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.

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Review: Amigo The Devil – Yours Until The War Is Over

Amigo The Devil - Yours Until The War Is Over

The latest album by Danny Kiranos (aka Amigo The Devil) called Yours Until The War Is Over is a great exploration of what it means to live through the hardest of times. While Amigo The Devil is known for its “murderous folk rock,” given the violent nature of the lyrical material, what shouldn’t be lost in the message is the powerful songwriting being brought forth. This album tackles a tragic fight between good and evil and all of the casualties that can get in the way of the bloodshed of war. Kiranos is a top-notch storyteller, and each song plays out like a chapter in a book meant for a bigger purpose than itself. These tracks are sequenced together majestically, purposefully, and sound like a mix between the epic storytelling of Coheed & Cambria, paired with the obscure folk rock of Modest Mouse, and set on blend with the lyrical wit of The Decemberists. Amigo The Devil is showcasing his brilliance in more ways than one on Yours Until The War Is Over.

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George Alley – “Just Leave Me Dreaming” (Video Premiere)

George Alley

Today is a great day to share the new video from Philly-based artist, George Alley, called “Just Leave Me Dreaming.” George Alley has made big waves in the Philly music scene as a composer, performer, choreographer, podcaster and more. He emphasizes his “DIY ethos” and his music takes inspiration from greats like Morrissey, The Cure, Suede, and Muse. If you’re enjoying the video, you can pre-save the single that comes out tomorrow here.

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Review: Talker – “Easygoing”

The latest single from LA-based singer-songwriter, Talker, the project from the mind of Celeste Tauchar, called “Easygoing” is a brilliant mix of pop-guitar chords paired with intricate songwriting. The single was co-written with Jake Finch and Collin Pastore (boygenius, Lucy Dacus, illuminati hotties, Katie Pruitt), and showcases the continued improvements by this artist on a lofty ballad. Talker shared, “This is my personal favorite song I’ve ever written, and one of the scariest to release. I tried for so long to fit myself into the comfort zones of other people, to make dynamics work that maybe just weren’t for me. People pleasing and not asking for what I needed. I wish I could say this song was written from a place of ‘I don’t care what you think of me’ but in reality it came from a really insecure place, where I felt like because I actually, you know, have needs, I was destined to push people away and be too much.” It’s a stunning admission from this artist, and the single is only that much more powerful given the place that it came from.

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Review: Middle Kids – Faith Crisis Pt. 1

It’s a funny feeling when your heart and mind are going in different directions. Middle Kids tackle this concept head on with grace and poise on Faith Crisis Pt. 1, that finds the Sydney-based indie rockers exploring the limits of their sound. While their vision came fully-formed on their sophomore LP, Today We’re The Greatest, Faith Crisis Pt. 1 is a small departure in the direction I would have liked for them to go. But hey, that’s music. Hannah Joy remains as captivating as she’s ever been, and checks all the boxes for what you’d want in an interesting lead vocalist. The band chemistry she shares with Tim Fitz and Harry Day pays off more often than not here. The album was produced by Jonathan Gilmore (The 1975, Beabadoobee) and he does an admirable job of honing in on the band’s strengths.

The album is largely inspired by Joy’s conflicts with her faith during the writing process of the band’s third studio album, and features a duo of interludes paired with a noteworthy song on each side of the record. The themes on Faith Crisis Pt. 1 range from euphoria, to self-doubt, all the way back to taking the listener on a journey through Joy’s headspace. Middle Kids are at their best when they trust their instincts and block out the rest of the outside noise in this world. This task is easier said than done, but their lyrical commentary remains top notch.

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Lime Garden – “Pop Star” (Video Premiere)

Lime Garden

Today I’m excited to introduce everyone to the Alt-Indie rock band, Lime Garden, who have released their latest single and video from their debut LP called “Pop Star.” On this vibrant track, that comes from the recently released One More Thing, Lime Garden have the pop sensibilities of Charli XCX paired with the songwriting prowess of The Japanese House. Band member Chloe Howard shared:

’Pop Star’ was influenced by a real pop star and me not wanting to go back to my part-time job after being in the studio. On the morning of the studio session, I’d watched a TikTok of Damon Albarn talking about how Gorillaz used the standard preset on an omnichord for ‘Clint Eastwood’ – and then, guess what I found in the studio!? – so, we figured if Damon says so, we should try it! Then I sang over the demo about not wanting to go to work the day after and the lyrics stuck. The song is almost so sarcastic that it’s gone full circle into honesty and my work / life imbalance. The song has got a swagger that might surprise a few people!

If you’re enjoying the latest single from Lime Garden, please consider purchasing their debut LP, One More Thing, here.

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Robby Hecht – “Someone To Dance With” (Video Premiere)

Robby Hecht

Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from singer-songwriter, Robby Hecht, called “Someone To Dance With.” Hecht shared that, “‘Someone to Dance With’ explores the perils of navigating a wedding as a recently single person. The speeches, vows, music and revelry can be emotionally disastrous for the heartbroken. On the other hand, weddings do present an opportunity to meet someone new and potentially even move forward.” Hecht’s warm delivery on this single that tugs on all the right heartstrings is sure to make you feel something. If you’re enjoying the latest video, please consider purchasing his new album called Not A Number here.

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Niina Soleil – “Whiskey Valentine” (Video Premiere)

Niina Soleil

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone the latest single and video from LA-based singer-songwriter, Niina Soleil, with her appropriately timed “Whiskey Valentine.” On this vibrant new track, Soleil channels established pop stars like Fiona Apple and Billie Eilish in a flavor that still fresh and unique to Niina Soleil. The song comes from the pop artist’s upcoming debut LP, Heliophilia, that will be officially released sometime this spring. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

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Review: Yellowcard / Hammock – A Hopeful Sign

Remix albums can be a bit of a mixed bag. They exist sometimes to fulfill a contractual agreement between an artist and a label, to give new takes or perspectives on songs, or in the best case scenarios, to re-imagine songs in a way that makes it feel like you’re hearing the tracks for the first time all over again. Yellowcard have paired up with the ambient music duo of Marc Byrd and Andrew Thompson, better known as Hammock, to re-imagine some of their classic hits, as well as some noteworthy deep cuts, for a compilation affectionately titled A Hopeful Sign. Given the fact that Yellowcard’s latest EP, Childhood Eyes, featured several key collaborations, it makes perfect sense for them to continue down this path in their musical journey. Ryan Key shared, “Yellowcard is in a new place where we are collaborating with other artists more than ever before. I have found Hammock in my top three most played artists every year for nearly a decade now. Hammock are one of the defining and most pioneering artists in the post rock and ambient space. We have taken so much inspiration from their work over the years so first becoming friends, and then unexpectedly getting to work together on new music were dreams come true.” By taking a brave step forward in their partnership with Hammock, Yellowcard remain “top of mind” in these re-imagined tracks that breathe a new and fruitful life into some of their most beloved songs.

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Madeline Rhodes – “Bailing On Your Birthday” (Song Premiere)

Madeline Rhodes

Today I’m excited to share with everyone the latest single from pop singer, Madeline Rhodes, called “Bailing on Your Birthday.” On the first single from her upcoming LP, The Brothel, Rhodes channels slick pop hooks paired with a great vocal performance.

It was my best friend’s birthday and I was having a terrible depressive episode,” Rhodes recalled on the track’s origins. “I called her after the party had already started and told her I wasn’t coming. She was pissed and I was like ‘it’s not always about you!!!’…on her birthday. Rude. But also kinda true? I wrote this song as an explanation for my absence at her party. I hope that when she hears it, she forgives me.

I was also able to catch up with this talented songwriter for a brief interview below.

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Rachel Ana Dobken – “Bed You Made” (Song Premiere)

Rachel Ana Dobken

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone the latest single from indie rock artist, Rachel Ana Dobken, called “Bed You Made.” Dobken collaborated with Blind Melon guitarist, Rogers Stevens, and the single is taken from the forthcoming LP, Acceptance, that will be released later on this year. Dobken says in regards to Stevens’ guitar parts, “for the verses he came up with this crazy line that fit so perfectly with the vocals. Whenever you listen to his playing on any of the Blind Melon records, it’s like, ‘Who would write this?’ This is so unique.’ And he brought that same energy to ‘Bed You Made.’” If you’re enjoying the early listen, you can pre-save the single here.

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Spencer LaJoye – “Someday You’ll Wake Up Okay” (Song Premiere)

Spencer LaJoye

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Spencer LaJoye, a talented folk/pop singer-songwriter who is sharing an early listen to their new single called “Someday You’ll Wake Up Okay.” The track comes from their new album, Shadow Puppets, that will be released everywhere music is sold on February 16th. Spencer LaJoye shared, “There was a time in my young adulthood when if you’d have come to me from the future to say, ‘Hey kid, someday you’re gonna wake up and feel okay,’ I would not have believed you. I was so uncomfortable with and ashamed of myself, my body, and my desires. But the truth is that I wake up almost every day now feeling okay. I wish my younger self could know that, so this song is my attempt to tell them.” I was also able to catch up with this artist for a brief interview below.

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Review: MORGXN – “BEACON”

Leading up to the release of his latest offering of music, called BEACON, MORGXN felt a burst of creativity. With over 100 songs written, this talented pop artist began pairing them down, to the ten most powerful and meaningful songs found here, with the help of producer Marshall Altman. MORGXN explained, “This album is a journey, and a reminder that we’re always on that journey. Where I’m at might be the end, but it’s actually the beginning.” This Nashville-based artist has transcended genre lines and has toured with noteworthy bands like X Ambassadors, Skylar Grey, and Smallpools, all of which he’s learned something along the way that he can put back into his own music. BEACON is a remarkable achievement of creativity that showcases MORGXN’s dedication to his craft.

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Shadow Show – “On A Cloud” (Song Premiere)

Shadow Show

Today I’m excited to share with everyone the latest single by power pop band, Shadow Show, called “On A Cloud.” Taken from their upcoming LP called Fantasy Now!, that will be out everywhere music is sold on February 16th, this electric track channels the band’s love of 60’s psychedelic rock paired with pure pop bliss in their hooks. The band shared, “‘On a Cloud’ is the finale of our upcoming album, Fantasy Now!, With this track we offer a mantra of hope, peace and triumph over adversity. As a personal favorite, we strive to share the joy we felt while creating this song with the listener.” If you’re digging the new single by Shadow Show, you can pre-order their new album here.

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Review: Incubus – A Crow Left Of The Murder…

I can vividly remember my excitement for the fifth studio album by Incubus called A Crow Left of the Murder… since the band was on a legendary run of successful records. The started to break through in the nu-metal scene with S.C.I.E.N.C.E., established themselves as Alt Rock heavyweights on Make Yourself, and showcased their experimental side on Morning View. Even after the departure of longtime bassist Dirk Lance, in favor of Ben Kenney (The Roots), it seemed like nothing could derail the trajectory of one of my favorite bands of all time. A Crow Left of the Murder… found Incubus working with veteran producer Brendan O’Brien, whose credits include some of the biggest rock bands of all time, and their trust in his style paid off on this record that still sounds as refreshing and exciting as I remember from 20 years ago listening to it in full for the first time.

While some critics thought that Incubus were getting ultra-experimental, for the sake of being adventurous, after the success of their earlier albums, guitarist Mike Einziger clarified in a 2004 interview that, “we’ve never felt we didn’t have that freedom. We’ve always done what we wanted. It’s kind of self-serving, but that’s how we do it. We try not to pay attention to anything but each other.” By putting that trust back into their musical product, Incubus delivered the goods on what I consider to be some of the best work to date.

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