Album & Single Reviews

 Ohio punk rockers To Kill A Monster are ushering in a brand new era with the release of their debut EP, The Sharpie on the Wall. Re-emerging after a short hiatus, the band’s original vocalist, Joey Lawson, was joined by an entirely new lineup consisting of Josh Mergler and Scott Borealis on guitars, James Barron on guitar and bass, and Corey Melton on drums. Armed with hard-hitting lyrics, infectious melodies, and raw, intense energy, To Kill A Monster proves they’re not only back, but also better than ever with The Sharpie on the Wall. 

 Infusing the brightness of the sunshine state into the very essence of their music, Orlando-natives Hungover's newly released LP, When It Touches The Heart, Everything Resolves, is vibrant, intense, and full of palpable energy. Refusing to pick a side on the line that divides pop and rock, Hungover gladly incorporates both into their sound–making When It Touches The Heart, Everything Resolves rock anthem material with pop-sensation radio potential. And while filled with plenty of animated drumming and loud guitars to keep listeners feeling amped up, the lyrics radiate a vulnerability that helps the album retain an emotional rawness overall.  

 Having already established a reputation for unforgettable live performances, UK-based Profiler further solidifies their spot as one of the most exciting acts in the resurgence of nu-metal with the release of their debut album, A Digital Nowhere. By exploring humanity’s reliance on and thirst for technological advancement and the fear of it causing irreversible damage to society, Profiler fuels A Digital Nowhere with lyrical transparency, emotive instrumentals, and a stunning display of vocal diversity.  

 With over 20 years of performing live music behind him, Baltimore, Mayland’s Chris Montcalmo has released his debut solo EP, This Euphoric State. Sonically walking the line between country rock and indie-pop, Montcalmo’s pensive lyrics come straight from the heart, reflected by his impassioned crooning. A journey of self-discovery, Chris Montcalmo deftly uses the art of storytelling to take listeners through his mission of introspection and love. 

 Los Angeles-based alternative rock duo HOLY WARS takes listeners on a journey through the darkest corners of the mind with the release of their new EP, CULT CLASSIC. A homage to cult classic horror films, HOLY WARS gives the EP a unique twist by showcasing that one’s psyche can sometimes be the scariest monster of all. With heavy, evocative lyrics supported by a flawless melding of sonic elements from nu-metal, pop, and punk, CULT CLASSIC is an unwavering force of both raw emotion and pure artistry. 

 When progressive rock trailblazers Crack The Sky released their 20th studio album, From the Wood, back in June, they accomplished a milestone most bands only dream of. Celebrating an incredible 45+ years as a band, Crack The Sky still manages to break new ground with the release of their first primarily acoustic album. Covering everything from isolation and mental health struggles ... From the Wood was created to inspire, incite, and soothe listeners. And by creatively incorporating unconventional instruments ... Crack The Sky further proves their status as the pioneers of prog-rock. 

 Michigan’s alternative metal four-piece Of Virtue embraces stylistic diversity in music and cultivates artistic growth with the release of their newest album, Omen. Blending different elements from various genres into their foundation of grueling breakdowns and cutting guitar riffs, Of Virtue captures the spirit of metalcore while creating a sound that is definitively unique to them as a band. And, with candid lyrics that don’t hold back on topics like mental health and sobriety, Omen serves as a cautious message to listeners about how the choices of today determine the outcome of tomorrow.

 Formed back in 2021 in Falls Church, VA, DC-based rock band 5th of Four quickly built a faithful following of fans with their catchy lyrics and heavy guitar riffs infused with jazzy melodies. Fast-forward two years, and the band, consisting of lead vocalist Faith Hayden, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Mitchell Norton, lead guitarist Daniel Rodriguez, drummer Mort Rolleston, and bassist Ryan Schmid, is now celebrating the release of their debut album,  Hold on Tight. With passionate, pensive lyrics delivered through virtuosic vocals and supported by bold instrumentals and infectious rock melodies, Hold on Tight is a beautiful, cohesive collection of each member’s individual talents. 

 Indie-pop artist Shane Rennison embraces transparent vulnerability while wearing his heart on his sleeve with his new EP, Nice To Meet You. Teaming up with composer and audio engineer Julian Giaimo, who produced the EP and played all instruments except for the piano pieces done by Rennison, Nice To Meet You finds the singer pensively reflecting on his life. Fueled by honest, heartfelt lyrics and cohesively combining aspects of various genres with the experimental creativity of synths, the five-track collection of songs is as infectious as it is relatable. 

 Pop-punk trio FRND CRCL has released their third full-length album, Suburban Dictionary, a conceptual composition that takes the listener through an ordinary day in the life of the garden-variety suburbanite. Using loud, energetic instrumentals, and introspective lyrics that deal with heavy topics such as mental health, social issues, and love, FRND CRCL encompasses pop-punk's core while adding their unique flare for a refreshingly appealing sound. 

 After recently signing with indie label Open Your Eyes Records, New England pop-punk band Another One Down! has re-released a deluxe edition of their debut album, A Bitter Descent. Tackling subjects such as heartbreak and overcoming mental health issues, A Bitter Descent Deluxe's lyrical maturity and sonic diversity prove that Another One Down! isn’t the average pop-punk act. 

 Captivating pop-rock trio Waterparks has finally released their long-anticipated fifth studio album, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, their first release under the record label Fueled by Ramen. Through lively instrumentals, unrestrained lyrics, and more, this genre-bending art piece tells a tale of working through religious guilt and love gone wrong. 

 Alternative/pop-rock singer-songwriter Keyse brazenly challenges social norms with her latest single, “Flesh & Blood,” an emotional, captivating personal account of bodily autonomy. Known for working heavy topics into a more easily digestible pop format, the North Carolina-native Midwest-based musician has always dazzled listeners with her bold storytelling. Now, Keyse hopes to inspire them to embrace their unique journey to self-discovery through her own tale of perseverance and metamorphosis by sharing her experience on the miscarriage of an unplanned pregnancy. 

 After releasing their self-titled debut LP in the fall of 2022, Arkansas-native metalcore band Spare The Dead took the album on the road this past October with their Slay The Living Tour. And with Darren Young on vocals, Zach Stambuck and Tim Sills on guitar, Anthony Marrujo on drums, and an animatronic talking skeleton on bass, Spare The Dead has more than impressed with their engaging, electrifying live performances. Now, the band is back to inspire with a compelling new single titled “I Made This Song For You.” 

 Having released their fifth studio album, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, only six months ago, genre-bending rock band Waterparks is on the move again with new music. However, they’re not hinting at a new album. Added to streaming platforms at the end of the existing INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY tracklist, it appears that the Wednesday, October 11 release of “SNEAKING OUT OF HEAVEN” is instead a continuation of the LP’s concept/story. And that’s only the most obvious clue. 

 After signing with Big Noise earlier this year, 16-year-old musician Gavin Magnus has released his first single with the noteworthy alternative music label. The release of "Psycho" comes ahead of his debut album of the same name (but stylized in all caps), which is due to come out later this year. While early press claimed the young artist to be "the next Justin Bieber," Magnus finds himself heading in an edgier direction with this newest single. An introspective track that addresses the reality of toxic relationships, the serious subject matter, intricate guitar melodies, and speedy, energetic tempos of "Psycho" push Magnus into the realms of pop-punk and emo rap. 

 After releasing their sophomore album, Scene Within A Dream, earlier this summer, psychedelic synth-pop duo Sneakpeek are back with a new single entitled “Green Light.” Featured as track five on the album, “Green Light” is a dreamy electropop number that’s as beautiful as it is danceable. Fueled by synthesizers, drum machines, and a shimmery guitar melody, the song’s ethereal ambiance transports listeners to a surreal dreamland. 

 In preparation for their upcoming album, Mondegreen, indie pop band Boston Flowers have released a brand new single entitled "Man On Mars." An upbeat song with an infectious melody, the introspective lyrics of "Man On Mars" encourage living life to the fullest and with a sense of community. Out September 13, Boston Flowers will also be celebrating the release of Mondegreen with a special release day show at Arlene's Grocery in New York. 

 Kemi Adegoroye is a DC-based artist with a soulful voice that ranges from sweet and soothing to powerful and resounding. For her newest single, “In My Corner,” the singer/songwriter teamed up with DC-based instrumentalist and producer Chris Hon to create a song reminiscent of the ‘90s and early 2000s R&B sound while remaining unique to Adegoroye as an artist.  Pulling inspiration from R&B legends such as Brandy, TLC, and Tatyana Ali, “In My Corner” is a tribute to the genre’s most iconic love songs about appreciating the beauty and magic of true love. 

 Indie rock band Mike Mains & The Branches have a brand new album coming out, and, to celebrate, they’ve released three new singles called “We’re Alive,” “Always My Forever,” and “Talk To Me.” Entitled Memory Unfixed, the album reflects Mains’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be out on September 15 through Tooth & Nail Records. 

 Born Rodrigo Caraballo-Marin, Blue Capricorn is the Dallas-based Latinx musician’s stage name. Refusing to be held back by genre, his goal as an artist is to meld them in a harmonious and complementary style. An alternative track infused with plenty of electronic elements, his latest single, “PALO SANTO,” proves the success of this ambition. 

 It’s an exciting time for hard rock band If Not For Me, as they not only announce their signing to renowned alternative/rock label InVogue Records, but also release a brand new single, “Demons”. Lyrically introspective with loud, compelling instrumentals, “Demons” proves If Not For Me is a powerful force within the alternative rock music scene. 

 Pop-rock duo Honey Revenge added another banger to their growing discography with May 26th’s surprise drop “Favorite Song”. Outspoken lyrics are delivered in a disheartened yet hopeful tone and paired with vibrant melodies to reflect this track's frustration and conflicted emotions. The release of “Favorite Song” comes in preparation for the band’s debut album Retrovision, out June 23rd via Thriller Records. 

 Waterparks is back with a new song, and they did not come to mess around. Back in 2022, the genre-bending rock band teased the title of a track called “REAL SUPER DARK” over a few months via a bass drum displaying the words “REAL,” “SUPER,” and “DARK” interchangeably. Now, Waterparks has finally released “REAL SUPER DARK” as the fourth single off their upcoming fifth studio album, Intellectual Property.