SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 03/06/24 - 09/06/24

Lone Kodiak - Breads on Oak

Lone Kodiak's 'Breads on Oak' ignites the senses with a whirlwind of energy. Driven guitars and rampant drums set the stage for a killer beat that's impossible to resist. The track pulses with infectious energy, featuring powerhouse vocals that demand attention and a sound that's both thunderous and addictive. 'Breads on Oak' is a high-octane anthem, guaranteed to ignite mosh pits and exhilarate listeners with its electrifying force from start to finish.

Surging Motion - Raised On Rock and Roll

Surging Motion's 'Raised On Rock and Roll' bursts onto the scene with an electrifying surge, delivering infectious energy that's impossible to ignore. With powerful riffs and an anthemic sound reminiscent of classics like 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, this track exudes a swagger-laden charm. It's a glamorous and seductive journey through 80s-infused hard rock, dripping with sex appeal and oozing with classic blues-rock vibes. The strong beat and thick, riff-laden texture add layers of depth, capturing the essence of rock 'n' roll attitude with a modern edge. It's a bold statement from Surging Motion, showcasing their versatility and undeniable talent in crafting memorable rock anthems. - Amy

kevin. stuff. and things. - Surrounded

Kevin McDonald, also known as "kevin. stuff. and things.", delivers a captivating blend of indie pop with his track 'Surrounded'. This upbeat and high-energy tune features quaint, sentimental twee pop vocals reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian, providing a bright yet hazy feel. The 90s jangly guitar and sunshine rhythm infuse the song with a nostalgic warmth, creating a dreamy and infectious vibe that's both comforting and uplifting. - Amy

Pjos - Atlas

This fairly short track of just over 3 minutes starts off with a warming tranquil sounding instrumental, which can only be described as vocal elements of Air, but with the style of an 80’s film soundtrack. While vocals are very limited, the sound produced on this track is very soft and calming, which you could easily chill out to after a stressful day. It isn’t often you hear new songs of this nature, so it is very welcomed. The thing that stands out the most to me on this track is the beauty of the sound produced and that it makes you appreciate the time and effort put into making this track. If kept within the same style, I would love to hear an entire album from Pjos, as this type of music really helps you drift away from reality. - John

Near the Magic Lantern - In the Nostalgic Sun

Ukraine's Near the Magic Lantern latest single 'In the Nostalgic Sun' opens with a hypnotic intro of fractured sound particles, gradually leading into a dreamy, twee pop melody. Delicate chimes occasionally break with the crash of distortion, creating a captivating contrast. The fragile vocals dance above the picturesque sounds, weaving through a hazy, nervous energy. The song is a swirling blend of psychedelia and sparse, textural post-rock landscapes that make it a truly enchanting listen. - Amy

Kandi and The Kavities - JUMP

In the heart of Nashville, Kandi and The Kavitites emerged in 2023, blending punk, hip hop, and post-punk into an electrifying sound. Their debut single, 'JUMP,' kicks off with a splashy drum intro, leading into a haunting rap that seamlessly transitions into harmonious vocals. The track builds into a fire-driven protest anthem, with elements of hip hop, alt rock, punk, and the textured soundscape of post-rock distortion blended with 80s-style synth. Mixing dark energy with vibrant brightness, 'JUMP' culminates in a powerful finale with metal undertones, adding rage to its emotional mix. Around this dynamic single, an enthralling genre tapestry is sure to create a wave of excitement in the local scene as well as much further afield. - Amy

Black Sun - Drown in Sin

Black Sun's latest single, 'Drown in Sin', unveils a potent exploration of humanity's darker facets, weaving melodic heavy metal with poignant lyricism. Karma's narrative twist adds depth, promising a reckoning for the human race. With a Dolby Atmos version available on select platforms, this track serves as a testament to Black Sun's evolution from their Ecuadorian roots to their Finnish collaborations, now amplified by the addition of vocalist Netta Laurenne. 'Drown in Sin' is a captivating blend of raw emotion and technical prowess, solidifying Black Sun's status as a dynamic force in the metal scene. - Amy

Dean Cooper - Keep on Rocking

Dean Cooper's ‘Keep on Rocking’ is an electrifying anthem that channels the essence of classic rock-n-roll with an irresistible modern twist. From its opening guitar riff to its pulsating bassline and pounding drums, this track exudes raw energy and unbridled passion. The gritty vocals and electrifying guitar solos elevate the song to new heights, capturing the spirit of perseverance and the never-ending thrill of chasing your dreams. With its infectious groove and anthemic chorus, ‘Keep on Rocking’ is a must-listen for fans of high-octane, guitar-driven music. It's a celebration of the timeless power of rock-n-roll and a testament to Dean Cooper's undeniable talent and rock-n-roll spirit. - Amy

Tobias Wonderdog - Blood (Assange)

Australian singer/songwriter Tobias Wonderdog starts this track off with instant vocals that have a warm country sound, similar to that of Lonestar. The balance between the vocals and instruments works perfectly throughout the entire track. After the first minute of soft vocals, the volume increases, and you get to hear the pure emotion and passion of Tobias’s voice, which is quite Verve-like. I would love to know the story behind this track as it is quite clear that the song was composed from personal experience. Towards the end of the song, you get to hear a beautiful riff before Tobias hits with a more emotional sound. Having spent some time in Australia and regularly listened to Triple M, I would love to hear this song in their Homegrown section, as Tobias’s songwriting and vocal ability deserve to be listened to by a wider audience. - John

Phil Makes - Bet On A Blue Sky

After a very short intro, Phil’s vocals start the verse with romantic, heartwarming lyrics that continue throughout, which makes it feel like a love letter has been written to the one he desires to be with, no matter what. After a small verse, you get hit with a catchy instrumental riff, right before the lyrics blend back in. The country rock sound produced works beautifully with the lyrics and Phil’s voice. - John

23A - Always Been

Canadian-born singer-songwriter AP HELLO fronts 23A, an independent act named after a highway in Upstate New York. Their latest single, 'Always Been', serves as the final track on their upcoming EP, 'Shoulder', set for release on May 31st. This song pulsates with lyrical inspiration, echoing the drive to succeed in the entertainment industry, akin to the journey of pop icon Madonna. With a charming piano intro and vocals radiating heartfelt charm, 'Always Been' captivates with its soulful essence. Its catchy melodies and laid-back demeanour create a calming yet invigorating vibe, while the gradual build adds a magnificent depth to the song. In essence, 'Always Been' is a captivating pop-rock tune that showcases 23A's talent and resonates with its inspiring message of perseverance. - Amy

Catherine Scholz - The Rainbow Connection

With delicate finesse and soulful resonance, Catherine Scholz's rendition of 'The Rainbow Connection' from the 1979 Muppet Movie, originally performed by Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog, captivates with enchanting vocals against a backdrop of simple acoustic guitar. Each lyric unfolds with poignancy, evoking nostalgia and universal truths, inviting listeners on a journey of introspection and self-discovery. Catherine's exquisite voice makes songwriters Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher's words feel like her own, as the track seamlessly blends power and delicacy, capturing the enduring charm of this timeless classic. - Amy

Gramma Vedetta - Don’t Cross The Line

This track starts off with a catchy Progressive Rock heavy riff, which is always welcomed no matter what decade it is, with elements of Black Sabbath and Rush, everything fits perfectly into place. Vocals go from loud to a whisper and blend in perfectly with the instruments. When you think the song has come to an end, another hard-hitting sound from the instruments hits with a riff that is similar to the start of the track. It is difficult to believe that this song is 6 minutes long as it goes by so quickly and smoothly. While this is the first song I have heard from Gramma Vedetta, I will be sure to listen to more of their material. - John