New York-based artist Uncanny Valet unveils a variety of melodic soundscapes throughout debut album Silo. Encompassing both lushly enveloping ambient atmospherics and bustling breakbeat charisma across its 12 tracks, Silo is a showcase in beautifully diverse production and compelling songwriting. Serene spells like “O.R.C.A.” evolve seamlessly into the ensuing “Anagram,” where dexterous percussion and glimmering synths emit a compelling vibrancy. The album is a thorough, eclectic success from the project, which represents the work of writer and musician David Queen. “At” opens the album with a ..read more

It’s easy to become immersed in the mesmerizing soundscapes of yhyk, a collaboration between producer Yutaka Hirasaka and bassist Yusuke Kurahara. Released under the beatsupply label, this album transports listeners to the serene mountain lodges of Kumamoto, a city in Kyushu, Japan, where the duo crafted the compelling sounds within. The cassette release, adorned with Yuichi Date’s captivating artwork, adds a tactile charm to the auditory experience. The layers and emotional depths within yhyk create a sonic journey perfect for contemplation. A steadily unraveling groove takes hold on the open ..read more

Perth-based rockers Humming reveal an eclectic tonal range on their new EP, Far Below. The self-produced success pairs themes of yearning and inner turmoil with productions that evolve and erupt, transitioning from dreamy introspection within the verses to anthemic spirit in the ensuing envelopments. “Fade Away” commences with dreamy intrigue. Hazy guitar strums and reflective vocals ascend into twangy, bright expressions. “Through your eyes I see I’m stumbling,” the vocals admit, declaring “I love to blame it on you,” with gripping honesty. The ensuing guitar tones, rising in their overall fe ..read more

Dystopian World is a classical music EP that explores the poignant reality of George Orwell’s novel 1984. Led by the vision of composer, guitarist, and producer Peter Xifaras, the release was recorded in Prague by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Martinka. Guest violinist Xander Nichting also features prominently. The seven tracks are specific in their themes, each exuding relevant aspects of today’s society that echo Orwellian worlds in past fiction. “Tears of Humanity” opens beautifully, initially portraying a sense of hopeful grandiosity in the strings before mov ..read more

A hooky synth-pop delight from Los Angeles-based artist dylanVO, “next time_” captures nocturnal drives in downtown Los Angeles in its lushly melodic production. Toronto-based singer/songwriter Melissa Lamm adds riveting vocals, spanning from the steady verses’ recollections to the pitch-altering cap-off to the central hook. “Better off next time,” Lamm sings with glowing intrigue, complemented by pulsing percussion and radiant synths — the “floating on air,” lyrical remarks capturing the ethereal charm. Glistening synths during the “I’m better off,” bridge are especially magnetic, driving to ..read more

A beautiful assortment of jangling guitars and illuminated synths unveil throughout “Forever Light,” a new track from MatAre. The project of musician and songwriter Matt Rousseau continues a strong string of releases, catching our ears especially the past year with tracks like “Dream About You” and “On Purpose.” Pairing with the melodic production are themes of appreciation for others’ beliefs, and how that can help guide them positively. The lyrics stir in their portrayal of a “personal who made it all,” worthwhile following personal storms; the radiant, title-referencing hook follows with il ..read more

Austin-based quartet Hallo traverse from dreamy spells into an anthemic rock spirit on new single “Worth It All.” The band (pronounced as “hollow”) have us firmly anticipating their debut album, Unsaved, with this success. Tiana Stuart’s dynamic vocals range from the reflective, referring to unexpected changes, to a gorgeous rise approaching the two-minute turn; the escalation here reminds enjoyably of Wolf Alice. “I’m worth it all,” Stuart lets out during an especially captivating sequence, enveloped within a sophisti-pop soundscape that evolves into latter rock theatrics. “Worth It All” is a ..read more

A newly released track from Scottish rockers January Sixteen, “Hold On” proves commanding in its soaring, distortion-friendly vigor. Rumbling percussion and spacey guitar escalations traverse into a melodic vocal lead, admitting they don’t want to “be anywhere else but right here with you.” The adoring vocals and invigorating rock spirit fit aptly within the track’s thematic inspiration, described as written “specifically about standing with my wife as she watched Foo Fighters live for the first time.” “It’s about appreciating those moments whether it be watching your favourite band, your spor ..read more

A lush yet impactful sound persists on “Prayer Cards,” a recent single from Trivial Shields. The artist caught our ears over a decade ago, with debut single “Camelot,” and continues to impress with mood-packed songs full of melodic, climactic developments. Initially an unfinished songs, “Prayer Cards” was finished during the pandemic, and the result is strongly memorable. “Yes, I’ve got the cards to show you,” the vocals let out with suave immersion, alongside sporadic guitar swipes and trickling synth elements. The bass-y verses that precede build with ample intrigue, with the “I know now, I ..read more

Berlin-based trio Dark Patterns craft a stylish intrigue on the single “Dislocation,” infusing dexterous synthpunk bustling alongside moody post-punk guitar tones and dynamic vocal foreboding. The act describes the accompanying lyrics as thematically set within topics of “social hierarchy, undeserved deference, and ‘tugging the forelock’ in an age of chaos, incompetence and division.” Sporadic drum/bass pulses and understated synths assemble alongside alternating vocals, between a steadier lead and shout-y reflective quality. Twanging, nocturnal guitar tones align enjoyably as various vocal la ..read more