‘Tyrchu Sain’ (translating to ‘Digging Sain’) is a fearless and exploratory album, which sees Don Leisure put his signature unparalleled and unpredictable skills to work, weaving together moments of forgotten beauty into celestial and otherworldly compositions. The record features appearances by artists from Wales who have a similar obsession as Don Leisure in these classic Welsh rarities including Gruff Rhys, Carwyn Ellis, Earl Jeffers Amanda Whiting and Boy Azooga. Don has previously collaborated with Angel Bat Dawid, Gruff Rhys, DJ Spinna and First Word label-mates Amanda Whiting & Tyler Daley (Children of Zeus).
Boston via Rahway, NJ rock outfit Cut The Kids In Half are excited to share their debut album, What We Became. Named after Radiohead’s “Morning Bell,” brothers Charlie and Jack Silver (ages 18 and 19 respectively) have established themselves as a compelling young band, cutting their teeth the old-fashioned way: playing gigs on their local scene. With their first full-length record, their artistic ambition is clear, as vulnerability collides with catchy riffs. Nine tracks unfold with storied lyricism and contemplative vocals, capturing moments of emotional strife with twinges of optimism.
“‘What We Became’ is the product of four years of dedication to a shared vision,” say Charlie and Jack Silver. “Every song on this album was crafted while we were still in high school, and we are endlessly proud of how these songs continue to resonate with us. These stories grapple with the contradictions and hardships of love, the terrifying weight of aging, and the catharsis that comes with leaving your old life behind. We hope you enjoy.”
Rock band L.S. Dunes has released their highly anticipated sophomore album Violet, out now via Fantasy Records. Featuring recent singles “Violet“, “Paper Tigers“, “Machines“, and “Fatal Deluxe“, the new album sees L.S. Dunes embracing the magic in everyday life. Fans can purchase or stream the album now here, and watch the band’s new music video “Forgiveness” here.
”The process of writing and recording this record took me someplace I’ve never been and showed me things I’ve never seen,” recalls front man Anthony Green. “There was a point where I was dead set on telling the story, but during the process of collaborating I started to realize that ‘Violet’ had taken all of us someplace different and showed us all different things and started to see something bigger than just my experience.
”He continues: “I will say that this record might be here to reflect back on whatever it is you go looking for in music because music is magic and magic is real. Music is magic.”
On the band’s new single “Forgiveness”, Travis Stever shares: “This is a song that lived in all of us for years. We had it in us way before we even knew each other. We could only bring it to life together. Each individual brings a certain element and strength to the song that gives it its wings.”
“Late one night while working on the preproduction for Past Lives Travis started finger picking these chords and it hit me like a ton of bricks, I immediately heard the whole (instrumental) song in my head,” adds Frank Iero. “We worked out most of the arrangement and instrumentation in demo form and I just knew it had the potential to be something really special. But we were brand new at working together at that point and we had a lot of songs that were coming together right before recording… and honestly, looking back I don’t think this song would have fit on Past Lives, so I’m really glad it sat and waited for us. I think it might be one of most beautiful songs I have had a hand in creating, and it really rides that line of fragility meets power that I adore.”
Summer, Winter, Spring, Fall. When multi-instrumentalist and producer Greg Almeida first setout to create the world of Secret Gardens, he had much more than just post-rock, or any adjacent genre on his mind. A passion project born out of his stone-solid emotional interpretation of sound, the initial arc of Secret Gardens is to release a tetralogy of albums that sonically represent each season-& the interpretation of his experiences through them-by whatever means necessary. 2019 saw the summer installment Verão, his first release under the moniker-a release he worked on in secret during his tenure with regionally touring alternative rock band VISTA, therefore inspiring the name.
If you love Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, My Chem, Foo Fighters, or Pierce The Veil, I have a budding band for you. NYC based modern rock band Øff Guard consists of classically trained musicians with a mission of mental health advocacy while staying true to themselves through the process. Delivering an electrifying sound that’s both reflective and heartfelt, Øff Guard’s energetic and unwavering focus on emotional authenticity brings forth their third EP, Complex Machines, produced by Alan Day (Four Year Strong) and Nik Bruzzese (Man Overboard). We are all complex machines, capable of changing our feelings and intentions in an instant, embodying the duality of man—wired for self-preservation yet deeply sentimental toward others. Following themes of mental illness, OCD, human’s shared spectrum of emotion and even the bittersweet loss of childhood, the ep makes for a raw, relatable & powerful listening experience.
the Philadelphia-based, alternative rock band ASkySoBlack released their first full-length record, Touch Heaven via New Morality Zine.
Jordan Shteif (Guitar/Vocals), Alec Martin (Drums), Norman Staley (Bass) and Liam Coombe (Guitar) are the musicians behind ASkySoBlack, one of the most captivating bands in the modern alternative scene. They blend the mournful melodies of 90s icons like Hum, Smashing Pumpkins, and Deftones with the chaotic aggression of 00s emo acts like Glassjaw and At the Drive-In. This new record marks a significant evolution in their sound offering personal and musical depth that resonates with anyone navigating grief, personal struggle, or emotional release. It dives into themes of love, loss, and heartbreak, focusing on melody and introspective soundscapes.
Touch Heaven is an album about heartache and consequence. Released almost a year to the date of the culmination of the lead singer’s ten-year relationship, the record explores themes of guilt, listlessness, detachment, depression, longing, and love.
“I’ve spent my entire life falling out with myself. This record was largely written during a time in which despondent self-loathing culminated in the loss of a decade-long friendship and love,” shares lead vocalist and guitarist Jordan Shteif. “Touch Heaven is an admission of guilt, a failure to change, and a cry for help in the face of blatant omens”
Dance music maverick Gryffin and electronic music legend Kaskade have united for the first time on their new collaborative single ‘In My Head’ featuring UK vocalist Nu-La out now via 10K Projects.
‘In My Head’ is a starlit collaboration that sees two titans of progressive dance music combine their generational sonic influences. Blending their emotive yet energetic signatures, Gryffin and Kaskade lay down entrancing melodies and driving basslines to elevate Nu-La’s powerful vocal performance. ‘In My Head’ is a heart-thumping hit that will heat up dancefloors all winter long.
“Kaskade has been one of my biggest idols since I first got into dance music. I’ve had the pleasure of playing on shows and developing a friendship, but now I couldn’t be more excited to finally have a collaboration with him. ‘In My Head’ feels like a perfect collab between us, as it represents both our styles coming together.” – Gryffin
the first solo third-party release on Alesso’s imprint BodyHi, “Do You Like Bass” immediately captures listeners attention, drawing them in with the cheeky vocal sample that cuts through the mix with just the right amount of attitude. The club-ready single is driven forward with a thick, full bodied percussion – but it’s not heavy just for the sake of it; it’s precise, driving and unmistakably groovy, with the interplay between a heavy bassline and playful vocals feeling like a call-and-response with the track itself.
Designed for the dance floor, the high-octane track has already seen support from some of the scene’s heaviest-hitters, including John Summit and Alesso, who debuted the song at Coachella in 2024. Whether it’s at a packed club or a massive festival stage, “Do You Like Bass” doesn’t just speak to the crowd – it commands it.
Coupdekat is a multi-disciplinary alt-pop artist blending music, fashion and art to create immersive experiences. Her upcoming third EP, the world she created / inside of her pocket*, due for release 6th February 2025, reflects her evolving sound, pulling on influences from Imogen Heap, The Sundays and A.G. Cook. The E.P. is a reflection on teenage memories that were once so vivid and significant but have now begun to fade. Coupdekat explains “These moments may change, but they will always remain tucked away in my pocket – and everyone’s pocket will be different”. The focal track “Xxxx” delves into the complexities of online relationships with the emphasis on hyper-fixation and the idolization of online influencers, focusing a distinctly modern lens on the timeless emotions of love and infatuation.
Palestinian-American pop artist Amira Jazeera is excited to share her latest single, “Luv U Down”, available now across music platforms.
The track, available now, features dreamy synths and atmospheric vocals that bring to mind Dua Lipa, Raye, Christina Aguilera, and Mariah Carey among others.
Amira Jazeera’s “Luv U Down” is the latest single from her upcoming album, due to be released later this year, where she continues her pop princess storyline. The track talks about the excitement of a romantic fling with its 80s vibe and a touch of a glam rock, is a perfect track for those moments when you wanna let loose and embrace the thrill of a new love.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
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