Reviews
‘Northern Lights’- der Mist, finding balance between pulse and atmosphere
There’s a quiet confidence running through ‘Northern Lights’ that signals a band settling into their own space rather than searching for one. Where earlier material hinted at multiple directions, the second album from der Mist finds itself in a more deliberate direction, focused on refining a distinct identity. At its core, ‘Northern Lights’ is built on contrast. Analogue synth […]
‘As I Fall I Feel Alive’- Brother Dolly, exploring the space between impact and release
There’s a striking stillness at the centre of ‘As I Fall I Feel Alive’, even as the track itself hums with quiet energy. Built around the split-second between impact and collapse, fast-rising artist Brother Dolly asks why we so often return to the very things that undo us. Musically, the track occupies a carefully balanced […]
‘On E Street (Remix)’- DownTown Mystic, drawing quiet strength from rock lineage
‘On E Street (Remix)’ arrives with a sense of continuity, extending DownTown Mystic’s long-standing commitment to classic American songwriting traditions while introducing a subtle but notable shift in perspective. At the centre of that shift is the involvement of Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent, figures whose rhythmic identity is closely tied to Bruce Springsteen. Their presence here is understated but […]
‘Your Perfect’- LED, finding clarity in simplicity
Los Angeles trio LED return with their new single ‘Your Perfect’, delivering a track that leans into the core elements of pop-punk without overextending itself. It’s a track that prioritises directness, both musically and lyrically, resulting in something that feels grounded and clear in its intent. The arrangement is relatively straightforward, as guitar lines carry […]
‘What Do We Do’- SIRENS, leaning into the spaces between
There’s a quiet tension at the heart of ‘What Do We Do’ as Scottish duo SIRENS deliver a track that finds its strength in the spaces it leaves open. Comprised of Lindsey Hendry and Marc Thomson, the Stirling and Dundee-based pair continue to refine a sound that feels both intimate and carefully composed. From the […]
‘Blood Red Hills’- Fierce Friend, balancing precision and momentum
There’s an immediate sense of movement in ‘Blood Red Hills’. Here, the Brighton-based project Fierce Friend offer a track that leans into energy without losing control, driven by a tight interplay between guitar, rhythm, and texture that feels both deliberate and instinctive. The song opens with a clipped, angular guitar pattern that sets a brisk […]
‘Glass’- Frank Joshua, finding meaning in quiet detail
Frank Joshua’s ‘Glass’ is a song that resists urgency. Rather than pushing for immediate impact, it unfolds at its own pace, guided by restraint and a clear sense of atmosphere. The London-based songwriter, working with producer Tony White, leans into a sound that feels considered and unhurried, allowing space to become a central part of […]
‘Let Us In’- The Shrubs, warmth and unease in balance
‘Let Us In’ finds Houston duo The Shrubs operating with a careful sense of balance. On first listen, the track presents itself as gentle, melodic, and subtly inviting. But as it unfolds, a more reflective undercurrent begins to take shape, revealing a song that is as thoughtful as it is approachable. The band’s use of […]
‘EFF.SEE.DEE.IYEE’- The Black Plague Doctors, capturing imperfection as intent
There’s a deliberate looseness to ‘EFF.SEE.DEE.IYEE’ that immediately sets it apart. Throughout this six-track EP, The Black Plague Doctors lean into texture, instinct, and the subtle unpredictability that comes from letting ideas unfold without restraint. From the opening moments, the project establishes its tone through hazy, off-grid rhythms and a grainy palette. Beats seem to drift […]
