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Single Reviews

Review: All Systems Go – “Everything Going Well Is A Bad Thing, Right?”

Adam Grundy

The new lead single from NJ pop-punk band, All Systems Go, comes from their recently announced EP Finding Closure, and is a solid slab of heartfelt punk rock filled with great guitar breakdowns and passionate vocal performances. “Everything Going Well is a Bad Thing, Right?” was produced by Gary Cioni (Crime in Stereo, Hot Mulligan) and mastered by Mike Kalajian (New Found Glory, Senses Fail), and All Systems Go have really developed a professional and poised sound on this track. Guitarist and vocalist Matt Pezza shared, “This song is about how poor communication leads to people being on different wavelengths. In context, the ‘remember me when you’re famous’ line is essentially a substitute phrase for communicating ‘this isn’t going to work out’. But no one knows that until it’s actually stated a couple lines later. There’s a reason why people always say ‘communication is key’ – not just in dating but in working relationships, friendships, etc. It’s always better to be direct; mean what you say and say what you mean.” The song is reminiscent of the starry-eyed pop-punk of The Starting Line, paired with the complex guitar parts of Four Year Strong, and put on blend with a bit of the band’s own flavor.

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Review: Holy Pinto – “Death Is In The Air”

Adam Grundy

The latest single from Aymen Saleh, better known as Holy Pinto, is bursting with raw emotion and painstaking detail in the songwriting process. Bartees Strange also contributes on “Death Is In The Air” by adding some well-placed guitars and synths to the mix. The track itself tackles the theme of searching for love, complete with all of the messy details that make this emotion so complex.

The song builds momentum as it sways from the cautious opening verse, to adding in more instruments in the chorus, while Saleh’s vocals remain consistently captivating in his delivery. The single takes the listener on an epic journey of lyrical twists and turns, all with a beating heart towards Holy Pinto’s self-discovery as an artist. The epic conclusion of the song features some well-placed hand claps and an Americana sound to keep interest high in this ultra-talented songwriter. Holy Pinto is back, and he is quickly re-cementing himself as a key artist to watch.

Review: October Man – “Dandelion”

October Man - "Dandelion"
Adam Grundy

I’d like to introduce everyone to a cool new indie rock band called October Man. The band features Ethan Bodner (guitar), JD Leidersdorff (guitar/vocals), Ian Neill (bass), Anthony Abboud (keys/drums), and Joey Murphy (keys/drums). Most of the band has been playing together for nearly a decade, with Neill being a recent addition. Their latest single, called “Dandelion” is a catchy blast of indie rock that would be perfect for fans of The Strokes, Cold War Kids, and the guitar groove of Franz Ferdinand.

The song opens up with a steady beat courtesy of Anthony Abboud while the dual-guitar attack embraces the groove of the track with a poise not usually seen in a band this young. Vocalist JD Leidersdoff has a great croon throughout the song and he remains as captivating as possible. October Man have created the perfect launch pad to success in the indie rock genre with this song that is sure to be added to many playlists for the foreseeable future.

Review: Sophia Dashing ft. Manda Malina – “Raindrops (On Your Pillow)”

Adam Grundy

The latest single from Sophia Dashing featuring Manda Malina, called “Raindrops (On Your Pillow),” has that classic 90’s pop sound that is reminiscent of Destiny’s Child paired with TLC. The track was produced by Jason Quinones and co-written between Malina, Dashing and Quinones. The collaboration pulls off as each artist/writer shines on the track that is built for those heartfelt evenings of longing for a better relationship.

Sophia Dashing commands the song throughout her dynamic vocal performance while Manda Malina adds in some great vocal takes of her own. The song reminded me a bit of the style of TLC’s “No Scrubs” and hits its intended target more often than not. The final bars of music highlights the two vocalists trying to outshine each other through some great vocal highs that mesh well together for a crowd-pleasing pop single.

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Review: Artless Jesus – “U HATE ME”

Adam Grundy

I’d like to introduce everyone to Artless Jesus, a new pop-punk band that features members of Record Heat (Spirit Animal), Cal Stamp (vocals) and Paul Michel (guitars). The lead single from The Assorted Grievances of Artless Jesus EP, “U HATE ME,” also has Pat Gerasia (Red Sun Rising) on drums, and features a nice combination of crunchy guitar riffs, shimmering pop-punk vocals from Cal Stamp, and a cool all-around vibe built for those summer drives to the beach. The band shared, “We shared the EP with some industry types and they hated it, so we posted their feedback on our website. After a decade-plus of kicking around the lower-middle class of the music business, we don’t really give a shit anymore. Fuck ’em.” With a sound that sounds similar to early New Found Glory paired with Four Year Strong, Artless Jesus may just be the next great discovery in the pop-punk genre.

Cal Stamp’s smooth vocals in the verses bleed well into the pre-chorus build-up, before admitting, “But you hate the way my voice sounds when I’m singing you to sleep / And you hate the way I stumble trying to sweep you off your feet / You hate the shape our bodies make at night between the sheets / But the only thing I’d change in you / Are all the countless ways that you hate me.” It’s a pretty solid introductory statement from some talented, and under-appreciated, musicians who are looking for a new avenue for their creativity.

Review: Be Well – “A Tap I Can’t Turn Off”

Adam Grundy

The latest two-track single from Baltimore punk/hardcore band, Be Well, is an electric-charged artistic statement that demands to be taken seriously. Led by fearless frontman Brian McTernan, “A Tap I Can’t Turn Off” and “Without A Compass” rock with an immediacy to them that put a firm focus on why this band is so dynamic. Starting with “A Tap I Can’t Turn Off,” the heavy opening riffing sets the tone for the lyrics of, “There is an overwhelming sense of doubt / That’s spent a lifetime occupying my mind / The things that I’ve done to block it out / Have corroded the rest of what’s left over time,” that showcase McTernan’s conflict within his own mind. The track explodes out of the gate with a rare sense of urgency, and ends with the pain in the lyrics of, “But I still lack confidence / And sometimes I feel like shit.”

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Review: Zaq Baker – “Treadmill”

Zaq Baker - "Treadmill"
Adam Grundy

The latest single from pop singer Zaq Baker, called “Treadmill,” is a stripped down pop song that features the artist Corzine and is a piano-laced ballad in the style of artists like Ben Folds, Billie Eilish, and Clairo. Baker’s harmonies with Corzine are well-constructed and shimmer off the speakers with ease. Zaq Baker shared, “In just one madcap year, my catalogue has enjoyed many wardrobe changes — piano rock, pop-punk, synthpop, musical theatre, a piano-and-strings album, even a McCartney send-up — made possible by dozens of incredible collaborators. “Treadmill” reflects the fact that now it’s time for something new. Hayley [Corzine] makes all the words sparkle.’” The single brings in some other instruments, like the cello and some programmed drums, to provide a landscape for the introspective lyrics. While a treadmill may not take us anywhere, Zaq Baker is well on his way to making his mark in the crowded music scene.

Review: Talker – “Easygoing”

Adam Grundy

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: Definitely Maybe – “Are We Having Fun Yet?”

Adam Grundy

The latest single from Chicago pop-punk band, Definitely Maybe, called “Are We Having Fun Yet?” embraces the chaos of chasing your dreams head on. The band found moderate success with their last single, “One More Night,” and Definitely Maybe continue the momentum gained on this electric track. Singer/lyricist Courtney Clinkert remains as captivating as she’s ever been on this single that sounds reminiscent of the sound that Charlotte Sands and Yours Truly have gone for recently, with equally pleasing results here. The band shared, “’Are We Having Fun Yet?’ is a relentless exploration of the toll ambition takes on the soul. Delving into the highs and lows of chasing dreams, it offers an unfiltered look at the exhaustion and self-discovery that comes with the journey.”

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Review: PHNTMS – “Lost On Your Love”

Adam Grundy

The latest single from synth-rock band, PHNTMS, is a great blast of new wave energy, paired with vibrant guest vocals from April Rose Gabrielli. “Lost On Your Love” features the trademark picturesque guitar playing from Adam Jessamine, in a style similar to bands like The 1975 and The Aces, and he commands the song throughout the inner-workings on the synth-laden track. Gabrielli is a nice choice for guest vocals on this single that is lyrically based on the feeling of falling head over heels in love, and the bliss that comes with it.

PHNTMS continue to expand their great repertoire on their latest release, and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. While the band has largely been releasing singles to keep interest high in their brand of synth-rock, I would personally love to see how they would package a few songs together in a cohesive work of art in the form of an album, or at least an EP. For now, songs like “Lost On Your Love” remind us of why bands like PHNTMS are a rare breed.

Review: Barely Civil – “Coasting, Mostly”

Adam Grundy

The start of a new album cycle is always a thrilling process. Barely Civil have kicked things off on the right foot with their newest single, “Coasting, Mostly” that has a punk rock spirit, and highlights a more emotive side of the band. While their last record, I’ll Figure This Out, focused largely on the soft/loud dynamic in their sound that became popular during the emo boom of the 00’s, the latest single found here reignites the passion for this scene of music.

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Review: Blue Vervain – “Mexico”

Adam Grundy

The latest single from indie-rock band Blue Vervain, called “Mexico,” features breathy vocals over lush musical arrangements to bring those perfect end-of-summer vibes into your headspace. From the mind of Jon Khan, Blue Vervain captures something magical on songs like this take from the newly released full-length record of The Garden. As Khan sings the refrain of, ““I want to see you, right now,” it’s easy to visualize that one person that you want to spend all of your days with.

Blue Vervain showcases his depth as key solo artist to watch as we get closer to turning the page on 2023. On this reflective new single, that fits well within the wheelhouse of bands like Ash and Dashboard Confessional, Blue Vervain have truly arrived. The Garden is an album that continues to go down the rabbit hole of the possibilities Khan can take his music, and if “Mexico” is any indication of the music to get accustomed to, you’ll want to stay tuned.

Review: All Systems Go – “The Lowdown”

Adam Grundy

The latest single from NJ pop-punk band All Systems Go called “The Lowdown” revisits the glory days of the genre and makes for a memorable statement. Imagine the Drive-Thru Records-era bands being put into a blender with their various styles and voices, and you’d likely end up with something similar to All Systems Go. Produced by Gary Cioni (Hot Mulligan, Crime in Stereo) and mastered by Mike Kalajian (New Found Glory, Senses Fail), this professional-sounding track is sure to be the perfect addition to that end-of-summer playlist you’ve been crafting.

The song opens with some somber vocals that quickly accelerate over the great guitar riffs, before exploding into an anthemic chorus. It reminds me a bit of early-New Found Glory paired with the crunchy, start/stop riffing of Fenix TX. The chorus of, “And I just hate how I get it now / It doesn’t matter if we talk it out / You make me wary of everything / That might just seem like the right move / To bringing me down / And I get it now / And I’m still wishing that you’ll come around / And now there’s nothing left that I can do / You just have to get through to you,” is well-constructed and thought out fully, as it tackles the theme of navigating a troublesome relationship. All Systems Go are showing a lot of promise on songs like this one.

Review: Safari Room – “Broken Things”

Adam Grundy

On the latest single from Safari Room, called “Broken Things,” he tackles the difficult theme of navigating through a relationship on the brink of collapse. Songwriter Alec Koukol shared, “Quite plainly, ‘Broken Things’ is about the declination of a relationship. The song is an amalgamation of relationships I’ve had crumble over the last few years. This song is a catharsis and outburst of emotions kept in for too long. It’s a whole journey of self-discovery through loss of a relationship, confined in one tune.” The song is brimming with vibrant guitar riffs, soothing vocals, all paired with vivid storytelling from Koukol. The sound of Safari Room is similar to the style of The National, The War on Drugs, and Mae.

The song opens with the verse of “This is the end, no longer lovers/ “Maybe we can be friends” / What a lie / Emphatically sad ‘cause the good has been undone” as Koukol paints the picture of a once fruitful relationship turning sour. The song gradually picks up tempo and features a great bass line before building to the crescendo of, “You’re out of my mind /You’re out of my mind (Get out of my mind) / You’re out of my mind / Get out of my mind /You’re out of my mind (Get out of my mind) / You’re out of mind / You don’t live here anymore (You don’t live there anymore),” that provides a glimpse of the conflict going on within the songwriter’s headspace. Safari Room have reignited the flame of purpose on this electric single that is hauntingly beautiful.

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Review: MS MR – “Saturn Return”

Adam Grundy

Goodbyes are hard to do. Whether it’s saying goodbye to a close friend moving to a different part of the country, or losing someone permanently due to death, it’s always a tough process to go through. MS MR have returned with their stunning final single, called “Saturn Return,” that is a fitting tribute to all of the work that vocalist Lizzy Plapinger and Max Hershenow have accomplished over the tenure of this project. Having first stormed onto the indie rock scene with the fittingly titled “Hurricane” in 2012, MS MR captured lightning in a bottle with their first two albums Secondhand Rapture and How Does It Feel. This latest dual-sided single features the atmospheric “Saturn Return” and a beautiful cover of Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta.”

”Saturn Return” opens with a soft, keyboard-laced sound that eventually breaks the spacey feel to it with Plapinger’s breathy vocals to allow the single to reach its heavenly intentions. The chorus of, “Two souls / So close again / And again, and again,” marks the connection that Plapinger and Hershenow have with each other in this band in such a majestic way. The only flaw of the song is that I wish it would’ve been longer, as it wraps up just after the two-minute mark before it could fully take off. The cover of “Flagpole Sitta” is a worthy tribute to the Alt-Rock classic track, and fits well within the realm of MS MR’s discography. They really make the track their own, and leave a memorable final artistic statement with this final release. Saying goodbye to MS MR isn’t easy, but the music that they have left behind will stand the test of time.

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