by Shannon Smith
In the still hours of the early morning, when the world softens and streetlights shimmer like distant memories, Biig Piig’s debut 11:11 arrives as a conflicted confession and celebration. The album’s title, a nod to the mystical “angel number,” suggests that every moment, every stray heartbeat, is part of a larger, unscripted narrative. Here, Jess Smyth unfolds a story of restless nights and fleeting clarity.
The record opens with “4AM,” where her signature whisper‑sung vocals float over a beat that mimics the slow pulse of a city in transition. It’s as if she’s confessing in the [...]
by Shannon Smith
In her debut album, Louder, Please, Rose Gray presents a vibrant homage to the world of club culture and dance-pop to create a space where nostalgia and modernity intertwine. Gray’s roots in East London nightlife, with its primal pulse of heavy dance drums, the deliverance of crowded dance floors—infuse her music with a sense of the raw energy swirling in the crowd of gyrations. Clocking in at a sleek 41 minutes, the album is an exploration of Europop, acid house, and nu-disco, drawing inspiration from icons like Kylie Minogue and Robyn while carving out Gray’s distinct voice in a crowded dance-pop [...]
by Shannon Smith
Bella Rios returns with “Options,” a dynamic pop-rock creation that finds her delivering a confident and empowering message wrapped in her trademark catchy hooks. Drawing from her pop-punk influences, Bella captures that familiar bittersweet energy of an on-and-off relationship. The track is a vibrant reminder to prioritize oneself over a half-hearted romance, celebrating self-worth with flair and resilience.
“Options” begins with a stripped-down bass and vocal duet that immediately catches the ear, setting the stage with a sense of intimacy. This pared-down intro contrasts effectively with the [...]
by Shannon Smith
James Bay’s journey from the youthful singer-songwriter who burst onto the scene in 2015 with Chaos and the Calm to his fourth studio album, Changes All the Time, reveals a subtle shift in his creative voice. This new album sees Bay lean further into his Americana influences while continuing to explore themes of self-reflection and resilience. The eleven-track offering shows his commitment to songwriting tradition while weaving in new voices lyrically and musically alongside producer Gabe Simon.
The album opens with “Up All Night,” a collaboration featuring The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. The song [...]
