmed the video in multiple locations around New Orleans, and the video itself was locally done.

If you’re enjoying the early watch, please consider supporting Neutral Snap by attending an upcoming concert.

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Review: Ben Folds – Live With The National Symphony Orchestra

There’s a certain magic behind Ben Folds and his unique brand of quirky, piano-based pop rock. It’s hard to put your finger on why it’s so impactful and meaningful when you listen to his music, but it’s undeniably there. This “magic” is on full display in the surprise-release of Live With The National Symphony Orchestra, that was recorded at Washington, DC’s Kennedy Center before the current administration took over the day-to-day operations and artistic direction. I’m so glad this recording exists, since Ben Folds has always had a knack for writing insightful music directly from the heart. The vinyl version of the recording features ten songs, while the digital version includes an additional four bonus tracks. For eight years, Folds served as National Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever Artistic Advisor at the Kennedy Center before he resigned, and yet this album does an incredible job of playing homage to this wonderful legacy Ben Folds and The National Symphony Orchestra have each established at our Nation’s capital’s most historic venues for the arts.

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Interview: The Spins

The Spins

Recently I was able to catch up with New Jersey-based indie rock band, The Spins, to discuss everything that went into their latest single and music video for “One More.” In this interview, I asked the band about their style of music, their upcoming touring plans and more. If you’re enjoying the interview and music video, you can pre-save their forthcoming album, Left Behind, that releases on July 25th, here.

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Review: West Friends – Junk Drawer

West Friends - Junk Drawer

There’s something great that happens to your brain when you wrap your ears around a fun, summer pop-punk album. Is it that feeling of endless possibilities as you cruise in your car with the AC on full blast to the beach? Maybe. Is it the burst of nostalgia that reminds of the early Vans Warped Tour routing that we all looked forward to. Could be that too. West Friends have offered a nice reminder of these feelings on their debut album called Junk Drawer. West Friends are the duo of vocalists/songwriters Jordan Renshaw and Isaiah Dominguez, while Jordan shared, “Junk Drawer represents the accumulation of life experiences, eras, and memories that shape who I am today. It’s also how I can best visualize and process growth and maturity—by carrying all these experiences with me, I’m able to integrate them into my current self while also making room for new ones to be added along the way.” By putting out the shimmering vibes as we all begin planning out our vacations, Junk Drawer offers to be the soundtrack to your summer.

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Interview: NAMAZU

NAMAZU

Recently I was able to connect with the band called NAMAZU to discuss their latest music. Their new single, called “ICE 800” is a slick mix of big rock hooks paired with tight musicianship. In this interview, I asked the band about where they got their name from, the bands they’ve shared billings with, and what is coming next for NAMAZU. If you’re enjoying the new music video, please consider supporting the band here.

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Interview: Melissa Locker

Melissa Locker

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with author Melissa Locker to discuss everything that went into her newly released book, And After AIl: A Fan History of Oasis. In this interview, I asked Melissa about the number of Oasis fan interviews she conducted for research for the book, the coolest Oasis memorabilia she came across in fans’ collections, and a bit of a discussion on fan/”stan” culture today. The book is out today via Gallery Books at all major retailers here.

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Oruã – “Deus-Dara” (Video Premiere)

Today is a great day to share the new single from Oruã called “Deus-Dara.” On this electric-charged new single from the four-piece band, “Deus-Dara” provides a cool mix of Latin music paired with crisp musicianship. The single is from the band’s recently announced LP, Slacker, that will be out everywhere music is sold via K Records on October 24th. If you’re enjoying the new video, please consider supporting this band here.

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The EXOHs – “Soarin'” (Song Premiere)

The EXOHs

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the new single from The EXOHs called “Soarin’.” The band, who is the duo of Chris Canberg and Michael Perdichizzi, shared, “This is our first summer release since our band debuted and it marks the beginning of a new era for the band. it’s a song that deserves an ocean view drive with the windows down. maybe we’re biased, but we feel it’s our best song yet.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider pre-saving the song here.

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Interview: Summerbruise

Summerbruise

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with emo/punk band, Summerbruise, to discuss their slick new single that recently released, called “Never Bothered” and their touring plans. Summerbuise is vocalist/guitarist Mike Newman (he/him), drummer Stanli Fryman (she/her), bassist John Parkison (them/he), and guitarists Mitch Gulish (he/him) and Cora Kunda (she/her). If you’re enjoying this interview, please consider supporting this band here, or check out a show.

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