Melodic punk group Bridge The Gap has announced their forthcoming sophomore album Gainsayer. Set to be released on April 11th via Double Helix Records, in concert with their global distribution partners SBAM Records and Pee Records, Gainsayer features recent single “In The Throes” as well as their brand-new track “Brothers”. Fans can stream “Brothers” now here, and pre-save Gainsayer at https://ffm.to/presavegainsayer.OPR.
“The focus on Gainsayer was songwriting and melody, as opposed to displays of virtuosity that don’t serve the song,” shares vocalist/guitarist Chad Jensen. “There are plenty of riffs and killer drums, but we wanted to deliver a well-written, melodic tour de force that grabs the listener from the first track and never lets up. Bill and The Blasting Room boys were crucial in helping us cover our goals.”
About “Brothers”, he adds: “This is song about loss and madness.”
Free Throw has announced a special, deluxe version of their popular album ‘Those Days Are Gone’ being released on February 28 through Wax Bodega. The new version of the album will include the original songs, new versions of songs that will feature vocals from Tades Sanville of Hot Mulligan, Nathan Hardy of Microwave, Pat Miranda of Movements, Christine Goodwyne of Pool Kids and Yvette Young of Covet with additional live versions of the original tracks rounding out the album, commemorating ten years of its release.
Today the band releases the re-recorded version of “Hey Ken, Someone Methodically Mushed The Donuts ft. Tades Sanville of Hot Mulligan”. Fans can stream it now at this link: https://go.mhe.fm/ft_heyken
Applesauce Tears is the brainchild of Athens, Georgia based musician Craig Bennett, who’s been gifting the world with a pleasant catalog of music since 2011. Now consisting of a collection of friends and acquaintances, the group create catchy, yet unconventional instrumentals that are bound to captivate any who listen. Furthering their unique brand of cinematic soundtracks and psychedelic experimental music, these sound collagist dropouts are ecstatic to release Balcony Confidential
In late 2019, singer-songwriter Alexander Cardinale and his wife Daphna welcomed their second daughter into the world. At exactly that time, his single “Simple Things” featuring Christina Perri started charting at radio, Cardinale’s family was hit with an unimaginable revelation: A few months after their new baby girl’s birth, the family discovered a life-altering IVF mix-up: the baby wasn’t biologically either of theirs. Their embryo had been accidentally switched, and another had been transferred into Daphna. This meant their birth daughter belonged genetically to another family, and as fate had it, the Cardinale’s biological daughter had been born to their birth daughter’s genetic parents.
Faced with the impossible, both families naturally found themselves blending together, ensuring the two babies would stay in everyone’s lives and could grow up together as sisters. The experience shifted Cardinale’s entire focus. He stepped away from his rising music career, redirecting all his energy into his family and their healing journey.
Now, years later and in a period of reflection, Cardinale returns to music with renewed purpose. His latest release, a modernized cover of Cat Stevens’ timeless anthem “Peace Train,” is a heartfelt expression of his truth. The single channels his hopes for unity, healing, and resilience—not only for his family but for listeners everywhere.
Dynamically, the Texas-based three piece craft energetic newwave grunge that echoes their namesake. The brainchild of Brad Peterson (vocals, guitar), Crack! Bang! Pow! also consists of Ryan Reyna (drums) and Jason Guerrero (bass). Forming in 2022, the trio began recording a backlog of raucous tracks that pay homage to the gritty, yet high-voltage garage rock scene. Now in 2025, with the help of engineer Alex Backlund of Fascination Street Studios, Crack! Bang! Pow! are gearing up for their first official single release with “Hey”.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Isabel Pless gifts listeners with the final single from her upcoming debut album, “Shirley Temples.” She will independently release Workhorse in its entirety on February 21. Stream “Shirley Temples” / Pre-save Workhorse.
Using not much more than her words and simple instrumentation to paint a vivid picture, “Shirley Temples” is vastly intimate. The listener is introduced not only to a rolling cast of characters in Pless’ life, but also to her innermost sensations.
“I wrote ‘Shirley Temples’ about my last summer in Vermont before moving to Nashville,” shares Pless. “For the first time in my life I felt so much gratitude for where I grew up and how it helped shape who I am. When I listen to it I feel a little happy, a little sad, and very hopeful— I hope everyone else feels similarly.”
Madeline Hawthorne’s new song “Ghost in a Shell” was inspired by close friends going through difficult breakups and was penned together with her husband, during a short break in her touring schedule “The song puts you in a dream-like state,” she says,. It also harkens back to 70’s era pop, rock and folk recordings. I thoroughly enjoyed producing this track, and I hope you enjoy listening.”
“Ghost in a Shell follows 2024’s release Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives produced by the famed Ryan Hadlock (Zach Bryan, The Lumineers, Vance Joy) and recorded at Bear Creek Studios near Seattle, WA. The album recieved wide praise from outlets including Whiskeyriff, No Depression, Relix, Americana Highways, MAGNET and more.
Hawthorne will kick off her winter tour on January 30 in Colorado Springs and will bring Madeline and her band throughout the Rockies and Pacific Northwest. All tour information and up to date news can be found at madelinehawthorne.com.
World’s First Cinema released their first single of 2025, “Paranoid,” via Fearless Records. It’s available to stream now, along with a lyric visualizer.
The Los Angeles-based duo – John Sinclair and Fil Thorpe – continue to push cinematic boundaries with their new track through storytelling as listeners embark on a lyrical and hypnotic journey that builds momentum throughout. It all comes together at the climactic bridge that will turn heads and have you looking over your shoulder.
This new single comes just after the release of two other tracks to close out 2024 – the striking song “The Underneath” and the anthemic baroque pop song “Freak Show.”
Written and produced entirely by John and Fil, “Paranoid” is all about questioning your own sanity. Throughout the track, you can visualize shadows moving on their own, hear voices that aren’t really there, and feel strange eyes on the back of your head.
The group shared their sentiments on the track: “It was just fun to write, honestly. Reminds us so much of a more modern “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell. It’s spooky and riffy and full of visual hooks.”
Following the release of 2023’s Palm Reader, World’s First Cinema is beginning to define its new era of music with these latest singles. Inspired by their love of movies and film scores, they are historically known to sweep listeners into another world as they expand their cinematic tapestry. Their deluxe album Palm Reader Silver Screen Edition was accompanied by unique scores for each of the tracks on the original EP.
To stay up to date on all of World’s First Cinema’s latest releases and announcements, please visit worldsfirstcinema.com
A new sound is being ushered in by the German based rock band, Kadavar. Today, the band revealed details surrounding their upcoming new album ‘I Just Want To Be A Sound’ to be released May 16 via Clouds Hill. With this they also release the title track, “I Just Want To Be A Sound”.
Fans can listen to the new single here and pre-order the album here
‘I Just Want To Be A Sound’ is a manifesto for freedom, transformation and radical presence. An album that repeatedly abandons itself in order to reincarnate in new forms. Rock anthem, ballad, pop song, epic and earthly alternate seamlessly and virtuously. Free and full of momentum.
Now a four piece led by founders Lupus Lindemann and Tiger Bartelt, and rounded out by guitarist Jascha Kreft and bassist Simon ‘Dragon’ Bouteloup, the declaration “I Just Want To Be A Sound” came from Bouteloup. When Lindemann Bartelt asked him in 2013, shortly after Lindemann and Barlet joined the band, why he didn’t have any social media accounts, he replied: “I just want to be a sound.” A sentence that stuck – and that sums up the band’s self-image. What was casually formulated at the time has developed into a leitmotif over the band’s 15-year history: an uncompromising claim that demands nothing less than to be completely absorbed in the sound without being distracted by outward appearances. A principle to which Kadavar have remained true since their formation in 2010 and which finds its strongest development to date with this album.
“I Just Want To Be A Sound” is more than a song to us – it’s the essence of Kadavar: A relentless yearning for freedom and the unshakable urge to live through music. We poured everything into it – our lives, our spirit, our truth,” says the band in a joint statement.
Two Hip Hop heavyweights, Bronze Nazareth and Termanology, join forces to deliver a masterful blend of storytelling and boom bap in their latest single, “Make It Flood.” Far from your typical strip club anthem, this track delivers one of the most original and tasteful takes on the genre, staying rooted in the authenticity of hip-hop while exploring an unexpected theme.
Bronze Nazareth crafts a hypnotic beat that sets the perfect tone for Termanology’s vivid storytelling. The song immerses listeners in the scene of a smoky, dimly lit club where the spotlight falls on a mesmerizing dancer who captivates Term’s attention and sparks the imagination. Through clever lyricism, the track conveys the allure of her performance, the emotional tension between desire and detachment, and the recognition that the fantasy she creates is fleeting. It’s a delicate balance of admiration and self-awareness, all while maintaining the track’s undeniable energy.
“Make It Flood” is more than just a banger—it’s a high-quality hip-hop experience that brings listeners into the club, capturing the electric atmosphere and the nuanced emotions of the moment.
The single dropped on January 17th, leading up to their highly anticipated album, “Things I Seen,” set to release everywhere on March 28th. This is a standout collaboration that showcases the depth, versatility, and timeless appeal of two masters at work.
popstar and singer-songwriter Hayes Warner released her new single “Oh!” via Glassnote Music LLC / Connection Music Publishing, as well as an accompanying official video that brings the single’s energy to life. You can stream/download the single HERE and watch the music video HERE. Hayes also announced she will be helping kick off Super Bowl festivities by opening for Cardi B on February 8th in New Orleans at the Mardi Gras-themed Victory Fan Festival.
The newest single from Hayes’ upcoming debut EP, “Oh!,” presents a humorous yet insightful exploration of societal expectations young women often face while dating. Through her tongue-in-cheek, yet relatable lyrics, Hayes skillfully captures the pressure to ‘fake it’ and cater to a stereotypical partner who indulge in themes of superficiality, arrogance, and shallowness.
The official music video for “Oh!” was filmed at the renowned New York City nightclub, The Box, and features a collaboration with fashion designer Kate Barton, as Hayes showcases one of Kate’s distinctive outfits. To create the record, Hayes collaborated with Grammy-nominated writer/producer Zhone, known for his work with Charli XCX (“Talk talk” ft. Troye Sivan), Troye Sivan (“Rush”), Kesha (“JOYRIDE”), and others.
“Oh!” is the heart of my debut EP,” said Hayes. “On the surface, it’s a cheeky anthem that uses humor to address the taboo topic of faking it in the bedroom. Faking and suppression are feelings so familiar to us as women. My hope is that “Oh!” makes us think more about why we’re faking, what we’re suppressing, and why we’re not talking about it.”
Hi Neill,
*** Embargoed until Feb 7th ***
Indie folk band from Dundalk and now based in Dublin, Norabelle is proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated second album, The Mountain Blinks, out April 11th, 2025. The announcement comes alongside the release of their hauntingly beautiful new single and video, “How Long Does It Take?”, which will debut on February 7th across all major streaming platforms.
Norabelle will also have an album launch April 16th upstairs in Whelans.
Watch the video for ‘How Long Does It Take?’ – https://youtu.be/M29g9zoCkBY?si=Tg1Nn59s8gyEFlyq – Out 7th Feb
Stream / download the single ‘How Long Does It Take?’ – https://s.disco.ac/znfkfhwziqod – Out 7th Feb
Stream / Download the album ‘The Mountain Blinks’ – https://s.disco.ac/qqozmoxjvruk – Out 11th April
Download the album cover, lyrics, press pics etc HERE
Thanks so much for the support,
Kevin
Norabelle
Announces New Album The Mountain Blinks – Out April 11th
with launch gig in Upstairs in Whelans April 16th
New Single “How Long Does It Take?” Released February 7th
Indie folk band Norabelle is proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated second album, The Mountain Blinks, out April 11th, 2025. The announcement comes alongside the release of their hauntingly beautiful new single, “How Long Does It Take?”, which will debut on February 7th across all major streaming platforms.
The band will celebrate the album release with a launch gig Upstairs in Whelans April 16th.
Hailing from Dundalk and now based in Dublin, Norabelle has established themselves as master storytellers, weaving poignant themes of grief, love, and memory into their delicately melodic soundscapes. Consisting of Ken Clarke (Guitar & Vocals), Shane O’Hanrahan (Guitar, Vocals, and Piano), Stefano Rossi (Bass), and Stephen Ludlow (Drums), the band draws influence from artists such as Sun Kil Moon, Bonnie Prince Billy, and Sufjan Stevens. The Mountain Blinks builds upon the success of their debut album Wren, showcasing a matured sound and deeper lyrical introspection.
Recorded at Black Mountain Recording Studios, nestled in the serene Cooley Mountains, the album reflects the band’s surroundings, featuring hushed melodies, intricate arrangements, and harmonized vocals. Speaking about the album, lead vocalist Ken Clarke said:
“The Mountain Blinks explores the themes of memory, grief, and the fragility of life. It’s deeply personal, touching on my own experiences of loss and how those memories shape us, even when they’re fleeting or unreliable.”
Effortlessly blending pop punk, rock, and traces of hip hop, Last Second Dropout consists of Mark MacDonald (vocals, guitar), Sophia Margossian (keys), Brad Williamson (bass), and LJ Trotta (drums). Creating music since 2020, the band combines their love for a nostalgic aesthetic that’s embedded with a modern twist. “It’s OK” is the first single from their upcoming EP which features six high energy emo-tinged pop punk tracks created by GGGarth Richardson (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rise Against, Rage Against The Machine).
LA via Atlanta-based indie pop/rock trio Koyal emphasize the importance of a solo recharge with smooth, bubbly earworm “hiatus” out now with an animated lyric video. The group’s earnest, dazzling second studio album breathe in. breathe out is due out February 28 and is available for pre-order now.
Kicking off 2025 with a groovy, saxophone-filled ode to spending time alone, “hiatus,” with its muted piano and bass, perfectly embodies the relaxed joy of leaving a stressful place and entering a happy one. The energy builds with rhythm guitar and sax from a cozy contentment into an exuberant, cathartic, breakdown bridge, “I hate doing this, doing this! / I think I’ll take a hiatus,” letting out all steam and finishing the song with a cooled down, relaxed chorus. “Hiatus” encourages one to soak in quiet moments of reflection, away from one’s phone or outside noise and pressure. A sonic deep breath, Wallace (drums) says, “I wrote ‘hiatus’ to celebrate the joy of being in life’s negative space — the valuable time where you’re totally alone from everyone and you can hear yourself think.“
Los Angeles-based Korean-American musician and composer Lucy Liyou announces her new full-length album Every Video Without Your Face, Every Sound Without Your Name set for release on March 21 via Orange Milk. The announcement is accompanied by the album’s breathtaking and emotionally potent lead single, “Arrested,” along with a Park Seung Won-directed music video–unveiling a new high point in Liyou’s rise as one of music’s most inimitable emerging artists.
While retaining the boundary-pushing qualities of her earlier work, Every Video, Every Sound delivers Liyou’s long-awaited debut album of songs. Traces of this pop-leaning direction surfaced in her highly lauded album Dog Dreams (개꿈), her inventive reimagining of Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together,” and her recent contribution to RedHot’s TRANSA compilation, “Blush” (featuring Grouper). Minimalist yet lush, Liyou’s compositions here are braced by a fraught quietude, reflecting on and mourning multiple kinds of love nearing its end. The affective texture that weaves Liyou’s soundscapes is jagged, but it only gently nudges, never puncturing the skin.
The early sketches for Every Video, Every Sound began when Liyou was a 19-year-old college student, grappling with the desire for her parents’ unconditional love as a closeted transgender young adult. At the time, she struggled to finish the songs, feeling she lacked the skills as a songwriter and producer. Revisiting the material over a half-decade later with the necessary skills to complete them, Liyou was gratified to find that many of the ideas from that era still resonated, albeit through a new and unexpected lens. “Most of these songs were originally about my parents,” Liyou explains. “They were about wanting to be loved and accepted by my parents as a closeted transgender young adult. I tried recording some of these songs with their original lyrics but felt a dissonance. I don’t feel this wish to be accepted by my parents anymore. I have already accepted their love as pretty conditional. I don’t feel the need to tread that territory again for a while.”
Philadelphia-based tastemaker label Julia’s War Recordings is excited to announce Water Season, an EP by Brazilian-American artist Winter and the Philly electro-lo-fi duo Hooky, arriving on February 14, 2025. To preview the first-time collaboration, lead single “horseshoe” is out now. Today’s single is a wiry guitar-driven track, dripping in Winter’s syrupy vocals, and sprinkled with twinkling drum machines. Its electronic heartbeat passes through the listener like a beloved memory, shimmering with earnest lyrics and a DIY music video to match. Self-directed and filmed last fall in Philadelphia, Samira Winter and Hooky’s Scott Turner and Sam Silbert each took turns filming as they wandered through John Heinz Park and the Museum of Modern Art. The result was a blend of candid exploration —a portrait of their friendship and the emotional crossroads they shared, frozen in time.
“I took the train to Philly and for a couple of days, we just jammed at Scott’s place for hours,” says Winter about making the “horseshoe” music video. “It was this cool feeling of making new friends, exploring a city and also making art together for the first time. It strangely felt like I had known them forever, even though it was the first time we were hanging out.”
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
