Folk rock boldness and bluesy expression blend on a stadium scale in the vibrant, tuneful number “First Light.” The abundant, active guitar waves break over the tense drum beat. The passionate, jaunty vocal settles in the track without taking it over. This is how The Nomadic, fronted by Australian singer-songwriter Rob Gaylard, brings contagious energy and prepares for the second upcoming album “New Horizons.” View Artist ..read more

Hear a terrific charge of ringing vox and cutting guitars in a new single from Portland, OR art-punksters Buddy Wynkoop's upcoming album, “Better Than Botox.” “Zugzwang” is a splendid catch of tireless tempo, biting melodism and polyphonic play. The whole track is delivered with perfectionism that bursts into the world of expression. The quartet has an unusual approach, they seem to tangle and then unravel you in their music. Zugzwang by Buddy Wynkoop View Artist ..read more

“Bow And Arrow” is the bewitching opener of the new release “Pianos In Conversation - Movements” from Tom James Parmiter, а London-based composer/producer. The track alternates between enigmatic and tender piano playing and has a space ambient overtone. The melodies magnetize the ears with unexpected shifts of moods and emotions. Also showcasing his expertise of creating soundscapes in the modern cinematic classical genre, Parmiter uses little tempting pauses, oriental temple images-evoking percussion, and hypnotic drones/sfx. Pianos in Conversation - Movements by Tom James Parmiter View ..read more

Check out whipped slacker psychedelia with a sip of ‘90s in the latest tune of Michigan collective The Soods, released ahead of their self-titled EP due out on May 3. “On “Astrid (Drive Away Slowly),” the folky, floating, repetitive guitars, ornate with wavy bass passages, seem to germinate the music for a special, colorful freeze-frame. The lively vocal broadcast provides a certain atmospheric, conceptual outline. This laconic track is absorbing with its serenely perky, proto-summer temperament. Astrid (Drive Away Slowly) by the soods View Artist ..read more

Denver, CO singer-songwriter Lee Clark Allen shared the intriguing first cut from his future album, “My World Is Yours.” “Alive” is a thick soul/hip-hop slice that focuses on spatiality and dynamics. The moderate instrumental melodics bring suspense-flavored excitement, unfolding alongside the heartbeat-paced rhythm section. Reflecting on the life course, Allen guides his vocal performance between enchanting accuracy and invigorating drive. View Artist ..read more

Listen to how hypnotically Australian producer Danny Barwick remixed the track “Fizzy” by NYC-based electronic/hip-hop musician Houis. The crystalline, lethargic synth chords move to the smooth tempo of striding dub. It all then gets enveloped with additional layers of gauzy droning. Oddly enough, the track seems to float in its own static, causing a kind of audio anesthesia effect. View Artist ..read more

GROTESQUALIZER'S   C H O I C E   C A P S U L E Bay Area-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Odelet rolled out a breathy, minimal avant-r&b gem titled “Cinderella.” Collaging a throwback to '90s/'00s hip-hop soul beats, Paul Denman-frequency wobbling, and a synthscape, conjuring up images of the arched windows of a medieval castle, feels like a coveted anomaly. The singing incorporates divine deepness and semi-improvisational flair, has no clear borders, and is a fluffy-harmonized phantasm. It’s fascinating how Odelet organically finds her place in the mult ..read more

Newcoming Danish band Taxidermy has revealed their tense debut track. “Rot” features sharply-turning, ominous rock with peripheral influences of post-punk, math rock, totalism and noise rock. In the bleak theatrical lighting, along with the trance-inducing, lurking guitars, the declamatory voice play reaches the point of hysterical breakdown. It's like a hypothetical session of Oransi Pazuzu and Don Caballero. Within all this, the lyrical plot breathes negative visions, but at 5:22, the musicians seem to pull the listener out of this burning, mad dream. View Artist ..read more

GROTESQUALIZER'S   C H O I C E   C A P S U L E The balmy neo-soul/alt-r&b lullaby “NME” feels like night stars stretching towards the Earth. In their latest single, LA multi-instrumentalist five-piece TELAH! show a melodic side that covers you with absolute sedation. The quiet, beatific, sensual vocals are joined by the caressing keyboards/guitars and lazy funky rhythm, creating a euphoric aural design.   View Artist ..read more

Groove to the dense main take from the debut album “Much Ado” by Los Angeles-based MC John Alex Harper. The hazy, slick keys, along with the gritty drum loop and slack, sparse guitar, exude the iconic, hasteless aura of mid-nineties concrete jungle hip-hop. With wise intensity, Harper rams his punchy flow into the depths of the mix, enhancing the fundamental symbiosis of rhythm and rhyme. View Artist ..read more