Vukovi – Misty Ecstasy
Scottish pop rock duo Vukovi have recently unveiled their upcoming new album My God Has GotA Gun and ‘Misty Ecstasy’ is the latest taste of it. Visually inspired by Saltburn and musically a sensual, empowered reclamation of bodily autonomy, ‘Misty Ecstasy’ takes the raucous energy of Vukovi and distils it into another riff-fuelled dance rock hit designed to challenge the rising misogynist rhetoric becoming increasingly normalised. The band call it “the most fun/tongue-in-cheek song we’ve created”, further stating, “we wanted to put out something that could cut through a very dark and uncertain time for this day and age. Sex should be fun and safe without judgement. Our body our choice”. – Will Marshall
Imperial Triumphant – Hotel Sphinx
The New York art deco death metallers are back with another psychedelic jazz fueled extravaganza with more whammy bar than a Dimebag Darrell convention. By now we all know to not trust predictability in the case of Imperial Triumphant, and they continue to change, even the small things move about like bubbles from the flaming spoon as you’re dragged through a stoner rock power chord affair back into the manic tapping of the opening salvo. The vocals have taken on new life soaring over the top of the guitars in a cult chant, lulling you into the typical dramatic psychotic break that Imperial Triumphant so effortlessly peddle. As an indicator of the new album this leaves you just wanting more, it’s going to be a wild ride and we’re just passengers who have to brace against the headrest and buckle in. – Rob Bown
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Detroit
You expect a few things when you approach any Pigsx7 track, down tuned stoner lumbering, reverby stadium like vocals, and an overall feeling of teetering on the edge of a Pacific northwest cliff clad in plaid. The new track ‘Detroit’ does not disappoint with its heavy droning presence, lumbering like a giant stone Goliath through a forest. This track has a slightly different energy to a lot of what’s come before, it’s even more doomy, even more gloomy and even more heavy. They even bring back the riff but slower for that ultimate squeezed facial expression to see the track out. – Rob Bown
Benefits – Relentless (Feat. Peter Doherty)
If there was ever an adjective to aptly describe Benefits it would probably be relentless. After all, the band have expressed anger and disillusionment about the sorry state of everything with a kind of explosive fervour that could be dubbed as almost self-destructive. Ask any a fan of this band – they will no doubt tell how intense, confrontational and above all relentless Benefits are. This new single isn’t exactly that though, but its Benefits in every way possible. Smouldering and brooding, ‘Relentless’ is the latest track to be taken from the duo’s forthcoming record Constant Noise and see’s Benefits transplanting their apprehension and bubbling rage into a more palatable sound that borders upon being sleek and danceable. But behind the danceable tones reminiscent of that of the The Streets and even Underworld lies the unmistakable snarl and bile of a collective sick of this world. Its a fantastic dichotomy, and one that further pays credence to how Benefits are one of the most exciting and fresh names in UK contemporary music. – Dan Hillier
Exploring Birdsong – Stitch
One of the most fascinating prospects to hit the alternative scene in recent years, Exploring Birdsong eschew the more typical guitar-based setup to instead create alt pop that flirts with progressive rock and ambient moments, driven by piano, synth and the ethereal voice of Lynsey Ward. Shades of artists as diverse as Sleep Token and Kate Bush flit through their music, and latest single ‘Stitch’ is another enticing piece of the puzzle. Slow drums anchor the song, but it’s driven as ever by Ward‘s stunning voice, while piano and synth lines flesh out the soundscapes into calming, but no less captivating, pastures. The trio explain of the song, “We’re always keen to try new things and pull influence from lots of obscure places – this one unapologetically referencing the Davy Jones organ scene from Pirates of the Caribbean. The song itself is essentially about teamwork in a relationship, trying to feel strong in the face of adversity because someone you have helped to carry in the past is now carrying you.” – Will Marshall
Nightlives – Downpour
Cardiff based electro-rockers Nightlives sure know how to tease a new single. With some of the best designed artwork seen this year, depicting the members as anime style trading cards, it’s all lead upto this, the release of ‘Downpour’. It’s high energy from the go, immediately bringing to mind A Flash Flood Of Colour era Enter Shikari. Chock full of infectious hooks and pulsing electronic beats, it’s one of the band’s first tracks that matches up to their fantastic live shows. One of the shiniest hidden gems in the music scene right now, their blend of post-hardcore and electronica is on the cusp of breaking through. Don’t be fooled by the crispness of the new artwork though, the end of the track ends with a bone rattling breakdown to rival the best of them. – Chris Earl
Hell Hotel – all that remains.
Fresh off opening for Dream State at London’s The Garage, Hell Hotel have unveiled their fourth (ever) single, ‘all that remains.’. The emo duo fuse elements of post-hardcore and pop punk alongside their clear love of Three Cheers… era My Chemical Romance to create something that’s nostalgic, but with its eyes firmly set on seeing what more the band can do with those influences. Vocalist Demi Jay explains that ‘all that remains.’ “tells a story that anyone who has battled with negative feelings can relate to. When you feel like all that remains of you is the wounds you’ve been trying to battle”, and that feeling of struggle is palpable through the duelling vocals of Jay and Tom Maxfield. There’s a scrappy edge to them that also recalls modern outfit Static Dress, one that feels raw and authentic to Hell Hotel. Even with just four songs out, they’re establishing themselves as ones to watch in the UK emo/pop punk scene. – Will Marshall
Beddy Rays – Stay the Same
A heartfelt ode to frontman Jacko Van Issum’s late sister and the surreal reality that is navigating the day-to-day after such a shift in reality, ‘Stay The Same’ see’s the rollicking Aussie beach rockers touching upon a more morose tone. However, in true Beddy Rays style, this is still a sun blessed experience containing the sunny disproportion and endless hooks one has come to expect from the band. “I wrote this song soon after my sister Brin passed away”, states Jacko on the track,”It’s really just me working through the plethora of emotions that I’ve experienced – the heartache, the longing, the helplessness, the self doubt, the denial – they’re all there. Wanting to be there for my family and friends, and just having to feel it all while also pushing through the normal day-to-day. The lyric “stay the same” refers to the idea of keeping Brin’s spirit alive and remembering her for how she was, forever 28.” – Dan Hillier
Machine Head – These Scars Won’t Define Us (Feat. Unearth, Lacuna Coil, In Flames)
Not content with releasing a track with not one, not two, but three of modern metal’s longest running bands in Lacuna Coil, Unearth and In Flames guesting, Machine Head also slipped in that they’ve got a new album coming out in 2025. The first single from that as yet unannounced record is ‘These Scars Won’t Define Us’ and it’s the now trademark blend of thrash and modern metal that Robb Flynn and co do so well, given some extra life by the presence of the other vocalists. Trevor (Unearth) and Anders (In Flames) do a good job but it’s Cristina (Lacuna Coil) that steals the show, adding a beautiful layer of melody to Robb’s typical snarly display. Her harmonies and guest section proper are the best bits about the track aside from the stinging solo and it sounds like Machine Head will be kicking 2025 off with a bang. – Chris Earl
Raging Speedhorn – Night Wolf
Veteran UK riffers Raging Speedhorn have been a staple of the British heavy music scene for well over two decades now, yet show no signs of slowing down. Indeed, they’ve just signed a brand new deal with Spinefarm Records and have touring plans for 2025 that put many bands their age to shame. Their newest track, ‘Night Wolf’ is that classic mix of old school Sabbath riffs and hardcore stomp that the band made their name in. A track designed to get the headbangers and those who have to be peeled out of their denim vests moving, it fits nice and snuggly into the band’s extensive catalogue and shows that while you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, the ones it knows are often more than enough. – Chris Earl
Hooton Tennis Club – Born, Died
This song’s origins may trace back to a session of chatting drunken nonsense with friends, a source of all all good adventures indeed, but ‘Born, Died’ is more than just slurred drivel. The first release on the band’s new home of Alcopop! Records, ‘Born, Died’ is a lovely bit of charming indie sleaze from Hooton Tennis Club that wonderfully presents this young band’s penchant for channeling earnestness in a way that’s catchy, fun and honest. There’s just something feel-good about this, a reassuring and pleasant warmth is evident that counteracts the chilliness that is both abundant in every aspect of life right now. For those looking for some great feel good indie that’s just the right amount of sleazy, then look no further. – Dan Hillier