Latest Posts

Bryson Cole – “OUTTA POCKET”

June 18, 2025

North Texas rapper Bryson Cole showcases his deep drawl and ear for cinematic production on his latest track, “OUTTA POCKET.” Cole’s tracks work because he believes in the legend he’s building. On this track, he mixes in one-liners with more narrative lyrics, reminding the audience that it’s all within his skillset: “I don’t do features, I carry.” “OUTTA POCKET’S” beat is schizophrenic, flipping between subdued and speaker-knocking within the verses. You can toss “OUTTA POCKET” on any of your southern hip hop playlists – it definitely will play well in the car. If you’re into Bryson Cole’s sound, check him out and Spotify and give our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist a spin. It’s updated every week with new artists you’ll wanna know about.  

Nuovo Testamento – “Picture Perfect”

June 18, 2025

Get on your high tops, acid washed jeans, and find one of those purple/turquoise “jazz” cups, because Nuovo Testamento is about to transport you back to the early ’90s dance craze with their latest jam, “Picture Perfect.” With infectious, club-ready beats; bombastic snare hits; and a perfectly effected vocal performance, you could squeeze Nuovo Testamento on any playlist next to hits from La Bouche, SNAP!, or Technotronic. This one is infectious as all get out – the trio seems to be drilling into a yet un-tapped nostalgic sound while still cranking out catchy melodies and danceable rhythms.   Check out “Picture Perfect” via the clandestine YouTube link below, or, add it to your Spotify playlist. Trouble, the EP upon which “Picture Perfect” will inevitably reside, is out July 25th, 2025.  

Atomic Lights – “Cheated”

June 16, 2025

Atomic Lights released their latest jam on June 6th, a high-energy punk jam called “Cheated.” An ode to getting the “short end of the stick out of life,” this one feels like it could have been on any of the THPS soundtracks. With bass work that feels like Mark Hoppus on Cheshire Cat combined with buzzsaw guitars and blistering punk tempos, this one is sure to bring you back to your late ’90s/early ’00s heyday. This Minneapolis three-piece pumps out an incredible amount of noise for a trio – fans of Lagwagon, Alkaline Trio, and the aforementioned early Blink will dig this a lot.   Check out “Cheated” on YouTube below. You can also find it on Spotify and Apple Music.  

Channo – “The Interview”

June 14, 2025

Channo‘s latest single, “The Interview,” is fresh off of their LP Shades of the Midnight Sun. The brainchild of Australia-based Luciano Mercieca, “The Interview” is a sublime slice of sounds carefully layered with a healthy dose of acoustic guitar. Mercieca’s vocals sound like they’re bubbling up from a dark pool in the best way possible; haunting, yet inviting.   No audio track sounds out of place and this could fit in well with a chill wave study track or the music for the second zone in a JRPG game.   The track is available below from YouTube, as well as Spotify. As of press time, the track had been removed from Soundcloud, but you can find the rest of Channo’s work there in the meantime. Be sure to check out the rest of the album if you’re diggin’ this, you won’t be disappointed.              

Club 8 – “Stay Together”

June 14, 2025

Club 8 is one of our perennial favorites who refuse to stop putting out bangers. Their first album (as far as I can find) came out in 19 NINETY friggin’ 8. Two people, Swedish, look both chill and unapproachably awesome looking, just refusing to stop it with the bangers! We’ve covered them more than once here and instead of linking individual tracks, I just linked their tag.   The track, “Stay Together,” has the funkiest bass underpinning the dulcet guitar vibes and Karolina Komstedt’s vocals. It veers into a dream pop-esque feel… So a funky dreampop track… yes. Final answer. Give it a listen, let us know what you think!   You can hear “Stay Together” below from Bandcamp as well as Spotify and Apple Music. Their entire catalogue is numerous and varied, so give it a spin (anywhere will do, with such a broad spectrum).   Stay Together by[...]

Mainland Break – “I Give In”

June 14, 2025

Mainland Break gives in to their obsessions and compulsions (listen to the song, it makes more sense), which also seems to include making infectious indie pop ear worms. Guitar-driven with a healthy dose of bass (stop underestimating us), “I Give In” is mostly a clean, guitar-forward affair that keeps multiple threads going to keep things *really* fun and interesting. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say:   “I Give In” is about experiencing warring emotions and feeling unable to change the process or eventual outcome. It’s about taking the path of least resistance and losing an internal struggle. The wave crashes over you, but also propels you. You love, but you hold yourself back from loving.”   “I Give In” is available wherever you stream music (probably) but we’ve included the embed below for Soundcloud, as well as Spotify and Apple Music.   Mainland Break · I[...]

Summer of Peril – “Aftermath”

June 14, 2025

Appropriately coming from an EP titled Revision, “Aftermath” is a redux of an older song by the band Summer of Peril. This is a shoegaze track through and through with the effect laden guitars that are a hallmark of the genre. Writer and (presumably) singer Alex Forbes fits right in with the cacophonously melodic noises emanating from the track with his vocals that feel both 90’s adjacent and (in a good way) almost dirge-like?   You can hear “Aftermath” below from YouTube, as well as over on Spotify. They have one other track, “Streetlights” on the four track split EP with fellow band Strayline. Check out everything on here because I can guarantee if you enjoy this track, you’ll enjoy the rest!  

Dotsun Moon – “Save Us”

June 13, 2025

Dotsun Moon flex their new wave muscles on latest single, “Save Us.” The long-term Buffalo staple was highly influenced by M83 and New Order on this new cut, evidenced by the synth-forward instrumental and bolstered by DM’s dreamy guitar work. Project mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Richard Flierl made a big leap on this release, opting to front these songs himself – the result is a moody and gothy conglomeration of post-punk, new wave, and shoegaze that feels fresh and new while nodding toward each influential genre’s forefathers.   “Save Us” is a part of Dotsun Moon’s upcoming LP, Tiger, that comes out on June 27th (and is available for pre-order). Until then, get down to the Blade Runner noir vibes of the music video for “Save Us” below.  

The Kites – “16”

June 11, 2025

Based out Leeds, Yorkshire (yeah, that one), The Kites bring us their latest with “16.” Capturing for many what is a pivotal year as a teenager, the track is heavy on the guitar that is only outshone by the vocals. I felt a lot of nods to the headier movements from bands like Blink-182 that capture that pop punk vibe while still tugging at the ole heartstrings. Assuming you’re at least 17 and reading this, the age of 16 is an easy-to-grasp concept that The Kites artfully depict – and left me feeling a whoooooole lot of emotions.   You can hear the track below from YouTube or over on Spotify. This definitely an easy contender for your summer playlist and hopefully not the last we hear from the band this year.  

Elle Belle – “Figure 8”

June 11, 2025

Christopher Papas fronts Elle Belle and their latest single is “Figure 8,” the second track off of the single sharing the same name. The first, incidentally, was reviewed by the incomparable Nick Sessanna here. It’s a study in simplicity written on a train to Timbuktu (sarcasm), and a primer to “Figure 8” that, taken together, showcases Papas’ range as a musician. Funnily enough, I felt like the intro to “Figure 8” felt more like a train getting started as it spirits the protagonist away from the station (to or from Kyoto?!).   Speaking to the track (and partially dashing my theory of a train theme) Papas had this to say: “‘Figure 8’ is a sweet love song despite the brooding melody and dark chords. I don’t know if there is a place where we could love each other forever, but if there is, let’s go there.”   You can hear[...]

Hot Head – “Electric Chemistry”

June 11, 2025

NYC based Hot Head released their latest (but not first, that honor goes to “Intro“) track “Electric Chemistry.” Out June 6th, it contrasts mightily with the subdued “Intro” and serves the perfect pop-punk kick off to the summer you needed. More power chords than you can shake a sparkler at and showcasing the foursome’s range with solo and melodic lyric play.   Speaking to the track, the band said the track drew inspiration from ” …the static energy formed when you come into contact with another person of an opposite charge.” You can definitely feel that energy throughout and, I can assure, you won’t be disappointed unless you don’t like your punk upbeat and happy.   You can hear “Electric Chemistry” over on Soundcloud or the big green circle with stripes, Spotify. Be sure to listen to “Intro” first to get the full effect, trust me! Or don’t, down with[...]

Thought Provokah – “The Tale of Two Freemans”

June 10, 2025

NYC-area rapper Thought Provokah’s latest output is grounded in afro-futurism and a reconnection to ancestral roots. His new single, “The Tale of Two Freemans” discusses opposing views and experiences among black Americans. Provokah’s kept cultural and societal issues in his focus for much of his musical career, often calling upon influences from generations predating hip hop. Provokah comments on the Kanye Wests and Uncle Ruckus’s and Herschel Walkers of the world who’s values appear at odds with the culture they’ve been a part of. Beat-wise, “Freemans” is grounded with a strong boom bap backbone complimented by pounding piano. Listen to more from Thought Provokah on Spotify, where you can find the full project Elysena project that “Freemans” appears on. If you’re digging his sound check out other exciting new artists on our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist.

Mati – “truthful improv”

June 8, 2025

Minneapolis rapper/singer Mati shows off his melodic might on his latest single “truthful improv.” My favorite part of this track is how the beat drops after Mati begins – his vocals and the grooving guitar line are steadily symbiotic. Mati’s delivery gets breathier and more produced on the track’s chorus and adds another element to his performance. The Ethiopian-born artist has stayed busy in 2025 – “improv” marks his second single of the year and comes with a tight B-Side titled “plz dnt interrupt my swag.” Fans of JID who like creative vocals and heartfelt lyrics are gonna dig of this one. Check out the visuals for “truthful improv” on YouTube. If you’re into more from Mati, check out his profile on Spotify and listen to artists like him on our Underground Hip Hop playlist, updated every single mother trucking week.

nikmoody and Blvff – “glass ceilings”

June 7, 2025

Long Island hip hop artists nikmoody and Blvff are putting an underrepresented area of NY hip hop on the map. Their latest collaboration, “glass ceilings” grows out from the roots of a tasty soul sample. Blvff and nik muse on accountability, growth, and self-advocacy with lines like “If I can’t save me, then who can save me?” and “A caged bird can open a bird, but can it stay free?” The artists pair up for really nice harmonies on this track’s chorus, elevating a well-written, thoughtful track into a sonic itch scratcher. Between the production, vocal varieties, and lines and lines of depth, “glass ceilings” is a great addition to your hip hop playlists. If you’re digging “glass ceilings,” check out more from nikmoody and Blvff on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist, updated every single mother trucking week, baby.

yetep – Hate It When It’s You (feat. Trella)

June 6, 2025

yetep might “Hate It When It’s You” (and Trella too), but I don’t think they’re talking about you (sorry). That doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy this pupil-dilating EDM laced jam. I could try and tell you how perfect the vocals hit with the drum machine and effects yetep pushes out… But this is just a great mid-set song that really brings a crowd back in on a Saturday night, or, the type that’s a great jumping off point for the beginning of a set.   You can hear the (very helpful) lyric track below on YouTube. It’s also available on Spotify and probably a couple other places (there are like eighty different streaming apps now).