Every Friday, Atwood Magazine’s staff share what they’ve been listening to that week – a song, an album, an artist – whatever’s been having an impact on them, in the moment.
This week’s weekly roundup features music by mary in the junkyard, Bonnie Medicine, Portraitures, Ben L’Oncle Soul & Adi Oasis, Heather Mae, Tean Dream, Frank Viele, SIG SALI, Wryn, Avery Lynch, Kairvina, Fred Brown, Bottle Rockets, JonoJono, The Tempted, Grace Morrison, Binoy, Quentyn, biz barclay., & Indieclimb!
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:: “bear walk” – mary in the junkyard ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
mary in the junkyard’s latest single elicits an intense – and for me, unavoidable – emotional response. Shivers shooting down the spine. A full flip of the gut. A seething warmth within, and a stunned silence without. The last time I heard something this raw would have been in 2008 or ‘09, the first time I played Bon Iver’s “Flume.”
A fragile, hauntingly beautiful indie folk reverie, “bear walk” aches inside and out as the London-based band share a plaintive story of love and loss, leaving and longing. It’s a delicate, provocative display of tenderness as a form of dramaticism, where despite all that’s expressed through the band’s breathtaking performance, it’s all the words left unsaid that hit the hardest and resonate the most.
In the fir tree days
I was on your back
I had no shoes back then,
you picked up the slack
and spirit guides were
pulling me limb from limb
i said a prayer for you
so you wanted to stay
We would eat the birds
we caught that evening
in the wild days
“‘bear walk’ is the story of someone trying to make their lover stay with them in their feral lifestyle,” the band tells Atwood Magazine. “It is about the push and pull between wildness and conventionality, and was born from us playing some acoustic gigs over the summer.”
The trio of Clari Freeman-Taylor (vocals, guitar), Saya Barbaglia (bass, viola), and David Addison (drums), mary in the junkyard initially began as a folk project before evolving into an indie and alternative rock-focused endeavor, releasing the sonically charged, soul-stirring debut single “Tuesday” in late 2023 followed by their debut EP this old house in the spring of 2024. Stripped down to all-acoustic instrumentation, “bear walk” makes clear their prowess with and without amplifiers, shining a particularly naked spotlight on Freeman-Taylor’s evocative storytelling skills and her spellbinding vocal abilities.
And in the night time
we sat by the fireside
nothing to think of
but i want to survive
and spirit guides were
all kept on the insides
they carved their symbols
into my eyes
they told me you were
leaving in my dreaming
i thought that i had time
The result is as intimately moving as it is immediately memorable: A moment of nostalgia-soaked stillness that brings us not only closer to the band, but to ourselves as they reckon with the untamable parts of our souls, and those who come into – and eventually, out of – our lives. “bear walk” is without a doubt an ode to a simpler time; wistful and gentle, it’s sung with more love than we’ll ever know. And yet, it’s the product of grief; of pain; of a hurting and emptiness inside that the narrator couldn’t easily reconcile and resolve. It is a special and necessary form of catharsis and closure, both for those who penned it and brought it to life, and for those listening to it now.
I still don’t quite know what a bear walk is – I’ll probably look that up on Google or YouTube after I write this – but I certainly understand what it represents, and I feel, both deep inside and on the surface, when I listen to this song.
but you left that day
with a big suitcase
just like a city boy
i made a disgusted face
and spirit guides were
all going silent
i hoped the dirt would stay
under your fingernails
I hope that there are trees
outside your window
I hope you come back some day
:: Belonging EP – Bonnie Medicine ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Bonnie Medicine, the Scottish singer-songwriter whose music intertwines the sacred rhythms of the earth with the pulse of the human heart, has released her highly anticipated EP, Belonging. With deep roots in the Celtic isles, Medicine’s music reflects her commitment to collective healing, spiritual awakening, and social justice. Over the past seven years, she has been sharing her evocative songs in circles, stages, and ceremonies around the globe, using music as a powerful tool to awaken humanity’s consciousness. Belonging is a collection of songs that not only showcase Medicine’s unique blend of New Age, acoustic folk, and spiritual music, but also serve as an invitation to heal, unite, and reconnect with the earth, each other, and our truest selves.
The lead single “We Belong” offers a profound celebration of connection, community, and the land, resonating with the desire for unity in a time marked by widespread disconnection. It’s a powerful anthem that calls us back to one another and to the earth, offering healing through the deep sense of belonging that music and togetherness can provide. The EP also features “Holy Trees,” a soulful tribute to nature’s ancient wisdom, and “Heartbroken”, a heartfelt exploration of personal and collective grief. The track “Warriors” ignites the spirit of resilience and action, while “Wild Bodies” celebrates the embodied experience of living fully in harmony with nature. Each song reflects Medicine’s ethos: a belief that music has the power to transform, heal, and empower. Belonging urges us to remember our roots and rediscover the transformative power of community. Bonnie Medicine’s music offers a beacon of light for those seeking healing, unity, and a deeper connection to the world around us.
:: “Ways You Are” – Portraitures ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Dreamy and jangly, Portraitures’ latest single warms the ears even as a flood of raw emotions stir the heart. Released March 26th, “Ways You Are” is a sweet, seductive song of intimate connection and introspection; of fracture and longing; of acceptance of the way things are, and appreciation for those who touch our lives, regardless of how long they stay – or how quickly they leave. Toronto-based singer/songwriter Mark Scherzinger – who debuted his Portraitures project some five years ago – puts himself and his voice front and center for the very first time as he learns to let go of expectation and live a little more freely and fully in the moment.
“In writing ‘Ways You Are,’ I wanted to explore the grieving of dreams and goals that never occur, particularly around emotional connections in our lives,” Scherzinger tells Atwood Magazine. “While it can be devastating to not have the experiences we longed for, we are often left with a great deal of reverence for the people we care about. The song simultaneously mourns a connection not being what you dreamed of, while earnestly appreciating everything it is.”
“I co-wrote the lyrics with my dear friend Melanie St-Pierre-Bednis, and had my friend Jon Catanus play drums on the track. Even though this is my first real shot at singing on one of my recordings, I still wanted to earnestly involve my community and peers in the creation process. Most of the instruments and vocals were recorded in my basement apartment in Toronto.”
Atwood Magazine also covered Portraitures’ last single, “Crocus Cries,” back in April 2024, praising him for creating a sweetly ethereal folk song full of warm light and introspective wonderment. “Ways You Are” feels like the artist has two feet back on the ground, and represents an exciting new chapter in Portraitures’ story – I, for one, am massively excited for whatever comes next!
:: “I’m GØØD” – Ben L’Oncle Soul feat. Adi Oasis ::
Josh Weiner, Washington DC
I’ve seen Adi Oasis perform on three occasions – the Montreal and Burlington Jazz festivals last year, and at the Howard Theatre in DC way back in 2016 when she was still with her old band, Escort– and thus can attest that she’s a fabulously talented musician. I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing Ben L’Oncle Soul perform as well, but his song “I Got Home” impressed me enough to include him in our Artists to Watch in 2025 piece a few months back. It’s great to see both of these gifted artists paired up on a new release, “I’m GØØD.”
This song broadly takes swipes at social media culture– “I’ve got more thumbs up than you got,” Ben sings sarcastically, critiquing a world in which such a claim somehow amounts to a meaningful brag. “Name anything you like and I′ll be dissing it.” Adi Oasis– who, like Ben, originally hails from France but now lives in the US and sings primarily in English– elaborates on such a world once her verse comes in, noting that such a world is one where she can “show you my life, show you my ways… show you every minute of my day and all my secrets.” But, she asks, rather rhetorically, “Do you really care?”
This may not be the biggest smooch on the cheek social media has ever gotten– but I have to at least thank its older cousin, the Internet, for helping me to discover this groovy new track! I look forward to checking out the accompanying album, Sad Generation, later this month (based on the title, I’m guessing social media isn’t the only thing that Ben sees wrong with the world these days). I also hope that one day, like Adi Oasis, I will have gotten the chance to see him perform in multiple locations– or at least one, for starters!
:: “All’s Not Lost” – Heather Mae ::
Chloe Robinson, California
Dealing with mental health is such a struggle. “All’s Not Lost,” a folk rock anthem from Nashville-based artist Heather Mae, is a piece that many of us can connect to. The bold, bass-filled track is highly cathartic. Lyrics include, “She drinks on the pier and she tells me lies, that the world would shine brighter without my life.” If you have ever dealt with depression or some other kind of mental illness, you understand the horrible lies your mind can spread.
The single is off her upcoming album What They Hid From Me. Her music focuses on themes of mental well-being, LGBTQ+ freedom, survivor strength, and the pursuit of justice. This new, deeply reflective album is the most unrestrained yet. Mae will be releasing What They Hid From Me (alternative) and kiss & tell (pop), an innovative double-album project that is both an awakening and a reclamation.
:: “Frozen Lakes” – Tean Dream ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
It’s the aching that hits first – a swathe of raw emotions built off that insatiable human hope, inner drive, and the intense desire to control our own narratives and destinies. Tean Dream’s debut single isn’t inherently sad – no, actually, it is – and there’s a sense of detachment, longing, and inevitability to it that challenges our natural inclination toward self-determination, that wonders is maybe we’re not as in control as we think we might be. Released February 7th, “Frozen Lakes” is a brooding ballad of life’s ebbs and flows – of the stories that, without fail, play out in every generation of doers and dreamers, no matter who they are or where they’re from.
Frozen lakes in California,
rolling plains where I’m going,
think I’ll go to sleep where memories don’t fade.
Red tile stars under my feet,
giant letters, writers’ dreams.
Did I lose that sparkle under my cheek?
There’s a green light and a breeze
and it brought to my knees.
The Golden Gods,
they opened up the clouds.
“I took a trip to California a few years ago and I noticed there were so many out of state plates,” Tean Dream’s Tina Powell says of her soul-stirring, sepia-toned introduction. “I asked about it and the answer I received was so simply stated. It was something akin to: ‘all these people come to LA to pursue their dreams but most of them don’t even get to stay long enough to change their plates.’”
“I was so fixated on that. The idea of so many people moving somewhere to try for their dreams… and then just going back home. This song is inspired from that—thinking about, what it might feel like. There is a triumph and excitement of going for your dreams, there are moments of magic in that, when it seems the stars align. But doesn’t always turn out as so many of us hope. Does that make any of the experience less wonderous and beautiful? Does it make that less of a success?”
Frozen Lakes in California
Stardust on my shoulders
All our heads are caught in space
All these billboards and parades
I hope I made you proud
Did you hear that sound?
“Frozen Lakes” is the result of this rumination, and while it doesn’t offer any answers, it certainly provokes quite a number of questions. Through what can only be described as a sweet melancholy, Tean Dream forces us to reckon with our helplessness and powerlessness in so many situations; she holds a naked mirror up to life, stripped of the glitz and the glam, and while it hurts to acknowledge such truths, there is something deeply soothing to the toss and turn of this tender tune.
“The song plays with perceptions of success, defeat, and achievement in that way,” she adds. “It’s about the everchanging terms of those things… also a bit about getting lost in vanity, and finding meaning in endeavors of the heart, no matter how they turn out so to speak.”
All those hot lights touched my face,
dissonance covered mistakes,
batting out of my league and hitting the stars.
And, the sand can lick the salt off
of my tear-stained upheld chin.
Crowds float away with the wind.
There’s a softness to the breeze,
and it brought me to my knees
And the Golden Gods,
they said ‘babe you’re home.’
Perhaps it’s fitting that “Frozen Lakes” is Tean Dream’s debut single. Through those lush Rhodes chords, wondrous Mellotron textures, and the familiar resonance of an upright piano, Powell introduces herself as an artist, here to sing her songs and share her thoughts on life – nothing more, nothing less. The Stockholm-based singer/songwriter has set a high bar with her raw lyricism and visceral performance, ensuring we pay close attention to what’s to come from her – all the while remembering to savor the moment, because we can’t always dictate what will happen next.
Frozen Lakes in California
Stardust on my shoulders
All our heads are caught in space
All these billboards and parades
I hope I made you proud
Did you hear that sound?
:: The Trouble With Desire – Frank Viele ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Frank Viele’s The Trouble With Desire is a bold and introspective album that effortlessly blends Americana, heartland rock, and blues into a cohesive narrative about chasing dreams, confronting past regrets, and grappling with desire. Recorded between his home in Hamden, Connecticut, and the iconic Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the album showcases his refined storytelling skills and unwavering authenticity. From the anthemic “Hearts We Left Behind,” which delivers an energetic farewell to past relationships, to the introspective title track, “The Trouble With Desire,” which cautions against the dangers of wanting more, the album moves fluidly between moments of catharsis and introspection. The gritty, distorted guitars of“Lo-Fi Goodbye” and the reflective nature of “Dive Bar Poet” further highlight the emotional depth Viele brings to each song.
The album’s most poignant moment comes with “Trying To Raise A Man,” a touching tribute to Viele’s mother, whose hard work and dedication shaped him into the man he is today. The track’s heartfelt lyrics are a testament to the power of personal connection and sacrifice. Throughout The Trouble With Desire, Frank Viele continues to prove himself as a master of blending timeless themes with fresh, compelling sounds. His raw, powerful vocals and exceptional songwriting make this album a standout in the Americana scene. Whether you’re drawn to catchy, radio-friendly hooks or deep, evocative storytelling, The Trouble With Desire offers something for everyone, cementing Viele’s place as one of the genre’s most exciting voices.
:: “Sleen” – SIG SALI ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Bristol-based producer, songwriter, and vocalist SIG SALI unveils his euphoric new single “Sleen” a thrilling blend of Synthwave and indie rock that offers a glimpse into the bold soundscapes of his upcoming EP “Chaos In My Mind”. With its infectious chorus, driven by spiky guitar riffs and punchy drums “Sleen” marks a pivotal moment in SIG SALI’s solo journey, showcasing his ability to merge cinematic synths with raw, nocturnal energy. Co-produced with Freddie Cowan (The Vaccines), the track’s energetic mix captures the friction of creative collaboration, with SIG SALI pushing the limits of his sound. From the vintage echoes of old demos to the atmospheric production touches like hidden samples, “Sleen” stands as a testament to SIG SALI’s personal evolution, offering a fresh yet familiar sound that feels both alternative and accessible.
:: “Snake” – Wryn ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
“You can’t take what you give. You can’t give what you take. Horror laid into skin, hollow tooth filled with hate.” It’s the quiet intensity of “Snake” that hits the hardest; the emotions are so raw, intense, and aching, that they resonate as much in the song’s silent moments as they do in Wryn’s sung words. One of the standout tracks off the California-based singer/songwriter’s recently released debut album Shapes, “Snake” is a shiver-inducing upheaval; an emotionally charged alt-folk reverie, powered by passion and the refusal to accept an unjust status quo – whatever, wherever, and whenever that may be.
And in the air, amongst the anger and the passion, we feel the first tendrils of a fractured mind, body, and soul beginning to heal.
take all of your mistakes
i don’t want to hold them
shedding skin like a snake
hollow body amen
holy water
can’t save your daughters
or wash your hands clean
and i can’t wait for an answer
before i get free
“This song stems from a righteous anger,” Wryn tells Atwood Magazine. “A call to something older and deeper, it taps into my own personal experiences of not just systemic violence but the intimate and interpersonal kind. Having experienced assault in my past, this song was a way to transform my own pain into a call to action. ‘I can’t wait for an answer before I get free.’”
full tooth rage and talon
full blood pumping my veins
fire spit and swallow
rushing burning refrain
GIVE IT UP YOUR POWER
speaking with the blood of
every single monster
every monster i loved
Shapes is out now via Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records – and while it deserves a full listen, it’s “Snake” that continues to resonate for me, as here, Wryn poured their full weight, and in turn, their innermost humanity, into a three-and-a-half minute song.
:: “think about it” – Avery Lynch ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
We’ve all been there in some form or fashion: Sat at an empty table, visualizing those who should be seated together with you right now. Or tossing and turning in a cold bed, thinking about the body that should be wrapped around you, keeping you warm. The grief from loss is not one we simply “get over” and move on from. Ghosts of loved ones come and gone haunt our memories and our visions; over time they made fade from view, but often, they’re never far away.
That’s what real loss is – having to live without someone you will always cherish and remember, whether or not they’re around anymore.
And while these words certainly apply to any number of raw, relatable, and all-too real situations, today they apply to Avery Lynch’s latest single, “think about it.” Released March 7th, the gut-wrenching piano ballad sees the Pennsylvanian singer/songwriter processing a breakup by pouring through the wreckage in her mind and in her heart.
“I wrote ‘think about it’ about my sister’s breakup,” Lynch tells Atwood Magazine. “She came to me and asked if I could write a song about what she was experiencing because she felt like she was having a hard time relating to other songs. I have two sisters and we’re super close, so we watched her go through it all and I mainly wrote the song from what we saw. The song is ultimately about being left to piece things together after a breakup by yourself – having all of the realizations and none of the answers, and there being nothing to do about it. This song is really special to me, and I feel like I personally relate to it in a lot of ways too.”
“Also, when I first started writing songs as a kid, I would write them about my sisters – how cool they are and how much I love them – and I would give those songs to them as gifts, so it feels very full circle writing this one for my sister and releasing it.”
Tender, gentle, and aching throughout, “think about it” is heartbreak manifest in song – a delicate and wistful acoustic reverie that dwells, in order to hopefully, someday, move past the pain.
:: “Eternal” – Kairvina ::
Chloe Robinson, California
Kairvina, a Mumbai-based singer/songwriter, captivates listeners with her new music video and single “Eternal.” This soul-baring pop ballad delves into themes of confusion, chaos, and self-deprecation, offering an intimate exploration of life’s complexities. Kairvina’s unique blend of pop, adult contemporary, soul, folk, and Indian classical music creates an enchanting soundscape that draws listeners into her emotional world. Her dazzling, passionate vocals make the piece truly shine. The music video is simple yet stunning. From the way she is dressed to the location where it was filmed, each part of the piece is irresistible.
Kairvina is an indie singer-songwriter from India. She has always had a love for music from a young age, writing songs about middle school relationships. When she turned 18, she moved to Los Angeles, where she formed a band and played numerous shows. Inspired by Phoebe Bridgers and Jeff Buckley, you can hear that vulnerable and raw approach to her craft.
:: “Marks Will Match” – Fred Brown ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Fred Brown steps into the spotlight with his new single “Marks Will Match,” a captivating glimpse into his debut forthcoming EP, Distraction. As the first release under his own name, this track showcases Brown’s lyrical depth and musical growth, blending evocative, introspective vocals with intricate guitar work. The song begins with a delicate, intimate atmosphere before blossoming into a powerful crescendo, driven by punchy drums, expansive guitar tones, and a warm, grounding bass line.
Lyrically, “Marks Will Match” reflects Brown’s personal transition, capturing a moment of uncertainty and introspection, with the tension of change hanging in the air. Recorded with a talented team, including Ben Leftley on drums and Joey Crouch on bass, this track is a stirring introduction to a new chapter for Brown. With “Marks Will Match,” Fred Brown proves he’s an artist ready to leave a lasting mark.
:: “Video Call” – Bottle Rockets ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Listening to “Video Call,” you’d hardly think this was Bottle Rockets’ sixth single release. A polished, passionate indie rock anthem, the track – released in late February – roars with a feverish lead guitar line and a polished, pounding rhythm section – not to mention frontman Kenzi Murray’s spirited, fiery vocals, which all but demand our undivided attention.
But it is the Glasgow band’s sixth song, and it’s a powerhouse of seductive sound and feeling alike: The kind of sonic and emotional upheaval that can singlehandedly (excuse the pun) put a group on the map for good. A radiant reckoning with emotionally distant hearts and star-crossed souls, “Video Call” is an exhilarating eruption that captures the intensity and tenacity of Bottle Rockets – an Irish four-piece fast on the rise.
“‘Video Call’ is about holding on to the final threads of a relationship that you know is coming to an end – even if you don’t want it to,” Murray tells Atwood Magazine. “It’s about accepting that reality and finding the courage to move on. We hope the song speaks to those who need a reminder that it’s okay to let go and embrace that sense of empowerment.”
“Unlike most of our songs, which are built from the ground up, this track carried a unique energy from the very start. As we rehearsed, ‘Video Call’ morphed through several versions, each with a slightly different structure, but always maintaining that original intensity. We’ve been teasing it live for a while, and each performance felt different as we refined and perfected it. What makes this track stand out is how much of that raw, spontaneous energy has remained with it throughout. It’s not just about the song – it’s about capturing the emotion and urgency we felt the first time we shared it on stage.”
As Bottle Rockets themselves explain, this song is for anyone who’s experienced the sharp pangs of heartbreak and is now ready to embrace the strength that comes with choosing to move forward. The refrain, “Why won’t you answer the video call? You got somebody else catching your fall?” echoes the aching we feel within as two passing ships bid their overdue farewells, and underscores the band’s ability to meld vulnerability with resilience – both a sonic and emotional drive.
“What sets ‘Video Call’ apart in our growing catalogue is the blend of pop and alternative rock,” the band explains. “We’ve always been open to experimenting with our sound, and this track pushes us further into pop territory while still keeping our signature style. Each of our five previous releases has explored different genres, but ‘Video Call’ feels like a bold fusion of gritty guitars and dreamy, atmospheric pop melodies – fresh, but distinctly us.”
They continue, “We’ve always incorporated alternative elements and open tunings, but ‘Video Call’ is different because it blends pop with our alternative roots,” we explain. “At the time, we wanted to make a song that felt like a typical pop track, but with our own twist. We’ve always loved both gritty guitars and dreamy melodies, and lately, we’ve been inspired by artists like Paramore, Bleach Lab, Slow Pulp, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan.”
“Ultimately, ‘Video Call’ represents a new chapter for us as we continue our journey of sonic exploration and creative growth. This track marks the latest step in our musical evolution, pushing forward with a sound that’s always evolving.”
“Video Call” is dynamic, dramatic, and rousing – an undeniable hit in the making. Stay tuned for more to come from Bottle Rockets, and let’s just hope they hit the ground running with this kind of sound – if only for a few tracks.
:: “Good Guys” – JonoJono ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
There’s a stunning tension at the heart of JonoJono’s latest single – an undeniable heat that instantly grabs our attention and steadily consumes both artist and listener alike. Released in mid-February, “Good Guys” is a feverish, all-consuming reckoning with love, intimacy, longing, and detachment. The Houston, Texas-based alt-R&B artist soars high and swoops low as he embarks on an sonic and emotional rollercoaster, baring his soul in an outpouring of anxiety and raw, vulnerable ruminations on the human condition.
“I wanted to create something as captivating as The Beatles but as silky and immersive as Blonde-era Frank Ocean,” JonoJono explains. “The song comes from real experiences. It’s about the way love can be felt – and fled from – depending on which side of the dynamic you fall into.”
For the artist, this song is a “reflection of how we connect, disconnect, and ultimately navigate the different ways love is given and received.” This sentiment is reinforced throughout the chorus as he sings, “You make me feel like good guys really exist… It can’t be real; I had to run away from it…” Friction and turmoil within beget turbulence without, resulting in an enchantingly tense, charged, and churning performance that won’t be soon forgotten.
:: Passions & Misdemeanours – The Tempted ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
The Tempted’s Passions & Misdemeanours marks a bold evolution in the duo’s sound, offering a captivating blend of alternative rock, blues, and synth-pop. This 13-track journey explores rich sonic landscapes, from the driving, blues-infused guitar riffs to lush synth arrangements that evoke the spirit of 1980s icons like Tears for Fears and Simple Minds. The album’s production, expertly mixed between Iceland and the U.S. and mastered in New York, strikes a perfect balance between polished finesse and raw emotion. With each track, The Tempted push the boundaries of their sound, seamlessly weaving in the groove of Shug Brankin’s bass lines and the atmospheric depth of Mick MacNeil’s keyboards, all while maintaining the emotional intensity that has defined their music for decades.
Passions & Misdemeanours isn’t just about sonic experimentation – it’s also a powerful narrative that taps into universal emotions of passion, longing, and self-reflection. Brian Callaghan and Michael McDonagh’s songwriting is both intimate and expansive, weaving personal stories into a broader tapestry of human experience. Guest appearances by disco diva Mary Kiani bring a fresh energy to the album, adding a touch of retro flair to tracks that already feel timeless. With influences ranging from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Matchbox 20, this record is a genre-defying masterpiece that not only honors the band’s past but boldly steps into their future. Passions & Misdemeanours is a testament to The Tempted’s enduring artistry and their ability to capture the complexities of life through music.
:: “Beer in a Teacup” – Grace Morrison ::
Chloe Robinson, California
New England-based singer/songwriter Grace Morrison’s “Beer in a Teacup” is a colorful country track and ode to her hometown of Cape Cod and her cranberry-growing family. Her grandma has been known to sip beer out of a Victorian teacup. This song is a celebration of that “I don’t give a damn” attitude. The piece is all about embracing your imperfections and owning what makes you unique. This piece is a great reminder to others to unapologetically be yourself.
The single is off her highly anticipated album Saltwater Country. Her music is a magical mix of folk, country, and pop. Taking a more unconventional route, she’s never held what some would call a “real job.” She reveals, “It’s always been music, and how lucky am I that music has given me this wild, unpredictable journey through the human experience. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
:: “POPular” – Binoy ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Binoy’s latest single, “POPular,” is a dynamic and empowering anthem that blends his African roots, South Asian heritage, and queer identity into an electrifying fusion of sound. The track, which serves as the first release from the deluxe edition of his debut album The Great Alone, pulses with infectious beats and bold production. A masterful blend of traditional Indian and African elements with fierce, queer dance music, “POPular” effortlessly bridges the gap between introspection and celebration. Binoy’s ability to weave deep personal reflections into his sound is evident as the song explores themes of self-acceptance and the power of embracing one’s uniqueness. It’s a track that invites listeners to dance while simultaneously reflecting on their own journey of self-discovery.
What stands out most in “POPular” is its fearless authenticity. Binoy reflects on his past insecurities with a sense of pride, turning them into a declaration of creative freedom. The pulsating rhythms and vibrant energy not only speak to his growth as an artist but also to a broader message of individuality and acceptance. With “POPular,” Binoy not only continues to push the boundaries of genre, but he also reinforces his place as a trailblazer in global music, carving out a sound that is unapologetically his own. It’s a track that feels both intimate and universal, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to truly find one’s place in the world.
:: “In My Head” – Quentyn ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Quentyn’s latest single “In My Head” is a dazzling fusion of euphoric electronic beats and organic indie instrumentation that effortlessly ignites the senses. With Nick Tompkins of Youth Sector lending his dynamic vocals, the track soars with vibrant synths, driving guitars, and a rich rhythm section that pulses with infectious energy. As the latest glimpse into his forthcoming album “❍”, Quentyn showcases his knack for blending festival-ready melodies with indie authenticity, creating a sound that is both anthemic and deeply personal. This single encapsulates the innovative spirit that earned Quentyn a dedicated following and millions of streams, while also marking his evolution as an independent artist with a bold, clear creative vision. “In My Head” is proof that Quentyn is poised to break new ground in the world of electronic and indie music.
:: “Carried Away” – biz barclay. ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
biz barclay’s latest single “Carried Away” is a stunning dive into the emotional complexities of memory and longing, wrapped in shimmering indie-pop brilliance. The track opens with a haunting, atmospheric production that sets the stage for Barclay’s delicate yet powerful vocals, which float effortlessly atop intricate layers of synths and soft percussion. From the first note, there’s a sense of wistfulness as Barclay navigates the liminal space between reality and dream, capturing the fleeting nature of moments that linger in our minds long after they’ve passed. It’s a cinematic piece, rich with emotion and vulnerability, yet subtly expansive, inviting listeners to get lost in its introspective soundscape.
At its core, “Carried Away” is about the unspoken, the ephemeral nature of memories, and the quiet ache of nostalgia. Barclay’s lyrical storytelling is both intimate and evocative, touching on themes of self-discovery and emotional reflection with poetic precision. The song’s subtle blend of melancholy and wonder mirrors the best elements of artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Caroline Polachek, while still maintaining a distinctly unique voice. As an artist who continues to evolve with every release, Biz Barclay has crafted a track that not only showcases their impressive songwriting ability but solidifies their place as one of indie pop’s most captivating emerging talents. This is a song that truly lingers long after the final note, a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotion and reflection.
:: “LEGACY” – Indieclimb ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Indieclimb’s “LEGACY” is an electrifying plunge into a dystopian dreamscape, where pulsing electronic rhythms collide with raw, cinematic emotion. From the very first beat, the track grips you with an eerie intensity, layering deep bass lines, haunting synths, and distorted echoes that feel like a siren call from the future. Inspired by the chaos of today’s world—wars, instability, and the noise of modern existence – “LEGACY” transforms uncertainty into sound, crafting an experience that’s both hypnotic and thought-provoking. It doesn’t just play; it engulfs you, forcing you to reflect on the weight of the world while moving to its gripping pulse.
What sets “LEGACY” apart is its ability to balance introspection with sheer sonic power. As the track builds, its energy swells like an impending storm, pulling listeners into a space where tension and release dance in perfect sync. This isn’t just a song – it’s a conversation, a statement, a reckoning. Indieclimb’s signature cinematic-electronic style has never felt more immersive, and with this song, he proves that music isn’t just about sound – it’s about feeling, storytelling, and leaving behind something that lasts.
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