Hailing from London, UK, One Day We Will Be The Trees is a math-rock and post-rock endeavor. Drawing inspiration from renowned acts like Biffy Clyro, Tiny Moving Parts and Oceansize, their predominantly instrumental and riff-driven sound captivates audiences. Since their inaugural single "Speaker For The Dead" in 2018, they have followed up with three additional singles, accumulating tens of thousands of streams on Spotify. Their highly anticipated debut album Brink was unleashed in 2023, and now they are already immersed in the creative process, crafting material for their forthcoming release.

The album starts off with “...And The Leaves Will Shield Our Eyes”' which contains some melodic guitar patterns which are hypnotic and quite serene. As the song soon goes into a pretty epic section right off the bat. The post-rock vibes are heavy and the song soars with a wide array of textures and tones. It’s quite the introduction. On “A Tangled Fog Of Pulsating Yearning In The Shape Of A Woman” we do get a nice mix of post-rock and math rock. I loved some of the grooves right off the bat. There’s tons of intensity on this song and one of the coolest moments comes around the three-minute mark with cascading piano and blistering guitar work. What a song. 

I really wasn’t expecting any vocals given the post-rock flavor but I got some on “Spectre.” The vocals are well done and I loved the guitar work throughout this song. There’s some slightly pop punk flavor as well which I thought worked really well and gave the song a distinct sound.

“All These Squares Make A Circle” is under two minutes but fits in a lot of music into that time frame. Up next is “Speaker For The Dead” which is one of the best songs on the album. There’s a lot of inventive transitions and I thought the transitions, timing and more was very unique.

“A Vacancy, A Void” swells with ambient sound at first and really isn’t like much else on the album. I didn’t hear any guitars and I was getting a very electronic vibe to this song. “Disengage” is up next and it begins with guitar picking and vocals. It’s a pensive moment on the album and quite haunting at times. There’s some beautiful guitar towards the end of the song and I really enjoyed the harmonics. We get to have some familiarity with “Wanderlust” and “What A Way To Fall Apart.” Another high point comes with “I Used To Have An Anger Problem, Now I Have An Anger Solution” which is a hard-hitting song and at points reminded me of the band Tool. Last up is “These Cursed, Mottled Hands” which I thought was a sweet but melancholy moment. It’s a lyric-based song and the artist sings “I still feel the ache of it all / That night when I got the call / So I guess I'll hold on to that.”

​There’s a lot to appreciate here with different styles and genres and for the most part it felt cohesive. Recommended.

The band Snailbones, comprised of Timothy Francis, Kelly Minton, and Drew Owens, is back. They are keeping their momentum going with Erroneous Harmonious, which follows up on their release, Keelhaul 'em All. This album was recorded in Chicago with the legendary Steve Albini.

​The first song is entitled "Less I Know" and feels like old school Nirvana. Even the vocals reminded me of Kurt Cobain, from the more subdued sections to the screaming. Snailbones unequivocally have their own sound, but I think fans of Nirvana will be able to hear the resemblance.

We start to venture into different territory with the next song, "787876," which brings to mind a different but closely related band. There is panic in this song, coupled with anxiety, not unlike the band Sonic Youth.

"Elliott" is up next, and I found this one to be quite catchy and infectious in a Snailbones-type of way. I love the grooves as well as the dynamics. "Nacho Song" is frantic and unhinged in the best way possible. The two lead vocalists cut it up and complement each other. They bring carnage on "Captive," which quickly transitions into a slick groove.

"Instro" and "The Runaway" don't even reach three minutes combined but pack a lot of music and punch into that timeframe. "He's Brand New" brings more of their signature sound, while "Gothbones" is about as close as the band gets to post-punk. The last song, simply called "Outro," might be my favorite. They showcase their strengths, and it is just a great song.

Snailbones is the real deal. I was a teenager in the '90s, and discovering bands like Mudhoney, The Melvins, and others from that era blew my mind. I have been a fan for decades later, and Snailbones is keeping this sound alive and well.

Katy Rae, a singer-songwriter, musician, and producer from Springer, New Mexico, developed a passion for music early in life. Her uncle's performances and recordings of country music, along with her great-grandmother's piano renditions of classical music and hymns, inspired her musical journey. Katy Rae creates alternative pop music that draws from her personal experiences and faith. I recently spent some time with "Tragedy Instead."

From the very first notes of delicate piano and soul-stirring vocals, the song immerses listeners in a sea of raw emotion. The singer's vulnerability shines through each lyrical expression, accentuated by the minimalist arrangement that enhances the song's impact. The space in the song is just as important as what's being played.

​Rae sings, "I held onto your arm because it helped me fall asleep, but you pulled away and turned away from me, made me feel like shit. I got out of your bed and went up to mine. Did you even hear me cry? Did you hear me cry?"I also watched the video, which complements the music perfectly. It's simple but effective in that space.

In addition to this single, Rae has other music available on streaming platforms. I suggest checking out "Water Under The Bridge," another song of hers.

​Rae's music emanates heartfelt emotions, evoking a profound connection. Her melodies serve as an outlet, allowing her raw emotions to pour into the music, creating a resonant experience. I eagerly anticipate experiencing Rae's future musical endeavors, hoping they will arrive soon, bringing even more heartfelt tunes that touch the soul.

Truce Wayne embarked on their music journey at the age of sixteen and currently stands at twenty six years old. Throughout this decade-long period, the artist has amassed a wealth of knowledge from various artists and their own personal experiences, which has contributed to their genuine growth as a musician. 

In the Des Moines area Hip-Hop scene, they have had the opportunity to perform alongside and open for potential future legends. Furthermore, they have compiled a collection of singles and independently curated and released an album, a realization of a personal dream. Looking ahead, Truce Waynel nurtures an aspiration to fully grasp the intricacies of music production and eventually establish their own record label. This ambition underscores their desire to have complete control over the creative process and to cultivate a platform for emerging artists under their guidance.

Truce Wayne, a talented musician, has just unveiled his latest song, "Whisper in the Wind." The enchanting composition begins with ethereal pads and evocative spoken words that instantly captivate the listener. Soon after, the mesmerizing lyrics gracefully intertwine, enhancing the seamless flow of the song. The remarkable juxtaposition between the fiery passion conveyed and the gentle tones and textures creates an utterly compelling and immersive musical experience.

I wouldn’t say the song has a traditional hook but it also didn’t need one. This song goes by fast but it was obvious there’s a lot of talent overflowing from the artist. I thought the production was tight and the lyrics were inventive and creative. 

I have to admit this is my first time hearing Truce Wayne but this song made me interested in hearing what else might come from around the corner. Recommended.​

Hailing originally from the Bronx, NY, Steve Contino embarked on a journey to South Carolina driven by love. With a drumming background that dates back to his early years, he recently added the guitar to his repertoire, starting to strum its strings a mere five years ago. Despite having spent a considerable time in the corporate realm, this emerging artist firmly believes that it is never too late to chase after one's dreams, a sentiment that resonates in his blossoming career. 

Like many musicians, he initially honed his skills in garage bands during high school and has since accumulated over two decades of experience, lending his voice and musical prowess to a local church ensemble. In addition to his remarkable versatility, Contino possesses a distinctive style that imbues his songs with an unparalleled uniqueness. Drawing inspiration from his own life experiences, as well as his observations of people, their relationships and the world at large, Steve Contino crafts his art with an authentic touch.

The first song I listened to was called “Solitary Man” which revolves around guitar, drums, bass and vocals. Contino strums minor and major chords and sings a memorable melody. The song felt instantly familiar and felt like a cool sing along. There’s a fairly deep sense of Americana on this song and the themes seem to deal with a lone troubadour type.

“Breathe” is a solid song as well. It’s a more pensive song and I really enjoyed the vocal harmonies.The chorus was really well done and has striking melodies that do sort of have this timeless quality. I also listened to the cover Contino did of “Turn The Page.” It’s a more stripped down version but very well done. Contino does justice to the vocals.

According to what I’m seeing online Contino has been fairly prolific for the last couple of years. he is one talented musician and I encourage you to take a listen to his music.​

The second album from Sean V Syndicate, a blues rock band hailing from New York, has been released under the title Written In Your Scars. The primary members of the band include Sean Virag, Dominic Nastasi, Johnnie Luca, and Mike Katzman.

The album contains eleven songs and lasts a little over forty minutes. Up first is "Avalanche," which is a soulful song full of emotion. I loved the organ and guitar work on this song and thought the vocals were very well delivered. It’s also quite dynamic and contains some epic heights. Great start.

"The Voice That Speaks Through Me" is a bluesy tune and so slick and smooth. Similar to the previous song, it's really dynamic. There’s some great lead guitar that is perfectly executed. On top of the lead vocal, there are some exceptional background vocals.

"On The Road with Jesse James" is a good one as well. It’s a very catchy tune, and I thought the subject was interesting. The bass line was fantastic on this one. It reminded me of being in a spy movie. "Waiting for so Long" felt like a single. It’s explosive, fun, and one where it just feels like a good time. This is the type of song you want to hear on a Friday night.

The energy ramps up with "Rising Up (To the Devil's Cheek)." I was blown away by the speed of the guitar solo on this song. It’s incredible. The drumming is also technically impressive, and wow, this song has so much energy.

We get some soulful blues and rock with "Behind The Silhouette," while "Last Man Standing" has a dash of Americana which worked really well. Some of the other highlights were "Lonely Inside" and the closer "Written in Scars."

I thoroughly enjoyed this release. The production, songwriting, and delivery were on point. Recommended.

Lost Dogs Of Ultimo is a punk and reggae band that is led by Pauli V. It got its start as a street art project in Melbourne, Australia 2020 during lockdown. Pauli V would go around taking photos and videos of the laneways and streets. After that, he would head back to his studio to edit and create soundtracks using the photographs as a vehicle to his inspiration. The project has now evolved into an experimental art form, fusing genres like punk and reggae with shades of hip hop. It has also led to quite a few collaborations with other musicians and activists.

Today, we’ll be reviewing Pauli V’s two-track EP Smells Like X Ray Specs. The first track “Identity” was originally recorded in the late ‘70s by UK Punk Band X Ray Specs. In this rendition, he collaborated with Madam Nightingale, a Melbourne Artist, to add an edgy and punchy reggae ska infused punk energy to the sounds. It made for a very raw and compelling approach, which I’m sure a lot of you out there will appreciate.

The fuzz factor of this song was great. The guitars carried with it tons of reverb and it only added to the raw live sound that the artist was going for. The energy of this track was great and compelling.

The second track “Make People Happy” opens up with some shooting synths and hip hop beats. The vibe was very energetic and amped. Next, some guitars roll in for a loose feel. Gradually, some lyrics are executed in a rap-like sequence. This made for an interesting EDM/electronic vibe. The vocals were minimal and sparse, but I think this only went on to enhance the old school hip hop vibes the artist was going for. 

​Pauli V’s experiments a great deal on this project. From the street photos he takes to the beats and music he draws from the photos and to the collaborations he makes with other artists, there’s definitely a lot going on. But from it all, comes these inspirational works of art. His genre-bending sound is truly captivating and I think it really captures the true essence of street art. I thought he had tons of great energy here and I look forward to seeing him exploring more of his sound in a full-length LP soon!

Eve Duncan is an award-winning Melbourne singer/songwriter. She makes the sort of cool jazz music that will draw you in right from the get-go. Duncan is backed by her band Who Are These Guys, which consists of Amos Roach (didjeridu), Tony Floyd (drums), Gianni Marinucci (flugelhorn), Craig Fermanis (guitar), Chris Pascoe (keys) and Ben Robertson (double bass). I was loving the warmth and energy of Duncan’s latest EP Wild Honie. It had some great sounds, so let’s get right into it.

Wild Honie opens up with the title track “Wild Honie,” where some acoustic guitar and lively percussion comes alongside the didjeridu. Once Duncan’s clear and crystalline vocals arrive, the warmth of this track spreads over you like a hug. I just loved how enchanting this music sounded to my ears. It definitely had a certain charm to it. I was also reminded of music from the ‘50s and ‘60s and immediately got some lounge, jazz and folk in the mix, which I thought was great. A flugelhorn sounds out on “Pulling Us Together” next to some jazzy percussion. It made for a very lively sound. Duncan’s lovely vocals light up the sounds here. The real smooth lounge vibe offered a nice appeal. It was really ear-pleasing. 

Some smooth keys bring a real cool blend to the sounds on “Unsuitable.” I was also getting some island flavors in the mix. It made for an interesting combination of sounds. I thought the refreshing tropical flavors offered a nice change of pace and overall great vibe. Some more smooth jazzy flavors come in at the start of “Throw Me A Rope.” Duncan’s classical vocals enter the sounds for a great vibe. I liked this whole wholesome approach. There are some lyrics in a foreign language. Though I can’t understand what she’s saying, it sounded very compelling at the same time. I thought this was a great way for the artist to send us off. 

​Duncan’s great jazzy sound was a nice blend of cool grooves and energy. I definitely felt myself mellowing out to her laidback tunes. Overall, I really think Duncan has nailed it. She knows the sound she is going for and goes at it with aplomb. There are some great tunes here, so be sure you give this a spin today!

Steven Garcia, a dedicated musician, has been passionately creating music and traveling for the past twenty-five years as a recording artist signed with Love Sick Dog Publishing. Currently, you can catch him on stage three to five nights a week, showcasing his talent alongside his band, Not the Rachels, in various venues in and around Houston. One of his regular gigs is at the lively Greek Brothers Oyster Bar and Grill in El Campo every other Friday, while he rocks the stage at Jackie's Bar and Grill in Kemah every Tuesday.

"Nowhere To Be Found" is his latest release, featuring twelve songs. The opening track, titled "Nowhere To Be Found," sets a bright tone with its acoustic instrumentation accompanied by a near-constant clap. The energy of the song resembles that of bands like Mumford & Sons, vibrant, joyful, and motivational. However, the lyrics create a juxtaposition as Garcia sings, "You had your fun, your cheating ways and your desperate lies. These precious moments that I held so closely, that once made me smile, I'll leave them far behind with you, I'll leave behind."

"Sand and Water" also stands out for different reasons, particularly the exceptional guitar work. The electric guitar is smooth and compliments Garcia's fantastic vocals. The flamenco lead is particularly noteworthy.

"The Things I'll Never Find" is a tender song that evokes wholesome feelings. However, it focuses on a breakup and may bring a tear to your eye. The combination of strings, vocals, and other elements blends together seamlessly.

One of the clear highlights is "Don't Know Where We're Going," reminiscent of Wilco. The subdued and reflective verse captivates, and the song gradually expands into a lush arrangement. This track boasts perhaps my favorite vocal performance.

Garcia continues to impress with "That's What You Get," which feels like a potential single. The chorus features delightful accordion accents that work splendidly. Overall, Garcia consistently delivers incredible songs. Standout tracks include "Love Of My Life," "The One I Love," and "Love Is," although every song on the album is enjoyable.

​Love is undeniably a prevailing theme throughout these songs. It is not only evident in the title but also in the heartfelt effort poured into each track. I highly recommend this album.

Become A Fan

As a solo act, Zhǐshì marks their presence in the industry with the recent release De Nocte in Diem. With a long standing passion for music and drawing inspiration from various sources, they bring their unique perspective to multiple genres.

Up first is “10 PM” which has a lush and psychedelic quality. The beat is inventive and there is a good amount of pads which come in the shape of different forms. I was more than impressed with the attention to detail on the songs and it is only the start.

“11 PM” is almost ten minutes long and in the spirit of ambient material from Aphex Twin. The song is very atmospheric and hypnotic. It’s the type of song you can listen to passively to create a mood or delve in with a good pair of headphones.

Up next is “MIDNIGHT” which is a little darker and foreboding than the previous songs. There’s a haunting quality here and something that felt reminiscent of nighttime. “1 AM” is up next and is one of my personal favorites. There’s a lot going on here and I would say this song in particular had some of the most interesting sound design. I felt like every sound worked together very well.

“2 AM” is another standout track. It felt more shoegaze inspired in the spirit of a band like My Bloody Valentine. It’s very hypnotic and you can get lost in the cascading sounds.  “3 AM” has more movement. The song relies on subtle dynamics which make it move in different directions. 

Apparently a party happens right around “4 AM.” This song felt busy but not in a bad way. Headphones felt like a must for this one. Last up is “5 AM” and is easily one of my favorite soundscapes, not too far away from an artist like The Field.

​I thoroughly enjoyed this album and it is one that is much better when listening from beginning to end. Fans of the aforementioned artist should appreciate this. Recommended.