Give It Time by W. Y. Huang A comforting folk single from New York-based singer/songwriter W. Y. Huang, “Give It Time” reassures that “everything will be just fine,” amidst tender acoustics, serene vocals, and an eventual piano-laden brightness. The song’s easy-going flow is apt within thematic reflections of “patience and surrender,” inspired by personal experience with chronic pain. “This was the first time I wrote a song to myself,” Huang says. “There were things I needed to hear and feel to journey through this chapter in my life, and this was my attempt at giving that to myself. Perhaps ..read more

A gripping new prog-rock single from Philadelphia-based band Chewy, “Rubber Unfamiliar” unfolds with captivating variety — reminding of a cross between Black Midi and XTC. The track marks the opening effort on their new EP, Ostranenie. Pulsing guitar shimmers and a breezy brass convergence lead into a debonair one-minute turn, where crunchy guitars lead into a decisive vocal lead; the shift from art-rock experimentation into a delectably raucous fervency, and then into a psych-friendly wooziness, is exemplary of the project’s dynamic range. The gorgeous brass components re-ignite at the mid ..read more

Montreal-based act Chapeaux Pointus deliver a dreamy pop groove on new single “Fini,” which opens their new EP, Pour en finir. Sporadic guitar jangling and a thumping bass line traverse into a moody French vocal delivery, embraced by glistening keys as the title-referencing sequence takes hold. Playful guitar twangs immerse throughout the final minute, casting a trickling spell within the production’s lushly invigorating glow. Stream the rest of this lovely new EP from Chapeaux Pointus: — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Sin ..read more

A timeless-sounding rocker with a sense of impending doom, “Still Waiting” is a memorable single from Ricky Haze. The production traverses from a nostalgic doo-wop feeling into a sweltering rock passion. “The world’s about to end,” the vocals declare, complemented by backing vocal harmonizing as the playful percussion accelerates. The howling vocal assumption re-ignites the commiseration of feeling like the world is ending, enthralling with twangy guitar adornments. “Still Waiting” is a standout showing from Ricky Hazy. “I wrote this song one quiet afternoon, with the windows cracked,” Ricky ..read more

Memphis-based artist Joseph Ozment shows an escalating, nostalgic psych-rock appeal on new single “God Save the Queen.” A traditional, royal orchestration fades out quickly into the suave assortment of guitars and synths. Ozment’s vocals strut a calming clarity, emitting “I could never forget you,” into spacey synth tones that send chills. A brassy darkness takes hold at mid-point, following an uptick in vocal fervency that compels. “God save, god bless, what a fucking mess,” the vocals continue, espousing a complex state of in-between. “In this song I bemoan the boredom of modernity and my ..read more

A dazed pop sound shimmers on “Carousel,” the opening single from Lenny Zen‘s upcoming EP, Artifact of Attraction. A dreamy pop and alternative hip=hop aesthetical intertwining compels, as throbbing synths and glistening guitars arise into a soulful vocal charisma. The track is described as “written about the impermanent nature of love in the early days of a relationship.” “Maybe you’re slowing me down, or maybe I need you around,” the opening vocals contemplate, halting momentarily as a funky bass suaveness drives into the twinkling, psychedelic bridge — arriving into a delectable wordless ..read more

London-based act Pink Cliffs strut a suave rock intrigue on new single “Never Gonna Make You Mine,” immersing with free-flowing guitar bursts and an infectious title-touting refrain within its hooky psych-rock sound. The project of Si Miller impresses with the track, which represents Pink Cliffs’ fourth single and marks a return following a two-year health-related hiatus. Per the artist, “the single “follows an obsessed character in the pursuit of the unobtainable.” It touts a gripping, psychedelic appeal, making us firmly anticipate the project’s debut LP, Long Shadows. — This and other tra ..read more

Oslo-based band von Krogh depict the turbulent aspect of life’s ups and downs within an emotive production on their new album WAVES. Orchestral folk and anthemic rock alike linger with enduring impact throughout the release, which was recorded in Greenroom Studios in Fredrikstad, Norway, and mixed by Bjarne Stensvik. The opening two tracks on WAVES are exemplary of von Krogh’s dynamic appeal. “Scales” kickstarts the release with palpable momentum, building from piano-laden balladry into a triumphantly soaring rock sound amidst wordless vocal enthrallment and clamoring percussive intensity. “I ..read more

Consuming in its stylishly foreboding rock, folk, and Americana interweaving, Too Many Ghosts is the new album from CoyoteBear, a band based in Lafayette, IN. The album pursues an autobiographical thematic appeal, traversing across the realms of human experience in explorations of “depression, addiction, poverty, paranoia, and learning to live with death.” A compelling tonal range showcases, from the Bourbon Street feeling of brass and debonair vocals within “It’s All Good,” strutting shades of Nick Cave, to the scorching bluesy rock ardency of “A Couple of Days.” Another highlight comes in t ..read more

A compelling single that touts an art-pop and folk entrancement, “Thin Places” comes via Saint Idiot, the project of Slovak-Canadian musician Tomáš Andel. The Edmonton-based artist crafts a sound with a glistening, evolving expanse — rousing from more contemplative folk settings into twinkling, multi-vocal harmoniousness; the eclectic tonal navigation and warming folk sentiments remind fondly of Sufjan Stevens, aesthetically. The track comes via an upcoming EP of the same name, which grapples with how the “alleged age of hyperconnection,” conjures a unique sense of loneliness and anxiety. “T ..read more