ROCK

South Carolina singer Steve Contino gets swept away by toxic love in his latest single, “Storm,” released on Jan 20. From the moment the song begins, you can feel the energy crackling in the air, like the calm before a tempest. The song kicks off with splashing cymbals and sharp…

Instrumental project Aptøsrs, helmed by Independent Music Award-nominated composer, songwriter, and producer Paul Terry, takes us through various moods, genres, and landscapes with its ambient debut album, Elders. Released on March 29, the debut gets experimental and highly interpretive with its expansive combination of cinematic, electronic, and rock influences. The…

Alternative-indie band The Lost Messiahs gets nostalgic and grateful as they tribute songwriter Ollie Plunkett’s late mother in their latest poignant and heartfelt single, “Lucky One Remix (Radio Edit).” Plunkett produced “Lucky One Remix (Radio Edit)” in Golden Egg Studios by himself and got it mixed by the multi-award-winning producer…

Second Idol seethes out a battle cry and a call to arms for women, non-binary, and trans musicians in the music industry in their latest single, “Boxing Ring.” Drenched in alternative rock, goth, grunge, and post-punk influences, this track is a visceral reflection on the struggles and aspirations of those…

Ruby Nixxons leans into destruction in their hard-hitting rock bop, “Midnight Candy.” With commanding guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and driving drums, this single grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go. Recorded at Waterfront Studios in Falkirk, Scotland, the song starts with heavy guitar riffs by Steve Mosley…

Having made it to the South Africa Top 40 Chart and the Aotearoa RadioScope Alt Chart, The Transits gets on the energetic and exciting side of heartbreaking relatability with their punchy, energetic anthem, “Heartbreak Queen.” This single is an absolute head-banger thanks to the insane mix of rock, punk, indie…

Die Kammer gets the heaviest and the murkiest with their latest album, Season V: Maybe Forgotten. Maybe Glorious. Expect a lot of heavy material, including life and death, with the fleeting contemplations of the sweeping transitions in between, from this season. The album opens with the cinematic masterpiece, “My Dearie…

SUN MAHSHENE steps on a new chapter through the depths of post-shoegaze soundscapes in their latest single, “New Shores (Radio Edit).” Released on March 22, this Dublin-based sextet delivers a powerful anthem of new beginnings and fresh starts. Produced by Michael Richards, “New Shores (Radio Edit)” envelops your ears in…

Neska Rose is painfully “Aware” of a man’s audacity and shouts it out with that perfect female rage in her latest single. With Neska on guitar and her twin sister, Libi, on keys and backing vocals, this dynamic duo brings a fresh and edgy sound to the music. “Aware” kicks…

Seßler/Zeeb pleads for compassion, humanity and a sense of togetherness in a world that is divided and self-serving in his latest single, “If No One.” With gentle piano keys leading the way, the song unfolds like a comforting embrace, making us reflect on the importance of lending a helping hand…