Abbey Lane - Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine - The Bats - Steven Troch Band

Abbey Lane - Baby Steps

Drink in Abbey Lane's signature smooth indie blend in her single ‘Baby Steps’, an ode to the small wins and small joys, released this week.

In her first release of 2025, Abbey Lane showcases the talent she’s nurtured through her 13 years of experience with music, once again standing out as someone who pours her heart into every song. In her time, Abbey Lane has accomplished a great deal, collaborating with writers such as Yung Bleu and Tenille Arts and recently performing at Old Bar Beach Festival (Surftrash, Kim Churchill), Rockhampton River Festival (Eskimo Joe), Never Had So Much Fun (supporting Ula and Eluera) and so much more.

Her 2024 debut EP release drew in praise from all corners, with the track 'Darling' winning Best Folk Song of The Year at the ASA Awards, 2025 is sure to bring great things too.

‘Baby Steps’ is a daydream, perfectly embodying Abbey Lane’s ephemeral style. Dreamy indie romance guitar, with echoing effects that make this track flow like a lazy river. Abbey’s vocals stand out as something purely magical, possessing the gentle lure of a siren’s song.  The earnest quality of this track makes it feel reassuring, a comforting mid-afternoon ray of sunshine, something the lyrics exacerbate.

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Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine - Rear Meat (EP).

A year after their debut EP, A Good Way to Get Yourself Killed, Bristol's Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine return on April 4th with their sophomore effort Rear Meat.

Blending the irreverent spirit of Devo, The B-52s, and Talking Heads with their distinctive fusion of new-wave and post-punk sensibilities, the quintet’s latest offering marks a significant sonic evolution. Pulsating  with dark rhythms and gritty textures, they collectively push into heavier, more adventurous terrain. "Rear Meat is probably our heaviest set of songs stylistically and represents a significant shift from our previous output," explains synthist/vocalist Harri Elliott. "We've gradually become a bit heavier the longer we have been a band."

The EP's four tracks dive into darker territory while maintaining the band's signature humour. From the genre-blending 'There's Less Trouble When You Stay At Home' to the powerful awakening of 'Skyrats,' each song offers fresh perspectives. The EP's standout focus track 'Armadillo' arrives wrapped in swirling synthesisers and mind-bending effects, inspired by an unsettling dream. "Armadillo is about a dream that Smudge had where a business tycoon would steal from everyone he could which made Smudge super scared but then he woke up and realised it was all a dream." explains drummer Seamus, "The inspiration for this song came from Smudge having that dream, and then we as the band wanted to recreate the different notions of sleep we experience such as REM, waking up from a nightmare, the notion of falling asleep and not being able to get to sleep in a musical sense."

Across this compact but potent collection, Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine plunge into a cathartic space where anxiety and mistrust dance with playful irreverence. Recorded primarily by bassist Duncan and guitarist Cameron in the basement of Bristol's iconic venue The Louisiana, the band took an unconventional approach to production. "One of the main creative processes to this EP is that we recorded the drums without a click/metronome," Seamus notes. "Nowadays that is not standard practice, but I really wanted to capture a flowing energy because when you play to a click sometimes that flow gets lost."

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Photo - Richard Langston

The Bats - Loline.

Look out, it’s The Bats! These New Zealand indie rock royals have had their heads down recording new music and are now ready to share the first offering; ‘Loline’. The new single strikes a very distinctive and familiar chord that exists in the fuzzy-loving hearts of fans all round the world. We can’t wait to see what else this line-up of over 40 years has in store for us this year.

‘Loline’ was recorded at Chicks Studio in Port Chalmers by Flying Nun legend, Tex Houston, with extra keyboards from Ryan Fisherman. The gorgeous music video featuring recent concert footage was directed, shot and produced by Martin Sagadin, ably assisted by Jack Freeman and Lucy Lallemant – and all with the support of New Zealand on Air.

The Bats are Robert Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean and Malcolm Grant, the much-loved indie rock band from Aotearoa. Since their inception in Christchurch in 1982, The Bats’ music has earned a devoted following around the world, and they remain one of New Zealand’s most cherished and enduring exports. Their music is a perfect blend of bittersweet beauty and deceptive simplicity, and the band has a phenomenal ability to create melodies that linger long after the record has stopped spinning.

Throughout their 40 plus years of existence, and now with album number 11 in the pipeline, The Bats have stayed true to their roots, creating timeless music that continues to resonate with fans old and new.

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Steven Troch Band - God Pulls The Strings.

Steven Troch Band have just released their new single "The Dawning". The song exudes a mystical border town atmosphere and asks the question whether our fate is predetermined. The narrator of this song narrows his scope, to concisely find an answer. This single announces Steven Troch Band's fourth studio album. ‘The Dawning’ which will be released on April 25, 2025 on CD, vinyl and digital services worldwide.

Frontman Steven Troch got “contaminated” by Rhythm & Blues in his late teens. Over the years he has turned into a very fine harmonica player with an extra dose of originality, an accomplished vocalist and clever songwriter.

In 2016 Steven surrounded himself with a very talented & experienced bunch of musicians and the Steven Troch Band was born. Matt T Mahony is carrying the torch high, keeping one eye on tradition while pushing forward into newer areas.  Miss Liesbeth Sprangers keeps a steady pace on her powerhouse bass and drummer Dennis de Gier loves to groove and brews up a wide  variety of rock-solid rhythms like no other.

In their music you will hear the mean menace of modern day life, the sweaty rhythms of the city, the blue notes of days gone by and lyrics that will paint a smile on your face. They are always walking a tightrope between High-Octane Swing, mellow Afterhours Blues and vintage feel-good R&B. Steven Troch Band is a solid four piece band that plays rough-edged contemporary Rhythm & Blues with soul-baring conviction. Without any doubt " Steven Troch Band " is one of the finest bands playing some of the best contemporary and vintage style blues you will hear in Europe today.

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The Bones of J.R. Jones - North Mississippi Allstars

Photo - Christian Harder

The Bones of J.R. Jones - Shameless.

New York-based artist The Bones of J.R. Jones releases his new single “Shameless,” the latest offering from his sixth studio album Radio Waves, due out June 20 via Tone Tree Music. The brooding new song arrives with a neo-noir-inspired music video, produced by Blackhorse Lowe (Reservation Dogs) and Bryan Norvelle with Anora Cinematographer Drew Daniels as Director of Photography, and tells the story of a lover's betrayal. Holler praised the track and its cinematic visual, saying, “Falling somewhere between the widescreen Americana of Roy Orbison and the spare, clean-limbed moody alt-rock of The National, the song sounds like the soundtrack to a late night drive through a neon light desert town.”

“‘Shameless’ is taking the long way home to retread your past,” says The Bones of J.R. Jones (aka Jonathon Linaberry). “The inevitable inner conflict and perhaps guilt that rise up from past decisions, that were maybe made in haste and in passion. I think we all struggle with the ‘what could have been’ question. What arrogant fool can’t look back and wonder? I am just trying to recognize that in this song.”

On the music video: “I have always been drawn to an unsatisfying ambiguous ending. Endings that are never explained, nor make sense in the straight line of a narrative. I think because much of life feels this way. We never get to make sense of so many things. Human nature isn't logical … it just doesn't work that way. It's chaos and we do our best to control it. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we fail. It's this recognition that makes the noir genre so appealing and that's what we tried to create here in three short minutes.”

"The inspiration for ‘Shameless’ came from an idea based on the all tracks provided by J.R.,” says Producers Blackhorse Lowe and Bryan Norvelle. “We thought of the throughline to a story being told from the perspective of the character for each one of the tracks, and landed on this neo-noir mish-mash, somewhat in the vain of Lost Highway and No Country for Old Men. We wanted to write a story that could fit the emotional tone of the track — like a soundtrack; reflecting visually but not necessarily verbatim with the lyrics.”

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Photo - Michael Emanuele

North Mississippi Allstars - Still Shakin’.

North Mississippi Allstars return with Still Shakin’ on June 6, 2025 via New West Records. The 11-track album was produced by Luther & Cody Dickinson. Still Shakin’ follows their acclaimed 2022 album Set Sail, which No Depression said was “their most soulful, funky creation to date.”
 
To make their twelfth album, the North Mississippi Allstars went back to the beginning—namely, their 2000 debut, Shake Hands with Shorty. Luther Dickinson says, “Still Shakin’ is a celebration of our life-changing first album, which we released 25 years ago, and a love letter of appreciation to everyone who supported us and kept us in the game all these years. Touring this album cycle into 2026 will mark thirty years since we started North Mississippi Allstars, and we couldn’t resist commemorating those anniversaries with a new record. In the spirit of our debut, we recorded Mississippi classics that despite inspiring us to start the band in 1996, we have yet to record.  

We also wanted to feature our fantastic band mates Joey Williams and Rayfield “Ray Ray” Hollman who inspire us to no end. Their contributions elevate NMA to new heights.” Still Shakin’ is a daringly inventive expansion of that album, showing how much the Dickinson Brothers have grown in the last 25 years. The point wasn’t to re-create the sound of Shake Hands with Shorty, but to recapture that spirit of invention and excitement. Back in the day, the Allstars came up with the phrase Modern Mississippi Music to describe their collision of styles and attitudes: an obsession with Mississippi Hill Country and Sacred Steel cross-bred with their stoner/punk/psychedelic jams. Still Shakin’ embodies that idea with every note and incorporates wild explorations, weird experiments, and unexpected influences into their sound.

Today the album’s title track is released, which was shot at the family’s beloved Zebra Ranch Studio, Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studio, at the Boulder Theater, and features footage supplied by North Mississippi Allstars fans. Of the song, Luther Dickinson said “Still Shakin’” is a testament to our chemistry and collaboration with bandmates, Joey and Ray Ray. The music came together easily, improvising in the studio and I began recording the lyrics as they came to me, day after day, out on the road, in hotel rooms, using my kid’s plastic karaoke mic. The song is filled with inside jokes from the last 30 years and gratitude to our fans for keeping us in the game.”

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Night Swimming - Palindrones

Photo - Rosie Risdale

Night Swimming - In The Real World.

Bathed in the ethereal glow of dream-pop, Night Swimming's new single 'In The Real World' captures the ache of youthful detachment. The band's new single is released today alongside news of their debut UK headline tour this autumn, alongside dates supporting Miki Berenyi this May.

'In The Real World' follows the success of the Bath/Bristol outfit's 2024 debut EP, 'No Place To Land,' which drew support from well-respected tastemakers including NME, The Line of Best Fit, Dork Magazine, CLASH Magazine, Under The Radar Magazine, Rough Trade, Notion, along with keen airplay from BBC 6 Music and Radio X.

Night Swimming now return with a track that further showcases their ability to craft immersive sonic landscapes. Produced by trusted collaborator Peter Miles (TORRES, Orla Gartland) and mastered by Simon Scott of Slowdive, 'In The Real World' delves into the perspective of a young person trapped, both emotionally and geographically - capturing the sensation of the world existing just beyond reach.

Deeply rooted in the rural landscapes of Shropshire, where vocalist and lyricist Meg Jones spent her teenage years, she commented on the song's inspiration: "In The Real World is written from the perspective of a young person who feels physically and emotionally isolated. It expresses a longing to be part of something bigger, but not feeling sure what that might look like."

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Palindrones - Chapter Two The Slender Blade (Album).

UK darkwave duo, Palindrones have announced the release of their latest full-length album, Chapter Two: The Slender Blade. The album is preceded by the single "Animus" which was released in February.

Chapter Two: The Slender Blade is the next part of the story which began in 2023 with the album, Chapter One: With Fearful Velocity, a mythical science fiction tale centered around humankind’s first contact with extraterrestrial life.

The Slender Blade’s story picks up in humankind’s dark forest of the soul, evolving into archetypal themes of hope, redemption, transcendence, universal consciousness and human connection. It’s a story of existence, exploration and discovery. It’s the haunted echoes of a lost civilization on a doomed planet, a fear of the unknown and the irrepressible euphoria of the human bond,

The Slender Blade is an enduring celebration of the redeeming power of unity; “The Two Become The Many Become The One”. With The Slender Blade, PALINDRONES have built upon their signature hybrid of entrancing, beat-driven, industrial synthpop and infectious melodies, incorporating elements of EBM, darkwave and melodic techno to create a rich tapestry of emotive, cathartic euphony.

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Marketplace - Dubblestandarts - Dad Of The Year

Photo - Rob Irish

Marketplace - Contact Sports.

Hartlepool rising 5-piece Marketplace announce the upcoming EP Marketplace Mean Business (June 6th) and share the radiant new single Contact Sports. Produced by Chad Rodgers (Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Cape Cub), ‘Contact Sports’ is a high-energy ode to the exhilarating uncertainty of new romantic escapades. The track blends a dynamic alt-pop-indie-rock aesthetic with vibrantly catchy melodies and an infectious guitar led backdrop to create a track which is colourful, bright and euphoric.

Vocalist Evie Rhodes explains: "‘Contact Sports’ is about budding romances, where everything is touch and go, and where you know you really like someone but you’re still trying to convince yourself it’s not that serious.

We took a lot of inspiration for this song from bands like The Beths and their style of scrappy love songs that are just so unapologetically sincere without being too serious. The song kind of reads like I’m just crashing out and riding through a train of thought, so I think that balance of lighthearted sincerity was something we tried to capture.”

Drawing influences from a wide range of artists, including Alvvays, Declan McKenna, Pulp, and Talking Heads, the band—consisting of Evie Rhodes (vocals/guitar), Joel O’Beirne (vocals/bass), Jack Purcell (guitar), Matthew Short (synth/vocals), and Ross Dixon (drums)—brings their own individual tastes to the table to create the signature Marketplace sound.

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Dubblestandarts - Bass 4 A Nervous Planet (Album).

And here we find ourselves in today’s shaken world. Bass 4 A Nervous Planet, Dubblestandarts 16th full length album, aims to balance the vibes.12 new tracks with a focus on filtered impressions from the world around Vienna, homebase of the team. Dub music’s philosophical side: “The Bottom Half”,  “Chomsky Dub”, “ Dub Mentalny Fitness” or “People From Western Europe”: Audible reasonings for the fellow listeners. This is music in hi-definition, thoughtful and energetic.

Black Cherries & Burnt Bridges feature Bristol based Arta Ardens unique voice and thoughtful lyrics on 2 downtempo/triphop tracks, leaving the dub genre for very inspiring up to the time reasons! Then there is Evil Empire 2025, Dubblestandarts take on the current POTUS, a reenvisioned version originally featured on Dubblestandarts legendary 2005 release “Heavy Heavy Monster Dub”. Questioning the status quo.

“Bass 4 A Nervous Planet” also includes a dubby remake of the legendary Third Man movies’ famous Harry Lime theme. Shot in Vienna 1947, Carol Reeds iconic film, features Orson Welles & Joseph Cotton. Post war atmospheres of undercover diplomacy and underground businesses, still present in many ways in today’s Vienna.

“In dub we trust”, a legendary line from Echo Beach’s founder Nicolai Beverungen, leads the way: This is music you can listen, dance and contemplate to. While Dub is still considered very much to exist inside the Reggae Music niche, the reality is quite different. What once was developed by the grand old fathers of dub reggae music, Lee Scratch Perry or King Tubby, has made its way around the world into today’s universe of contemporary dub producers. Incorporating sonic inspirations from 5 continents. Dubblestandarts Eurotopian sound does exactly that. Here is new music for 2025 for conscious people, inspired to make our world a peaceful sustainable place to live.

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Dad Of The Year - There's No Rule.

Change Underground had the following to say about Dad Of The Year's There’s No Rule (and that's all we could find out about this amazing track & remix so please give them a visit).  Following the delicate and textured debut EP by Landhouse, D.O.T.Y. Records continues its journey into downtempo and cinematic electronica with Dad of the Year at the controls. There’s No Rule is a warm, slow-burning piece where organic percussion meets ethereal pads, combining subtle grooves with introspective melodies.

The remix by Thea & Schtu elevates the track into more hypnotic territory, emphasizing intricate rhythms and adding a touch of playful tension. This second release cements the label’s commitment to organic and emotive club music. (change-underground.com).

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The Tisburys - Kacimi & Wendy Martinez - Brye - better joy

Photo - Olivia Kirchner

The Tisburys - A Still Life Without You.

The Tisburys share new single “A Still Life Without You” from upcoming album A Still Life Revisited out April 25 on Double Helix Records and SofaBurn Records.

“A Still Life Without You” leans back into the band’s alt-country roots with twangy instrumentation, a folk story style of songwriting, and a guest appearance by Philadelphia lap steel legend Mike Brenner (of Marah, Songs: Ohia, & Wild Pink).

”I wanted to write a story song for this record”, says singer-songwriter Tyler Asay. “It’s about two people finding each other after a series of disastrous relationships & the appearances of fate”. The music video uses archival footage shot while the band was recording the album and was edited by Asay’s wife, Kathleen.

While their last album (2022’s Exile On Main Street) channeled '90s radio rock such as Gin Blossoms and The Replacements, A Still Life Revisited pushes into the aughts with the rustic bombast of millennial indie such as Frightened Rabbit and The Hold Steady. With themes that tackle memory & chosen family, A Still Life Revisited overflows with songs that find home in both packed dive bars and stadiums. It’s about looking back at your life, the choices and decisions you’ve made, and celebrating where you ended up today. The album was mixed by Phil Joly (The Strokes, Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey), mastered by Ryan Schwabe (Beach Bunny, Slaughter Beach Dog, Hop Along). A Still Life Revisited by The Tisburys is out Friday, April 25 on Double Helix Records and SofaBurn Records.

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Kacimi & Wendy Martinez - Lune Noire.

Recorded by François Serin at Le Gatillon (Haute-Savoie) during a marathon session with La Mécréance as the backing band, Kacimi presents a series of collaborations with various artists. After working with Joel Virgel and Nick Wheeldon, Kacimi invited Lyon-based singer Wendy Martinez (Gloria) to lend her voice to a garage- and fuzz-infused track.

A sort of repetitive rock’n’roll trance, where Wendy Martinez delivers her prose in the psychedelic tradition of French icons Brigitte Fontaine and Catherine Ribeiro. “Lune Noire” was mixed by Léo Persoz (Le Roi Angus, Magic & Naked) in Geneva and is published by Tweny.

If you're a fan of 60's inspired music and pop psychedelic proposition, don't miss this beautiful collaboration!

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Brye - Body Back.

Indie pop singer-songwriter and producer Brye releases the anticipated new single "Body Back," her first new music since her debut full-length RECOVER and 2024's follow-up EP Growing Through It. Written, recorded and produced entirely on her own, Brye's deeply personal and vulnerable confessional reflects the experience of coercion in a relationship and what it means to reclaim your autonomy. She shared a snippet of the song on TikTok at the end of last year, garnering millions of views and empowering fans to share their own stories.

"'Body Back' was born from a deeply personal moment of anger and rawness," explains Brye. "At the time, I didn’t expect it to resonate with so many people—it was a reflection of my own experience, not something meant for an audience. But as I’ve seen how many people relate to its themes of reclaiming autonomy, it’s become clear that this song matters, and it deserves to be heard."

She continues, "I wrote, produced, and recorded 'Body Back' entirely on my own, pouring every bit of vulnerability into it. The song explores the power of saying 'no' and what it means to finally put words to something so nuanced. This track isn’t just about personal healing—it’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our experiences. That’s why I’m releasing it: to offer the same comfort and validation it gave me while writing it.

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better joy - heading into blue (EP).

After teasing her debut body of work with a series of singles, Manchester-based Bria Keely, better known as better joy, has today shared her first EP ‘heading into blue’ alongside focus track ‘couldn’t run forever’.
 
Debut EP ‘heading into blue’ was produced by Mike Hedges (The Cure, U2, Manic Street Preachers) and the 6-track collection features previous singles ‘waiting on time’, ‘carnival’, ‘what a day’ and ‘quiet thing’, as well as two brand-new tracks, the brooding ‘couldn’t run forever’ and the stripped-back ‘can I land the plane?’. A frank and deeply personal set of songs that focus on themes of self-love and self-belief, the EP is Bria’s true self-expression of herself, with the title ‘heading into blue’ referencing the colour blue being the exact shade of self-expression.  As the first full-length project, it is both a perfect introduction to better joy’s alt-pop sound and an exciting taster of more to come this year. Thoughtful lead track ‘couldn’t run forever’ balances both lightness and darkness in true better joy style, as a melodic and upbeat pop song, backed by a gritty edge with fuzzy guitars and reflective, wide-open lyrics.
 
Bria says, “At its core, ‘couldn’t run forever’ is about running away from things and the notion that you can’t run away from those things forever. I find it fascinating that tiny decisions can steer your life in weird and wonderful ways, but also sometimes there’s that feeling of well “what if” it went that other way? And sometimes these feelings are hard to run away from. In the same breath, I do believe life steers you in ways that are meant for you which is also something you shouldn’t be running from. It’s one big contradiction!”
 
When better joy launched in late 2023, her vivid songs brought comparisons to The Cure, The Smiths and Phoebe Bridgers. A solo project led by Bria Keely and backed up by her band, Bria has an upfront and centre voice as colourful as Debbie Harry and a knack for effortless storytelling. Ringing, complex riffs winding around Bria's vocals, dancing bass lines, characterful drumming and vulnerable lyrics: this is the sound of better joy.

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The Yesters - Steph Cameron - St. Catherine's Child - The Yagas

The Yesters - Billy Blue.

Dynamic classic rock duo, The Yesters, has released their latest song and music video titled Billy Blue. This evocative project takes viewers on a journey through history, weaving together impactful vignettes that explore how past events continue to shape our present and future. “Billy Blue” tells the story of a forgotten veteran spanning the 1960s to the present and dropped yesterday Friday, March 28th.

While the team behind The Yesters has long been recognized for their work as a film making duo, Billy Blue marks an exciting new direction for them, blending their visual expertise with their musical craft in a powerful new way. The track itself is a classic rock anthem, rich with raw emotion and thoughtful lyricism that speaks to inter generational reflection and resilience.

The music video for Billy Blue combines archival footage from pivotal moments in history, including JFK's funeral, decades of protests, and striking news clips. By grounding the video in these powerful visuals, The Yesters underscore the lasting influence of historical events on society today. Reflecting on figures like Billy Blue, our shared history, and current circumstances, the music video gave us an opportunity to voice and underscore how our past influences the present, affecting not only our children—the Billys of today—but all of us, says Alyssa Rallo Bennett, one half of the duo.

“Billy Blue” was written by Gary O. Bennett and Alyssa Rallo Bennett, composed by Ed Kuri, recorded and mixed by Mariano Flores, and mastered by Stephen Kellner at The Burn Room. The song features vocals by Alyssa Rallo Bennett, guitar by Ed Kuri, bass by Graham Orbe, drums by Liam Kerekes, and flute by Gary O. Bennett.

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Steph Cameron - Whatever Questions You’re Asking / Summer Song.

Keeping up with the momentum garnered by the release of her latest single "Rain," which received press accolades from platforms like Great Dark Wonder and songlode, Polaris Music Prize nominee Steph Cameron doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. She now unveils her new double singles, "Whatever Questions You’re Asking" and "Summer Song," bringing her third studio album BLOOD MOON even closer.

One thing central to Steph Cameron’s music is her ability to bare her emotions, crafting songs that resonate with raw honesty and vulnerability. She doesn't shy away from this on "Whatever Questions You’re Asking," a contemplative piece that weaves together vivid natural imagery and introspective lyricism. With lines like "There’s something dark in you that I cannot explain," Cameron invites listeners into an intimate dialogue about trust, understanding, and the mysteries that linger between people.  On the flip side, "Summer Song" embraces the cyclical beauty of nature, calling on the imagery of cedar-scented air, rising suns, and the quiet magic of seasonal change. The chorus, with its repeated invocation to "Shine, Rising Sun," feels both like a celebration of renewal and a deeper spiritual awakening.

“‘Whatever Questions You’re Asking’ was made to capture the magic of being on the land with someone you love,” says Cameron. “I wanted to share the sense that love is looking to find you. Love sits with you at the fire and dances with shadows along the tree line behind you. Love is alive in the night and on the wind. And for 'Summer Song,' it’s about losing yourself on the land and letting your spirit go free. It is about the magic hiding in the forest and creek, the bird’s song and the moon’s light—the mossy stone, the arching branch. There is a sense of a spell in every word.”

Steph Cameron · Whatever Questions You're Asking

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St. Catherine's Child - Negative Space.

Transatlantic indie folk/Americana artist St. Catherine's Child (Ilana Zsigmond) is set to release her powerful new single ‘Negative Space’ on March 28th, the first taste of her highly anticipated debut album This Might Affect You.

Co-written with acclaimed singer-songwriter Toria Wooff, 'Negative Space' was born from a place of shared grief, as both songwriters had recently experienced devastating personal loss. Layered with lush indie folk textures and carried by her distinctive and wistful voice, St. Catherine’s Child plunges into the abyss of human emotion, exploring how grief can transform a person into something unrecognisable, even to herself.

"Negative Space was written about the funny place in the grieving process where you can't stand to be alone, the kind of manic edge that utter despair can take on when you're doing everything in your power not to think about it," St. Catherine's Child explains. "In the end, it came down to this idea that you're there, but you're the impression of yourself. I was the negative space where a woman would be. I wanted to write this song about this depression that felt as manic as I did."

The single will be accompanied by a heartfelt music video that captures the isolating paradox of being surrounded by loved ones while still feeling alone. "I wanted the video to feel the way every party and get-together felt in that time — I was in my own bubble, ruminating alone, while the beautiful friends and family around me did whatever they could to make it easier," she adds. "The people in this music video are some of the friends who got me through that time, patiently bringing me drinks and giving me hugs. And just like at the end of the video, in a dogpile on the couch, I am grateful for them and their love every single day."

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Photo - Franco Vogt

The Yagas - Life of a Widow.

Alt rock band The Yagas, fronted by Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Vera Farmiga, has officially announced the details for their debut full-length album, Midnight Minuet, out independently Friday, April 25th. Alongside the album news, The Yagas – also featuring Renn Hawkey of Deadsy (keys), Jason Bowman (drums), Mark Visconti (guitar) and Mike Davis (bass) – have released their new single “Life Of A Widow,” an explosive yet luminous portrait of anticipatory grief, sparked from an oddly hypnotic beat constructed by Hawkey after awaking from spinal surgery. Midnight Minuet, produced by Hawkey, includes the previously released singles “The Crying Room” and “She’s Walking Down.”

“‘Life Of A Widow’ is a song of searing lament. It’s a song of embodying that ol’ prodigious saying, ‘Why has thou forsaken me?’,” shares Farmiga. “The song is aching to feel the presence of a deceased loved one. It’s a soul’s journey of yearning, pleading to crack the unbearable silence of solitude, that Vantablack void, just to hear your love’s voice once again, to feel your love’s touch again. The protagonist in our song wanders through her misery, she navigates through mad midnight moments of throbbing despair. She begs to feel less alone. She demands to feel the presence of her lost love. And she won’t stop wailing until he’s there. It’s about taking those sudden, violent jabs of red-hot grief, feeling pummeled and clobbered by desperation and crying out to the dearly departed for help and reconnection.”

“Producing Midnight Minuet was very cathartic for me,” adds Hawkey. “I felt the need to prove to myself that I could make great music outside of Deadsy, which, for the past 25 years, had been my only writing/recording partnership. This was a very different creative experience for me. I often felt in Deadsy like I was playing in someone else’s playground – I knew the rules, I mastered the slide and the monkey bars, but I felt like a visitor. Midnight Minuet just felt different. The Yagas built a new playground together, made up of our respective life experiences with equal ownership. We are the sum of our parts. When this kind of synergy exists, you grab it, nurture it, and give it a life.”

The Yagas · Life of a Widow

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Bedolina - Melys - Avery Friedman - Hallelujah The Hills

Bedolina - We Are the Clock Ourselves Again.

Out today March 28th, "We Are the Clock Ourselves Again" is an indie rock hymn about perceiving life through your own innate sense of right and wrong. Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, Bedolina encourages those listening to march to the beat of their own "clock". Featuring keys and drums laid down by Robbie Bennett and Charlie Hall (both of The War On Drugs), the new track is the first offering from the upcoming LP Sun and Flamingos.

Bedolina is spearheaded by the Philadelphia-based Ken Gould, who crafts eerie experimental rock that furthers the band's artistic evolution. Gearing up for the release of their second album Sun and Flamingos, Bedolina once again enlisted the collaborative efforts of Miner Street Recordings producers Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey (The War on Drugs, Kurt Vile, Sharon van Etten) and engineer Joe Lambert (Thievery Corporation, The Black Crowes, Cracker) Throughout the upcoming LP, themes of surrealism, the ever-lurking future, and modern contradictions are studied in depth, creating a palette of diverse and digestible tracks.

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Melys - Sgleinio.

Ahead of their Record Store Day UK album release, Melys launch their new single "Sgleinio" (Shine) on Friday, March 28th. The synth-infused indie pop track is the next single from their upcoming album "Second Wind," arriving on April 12th.

In the glare of the modern online world, "Sgleinio" (Shine) explores the pressures of online life and social media and the need for self-acceptance. In true Melys style, Sgleinio begins with stripped back verses that feature the old art of finger clicks and claps before its chorus bursts into life with lush layered vocals, crashing guitars and analogue synths.

“Sgleinio' came from seeing the difficulties of comparing ourselves with others online. We all have some experience of this, either personally or seeing someone close to us struggle. We put too much pressure on ourselves to project the perfect image, and I wanted to create a song that reminds us that we're enough just as we are.” Andrea.

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Avery Friedman - New Thing.

Today Brooklyn's Avery Friedman releases the final single from her April 18th debut album. Featuring: James Chrisman (Sister. / Ciao Malz) and Felix Walworth (Florist / Told Slant).

“I wrote ‘New Thing’ in one sitting after riding the subway home alone at night for the first time since being mugged at knifepoint months prior. I was shocked and disoriented by the anxiety I experienced doing something so routine—I felt foreign to myself. It’s one of the first of my songs that I truly loved, which is part of why I chose it as the title of my upcoming record. I’m grateful for how this song continues to bring me back into my body.” – Avery Friedman.

After writing her first few songs and feeling a sense of completeness that she hadn’t felt since she was a kid in choir practice, she knew that music wasn’t something she would want to turn away from again. “I am the type of person where, when I see something and identify it, I cannot really look away or put up a wall,” she says. “I made a really conscious choice to make a practice out of songwriting and just try.”

Avery Friedman · New Thing

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Hallelujah The Hills - Fake Flowers at Sunset (Featuring Cassie Berman).

Boston legends Hallelujah The Hills are back with their ambitious new project, DECK - a four-album endeavor featuring a who's who of indie rock. The first single, “Fake Flowers at Sunset,” featuring Cassie Berman, drops today March 28th ahead of the album’s full release on June 13, 2025.

“Fake Flowers at Sunset” is a folk song with a disco beat - a love song that remains wary of love’s intensity - breaking away from nature as an easy metaphor for human emotion. It’s a striking preview of DECK, a project that was two and a half years in the making, featuring collaborations with Craig Finn, Ezra Furman, Patrick Stickles, Sadie Dupuis, Tanya Donelly, Clint Conley, and many more. Funded independently through a dedicated fan Patreon, this is a passion project of epic proportions.

With a career spanning nearly 20 years, Hallelujah The Hills have earned praise from Pitchfork, Spin, and Aquarium Drunkard for their anthemic, genre-blurring rock. Their last album, I’m You, was called "one of the best American rock albums of recent years” by Exile Magazine, declared “a lyrical masterpiece” by Metro, and their live shows continue to draw fans from across the country.

Hallelujah The Hills · Fake Flowers at Sunset (Featuring Cassie Berman)

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Soot Sprite - Winter Gardens - LAWN CHAIR

Photo - Sofia Irini

Soot Sprite - Days After Days.

There is a beautifully distinct feel to Soot Sprite's music, that includes simmering power alongside a passionate determination to deliver both the message and the fabulous music, this trio are really impressive. 

Following the announcement of their debut album last month, rising Exeter trio Soot Sprite have shared their new single 'Days After Days' and announced that they will be touring the UK in May and June.

The single is the second to be taken from Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon, which is set for release on May 16th via Specialist Subject. Thematically, the record reflects on activism, mental health, and the cycles of personal and societal trauma.

Since the release of their debut single in 2018, Soot Sprite has grown from a one-woman lo-fi bedroom pop project to a fully-fledged touring alt-indie shoegaze outfit. Their debut album sees Elise Cook (lead vocals/guitar), Sean Mariner (bass/backing vocals), and Sam Cother (drums/backing vocals) fully embrace the dynamic highs and intimate lows that define their sound.

Sonically, Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon takes influence from many alt-indie greats, creating a sound that blends shimmering melodies with raw, visceral energy. “When I started Soot Sprite I was hooked on Clean by Soccer Mommy and Hovvdy’s Cranberry but with this record I was listening to a lot of Sweet Pill’s catalogue, Ovlov & Wednesday,” explains Cook. Written over a span of four years - some tracks taking shape just weeks before recording - the album was captured in September 2024 at The Bookhouse in London, with the help of former lead guitarist Abi Crisp and production by Tom Hill.

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Winter Gardens - Uncomfortable/Unlovable (EP).

Brighton-based quartet Winter Gardens release the anticipated new EP Uncomfortable/Unlovable ( today March 26th).

Engineered & mixed by Luke Marsden and mastered by Andy Miles at Star Delta,the EP showcases the bands instantly recognisable layering of synths, pianos, and electronics with the punching live drums and biting shoegaze influenced guitar riffs. Led by dual vocals from Ananda Howard and Jasmine Ardleys, the celestial harmonising takes listeners on a journey through an eclectic ray of dynamic, disparate sounds, resulting in a genre defying, stadium darkwave sound - A kaleidoscopic assembly of ethereal shoegaze atmospheres glued together with a pulsing post-punk attitude and a brooding gothic undercurrent.

Since the band’s inception, Winter Gardens have secured support slots for a number of high-profile names including Echo & The Bunnymen, Gary Numan, Modern English, Piroshka and Pale Blue Eyes. The band have also been regular festival favourites, most recently playing Rockaway Beach in January alongside the likes of OMD, Self Esteem and Peter Hook & The Light. Through the last few months, the band has had a number of European performances (Left Of The Dial, Supersonic) as well as playing live for John Kennedy’s The Remedy and Season and packing out countless shows in their home city.

With increasing support across Radio X, BBC Radio 1, Notion, Dork, Upset Magazine, Earmilk, Atwood Magazine, BBC Introducing, Louder Than War, Punktastic, Ones To Watch and For The Rabbits to name a few, Winter Gardens have garnered widespread acclaim as they continue to showcase their unique sonic approach.

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Photo - Frederike Wetzels

LAWN CHAIR - Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House.

After a brief but intense period of studio seclusion, German indie sensation LAWN CHAIR is back with their latest single, ‘Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House’. The single marks a bold return for the band, known for their energetic performances and sharp lyrical storytelling.

For three years, LAWN CHAIR has been a vital force in the German indie scene, captivating audiences with their dynamic sound. Their previous two EPs, crafted in collaboration with producers Olaf Opal (The Notwist) and Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting acts in Germany. With countless gigs across the country, a successful tour in the UK, and unforgettable performances alongside Sleaford Mods, as well as at festivals like Reeperbahn and Fusion, the band has proven their staying power.

In 2024, LAWN CHAIR took a step back from the spotlight to focus on their highly anticipated debut album. Countless hours in the studio were spent refining a sound that pushes the boundaries of the German indie landscape. Now, they re-emerge with ‘Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House’ - a track that captures their signature energy while offering a biting critique of unshakable confidence and unchecked privilege.

Driven by infectious guitar riffs, pulsating synths, and a dancefloor-ready beat, the song serves as a sonic adrenaline rush. Claudia Schlutius’ vocals cut through with precision as she narrates the life of men even Jordan Belfort would admire - untouched by self-doubt, financial struggles, or social rejection. Yet, an unsettling voice lingers in the background, whispering reminders of the other 99% of humanity. With ‘Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House’, LAWN CHAIR cements their place as a band unafraid to challenge societal narratives while delivering irresistibly catchy indie anthems. The single is now available on all major streaming platforms and stay tuned for more news on LAWN CHAIR’s upcoming debut album.

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MF Tomlinson - Hippie Flowers - Little Low - Franklin Gothic

MF Tomlinson - Die To Wake Up From A Dream.

MF Tomlinson shares the album's centrepiece and 9-minute title track, ‘Die To Wake Up From A Dream’. Sonically drawing from the work of John Martyn, Talk Talk and My Bloody Valentine, Tomlinson tells us of dreams of monsters in his childhood, before drifting into long days and nights of weary work. The new album 'Die To Wake Up From A Dream', is out 11th July on PRAH Recordings.

“It speaks to the sensation of drowning in the years. Scenes flash by so fast we soon know that we are in a dream, then a nightmare," he says.

As the song’s steady pulse builds to an unholy crescendo - digital effects warp and distort like the walls of the world crumbling. But – "When you die in a dream you are safe. When you die in a dream you dream another dream. This is the deus ex machina for us all to remember - that for most, when things seem darker than ever, happiness still exists beyond the tiny parameters that we have set for it. In realising your own power you set yourself free - not one day, but right now. This song is a treatise on resilience, hope and the frankly wildly psychedelic experience of being alive," Tomlinson says.

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Hippie Flowers - Happy Happy Joy Joy.

The Berlin-based producer collective, Hippie Flowers, has entered its first phase of transformation, a true changing of the guard, as originally envisioned. As a result, the music will take a fresh direction, deviating slightly from their previous singles. The new style is also reflected in the artwork, signaling a new beginning.

The collective’s first release under this new chapter is the single Happy Happy Joy Joy, a vibrant blend of progressive house, future house, big room, and EDM influences. The track’s lyrics reflect a positive, carefree outlook on life, embracing the moment and enjoying life as it comes. Let the music take you on a journey of joy and freedom.

In the musical melting pot of Berlin, a producers group of sonic adventurers known as Hippie Flowers are stirring up a delicious brew. Their eclectic mix swirls with the vibrant flavors of Euro House, Dance Pop, Tropical House, and Electro Pop. Over the years, they've been musical chameleons, releasing tunes under a myriad of monikers across a smorgasbord of labels. But in the flower power of Hippie Flowers, they've found a common ground where their preferred dance beats harmoniously blend. They're armed with a volley of singles, just waiting to be catapulted into the musical stratosphere. Who knows where their individual paths will lead or if they'll intersect again? It's as uncertain as a choose-your-own-adventure novel.

TCBYML · Hippie Flowers - Happy Happy Joy Joy

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Photo - Brittany Rose Queen

Little Low - Dark Beer Archives.

Boston, Massachusetts-based punk/indie outfit Little Low release Sunshine Guilt via Sell The Heart Records (U.S.), Thousand Island Records (Canada), and Waterslide Records (Japan) on May 9. The band has also shared the single, "Dark Beer Archives".

With their introspective lyrics, twinkly and melodic guitars, and heart-on-sleeve delivery, the band draw inevitable comparisons to emo pioneers like The Get Up Kids, Hey Mercedes, and Jimmy Eat World. Simply put, Little Low deliver a cathartic and hook-filled sound that is equally reverent of its forefathers while bringing to the mix some magic that is unmistakably their own.

Formed by Christine Atturio of Save Ends and Mike Assatly of Beartrap, the East Coast outfit ire completed by Tom Ciesluk and Brad Rheault, both of Save Ends and No Trigger. Their fiery debut LP, Sunshine Guilt, was recorded at Anchor End by Trevor Reilly of A Wilhelm Scream, and offers a vibrant discovery of love, loss, and the bittersweet moments that linger long after they’ve passed. Sunshine Guilt reminds listeners that sometimes it’s OK to feel a little low—but it’s a lot harder when signing along to these songs with the people you love.

“This song is about learning the hard way that when it comes to drinking there is a fine line between things being fun and things getting out of control,” says Atturio. “I’m always trying to find a balance in life, and it remains a constant struggle. But what I eventually realized was that at the end of the day, it’s always going to be on me. I can be my own best friend or my own worst enemy.”

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Franklin Gothic - Echoes (Album).

It's a real pleasure to feature Franklin Gothic's second album. Musically I just cant easily pin this beautiful collection down, one moment you are mellowing out, the next your energy levels are soaring. Either way the craftsmanship is superb and makes this a must hear album in full.

Franklin Gothic's second full-length album Echoes is the musical project of Portland-based songwriter Jay DiBartolo. Weaving melodic indie pop with atmospheric shoegaze and noisy dream rock, Echoes emerges as the perfect soundtrack to first kisses and tear-filled goodbyes. With the help of producer Erik Blood and drummer Alex Westcoat (Pickwick), DiBartolo crafted an album that centers on themes of repetition and self reflection, delving into the emotional cycles and internal struggles he often finds himself revisiting.
 
DiBartolo fell in love with music while watching skateboarding videos as a kid in New Jersey and never looked back. He was inspired to teach himself to play guitar and began writing his own songs, producing, and self-releasing bedroom recordings throughout high school and college. After graduating, he put a band together and toured the Northeast while working as a recording engineer for music festivals and televised performances.

Soon enough, DiBartolo made the journey to the Pacific Northwest, settling in Seattle, WA. He started a new band and released a record with Michael Benjamin Lerner of Telekinesis. Then the pandemic hit, that band dissolved, and Franklin Gothic was born. This was his first time teaming up with Erik Blood to release the debut LP Into the Light (2022), which received critical acclaim from KEXP, BBC, Bandcamp, and more.

On Echoes, DiBartolo embraces growing pains, reminding us that sometimes it's necessary to step into the discomfort. A touch melancholy yet so damn catchy, it’s the idealized mixtape that summons the emotions of long-forgotten moments that went on to shape our lives. Languid echoes of post-rock, skating on the edge of innocence, Echoes puts everything in its right place.

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Catherine Campbell - Phonseca - easyclear - Hook - The Curse of K.K. Hammond

Catherine Campbell - Outline (EP).

Catherine Campbell is an indie/folk singer-songwriter who was raised in Lexington, KY and is now based in Chattanooga, TN. Outline follows the 2019 EP Young One, 2022's Leave No Trace EP, and the singles "Orion" and "Too Late," both of which appear on Outline.

Outline features five Campbell originals and a cover of The Beach Boys' "In My Room." The EP was produced by Rebecca Rego and J. Tom Hnatow, engineered by J. Tom Hnatow at Small Blue, Lexington, KY, mixed by Duane Lundy at Lexington Recording Company, and mastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering in Madison, Wisconsin.

Catherine Campbell is a soft spoken singer/songwriter and indie rock practitioner with a writerly focus on pulling the listener into a romantic world a little apart from hard reality. Her songs are described as dreamy ditties, romantic reflections, twilight ballads. Beautifully orchestrated with her notable nightingale voice in the middle. Campbell was raised in Kentucky and currently resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee where she is working with other local musicians to grow a welcoming music scene.

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Phonseca - Everything Lasts Forever (Album).

Five years after their debut album ‘Between A Dream’, Bristol synthpop duo Phonseca return with ‘Everything Lasts Forever’, an album that sparkles and shimmers.

‘Between A Dream’ was championed in the UK on BBC Radio 6 Music by both Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq. With Steve Lamacq featuring it in his "Recommends" show. It also picked up lots of airplay and excellent reviews around the world. ‘Everything Lasts Forever’ is a joyous, upbeat record which picks up where ‘Between A Dream’ left off and unashamedly embraces more of a synth pop feel than its acclaimed predecessor.

Phonseca brings together Bristol’s much respected keys/synth player Matthew O’Connor and radiant Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard. Matthew’s classical piano training has an influence on his work. In addition to Phonseca, he has composed Library Music where his work has been synched on primetime TV like BBC1’s - The One Show, Channel 5 programs and National TV in most of Europe. This was the catalyst for first writing with Kristina, initially working on songs for a Disney project which followed a chance meeting at a wedding fayre, where they had stalls directly opposite each other. Since its release, the pair have spent the past few years promoting the debut album while writing/recording ‘Everything Lasts Forever’, which is now ready for release via Old Bad Habits Label.

‘Everything Lasts Forever’ happily takes its inspiration from the likes of New Order, The Beloved, Chromatics, The xx, Robyn, Pet Shop Boys and Ryuichi Sakamoto. The range of Kristina’s voice perfectly captures the variety of feelings that the lyrics portray. Putting herself at the centre of songs which cover Love, Grief, Clubbing and Internationalism. Also included is their take, on timeless pop classic Downtown. Alongisde the album release, Phonseca also release new single ‘English Night’ today with an accompanying video. ‘English Night’ is a joyous upbeat electro-pop track that is laced with positive synth moods and soaring uplifting vocals.


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Photo - Artemis Szekir-Rigas

easyclear - Teammate.

easyclear just announced the debut EP Green (April 25th) and shares the radiant new single Teammate. The solo project of London-based artist Luke Deacon, easyclear has begun to make a name for his spirited and elegant sound. Having spent years performing in bands, including Young Khan (a precursor to Sea Girls) and the harmony-rich classic pop outfit Kid Jupiter, Luke Deacon has developed a distinct musical voice.  

easyclear presents a unique blend of organic folk elements, sprawling electronics and indie tendencies, resulting in a sound that defies genre. Comparable to the likes of Westerman and Djo, the new single ‘Teammate’ continues to showcase his unique sonic approach.

Built around tight shuffling drums, warming bass, a fingerpicked guitar and dappled swells of modulated synth, the track summons a palpable world - a platform for Deacon’s emotive vocals to lead the way. Cleverly meeting acoustic storytelling with electronic elements, easyclear’s approach touches on the friction between organic and mechanical worlds.

Speaking about the track, Deacon explains: “Teammate is a song about companionship in its many forms. Through sporting references it espouses the values of trust, commitment and mutual support.

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Hook - The Next Show (EP).

We are really pleased to feature Hook, for us a breath of fresh air, whose music is exceptionally catchy, unpretentious and yet really does resonate with some pretty hefty comparisons.

Hook is Eoin O’Donnell on vocals, guitars, Niamh Carmody vocals, bass and Morgan O’Brien on drums. Described as new wave indie rock, lovely comparisons have been made with Pixies, The Smiths, Big Thief and the Velvet Underground.

They play direct, honest music about the small moments, the brutality of love and finding the beautiful in the simple. Their new EP “The Next Show” was just released (21 March 2025) and features three new songs “No Surprises”, “Circles” and “Slip Away”. “No Surprises” A contradictory personality, the ability to compartmentalise, trying to find who you are in the constant push and pull of modern life

“Circles” A song about loss and moving on, a relationship is gone and now you have the pay the price with heartbreak. “Slip Away” A relationship is gone and the singer has lost all hope. The person they have lost was the world and now they know that they can never regain the happiness they had previously.

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The Curse of K.K. Hammond - Walk With Me Through the Fire ft. Ian Davidson, Kaspar 'Berry' Rapkin.

Celebrated for her unique spin on Delta Blues and evocative Southern Gothic storytelling, UK-based slide guitarist and singer-songwriter The Curse of K.K. Hammond is back to captivate audiences with her much-anticipated single, “Walk With Me Through the Fire.” The track debuted globally on March 21, 2025, available on all digital platforms, and is complemented by a visually striking music video that channels the bold, cinematic spirit of Spaghetti Westerns.

“Walk With Me Through the Fire” is a foot-stomping, slow-burning ballad imbued with deep mood and intensity. The single showcases collaborations with renowned musicians including Ian Davidson on cello and Kaspar ‘Berry’ Rapkin on slide guitar. Together, they fuse traditional Delta blues with elements of country, folk, and gothic Americana to create a modern, blues-rock masterpiece. The arrangement is further enriched by Lewis Taylor, who brings a mariachi-style trumpet flair that nods to the legendary soundtracks of Ennio Morricone and the classic vibe of the Western genre.

The official music video—led by Hammond in collaboration with Rapkin and Davidson—is a dark Western dream. It perfectly marries Hammond’s haunting aesthetic with the raw allure of gun-slinging cinematic narratives, featuring gothic visuals set against a backdrop of deserted ghost towns, and weaving a compelling story of fire, destiny, and redemption.

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