Author: Marcus Adetola

As summer heat simmers on the pavement, Hairpin’s Oh Dear rises like a shimmering mirage. This New York City indie outfit crafts a sonic oasis that quenches the thirst for early 2000s alt-rock nostalgia while offering a fresh, modern twist. The track opens with guitars that cascade like a gentle waterfall. They create an immediate intimacy, as if the listener has stumbled upon a secret rooftop gig. Sparkling synths float atop this foundation, reminiscent of fireflies blinking in the twilight of a July evening. Hairpin’s percussion and bass don’t just keep time; they propel “Oh Dear” forward with the urgency…

Tom The Lion’s new single Amber pulls us into a free-floating and eclectic universe where romance blooms amidst uncertainty. This East London troubadour crafts a sonic dreamscape that’s equal parts whimsy and introspection. It is reminiscent of an old-school romantic film, blending nostalgia with a fresh vibrancy. The track’s heartbeat is its drum loop—a rhythmic anchor that Tom, a drummer since his teen years, wields with finesse. Around this pulsing core, plucked guitars and a nimble bassline weave an intricate dance. Tom’s vocals are pronounced and confident, riding over lush instrumentation with the poise of a seasoned performer. His delivery…

Vilhelm Buchaus’ Break My Heart Again is a sad love song that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster disguised as a piano ballad, with enough raw honesty to make even the most jaded listener feel a twinge in their chest. This track dives headfirst into the messy world of on-again, off-again relationships. Buchaus lays bare the frustration of being drawn back to someone who’s bad for you time and time again. As Buchaus himself explains, “I wrote ‘Break My Heart Again’ about being stuck in a broken relationship that doesn’t work, despite trying multiple times. I knew the relationship caused me…

The arrival of a newborn brings immense joy, filling the family atmosphere with excitement, hope, and love. Capturing these overwhelming emotions in words is no easy task, as they often go beyond simple expression. East Love’s What’s Your Name is a sonic daydream that captures the giddy nervousness of impending parenthood. They bottle a unique mix of excitement and terror that comes with knowing your world is about to change forever. The New York indie-pop outfit has crafted a tune that feels like a warm hug from the future. Rob Fink’s lyrics dance between curiosity and devotion, painting vivid snapshots…

Peyton Shay’s Lonely Chapstick is a quirky alt-pop confection that turns lip balm addiction into a love story. This track from her upcoming EP, “Daydream Police,” blends electronic beats with guitar riffs, creating a playful backdrop for Shay’s direct vocals. The song’s metaphor is unexpectedly charming. Who knew chapstick could represent the fear of intimacy? Lonely Chapstick lyrics explore the thrill of a secret relationship while grappling with the desire for independence. It’s a relatable struggle wrapped in a catchy tune. “Before we even finished writing “Lonely Chapstick,” shares Shay, “there was a running joke about the music video incorporating…

In I’d Rather Pretend, released on July 26, 2024, Bryant Barnes continues to shape his identity within the alternative R&B landscape, a journey that began with his breakout single Adore You. This latest track, a highlight from his debut Vanity EP (also dropped on July 26, 2024), delves into the complexities of emotional recovery and guardedness after a period of detachment. The song was written by Andrew Luce, Bryant Barnes, Calle Lehmann, and Kristofer Eriksson. Bryant Barnes, originally from Cypress, Texas, switched from sports to music, focusing on classical piano and cello. His musical expertise is evident in “I’d Rather…

Tekno’s No Forget whispers sweet nothings into the ear of R&B while keeping its feet firmly planted in Afrobeats soil. The track introduces a refreshing twist with subtle electronic dance vibes, ensuring a pulse that’s as infectious as it is rhythmically compelling. The chorus is especially infectious, drawing listeners into a loop of melodious enchantment that’s hard to escape. The track’s pulsing drums provide a steady heartbeat for Tekno’s velvety vocals to dance upon. His lyrics, a mix of English and Pidgin, paint a picture of devotion that transcends language barriers.  “Only you be baby I want,” he croons, his voice…

Imagine a world where silence is the new platinum record. Aisha Badru’s new single Boundaries might just be the underground hit of that alternate universe. This Nigerian-American artist isn’t shouting from rooftops or blasting through speakers. Instead, she’s inviting us to eavesdrop on her quiet rebellion. On Boundaries, Badru’s ethereal voice floats through a minimalist landscape of acoustic guitar and whispered percussion, delivering a message that feels almost illicit in our hyper-connected age: it’s okay to disconnect. With lyrics that read like a to-do list for the overwhelmed introvert, Badru challenges the notion that constant availability equals success. She turns “I’d…

On their latest track, SOCA, Nottingham duo Young T & Bugsey whip up a sonic mojito, a zesty musical concoction blending Brazilian funk, Nigerian pidgin, and Caribbean calypso into a refreshingly bold cocktail. The track pulses with an irresistible rhythm that practically dares you to stay still. It’s the kind of beat that infiltrates your bones, making even the most reserved wallflower contemplate a shimmy. Young T and Eyes, the masterminds behind the production, have crafted a sound that feels like stumbling upon a raucous block party in a country you’ve never visited. Lyrically, “SOCA” is a cheeky romp through…

Charlie Houston’s Pink Cheetah Print Slip explodes like a glitter bomb at a punk rock show. This queer break-up anthem yanks at heartstrings with the force of a runaway train. Houston’s delicate vocals belie the razor-sharp wit of her lyrics, serving up a delicious cocktail of spite and self-assurance. The track kicks off with a wry declaration that sets the tone for what’s to come. The music explodes into life, delivering a sonic sucker punch that combines quirky charm with raw energy—that’s the vibe. It’s an infectious musical Molotov cocktail you can’t avoid. Charlie Houston’s tale of romantic woe with…