Crux-Save Me
There is a melange of sounds that collide to make Crux who they are. This is a band formed with varied influences, and it creates for a surprising journey that is tantalising and creative. Their latest single expresses all those emotives, and phrases of inspirations that have created this dramatic poetry you’ll hear. This is their single, Save Me. With phasing synths, we enter this unfamiliar realm that Crux creates. The intro is like a slow burn mystery, almost like a search for some truth. As we foray into this uncharted territory, the intro allows us to meditate before they take a Steven Wilson turn. The keys and the harmonised vocals are like an isolated choir, almost ominous. The vocals take the high pitched falsettos of Matt Bellamy, yet have the pained honesty of Max’s voice. This is absolution that will lead to redemption, and those are the routes the song will take. The synths supporting the vocals have the melancholy of strings, yet resonate with a much stronger sound. The preface being a long, convoluted intro helps in meditating over what the song aims to narrate. The visuals drawn up will be much more stark, films like Sean Penn’s Mystic River and Demolition, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. It is a bleak break, a crack of light needed to change over from the sordid ways of this protagonist. Max’s voice and the band creating this mystery laced rhythm does justice to this song. So go ahead, and try to imagine what visuals this song created for you! If you want to get more of Crux, listen to their singles like Living in Dystopia & Radgie Gadgie, some of their best work. This is a perfect prose from Crux, so enjoy!
Agent Envy-No Friend
Agent Envy has the keys and means to the post-grunge rock universe. Starting off with incredible covers of her favourite songs, she has progressed to create some rattling, rocking originals. Today we look at No Friend, her snippet of the alt-rock creation that is organic yet obliterates any sense of doubt that this is a rock star in the making. Opening with an intriguing, mystery formulating bassline, her vocals come in soft, but wary. It is worth the warning she is issuing, creating a foreboding environment. This is where she capitalizes on her dynamic voice range, shifting from soft to aggressive with just a change in pitch or the modulation. As the overdrive guitars explode, you can hear the Deftones influence clear as day, the vocals taking the route of Chino’s alleyways and styles. As Agent Envy recedes into the verse, the second push is stronger, and brings more of the harmonics and layers. It is a perfect embodiment of who she identifies as a musician, forging a weapon so uniquely marked with her fingerprints-it is evident. The bridge brings the kind of build a chorus like this deserves, intensifying the emotion and range. Any classic revenge film comes to mind with this song, especially the scenes in John Wick and the Bourne series, where friend turns to enemy. Agent Envy banks on her speciality of the vocal ballet she can perform with her tantalizing and powerful voice, resonating with the lyrics she writes. Listen to her covers of Deftones and Nirvana, along with her soul shaking originals.
Proklaim-Priceless
A lyrical mastermind and a seashell in the sand. Proklaim has the story to tell you near the shore, and you’re going to listen. It isn’t the fact that he can balance a groove so well, but also to do with his connection to what he writes. His sound is truly his, and he is on an upward trajectory with wings bent to fly. This is his latest single, Priceless. Within the repetition of the opening of this song, you find the soul that guides you. What is priceless is Proklaim and his ability to traverse through a rap. Hitting hard truths and choosing the spoils in words, this is a jester in the moonlight. The soft, warm bass that echoes in the background makes for his canvas. As the sound is felt, so are the lines and verses, and you’ll have to hear them twice. This song is best enjoyed as an effect first, and as the narrative the second time around. The heat is in the moment, and he holds it for long-like coal embers. There’s a reason Proklaim is on so many Spotify playlists, every true music fan sees a spark that they want to be responsible for honing. From Creed to Just Mercy, you can hear this song be the spine for truth. The embarkation of the lyrical genius in his prime is worth witnessing, and can be seen in the protagonist. In many ways, this artist holds the same power as the film’s lead, kicking the doors open with your own weight. There is a legacy to follow, and some will be following his.
Mad Painter-Rock and Roll Samurai
Mad Painter has the pageantry and aplomb of a star group. Like Meatloaf, you can hear their songs to be visual and audio epics. Their sense of composition and arrangement is unparalleled for an indie project like this. Energy shifts from place to place in their songs, it is never lost. This is their latest single, Rock and Roll Samurai. I don’t know what visual might come to you when you hear that term. Welding a Gibson axe and an all leather karate gi, you can expect mayhem from this warrior. With a Deep Purple like intro, the synth immediately goes on the pedestal. Quick paced, energetic and full of drive, this song is only to be played on 5th gear. The organ support with the distorted guitar gives an Ian Gillian kind of edge to Mad Painter. You can expect nothing to take a backseat in this song. Right from the get-go, you’re treated to a 220V charged band like appeal, the zeal is electric. The chorus is unique and kick-ass, a balance very often lost due to trying too hard. Mad Painter’s way is to create an intensely catchy hook that you’d want to hum and sing when you feel like it. From Rock the Kasbah & School of Rock, this song bleeds rock and roll. It is an instant zap back to the late 70s, where this used to be airplay regularly. The attack and energy would make for some engaging scenes where rock-ery is in full form. Listen to Mad Painter’s self-titled debut and Illusion for some eye-opening rock revival. Devil Horns up and indulge!
The Starkillers-Eyes Like Fire
The Starkillers truly believe in rock. Their songs have a powerful purpose, they pierce through mediocrity and place themselves on an accessible surface of sound. Bouncing with energy and stylishly unique, each of their singles till now is a cracker because of how well they’ve gone into the details. You sometimes just choose the right key in the bunch. They’ve done it the last 4 times. This is their latest single, Eyes Like Fire. With the excuse of opening boundaries of music, many bands seem to have lost their favourite sound. I define that as what got them into music. The Starkillers are fully in touch with what made them the electric project they are. This track has a cool riff, superb delivery and well arranged verses as well. You asked for a lift, you got dropped off home. Not only are they tight in their recording and structured in their composition, but they seem to truly love rock. From often ignored flourishes to solos and tone-they’ve focused on them all. This is the result of several love letters to this music and a need to deliver A grade content. Not because the world needs it, because they do. From Hellboy to 6 Underground and even Kill Bill, this screams action through and through. The romance laced lyrics give a gentle overtone to it, but that riff belongs in an action scene and you know it. Listen to their other 3 singles to watch a band on fire when they release a song. This is just the beginning, in many ways. Follow them on Spotify for more tracks like this!
![[User] Salv.E- The Depths](https://i0.wp.com/indiemusicflix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/User-Salv.E.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1)
[User] Salv.E- The Depths
[User] Salv.E is a rising artist who creates a very distinctive genre of music. His music is a culmination of rock and pop but somehow not entirely as well. It’s got a very eerie atmosphere to it. [User] Salv.E released a fresh album called The Depths. The album is filled with many new elements. It consists of isolated audio that barrels into the song aLongTimeAgo For example, the first track aLongTimeAgo begins with ominous whispers where you can’t recognise what the singer is trying to say. It feels like an incoherent chant that a person says repeatedly, only to fall on deaf ears. We then have Salve.E's voice shoot into its entrance. The track seems to be directed at an ex-relationship which was toxic and exhausting. We immediately jump into Pyromaniac. The track addresses what happens post-turmoil. After the dust settles, you’re left wondering what the next course of action would be. In this case, it’s burning bridges and dealing with the absence through whatever means necessary. Like a cleansing or a detoxing ritua. The rhyme scheme on this number is incredibly impressive. “Burning bridges 'cause it’s what I do, It’s better than getting along with you.” These lines must burn to whomever it is addressed. The Depths Most of Salv.E’s songs have a distinctive rap quality to it. It oozes a sense of frustration, anger and catharsis. The album slows down with The Depths. We are suddenly let into [User] Salv.E' loneliness. The number isn’t as eerie in ambience as the rest of the album. The singer truly stands bear with his emotions in this number. The names of each song is ominous, aimed to create an environment of mystery. It is paired with vivid visuals in the videos that speak of genuine and dark matters of life. [User] Salv.E’s voice is a needed unfiltered microscope into every emotion deemed negative which needs an outlet. When in reality they’re emotions that must be felt, acknowledged and held, much like any other emotion. Hereditary is a film crafted to perfection, from the script, casting and cinematography. We have all seen Toni Collete's delivery of the infamous Annie monologue in the film. The first half of the album can fit into this film exceptionally well, with its atmospheric sounds and moody beat structure. The film has similar qualities. We are introduced to the creepy and empty house by footsteps and then we see the door open and the family makes its way into the empty house. The film plays with layers physically, each scene sinks into the next with each ending frame. This is to portray how certain things have a way of trickling down family trees. [User] Salv.E is unlike any other artist we have in this day and age who not only breaks boundaries of genres but quite literally creates his own. Check out his socials to see what I mean about his excellent craftsmanship that makes you feel. Isn’t that the point of art? To experience new feelings?
J. Fur-Man from Oslo
Excellent house music, has to be discovered. Songs that get maximum airplay are formulaic. The emotion and extending the moment is what house music is proficient at. J. Fur is exploring the art behind the best, the essence and where the sound can take you. With exploratory beats and flowing soundscapes, this man’s sound can take you places you’ve never been. This is his latest single, Man from Oslo. If you’ve never been to Oslo, like me, let these words paint you a picture. It is an economic hub, the governmental core. Flourishing with swanky buildings, languishing with people wanting to explore more about themselves. This is why J. Fur has absolutely nailed the title of this track. The mystery within the tune, the slight transitions and the steady beat-all boil towards this broth. I can only imagine the image of this city, being reflected on an office-goer, who has so many other layers to show. Yet, he is lost within this same facade. I might be miles away from the artist's original interpretation, but that’s where this art becomes beautiful. The crayon melting colours within the song leading from one verse to another, spaced out like the buildings on the street. You can imagine the landscape with the soundscape, and that requires a depth and understanding of the genre you create with. I could imagine scenes from John Wick and Trainspotting. The spatial exploration done by J. Fur can also be heard in tracks like El Cielo Estrellado and his brilliant Las Ramblas album, from 2020. So strap in, and enjoy a trip like none other.
DAMIEN-Empty
DAMIEN puts the metallic strain in the indie industrial rock resurgence. There are plenty of artists who attempt it, but the sardonic lyricism, brilliant composition and retaining the original magic of the movement is brought back by this artist. A wolfish performer to watch live, his recordings bring the aggression and muscular push this kind of music needs. This is his latest single, Empty. Though I am reminded of NIN’s The Downward Spiral in many ways, this artist pushes the envelope with regard to the time he is in. Becoming more relevant, these lyrics fall like shards of glass, through a world that envelopes itself in a desensitized bubble. From the catchy, rhythmic tempo to the elevated sense of nothing that is well put out in the song, DAMIEN creates dread in a way only he can. The synth flows are the bubbling energy a song like this needs, with the tones whittled to perfection specifically for this. Even when it's just the percussions and his vocals, you can feel the honesty in the execution of the words. Any more layers, and it would have been overkill, but DAMIEN understands the dynamic of the genre better than anyone I’ve heard. I could definitely place this in Natural Born Killers, a great movie with a Trent Reznor created soundtrack. The hollow, but complete nature of the lyrics makes it a dynamic unlike any other. You can check out more of his music with Nowhere and Power, along with his unique 2021 album, Girl. Explore his music and follow him to get more of DAMIEN’s energy!
Roxercat-Crime
The legacy of Roxercat will be through their fascinating music. If you haven’t heard of them, it’s a crime. You’ve never read foreshadowing like this. A trio that brings the life back to live music, we listen to their single today, called Crime. Sorry, but not sorry. Featured in their EP from earlier this year called Pearls, this is one of their hardest hitters. It is difficult to balance a groovy intro without it becoming the mainstay. However, if you have experience like Roxercat does, you’re going to live in the groove. With a bass intro leading to a swinging rock rhythm, you can feel the beat in your bones. When you thought that could be enough, a guitar solo pretty much kicks the door wide open. It’s like listening to Steve Vai, but there are incredible vocals involved. The bridge involves quite the exchange between the guitar and the vocals, and keeps the wattage of this song on max. If anything, I can guarantee you that you haven’t heard lead guitar work like that in several years from an indie band. There is a threshold of awesome that exists for a band to make a legacy. Roxercat crossed that threshold one EP ago. I can assure you this isn’t an advertisement of any sort, the proof is in the pudding. I’d have loved to have heard this one on The Italian Job, any really cool heist movie would do. I’m banking on an Ocean’s follow up just so that this band can make the soundtrack. You can listen to their EP and follow them on Spotify for more great rock and roll. For now, sign off with a calling card for crime.
Major Kami- Wild Bo...
Wild Bo… by Major Kami is a futuristic tantric trans-like music. This album is a product of a collaboration between DAMde8, Major Kami, Sarah Jay Hawley, Dan Burkhart and Denis Expert. DAMde8 is a group of French artists who work remotely with one another. It consists of three songs and an instrumental version of each piece. Wild Bo... and Major Kami The Album starts with Wild Bo… which has an amazing cinematic quality to it. The version of the song that has Sarahs Jay's voice has you captured right from the start. Major Kami aka Camille Miller invites Sarah Jay Hawley (Massive Attack singer in "Mezzanine".), to guest star in this new EP Wild Bo… She says "I'm very proud to be a part of this EP3 called Wild Bo..". The lyrics of course add value but, it's Sarah's intense performance that sells it. “And now I’m here and revere in your mystery and the show’s about to begin for you.”. She sounds like a total badass in this album but more so in this track particularly. We then have the instrumental version which is of course the same song but feels very different without Sarah's voice. The drums, the synth and the piano transport you into another world entirely with its bass. We hear Sarah's voice now and then but it sounds like it is lightyears away, adding a dream/trance-like quality to it. Denis Expert and Dan Burkhart did a great job at understanding Sarahs's sensibilities as a singer-songwriter and matching her energy with the instrumentals. Kami asks us to buckle up with her next track Smugle In Strange. This number plays with distortion quite well. It feels like the song has found individual songs with their own flavours have cut themselves and fit into this song, especially towards the end. This feeling doesn’t carry over to the next number Modern Love Modern Love feels like an ode to modern dating. She speaks of catching paper boys and she couldn’t even wave boy to this paper boy. The entire album plays with surrealism quite well. The way it uses isolation and repetition musically is impressive. Modern love speaks about love in its entirety. The way you have to surrender yourself to the rhythm of life, the thought of giving up constantly through your head. While also ignoring the love that’s right next you because the idea of love is terrifying. She has somehow managed to compile all this in one track. A movie that encapsulates the idea of love in a sinister way is Gone Girl. We all know of Gyllian Flyn’s brilliantness. The album is a gift to most filmmakers, it gives us an instrumental version with its own character as compared to the lyrical version. Also, sections of the song would work beautifully in a scene. This is especially because of the way it plays with contrasting some very serious and real lyrics and an upbeat beat structure. Major Kami has outdone herself in this album, it gives its listener something new to look forward to in every song. You can’t dismiss the next track thinking it’s an instrumental as well because it comes with its own characteristics. Be sure to see the variety of music on their Spotify and other socials to see what I mean.
vnxa-red
There is an artist called vnxa who would not like to just put out music. Let her music, tell a story, like her life. She is an artist who might be obsessed with how we consume her content. Hence, you see no album or EP dumps. Calculating, but not cold-you see her curating the emotions featured. This is her latest single, red. This comes as the second single, released after r.i.p. The core melody is reminiscent of the chorus from Imagine Dragons’, “Follow You”. However, the verse is where vnxa brings her ability to strain the melody to the essence. It has a dance energy to it, yet the lyrics are a grim reminder of her abilities. There is a rap section as well, blending beautifully with the instrumentals and vocals used otherwise. It is a fun reminder of what is yet to come, especially with vnxa’s abilities. Keeping a steady heartbeat to this song, she still adds plenty of modulations and effects to create a thoroughly entertaining track. It is an immense performance, and an even better set of visual cues. This would be great in a series like Euphoria, where the lyrics have visual snippets to aid the scene. Vnxa has broken the expectations for a Valentine’s Day love track with something that really pulls at the heart strings. You can listen to vnxa’s other single r.i.p and follow her for more music. For someone who puts her all in for every single, she can create new worlds with every song and moment. Brace yourself for what has to come. Don’t forget to listen to her latest single and signal when you see red.
Bonze- Out of My Hands
Out of My Hands by Bonze is an incredibly powerful and soulful song. It conveys the story of a person struggling to let go of a relationship that has ended. The introspective and moving nature of the lyrics paints a vivid picture of pain. He sings longingly of love and of pain that comes with the end of a love affair. The melody is haunting and builds gradually, reaching a powerful crescendo. It bubbles and simmers in your ear, perfectly capturing the intensity of emotions. It is expressed wonderfully in the lyrics. Bonze's voice has the ability to fill a room with his raw emotion and soulful power. The first-class production showcases the impressive musical talent of the Bonze. He plays with the synth and vocals expertly. The series Good Girls is one of its kind that has an incredible cast of female leads. They find themselves in a money laundering situation. It is a dark comedy that deals with all sorts of relationships. In any relationship, there is the act of letting go and embracing your partner as they evolve, grows and change. Out of my Hands would do so well in this show. I haven’t seen such beautifully written flawed female characters in a long while. The way the series plays with its music playlist has to be appreciated. This is a song that will resonate with a large portion of the world that has dealt with breakups. The kind of breakups that leave open wounds that heal without closure. Bonze has many more such impressive works, the kind of work that debuts at BBC.