Day: April 17, 2025

Sally Grayson has a new single out as of this week. The American singer-songwriter, living in Germany, has fronted both Black Swift and Standbye in the indie rock field but more recently has turned to dark alternative country. She released a brilliant album called The Darkness in Me (reviewed here). Written from a place of grief and deep empathy, Grayson’s new single “The Empty Place” is a cinematic and haunting tribute to the suffering of Palestinians. Blending intimate, close-mic vocals with walls of atmospheric, distorted guitars and mournful synths, the song evokes the emotional weight of loss and displacement with raw beauty.… Continued →

It seems every few decades, the sounds of older bands resurface in a new light. The reason that complex – kids who grew up listening to their parents’ favorite classics or even just the artist active during their foundational years finally arrive at a point where they’ve developed enough musical aptitude to put a twist on the styles they loved growing up. They borrow and expand on their inspirations. One listen to James Koan III’s debut album, Time, feels like a time machine, no pun intended.… Continued →

Focused are returning this year with a special pressing of “Devil’s Kiss”  which originally was their 2000 “Demo” but has been completely remastered/remixed by Steven Dail and packaged with incredible artwork and packaging via Steadfast Records. This special release is being pressed on 3 different color 7″ records along with a cassette and CD as well. You can buy this one of a kind release over on the Steadfast Records website right now and have it shipped next month (May 9th is Release Date). It appears Focused is currently on hiatus but we are all hopeful they return with some music in the future.… Continued →

A really killer new tribute record drops June 8th digitally and July 11th Vinyl Shipping and it features some pretty awesome artists. It’s titled “From Dayton With Love…From Others (A Tribute to Morella’s Forest)” and features contributions from Fine China, Watashi Wa, Names Without Numbers, Riot for Romance, Tess Wiley, Empty Atlas, The Throes, Weak Sheep, Aaron Sprinkle, Kick.Snare.Crash, and many more. This is shaping up to be an absolutely unforgettable tribute to an underrated band that slipped under a lot of people’s radars back in the day, including mine.… Continued →

Anberlin have just announced a very special tour commemorating 20 years of “Never Take Friendship Personal” this summer beginning July 31st in Jacksonville, FL. and wrapping up on August 17th in Indianapolis, with The Almost and Watashi Wa! Sounds tasty. It like this is mostly east coast and a few spot midwest dates so I’m guessing they’ll announce more dates for more states soon. West Coast needs this. View the flyer for this tour, below. Are any of you looking forward to this tour?  … Continued →

Michael W. Smith is back with a brand new song and music video for “Arms Around The Sun”. It’s a lively, 80’s synth drenched, classic sound but filled with a modern touch and Michael W. Smith’s unmistakable voice. The lyrics are fire and this is probably my favorite thing by him in years. It really reminds me of his songs at the height of the 80’s/early 90’s sound he had going. I didn’t expect this in 2025 but I’m so glad to hear it. Check out the music video below and listen to the song on all your favorite digital networks now!… Continued →