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 [...]

by Steven Miller

Oklahoma City’s Chat Pile have always embraced chaos, but Cool World, their sophomore album, takes the visceral cacophony they introduced in God’s Country and pushes it into a realm that’s even more unsettling and thematically expansive. If their debut honed in on the personal horrors of addiction, industrial collapse, and the existential decay of “God’s country,” Cool World expands the lens to capture humanity’s collective violence, exposing how systems of power grind down the individual on a global scale.

The album’s title, Cool World, may initially seem like a nod to the [...]

by Shannon Smith

Bristol-based DJ and producer X-Ray Ted has long been revered for his seamless blending of classic funk, soul, and breakbeat influences with a modern, infectious sound. With his debut album Moving On, he solidifies his ability to craft organic sounds, delivering a vibrant and dynamic collection of twelve tracks that bridges decades of musical styles and traditions. Moving On plays like a well-versed conversation between vintage soul and contemporary electronic music, a lively, playful, and highly danceable dialogue.

Opening with the track “I Been Good,” featuring the unmistakable voice of Fullee Love from [...]

by Steven Miller

Sierra Hull has built an impressive career that has been precocious and prodigious, with her mandolin mastery and vocal gifts earning her a place among bluegrass royalty. From her early Grand Ole Opry appearances to Grammy nominations, Hull has continually expanded the boundaries of her artistry. Her latest single, a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” provides another example of her ability to transcend genre labels while staying rooted in the craftsmanship that has made her a bluegrass standout.

“Mad World,” a song originally released in 1982 by Tears for Fears, has been covered by many [...]

by Shannon Smith

Lotte Gallagher’s debut EP, A Better Feeling, is a striking entry into the alt-rock landscape, reflecting her musical roots and raw, emotive lyricism. As a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Northside Melbourne, Gallagher has already made a name for herself, impressing Triple J tastemakers and earning a top-five finalist spot in the 2023 Unearthed High competition. With influences ranging from the 90s grunge scene to the modern indie sounds of Phoebe Bridgers and Angie McMahon, her music feels organic, refreshingly blending angst with introspection.

Opening with “Gasoline,” a slow-burning track [...]

by Shannon Smith

With their latest single, “Sunrise,” The Baker Brothers have delivered a track that’s destined for the dance floor. Featuring the soulful stylings of Hannah Williams, though not as the lead vocalist, the song boasts an undeniable groove, polished musicianship, and infectious energy that will keep listeners moving well past the first listen.

From the moment “Sunrise” kicks off with its sharp, hip band hits, Chris Pedleys’ slap-and-pop bass line grabs the listener and locks them into a tight, funk-laden rhythm. Ted Carrasco’s drums anchor the track, laying down a beat that [...]