Oakland's Sword Tongue presents new 'Diamonds To Dust (Anthony H. Remix)'

November 20, 2025

Oakland alt-rock trio Sword Tongue presents their new offering - 'Diamonds To Dust (Anthony H. Remix)', an infectious, tribal inspired, EDM version of the original 'Diamonds To Rust', a highlight track from the recently-released 'Bonfire In The Tempest' - the band's fourth EP to date. Fusing dark electricity and soaring emotion, this remix harnesses a storm of tension and release within a hypnotic, irresistible groove.

Creating dark music for dark times, Sword Tongue is made up of vocalist Jennifer Wilde and guitarist Gaetano Maleki, a husband and wife who launched this project in the pandemic year of 2020, now joined by renowned drummer-producer Dan Milligan.

Anthony (H) delivers a tour-de-force reinvention of 'Diamonds To Rust', taking the song completely onto the dance floor. Stomping beats raise the tempo and crush the instruments into a distilled, hard-hitting foundation for Wilde's deadpan vocals and hushed tones.

“We’ve partnered with Anthony (H) before, for a remix of The Illusionist on our second album, and were excited to hear how he would transform one of our favorite tracks into a more DJ-friendly and dance floor filling powerhouse," says Jennifer Wilde.

"This is a track born out of an anxious reckoning of the unceasing progress of time, counting down to the inexorable end we all face. These days when all that is desired is rest and pause, we are reminded that there is no cheating time – it moves forward whether we are prepared or not."

Electro-Industrial DJ / artist Anthony H. (a.k.a. Anthony Hudson) is a charted Industrial, electro bass artist & EBM, dark electronic DJ - artist - producer, who has worked with Empirion, Omnimar, Sebastian Komor, Moaan Exis, Matt Hart, Dark Tunes, Ruined Conflict, Die Warzau, Spankthenun, Solemn Assembly, 40 Octaves Below, as well as with Nettwerk Records' Anthony Valcic (Frontline Assembly, Skinny Puppy, Numb).

The 'Bonfire in the Tempest' EP was produced by Dan Milligan, brainchild of The Joy Thieves, who has co-created, produced and remixed such artists as Chris Connelly, PIG and Consolidated, and members of such bands as Ministry, Stabbing Westward, The Rollins Band, Killing Joke, David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails, among others.

Just recently, Sword Tongue released the single 'Murder White Noise', a wry commentary on the state of the world and our attempts to soothe ourselves to get through it, and 'We Are The Resistance', a unified protest anthem that marks the 249th anniversary of the USA's founding.

Gaetano Maleki shares, “In the last few years, Jennifer and I have had some significant milestones with our children coming into adulthood. It made us realize how fleeting it all is, as cliché as that sounds.”

Galvanized during our current age of cultural upheaval, this EP bursts with raw emotion and is tempered by sophisticated production. Blending alt-rock, post-punk and dream pop, it explores anguish, anger, transformation and triumph. Vocals oscillate between a croon and a roar, seduction and rage against the backdrop of shimmering guitar tones, mesmerizing bass, and intricate drum lines.

'Diamonds To Dust (Anthony H Remix)' is now out everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the 'Bonfire In The Tempest' EP is also available digitally and as a first-print red variant cassette with a special album poem inside.

EP & REMIX CREDITS
Lyrics by Jennifer Ryan Wilde
Music written & arranged by Sword Tongue (Wilde / Milligan / Maleki)
Jennifer Ryan Wilde - vocals
Dan Milligan - drums & percussion
Gaetano Maleki - guitar & bass
Produced by Dan Milligan
Remix by Anthony H
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

NYC's LAPTOP unpacks '90s Fame & Failure on "Indie Hero" with epic video

November 19, 2025

Laptop, the cult NYC project led by Jesse Hartman (formerly with Island Records), continues their cinematic synth pop revival with “Indie Hero”, a wry and wistful love song to the myth of late 20th century cool, but also a hate song about hero worship gone hideously wrong. Anchored by Laptop’s signature mix of cinematic synths, dry wit, and bittersweet reflection, this track opens a new chapter for Hartman, now joined by his son Charlie as co-frontman in this multi-generational pop experiment, with equal parts satire and sincerity. The single previews their forthcoming album "On This Planet", slated for release in Spring 2026 via Hurricane Cove Records.

The details? Hartman isn’t at liberty to say. Well, maybe just a little: As a teenage guitarist, Hartman once toured overseas with one of his idols, watching the myth of cool dissolve in real time. "Indie Hero" captures the moment (during a fateful night in a Tokyo restaurant), when youthful ambition collided with middle-aged madness. The Hartmans sing: “I’ll dive across a table for you, my indie hero, I’m feeling so unstable for you, my indie hero” - half romantic, half tragic, all reckless. Together they go on a dangerous, adolescent journey, both literally and symbolically, repeating in the outro: “I want to go to Japan again.” “Indie Hero” ultimately reflects on fame, failure, and the pursuit of artistic immortality.

Hartman shares, “This is a love letter to the ghosts of the ’90s and their obsession with the ghosts of the late ’70s. All the beautiful people who never quite went the distance. Including me. It’s about idol worship, but also about outgrowing it."

The video, directed by Jesse Hartman, reimagines that journey as a Japanese comic-book fever dream: a young musician chasing his dreams and heroes across neon cities and sake bars, only to discover that the real revelation isn’t fame—it’s self-discovery (and maybe a little heartbreak).

“When I was starting out in the ’90s, I met a lot of my punk and new wave heroes in New York’s East Village. They weren’t always as cool as I thought they’d be. It taught me that sometimes it’s best not to meet your heroes, and better to just become your own," Hartman recalls. “I think the video sketches that coming of age picture in comic-al way”.

Written years ago by Hartman and longtime musical collaborator Luke Wood (from Hartman’s first band Sammy), and recorded this past year between New York, Nevis and Valencia, “Indie Hero” layers drums and machines, horns and synths, shimmering guitars and the Hartmans’ sly vocals into something both nostalgic and immediate, like hearing your favorite 2001 record on a futuristic radio.

Laptop emerged in the early 2000s with three cult classic albums on Island Records, earning praise from NME and The Guardian, who dubbed Hartman the master of “insincere sincerity.” Having got his start as a teenage Voidoid with Richard Hell, Hartman then co-founded the indie rock band Sammy (with Luke Wood, later President of Beats by Dre), releasing albums via Fire Records and Geffen Records.

Since reviving the band, Laptop has released the surreal trilogy "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know", and “Weirder”, mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Julian Lennon), collectively drawing millions of views and reintroducing Laptop’s postmodern humor to a new generation.

Laptop has recently staged an epic return to live performance with a 14-piece band at New York's Sony Hall (their first hometown show in two decades) opening for UK legends Cast, and a headliner show at London's Waiting Room. These Stop Making Sense–like spectacles underscore the scale and ambition of Laptop’s reboot.

As of November 19, “Indie Hero” is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album "On This Planet" will be released in Spring 2026.

CREDITS 
Written by Jesse Hartman and Luke Wood (BMI)  
Published by Exurbia Music, Inc.  
Released by Hurricane Cove Records 
Jesse Hartman – vocals, guitars, keyboards, synths, piano, bass, percussion 
Charlie Hartman – vocals 
Lulu Hartman – vocals
Anna Heddad – vocals 
Geddys “Ch4se” Ferguson – vocals
Arthur Lewis – keys, piano, vocals 
Mike Desmarais – drums 
Lluisen Capafons – drums, congas, additional percussion
Dima Faustov – Saxophone
Lev Borovskiy – trumpet and trombone 
Santo Fazio – Harmonica
Oliver Freiberg – drum programming 
Produced by Jesse Hartman 
Recorded by Iñaki Ariste Aznar (Valencia), Edward Douglas (NYC), Jesse Hartman (NYC/Nevis)
Mixed by Jesse Hartman, Ray Aldaco, Edward Douglas (final mix by Jesse Hartman & Edward Douglas) 
Mastered by Dave Trumfio 
Recorded in Valencia, Spain. Additional sessions in Nevis. Final overdubs & edits in NYC
Video concept, direction, cinematography & editing by Jesse Hartman 
Featuring Charlie Hartman, Jesse Hartman & the Laptop band: Santo Fazio, Flynn Mulcahy, Fergus Segrove, Aviv Tal, Odetta Hartman, Camellia Hartman, Denise Gordon, Alex Friedman, Richard Baskin, Brandon Volel & Sam Rowley
Shot at Tall Tree Court and Sony Hall (at a live Laptop show September 3, 2025) 
Cover artwork by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
Artist photos by Thomas Krause
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

BEAUTY IN CHAOS pays homage to Johnny Cash & Joe Strummer on 'God's Gonna Cut You Down / Get Down Moses'

November 11, 2025

The evolving revolving entity Beauty In Chaos present their latest sonic offering - 'God's Gonna Cut You Down / Get Down Moses', released via 33.3 Music Collectiveand produced by Grammy-nominated producer Michael Rozon (Ministry, Jarboe, Wayne Hussey, The Melvins),

Beauty In Chaos has come a long way since launching in 2018 by Los Angeles-based guitarist Michael Ciravolo (formerly of Human Drama and Gene Loves Jezebel and current President of Schecter Guitars) but his musical road often finds him circling back to visit his roots, celebrating them with new renditions.

The new two-song digital EP single features an enveloping, smokey rendition of the traditional gospel hymn 'God’s Gonna Cut You Down', popularized by The Man in Black himself - Mr. Johnny Cash (who also happens to be a distant cousin to BIC’s own Tish Ciravolo), along with the B-side showcasing Beauty In Chaos' own take on Joe Strummer’s 'Get Down Moses'.

In addition to very familiar territory (guitars and textures), BIC curator Michael Ciravolo contributes vocals on both tracks, joined by Michael Rozon (lap steel guitar, snare drum, voices), as well as Tish Ciravolo, Whitney Tai, Set Miller, Anthony Loveand Tim Perry (background vocals and foot stomps).

“While both of these songs have certainly been covered before, I think we have injected BIC into them … even if we have stretched, what some have come to expect from us sonically,” says Michael Ciravolo.

BIC also unveils the video for 'God’s Gonna Cut You Down', filmed and directed by Vicente Cordero (Industrialism Films) and edited by Ryan Conlon based on a concept by Michael Ciravolo.

Ciravolo shares, “I think the haunted New Orleans’ French Quarter vibe compliments our approach to the song. There is certainly an underlying story-line running through the video, which is left to an individual’s interpretation… but in the end; good indeed triumphs over evil”.

This two-track single follows two solid releases for BIC' - their 'Dancing With Angels' album and the remix companion album ‘Signs In The Heavens Reality Upside Down’, which is available as a limited edition double CD, along with videos for 'Made Of Rain (Almost Acoustic)' feat. Ashton Nyte and Whitney Tai and the double-whammy offering 'Children Of The Revolution' feat. Al Jourgensen and 'Open Your Eyes' (honoring T.Rex / Marc Bolan and The Lords of the New Church, respectively).

Past BIC releases involve members of The Cure, Ministry, Cheap Trick, The Offspring, Gene Loves Jezebel, Marilyn Manson, Human Drama, Bauhaus, Nine Inch Nails, Van Halen, A Flock of Seagulls and dUg Pinnick, ICE-T, Rolan Bolanand Zakk Wylde, among many other luminaries.

The new single is available everywhere digitally, including Beauty In Chaos' store, Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Beauty In Chaos also plans to release the video for 'Get Down Moses' in December.

CREDITS
Michael Ciravolo – voices, guitars and textures
Michael Rozon – lap steel guitar, snare drum, voices
Background voices & foot stomps – Tish Ciravolo, Whitney Tai, Set Miller, Anthony Love & Tim Perry
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Michael Rozon at SAINTinLA
Produced by Michael Rozon & Michael Ciravolo
Video filmed and directed by Vicente Cordero (Industrialism Films)
Edited by Ryan Conlon. Concept by Michael Ciravolo
Lightning by Anthony Love (SL Lighting)
Hair and Makeup by Dania Ridgeway. Props courtesy of Prop Heaven
Video features Michael Ciravolo (voice), Tish Ciravolo (guitar), Michael Rozon (guitar) & Anthony Love (priest & devil)
EP cover art by Liz Ardman
Video cover by GABB
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TOMBSTONES IN THEIR EYES shares 'Alive And Well', a hymn of revival & tribute to late bandmate

November 11, 2025

LA-based indie rock outfit Tombstones In Their Eyes presents 'Alive and Well', a beautifully raucous psychedelic rock revival hymn, following the brooding lead track 'Under Dark Skies'. This unexpectedly fierce and defiant declaration of strength is the second taste of their 'Under Dark Skies' album, to be released via Little Cloud Records (for North America) and Shore Dive Records (for the UK and EU). This 2-track offering also includes the radio edit.

This song is dedicated to TITE guitarist Paul Boutin, who recently lost his battle with cancer. As Paul Lovecraft, he was a prolific musician, releasing music even after an operation nicked his vocal chords. Having met Tombstones' main-man John Treanor at Kitten Robot Studios about 10 years ago while working on his own projects, they fell into the same orbital realms until Paul eventually joined the band.

The song features John Treanor on vocals and guitar, Paul Boutin on guitar, Nic Nifoussi on bass, Paul Roessler on keyboards, Stephen Striegel on drums and percussion), and Courtney Davies, Clea Cullen and Joel Wasko on backing vocals,

"When our beloved friend and guitar player lost his life on 10/18/25, we were shocked, confused and incredibly saddened. Paul was so kind, generous, intelligent and always optimistic. Being in TITE was a source of pride and joy for Paul. He was so easy to be around and was dedicated, driving many hours for practices and shows, always bringing his cheerfulness and optimism. We miss him greatly and are glad he is all over this record," says John Treanor.

"We were initially going to scrap 'Alive and Well' as a single after Paul's passing (for obvious reasons), but because it was one of Paul's favorites and a song on which he played guitar, we are going ahead with the release. The lyrics are about rising out of desperate circumstances with newfound strength - something Paul himself experienced, having dragged himself out of his own difficulties to ultimately rebuild a life full of joy and purpose. While not planned that way, 'Alive and Well' ended up being a statement of intent - a story of a journey from despair to strength."

The accompanying video was created by Italian multi-arts visionary Francesca Bonci, known for her work with Federale (BJM's Collin Hegna), British bard Philip Parfitt, The Dandy Warhols' Peter G. Holmström a.k.a. Pete International Airport and Slowdive's Rachel Goswell.

A year on from their 'Asylum Harbour' album, this record emerged during a year of intense personal change, before finally moving into a place of light and gratitude. Recorded and engineered by Paul Roessler (The Screamers, Nina Hagen, 45 Grave) at Kitten Robot Studios, this album was co-produced by John Treanor and mastered by multi-platinum engineer Alex DeYoung at DeYoung Masters (Michael Jackson, BTS, Macy Gray, The Linda Lindas, TSOL).

As of November 11, 'Alive and Well' is available everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the 'Asylum Harbour' album can also be found on CD and red vinyl. On December 5, the 'Under Dark Skies' album will be released digitally and on vinyl via Little Cloud Records (US) and Shore Dive Records (UK and EU).

CREDITS
Words and Music written by John Treanor
John Treanor - vocals & guitar
Nic Nifoussi - bass guitar
Stephen Striegel - drums & percussion
Paul Roessler - keyboards
Courtney Davies - backing vocals
Clea Cullen - backing vocals
Joel Wasko - backing vocals
Recorded at Kitten Robot Studios in Los Angeles, CA
Produced & Engineered by Paul Roessler
Co-produced by John Treanor
Mastered by Alex DeYoung at DeYoung Masters
Cover design by Robin Gnista
Released by Little Cloud Records (US) LC-136 & Shore Dive Records (UK & EU)
Videos by Francesca Bonci
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Portland's Rayon unveils 'Shopping' single, a tongue-in-cheek ode to consumerism & survival

November 10, 2025

No-wave, angular post-punk outfit Rayon present their beautifully whacked-out single 'Shopping', a tongue-in-cheek ode to consumerism and travel born from near-burnout and a revitalizing trip south of the border. The video for 'Shopping', filmed with their awesomely nostalgic Super 8 video, showcases grocery store antics before being kicked out, proving that new life can always be found on aisle five.

Along with B-side 'Running', the single is available on 7" vinyl and as a two-track digital release via Little Cloud Records. This is the first in an exciting new series of similar records in the works for Rayon.

The project of long-time North Portland resident and Detroit-area native Eric Sabatino, Rayon now also involves members of Sun Atoms, Yuvees, Pastilla and Martha Stax - namely Anna Sabatino, Riley McLaughlin, Eric Rubalcava and Derek Longoria-Gomez. Recording on rainy weekends in a garage studio packed with old reel-to-reel tape machines, partially-functional tube amps, and leaky British motorcycles, these songs were recorded onto 16 tracks of 1/2” tape, while running the tracks through a slightly-wonky sounding tape echo.

Sabatino broke tradition with this release, deciding to mix it together with famed recording engineer Larry Crane (Cat Power, Sleater-Kinney, The Decemberists, The Go-Betweens, Elliott Smith, Death Cab for Cutie) at Jackpot Recording and Timothy Stollenwerk (Yo La Tengo, Grouper, Morphine) at Stereophonic Mastering.

"Doing everything on film and tape is a bit of a safety check-valve, to make sure we make everything like humans with no autotune, copy/paste or AI. I'm becoming an imperfectionist,” says Eric Sabatino.

“This was the first time we’ve engaged a "professional" to work on our recordings. The education we received was immense, and Larry was kind with his explanations of everything we had previously done "wrong" with our recordings, was willing to work with what we provided and willing to get weird with us."

Written in two parts, 'Shopping' is a tongue-in-cheek song about consumerism and travel, written by a person who travels and consumes quite a bit. 'Running' is an anxious song about the people you love and the addictions that they can't shake - and the sound of a tape echo that's about to stop working.

Rayon spent last winter honing these and other songs through a series of live shows, including an epic trip to Guadalajara, which served as creative fodder for the band's latest inspiration and re-invigoration.

"This EP almost didn’t happen. I nearly walked away from Rayon. The last record wasn’t selling, a lack of decent show offers, festival rejections and a general feeling of burnout was happening. Our second guitarist left, and then our drummer. The addition of guitarist Riley McLaughlin (from Yuvees and Club Deluxe) and Eric Rubalcava (drums) and Derek Longoria-Gomez (percussion and bass) from our "band-in-law" Sun Atoms brought new life and energy to the band," says Eric Sabatino.

"We played some of the first enjoyable shows in a few years, and a new energy emerged. We started functioning as a band, we traveled to Mexico, and came back to record these songs. And another record is in the works. As for the new video, we got kicked out of two grocery stores making it. The Mexican Tienda was cool as hell; they loved it. We shopped and goofed around in stores, drove the old car down to the park under the bridge and had a picnic. Jeff filmed it all on a cute old Super 8 camera."

Before forming Rayon, Eric Sabatino spent years playing with bands in Southern Michigan and Portland, sometimes with as many as six projects on the go at the same time. Self-described as “a guy who grew up on 80’s/90’s post punk and grunge trying to reconcile their love of R&B, Soul and 60’s British Pop”, Sabatino is now fully focused on this one project, built on the experience of years of writing, collaborating, studio work and touring with some of the Pacific Northwest’s hardest working bands.

'Shopping b/w Running' is out now digitally and available as a limited pressing of 150 blue transparent 7" record and 150 black 7" vinyl. It can be ordered in all formats via Bandcamp.

UK electronic outfit Scissorgun shares 'Gone Rogue', teasing new album 'Scream If You Wanna Go Faster'

November 3, 2025

UK electronic outfit Scissorgun announce their album 'Scream If You Wanna Go Faster', out November 21 via Dimple Discs. Mixing urban electronica with fuzz and wah guitar, these trailblazers present a solid collection of songs, dances and abstract soundscapes. A must-have for Factory Records collectors, the vinyl includes seven tracks, while the digital and CD versions include three bonus tracks. Ahead of its release, they present the tracks 'Gone Rogue' and 'Bad As Bingo'.

Formed in Manchester in August 2016, Scissorgun is an electronic trio comprised of Dave Clarkson (synths, rhythms, tapes, percussion), Alan Hempsall (vocals, treated guitar, samples, loops) and Adrian Ball (light show and projections). Carriers of Factory Records' legacy.

“We always operate on instinct and improvisation is the key starting point. Some ideas become structured songs, but others remain as first recorded, with the music finding us and not vice versa. The title is a soft attempt at social comment, intended to be inferred rather than overt,” says Dave Clarkson.

Their musical scope is varied - pastoral dreams one minute and, the next, crashing swathes of noise chased down with a dub twist.

"The idea for 'Gone Rogue' started with a busy electro bass line and, as soon as we found a good quote from a conspiracy theorist on social media, the whole thing seemed to turn into a polemic against turning your back on humanity in revulsion. We dwell on the impact of the fight for our attention on the individual and the damage done. All the while, the driving beat is pushing us on with heavy cowbells and pulsing bass. We’ll all feel better if we dance," says Dave Clarkson.

Alan Hempsall adds, "As for 'Bad as Bingo', we were both overjoyed when this came out of the mincing machine. We’d been looking for something with a go-go beat to it, so this was perfect. The words flowed automatically as the best ones always do. Broad brush observations of a situation gone bad coupled with a mawkish sentimentality for what’s lost. The glitching and grinding bass line and barking dogs take on a life of their own. Suddenly it all makes sense and the initial spark revolts into structure and form."

Alan and Dave first met in 2007 when Dave’s band, Triclops, were supporting Biting Tongues at Islington Mill in Salford. Alan was in the audience and was so taken with Triclops’s performance that he wandered over to show appreciation and a friendship was struck up, bonding over a mutual weakness for early industrial, rock and modern jazz. After nine years of gig-hopping and hanging out, the timing was suddenly right for them to organise some jam sessions to see what came out.

It so happens that both of their bands were on hiatus at the time. While Dave Clarkson was in Triclops from 2000 to 2015, he was in White Cube prior to that. He since boasts an extensive catalogue of solo works.

As for Alan Hempsall, he was the vocalist for Crispy Ambulance, who was on Factory Records from 1980 to 1982, before spending five years in the mid ‘80’s playing percussion in a Brazilian Samba band. Hempsall also famously appeared on stage with Joy Division in April 1980, standing in for Ian Curtis at a show in Bury that descended into a riot.

"As with any album, we operate on instinct. Improvisation is the key starting point. At this moment, anything can and generally does come out. The bizarre accidents and serendipity that occur during this process are the parts we keep. Those moments that feel like you’re merely the vessel that the music is transmitted through," says Alan Hempsell.

Dave Clarkson adds, "Some ideas gradually emerge into structured songs whilst others have the fortitude to remain in their original form to some extent or another. Yet no conscious decision is made. We are not in control. It is the music that finds the musicians. As the body of work is growing and developing, it seems to take on its own identity, something else we appear to have little influence on. So, there is an element of Praxis at work here, we’ll do it because we want to and think up the reasons why later."

Prior to this album, Scissorgun released three albums - ‘Assault Two’ (2017), ‘All You Love Is Need’ (2020) and ‘Psychological Colouring Book’ (2021). They frequently perform live and have opened for such artists as Wolfgang Flur, Wrangler and Eric Random.

Ahead of its official release on November 21, ‘Scream If You Wanna Go Faster’ is available via Bandcamp - both digitally and as a signed white label vinyl release (with colour paper photocopy of a brilliant sleeve). It can be ordered on CD and cyan-coloured vinyl from select record shops. Scissorgun's album release show takes place on November 19 at the Amersham Arms in London.

Alternative pop artist Celeste Corsano unveils animated adventure for new single 'XS'

November 3, 2025

Alternative pop artist Celeste Corsano presents'XS', released via Magic Door Record Label, and its animated video by Brother JT. This collaboration relays Corsano's message through surreal imagery that questions the pressure to achieve perfection, leading to a symbolic release or escape, embodying freedom through transformation.

The 'XS' single expresses feelings of insecurity, body image issues, and the pressure for perfection and success, often driven by media and external standards, using the double meaning of "XS" (extra small) sizes and "excess" success. With a sound wrapped in analogue perfection, Corsano grapples with the cycle of comparison and the fleeting nature of achieving an "industry standard" of happiness.

Based in Milford, Pennsylvania (on the border with New Jersey), Corsano worked withRay Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony), who produced, recorded, mixed and mastered this release, at Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, NJ. Recalling The Cars and Kate Bush, 'XS' follows the stunning singles 'Stuck', 'Nightbird' and 'Sunlight Gazing'.

"XS is about feeling like an outsider and trying to fit in, insecurities about body image and the trap of perfection. These mindsets come from my own insecurities based on my personal experiences, examples of women I've seen growing up and by outside sources such as the media and the entertainment industry," says Celeste Corsano.

"Feeling we have achieved the "industry standard" of whatever it is we are trying to achieve - be it body size, our image in our creative expression, or success in social circles, perhaps, but then saying, “Well, have I reached it? Am I now in the perfect spot of happiness?” We all know how transitory this can be and the ambivalence that may set in after that high wears off."

This song features famed guitarist James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, John Cale), Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony) on drums and synths, and David Nagler (Nova Social, Joan Baez, Aaron Neville, Rosanne Cash, Yo La Tengo) on bass.

"Brother JT is a visual artist, videographer/animator and musician, who has had a following for both his visual art and with his psychedelic rock core. He was gracious enough to do another video for me, the first one being for my song ‘Stuck’, a heartfelt exploration into emotional impasse. With ‘XS’, we find more of JT’s signature style and there is a message, although not hammered home in my lyrics or his conceptualization, that we both developed in some aspects," says Celeste Corsano.

"This gives thought to trying to squeeze oneself into the cruel arena of perfection and constantly changing rules of it. The ending has a bit of my idea and JT’s idea: the woman reaches out for herself in the mirror as if accepting herself, but then releases herself from the bondage of all of the rigidity of perfection and escapes into nature, in the form of a deer, and then the deer runs into the forest. Nature is my refuge and my freedom, so I suggested the ending be a kind of ambivalence because the lyrics say “am I perfect? ‘. This is a question that should never have to be asked. Freedom from the whole prison of perfection looked like this to me - the girl jumping into the forest in the body of a deer."

Corsano's music blends poetic lyricism with adventurous arrangements, unexpected rhythms and a distinct emotional range -- from ethereal and moody to playful and bold. With a natural use of mixed meters and layered vocal timbres, her fearless approach to storytelling conveys a deeper truth. With a simple unassuming style, there's a disarming honesty in her work that feels deeply personal, yet speaks to something we all feel. Revealing a vulnerability that is both deeply personal and strikingly relatable, her sparse, almost childlike vocals amplify its impact.

From a musical family, Celeste is inspired by her brothers - Latin roots musician Tony Corsano and percussionist Chris Corsano (Björk, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore). Corsano began in NYC's live music scene, drawing inspiration from punk and new wave while also writing poetry and studying art. After initially performing Celtic and Bluegrass music, she evolved into a songwriter. She also honed her ear during countless studio sessions with her ex-husband, producer Brad Morrison (and founder of Absolute A-Go-Go Records), working with notable artists like Phish, the Figgs and Spiral Jetty.

'XS' is out now, available from fine online music platforms, including Bandcamp, where her latest singles 'Stuck', 'Sunlight Gazing' and 'Nightbird' can also be found.

Liverpool duo THE WOOD present soulful and timeless new 'Cold Fire' EP Title track features stunning renowned Scottish vocalist Brooke Combe

November 1, 2025

Liverpool-based duo The Wood present their 'Cold Fire' EP, released via UK imprint Riverdream Records. Here, Alex Evans (vocals) and Steve Powell (guitar and bass) are at their best, with solid grooves and melodies full of beauty, passion and genuine feeling. Creating music that is difficult to categorise yet somehow sounds familiar, The Wood cleverly mesh soul, rock and folk in songs filled with purpose and an innate sense of release.

Mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, Pixies. Nine Inch Nails), the EP was produced bySteve Powell, an expert at unearthing sonic magic. Having recorded many notable artists records, includingMichael Head and The Strands, John Power, def.fo, The Stairsand Ella Guru, Powell also produced and played guitar on the firstMichael Head and the Red Elastic Band record 'Arturius Revisited', as well as the number one indie album'Adios Senor Pussycat'.

For the lead track 'Cold Fire', the duo are joined by ex-Island Records vocalist Brooke Combe, fresh from an appearance on Later With Jools Holland and having just supported Lionel Richie on his UK-Ireland summer tour and Benson Boone on his US tour this last month. She’s tasked herself with bringing more soul to the masses, so she’s in more than appropriate company with The Wood. A shared mission it seems.

The balmy blues chords of an electric piano open before Combe's timeless soul voice steps quietly into a willing spotlight. She’s upfront in the mix, singing to your face; yet it feels close and personal. 'Cold Fire' soothes its way toward the chorus, building around a conclave of gospel harmonies and a sultry, simmering groove. The arrival of Alex Evans’ voice, tumbling down the registers and through the changes, comes edged with a pure soul grit. A perfect storm of gospel, soul, jazz and rock, and its real. It feels ageless, an uncut gem of a song presented in the most natural way.

The Wood's funkier-than-thou version of 'Romantic Attitude', the John Fitch and Associates rare soul classic, screams to be heard and then shrugs its shoulders with an insistent funk groove, Steve Powell’s spectacular psyched-up six stringed wig-outs feature as standard, sounding like the party you really wish you’d gone to.

'Hold On' feels time-aged, sundried, dusty and raw, like Laurel Canyon through a cracked and dirty windscreen. You can feel there’s whisky nearby. It’s a song of yearning and hope, a conversation windblown by time. Steve Powell’s minimal production and Phil Melville’s interwoven layers of slide dobro swoop around Alex Evans’ scored soul vocal, in a space where only what’s necessary is allowed. No extras, no fuss from this perfectly balanced songwriting duo.

'Wait For The Sun' means business. It comes storming in, in a blizzard of insistent urgency, intense and unforgiving. It’s all chugging and rock guitars, blissed out harmonies, and an Alex Evans vocal steeped in his trademark passionate energy. This is The Wood in triumphant mode, and rightly so, because the 'Cold Fire' EP is a definite triumph.

Rewinding a few years, Evans and Powell met while Evans was recording at his Ark Recording Studios, located amongst the imposing brick edifices of Liverpool's ancient dockland. Released in 2024, their debut 'Days' album (previewed by 'Let It Loose'), also involved Martin Smith and Simon James (The Coral, Shack) on brass and Jake Howden-Woodward (Nova Twins) on drums.

As of October 31, the 'Cold Fire' EP is available everywhere online, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

SINGLE CREDITS
Written by Steve Powell & Alex Evans
Alex Evans – vocals
Steve Powell – guitar & bass
Brooke Combe – vocals
Jake Woodward – drums
Mike Smith – organ
Rob Stringer – piano
Charlie Griffiths – backing vocals
Clair Griffiths – backing vocals
Amy Chalmers – violin
Matt Phillips – cello
Rachel Nicholas – viola
Produced & recorded by Steve Powell at Ark Recording Studios, Liverpool
Mastered by Pete Maher
Single cover graphics by Alex Evans
EP cover graphics by Alex Evans & Ed Rimmer
Released by Riverdream Records 2025
Artist photos by John Johnson
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Los Angeles dreampop-synthwave duo LUCKYANDLOVE presents topical 'Humaura' album

November 1, 2025

Los Angeles dreampop / darkwave outfit LUCKYANDLOVE present their third album 'Humaura' (pronounced "hu • mau • ra"), which they define as the atmosphere emanating from the feelings of the human spirit void of technological control. This album weaves a compelling narrative through the current of the human condition, boldly challenging the digital dross of modern existence with a passionate plea for flesh-and-blood connection and unfettered autonomy.

LUCKYANDLOVE is the raw sonic experiment of Loren Luck and April Love. Their live analog synth beats, Moog instrumentation and beautiful, harmonic vocals blend fuzzy synthgaze, blue-black neon darkwave, and tigerprint electro punk. With visceral, urgently-present dark electro-pop appeal that stretches through time and space, their 'Lucky + Love' and 'Transitions' albums earned them a global fan following and led to US and UK tours and various sync licensing placements.

Their new 'Humaura' album moves from hard-won emotional clarity to a liberating perspective on our current state of affairs. Written during the hermetically-sealed pandemic, it explores themes of human connection, imperfection, detachment / detoxing from social media, and being in control of creativity.

“This is an action-packed, cinematic, entertaining and soulful electro-dance record full of fresh air and wide-open roads where there is more freedom to party, to be in nature, and to be our wild selves. There was a new quiet that we observed - the pandemic was a weird experience. We tried to make the best of it, making art, taking nature trips, photographing this microscopic world we discovered. We worked on ourselves, strengthened our relationship, and weaved everything into our music,” says April Love.

Loren Luck adds, “We spent hundreds of hours performing in total isolation — our DTLA rehearsal space, our Echo Park space — and continuing the creative process outside, along the LA river, writing a lot of songs while listening to birds. By truly going ‘underground’ during the making of this album, we were taking back our lives — just by figuring out what it meant being human, in its purest form. Once you make peace with that, your thinking becomes free, so now we’re free to make the rules.”

Recorded, mixed and mastered for digital release by Grammy award-winning engineer Be Hussey (Modern English, Swervedriver, The Church, Twin Tribes, Boy Harsher, Kim Deal) at Balboa Studio and at Catwater, this album was mastered for vinyl and lathe cut by Grammy-nominated engineer Nicholas Townsend (Cheap Trick, Weezer, Garbage, Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Grimes) at Townsend Mastering.

'Humaura' takes us on a sonic expedition from the high-voltage anxiety of being a "screen zombie" and the crucial urgency to reconnect with the natural world and free thought (‘I Am Human’) to the raw, visceral pangs of loneliness and the search for intimacy ('Lonely At Night'). LUCKYANDLOVE charts a course toward liberation, championing the brave release of truths ( 'Secret Is Out') and the hard-won, exhilarating joy found in breaking free from societal and digital entrapments—culminating in the melodic sunshine of finding true self and a harmonious "final bliss moment" ('Melt in Sunshine').

'Name of Love' explores the wisdom gained from defining oneself through past relational pain, which then fuels the kinetic energy of survival anthems like 'Run On Run' and 'Feelz So Good', celebrating the exhilarating escape and raw thrill of the open road. The album achieves a crucial distance with 'Hawks Do Cry', juxtaposing nature’s tranquil, powerful vantage point with the noise of the human world. They finally offer solace in the reflective nostalgia of 'Down To Black', where the search for community and belonging finds its perfect, memorable fit.

Out October 31 via SRD - Southern Record Distributors, 'Humaura' can be ordered on vinyl from Bandcamp, the LUCKYANDLOVE Store or from select record shops. It's also available digitally everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

LUCKYANDLOVE performs next on December 13 at Mohave Gold Bar in Yucca Valley, California for Luna Negra Goth Nights Presents, along with BLAKLIGHT and Dead Energy.

CREDITS
Written and arranged by Loren Luck & April Love
Produced and performed by LUCKYANDLOVE
April Love - vocals, synths (Moog, Juno, HX Stomp)
Loren Luck - drums, synths (Elektron Rytm, Elektron A4, HX Stomp)
Original songs written & performed raw on analog electronic synthesizers & analog drum machines
Recorded (live with live effects) on TASCAM DP-32SD 32-track Portastudio
Vocals recorded by Be Hussey at Catwater and Balboa Studios in Los Angeles
Recorded in LA at Downtown Rehearsal Studios & Echo Park Studios
Mixing & digital mastering by Be Hussey at Catwater (Los Angeles, CA)
Mastered for vinyl by Nick Townsend at Townsend Mastering
Album artwork painting, layout & design by LUCKYANDLOVE
Front cover artwork by Loren Luck
Videos directed By Loren Luck of LUCKYANDLOVE. Filmed in LUCKYANDLOVE's studio
Cinematography & videography by Romeal Hogan and Kevin Mapp
©℗ 2025 All rights reserved LUCKYANDLOVE 2025
Published by Oilxice Publishing (ASCAP) and Lynx Technique Publishing (ASCAP)
Vinyl and digital Download Distributed worldwide by SRD/IDOL
Catalogue no. LNL003A
LUCKYANDLOVE studio photos by Alejandro Restrepo
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Dotsun Moon shares dreamy 'Winter Streets' & 'Piano Trailer 5' videos, showcasing new EP

October 30, 2025

Upstate New York-based artist Dotsun Moon presents videos for two tracks, 'Winter Streets' and 'Piano Trailer 5', showcasing his new 'Moments In The Sun' EP, a succinct collection inspired by self-reflection and nostalgia for the music that motivated this artist to write music in the first place.

Visually and sonically, 'Winter Streets' captures the spirit of a harsh Buffalo winter, evolving from quiet sounds to a burst of energy that embodies resilience against cabin fever. 'Piano Trailer 5' is an homage to Harold Budd and, recalling his work with Brian Eno, as well as Cocteau Twins.

Based in Buffalo, Dotsun Moon is the creative wellspring of Richard Flierl, whose musical visions flow through his music even now, several incarnations on since the band released their debut album 4 A.M. in 2011. The trajectory remains steadfast on a path of dreamy offerings over the years, with this multi-instrumentalist also gradually assuming vocal duties.

The 'Moments In The Sun' EP is a blissful and grounding collection for troubled times, engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY andmixed by Richard Flierl and Doug White. From shoegaze and dreampop to minimalistic ambient, these four tracks pay homage to the pioneers of the music who inspired this artist to create music in the first place.

Earlier, Dotsun Moon shared 'Army of Me' (a song about navigating and overcoming adversity, beginning with a memorable piano riff before bursting into guitar bends akin to Will Sergeant) and the EP's title track 'Moments In The Sun', blending synth and guitar into a soothing balm for weary minds. Emanating a sense of melancholic hope, it echoes the sentiment of navigating an overwhelming world in search of human connection.

This past summer, Dotsun Moon released his third album 'Tiger', which differs markedly from previous works having moved away from female vocals. Evoking both euphoria and a poignant sense of grounding, Dotsun Moon brings you this compelling and unique exploration through this album and videos for the lush singles 'Save Us', 'Never Had a Heart', 'Bring Love' and 'Give Up The Tears'.

Over the years, Dotsun Moon has performed with such notable artists as Mary Ognibene (The Lovely Intangibles) and Buffalo Music Hall of Famer Maria Sebastian, having also played shows with Joywave, Vanishing Kids and The Lost Patrol, not to mention Pride Festival.

The 'Moments In The Sun' EP is out now, available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the 'Tiger' album can also be found.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Richard Flierl (ASCAP)
Vocals, guitar, bass, drums, programming & synths by Richard Flierl
Mixed by Richard Flierl and Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY
Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios
Cover artwork by Doc Wintersmith
Artist photos by Meredith Snow
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Manchester's INCA BABIES presents 'Two Rails To Nowhere', previewing 'Reincarnation' album

October 28, 2025

Manchester's iconic post-punk outfit Inca Babies presents 'Two Rails To Nowhere', the latest re-envisioned offering from their 'Reincarnation' album, out November 28th via Black Lagoon Records. The Spotify version of this release includes both the 2025 version and the original from 1988.

The original version of this track - found on their fourth album 'Evil Hour' from 1988 - was never given the epic grandeur that it deserved. Previously a 3-minute folk rock tune that told a small story of country woe, this expanded version is now allowed to breath into the country prison song it always wanted to be, telling a far more heroic tale.

Led by Harry Stafford, Inca Babies were a vibrant part of Britain's early postpunk / death-rock scene, amassing a steady following through five intensive years of touring, six singles and four albums, all of which entered the UK Indie Charts. After four sessions for BBC's John Peel show in 1984-1988, the band called it quits, but then reformed in 2007.

The Incas are now a 4-piece, with Stafford (guitar, keys, vocals) joined by guitarist Jim Adama, bassist Dave Carmichael (Rat) and long-term member Rob Haynes (The Membranes, Goldblade) on drums and percussion.

With bottle neck Slide from blues guitarist Vincent O'Brien and the measured rhythm backing of Rob Haynes, the song has at last been allowed it’s epic status. Through its video, the song has been given a contemporary tilt, bringing the action into the 21st century with Manchester trams and a city centre setting providing the backdrop for the mournful pleading of Harry’s vocal delivery.

"The song was a take on Western blues, in the guise of Woody Guthrie and Burl Ives, maybe having the same sorrowful tale of ‘Worried man Blues’ from the 50s. Now it has been re-recorded and slowed down to a more contemplative pace. and with floating guitars and harmonic vocal blues the story becomes all the more of the prison song it was intended to be," says Harry Stafford.

This follows 'Candy Mountain', a reworking from their 1985 album ‘This Train’, with its hypnotic bass line, contemporary groove and electronic sequencing. The road-tripping video, filmed by Jonny Stafford, escapes the urban grind to the country, where the air is sweeter and the landscape infinite.

'Reincarnation' is a collection of select Inca Babies tracks, re-recorded, re-invented and reincarnated for 2025. Recorded and mixed over two years at 6Db Studios in Salford by renowned producer Simon ‘Ding’ Archer (The Fall, PJ Harvey) and Harry Stafford, with Ding also contributing serious sonic and dub flourishes, this album was mastered by Marco Butcher at Boombox Studio in North Carolina.

"Looking through our back catalogue, it occurred to me that there were tracks that should again be made available in some manner and others that would benefit from reinvention. Last year's 'Ghost Mechanic Nine' album was an opportunity to create new music for our fans, who would like this music in the form of digital downloads and, for the truly hardcore, as a 12” Vinyl Album," says Harry Stafford.

"But it was also a realisation that we could invigorate old tunes. We already had a ‘best of’ compilation in ‘Plutonium', released in 2006, so we embarked upon a new quest, to inject new life into our favourite back catalogue. This whole project was to be an Innovative re-imagining of old tunes: re-invented for contemporary consideration. All of them Re-awakened and 'Re-inca-rnated'."

Inca Babies' journey - from their formation in 1983 in Manchester's now-legendary deck-access flats of Hulme to where they are today - was highlighted in last year's documentary 'The Making of Ghost Mechanic Nine'. Since reforming, they have released four albums and toured Europe, Russia, North America, India and beyond. They continue to explore goth, punk and death-rock jazz-blues, while paying tribute to the strong riffing and cool, dead-pan delivery of the dark wave scene at the time.

As of October 28, 'Two Rails To Nowhere' is out everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. On November 28, the full 'Reincarnation' album will be released on both CD and digitally.

CREDITS
Harry Stafford - guitars, bass, keyboards & vocals
Rob Haynes - drums & percussion
Vincent O'Brien - slide guitar
Written by Harry Stafford
Harry Stafford – vocals, guitars & keyboards
Rob Haynes - drums & percussion
All songs re-recorded by Harry Stafford and Rob Haynes. + Slide Guitar Vincent O Brien+
Recorded & produced at 6Db in Salford by Simon ‘Ding’ Archer
Mastered by Marco Butcher at Boombox Studio, North Carolina
Artwork designed by Harry Stafford
from images by James Chadderton Art Ltd. (Manchester Apocalyptic visions)
Album released by Black Lagoon Records - catalogue no. BLRLP0061
Video filmed by Jonny Stafford. Directed & edited by Harry Stafford
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Inca Babies
Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcoud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Booking contact | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BlueSky | Threads | Soundcloud | Link edIn | Email

Texas-based electronic artist PARIS MUSIC CORP. releases sophomore 'Ecotone' album

October 24, 2025

Texas-based electronic and ambient composer Paris Music Corp. a.k.a. John Andrew Paris presents his latest electronic odyssey 'Ecotone', a futuristic trip, along with a video for the track 'Rituals'. A deeply personal and geographically-inspired exploration, this record is rooted in the artist's return to his childhood home in South Texas, just miles from the border and a stone's throw to the coast.

Originally from Austin, John Andrew Paris has spent decades creating music and collaborating with artists, including Arthur Brown (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, perhaps best known for his hit single 'Fire'), as well as DJ Rev Kathy Russell, DJ Lucas Ray, Catastrophe Ballet, Le Reve, Life's Eyes, Beast of Eden, OBOYO and Don Wigwam.

"After relocating Paris Music Corp. to Brownsville, TX, it became apparent that wildlife and nature in general were at the forefront with living on the border of Mexico next to the sea. The 'Ecotone' album made sense to me because you have a transitional zone, where two different ecological communities or ecosystems meet and intermingle, often resulting in high biodiversity,” says John Andrew Paris.

"I feel a lot closer to nature. The wildlife even comes into my yard - armadillos, snakes, ducks and birds of every kind, including parrots. Also tree frogs that are only known to exist in this subtropical climate. I am close to a birding center and a fish hatchery as well, so all of this has inspired me. I am 2.8 miles from the Mexican border and close to the Gulf of Mexico. Some of my song titles reflect where I am. I actually lived in this area as a child and have come back to my roots."

Known for his cinematic and ethereal music, on this album, Paris Music Corp.'s music also shows its dark underbelly and futuristic imagination. Often with elements of 80’s darkwave and ambient soundscapes, his trademark sound includes heavily processed guitar and bass instruments locked into layered loops and further manipulated using software. Also employing live hand percussion, these dense soundscapes take the listener on a sonic journey to otherworldly places.

"This album was inspired by my new surroundings and the hyper close relationship to nature and the Mexican border. Ecotone is described as a transitional area between 2 distinct ecological communities - like my area which is the Rio Grande River and the Gulf of Mexico. What you also have is 2 cultures in Mexican and the American and how those have produced a culture of their own," says John Paris.

Earlier, Paris Music Corp. shared the lead track 'No Soy A.I.', featuring the searing Spanish vocals of fellow Texan musician, writer and actor RayPerez. In a world increasingly dominated by the cold, calculated logic of artificial intelligence, this dark slab of swirling electro casts a sonic challenge to the algorithmic chill of our times and the only track on this album with vocals. This song also addresses the coldness of some of AI’s tendencies, such as people already having AI girlfriends and boyfriends.

In 2022, Paris Music Corp. released his self-titled album, after taking hiatus for half a decade following the release of his debut album 'Rewind' in 2017. Fast forward to autumn 2025 - now Paris is ready to release the next collection of his electronic adventures, having written, recorded, mixed and mastered this full album at Tarantula Studios throughout 2024 and 2025.

Influenced by the likes of Mick Karn, Pink Floyd, Gary Numan, Tim Hecker, Casino Versus Japan and Miles Davis, John Andrew Paris has also scored 2 independent films - the documentary 'Andy Paris: Bubble Gum King', also released as an album, and the short horror film 'Spectral Wind'. He has also created a clever electronic rework of 'Lord of the Dance' for the Austin Christmas Collection Album.

As of October 24, the 'Ecotone' album is available from digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
All music written, recorded, mixed & mastered by John Paris
at Tarantula Studios in 2024-2025
Performed by John Andrew Paris, except vocals on 'No Soy A.I.' by RayPerez
Album cover / photo by John Paris
Video created by Gabriel Ramirez
John Paris photos by Jennifer Paris
RayPerez photos by Gabriel Ramirez
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Renowned NYC artist-producer Charlie Nieland presents 'Stores From the Borderlines' album & video for 'Shame', a powerful ode to queer resilience

October 23, 2025

Renowned NYC songwriter-producer Charlie Nieland presents 'Stories From The Borderlines', a dazzling and deeply personal album that explores themes of connection and severance. These cinematic soundscapes are shaped by a reverence for pioneering '80s and '90s synth and guitar-driven music. More than music, these meticulously crafted songs—a geography of intention—are an act of imaginative resistance, passionately mining for light and truth in a darkening world.

Nieland's backstory is extensive, having written, performed and produced music for decades. He has written for and produced such artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissor Sisters, as well as scoring the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (with Glenn Close), Showtime's pilot episode of 'The L Word' and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

"This set of songs is a kaleidoscope of styles. They are luminous secret rooms that reflect one human’s heart in a world at the precipice. Staying creative is resistance. As authoritarians attack culture, they make the mistake that imagination can be controlled when it actually emerges from the bottom up. Culture is not imaginary. It’s is rooted in imagination but it’s more real than what can be measured," says Charlie Nieland.

"These songs tell stories of growing up, of how we got severed, and how we connect. I burrowed into each idea over several years that were filled with love, uncertainty and family drama. The time allowed me to create and explore sound worlds with a cinematic eye; finding contrasts in texture and time. To create an experience that shifts with each listen. These songs are a geography of intention and intuition, mining for light in a dark world. Let’s find the switch."

Nieland also presents 'Shame' with a firecracker video, directed and edited by multi-faceted NYC-based artist Hypnodoll, and filmed by Alice Teeple. Fueled by the obsessive lust and repulsion that has been weaponized against the queer community, this song explores how fascination runs like blood from all sides, our own self-loathing driving us into the unknown.

Stories From The Borderlines' is inspired by my deep love of David Bowie, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Cocteau Twins, Thomas Dolby, Love & Rockets and The Cure. I played and sang most everything here; guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion. Besides spiritchild’s contribution, drummer Billy Loose and guitarist Dan McAssey, my musical friends of 20 years, were both pivotal in shaping these songs. It’s a joy to be collaborating with them," says Charlie Nieland.

"Keyboardist Joe McGinty (of The Psychedelic Furs, Ryan Adams, Nada Surf and many more) also contributes. I’ve gotten to know him singing in his popular NYC tribute series, The Loser’s Lounge and Joe brings the song 'Today' vividly to life with his stunning synth work."

Previewed the epic lead track 'Win' featuring Staten Island activist / rapper spiritchild and by 'The Ocean Understands' EP, released earlier this year, 'Stories From The Borderlines' presents a visceral blend of post punk, glam, dream pop and progressive rock. With sweeping melodies and restless rhythms, these unique soundscapes promise an immersive journey, showcasing Nieland's continued evolution as an artist and producer.

Nieland has established himself as an artist rich on nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, releasing 'Ice Age' (2014), followed by 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016) and ‘Divisions' album (2021). After 20 years with Her Vanished Grace, he is half of the literature-inspired duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang, and both produces and co-hosts the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'.

Charlie Nieland was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

As of October 24, 'Stories From The Borderlines' is available everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On November 5, Nieland will hold his Record Release Show at Berlin Under A, with Life in a Blender and Jessie Kilguss, who is releasing her album 'They Have A Howard Johnson’s There'.

CREDITS
All songs written by Charlie Nieland, except 'Win' (by Charlie Nieland & spiritchild   )
Charlie Nieland - vocals, 6 and 12 string electric and acoustic and e-bow guitars, lap steel guitar, fretted and fretless electric basses, upright piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Korg MS20 analog synth, virtual Mellotrons and string machines, autoharp, glockenspiel, percussion
Billy Loose - drums 
Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Brutalist Monuments' & 'You Fell Down'
spiritchild - Vocals on 'Win'
 Joe McGinty - keyboards on 'Today'
Recorded at home and at Saturation Point Studios in Brooklyn, NY
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
© 2025 Athame Music, xspiritmentaleyez Music (Win)
Album cover art by Hypnodoll™  
Videos for 'Redshift' and 'Drown' by Hypnodoll™
Video for 'Shame' by Hypnodoll™ and Alice Teeple
Artist photos by Alice Teeple and Bob Krasner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

New Jersey's The Melancholy Kings announce 'Victoria' single, previewing sophomore album

October 23, 2025

New Jersey rockers The Melancholy Kings present their latest single 'Victoria', a jangly guitar rocker resurrected and revamped from the time when the band members were busy wearing down the grooves of their REM, Miracle Legion and Replacements records. As the story goes, we all have our demons, and it’d be nice if we could all help each other exorcise them. This is the second taste of their sophomore album 'Her Favorite Disguise', released via Magic Door Record Label.

The core duo, singer/guitarist Mike Potenza (The Anderson Council, Crash Harmony, BARD, Gramercy Arms) and bassist Scott Selig (Ambulance, Uncle Moon, Deni Bonet Band, Super Tuesday), met while enduring the desolate misery of corporate life in a Midtown Manhattan law firm. Unknown to each other, they both had a secret past as musicians in the '90s and '00s NYC indie scene, having played in various "almost-famous" post-punk bands and toured as opening acts for legends. Escaping corporate misery, they rededicated themselves to music, solidifying the lineup with drummer Paul Andrew (Fluffer, Phantom Tollbooth) and guitarist Peter Horvath (The Anderson Council).

"Victoria was inspired by the party scene of the late 80’s, where it seemed to me people were alternately depressed or manic a lot of the time and not in that happy middle. I thought it would be nice if we could all settle down a bit, slow life down a tick or two and enjoy the little things together. That was the impetus," says Michael Potenza.

"We resurrected it when we started working on 'Her Favorite Disguise' by reworking some of the more dated lyrics (when we wrote the song, for instance, it was a pre-cell phone time so the first line about “staring into your phone” and an “app for demonology” was added later). The song is a bit of a time capsule to a guitar-forward, jangly, power pop time, but I do think the essential message — that we all have inner demons that could use some mutual kindness to exorcise — carries forward.

'Her Favorite Disguise' is the long-awaited follow up to their eponymous debut record - an unapologetic nod to the rough-hewn insouciance of '80s pre-grunge alt-rock. This album was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Luna, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Crash Harmony) at Magic Door Recording Studio.

“I think this song captures our live sound more thoroughly than any other on the album. Other than a dash of organ at the end, and guest vocalist Olivia Selig adding some thickening to the harmonies in the choruses, there are basically no other enhancements to the song. I think the raw energy of our live set really comes across as a result. The video starts and ends with the band discussing the song and the take, giving the viewer a taste of our process in the studio. This song probably has the least amount of overdubs than any on the album, so the video captured nearly its entire recording,” says Scott Selig.

Earlier, the band shared 'Bitcoin Elegy', a guitar-driven single about the inevitable decline of meaningful personal relationships in the digital age. Joined by vocalist Olivia Selig, this song is not actually an elegy about the famed king of cryptos, the song references Bitcoin as a noted marker for the post-analog world, the elegy here being specifically about the loss of interpersonal community.

The coming album features several guests, including Mac Gollehon (David Bowie, Al Jarreau, Duran Duran, Mick Jagger, Hall and Oates) on trumpet, cellist Carolyn Jeselsohn, vocalist Reneé LoBue of Elk City, accordionist Carl Riehl (Michelle Shocked, Uncle Moon) and Ray Ketchem on percussion.

As of October 23, 'Victoria' is available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On November 28, the 'Her Favorite Disguise' album will be released digitally and also on vinyl. It can already be pre-ordered on Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Mike Potenza and Peter Horvath
Mike Potenza – guitar, vocals
Peter Horvath - guitar, vocals
Scott Selig - bass, vocals, keyboards percussion
Paul Andrew - drums
Olivia Selig - vocals
Produced by Ray Ketchem, Scott Selig & The Melancholy Kings
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording Studio, Montclair, NJ
Additional recording by Scott Selig at The Old Stone House, Maplewood, NJ
Published by Hamilton Publishing (BMI) © 2025
© 2025 The Melancholy Kings
Released by Magic Door Record Label
Cover art & design by Ray Ketchem
Videos filmed & edited by Scott Selig
Band photos by Carlo Cipriani
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

NYC's Ecce Shnak & world-class DJ Eskei83 unleash 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy (Kill Em Mix)'

October 22, 2025

NYC-based alt-rockers Ecce Shnak and Germany's Eskei83 present 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy (Kill Em Mix)', an invigorating re-envisioning of the original version of 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy'. This adrenaline-filled hit, which has already lit up the DJ-producer’s recent sets at Tomorrowland and elsewhere, serves as a bridge towards the band's full-length album, 'Dandy Variances', slated for spring release via Records Man, Records.

Ecce Shnak (pronounced Eh-kay sh-knock) is David Roush (composer, bassist and one of two singers), Bella Komodromos (vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn (drums). Known for their high-wire sonic performance, where intense musicality and a touch of madness exist in perfect, precarious balance, they whimsically incorporates diverse artistic expressions, tackling profound subjects and intriguing minutiae with remarkable clarity.

'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy (Kill Em Mix)' evokes imagery of sci-fi and action-thriller fight scenes from the Matrix, Bladerunner, and John Wick. Rest assured, the good guys win! Reimagining the original’s math-metal guitar riff as a throbbing dubstep synth-bassline and its frenetic drums as a straightforward high-octane dance-beat, Eskei83 quotes snippets of Bella and Davey’s sung and shouted performance as a gang vocal for energized crowds to share their own voices to the ecstatic romp.

"The Dresdenian shite-kicker recently spun his version at the dragon-blessed Tomorrowland party in Belgium. Both Ecce Shnak and Eskei83 are proud to share this version with their own audiences and music-lovers generally. Endless gratitude to all music lovers worldwide," says David Roush.

Eskei83 adds, "I made a remix for Ecce Shnak and played it at Tomorrowland! In 2024, I was asked to create my version of 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy' and what started as an experimental challenge turned into a legit club weapon. My [Kill Em Mix] is now ready to smash floors!"

Since releasing their 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP in February, recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci, mixed by Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, Wild Nothing, The War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend).

Since then, Ecce Shnak has garnered ample press attention and airplay, released their live 'Backroom Sessions' EP, hosted a hot series of live shows in New York City, and completed a successful U.S. tour with platinum-selling legends Spacehog and EMF. Ecce Shnak also features on the new EMF single 'LGBTQ+ Lover', an epic indie dance track that offers a safe space for the marginalized queer community, the video footage being filmed during their recent joint tour.

'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy (Kill Em Mix)' is out now viaRecords, Man Records, available from digital music platforms, includingSpotifyand YouTube and Amazon Music.

CREDITS
Music written / composed by David Roush
Remix by Eskei83
Vocals by David Roush and Isabella Komodromos
Sound Engineer: Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY)
Released by Records Man, Records
Artist photos byTommy Krause
A&R: Beth Narducci forYou + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon forShameless Promotion PR

NYC-London duo THE KING CANUTES pay tribute to PREFAB SPROUT on 'Cars and Girls

October 21, 2025

Brooklyn-London indie duo The King Canutes present 'Cars and Girls', the second taste of their debut album 'Eastern Seaboard, Perfect Summer', forthcoming via the Montclair, New Jersey-based Magic Door Record Label. Prefab Sprout aficionados will surely appreciate the cover homage to the band’s Steve McQueen masterpiece.

The King Canutes is Keir Woods (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars), who brings a sonorous true folk voice of Northern England, while Richard Alwyn Fisher (vocals, backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars) is the scrappy Replacements-style Midwesterner. The pair met in Brooklyn in the early 2000s in NYC’s cosmopolitan pop / indie rock scene and released their debut EP 'Last Callers and Losers' in 2008.

The duo used to perform this song for ‘The Love Hangover’ [an annual post-Valentine’s Day show]. This version blossoms into a smooth swaggering rock ride out. Woods' vocals evoke the wistfulness of the original version while Fisher's sinewy guitar lines break down the layers, then build back as a drum machine transitions to live drums by Kevin March of Guided by Voices.

The King Canutes

Cars and Girls

'Eastern Seaboard, Perfect Summer' album out Nov. 21 via Magic Door Record Label

21 October 2025

View Page

Brooklyn-London duo The King Canutes pay tribute to Prefab Sprout on 'Cars and Girls'

FOR FANS OF: Belle & Sebastian, Lloyd Cole, The Go-Betweens, Elliott Smith, The Chills, Orange Juice, The New Pornographers, American Music Club
INFLUENCES: Lloyd Cole, Richard Thompson, Lou Reed, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen
FOCUS TRACKS: Seymour Stein, Mixture as Before, Cars and Girls, Man From Hawaii, Perfect Summer, Red Hook Sunset
FCC clean (no profanity)

FOR SHARING
'Cars and Girls' single https://distrokid.com/ hyperfollow/thekingcanutes/ cars-and-girls
Bandcamp https://thekingcanutes.bandcamp.com/track/cars-and-girls
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lex8QRtmMDs9njOCwTdMd
'Seymour Stein (for Earle Holmes)' https://youtu.be/y9tz2SAFKFg
Get the single https://distrokid.com/ hyperfollow/thekingcanutes/ seymour-stein-for-earle-holmes
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/3g8lOj27RRigNafFfZw2aT
Bandcamp https://thekingcanutes.bandcamp.com/track/seymour-stein-for-earle-holmes
Album pre-order https://thekingcanutes.bandcamp.com/album/eastern-seaboard-perfect-summer
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-king-canutes/295362605

FOR REVIEW & AIRPLAY
Album preview https://on.soundcloud.com/ bxHMO7lIMeNQyU0iLn
Online press kit https://haulix.promo/94zj
Download via Google Drive https://tinyurl.com/TheKingCanutes-PressKit

Brooklyn-London indie duo The King Canutes present 'Cars and Girls', the second taste of their debut album 'Eastern Seaboard, Perfect Summer', forthcoming via the Montclair, New Jersey-based Magic Door Record Label. Prefab Sprout aficionados will surely appreciate the cover homage to the band’s Steve McQueen masterpiece.

The King Canutes is Keir Woods (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars), who brings a sonorous true folk voice of Northern England, while Richard Alwyn Fisher (vocals, backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars) is the scrappy Replacements-style Midwesterner. The pair met in Brooklyn in the early 2000s in NYC’s cosmopolitan pop / indie rock scene and released their debut EP 'Last Callers and Losers' in 2008.

The duo used to perform this song for ‘The Love Hangover’ [an annual post-Valentine’s Day show]. This version blossoms into a smooth swaggering rock ride out. Woods' vocals evoke the wistfulness of the original version while Fisher's sinewy guitar lines break down the layers, then build back as a drum machine transitions to live drums by Kevin March of Guided by Voices.

“When we first began playing “Cars and Girls” live it was stripped back to the bare essence, in contrast to the Prefab Sprout very eighties classic. But over the years, and with the gifts of the studio, our version has become as layered and baroque as the original!,” says Keir Woods.

Richard Alwyn Fisher adds, “Prefab Sprout offered such a unique voice, and it was fun and satisfying to create a version that was both an homage and also a new and personal take on the song.”

The King Canutes make intelligent, skewed pop with echoes of early 80s-90s Australian and Scottish pop, British folk and Midwestern indie rock, all melted in the current cosmopolitan cauldrons of New York and London. Combining the dynamic tension of dual singer-songwriters, their music sites somewhere between The Go-Betweens and the long-distance, long-haul commitment of The Postal Service,

The duo recently released 'Seymour Stein (for Earle Holmes)', named for Earle Holmes, the club owner and friend who gave Keir his Paris bookings after moving from NYC. This song captures the elation of freedom and the frustration of starting the artistic journey again. This song is elevated by stellar horns by Mac Gollehon (David Bowie, Al Jarreau, Duran Duran, Mick Jagger), bassist Dave Derby (Dambuilders, Gramercy Arms, Lloyd Cole), and Jessie Kilguss on backing vocals.

Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Luna, Elk City, Gramercy Arms) at Magic Door Recording Studio, this ambitious album involves world-class artists such as Kendall Meade (Sparklehorse, Mascott), Mike Dillon (Rickie Lee Jones), John Leon (Roky Erickson), David Nagler (Nova Social, Joan Baez, Aaron Neville), Doug McEachern (Suran Song in Stag), Renée LoBue (Elk City) and Verena Wiesendanger (Semi Gloss).

As of October 21, 'Cars and Girls' is out everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Eastern Seaboard, Perfect Summer' album, out on November 21st, is now available for pre-order.

ALBUM CREDITS
Written by Keir Woods and Richard Alwyn Fisher, except
'Cars and Girls' written by Paddy McAloon
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door in Montclair, NJ
Keir Woods / vocals, electric and acoustic guitars
Richard Alwyn Fisher / vocals, backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars
Dave Derby / bass, backing vocals

Kevin March / drums
Ray Ketchem / percussion, keyboard

Mac Gollehon / horns

Jessie Kilguss / backing vocals
Single artwork by Peregrine Honig
Album artwork by Ray Ketchem
Released by Magic Door Record Label
Artist photos by Lisa Whiteman
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Oakland's Sword Tongue unveils 'Murder White Noise', showcasing 'Bonfire In The Tempest' EP

October 16, 2025

Oakland alt-rock trio Sword Tongue presents 'Murder White Noise', a wry commentary on the state of the world and our attempts to soothe ourselves to get through it. The latest offering from their explosive 'Bonfire In The Tempest' EP - their fourth to date.

In an increasingly stressful world, this song explores how people try to externalize their anxieties by consuming content that allows them to feel better about their own lives. We attempt to cope with the pressure of maintaining equilibrium by coming together to grieve, worry, and comfort each other, often finding that the only way to feel good about our lives is to reflect on others' misfortunes.

Creating dark music for dark times, Sword Tongue is vocalist Jennifer Wilde and guitarist Gaetano Maleki, a husband and wife who launched this project in the pandemic year of 2020, now joined by renowned drummer-producer Dan Milligan.

“I started consuming true crime content as a way to turn off the thoughts that kept me awake at night and distracted me during the day. One day I told a friend I was a listening to a livestreamed trial where a lady put her husband on a burn pile. She said “WHOAH, what is that, murder white noise?” As I told people about the song, I found many others watch crime stories as a release from their stressful lives. It is important to bring that into the conversation about how we are coping today,” says Jennifer Wilde.

"Finding comfort in tragedy is new for me; during the pandemic and especially in the last year I find myself needing to look for reassurance that whatever I am facing is not as bad as it could be. 'Murder White Noise' was written as a way to come to grips that someone else's pain is that content, and what that says about where we are as a society right now. Gaetano wrote the perfect guitar line that hooks you in to get to the truth of the song."

On 'Murder White Noise', soothing vocals contrast with the song's macabre lyrical content, while steadily thrumming instrumentation lulls you into a false sense of security. For a moment, the listener feels heard and encouraged, then questions their own motivations, left to wonder whether they are now the tragic victim in this story.

"From a songwriting perspective, this pulled a lot of anxiety out of me," says Gaetano Maleki. "While writing the guitar and bass lines, I wanted to bring out tension to mirror the vocals, but with some kind of seductive undertones. I feel the instruments really complement the lyrics, like a hard boiled soundtrack."

Showcased by 'We Are The Resistance' and 'Diamonds To Rust', this EP was galvanized during our current age of cultural upheaval. Bursting with raw emotion and tempered by sophisticated production, this collection blends alt-rock, post-punk and dream pop, giving voice to anguish, anger, transformation and triumph. Vocal lines that oscillate between a croon and a roar, seduction and rage, while shimmering guitar tones and bass lines mesmerize and intricate drum lines drive the message.

This EP was produced by Dan Milligan, brainchild of The Joy Thieves, who has co-created, produced and remixed such artists as Chris Connelly, PIG and Consolidated, and members of such bands as Ministry, Stabbing Westward, The Rollins Band, Killing Joke, David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails, among others.

The 'Bonfire In The Tempest' EP is out now as a first-print red variant cassette, including a special album poem inside, and als

Irish singer-songwriter Ger Eaton heralds the release of debut album 'Season Changes'

October 13, 2025

Well known in his homeland thanks to a string of brilliant singles, Irish bard par excellence Ger Eaton is back with a large dose of Renaissance Pop. Finally, he will be releasing his long-awaited debut album 'Season Changes' via Dimple Discs, a Peckham-based label that has championed many Irish artists. In the home-stretch before its release, he shares the singles 'Hollow' and 'The Time It Takes To Fall'.

Ger Eaton is the singer and sonic auteur behind a remarkable and acclaimed set of songs, released as singles over the past two years, both on his own imprint and by enterprising indie label Dimple Discs, who spotted a good thing and snapped him up. An artist who has graced many a stage, his distinctive keyboards have graced many Irish bands of the last two decades.

With a rich progression from baroque pop and cinematic balladry to more folk elements, Eaton creates music that is laced with broad orchestral arrangements, drama, and honesty. Complimenting the video for his recent single 'Season Changes', a live rendition of 'Phoenix (Reborn)' and 'Season Changes' was also recorded live at Hyde Dublin.

"‘Season Changes’ is essentially an old fashioned break-up LP. All of the songs deal with the complexities, both emotional and physical, that come with the ending of a very long and significant relationship. Mirroring the seasons, ‘Season Changes’ charts the often inevitable decay of a relationship, from the glowing bloom of its Spring, gradually ebbing away to its wintery conclusion," says Ger Eaton.

"The songs were written about and recorded during the end of my marriage, and I decided from the off that the Lyrics would be raw and honest… I felt I owed that much to myself. Musically, I wanted the arrangements and instrumentation to bring a lushness and drama that would wrap the words in the appropriate Musical Cloak ...For me, music has always been a place where I can both lose and find myself… a Solice … my Phoenix."

Beginning with 'I Thought I’d A Friend' and continuing through the beautiful 'Hollow', 'The Time It Takes To Fall', 'Phoenix (Reborn)', 'Home Again' and the most recent single 'Season Changes', Ger’s work carries echoes of Scott Walker, Jimmy Webb, Brian Wilson, Ian Brown and the high melodic heyday of the late 1960s, yet shot through with a contemporary slant and edge.

Each new song and accompanying video has marked an exciting stage in Ger’s progress and has received recognition and tremendous support from national and regional radio programmers in his native Ireland and also in the UK, as well as music writers and tastemakers.

On October 17th, the 'Season Changes' album will be released on vinyl and CD. It will also be available from digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and also Bandcamp.

On October 23rd, Ger Eaton and his 11-piece band take the stage at The National Concert Hall in Dublin, with support from Andrew Keeling & vocalist Toni Kay. Tickets can be ordered at https://www.nch.ie/all-events-listing/metronome-ger-eaton-oct25

CREDITS
All songs written by Ger Eaton
Produced, recorded and mixed by Ger Eaton, Duncan Maitland & Sean Coleman
Recorded at Old County Studios, The House of Horns, Clane HQ and at Ger Eaton's home
Mastered by Anthony Chapman
Cover Illustration and Design by Josh Fogarty
Ger Eaton - vocals, drums, guitars, mellotron, xylophone, sitar, tabla & percussion
Duncan Maitland - acoustic & electric guitars, bass, mellotron & vocals
Sean Coleman - glockenspiel, mini moog, guitars, harmonium & vocals
Kieran Eaton - flutes & recorders
Ronan Dooney - trumpets & flugelhorns
Graham Hopkins - drums
Gavin Fox - bass
Castle Quartet - Strings
String Arrangements - Andrew Keeling
Released via Dimple Discs. Catalogue No DD 027LP
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Ger Eaton
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Dimple Discs
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Proper Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BlueSky | Threads | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Ema il

Seattle's AudioGust battles the noise on new single 'Easier', an escape from news fatigue

October 12, 2025

Seattle-based artist AudioGust presents 'Easier', which explores the mental toll of living in a world overflowing with bad news. This is the second single from his third album 'Falling From Down' — his most unflinching yet — a journey through collapse, resilience, and the fragile beauty of survival. This arrives on the trail of the post-grunge lead track 'Isotope'.

Opening with introspective verses that capture the strain of living in a world full of overwhelming news and challenges. The refrain— “Some days, it would be easier if I didn’t know”—becomes a mantra for that tension between awareness and avoidance. Midway, the song bursts into a high-energy pop-punk bridge, imagining what life might feel like if one could truly escape the weight of it all, before settling back into reflective intensity, acknowledging that life’s challenges inevitably return.

“I wrote ‘Easier’ out of frustration with how overwhelming it can be to take in all the bad news every day. There’s a fantasy in the song about how simple life might feel if you just tuned it all out — but in the end, you can’t really look away. The world always pulls you back," says Chris Evans.

"Easier serves as the emotional and thematic centerpiece of the album, hinting at a journey through struggle, growth, and resilience that listeners will encounter in the full release."

An accomplished songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, AudioGust is Chris Evans, whose journey started as a guitarist and bassist in various 1980s bands. After a decades-long detour in the software industry, he has returned to his true passion - writing and recording in his own studio, releasing loads of music and collaborating with artists worldwide.

With powerful, emotionally resonant music, AudioGust is known for his ability to blend high-energy performances with deeply personal storytelling. He has released over four dozen songs across multiple albums and EPs, including his debut 'Walk With Me', follow-ups 'Hope from Darkness' and 'Love and Pain', and his second album 'Here We Go Again', released earlier this year and exploring the highs and lows of creativity, and the unpredictable nature of inspiration.

The coming 'Falling From Down' album showcases a harder-edged post-grunge and modern rock sound while retaining the melodic hooks and storytelling that have become his signature. Combining raw rock intensity with strong melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics, AudioGust's tracks are full of energy and memorable hooks, reflecting both a deep understanding of rock’s past and a fresh, contemporary approach. His songs resonate long after the last note fades.

Crafting memorable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, upbeat rhythms and arrangements, AudioGust's music speaks to the disenchanted and dreamers alike through sonic explorations of the modern human condition. AudioGust was also a finalist in the 2024 USA Songwriting Contest. Writing hooky anthems, AudioGust creates a sound vortex imbued with 90’s to 2000’s alt-rock, his guitar-driven music brings in a strong, driving rhythm section, big choruses and even bigger bridge sections.

'Easier' is out now, available from online music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Falling From Down' album will be released on November 7.

ALBUM CREDITS
Music & Lyrics by Chris Evans
Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards and Vocals by AudioGust
Produced & performed by AudioGust
Recorded, mixed and mastered at AudioGust studio in Clinton, WA
Cover artwork by Chris Evans
Artist photos by Ernie Shapiro
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Fitzsimon and Brogan (FaB) presents 'The Hourglass Girl', a sonic commentary on serial dating

October 12, 2025

UK indie rock duo Fitzsimon and Brogan (FaB) present their new single 'The Hourglass Girl', a sharp, indie-rock takedown of modern-day dating, offering a catchy, powerpop-laced commentary on fly-by-night relationships. The central character acts like a black widow of the modern dating world. The story takes a cynical turn, as our subject is attractive and charming, but also calculated, counting down the time before moving on to her next catch.

This is FaB's second single this year, released through Booster Music WTPL France, following 'Flowers At Her Door' in August - a sonic and lyrical achievement that recalls Debbie Harry with the deep tone of German singer-songwriter Nico.

In a music landscape starved for originality, FaB proves that sometimes the freshest sounds are born from old-school inspiration. Made up of songwriter Neil Fitzsimon and vocalist Bee Brogan, both members of the Sony-licensed band Pretty Blue Gun, the two went on to form the London-based songwriting-production partnership FaB Productions and record their 'Big Blue World' album at Abbey Road's Studio Two, where The Beatles recorded so many great songs.

About the new single, Neil Fitzsimon explains, "We thought we’d turn the rather hackneyed phrase, "the hourglass girl", on its head and instead write a song about the ephemeral modern-day dating scene. The girl in question, the ‘hourglass’ girl, leads partners into thinking they have something special, whilst all the time, she is counting down the clock before she moves on to her next victim".

Creating remarkable power pop for now people, FaB has captured the attention of legends, with David Bowie's drummer Woody Woodmansey praising their ability to stand out from the crowd and Elvis Costello's Pete Thomas saying the avant-garde would be proud.

FaB has crafted a project that's both emotive and lighthearted, successfully bridging the spirit of '60s and '70s songwriting with a truly new feel. Recorded at FaB Productions, this single was co-produced, mixed and mastered by Martin Smith (Electric Light Orchestra, Shakin' Stevens) at Garage Studios in London. The music and lyrics for 'Flowers at Her Door' are written by Fitzsimon, with Brogan handling vocals, keyboards, drums and engineering.

FaB's 2020 album 'This Wicked Pantomime' was co-produced by Pat Collier (Katrina and the Waves, Primal Scream, Maximo Park) at Perry Vale Studios, London and involved dummer Woody Woodmansey (David Bowie Spiders from Mars), plus Elvis Costello drummer Pete Thomas. This followed the well-received albums 'Venus in Reverse' (2011), 'His Latest Squeeze' (2015), 'Big Blue World' (2018) and 'The Girl Who Shouted Love at the Heart of the World' (2019).

Those releases involved world-class musicians from The Art of Noise, Eric Claptonbassist Dave Bronze, Moody Blues' Tobias Boshell and Pip Williams (Walker Brothers). Having toured nationally and achieved Film and TV placements, they also wrote the musical 'Jack Dagger', showcased at the Greenwich Theatre, London for the Musical Futures Award, and also at the Bridewell and the Royal College of Music in London. With chart success in France, Belgium, and South Africa—and a song featured in a U.S. sci-fi film—the band is making waves on every front.

As of October 10, 'The Hourglass Girl' is available from music platforms globally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Music and Lyrics by Neil Fitzsimon
All guitars, bass played by Neil Fitzsimon
Vocals, keyboards, drums and engineering by Bee Brogan
Recorded and produced by FaB Productions, London
Mixed and mastered by Martin Smith at Garage Studios, London
Cover artwork by FaB Productions
All songs released via Booster Music WTPL, France
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR