Latest Posts

Fear Of Sleep – “Quirks”

May 19, 2025

Fear Of Sleep combine the flashiness of math rock with a penchant for punk rock energy on their first two singles – “Quirks” and “Crimes.” Fans of previous Buffalo-born stalwarts Feverbox may recognize a few members, and while those super-tight and familiar aspects return with Fear Of Sleep, the group is forging new ground with blistering fretwork, super-sweet melodies, and a fun guitar-driven energy. “Quirks,” with it’s sub-two-minute run time, is packed with nimble riffs, packaged up neatly in a pop rock package, complete with big choruses and overall anthemic vibes. “Crimes” leans more into their punk rock energies, leaning more into riff-rock territory, without sacrificing any of the tasty riffs that make “Quirks” so fun.   Check out “Quirks” via the YouTube embed below – you can find both available songs on Spotify if that’s more your speed.  

Don’t Worry – “Unbelievable”

May 18, 2025

Don’t Worry are about to jangle their way into your hearts with their new song, “Unbelievable.” It’s hard to believe we’re still talking about COVID-era songs in 2025, but that’s when it was conceived – after months of feeling uninspired, DW broke the spell with this lovely gem. It’s a guitar-forward indie rocker, certainly inspired by the ’90s greats like Oasis, Pavement, and the like, warm with both crunchy and acoustic guitar strumming.   “Unbelievable” is available to stream via Soundcloud (below). There’s always the trusty streaming services too – Apple Music and Spotify.   specialistsubject · Unbelievable

Romanie – “Uh Oh”

May 18, 2025

Romanie, aka Belgian-born Melbourne-based Romanie Assez, knows how to write a barnburner. We last checked in with her on 2023’s “Anthony,” and we’re happy to report she’s still putting out the emotionally-charged indie rock we liked upon our first listen. “I was going through a rough patch in life with some health scares and homesickness,” Romanie says, and that pain comes through in the gritty guitar work and driving drums. This one is grungy while still maintaining a certain beauty and we’re here for it.   “Uh Oh”  

Them Damn Dogs – “Weirdo”

May 18, 2025

Them Damn Dogs are back with a new single, their first in over four years. “Weirdo” is a triumphant return, a big blast of fun energy that falls somewhere on the spectrum between pop punk and whatever genre Weezer is these days. Fun guitar riffs are laden heavy with crunchy goodness, powering the wry, vocal-forward melodies. Oh, and stick around for the well-placed guitar solo.   You can find “Weirdo” on bandcamp (below), or, Spotify if that’s more your thing.   Weirdo by Them Damn Dogs

Phil Rick – “Losin’ My Mind”

May 17, 2025

German rapper Phil Rick’s already dropped an album in 2025, but his motivation has him onto the next. His new single, “Losin’ My Mind” boasts an earworm hook, dancey production and high energy verses that slotted this track immediately into my layup lines playlist. Phil effortless interplays with that high energy production – changing flows alongside the driving drums and synths. “Losin’ My Mind’s” chorus has a nostalgic essence that takes you back to the blog rap days. Catchy, poppy samples dominating the hooks while talented rappers like Phil take control on the verses. This track shares that mass appeal. You can find Phil on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist – check out more of his releases on Spotify. 

Loui$ Automatic – “Hypnotized”

May 17, 2025

Precision is the name of the game for Detroit’s Loui$ Automatic. The rising rapper is known for his live performances and nostalgic but forward-thinking sound. His latest effort, “Hypnotized” has crisp, accessible hip hop production and a smooth vocal performance that works for both hardcore and casual hip hop enthusiasts. The track details the mesmerizing effects of a dancer, who seems to draw the attention of everyone she comes in contact with. Radio-ready hook, top class production, and an easy-to-follow story – can’t ask for more from a single. Check out more from LOUI$ AUTOMATIC on Spotify – and take a look at the visuals for the track below. You can find LOUI$ on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist along other exciting new players in rap.

Charmer – “Night”

May 16, 2025

Kinda-Rochester-at-one-point-or-another-based act Charmer is gearing up for their first full-length in five years. They’ve shared their latest single with us, a tune called “Night,” which is certainly an evolution in the sound for the formerly triumphantly scrappy emo act. Channeling Alkaline Trio, Turnover, and The Cure with it’s dark and brooding vibes; swimmy guitars; and memorable choruses, you’ll be singing along with “cross my heart and hope to die” after your very first listen.   Downpour, Charmer’s upcoming release, will be out on Counter Intuitive Records on May 23rd, 2025. Get acquainted with it via YouTube or the bandcamp embed below.   Downpour by Charmer

SAVAK- Child’s Pose

May 13, 2025

Brooklyn based SAVAK are at it again, squawkin’ away on their latest single “Child’s Pose.” I say “squawkin'” only because their upcoming album is called SQUAWK! and how often is one presented with the opportunity to say squawkin’? We’ve covered the band before here and here, and while it has been awhile since they came through our turnstile, we’re always happy to hear them pop up again.   Starting off with frenetic guitars and drums, the bass and vocals pop in 20 seconds in and… the band never really takes their feet off the gas. The bridge still comes on pretty strong and doesn’t let up until the end. In comparing their last two singles “Tomorrow And The Day After” and  “No Man’s Island,” this falls in between the two as far as intensity goes (which is a weird thing to say, but really, please go compare and you’ll see[...]

Me Nd Adam – “Waco, TX”

May 13, 2025

Best bros Vince and Adam (no relation) are the core members of Me Nd Adam. Live members Ian Green, Marcell Coleman, and Sam Shahin began joining them in-studio for their upcoming full length, A Chain Reaction of Pointless Disasters, of which “Waco, TX” is apart of.   I’m terrible at understanding lyrics unless I’m reading along, but I’m pretty sure I’ve heard of Waco before – specifically in reference to the birthplace of Dr. Pepper (and government raids on religious cults). The track itself packs the punch of a full band (plus synth!) and follows the en vogue theme of “uplifting sounding music but the subject matter is not necessarily uplifting.” It feels like if Sting (and the Police) were to have been transported to current era from wherever they began in the 80’s and the bass gain was turned down 20%. Honest to goodness pop gold that will get stuck[...]

Made of Shape – “Lost”

May 13, 2025

Jona Mor, the brains behind Made of Shape, brings us his latest track “Lost.” Having the unfortunate distinction of being among the earlier Covid cases stateside (and later long Covid), he still had the silver lining of being able to *only* write music. Fast forward to 2025 and Mor’s low-key pop gem has had time to spread its wings. Acoustic guitar and synth join forces to keep a morose subject, the moment you realize the conversation has moved on without you, semi-upbeat and not as heavy (and by golly, it works!)   You can hear “Lost” below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify. You’ll also find “Call it (night)” and “Flashlight” (noticing a theme here) on the same single, so be sure to give those a listen too.   Made of Shape · LOST      

Pavy – “Another Chicago Girl”

May 10, 2025

Chicago hip hop artist Pavy is in a familiar spot on his latest track “Another Chicago Girl.” Pavy’s a natural storyteller – he first takes us to his youth when his maturity and relationship skills were still developing. It didn’t work for him and his interest then. The second half of the track brings us to current day. Now that he’s older – maybe it’s time to revisit this? Pavy’s certainly game to try. “Another Chicago Girl” explores rekindling that flame and does so with a killer hook that Pavy delivers immediately to start the song. Get a taste of his songwriting flair with this one. Check out more from Pavy on Spotify, and check him out among other exciting artists on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Kiwiliwi – “Rich Like Hallelujah”

May 10, 2025

Swedish rapper/producer Kiwiliwi unlocks a Chief Keef sample for his latest track “Rich Like Hallelujah.” A Gothic production atmosphere backdrops the single before Chiraq’s number one export steps to the plate – at least a sample of him does. An aggressive, irreverent verse from Finally Rich standout “Hallelujah” provides a carefree menace on verse 1.  Kiwiliwi plays his counterpart on the back half this track, coming in with a distinctly different energy for the track. On vocals he’s soft and careful, fluttering between autotuned singing and rapping as he feels out his position against Chief’s verse and the choir within the beat. Yung Lean fans will dig, Chief Keef fans get a nice memory – everyone wins. Check out the track on Spotify at Kiwiliwi’s profile or on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Slung – “Nothing Left”

May 9, 2025

Slung brings us their latest track “Nothing Left” off of their album In Ways (released May 2nd). The UK-based four piece has prepared a contemplative slow burn of an alt rock track with, frankly, a ballad level vocal performance from Katie Oldham.   The buildup from the seemingly humble first few notes really takes this track to the next level and gave me the chills. If you’ve ever fancied yourself a music aficionado, this hits all of the right spots and you’ll be better off having listened. Fans of Manchester Orchestra, Silversun Pickups, or Wolf Alice are going to like this one.   You can hear “Nothing Left” below from Bandcamp or over on Spotify. The rest of the album is worth a gander too, be sure to check ’em out live if you find yourself on the other side of the pond (or listen and follow and maybe they’ll[...]

The Spins – “Rain or Shine”

May 9, 2025

Right around a month ago (almost to the day), we gave The Spins…… A spin. Nick covered their B-Side “It’s Me,” and I’m gonna be real, not much has changed in a month. Our love hasn’t diminished and has only grown with their latest, “Rain or Shine.” The guitar hook is undeniably catchy, pairing nicely with the polished, pop hooks. You’ll be feeling all of the feels through the journey of the music video embedded below. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to love and hate how unfair everything is sometimes and you’ll feel it all throughout.   “Rain or Shine” is available pretty much wherever you stream your music but I’ll be nice and link the YouTube music vid and Spotify. This is all in anticipation of their forthcoming album, which will be out sometime soon (their linktree is a good source to keep abreast of their comings and[...]

Nadia Faye – “Swallowing Spit”

May 9, 2025

“Swallowing Spit” sounds gross and it really is. In both the literal and figurative sense, who the heck likes doing that? If you’re not familiar with latter meaning of the term, YOU AREN’T ALONE! It refers to holding back thoughts/emotions/words whether you don’t want to or are unable to. Nadia Faye obviously knows, and damn it if she doesn’t lay out her thoughts on the matter, and how empowering it can be to finally stop swallowing, beautifully.   Her dulcet tones fit nicely with the mix of guitar/bass/drums that give a great alt pop feel (see if you can count the geetar layers). We’re definitely looking forward to hearing more and you’ll certainly be among the first to know.   You can hear “Swallowing Spit” below from YouTube or over on Spotify. Her other release, “Gardening” is a little less gross sounding but just as rockin’ and well worth the[...]