SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 29/01/24 - 04/02/24

Possess - Descent / You Knew

Lifted from the debut album "Realms," 'Descent' and 'You Knew' showcase Possess's signature dark, absorbing ambiance and moments of eruption that feel like harrowing acts of defiance. Delicate yet powerful vocals combine with a macabre, melancholic vibe as both tracks provide a weighty, engulfing listen, immersive in their grandeur and unnerving in their fragility.

Possess proves to be a force to be reckoned with, captivating listeners with bold soundscapes of darkened turmoil and uneasy bounds of driven descent. The band aims to create soaring compositions that resonate with their audience in a deep and profound way, making a significant impact with their unique blend of atmospheric darkness and emotive power.

Shadow Sides - no going home

Blending intimate songwriting with dreamy shoegaze atmospheres and riffs inspired by 80’s post-punk, Shadow Sides create a dramatic, emotionally compelling sound. Their latest single, 'no going home,' is an electrifying soundscape featuring introverted vocals and rippling, driven guitars. Deeply emotive and immersive, it swirls and bounds, weaving a beautifully raw tapestry of emotions and vivid kaleidoscope colours. More than a song, it's a harrowing, engulfing ambiance of contemplative energy and an uncertain mind.

Jacob Chacko - My Heart And Soul

Jacob Chacko unveils ‘My Heart And Soul’, a Rock and Roll composition that serves as a vibrant homage to gratitude and faith. Infused with infectious call-and-response vocals and a seamlessly organic arrangement, the track radiates an immediate sense of joy. Timed to perfection, this release pledges a rejuvenating seasonal celebration, offering solace from the burdens of the world. Jacob Chacko, a versatile songwriter and composer, maintains his unique ability to forge authentic and human connections through his music.

Adrien Martin Feat Mike Egan - I Still Don't Know (What's On My Mind)

Adrien Martin's latest track, ‘I Still Don't Know (What's On My Mind)’, featuring Mike Egan, is a sonic journey through self-discovery. Departing from the nostalgic vibe of his debut, Adrien blends Pop-Punk and Hard-Rock influences, creating an authentic, emotionally charged experience. Mike Egan's vocals seamlessly complement Adrien's evolving style, injecting raw emotion and relatable themes. The track marks a significant milestone in Adrien's journey, inviting listeners to connect with its introspective essence. Stay tuned for the release, promising a profound impact on Adrien Martin's evolving narrative.

Saudi Prints - K-Pop, Believe Me

'K-Pop, Believe Me' provides an enjoyable and unpredictable journey, embracing a DIY-infused chaos with a charming roughness around the edges. This track creatively blends elements of indie pop and EDM, reminiscent of Bis' 'Kandy Pop.' The fusion of these genres results in a distinctive and pleasing musical adventure, where the unconventional elements add to the track's unique charm.

Velvet Edge - Below the Motion

Velvet Edge's debut, 'Below the Motion,' is a captivating journey into nervous energy and mounting intensity, adorned with a shoegaze aesthetic that seamlessly integrates with eruptive, guitar-driven outbursts. The track provides a platform for the band to demonstrate their prowess as musicians, with chiming and swirling elements that draw the listener into a delicate soundscape and gentle vocals. It then crescendos into a blast of grandeur, accompanied by powerful vocals. Overall, 'Below the Motion' is a very promising debut, showcasing Velvet Edge's talent in crafting a compelling and immersive musical experience.

Rookie - Resolve

Rookie's newest single, 'Resolve,' immerses the listener in an exhilarating blend of grit and haze, featuring an addictive melody that captivates from the start. The track emanates a fantastic psychedelic grunge reminiscent of the iconic sound of Nirvana, intertwining killer hooks and an irresistibly catchy vibe. The vocals, perfectly raspy, evoke a genuine 90s throwback feel, adding a nostalgic touch to the overall sound.

The Proles - One Night in a Bar

'One Night in a Bar' is a remarkably creative genre blend. Its sound is challenging to pigeonhole, yet simultaneously fully accessible and catchy. Taking elements of ska punk and collaging them with the flamboyance of art rock, along with the DIY essence of indie and the dynamism of alt-rock, it's a genre-hopping experience that doesn't shy away from diversifying its sound at every opportunity during its 4-minute running time. It's undoubtedly a showcase of The Proles' musical abilities.

'One Night in a Bar' is taken from the album “Left Hook”.

The Superpowers - On the Way

The Superpowers deliver a catchy dose of no-frills rock in their new single, 'On The Way.' This hard-hitting blast of rock-punk rebellion and discontent is skillfully played, creating a commotion of killer hooks, high energy, and drive. It stands as a fight song—a rebellion against the establishment and those who seek to bring us down or take advantage of us. 'On The Way' is a song crafted by music lovers for music lovers, resonating with the spirit of defiance and passion for the art.

Sheer Calm - Siren

I enjoyed the DIY aesthetic of 'Siren,' coupled with the intensity in the vocals and chaotic outbursts. With wailing guitars and melodic bass lines aplenty, the track is a cacophony of sounds and varying emotions. It skillfully borrows artistic elements from post-rock, the whirl of shoegaze, the discordance of punk, and the deconstructed feel of garage rock. 'Siren' shuffles along, erupting into a blast of chiming spiky guitars or chaotic drums. It's an elaborate yet beautifully DIY listen that showcases a diverse range of influences and musical craftsmanship.