REVIEWS

Burnt Log’s track School takes listeners on a journey through the haunting, surreal world of high school, blending nostalgia with deep introspection. The opening song of his third album, Beautiful Terrier, School captures the tension, uncertainty, and emotional weight of the 1980s school experience. What could easily have been a straightforward trip down memory lane instead becomes a complex and emotionally resonant reflection on both personal and global struggles.

Musically, School blends cinematic indie rock with progressive elements, drawing on the post-punk influences of Burnt Log’s youth while incorporating the grandeur of 70s progressive rock. The arrangement feels both expansive and intimate, with layers of dreamy, atmospheric instrumentation interwoven with more jagged, discordant post-punk rhythms that mirror the chaos and confusion of adolescence. It’s a sound that’s as much about feeling as it is about memory, creating a rich backdrop for the vivid storytelling that unfolds.

The track’s thematic depth comes not just from the reflections on high school days but from the unexpected influence of the documentary Navalny. The song pulls in inspiration from the real-world resilience of Yulia Navalny, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whose strength and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity provide a poignant counterpoint to the youthful angst of the song. This adds an unexpected layer of gravitas, shifting School from a nostalgic recollection into a more universal meditation on perseverance and hope.

While the song was recorded in Burnt Log’s home studio with limited resources, the final product is a polished and expansive piece, thanks to the work of a skilled mix engineer. The home-recorded quality gives the song an authenticity and rawness, as if Burnt Log is opening a personal window into his own world. Yet, despite these DIY limitations, the track still manages to feel bigger than the sum of its parts—a testament to Burnt Log’s vision and craftsmanship.

What truly makes School stand out, however, is its ability to carry the listener on a journey. It’s a song that doesn’t simply revisit the past—it reinterprets it, drawing connections between personal history and wider world events, all while maintaining a sense of emotional sincerity and depth. With School, Burnt Log has crafted a unique blend of nostalgia, reflection, and resilience, making it an evocative start to the ambitious Beautiful Terrier.

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Emerging from a personal moment of vulnerability, Things Change’s latest single, “Juicy Boom,” offers a compelling blend of punk, pop-punk, and alternative rock. The track captures the raw energy of these genres while delivering a narrative rooted in genuine experience.

The song’s inception is as unique as its sound. During a period of illness, the artist found solace in an intense craving for a juicy orange. This simple desire became a metaphor for resilience and the pursuit of vitality amidst adversity. The resulting composition reflects this journey, leading listeners through a feverish dreamscape that culminates in a liberating climax of “pure fruit indulgence,” as described in the press release.

Musically, “Juicy Boom” is characterized by its clean production and spirited instrumentation. The track builds momentum through catchy guitar riffs and emotionally charged vocals, creating an immersive listening experience. The drums provide a powerful punch, transforming the song into a full-bodied anthem that resonates with authenticity.

Available on major platforms such as Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and YouTube, “Juicy Boom” stands out in the modern punk and alternative scene. Its combination of sharp hooks, punchy rhythms, and heartfelt storytelling offers a refreshing take on the genre. Things Change has crafted a track that not only recounts personal hardship but also celebrates the small, vivid moments that inspire creativity and perseverance.

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The Raspberry Jams’ single “Vampire Bride,” re-recorded for their debut album Kitty Cat Fever, is a dark and dreamy dive into art punk and indie rock that manages to balance playful teenage obsession with gritty sonic ambition. Drawing from their shared love for Edward Cullen of Twilight fame, the band builds a narrative around longing and determination — the desire to be “the chosen one” for the vampire protagonist. The concept, while fantastical, feels grounded in emotional realism, thanks to the song’s moody delivery and dramatic tone.

Lyrically, “Vampire Bride” leans into the melodrama of undying devotion with lines like “Kiss me kiss me / Bite me bite me / Make me your vampire bride.” These words echo the melodious angst of teenage infatuation, packaged with a clever, gothic flair. The track’s production favors a heavier, more defined bassline than some of the group’s previous releases, giving the song a murkier, more weighted feel that matches its romantic themes.

Musically, the band fuses melodic art punk and indie rock with subtle hints of alternative grit. Adeline Harris leads with vocals and guitar, while Kenzie Hauppa handles bass and drums, both contributing to a minimal yet emotionally rich arrangement. Recorded at Angry Parrot Basement Recordings in January 2024, the track embraces its DIY roots without sacrificing clarity or tone.

“Vampire Bride” stands out in the indie landscape not just for its homage to Twilight, but for its ability to make a quirky concept feel genuinely haunting and heartfelt. It’s a love song, a gothic daydream, and a testament to how earnest teenage artistry can still surprise and resonate.

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Prem Byrne’s single “A Beautiful Life” is a deeply moving adult contemporary track that reflects on death, grief, and the choice to live with intention. Written just days after Byrne lost his uncle, the song began as an emotional response to that loss and gradually evolved over 15 years into a fully produced piece with rich musical depth. The lyrics center on letting go while still celebrating the time we have—a message that feels personal yet widely relatable.

Instrumentally, the song is lush and layered, featuring live drums, a steel-string guitar, and synth textures alongside more unexpected additions like the Middle Eastern oud and an Indian bamboo flute (bansuri). Byrne himself plays the bamboo flute in parts of the track. These world instruments give the song a reflective, almost spiritual tone that aligns beautifully with its themes of mortality and gratitude.

What makes “A Beautiful Life” especially stand out is its sincerity. The emotional weight isn’t forced—it’s embedded in the songwriting and the care put into the production. Byrne noted that it took a long time before he was satisfied with the arrangement, and the result shows. Each sonic choice—from subtle harmonies to the gentle fade of the flute—feels considered and heartfelt.
 

The song is also a tribute, both to Byrne’s uncle and to life itself. It’s not only about saying goodbye but about making peace with the fact that all good things eventually pass. As Byrne puts it, this track is “an offering to all of us lucky enough to experience life on Earth,” making it more than a personal elegy—it becomes a universal reminder.

Now streaming on all major platforms, “A Beautiful Life” is an emotional and musical accomplishment—a blend of folk, world, and contemporary influences that invites reflection without slipping into sentimentality. It’s a slow-burning, thoughtful listen that lingers long after the final note.

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“Origin” by ESCAPIST is a dark, emotionally raw fusion of metal and shadowy pop that dives deep into the psychological tug-of-war between the desire to evolve and the weight of past patterns. Produced at Escapist Studios and mastered at Empire Studios, this track pulls no punches with its sound or message, balancing ethereal calm with eruptive aggression.

The song’s structure thrives on contrast: it opens with eerie, atmospheric moments, slowly unraveling into walls of distortion and screams that mirror the emotional chaos it explores. Lyrically, ESCAPIST paints a vivid portrait of mental turmoil. Lines like “I see no water but I’m diving in” and “I’m begging for one more day just to wake up and feel the same” highlight the cycle of burnout and emotional paralysis.

Moments of brutal honesty are scattered throughout, such as “Standing still, knowing all I’ve got was never enough” and “May the hatred be my anthem”. These lines, delivered with alternating haunting melodies and guttural intensity, feel like confessions clawing their way out. The tension builds with lines like “Another day, another tomb, another chained love”, culminating in a climax where “Now I see my own gravestone” feels less like defeat and more like confrontation.

Instrumentally, “Origin” leans heavily into low-end guitar tones, punchy drum production, and dramatic shifts in tempo and vocal delivery. The contrast between whispered vulnerability and all-out sonic assault creates a feeling of unpredictability—something that holds the listener tightly throughout.

“Origin” isn’t simply a song for fans of metal or dark pop—it’s a cathartic release for anyone who’s felt stuck inside their own patterns. With brutally honest lyricism and emotionally dynamic production, ESCAPIST delivers a track that doesn’t just echo struggle—it embodies it.

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Emily Dimes’ second solo single, “Make You Proud,” released on March 27, 2025, is a heartfelt pop-rock ballad that delves into themes of grief, resilience, and the drive to honor loved ones through personal growth. Inspired by the passing of her grandfather, the song reflects on the complexities of mourning and the motivation to live a fulfilling life in tribute to those we’ve lost.

The track begins with a stripped-back, piano-led arrangement, gradually building into a more robust soundscape that incorporates strings and driving percussion. This progression mirrors the emotional journey from sorrow to empowerment, capturing the multifaceted nature of grief. 

Critics have noted the song’s stirring and engrossing feel, highlighting how the intimate tone of the piano and strings sets the scene for Dimes’ impassioned vocals. The uplifting and soaring choruses convey a sense of defiance and determination, encapsulating the full spectrum of emotions associated with loss. 

“Make You Proud” is part of Dimes’ upcoming debut EP, set for release in early summer 2025. The EP aims to explore the human experience of feeling lost and unstable, even when appearing to cope well externally, and is underpinned by an overarching message of hope.

With her background in classical singing, piano, and musical theatre, Dimes brings a unique blend of influences to her music, bridging the gap between pop-rock, pop-punk, alt-pop, and K-Pop. Her ability to fuse fun melodic hooks with darker lyrical themes creates a listening experience that resonates with audiences navigating their emotional landscapes.

“Make You Proud” stands as a testament to Emily Dimes’ evolving artistry, offering a poignant reflection on grief and the enduring impact of those we’ve lost, while inspiring listeners to find strength and purpose in their own lives.

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Olly E’s latest single, “After I’m Gone,” released on April 25, 2025, is a compelling exploration of mortality and the enduring significance of love. Collaborating with Heather McDowall, Olly E blends male and female vocals to create a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The song draws inspiration from late ’90s and early 2000s nu-metal influences, notably Deftones and Limp Bizkit, while incorporating modern elements reminiscent of Sleep Token.

The track’s production showcases Olly E’s multifaceted talent, as he recorded, mixed, and mastered the song through his own venture, ODIE Music Productions. Utilizing tools like GetGood Drums, STL Tones, and Neural DSP for drums, guitar, and bass, along with Waves, FabFilter, and Soundtoys plugins for mixing, he crafts a sound that is both polished and emotionally resonant. Innovative techniques, such as sidechaining kick and bass and incorporating subtle guitar layers, contribute to the track’s depth and texture.

Lyrically, “After I’m Gone” delves into profound questions about legacy and the fleeting nature of time, posing inquiries like “Will the ones we love be there for us?” and “Will we be remembered for our time on earth?” Despite its heavy themes, the song maintains an accessible and energetic tone, balancing introspection with a sense of hope and connection. This thematic approach aligns with Olly E’s broader musical ethos, as he aims to provide solace and understanding through his work, a sentiment echoed in previous releases like “For You,” which addresses mental health struggles with sincerity and compassion.

“After I’m Gone” stands as a testament to Olly E’s ability to fuse nostalgic musical influences with contemporary production and heartfelt lyricism, offering listeners a track that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

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“Dream Little Lies” by Secret Molecules is a shining slice of power pop rock that blends bright optimism with introspective warmth. It’s the kind of track that wraps you in a melodic hug while nudging you toward hope, even when the path ahead looks uncertain.

The song’s lyrics carry a gentle, reassuring message: that setbacks aren’t endings, and that even in silence or rejection, beauty and possibility are still blooming somewhere. Lines like “if they never call you, no need to worry” and “this garden of roses has opened today” serve as reminders that optimism is a choice—one that the band delivers with a steady pulse and a sincere tone.

Musically, it’s energetic without being overwhelming—crisp guitar work and clean production give it a polished sound that’s easy to revisit. There’s joy here, but also a quiet layer of contemplation that sets it apart from more shallow, upbeat tracks. It doesn’t need to scream to be heard.

Secret Molecules may claim, tongue-in-cheek, that “they don’t write good music anymore”—but this song begs to differ. “Dream Little Lies” is proof that heartfelt songwriting and thoughtful arrangement still matter, and that sometimes, all it takes is one song to reignite hope.

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“Play Your Melody,” one of the standout tracks from Phil Lentz Presents… Vol. II is a genre-blending gem that brings narrative richness and emotional depth to contemporary jazz. With a storytelling approach that leans into pop-ballad territory, this track is both cinematic and heartfelt, led by Red Heller’s expressive vocal delivery.The song paints a vivid scene of a fiddler playing outside grand theatres, chasing connection through melody. There’s a subtle theatrical drama to it, not unlike Cher’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” with its melancholy storytelling and haunting elegance. But here, the jazz and classical touches add a layer of sophistication that makes the track feel timeless and grounded.

Bob Cohen’s violin glides between background texture and melodic spotlight, giving the song a dreamlike quality. The arrangement gently swells with piano and saxophone flourishes, but never overwhelms the vocals. It’s restrained, yet rich, letting each instrumental voice add emotion without clutter.

What makes “Play Your Melody” memorable is how it captures the soul of street music—the intimacy, the longing, and the way a simple melody can linger in the air. It’s a quietly powerful piece, and a perfect example of how Phil Lentz is pushing jazz forward without losing its human touch.

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Undergone’s debut single “Falling Apart” is a powerful blend of emotional weight and musical energy that shows off everything this young Polish band can do. From the city of Katowice, this five-piece group—featuring haunting vocals from Wiktoria Borecka—dives deep into themes of emotional breakdown and inner struggle, all wrapped in a mix of dreamy shoegaze and heavy rock.

The song starts soft, with eerie guitar tones and a calm rhythm, like walking through a quiet dream. But around the one-minute mark, everything shifts. The guitars roar, the drums hit harder, and the song bursts into a storm of sound. This change in mood keeps happening throughout the track, pulling you between peaceful reflection and intense chaos.

Undergone’s sound is layered and rich. The dreamy moments feel wide and open, filled with echo and atmosphere, while the loud parts hit with real force. The guitar solo near the end is a highlight—it’s not just skillful, it’s emotional, fitting perfectly into the song’s story. The lyrics, filled with dark and vivid images, capture the feeling of falling apart mentally and emotionally, making the track even more gripping.

What makes this song stand out is how well it balances contrast. It’s sad but beautiful, soft but fierce, dreamy but grounded. The band isn’t afraid to play with dynamics, and that makes the song unpredictable in the best way.

“Falling Apart” isn’t just a strong debut—it’s a deep, emotional journey that sticks with you. If you like alternative rock with heart, energy, and a touch of dreaminess, this is a must-listen.

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