SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 02/10/23 - 08/10/23

Light Drawn In - What Do You Say

'What Do You Say' commands attention with its heavy and pulsating fusion of nu-metal, alt-metal, and rock. The track features riffs that seize your focus, gracefully dancing above thunderous drums, while electrifying solos infuse a shredding, thrash-like intensity.

The vocals, striking a wonderful balance between melodic vulnerability and potent, anger-infused delivery, further enhance the song's captivating allure.

Salimo - Jelly

Gentle scratchy rhythms give way to bright summer vibes as 'Jelly' embarks on a vibrant R&B journey filled with laid-back vibes and soulful tones. The captivating vocals are characterised by a velvety smoothness and a touch of Latino flair.

LUCUIS ARTHUR - Scarlet Tears

Reflecting on a recent break-up, 'Scarlet Tears' embraces a bright, 90s-inspired sound with dreamy guitars and a hypnotically intoxicating melody, delicately supporting cathartic lyrics that channel the circumstantial sadness—the tears, the heartbreak, and the desire to wake up from the current nightmare. LUCIUS' vocals are confident yet tender, showcasing the sincerity and personal nature of the title throughout. The deeper you dive into 'Scarlet Tears,' the more you find yourself sharing in his pain.

FUSE MEAT - Red Zone

'Red Zone' churns and pulsates, delivering a blasting and energetic full-speed banger. It's rampant and fire-driven, offering a raw, raucous, dramatic, and powerful sonic experience. Raging with killer riffs, it propels itself into orbit with every thunderous drumbeat, shimmering with a high-octane vibrancy.

The vocals are commandingly ferocious, with enough bite to take your hand off! It's a banging, full-throttle classic rock anthem!

P'pa Carpenter - Mission Spéciale

Sounding a bit like a James Bond scene, you know those moments when Bond has the bad guy in his sights, 'Mission Spéciale' offers a captivating yet somewhat sinister sound. It creeps and meanders with dark guitars that carry a surfy vibe juxtaposed with a Spanish edge. Understatedly electrifying, it strikes a balance between a classic rock sound and gritty noir rawness and simplicity.

The Howlin’ City - She Howls

'She Howls' is a dynamic mix of unsophisticated garage rock reminiscent of The White Stripes, combined with the reverb distortion and grit of grunge, along with a stoner groove and the strong beat of blues. The captivating guitars incorporate Thrash shreds, and the vocals are raspy and distinctive, exuding blasé confidence and a soulful yet raw tone. Well-constructed but retaining a magnificent DIY ethos, 'She Howls' is a bounding, infectious banger that manages to cram a lot into its 3-minute duration!

PASTE. (All Caps with a Full stop) - Drain

'Drain' is an impressive debut that mesmerises with its hypnotic and absorbing moments, culminating in a powerful eruption of noise. The guitars initially exude a dreamy melodic quality before seamlessly transitioning into a raucous explosion of razor-sharp complexity, expertly complemented by the frantic and pulsating drums, which add layers of drama and depth. The shifts in tone within the song work seamlessly, weaving a tapestry of genres that evolve from hazy and chiming into a chaotic blast of noise rock infused with elements of nu-metal. The vocals are transfixing, possessing a beautiful gentleness that erupts into a powerhouse deluge of unequivocal passion.

Statue Kings - Part of You

The mystical, dark, and dramatic 'Part of You' captivates with its unique and distinctive quality, reminiscent of Judas Priest's high-impact, instantly memorable dramatic tones. The drums possess a protest-like tribal quality, while the guitars enthrall with heavy riffs and a gritty crunch. Melodic elements blend seamlessly with raging intensity as 'Part of You' transitions from subdued moments to explosive bursts, culminating in a fusion of powerhouse vocals supported by devilish screams.

Red Kate - Home of the Slave

'Home of the Slave' is a razor-sharp, thrashing punk anthem. It pulsates with anti-establishment fervour, initially paying homage to America as the home of the brave before sharply shifting its perspective to criticise it as the home of the Slave. This raw, raucous, and gritty track is a heart-pounding experience, driven by an addictive rhythmic melody that complements its volatile and emotive lyrics.

Harmen - Fields of Terror

'Fields of Terror' is a harrowing and sinister composition, immersing listeners in Harmen's raw, imperfect tones. It's marked by powerful theatrics and an impending stature, akin to a looming cloud of dark smoke. The tribute to the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the Ukraine war is empathetic, honouring their bravery and the profound impact of the conflict. Harmen's voice seamlessly transitions from dramatic, deep, sorrowful bellowing to catchy, vibrant choruses. The track effectively combines a steady drumbeat with absorbing synths and a thought-provoking groove.

1+1+1 - Asthmatic Heaven

'Asthmatic Heaven' is an assertive track. It's a brief, rhythmic burst of energy driven by distorted, riff-heavy guitars. The frenzy erupts into soaring, frenetic sounds, with frantic shredding that adds layers of intrigue. The drums contribute explosively, perfectly complementing the ensuing chaos.

Honeytalks - Cya/Bite Back

Cya:

'Cya' is a short and sweet punk track, lasting just 1.38 minutes. It's characterised by frantic urgency and a raucous, bold energy. It's a cacophony of pounding drums and raging riffs, seamlessly combined with a catchy, pop-ish melody. The vocals maintain a raw quality with a protesting edge, perfectly backed by the rampant group vox.

Bite Back:

'Bite Back' retains that protesting quality but adopts a more melody-based pop-punk approach. The vocals shift to a harmonious tone with a velvety quality. The drums produce a splashy, bright, and shimmering sound, while the guitars continue to be riff-heavy with crunchy chords, maintaining a gritty vibe.

Steve Lutz - Colorado

'Colorado' is a gentle and inviting folk-ish ballad, brimming with raw, emotional depth. The vocals exude an honest sincerity that adds to its beauty. This sweeping tune conjures the breathtaking aura of travelling down an open road, lost in contemplation. The guitars, with their ability to switch from light and airy to intricate and chiming, create a captivating musical journey. The drums, in turn, contribute a soft yet magnificent texture, guiding the track along a mellow and entrancing path.