HIGHWAYVES returns with the catchy brilliance that is Plastic. Nostalgic 90s alternative vibes find the space between early Radiohead and Filter. There’s an intriguing sonic layer thats adapts the stacked guitars and soft synths like one living breathing mechanism. The artists passionate raw delivery breeds anthemic presence.
The writing is interesting, arranged dramatically to lure you deeper into its immersive escape, built big to reenforce sweeping emotional flushes formed from its melodic attraction. That intense contrast, how they blend melancholy into the fabric of pop leaning alternative rock, is exhilarating. The crisp presentation is part of the artists genius, as it was mixed by HIGHWAYVES and notably mastered by Robin Schmidt (The 1975, Beabadoobee, Yungblud).
Only his second release and both finding high praise within our circle, HIGHWAYVES is buzz worthy. Say you heard him first. Dig onto Plastic now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Blueburst announces his return with the glittery brilliance of Vanish. Who needs nostalgia when you can honor a true underground innovator. The unlikely ascension of Craig Douglas Miller finds him resurrecting a deserted career that drew major label attention in the era of the record, the glorious 90s.
Blueburst captures the essence of that sound with a new indie sensibility, blending the aura of bands like REM and Band of Horses. The guitar works cites 80s alternative with a melodic twist known to more recent indie iterations. Like the classics Blueburst embellishes some lead guitar flash lost on modern rock. He does it tastefully, digging into a dreamy mid song soundscape that gives the work progressive appeal. To tap it off he even features a quick drum solo to bring the adaption full circle. He might be 50 but he rips harder than most young bands today, guaranteed to melt your face in concert, and presented well on this exciting studio debut.
Hear Vanish now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Gorgeous melodic fuzz envelopes you from the first moment of Teenage Chrononaut, the new release from Chuck 2. The composition bridges the gap between The Pixies and The Replacements, candid and punk inspired but bred on a diet of radio classics. Like most of us, an insider likely awoke them to the fury of the underground, shards of punk, emo, and shoegaze all stuffed into the crowded bin of perennial favorites. Teenage Chrononaut reimagines all of it with quick catchy appeal and anti-folk intellect. Unconventional in construct but could be easily repackaged as a standard hit. That would just cloud the aesthetic and raw appeal. We dig it just as is.
Hear Teenage Chrononaut now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
A spectrum of influence and stylistic intention reveals itself through Do-It-Yourself Propaganda, the new 6 song EP from Inner Circle Club. The Atlanta based duo spares no decadence and takes no prisoners. The energy and angst grows vicious on the standout Doomed. The chic motorcycle stoner banger has QOTSA swagger with dirty biker bite. It just one iteration, of which there are several.
The vibe grows more psychedelic on the infectious Bump In The Night. Fit for Dan Aurbachs imprint its a retro rock radio hit. This is how we imagine Eric Burden might have sounded in the modern indie rock machine. It’s also got some King Gizzard style flare and creative flex. It suggests how they might flesh these jams out live.
The full spectrum appeal is most prevalent on the expressive Cost You Everything. The poetic jest that could draw comparisons to Father John Misty caps off the EP elegantly. It shows the bands appreciation from the construction or the classic album, and their approach to the project as a whole. Collectively an exciting debut from this notable Atlanta Upstart.
Inner Circle Club is currently featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 