Our Favorite New Releases
Top 10 tracks by smaller bands that we’re obsessed with right now
“Toxic Cloud” - hot mess Milwaukee, WI
“Toxic Cloud” by hot mess balances vulnerability with a cool, effortless sound, making it easy to get lost in the song's mood. Personally, I’m a big fan of the 80s-style synths layered with the more modern feel of the guitars. I also love that the song grabs your attention right from the opening instead of taking a while to get going. The combination of the synths, guitars, and vocals gives it a distinct sound, and I think the different layers work especially well together as the song moves along. There’s a darker feeling underneath it all that fits the title really well without being too obvious. This is definitely one of those tracks where the production gives you more to notice each time you listen.
“sober HUNGOVER” by Public Figure Omaha, NE
“Sober HUNGOVER” has a really nice push-and-pull to it. I like how the song keeps a steady groove without feeling like it’s sitting in one place the whole time. The vocals, while still showcasing the singer’s range, feel pretty laid-back, which works really well with the slightly messy, hungover feeling of the song. There’s also something about the way everything comes together that makes it feel like a song you’d put on late at night and end up listening to a few times in a row. It feels personal without overdoing it, and that’s probably what I like most about it.
“Stand Still” by EDITH, ft. Capture This Denver, CO
“Stand Still” by EDITH is a captivating track that balances emotional vulnerability with an undeniable sense of momentum. The song's energetic pacing and expressive delivery, layered with the vocals lent by Capture This, create a feeling of being caught between wanting to move forward and feeling emotionally frozen in place. “Stand Still” leaves a lasting impression, showcasing an artist unafraid to sit with complicated emotions while turning them into something compelling and memorable.
“Under The Knife (Pretty)” by moonstone. Dallas, TX
Personally, I really love how “Under the Knife (Pretty)” starts off feeling a little more restrained before opening up into the bigger sections. The guitars are probably what stand out to me most; they give the song a lot of character, especially when they start pushing against the vocals. I also like the contrast between the softer moments and the heavier parts because it keeps the song from feeling predictable. There’s a rawness to the whole track that works really well, and I think the title fits the song’s slightly unsettling edge without it feeling forced. The more I listened to it, the more I appreciated how much is going on underneath the main vocal and guitar parts.
“Everything You Wanted (And Less)” by worseforwear Las Vegas, NV
I really like how “Everything You Wanted (And Less)” builds as it goes. The vocals have a really natural, unforced sound, and I like the way the song moves between the quieter parts and the bigger moments. The lyrics also give it a personal feel without coming across as overly dramatic. It’s one of those songs where the more you listen, the more little things you notice. Definitely one I’d keep coming back to.
“Noseblunt Shuvit” by Tunnel Jumper Denver, CO
“Noseblunt Shuvit” by Tunnel Jumper has an intense energy that immediately grabs your attention. I like how the track keeps things moving and interesting without feeling overly complicated, and there’s a raw, almost carefree vibe that gives it a lot of personality. It feels like the kind of song that’s meant to be played as loud as you can and just enjoyed for what it is.
“Drown” by Chlorine Portland, OR
“Drown” really pulls you in with the way it gradually settles into its rhythm. I like how the vocals sit over the music without feeling too polished or distant; there’s a little roughness that makes the song feel more genuine. The slower pace works really well here too, especially with the way the song builds and gives certain parts room to breathe. It also makes you want to actually sit with the song instead of just having it on in the background. I could definitely see this being one of those tracks that hits differently depending on what kind of day you’re having.
“Waves” by Suitable Miss Denver, CO
“Waves” is one of those songs that really grew on me the more I listened to it. I love the way it keeps moving without feeling rushed, and there’s something really natural about the way the vocals sit with the music. The guitars give it a lot of warmth, while the other layers fill things out without making the song feel TOO busy. What I like most is that it feels genuinely emotional without trying too hard to tell you how to feel. There’s a sense of looking back on something and just letting those feelings exist, which makes the song feel really personal.
“Cut Your Hair” by Grave Secrets Los Angeles, CA
What I like most is that it doesn't feel overly polished or sanitized. There’s a physicality to the recording, like the track feels like it has some grit under its fingernails. The overall energy keeps building for quite a while rather than giving you everything immediately, and that makes the bigger moments feel earned. There’s also a noticeable shift in the latter half where the song pulls back and becomes more subdued before kicking back into motion. That contrast is one of the things that kept my attention.
“Stressed Out” by Savings Albuquerque, NM
I saved this one for last since we’ve chatted with these boys previously. “Stressed Out” is a track that hits a little differently, having already talked about it with the band during our interview. Knowing some of the thought and meaning behind the song made me pay more attention to the details when I listened to it again. I really like the way the song balances the heavier subject matter with a sound that still feels easy to get into. The vocals feel especially honest here, and there’s a sense that the emotion comes through naturally rather than being pushed too hard. I also really like how the different parts of the arrangement come together as the song progresses. Enough is going on to keep me listening without anything feeling out of place. After hearing the story behind it, I think the song has even more impact, and it’s one I’ll definitely hear differently now as I keep it on repeat.
