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.
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.
JehiahSax-Gangster of Love
JehiahSax can bring the next big revolution, or something in the form. His music transcends genres, but his sound is very much pure. His compositions have an ease of familiarity, but his sound is complex and crystalline. You’re looking at a contrast of a human being, a living contradiction of class and poise. Some might think I’m joking. He, for one, might agree to disagree. This is his latest single, Gangster of Love. Seldom do people remember Kenny G’s collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff. At the time, it was stuff of legend. De La Soul did it in their jazz-rap/bluesy style of execution as well. JehiahSax creates the same effect of change, but with another style. He is a renaissance man, and you hear his sax lick first. Developing into a hip-hop track, he very much controls the atmosphere. The guitars show us their flavour in the verse section, but the sax mirrors the chorus. Gentle but present, it is like a glossy sheet of sheen on an expensive work of art. Sometimes you might realise that a diamond shines in plain sight as well. Incredibly catchy, a song like this is going to rest in your playlist for a long time. I’d have loved to have heard this one in Boiler Room. The smooth sax playing with the hip-hop verse contrast is something that would fit in the already sensational soundtrack of this movie. You can get more of JehiahSax with his other single, Reckoner. He is always recording more music, so you don’t have to wait much for his next single. Follow him for more music! Here’s the pre-save link for his track-https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jehiahsax/gangster-of-love-feat-ken-fitzpatrick--werekitten-2. Follow him and make sure you are up to date with his releases!
The Loud Bangs-Stray Honey
It might be true, the saying that you turn into what you love. The Loud Bangs then, love a lot of things. On paper, what they plan to execute doesn’t work at all. It is a mishmash of many different genres that don’t belong even in the same water. That’s where their musicality comes in. Stray Honey is to shut people like me up. By the end of this rave, it works. They open the track with Electroprize. With the washed out background, you might expect someone to croon about their lovelorn era of romance. With distorted guitar chugs, they break that expectation, and the silence. You’re hooked to this post-grunge instrumental dystopia layered with heavy reverb on the vocals. Welcome to the first wisp of the daze. Sex Complex has a club song core to it. Though you’d think that the flow is maintained by just electronic elements, they amalgamate in different proportions. It is a dreamy result, sounds that flow into each other with an ease. The jangly distortion of the guitar unites more than you think it would. A fusion supreme We Want to Be Alright has some fantastic sound production. It phases between the left and right, creating something that is a stereo dream. You’re lost in the alt-shoegaze aspect of this sound. As the crisp acoustic cuts through the Northern Lights of sound, you settle in expectations. Layers condense into creating this salad of sound, fresh and diverse, yet amicably edible. This Is a Japanese Robot has the alt-rock anticipation you want. It derives from decades of digital variation in rock, creating its own niche with surprising turns. With the vocals hidden way behind in the distance, they are merely cameos in a much larger movie. There is a joy in the disorientation they depict so well with their music-a harmony you wouldn’t typically be able to find. Closing with Bell Gardens, the dream overflows into another dimension. You might be resting on the shoulders of a New Wave movement, but sandwiched between other styles. It is almost meditative in its process, and refreshingly original. Enjoy it live or as this recording, you can imagine the psychedelia strike with only how easily it forms for The Loud Bangs. The only loud bangs till now have been the pleasant shifts of change. A surreal album by a band that isn’t afraid to test the envelope. It might be a long shot, but I could place many of these in Requiem for A Dream. Not only a brilliant depiction, but the opening up of different forays in sound asks for thorough experimentation. It is a solid, fruitful effort by a collective you might never doubt again. Listen to their album Salvation Memories and follow them as well for more music like this:
Elohyek-What's the Use?
Elohyek are travellers, but through the waves of sound. Many artists say they break genres, but pick ones that have blood bond. This band is different, because they never set out to be. Choosing genres that one wouldn’t think of putting together, they create delicious cocktails of cotton candy and rust. Industrial rock marries Trip-Hop. What’s the Use? Is their latest single. In many ways, the beat reminds me of Dave Grohl’s single with Trent Reznor and Josh Homme. Reznor has the ability to mould the texture to a cinematic reprise if desired. Elohyek use an alteration of the Mantra like beat to create a dreamy verse section. Riding on the clip-clopping hooves of the drum, the vocals are spaced out, yet in psychedelic shards. It reflects vocal patches of Tame Impala, or maybe even Babe Ruth or the Psychic Ills. Drawing you in, you’re restricted to this box till the opening comes. What an opening it is. The contrast of the gentle guitars to the overdrive kicking in is the life source songs like this need. It is an empirical sense of agency to a song like this, creating a thumping audio drama that is in parts industrial, parts alt-rock. Receding into the bassline, you feel like you’ve been shown a chapter from a secret book. It is a revelatory sound that they have discovered, and they are rightfully proud of it. The Hitcher and Wanted are two movies that would have executed this in their scene with perfection. You can check out their elegance in execution with Phantom Limbs, their 2022 album. Their upcoming EP, Evergreen Motel, might tread on new paths. Listen to their immersive track and follow them for their EP release!
Yify Zhang - Wild Cage
The latest single from New York-based pianist Yify Zhang is a captivating and mesmerizing track that immediately sets a melancholic and introspective tone. The song titled "Wild Cage" begins with evocative chords that create a sense of unease and suspense, setting the stage for a deeply emotional journey. Influenced by the genre of new wave synth-pop, "Wild Cage" features a unique and experimental sound that combines elements of ambient, electronic, and rock music. Yify Zhang skillfully employs VSTs to add texture and depth to certain sections of the song, creating a hypnotic and dream-like soundscape. The altered piano chords and modal substitutions that Yify's music is known for, help to create this uniquely captivating soundscape. Yify Zhang and sonic healing The interludes in "Wild Cage" are thoughtfully crafted with delicate piano turnarounds that provide a welcome respite from the song's intense and brooding atmosphere. These interludes offer a moment of reflection and contemplation before diving back into the emotive soundscape. Her music is reminiscent of the sonic textures of artists like Sia, Aurora, and Lana Del Rey. Her experimental style is described by Yify as healing through sounds. The artist's vocals are striking and powerful, conveying a range of emotions with a raw and vulnerable delivery. Her lyrics are deeply introspective and evocative, urging the listener to escape their current reality and "run to anywhere but here." Overall, "Wild Cage" is a haunting and cinematic track that would fit perfectly in a range of film or TV genres. Its unique and experimental sound would complement the visuals of a psychological thriller or sci-fi film like A Nightmare on Elm Street, while its introspective and emotional lyrics would resonate with a character-driven drama like The Devil Wears Prada. With a flawless performance, Yify Zhang has proven why she is the next big thing to look out for in the NYC indie music scene. "Wild Cage" is indeed a captivating and unforgettable listening experience.
Robbie Rapids - Babylonian Dragon
From Robbie Rapids, the Grand Rapids native singer/songwriter/guitarist comes the latest addition to the Hard Rock genre - Babylonian Dragon. This upbeat track with a minor tonality is a rock anthem complete with killer riffs, powerful vocals, and a face-melting guitar solo that makes it a must-listen. The song's powerful vocals and intricate guitar riffs are a testament to Rapid's musical prowess and creativity. The guitar solos are awe-inspiring and will leave you wanting more. Robbie Rapids has done an excellent job of blending his unique musical style with the typical garage rock format, making Babylonian Dragon a standout track in the 'Jangly Power Pop Rock' genre. Robbie Rapids strikes a chord The upbeat and catchy tempo of the song is bound to get you nodding your head and tapping your feet. The track's energetic vibe and dark themes make it a perfect fit for anyone who loves the rock genre. The song speaks of a devil's angel, adding a dark and mysterious edge to the track. "I told you to stay far far away... or you'll get caught in a trap just like me," sings Robbie Rapids about an enticing vixen who always gets her way. The new song by Robbie Rapids would be perfect for a TV series or movie with a similar tone. Babylonian Dragon would fit well into the soundtrack of shows like The Umbrella Academy or movies like The Crow which have rebellious and angst-ridden themes. In conclusion, Babylonian Dragon by Robbie Rapids is a remarkable addition to the artist's discography. The song's dark themes, powerful vocals, and intricate guitar riffs make it a must-listen. With its rebellious and angst-ridden tone, the song is an essential addition to any rock lover's indie playlist. If you're a fan of rock music, then Babylonian Dragon is a track that you can't afford to miss.
Canning - Shortline
Canning's latest release, "Shortline", is a perfect representation of their roots in garage and blues rock. With Ricky Canning on guitars and vocals, Tom Miller on drums, and Fritz Armstrong on bass and backing vocals, the band delivers a powerful performance that showcases their authenticity, diversity, and individuality. The lyrics to the song are introspective, with a focus on self-discovery and acceptance. The opening lines, "Hide your will from your mind, find another corner deep inside," set the tone for the rest of the track, which explores the idea of running from one's problems and hiding from the truth. However, the chorus brings a sense of hope, with the repetition of "When your world turns inside out, you're on that shortline, shortline," suggesting that even when things seem to be falling apart, there is still a path forward. Canning means business The instrumentation on "Shortline" is impressive, with a heavy emphasis on guitars and drums that create a gritty, raw sound. The blues influence is evident in the guitar riffs, which are catchy and memorable, while the drums provide a solid backbone to the track. Fritz Armstrong's bass work is subtle but effective, adding depth to the sound and filling out the mix. The blues influence is evident in the guitar riffs, which are catchy and memorable. This type of sound could be an ideal match for a gritty crime thriller like "Breaking Bad" or a coming-of-age film like "Almost Famous." Overall, "Shortline" is a strong release from Canning that showcases the band's ability to create music that is both meaningful and enjoyable. The lyrics are introspective and relatable, while the instrumentation is powerful and engaging. Fans of garage and blues rock will find a lot to love here, and newcomers to the genre will be impressed by the band's talent and authenticity. Canning's commitment to exploring their music and portraying a song in its rightful place is evident on this track, and it's clear that they have a bright future ahead of them.
Ye Angst - Sundown
The latest instrumental single from indie artist Ye Angst, "Sundown," is a testament to his prowess as an experimental indie rock artist. The track begins with an upbeat, almost frantic, guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The guitar tones are fuzzy and woolly, with a lot of gain, creating a sense of urgency and intensity that is felt throughout the track. One of the most impressive aspects of "Sundown" is the excellent production quality. The track's utilization of the stereo field is masterful, with the different guitar parts panning in and out to create a full and immersive soundscape. The drums and bass provide a solid foundation for the guitars to soar over, with crisp and punchy tones that complement the guitar's grittiness perfectly. Ye Angst through his looking glass Despite being an instrumental track, "Sundown" is far from being a simple composition. Ye Angst skillfully weaves different guitar parts throughout the song, each adding its own unique flavour to the overall composition. There are moments of quiet contemplation, where some of the guitars fade to the background and the drums take the forefront, and moments of frenzied energy, where the guitars take centre stage and drive the song forward. "Sundown" would make an excellent addition to the soundtrack of a high-octane action movie or a thrilling TV series. It would fit perfectly during an intense car chase or a climactic fight scene, adding an extra layer of excitement and tension to the visuals on screen. Particular titles that come to mind are franchises such as John Wick and Fast and the Furious. Overall, "Sundown" is a highly impressive instrumental track that showcases the artist's talent for crafting dynamic and engaging compositions. With its intense guitar riff, fuzzy tones, and excellent production quality, Ye Angst is a must-listen for fans of experimental indie rock and in-your-face hard rock.