Reviews

by Alex Short photo by Frances Carter From the first few seconds of “gutspill,” Luna Shadows creates a song that's full of energy and easy to listen to. The electric guitar gives it a nostalgic early-2000s alternative feeling, while the dreamy production and lighter layered vocals keep it soft and atmospheric. It’s the kind of song that could easily find its way into a getting-ready or feel-good playlist, giving you something energetic without feeling overwhelming. Co-written

by Ruby Tavano single artwork via Spotify Olivia Rodrigo is pioneering a path in the fight for women’s rights. Ahead of her all-female-bill festival at Daisy Chain Fields, she released a new single, “serena joy.” The message Rodrigo conveys in this new single isn’t necessarily shocking; she has been an active voice in the fight for women’s rights throughout her career, and she isn’t stopping now. She started her global initiative, “Fund 4 Good,” which committed to building a

by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur Artwork via Spotify Nashville-based indie artist, Val Texas, is back at it again with the release of his newest single, “Spin the gun.” Val Texas officially joined the indie music scene back in the summer of 2024 with releases of his early singles, “CHERRYRUSHING (DEMO)” and “Paper Cars.” Val Texas’ discography is both diverse and engaging, as he experiments with a variety of sonically creative ideas within the indie genre. Some songs feature slower/m

by Lauren Chenette photo by Elizaveta Porodina Fontaines D.C. have never been particularly interested in standing still. Since arriving with 2019’s Dogrel, the Irish five-piece have steadily pushed beyond the post-punk label that first followed them around, moving from the raw guitar attack of their early records toward something bigger, stranger, and increasingly cinematic. “Marianne,” the first taste of their upcoming fifth album Dopamine Chamber, feels like another small b

by Ruby Tavano album artwork After the release of her sophomore album Punisher in 2020, Phoebe Bridgers is back with her long-awaited third album, Lost Weekend. If you are grappling with grief, falling deeply in or out of love, or simply gravitate toward the calming sound of Phoebe Bridgers, this one is for you. Essentially, throughout the album, she is telling us that love is pain, and loving someone can reveal the most vulnerable version of yourself. I immersed myself in th

by Rebecca Tregaskis Last month Transmission Suite made a comeback with their single ‘Same Glue.’ Originally debuted live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the new track blends the band’s classic 80s synthwave with vivid 90s indie-dance energy. The four-piece from Stirling have built up a steady name for themselves over the last few years. The band supported Flock of Seagulls in Glasgow back in 2023 and also Man of Moon. Their breakout year in 2024 continued into 2025, with

by Alex Short Photo via Mia Van de Loo With her upcoming single, "upstream," set for release on August 5, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mia Van de Loo reflects on a struggle many people can relate to– trying to figure out who they are in others. Rooted in indie folk-pop, the track strips away distractions to reveal its emotional honesty. Inspired by diary entries she wrote as a teenager, "upstream" explores the pressure of comparing yourself to people who seem to have alr

by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur Single artwork via Alaina May Brooklyn based up-and-coming singer and songwriter, Alaina May, is making waves in the indie-pop scene with the release of her second official single, “The Dog” on July 13th. Alaina has shared that her experiences growing up within the Christian church system in a small, conservative suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin play an influential role in her self perception. She spent the greater part of her early life trying to forc

by Lauren Chenette single artwork via LAIKK Brighton indie outfit LAIKK continue their upward momentum with “Soda,” their fourth single, arriving on July 31, and it’s another confident step forward for a band that’s clearly finding its stride. Blending the nostalgic warmth of classic indie rock with a fresh, modern edge, “Soda” feels both familiar and exciting - a track that settles in quickly but rewards repeat listens. From the opening moments, the song carries an easy-goi

by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur photo by Brandon Mosquera Montreal-based up and coming R&B artist, Myles Lloyd, perfectly captures the human emotions that accompany vulnerability through his infectiously relatable new single, “One Sided.” Over the past few years Lloyd has created a name for himself within the modern R&B scene. He has released multiple projects such as Forever Yours in 2022 and WHAT MORE CAN I SAY in 2024. More recently, Lloyd wrapped up 2025 with the drop of his al

by Lauren Chenette single artwork Nashville indie artist Val Texas captures the carefree spirit of summer on “Jean Shorts,” a bright, guitar-driven release that pairs infectious melodies with youthful honesty. From its opening moments, the track settles into a breezy, minimalist groove, letting shimmering guitars and understated production set the tone before Val’s energetic vocals burst into the mix. It’s listeners into a song that’s equal parts laid-back and emotionally cha

by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur image via Spotify New York’s up and coming five-piece hip-hop/R&B group, WHATMORE, just released their newest single “On Site” on July 6th. The single release follows their drop of two singles, “Still Loiteringgg" and “2000s Pop Punk R&B”, on March 13th. The two singles, as a part of their “A-side/A-side” feature, have helped the band gain some serious traction. Both singles very quickly climbed their way to the top three of their most popular songs o

by Lauren Chenette Artwork by Jayne Slater Burning Bouquet continue to establish themselves as one of the UK’s most promising alternative bands with their latest EP, The Rain. Expanding on the emotional honesty and melodic intensity that have become central to their sound, the Sheffield quartet deliver a collection of songs that feel deeply personal while remaining instantly relatable. The EP’s emotional centerpiece, “The Cycle,” is a standout moment. Tackling the difficult

by Andrea Garcia album artwork Some breakup songs begin with screaming, but Olivia Rodrigo’s “cigarette smoke” begins with a smell. Everyone is familiar with the smell of cigarettes, right? You could be walking, running, turning a corner, and all of a sudden it just hits you, there is no one around, yet there is this lingering sensation around you. Olivia Rodrigo explores this phenomenon and sensation as a metaphor for heartbreak: “cigarette smoke” does not begin with a big s

by Rebecca Tregaskis Photo Credit: Stay Focused Photography Hope is sewn into the heart of Fox’s music, and it all comes together on his debut EP Everybody’s in Love. The EP furthers the themes and instrumentation explored in his previously released singles Together and Rome. It’s a solidifying moment for Fox, showcasing he has indeed found his identity as an artist. Echo magazine was first introduced to Fox when his single Rome was released back in April. Since then he’s ju

by Lauren Chenette With Do That Again, Malcolm Todd continues to refine his sound that has made him one of the most compelling young voices in indie pop and alternative R&B. Rather than chasing a dramatic reinvention, his sophomore album feels like a natural progression, more focused, more emotionally direct, and noticeably more confident in its songwriting. Across 13 tracks, Todd explores heartbreak, longing, and the repetitive cycles of young relationships, all while mainta

by Alex Short Photo Credits: Logan Morrow In her newest single, "Casual", Alaina May captures the emotional confusion of wanting to keep a relationship light while secretly wanting something more. Produced by TOLEDO, an indie-rock duo, the track combines soft indie-pop production with May's more intimate vocals, giving the song a dreamy, emotionally unresolved feeling. As the first glimpse into a new era of music from the Brooklyn-based artist, “Casual” introduces a songwrite

by Lauren Chenette Photo Credit by SPLT STUDIO South Wales indie-rock Ratoon continue with their upward momentum with the release of their infectious new single “Are You Feeling Fine?” Packed with bright guitar work, energetic rhythms, and a youthful sense of optimism, the track further cements the band’s reputation as one of the most exciting emerging names on the Welsh indie scene. Made up of Eifion Davies, Sam Davies, Matti Huxtable, and Josh Davies, Ratoon have already

by Alex Short With the release of her newest single, "I Think I Lied," Melanie Herrera offers a glimpse into her debut album, A Fearful & Wondrous Thing, out on May 28. Herrera may have already gained attention with her viral "Nepo Baby Vocal Warm-ups," but the New York City-based singer-songwriter's music feels much more personal than an internet-driven trend. "I Think I Lied" gives a playful, dramatic twist on emotional contradiction and romantic uncertainty. The track bala

by Sara Ramirez Brighton’s rising alt-rock group Larlin continues impressing listeners with their new release, Sondheim. At its core, the track delves into the effects of a person becoming so disconnected from themselves that they rely on other’s perceptions of themselves. Artwork: Olivia Ruggiero With lyrics like “I try and focus on a feeling, but I am hiding in the motions, staying safe on the sideline” Sondheim transforms feelings of detachment into something communal, let

by Rebecca Tregaskis Bochum Parkway are back with their new single New Times Coming releasing this Bank Holiday Monday. It follows their debut single Born to Pretend which dropped late last year after supporting Montello at a sold-out Record Junkee with This Feeling. Their debut tangled up a nostalgic feel to it which has carried on into New Times Coming. Photo credits: Freya Elizabeth It’s been a busy time for the Sheffield based band, joining The Upcoming Network’s managem

by Rebecca Tregasksis photos via Casablanca Drivers Casablanca Drivers’ new album Protocol drops this Friday and it embraces a dancefloor-driven sound. It marks the band’s third self-produced album, and their second under prestigious Mexican Independent label Arts and Crafts México. Originally from Corsica, now settled in Paris, Casablanca Drivers blur dance rhythms with indie rock to curate a sleek electronic sound. The indie electronic band recruited producer NIT (Sebastien

by Lauren Chenette photo by Eleala MINOE’s latest single “Foghorns” continues to carve out a compelling space for the Nova Scotia-born artist, blending emotional depth with a sleek, club-ready edge. Following the momentum of “Loophole,” this new release leans further into her signature contrast: glossy, DNB-inspired production paired with lyrics that confront some heavier emotional terrain. At its core, “Foghorns” captures the quiet pull of returning to places and people tha

by Rebecca Tregasksis photo by frame shift productions Welsh indie-rock band Crime Scene have just released their latest single Softspot , a track that’s been five years in the making. Written by lyricist Peter Taylor at 16 and played across the band’s live shows, it has now finally been released on streaming platforms. Softspo t carries a weighted story, told through a textured production and vulnerable lyricism. Taylor, when discussing the song via Instagram, stated that

by Rebecca Tregaskis In-between 60s rock ‘n’ roll and 90s shoegaze you’ll find Waterpistol, an up-and-coming band from South-Wales. Having recently been awarded the BBC Horizons’ 2026 launchpad fund, the six-piece have returned with She Flies, the latest single off their upcoming EP Hey Harry . Gaining influence from artists such as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Shack and The La’s, Waterpistol melts together the swagger of golden-age rock ‘n’ roll with hazy textures from 9

by Lauren Chenette Radiator are back with their new single “Carnival” out this Friday April 17, 2026. It marks the band’s first new material since the release of their debut EP Glass broke into the Top 40 of the Official Vinyl Singles Chart late last year, an impressive milestone that they followed with a six-date tour. “Carnival” leans into a groove-driven, indie, post-punk sound, drawing clear inspiration from 80s icons like The Fall and Echo & The Bunnymen while folding

by Lauren Chenette album artwork Holly Humberstone’s Cruel World feels like the sound of an artist stepping into her confidence, and having a surprisingly good time doing it. The UK singer-songwriter’s third album, released April 10, 2026, builds on the emotional intimacy of her previous album while opening things up into something brighter, bolder, and more immediately pop-facing. Where Paint My Bedroom Black leaned into moody introspection, Cruel World shifts toward a mor

by Rebecca Tregaskis Photo Credits: Stay Focused Photography Brook Fox has just dropped his new single Rome into his discography, and it won’t disappoint the indie pop/rock fans. Filled with a soaring guitar sound and drums alongside powerhouse vocals, Rome is a classic indie tune. Brook, an artist from South-West Wales, who started song-writing throughout the 2020 pandemic and has been steadily finding his sound since. With his last single Together being supported by B

by Rebecca Tregaskis Wuzy Bambussy, a UK-based duo, have released their new single Late Libation and it delivers an infectious and almost spell-like sound. The West Country pair, which consists of producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Nikolai Jones and vocalist Kat Harrison, create an electric atmosphere with their music. The pair blur genres such as funk, rock, and indie, crafting a sound that pulls you into a spinning rhythm. Their latest single carries this and

by Olivia Hanson Art by Mikey Robbins , photography by Aliyah Otchere It’s been exactly one week since British singer-songwriter RAYE released her sophomore album, THIS ALBUM MAY CONTAIN HOPE. , which effortlessly blends together elements of various genres. The result? A masterpiece that explores themes of heartbreak, identity, and, of course, hope. If you enjoyed LUX by Rosalía, then RAYE’s symphonic album will certainly have a place in your collection. In an interview wi

by Olivia Hanson Album cover by Matilde Cunha , art/design by Leonor Cunha On March 4, 2026, Portuguese experimental band Unsafe Space Garden released their fourth album, O Melhor e o Pior da Música Biológica , and it’s an extraordinary love letter to life. This six-piece band brought colorful and innovative sounds to the forefront of this album, making it clear that they refuse to be boxed into any one genre of music. Don’t worry if you don’t know Portuguese– O Melhor prove

by Sara Ramirez album artwork Melancholic, rebellious, and effortlessly cool are perfect ways to describe Is This It by The Strokes. Released in 2001, Is This It was The Stroke’s debut album and is widely considered one of the best debut albums in Rock history. Julian Casablancas’ charm and catchy lyrics are what makes it so addictive. It blends seamlessly with the instruments and creates a one-of-a-kind sound that makes you understand why Alex Turner from The Arctic Monkeys

by Ella McGivern album artwork 2026 has started off with a bang for Chicago band, Brigitte Calls Me Baby. From just finishing supporting The Vaccines on their UK tour to now heading through Europe for a headline tour, they’ve released their second album, Irreversible , at a prominent time. The band consists of lead singer Wes Leavins, guitarists Jack Fluegel, bassist Devin Wessels, and Jeremy Benshish on drums. Slumber Party , the lead single and track 2 on the new record, h

by Sara Ramirez My Chemical Romance has been an integral band for many adolescents who associate themselves with the emo aesthetic. Being their first album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love set the tone for the raw and dark sound that is cherished and loved by their fans. The juxtaposition of its heavy sounds mixed with romantic, yearning imagery is what sets this project apart from My Chemical Romance's other work. This can be seen in “Drowning Lessons”, w

by Lauren Chenette There’s something refreshing about an album that doesn’t try too hard to impress. Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally leans into a loose, playful spirit, delivering a collection of tracks that feel spontaneous without sacrificing craft. The record thrives on contrast: bright, danceable moments sit comfortably next to slightly scruffier, tongue-in-cheek songwriting, giving the whole project an easygoing charm. The album’s personality really shines through