REVIEWS

Armitage’s track “Victory or Defeat,” from their concept EP Robusuta, is a no-holds-barred metalcore assault that captures both the chaos of its kaiju-inspired story and the raw emotion of a band pouring everything into their music.

Built around thunderous drums, sharp guitar riffs, and a bass tone that’s, as one reviewer put it, “absolutely filthy,” the song drives forward with unstoppable force. Jason Walker’s drums slam with relentless energy, while Dan Turnquist’s guitar work balances crushing heaviness with melodic undercurrents that keep the track dynamic. Jesse Condra’s vocals are a standout, shifting from soaring cleans to guttural screams that mirror the battle between hope and destruction happening in the lyrics.

Recorded DIY in Jason’s home studio, “Victory or Defeat” still sounds surprisingly polished, with a tightness that belies its grassroots production. The writing process — fueled by constant jam sessions and real-time recording — brings an organic, immediate feeling to the song, making every breakdown and every chorus hit harder.

Sonically, it’s a love letter to 2000s metalcore — think Killswitch Engage’s melodic intensity fused with Atreyu’s emotional aggression — but “Victory or Defeat” has a life of its own. It’s not just another heavy track; it’s about standing strong when everything around you is falling apart. In both sound and spirit, Armitage captures the feeling of fighting through the storm, whether that storm is a fictional kaiju attack or the very real battles we face every day.

Victory or Defeat shows that even in DIY conditions, passion and chemistry can create something massive, and Armitage is proof.

Toby TomTom’s latest single, “Sun is Going Down,” released on April 18, 2025, is a compelling fusion of Hip-Hop, EDM, and Trap that captures the emotional turbulence of contemporary life. The track opens with haunting synths and syncopated drums, establishing a mood of introspection and urgency. TomTom’s vocals, layered with astral textures and down-pitched moments, evoke a sense of subversion and metaphorical depth, reminiscent of Missy Elliott’s Da Real World album. 

As the song progresses, it transitions from industrial hip-hop and EDM elements to a pulsating, disco-adjacent beat, inviting listeners to dance amidst the chaos. This shift mirrors the song’s thematic journey—from joy and celebration to a dystopian vibe—culminating in the sound of a lighter sparking up, symbolizing hope amidst despair. 

The inclusion of spoken word by actor Daniel Danielson adds a layer of narrative complexity, reflecting on societal divisions and modern anxieties. TomTom’s holistic approach—composing, arranging, producing, and performing the track himself—demonstrates his commitment to authenticity and artistic vision.

“Sun is Going Down” stands out as a genre-defying piece that resonates with the listener’s inner struggles and the collective yearning for change. It’s a testament to Toby TomTom’s ability to blend diverse musical elements into a cohesive and impactful narrative.

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Porcelain Parrot’s latest single, “firehead,” ignites with a raw, analog-fueled intensity that captures the essence of emo and indie rock, tinged with shoegaze textures. Recorded entirely by the artist, this track stands as a testament to personal resilience and artistic conviction.​

The song opens with a cascade of heavily layered guitars, their fuzz-drenched tones creating a dense sonic landscape. This wall of sound is meticulously crafted, with each guitar line contributing to a harmonious yet chaotic backdrop. The use of analog equipment, including the 1176 compressor on vocals and the Avalon VT737 on bass, infuses the track with a gritty warmth, enhancing its emotional depth.​

Vocally, “firehead” is both vulnerable and assertive. The doubled vocals weave through the instrumental haze, delivering lyrics that reflect on youthful turmoil and the complexities of personal relationships. Inspired by a high school fallout, the song encapsulates the confusion and pain of growing apart, yet it doesn’t dwell in bitterness. Instead, it offers a nuanced perspective, acknowledging past hurt while expressing enduring affection.​

The composition builds gradually, starting from a subdued intro and escalating into a cathartic chorus. The “guitarmonies” in the chorus, as the artist describes, are particularly noteworthy, adding a melodic richness that elevates the track. This progression mirrors the emotional journey conveyed in the lyrics, moving from introspection to a powerful release.​

“Firehead” is more than just a song; it’s a snapshot of personal growth and artistic evolution. As the lead single for an upcoming EP, it sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling exploration of sound and sentiment.

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With “Hit The Ground,” DJ Snudi and Sadie have crafted a sun-drenched anthem that feels tailor-made for springtime afternoons and golden summer evenings. Built around a light and dreamy electronic production, the track floats on a gentle rhythm that’s both soothing and quietly infectious. DJ Snudi’s careful hand is evident throughout—the beats don’t rush or overpower; instead, they unfold naturally, offering an open space for Sadie’s voice to truly shine.

Sadie’s vocals bring an essential warmth to the track. Her delivery is clear and emotive, effortlessly balancing vulnerability and hope. Her voice drifts through the song like a soft breeze, layering over Snudi’s shimmering synth textures and understated beats. There’s a simplicity in the composition that feels intentional: every element—whether it’s the delicate taps of percussion or the subtle melodic flourishes—works in service of building a mood of carefree optimism.

Recorded in the comfort of DJ Snudi’s home studio, “Hit The Ground” captures an intimacy that’s often missing from today’s larger-than-life productions. It’s not about overwhelming the listener; it’s about creating a space where emotions can breathe. The melodic structure is easy to hold onto, lingering in the mind without feeling forced, a perfect companion for those seeking small moments of joy and reflection.

At its core, “Hit The Ground” isn’t trying to dazzle with complexity—it’s offering a reminder of how powerful simplicity, heartfelt vocals, and genuine emotion can be when blended just right.

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Mr. Sassy & the Backup Plans’ new single, “Catacombs,” delivers a bright, piano-led indie rock sound that balances humor, depth, and vulnerability. Inspired by a woman who captured songwriter Janos’s attention, the track reflects the emotional complexity of desire while keeping the mood energetic and accessible. The song’s catchy piano hook immediately pulls listeners in, creating a lively backdrop that carries the track’s introspective spirit without weighing it down.

The production is crisp and straightforward, with the piano clearly leading the arrangement, supported by subtle guitars and percussion. This simplicity highlights the song’s emotional layers, allowing the vivid, stream-of-consciousness lyrics to stand out. While the mood feels light at first listen, there’s a clear undercurrent of deeper reflection running through the song’s storytelling.

“Catacombs” manages to be both fun and thoughtful — a tricky balance that makes it feel relatable without being too heavy-handed. It’s this contrast between the upbeat instrumentation and the introspective writing that gives the song its character. Listeners looking for something catchy yet meaningful will find a lot to appreciate here. Available now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more, “Catacombs” is a strong showing for Mr. Sassy & the Backup Plans, offering a smart and sincere take on modern piano-driven indie rock.

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Nina Aurora’s “Energy” is a smooth and introspective R&B track that explores the ideas of self-love, manifestation, and the hope for a deep, effortless connection. Released in August 2023, the song blends gentle production with a clear, confident sense of purpose, making it an easy listen for summer days. Built around a mellow loop, the production stays minimal, with soft synth layers and understated percussion creating a relaxed and intimate mood. This allows Nina’s vocals to stand out, delivering the emotional core of the track without ever feeling overworked or forced.

Lyrically, “Energy” captures a personal journey of envisioning love while staying grounded in self-worth. Lines like “Every time I close my eyes, I see you clearly in my mind” show her vivid and hopeful inner world, connecting the idea of manifestation to emotional clarity. Another key lyric, “I wanted the song to reflect love that is pure, effortless, and unconditional,” sums up the song’s heart: a yearning for something real without compromise or confusion. Throughout the track, Nina’s voice carries a natural warmth that makes the message feel authentic rather than idealized.

“Energy” feels genuine in its simplicity, offering listeners a moment of calm reflection without ever becoming overly sentimental. It’s a thoughtful addition to Nina Aurora’s growing catalog, showing her focus on relatable, meaningful songwriting. With its blend of classic R&B sounds and a fresh emotional honesty, “Energy” leaves a lasting, positive impression.

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Luxx Motion confidently enters the music scene with their debut single, “Magic Number”—a high-energy track rooted in the pulse of indie disco and synth-pop. Inspired by the band’s experience DJing soul and disco nights, the track reflects a desire to capture the spirit of summer in sound. It’s not just about feel-good music—crafting something timeless that mirrors the mood of warmer days, open skies, and late-night dancing.

What makes “Magic Number” stand out is its clear sense of purpose. The rhythm section leans into dancefloor-ready grooves, and the production hints at a mix of electronic elements and live instrumentation. There’s a tight sense of control in the track’s arrangement, where each part seems to know exactly when to take the spotlight and when to pull back.

The band describes the song as a blend of genres, and it shows. There are hints of vintage funk and soul, but also a polished modern edge that keeps it fresh. Rather than relying on nostalgia, Luxx Motion builds on familiar influences to shape something new and energetic. The hooks are instantly memorable, and the chorus has a contagious bounce that’s hard to ignore.

“Magic Number” isn’t trying to be deep or complex—it’s built to be felt. With upbeat energy, a clear groove, and a mood that lifts, it’s a strong opening statement from a band ready to bring their style to the dancefloor.

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Dream & Onion’s “Me And My Drugs” is a slow-burning alternative rock track that explores the emotional complexities of addiction, blending numbness with moments of awareness. Released on November 12, 2022, the song doesn’t attempt to preach or seek sympathy; instead, it exists in the space where addiction becomes a part of the daily landscape, neither celebrated nor condemned.

From the start, the track carries a weighty presence, with thick, distorted guitars forming a solid backbone. The sound isn’t overwhelming but builds steadily, creating a sense of pressure that mirrors the emotional tension described in the lyrics. A steady, slow-moving drumbeat provides the song with a sense of progression, one that feels worn-out and determined. There’s no dramatic shift or flashy solos—just a consistent, deliberate rhythm that reflects the emotional flatline being explored.

The track’s strength lies in its honesty. It doesn’t moralize addiction or present a dramatic fall from grace, instead offering a raw, unfiltered look at what it feels like to live in the in-between space of craving and desensitization. “Me And My Drugs” doesn’t tell the listener how to feel—it simply exists, offering a window into the quiet chaos of addiction. By keeping the approach simple and grounded, Dream & Onion crafts a powerful narrative that lingers long after the song ends.

Available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, “Me And My Drugs” stands out for its raw and unflinching portrayal of a difficult subject. It’s a song that speaks to the complexity of personal struggle without offering easy answers.

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Jack Horton’s “Set Me Free,” the lead single from his EP Imperfections, is a poignant piano-driven ballad that delves deep into the complexities of love and the courage required to let go. Written in the wake of his divorce, the song captures the raw emotion of releasing someone you still care for, encapsulating the paradox of love and loss.​

The composition is anchored by Horton’s expressive piano work, providing a soulful foundation that allows the lyrics to breathe and the emotion to rise naturally. His vocal delivery is sincere and unembellished, drawing listeners into a personal narrative that resonates with authenticity. The arrangement is intentionally sparse, avoiding overproduction to maintain the song’s intimate atmosphere.​

Lyrically, “Set Me Free” explores the theme of loving someone enough to let them go. The lyrics are straightforward yet deeply affecting, reflecting a mature understanding of relationships and personal growth. Horton’s storytelling evokes the timeless quality of classic singer-songwriters, while also embracing contemporary sensibilities.​

“Set Me Free” stands out as a testament to Horton’s ability to translate personal experiences into universally relatable music. It’s a song that doesn’t just tell a story—it invites listeners to reflect on their journeys of love, loss, and liberation.

Speaking Is A Gun’s “Nothing Ever Tasted So Good” marks the band’s energetic plunge into rock ‘n’ roll, blending vibrant riffs and dynamic rhythms to capture the chaotic, intoxicating experience of first love. Released as their first full rock track, the song fuses multiple influences, including the funk of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the swagger of The Rolling Stones, to create something fresh and contagious.

The track opens with a crowd-rousing ambiance, quickly transforming into a driving rhythm led by bassist Max Prieß and drummer Damian Baran. Their groove is a breakbeat-inspired foundation that crackles with energy, complementing the fevered strumming of rhythm guitarist and vocalist Florian Begenau. Begenau’s rap-like vocal delivery adds a playful urgency, capturing the overwhelming sensation of love with lines like “Nothing ever tasted so good since I love you.” This lyric, both simple and intense, reflects the heightened emotions of infatuation, with taste becoming the metaphor for the experience.

In the latter half of the song, Begenau unleashes a fiery guitar solo, a howl of passion that mirrors the madness of the emotions he’s singing about. His intense delivery peaks with another memorable lyric, “Your hair tasted so good – YOU never tasted so good,” a declaration of the all-consuming nature of his desire.

The song’s infectious energy is enhanced by the sound of a real party session recorded at the Rockhaus studio, adding to the joyful chaos that permeates the track. Using a classic 1972 Marshall 100 Lead amp, the band’s sound is rich and powerful, creating a sonic atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and new.

“Nothing Ever Tasted So Good” is a celebration of the ecstatic rush of love, marked by its dynamic rhythm, electrifying guitar work, and raw, playful vocals. It’s a song that doesn’t hold back—its vivid portrayal of infatuation will leave you feeling the rush, long after it ends.