There’s nothing else out there like “Dog and Pony (The Anarchy)”—and that’s precisely why you should listen. Stoney Forde’s latest single isn’t polished. It doesn’t shimmer. Instead, it staggers into your ears like a half-drunk raconteur at a dive bar, spinning tales that feel both absurd and profound. If music exists to challenge, to provoke, and to offer something utterly new, then Stoney has succeeded on all fronts.
After 16 years, The Cure is back with Songs of a Lost World, a record that feels like it’s emerged slowly from the shadows rather than sprung from some dramatic comeback narrative. True to form, Robert Smith doesn’t lean on big hooks or flashy production; instead, he lets the music unfold on its own terms, taking its time in the way that only a band with nothing left to prove can.
BOYFRN’s single “GoGo,” released on July 26, 2024, brings a dynamic fusion of emotional depth and rhythmic drive. Produced by Bobby Love, Young Clancy, and Dave Plowman, and supported by Jahmal Padmore’s drumming, “GoGo” navigates the stages of grief through an explosive, rhythmic canvas. The track’s themes of anger and resilience resonate as BOYFRN delivers a raw, poetic reflection on pushing through hardship.
Grace McLean’s “My Lovely Enemy” is an eerie, entrancing track that defies easy classification. It weaves together a mix of avant-garde pop, blending synths, strings, funky bass lines, and even New Orleans-style horns. The result is a song that constantly shifts and evolves, offering a fresh piece of ear candy every few seconds as it moves between sparse moments and full orchestral swells. This unpredictable soundscape keeps listeners on edge, never settling into one mood or feeling for too long.
With ICNCLST/, John Beckmann of Mortal Prophets continues his sonic exploration into the depths of the American psyche, following the striking blues-infused Dealey Plaza Blues with an equally captivating and experimental EP. This 7-song project, produced by David Sisko and mastered by Mike Tucci, infuses Beckmann’s penchant for rock-tinged pop with swirling psychedelia, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that is both haunting and engaging. ICNCLST/ feels like the soundtrack to a heat-soaked, late-summer dream, tinged with an ever-present sense of unease.
Citizens of Yeah!!!’s new single, “3 Little Piggies,” offers an unexpected mix of angular guitars and sharp commentary on the rising cost of living in the UK. Led by Newcastle-based multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Womack, the track paints a stark, albeit playful, picture of a world where wolves loom large—both metaphorically and literally.
24 Aug: “I’m Here, I’ll Wait” – First Umpire: A Dual-Sided Exploration of Emotion and Self-Discovery
First Umpire, the latest project from Lebanese-American producer and multi-instrumentalist Pat Cheiban, makes a captivating debut with the double-sided single “I’m Here, I’ll Wait.” Comprising two tracks, “I’m Here” and “I’ll Wait,” this release offers a compelling introduction to Cheiban’s introspective and nuanced musical world. Drawing on his experiences navigating the contrasting landscapes of college life and the demanding music industry, Cheiban encapsulates the emotional turbulence and personal growth he has undergone, resulting in a sound that is both immersive and evocative.
Influenced by classic alternative rock acts like the Pixies and contemporary bands like the Beths, Goddamn Wolves infuse their sound with a raw, garage punk energy. “Seven Days a Week” showcases this perfectly, combining fiery vocals with hard-hitting riffs and a rhythmic feel that almost evokes a sense of slow motion.
Understated indie icon Briston Maroney has just released a new single titled “Skydiver”. The track explores Maroney’s anxiety and fears about uncertainty through thoughtful lyrics and unique vocals. Tying all of his arduous thoughts and questions into a metaphor about hurtling towards the ground at full speed, Maroney has created yet another song that makes his listeners feel seen.
“The StoneHengers,” the seventh single from The Margaret Hooligans’ forthcoming album ThunderHole Rock n’ Roll, exemplifies the band’s talent for creating music that is both immediately accessible and richly layered. At first listen, the track comes across as an upbeat 90s rock song with driving electric ukulele riffs (yes, that’s a ukulele) and dynamic drumming. However, true to the band’s style, it quickly becomes apparent that there is more beneath the surface.