Author: Marcus Adetola

Smallpools’ Be Kind, Rewind hits like a VHS tape unexpectedly discovered in the back of a dusty closet. This alt-pop gem conjures the ghosts of Blockbuster past, wrapping listeners in a cozy blanket of nostalgia. The track’s clean production sparkles with a mix of electronic flourishes and organic instrumentation. A driving drum beat propels the song forward, while Sean Scanlon’s bright vocals soar above the melodic landscape. Lyrically, Be Kind, Rewind taps into a collective longing for simpler times. The chorus hooks you with its plea: “Can we go back to the title screen / Say what we mean and be kind,…

Arz and Laicositna just dropped Lickback, and it’s such a vibe with a raw look at the messiness of modern hookup culture. The joint kicks off with Arz painting a late-night Paris scene. He’s spitting facts about boundaries and payback, but peep how he flips it. “We coulda done resorts and wristbands / But girl, you messed up.” It’s that mix of what could’ve been and what is that hits different. Laicositna comes in hot on the second verse, his melodic delivery switching up the energy, not playing games, calling out the bluffs and lies. That Kit Kat line? Straight…

Gray Hawken’s Golden State doesn’t waste a second. The track begins with gentle piano notes brimming with emotion, laying the groundwork for a poignant and contemplative narrative. When Hawken’s voice joins in, laden with regret, the combination hits like an unexpected wave of memories. This Grammy-winner, who straddles the line between Toronto’s indie scene and LA’s polish, has distilled heartache into audio form. The sparse arrangement amplifies every quiver in Gray Hawken’s delivery, transforming simple chords into a minefield of nostalgia. Hawken doesn’t just sing about a past relationship; he performs an autopsy on it. Each lyric reveals the intricate structure…

Stung Like A Bee by Emma Bieniewicz unfolds like a delicate bloom in the twilight of introspection. Her ethereal voice, a whisper in the wind, guides us through a labyrinth of emotion and memory. Emma Bieniewicz—a troubadour of strings and song—cultivates a garden of sound that both wounds and heals. The song’s landscape is painted with the gentle strokes of fingerpicked guitars, a canvas awash in hues of melancholy warmth. Emma’s previous opus, The Winner, was but a prelude to this deeper dive into the waters of self-discovery. In Stung Like A Bee, her lyrics are gossamer threads, delicately woven yet…

Plenty of Ways by Lyves feels like a delicate whisper against the backdrop of a quiet summer evening. The single, the first from her new 8-track project, introduces a fresh breeze of romance and recovery. Lyves steps into an arena of joyful love, a stark contrast to her previous melancholic musings. The track opens with a haunting ambiance, an almost ethereal quality that contrasts beautifully with Lyves’ soulful and emotive vocals. The production, a collaborative effort with Nick French, sets the scene with a minimalist yet powerful backdrop. It’s a soundscape that invites you to lose yourself, much like the feeling…

Some people possess an innate talent for capturing raw emotions in their lyrics, delivering them with a vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners. Zinha, the artistic alter ego of Luisa Chumbinho, is one such artist. Her debut single, why do u make me wait? showcases this rare gift. As zinha sheds her part-time waitress apron for the spotlight, her music reflects the authenticity of a dreamer navigating the uncertain path to stardom. Why do u make me wait? begins with the subtle, rhythmic ticking of a clock, immediately immersing the listener in an atmosphere where time seems to stretch and warp. The…

Noak Hellsing’s latest single, All Day, captures the essence of a sun-soaked day with a refreshing dip into soft rock. Shifting from the vibrant disco energy of Empty the Bags, All Day offers a more relaxed, intimate vibe, perfectly capturing the feel of a laid-back summer afternoon. Co-written and produced with Bård Ericson [boerd], this track glides effortlessly, blending a mellow groove with introspective lyrics. The song opens with a gentle guitar riff, immediately setting a contemplative mood. Noak’s voice, raw yet velvety, adds emotional depth, making the song feel deeply personal. His performance conveys the bittersweet tension of being drawn to…

Shelter by indie singer songwriter I Shiver is a delicate embrace wrapped in a song, a gentle indie folk whisper that conjures a sense of sanctuary. The soft vocals are a tender caress, blending seamlessly with the minimalist acoustic guitar and atmospheric sounds. This track creates a cocoon of warmth, inviting listeners to find solace and peace. Opening with the soothing lines, “Oh honey I am home / My heart was under water,” the song sets a tone of relief and comfort. The imagery of a heart once submerged and lost now finding its place is powerful, painting a vivid picture of emotional refuge. The…

Nashville’s John Townsend, under his moniker townsend, delivers a heart-pounding exploration of dangerous love in his latest track, death of me. This country-tinged rock anthem dives headfirst into the allure of a relationship that’s equal parts intoxicating and perilous. death of me opens with a lone acoustic guitar, setting an introspective tone. The drums then subtly enter the fray, gradually building the song’s momentum. This measured introduction belies the emotional intensity that follows. Townsend’s vocals, tinged with a Nashville inflection, carry the narrative forward. He wastes no time getting to the heart of the matter: “I should’ve known that she was…

Maur Kii and Randy White’s Options sizzle with unapologetic swagger, serving up a bold slice of contemporary R&B that flirts intimately with nostalgia. This track struts confidently through the minefield of modern relationships, armed with a retro-tinged beat that wouldn’t feel out of place blasting from a Discman circa 2003. Maur Kii the New Jersey native’s vocals drip with a nonchalant cool as he navigates the treacherous waters of casual romance. “I’m a new big poppa, panty dropper,” he declares, setting the tone for a lyrical journey that’s equal parts braggadocio and emotional deflection. Beneath all the bravado, Options reveals a more complex narrative…