JLP – Point Break
JLP is a rock band led by a sibling duo from Vienna, and together they explore the world of alt rock on their own terms. With a deep and expressive instrumental sphere and a free vocal range, the tracks are built with so much power. Their latest release is ‘Point Break’, a track that blends a moody alt rock range with pop rock vocals. Think Arctic Monkeys, riding into Glass Animals frames. Add hard rock accents, soft psychedelics and post punk pop. That’s what this song unravels with. The bass grooves and the riffs are remarkable, as they fill the track. There’s a boldness to them that gives them a lot of character. Because they get to be whatever they want to be. And this transfers to the rest of the track. Like a domino effect, all the elements gain that super-power to be confidently unique, to not just co-exist but adapt to each other in a way that reveals the theme. It’s a great track.
800cc – Hoosiers Up Front
800cc is a Detroit-based alt artist who doesn’t build soundscapes the way you think. Similar to artists like Daft Punk, he paves his own way in the alt scene. Blending electronica with pop, chromatism, rock, neoclassicals and just about anything else, he really builds alt worlds. His latest release is ‘Hoosiers up Front’, a track that is full of dynamism. And so many musical sensibilities. Familiar musical frames are reimagined with curious ideas and wonderful structures. It’s like a cinematic production that bubbles up with life. If you enjoy tracks that evolve across its length and end up in a whole different place than when it began, this is a great choice for you. And that’s why it makes for a great adventure soundtrack. As you listen to it, more of it reveals itself to you, more sensibilities and musical peaks.
Matthew Smith – World is a Wheel
Matthew Smith’s music is an outpour. Such a beautiful space that is so generous in the way it opens up around you. Every time you listen to it, there’s a lifting grandeur to it. Undeniable and unforgettable. His latest release is the ‘this is not ok’ album, a collection that was released on Soundcloud early August. It’s a fluid blend of rock with roots, soul, blues, and folk. He grows a landscape that is layered and unbelievably enduring. Taken from this is ‘World is a Wheel’, a slow burn that sears in the vocal melancholy, deep travelling chords, and vibrant riffs. Soulful harmonies and soul chorals follow along on this journey. Dripping with blues and fresh evocative perspectives, you get such an incredible boost out of this song. Its perspectives add powerful and prolonged.
https://soundcloud.com/matthew-smith-963422354/world-is-a-wheel
M.A.E – Circles
M.A.E is a multi-instrumentalist and a composer with such a keen cerebral instinct. His thoughtful depths are reflected in the patterns and systems that he forges with his music. His latest release is ‘Circles’, a track in which he explores not just the shape but the ethos of it. The composition is meant to impart symbolic perspectives, contemplative loops that you can keep exploring. The track is made like a landscape drift. The basslines are stormy and driving as they travel through the soundscape. Within this, the artist cultivates dimensions, with chord trajectories, electronic points and riff waves. One second, it’s a soft space, and then suddenly you’re in a brimming space and the sensibilities are all around you. Buoyant electro rock frames are energized with hard rock arrangements and nu metal fringes. Just like that, you fall into that circular exploration and expansion that the artist brings.
Noah James Mass – Misery Winter
Noah James Mass is not your text book indie rock artist. He has an edge and he’s not afraid to let it influence his music. There’s something both brazen and self-assured about his style and the prize is, he leans into it; to see what comes out. It’s always interesting. His latest release is ‘Misery Winter’, a moody rock sound that casts a dim gloom. Within this frame, there’s a burning undercurrent that comes to life. It is mellow but electric with crackle and grit. As if the artist is electrifying the winter. Like a spark in the dark which continues to sizzle and extend like a warm circle of energy. His vocals have a laid back alt atmosphere to it. Matched with the 70s rock ethos, he revives the vintage style on his own terms. It’s so interesting to see worlds colliding, especially the way it does in his mind. If you enjoy artists like Arctic Monkeys, The Black Keys and Queens of the Stone Age, you’ll love the dark, fuzzy and raw sound of this artist.
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