Reviews

Calvin Harris, the mastermind behind some of our favorite EDM anthems, is back with a new track, “SMOKE THE PAIN AWAY.” Right from the start, it’s impossible to predict where this song will go—has Harris pivoted to acoustic folk? Let’s find out.

Just by chance, while scrolling through a Discord community for composers, I came across the Hong Kongese composer, singer, and producer Lam Terence. The video featured a conventionally attractive singer with the usual aesthetics and look of Korean and Chinese pop. However, the person who shared the video wrote:

How would you depict oceanic landscapes with sound?  

Dasha's latest single, "Not At This Party," has officially been released, marking a significant moment in her burgeoning career. The track, which debuted on February 28, 2025, via Warner Records, showcases Dasha's unique blend of pop and country influences.

Alisa Xayalith has released a song called “What The Hell Do We Do Now?,” and the moment I heard it, I couldn’t help but grin. Even on the first listen, it brought me a lot of happiness. I hadn’t heard anything by Alisa before, but after this, I’ll definitely be exploring the rest of her discography.

The artist Alaina Castillo has recently released a new track titled “last night.” I want to start by saying that I really appreciate this song. In my opinion, “last night” is quite similar to “New Light” by John Mayer. That said, it differentiates itself through its production, vocal performance, and the overall mood it creates.

The artist BANKS is set to release a new album soon, and I’ve been listening to her latest track, Love Is Unkind, from that upcoming project.

Alessia Cara has recently released a groovy and soulful track titled “Slow Motion.” I’ve listened to it a few times now, and I have to say—I’m not getting tired of it. I love how quickly it transitions to the chorus and how it stays within the same sonic space throughout. Sometimes, you don’t need a drastic production shift or a complex bridge. Sometimes, all you need is a steady groove, a few well-placed instruments, and a catchy vocal idea.

The band Cassia has recently released a new track titled “Friends.” I have to be honest—I rarely listen to music for its story or lyrics. Most of the time, I just go along with the melodies and rhythms. However, the story behind Friends actually caught me off guard. If you watch the music video while listening to the song for the first time, you’ll understand what I mean.

The intro to “Raving In The Studio” kicks off with a sample that feels instantly familiar. I won’t spoil the surprise, but the entire song is built around this iconic riff. Listening to it took me back to my younger days when I spent hours immersed in UKF Drum and Bass. I’ve always been torn about the genre—sometimes finding it a bit tacky, but other times absolutely loving it. For me, it all comes down to the song.

Alessi Rose has just released her latest single, “IKYK,” and if you’re not already familiar with her work, now’s the perfect time to dive in. This catchy, high-energy pop track is a natural fit for any playlist and showcases Alessi’s undeniable knack for crafting infectious tunes.

Morgan Wallen's latest single, "Smile," released yesterday, marks an evolution in his musical journey. Co-written by Wallen alongside Rocky Block, John Byron, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, and Luis Witkiewitz, the track delves into the complexities of a strained relationship, capturing the fleeting joy of a partner's smile, even if it's just for a photograph. 

The Aces have released a catchy modern funk tune titled “Jealous.” Upon hearing it for the first time, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Ariana Grande’s “Yes, and?” The comparison isn’t so much about the genre or artistry but rather the melodic space the song inhabits. That said, hats off to The Aces—they’ve crafted a truly enjoyable track.

Cody Frost’s latest release, "BLOODSUCKA", featuring Debbie Gough, comes with an equally striking music video. Unlike abstract visuals, this one straightforwardly complements the track’s story, creating a cohesive and engaging experience.

SAYGRACE has dropped a gem with her latest track, "Stay Down". As a longtime fan of female vocal RnB/Soul, I was immediately drawn in. Think Jhené Aiko, H.E.R, and Cleo Sol—with shades of the greats like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. This track, produced by Andre “Dre” Harris, fits perfectly into the genre’s legacy of smooth, soulful grooves.

Belters Only, the Irish electronic collective, has dropped a fresh track, "AwStopBro". Anchored by an enchanting rhythm, this song captivates with standout elements like its professional production and flawless sound selection. The drums hit with precision, while the synths and samples are irresistibly satisfying—an essential pick for Ibiza-style summer vibes.

Kendrick Lamar just released a new album titled “GNX”. I’m not going to dive too deeply into the songs or break them down in detail—because, honestly, I can’t talk right now. I’m too busy dancing to them. You should put it on immediately.

Okay, this one is a bit different. I’m a big fan of Ariana Grande, so I try not to miss anything she releases. That’s why, right now, I’ll be talking about her latest release, “Popular”, which is part of the soundtrack for the movie Wicked. The new Wicked movie was released just three days ago, along with its soundtrack.

Aminé has recently dropped a new four-track single titled “.mp3s.” In this review, I’ll focus on the opening track, “s2wik.” From the very start, the song feels incredibly fresh and dynamic. As a fan of artists like Kaytranada, PinkPantheress, and Fred Again.., I found the track’s vibe immediately appealing. The beat leans into an industrial sound—perhaps a nod to the fact that the artist performing on it didn’t produce it. Regardless, Aminé ties it all together seamlessly with his compelling vocal delivery.

Amber Mark has recently dropped a new banger titled “Wait So Yeah.” My personal favorite by Amber Mark has always been her cover of Sade's iconic track, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.” Before hearing “Wait So Yeah,” that was pretty much the only song I had listened to thoroughly by her. With this in mind, I didn’t quite know what to expect.

In psychology, there’s a recurring idea that “the psyche is image.” Every thought that drifts through our mind is painted, sculpted, also composed. Each mental scene carries the transcendental, divine hue of poetry. It’s fascinating, then, that “Floating gold”—an ambient, nearly 70-minute odyssey of psychedelic textures—finds its inspiration in an unexpected place: the waiting line for Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It’s a reminder that no matter what we’re doing, even standing in line, our minds weave everything into poetry.

The one-chord, constant strumming of the guitar, paired with an upbeat singer, has been a signature of the rock-pop movement for decades. Often stereotyped or caricatured, we imagine beautiful singers strumming away with conventionally angelic voices—this representation, across various forms of media, is almost inevitably accompanied by insinuations of a lack of depth in both the music and the artist.

FINNEAS has released a new single, "Lotus Eater," as part of his latest album, For Cryin' Out Loud. While this review focuses on the single, remember there’s plenty more to explore on the album, which marks his third full-length release, excluding two deluxe editions of previous records.

Fie Eike is back with another wonderfully relaxing, piano-driven track. Her latest single, "Omrids," is a melodic treat, featuring only piano—beautifully and masterfully. The song starts off strong and sustains its promise throughout. The melodic theme comes in at just the right moment, adding an extra layer of beauty. Fie hails from Denmark, where this track was created. I'm not sure if it should be classified as Danish folk music, though it does remind me of some old Swedish folk songs I'm familiar with. But honestly, the genre doesn’t matter much here—just listen to it!

Kygo and Imagine Dragons, two pop powerhouses, have teamed up for a new track titled "Stars Will Align." It's a natural collaboration for these chart-topping artists, and on this song, they show not only their individual strengths but also an impressive synergy. Both are known for their high-energy hits—think "Believer," "Radioactive," "Stole The Show," and "Firestone." Ring any bells?

Barry Can’t Swim has recently released a new EDM-infused banger titled Still Riding. The title perfectly reflects how the song feels to listen to. Some songs really carry you through them like a moving train, constantly pushing forward. Sometimes that momentum can feel overwhelming, but Still Riding is definitely a chill ride. It has a beat reminiscent of artists such as Fred Again, Four Tet, or Mall Grab.

The Aces are back with their latest track, “The Magic,” and there’s a lot to appreciate here. The standout for me is the undeniable funk they maintain throughout the song. It strikes the perfect balance between cool, upbeat, and catchy. Songs like this can easily veer into cheesy territory, but The Aces have kept it incredibly tasteful.

Katy Perry has just released her latest album, titled 143. After listening through the entire project, I’m ready to share some insights. First, let’s figure out why the album is called 143. A quick search reveals that “143” is a numerical shorthand for “I love you,” and it’s also reportedly Katy Perry’s personal “angel number.” This symbolism fits well with the album cover, where Perry is portrayed in a love-filled, angelic state.

Geordie Greep has sent shockwaves through the British rock scene with his declaration that Black Midi, the now-legendary duo he once helmed, is officially on hiatus and not something he's keen on revisiting anytime soon. Black Midi has always been characterized by bold improvisation and a lack of fear in stepping outside the comfort zone. Yet, with the release of Greep’s debut single, Holy, Holy, it’s abundantly clear why he wants to stay away from Black Midi. It’s experimental, for sure, but it’s far more structured and crafted with purpose compared to the trembling chaos of Black Midi.

A$AP Rocky recently dropped a track titled Taylor Swift, and it’s a classic trap banger, packed with hard-hitting drums and clever bars throughout. Before diving in further, I highly recommend watching the video while listening for the first time. It’s an unexplainable mix of abstract imagery, cleverly put together, that pulls you in and makes you want to pay attention. Filmed in Kyiv, Ukraine, the video blends street visuals with a dose of surreal film magic.

It’s been over a year since I last saw Tenille Arts perform at Canvas Manchester, where we had the chance to interview her. Since then, she’s released a collaborative song with LeAnn Rimes, opened for Luke Bryan on his Canadian tour dates, and seen her latest album, To Be Honest, featured in Time Square Spotify billboard ads. Things are certainly looking promising for the Canadian country singer.

Floating Points has released a new three song mini-ep titled “Ocotillo”. It is hard to accurately describe everything that is going on in these tracks with words. I wish I could formulate three quick sentences that just made it so you went and gave these tracks a go and listened to them as soon as possible. The more people that listened to this music the quicker, the better off we would be. When I hear these tracks, they feel so refreshing. 

Blink-182 has dropped two new singles, "All In My Head" and "No Fun," which will be featured on their upcoming album, One More Time… Part 2. These tracks stay true to the band's signature sound, echoing the familiar sonic and stylistic vibes that long-time fans will recognize.

Fie Eike has just released a new track titled “Fluid.” If you haven't listened to Fie before, I highly recommend exploring her other projects before, during, or after reading this article. Born and raised in Denmark, Fie crafts atmospheric, vibey songs with subtle yet impactful vocals. Her early releases have all revolved around the theme of water, and the production on these tracks is exceptional. Every element feels cohesive, from the structure of the parts to the unique sounds that surface throughout. Fie has a remarkable talent for weaving together different elements, ensuring that not only do they stand out individually, but they also collectively reinforce the overarching theme of her music.

Halsey has released a new pop/rock/punk banger titled “Lonely is the Muse”. This track makes me, as a person in the age range 22-30, pretty nostalgic. Even to someone that had a front row seat to the wave of pop punk songs released in the 2000’s, the track still feels fresh. Halsey delivers heart-wrenching vocals, mixing smooth harmonies with her lead vocal which at some points also goes over into screaming. The backing music is basic instruments, but very well played. Drums, guitar and bass. The distorted guitars are not taking over, but are filling up a lot of empty room just on their own.

The artist under review today goes by several names. He has released six solo albums under his own name, “Luke Temple”; another four as “Here We Go Magic”; three as his alter ego “Art Feynman”; and the album under review is released with his new group, “Cascading Moms.”

Diamond-certified and award-winning artist The Weeknd revealed his 2024 tour dates in Australia, extending his record-breaking 2022/2023 After Hours Til Dawn Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the Australia leg will start on Saturday, October 5, in Melbourne with back-to-back shows, followed by performances in Sydney on October 22 and 23 at Accor Stadium. These shows will mark The Weeknd’s first-ever stadium performances in Australia and his return to the region since 2017. Mike Dean, Chxrry22, and Sydney’s own Anna Lunoe will be joining as support for the four Australia dates.

Die With A Smile is the latest banger released by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Bruno is following his own footsteps and carrying on towards a more soulful path. I am personally very pleased to see Lady Gaga hop on the same path and walk with Bruno, if only for a little while. There is a lot to say about Bruno Mars. How incredibly soulful his songwriting is, the raw power emanating from his voice and much more. I think this track shows that whatever you are going to compliment Bruno Mars for, you can just as well do the same for Lady Gaga.

Whenever Moses Sumney comes to mind, it’s hard not to imagine him parting seas or enchanting creatures—biblical allusions that might seem cliché at first. Yet, in many ways, they’re not far off the mark. Sumney’s music, particularly in his previous album Græ, felt like a vast, living ocean—a place where all manner of sonic beings thrived, with silence acting as a powerful, sea-dividing force. In a genre that often fears quiet, Sumney embraced it, making every pause as meaningful as the sound it framed.

Previously, we reviewed “These Dreams Are Killing Me,” a single by Louis Cole that served as a preview for “Nothing,” the album we will discuss in this article.

Earlier this year, we explored the lush, international success of Orquídeas, Kali Uchis’s first foray into a fully Spanish-language album. The record, a beautiful fusion of dreamy atmospheres and Latin influences, quickly became a landmark in her discography. Now, Uchis returns to this fertile ground with a second installment, offering three new tracks and a remaster that extend the delicate, intoxicating allure of the original release.

Schoolboy Q has long been a fascinating figure in the rap scene, deftly straddling the line between high-concept rap and infectious musical escapades. He's an artist who can effortlessly transition from raucous raves and parties to the realm of intimate music, where complexity and contemplation are well treasured.

After a necessary abstinence from songwriting, Julia Holter finally returns strong with a new album and intriguing collaborations. The pandemic, new motherhood, and the recent deaths of relatives have profoundly affected the composer in recent years, and it seems that these experiences have nurtured her latest release, “Something in the Room She Moves”.

As a music reviewer, I never thought I'd find myself discussing Twin Peaks in the middle of an article—my favorite television series of all time—within the context of a music review. Yet here we are.

If you are a music enthusiast with and weird enough, you might someday find documenting yourself about minimalism as a musical style. What could be more intriguing than examining a genre defined by the mantra “Less is more”? In my own research, one of the most beguiling aspects of minimalism is its pursuit of a trance-like, mystical experience through stasis. Yet, I personally find it challenging to achieve such a state with simplistic music. My most profound musical epiphanies have emerged from the organic yet intricate compositions of Toru Takemitsu, the meticulously constructed works of Dai Fujikura, or the symmetric complexity of Messiaen’s rhythms and harmonies. However, today's focus, Toe with his newest release “Now i see the light”, stands as a notable exception to this perception on minimalism..

“Symbiosis” is a refreshing and hopeful term, especially considering its origins in biology. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the science that studies living organisms, some interpretations of key biological theories have given rise to harmful and modernist ideologies. Social Darwinism, perhaps the most destructive, posits that societies evolve in the same manner as living organisms. This notion of "progress" deeply influenced the 20th century, affecting economics, philosophy, and the arts, including music. We also see the misinterpretation of terms like “survival of the fittest,” used to justify individualism and competition, based on the idea that since biology studies the natural state of living organisms, “selfishness” must be the natural state of human beings.

We previously reviewed Haruomi Hosono's 50th anniversary since his first solo album. Now, in this entry, we will celebrate his friend Keigo Oyamada, who this year reaches the 30th anniversary of releasing music under the name of “Cornelius.”