An instrumental synth-driven EP from Portland-based artist Kenneth Roberts, Exploration SX​-​240 presents a spacey intrigue propelled solely by the Kawai SX-240 analog synthesizer and reverb. Released under the One Instrument record label, the EP presents a riveting, atmospheric sound. A clanging synth intrigue escalates in tempo, invigorating with momentum, on the opening “Storm.” The whirring synth arps coalesce into a series of eerie, sporadic chills. Atmosphere is palpable on this memorable opener, and the stirring production continues throughout. The subsequent “Across the Plains” struts ..read more

A melodic single out today from UK-based duo EtaCas, “Heroes Are Hard to Find” compels in its assembly of melodic vocals, spirited synths, and funk-tinged rhythms. The project of Jefferson Duke and Rob Reng show some excellent songwriting on the track, which takes inspiration from the story of an 18th Century Navy Admiral, John Byng. Per the duo, Byng was “was executed by his own country for failing to do his utmost in battle. This inspired themes of unrequited loyalty and injustice and gave a solid foundation for the lyrical development to build from.” The lyrical expressions of perseveranc ..read more

“Only Fans” is a resonating new single from Giack Bazz, the project of London-based artist Giack Bazz. Ahead of his upcoming album Bedtime Stories for Computers, out later this year, “Only Fans” stirs with its thematic relevance. The track explores how the state of the music industry prompts musicians to pursue unorthodox methods for getting their music recognized. Feeling successfully like a protest song from the vision of a musician’s right activist, “Only Fans” consumes with its melodic rock escalations and spirited lyrics — remarking on how the industry’s menace has prompted a variety of ..read more

A resonating depiction of self-discovery, “My own way” is a new single from international artist Tiphanie Doucet. A breezy folk sound intertwines with a personal lyrical relatability, capturing an invigorating confidence when confronted with external judgment. A heartfelt vocal presence and elegant piano accompaniments stir, as lyrics reflect a previous willingness to “fit in,” and an ensuing reassurance. The “doing my own way,” hook invigorates thereafter, emphasizing an inner-confidence in the face of others’ judgment. “I’ve been doing it all without you,” the brightness continues, with th ..read more

Spanning from glam-friendly infection to debonair rock throwbacks, SUSPICION TODAY is the compelling debut full-length from DREAM PONY. The NYC-based band craft a dynamic rock sound, often featuring a spirited vocal and guitar-driven drive into memorably replay-inducing hooks. The album is consistently rewarding in its quality songwriting and satiating rock production, from the warming power-pop shades of “SUNDAY SUIT” to the balmy psych-pop within “COUNTERING” and surf-y rock vigor of “BIKINI VISION.” Jordan D’Arsie’s adaptable vocal presence and Aaron Mika’s steady percussive flair both cap ..read more

“Stonewall” is a resonating rock single from Silver Shores, incorporating a lush vocal presence amidst a guitar-led intrigue. The Oakland-based project describes the track as “about clinging to an irrational fear of stating our sincere feelings, and the clarity that comes once that weight is lifted from one’s chest.” The guitar work throughout proves especially dynamic, traversing from dreamy jangling into twangier ardency, such as in the delectable soaring that rounds the 01:30 mark. Gentle synth touches and serene percussion accompany vocals that reference a “last call,” guiding with an in ..read more

New York-based artist Tyler Kamen presents a charismatic rock sound on new album Cornucopia Modus, channeling psychedelic and prog-rock fervency. Considered the likely final release within Kamen’s “Spectacular Vegetable universe,” the album succeeds in its conceptual aim and consistently melodic direction. The release takes place after vegetable mutants overrun Gnome City and Sunken Valley. The character of Jinx Loon, an inquisitive warrior from the Vegetable Tribe, commences on a quest to fix the Bamboozle Tesseract with the help of The Spectacular Machine, The Cornucopia Modus, and The Head ..read more

A riveting display of hip-hop atmospherics and immersive production, the instrumental version of the Ghetto Concepts LP is a stellar showcase from Long Island-based sound designer DJ Concept. The original LP impresses in featuring the rapping of Ghetto, from acclaimed act ST. Da Squad, and in instrumental form the release is impressive with a unique flair — hypnotizing with its range of soundscapes, from the wintry twinkling of “My Reality” to the blaring brass anthemics within the title track (which sounds like it would fit perfectly on the Madden soundtrack). The album’s production is espec ..read more

Capturing a life-changing emotional experience and its ensuing introspection, An Elaborate Choreography Of Failure comes via Waterfowl Dance, a solo project formed in Eugene, OR. A wide range of instrumentation, including orchestral elements, guide songs that swell structurally — reflective of the human experience’s many trials and tribulations. In particular, the release captures the artist’s personal experience, where they fell in love with a friend, had a sexual encounter, and then lost the friendship upon finding that the love was unrequited. The production and songwriting convey the resu ..read more

“Heartbreaker” is an affecting new single from The Macarons Project, asking “who’d be the heartbreaker?” whilst exploring the complexities of relationships, particularly set against a movie-like narrative. The Canada-based Indonesian duo excel with their songwriting here, and continue an impressive ascent, following their cover of “Fly Me to the Moon” being featured in a CNN documentary, and the rapper Dave sampling their track. “Sunshine and roses, can we keep it that way?” the opening vocals ask, yearning for hope amidst gray skies as reflective guitar twangs surround the dreamy vocal vuln ..read more