Review: Bleachers – Bleachers

Bleachers - Bleachers

The atmospheric rise of Jack Antonoff continues on the latest full-length record by Bleachers. The same man that kicked his career off with Steel Train, showcased his songwriting prowess with fun., re-established himself as a solo artist with Bleachers, and along the way became a Grammy winning producer, Antonoff is certainly no stranger to the bright lights. The pressure seemed to be on this ultra-talented artist on Bleachers (his first album on Dirty Hit), and yet Antonoff delivers in more ways than one in his most fully realized record to date. With a sound that feels like a modern take on Bruce Springsteen, paired with the atmospheric elements found in the brooding synths of The 1975 and The Midnight, Bleachers does the near-impossible task of paying homage to where he came from while simultaneously moving the needle forward in his artistic growth. Jack Antonoff is a man of many talents, and they are all on full display on the fourth studio album from Bleachers.

Read More “Bleachers – Bleachers”

As Good As It Gets – “Stay (Be Honest)” (Song Premiere)

As Good As It Gets

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from Indiana pop-rock duo, As Good As It Gets, called ”Stay (Be Honest).” On this up-tempo rock song about facing those difficult conversations in relationships, the band captures the spirit of the Drive-Thru Records-era of music with a sound that strays somewhere between Something Corporate and Foo Fighters. The band shared, ““Stay (Be Honest)” is a song about love, fighting, friendships, breakups, and marriage. Growing up as kids in pop-punk and emo bands, we wrote a lot of songs about breakups–this one is about staying together by two guys in healthy marriages, but it still packs the pop-punk punch we refuse to let go of.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider purchasing the band’s music here.

Read More “As Good As It Gets – “Stay (Be Honest)” (Song Premiere)”

Sophia Dashing – “Does Love Have To Be This Way” (Song Premiere)

Sophia Dashing

Today I’m thrilled to share with everyone the latest single from pop singer-songwriter, Sophia Dashing, called “Does Love Have To Be This Way.” This piano-driven pop ballad is filled with cathartic songwriting and emotional vocals, documenting the multifaceted emotions endured after heartbreak and the moments of difficulty with love through past relationships and family trauma. Dashing shared:

”Does Love Have to Be This Way” is my most vulnerable single yet. I am so happy this song is out, and I truly hope others can connect with the raw message in the song. It took me truly getting out of my comfort zone to release this song, but I know I’m not alone. As humans we naturally can relate somehow someway with feeling insecure towards love / relationships / heartbreak at any point in our life. I hope me being real within the lyrical content of this song can help people feel less alone! I’m so grateful for music and how it’s healed me in so many ways. Thank you for checking out my new single!

If you’re enjoying the early listen, you can check out Sophia Dashing’s other music here.

Read More “Sophia Dashing – “Does Love Have To Be This Way” (Song Premiere)”

Sharp Eyes – “Past Your Best” (Video Premiere)

Sharp Eyes

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to a UK-based pop-punk band called Sharp Eyes who have just released their latest music video for “Past Your Best.” Drawing inspiration from the likes of All Time Low, The Maine, The Story So Far, and Neck Deep, the band puts their uniquely English stamp on the genre. Lead singer Sam Day shared, “‘Past Your Best’ is a bit of a kick back at those people who stick around you but are a real drain on your energy, picking at your personality and making you feel awkward about the things you enjoy. We wrote this track as a kind of reclaiming of that energy and a celebration of having a good time with the people you love.” If you’re enjoying this latest single, please consider checking out the band’s other music here.

Read More “Sharp Eyes – “Past Your Best” (Video Premiere)”

LYSOL – “Padded Cell” (Song Premiere)

Lysol

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the latest single from Seattle punk rock band, LYSOL, called “Padded Cell.” The track comes from the band’s new EP, Down the Street, following 2021’s Soup for My Family. The four piece lineup of Anthony Gaviria, Xtine Lundberg, Chad Ringo Bucklew, and Noah Earl Fowler waste no time on this EP, with all four tracks clocking in at two minutes or less. It’s perfectly executed hardcore punk with a touch of Pacific Northwest guitar rock in the mix. LYSOL have yet again kicked down a steamroller of a record that matches their power as a live band. If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider purchasing the band’s EP at their Bandcamp page here.

Read More “LYSOL – “Padded Cell” (Song Premiere)”

Black Polish – “birthwright” (Video Premiere)

Black Polish

Today is a great day to share the latest video from pop artist, Black Polish, called “birthwright.” With a sound that fits somewhere between the punk rock spirit of Paramore, paired with the complex songwriting sensibilities of Mitski, Black Polish is truly an artist in the purest form. When speaking on her latest album, Jayden Nicole Binnix shared:

This album was created while I was living in Maryland and beginning high school. My family home was secluded and tucked away within the suffocating trees. It was my first major project I had ever worked on and I was only 15. Within this time, the unexpected Pandemic hit. Days blended together, as deep isolation set in. I felt as if I saw the world in 3rd person. Seclusion in my room became my existence.

If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider visiting their website here. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

Read More “Black Polish – “birthwright” (Video Premiere)”

Slow Fiction – “Monday” (Song Premiere)

Slow Fiction

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single/visualizer video from Brooklyn rock band, Slow Fiction, called “Monday.” On this electric new single, Slow Fiction showcase why they’re a rising band in the alt-rock scene. The band shared about the new single, “The moment just before the storm hits. Built up, frenetic energy that exists in your mind, with the knowledge that it can surely come spilling out at any point. Pretending to have internal peace gets exhausting after a while.” If you’re enjoying the latest track, you can pre-order their new EP, Crush, here. I was also able to catch up with this band for a brief interview below.

Read More “Slow Fiction – “Monday” (Song Premiere)”

Review: Luke Middleton – nothing ever after

Luke Middleton - nothing ever after

The debut EP from Luke Middleton, a rising Alternative singer-songwriter, tackles heavy themes such as depression and mental health, while still navigating towards the light. nothing ever after was produced by Nathan Darmody (Allstar Weekend), and rocks along with great pacing and memorable moments. This EP, in particular, draws from Middleton’s time as an infantryman in the US Army and tackles some pretty heavy topics ranging from the process of him readjusting to life post-service, the emotional trauma and mental health challenges that he’s faced and has been working to overcome. With a sound that ranges somewhere between the brooding rock of Stabbing Westward paired with the vocals of Post Malone, Luke Middleton’s future looks incredibly bright.

Read More “Luke Middleton – nothing ever after”

Silverplanes – “Down The Drain” (Video Premiere)

Silverplanes

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the latest video from space rock trio, Silverplanes, called “Down The Drain.” On this eclectic single from Silverplanes, they channel their love for Alt-Rock hooks in the style of Smashing Pumpkins, paired with the pop sensibilities of Rooney, in a unique way that is sure to leave a mark on the music scene. The band shared:

”Down the Drain” is about life passing by so quickly and one day looking back thinking, how did I get here? What happened to all the things we were going to do? Realizing you have changed but you’re still the same deep inside, and finally coming to terms with all the crazy things that have happened and resolving to carry on. The video captures various stages of myself visiting past and future.

Silverplanes will be releasing their debut LP, Airbus, on April 5th. I was also able to catch up with this band for a brief interview below.

Read More “Silverplanes – “Down The Drain” (Video Premiere)”

Space Fight – “Is It All” (Song Premiere)

Space Fight

Today I’m excited to bring everyone the latest single from indie-pop synth band, Space Fight, called “Is It All.” On this vibey lead single from their upcoming EP, Hyperspeed, the band channels their love for big hooks and dazzling vocals in a crowd-pleasing package. Band member Miles said, Allem Iversom’s lo-fi remix of ‘Is It All’ embellishes the 80s synthy goodness of the original, seeming to transport us through time to the synth-soaked sounds of yesteryear. The track was produced by Allem Iversom and Space Fight, mixed by Iversom, and closes out our Hyperspeed EP with a sense of longing, a nod to the past, and a tinge of uncertainty towards the future. If you’re enjoying the latest track, please consider visiting their Bandcamp page here. I was also able to catch up with this talented band for a brief interview below.

Read More “Space Fight – “Is It All” (Song Premiere)”

Joe P – “Shadow In The Sun” (Song Premiere)

Joe P

Today I’m so excited to introduce everyone to Joe P, an ultra-talented singer-songwriter who is releasing his latest single called “Shadow in the Sun.” Joe P shared, “When I dreamed of recording my first single for my first album on a major label, I didn’t imagine I would be recording the vocals in my basement ten feet away from the water heater but there’s a magic that comes from hoping no one upstairs uses hot water while simultaneously pouring your heart and soul into a vocal performance. I will always record vocals like that.” This artist is currently on tour with Cold War Kids, and is a marquee songwriter to watch as this year unfolds. If you’re enjoying the latest single, you can purchase it here.

Read More “Joe P – “Shadow In The Sun” (Song Premiere)”

Review: Laura Jane Grace – Hole In My Head

Laura Jane Grace - Hole In My Head

Against Me! frontwoman Laura Jane Grace has never been afraid to push the envelope in her music and artistic growth. Hole In My Head gets its title from Grace taking it upon herself to tattoo the last remaining part of her body she had yet to ink up, and that was her head. The artwork showcases an explosion of colors and images from Grace’s scalp, and it’s fitting, since she paints with wide and vivid colors on her latest LP. The topics found on Hole In My Head range from her mental health, to the early days of her music career, all the way to coming to terms with her gender identity. Grace’s ability to tell vivid stories over an acoustic (or electric) guitar, and remain captivating, is a remarkable talent not to be taken lightly in a songwriter. It’s a gift that keeps on giving to her fans both old and new, and Hole In My Head ends up being Grace’s finest work since the instant classic of Transgender Dysphoria Blues.

Read More “Laura Jane Grace – Hole In My Head”

Smooth Brain – “Good 4 U” (Song Premiere)

Smooth Brain

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone a really cool cover of an Olivia Rodrigo track by Smooth Brain called “Good 4 U.” On this electric-charged cover, Smooth Brain channel the original spirit of the song and a few twists and turns along the way too. The band shared, “We’ve been playing “good 4 u” live – with a fun twist – since our inception, and we’re thrilled to finally put it out. If you’ve been to a Smooth Brain show before, you know how much these songs mean to us, and how much fun we have playing our version of Olivia Rodrigo’s hit single.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, you can check out the band’s Facebook page here.

Read More “Smooth Brain – “Good 4 U” (Song Premiere)”

Kim Richey – “Floating On The Surface” (Song Premiere)

Kim Richey

Today is a great day to share the latest single from songwriter Kim Richey called “Floating On The Surface.” Her vocals have been featured on Jason Isbell’s acclaimed Southeastern, Trisha Yearwood’s Everybody Knows, and Reba McEntire’s Starting Over. Richey shared, “This song is different from all the other songs on the album in that we decided to use the demo. Roger Nichols and I wrote this around a cool guitar line that Roger came up with. He engineered and played everything. I sang all the parts and played percussion (my secret favorite thing.) We tried re-recording it with the band while tracking songs for this record. We tried replacing the fake drums with real drums. We messed around with the vocals. Finally, producer Doug Lancio decided we weren’t going to beat the demo. Sometimes a demo has some sort of magic sauce that you just can’t recreate.” If you’re enjoying the latest single from Kim Richey, please consider purchasing the track here.

Read More “Kim Richey – “Floating On The Surface” (Song Premiere)”

Vanderwolf – “The 6.09” (Video Premiere)

Vanderwolf

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest video from Psych-folk artist, Vanderwolf, called “The 6.09.” The track is the second single off of Vanderwolf’s new album, The Great Bewilderment, out everywhere music is sold on March 13th. If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider visiting the artist’s Bandcamp page here. I was also able to catch up with this talented songwriter for a brief interview below.

Read More “Vanderwolf – “The 6.09” (Video Premiere)”