REVIEWS

ReeToxA’s debut album Pines Salad is a gritty, emotionally rich dive into three decades of songwriting, served with a distinct Aussie bite. Jason McKee, the Melbourne-based force behind the project, delivers a 14-track record that blends ’90s grunge influences with modern indie flair. It’s an album carved from personal experience, heartbreak, and self-reflection, wrapped in raw lyricism and sharpened by a stellar lineup of musicians and production talent.

The opener “Alcohol” sets the tone with smoldering guitars and a vocal delivery full of tension. From there, tracks like “Amber” shine—McKee wrote it as a teenager, and it still punches with angst. The standout lyric, “I feel like a donkey in a thoroughbred show,” hits as an anthem for anyone who’s felt like an outsider. Backed by crashing drums and snarling guitars, the song captures that blend of romantic confusion and adolescent fury.

“Avocet Court” flips the script, with a lighter arrangement of strings and rhythm that paints a dreamy, golden atmosphere. McKee’s vocals glide over the melody, revealing a gentler but equally compelling emotional palette. The contrast shows his vocal and songwriting versatility.

Closing track “Call” strips everything back. A lonely guitar and repeated, vulnerable lyrics emphasize raw emotion without needing embellishment. McKee’s voice barely rises above the instrumentation, allowing space for silence, sadness, and reflection to settle in. It’s simple, moving, and masterfully restrained.

With Pines Salad, McKee doesn’t just introduce himself—he tells you where he’s been, what he’s survived, and why the wait was worth it.

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In “No Grudges”, Miami-based artist Derik LaRon turns pain into purpose, delivering a genre-blending single that fuses drill with spiritual depth. Drawing influence from UK and US drill, conscious rap, and spiritual trap, LaRon’s latest release goes beyond beats and bars—it’s a reflective testimony of survival, divine orchestration, and personal elevation.

The track opens with a moody cinematic energy, led by a haunting 137 BPM drill rhythm and wrapped in subtle Afrobeat textures. These sonic layers, combined with LaRon’s lyrical sharpness, create a soundscape that is both gritty and smooth. His delivery is measured, never rushed, allowing the emotion behind each line to resonate. The influence of artists like Headie One, Dax, and K-Trap is clear, yet LaRon carves his own space through his fusion of spiritual themes and street reality.

Lyrically, “No Grudges” centers on the idea of choosing forgiveness over vengeance. Rather than focus on retaliation, LaRon flips betrayal into a source of growth: “It’s about thanking the people who meant harm, recognizing that sometimes the hardest moments are used by a higher power for good,” he explains. His approach to lyricism prioritizes spiritual resilience over bitterness, elevating the message beyond the typical drill formula.

Critics have noted LaRon’s unique positioning—his ability to offer soul and edge in equal measure. With hypnotic production, honest storytelling, and a tone of spiritual clarity, “No Grudges” stands as an anthem of strength, grace, and purposeful healing

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“Girlfriend” by Soul Meets Body is an energetic pop-punk track that delves into the complexities of queer relationships. With a blend of humor and sincerity, the song showcases the band’s knack for crafting catchy melodies while exploring themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. The playful yet meaningful lyrics invite listeners to reflect on the joys and challenges of romantic experiences.

Musically, “Girlfriend” is driven by lively guitar riffs and dynamic drumming, creating a high-energy atmosphere. The instrumentation provides a strong foundation for the song, ensuring that it keeps moving forward and grabs the listener’s attention. The combination of punchy guitars and rhythmic percussion aligns with the vibrant, yet introspective, tone of the track, enhancing its overall impact.

Genevieve Moore, the lead vocalist, delivers the song’s lyrics with confidence and charisma. Her voice carries a perfect blend of playfulness and vulnerability, adding depth to the song’s message about romantic misadventures. Moore’s performance brings a personal touch, making the song feel relatable and emotionally resonant.

“Girlfriend” has become a fan favorite, especially in live performances, where its energy and relatable themes truly shine. The song’s release coinciding with the warmer months of spring and summer makes it a fitting anthem for the season’s adventures, evoking feelings of freedom and possibility.

Overall, “Girlfriend” is a standout track from Soul Meets Body, offering a perfect mix of infectious energy and thoughtful storytelling.

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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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