We were seduced by the trembling vibrato that blesses Crystalline, the new single from Raisalka. A dirty grunge inspired foundation meets elegant contrast courtesy of the otherworldly lead vocal, one that blends like the curious beauty that graces gothic art. The writing is smart, with syncopated progressive surprise and a dreamy mid song melodic lead in the bridge section. Stylistically we hear evidence of A Perfect Circle blended with the shoegaze appeal of Lush and Deftones. Sounds intriguing? It is.
The press release provides some notable substance regarding this project. “Raisalka is Isabella Ronayne’s personal take of the Slavic folklore tale of an otherworldly feminine entity, who embodies water and is vindictive toward mankind. The Raisalka demon, who has been wrongly murdered and seeks revenge, appears as a beautiful woman who lures traveling men with her haunting voice and takes their souls in order to preserve her own. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Ronayne took this idea and created songs from the perspective of the Raisalka demon. Joined by Lucia Arias (guitar), Leslie Hong (bass, vocals) Charlotte Kahn (drums) and Amy Klein (guitar) Raisalka is wistfully nostalgic alternative rock with shimmering shoegaze elements. Raisalka’s debut album, Auratone, which was recorded and produced by Adam Reich at Second Base, will be released on October 13th, 2023 via Freeman Street Records.”
Hear Crystalline now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Mary and The Sharks peel back the facade on their new single Hollywood. A catchy song in any light, the lyrics add a convincing edgy appeal. This all-too-familiar tale of abuse in power exams the experience of being taken advantage of by the studio leviathans. It’s a heavily documented practice in literature seldom reflected in biopics because the bosses have no intention of selling themselves out. Mary and The Sharks, however, leave little to the imagination.
The song is a gem and the vocal performance is truly magnificent, as the lead conjures a history of confused emotion and plight into this vulnerable moment. The profanity isn’t cheap, it’s in context and fitting within this narrative.
Hollywood is an an instant favorite. The vibe connects with recent classics from Sharon Van Etten and Florence and the Machine. The story presented in this manner, however, is all their own. Hear for yourself.
Hollywood is featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Irish Basement embrace their contrast on the delectable new single Black Cat. Rapturous raw energy intersects with a Baroque emotive new wave alter ego on this stylistic gem. For us it bridges the gap between post punk bands like Title Fight, synth pop icons The Killers, and new underground retro heroes Korine.
80s alternative and modern rock both have a stake in this design, but presented in this manner; Irish Basement has found a blend all their own. Black Cat is a hit.
Irish Basement are featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
We dig the dark dynamic lofi works of Brookside Mall. Their new single NNNYN is an eclectic blend of noise, shoegaze, post punk, and indie pop. The riff is intriguing while the vocal adds some catchy vocal quip. “Give me something I can hit.” The statement is relatable, a sentiment thats accented by the genuine angst with how it’s offered.
Their single School Tour offers another side of their disaffected vibe. This is how a Daniel Johnston song might sound if he was more influenced by post punk and post hardcore emo. The song is a gem and the production brings some elegant contrast to the design, amplifying the songs hidden melodic essence, buried by the dirty lofi design known to the aesthetic. We can dig it.
Brookside Mall are featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 