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Following a run of three compelling releases, Neko returns with “Orbit”—a haunting and emotionally charged single that dives deep into the push and pull of intimacy, uncertainty, and emotional dependency.

Neko is the raw, unfiltered musical persona of Robin de Geus, also known for his work with 45ACIDBABIES, néomí, fuis, and Juliet. Under this moniker, he strips everything back to its emotional core, crafting music that balances fragile vulnerability with bursts of intensity.

“Orbit” captures the sensation of being trapped in someone else’s gravitational pull—endlessly circling between connection and distance, longing and frustration. Floating synth textures and a restless undercurrent mirror the instability at the heart of the track, while exposed, intimate lyricism draws you closer with every line.

Lyrics such as “Running out of air in this limbo” and “Reaching for your hand to hold me in your orbit” paint a vivid picture of a relationship that feels both comforting and suffocating. It’s this tension—between escape and attachment—that gives the song its emotional weight.

Musically, “Orbit” continues Neko’s signature style: intimate songwriting paired with dynamic arrangements that shift between stillness and chaos. The track feels both weightless and claustrophobic, like a slow emotional spiral pulling the listener inward.

There’s a careful balance at play here. Moments of near silence heighten the impact of swelling instrumentation, creating a sense of unpredictability that mirrors the song’s themes.

In a landscape often shaped by polished personas and emotional distance, Neko offers something strikingly honest. Rather than masking discomfort, he leans into it—exploring confusion, obsession, fear, and tenderness without restraint.

With “Orbit,” Neko continues to carve out a space defined by emotional authenticity, proving he’s an artist unafraid to confront the complexities most prefer to avoid.

Verdict: A beautifully unsettling listen that captures the emotional chaos of connection with striking clarity.

Djuphjärtad (Swedish for “deep-hearted”) is a beautifully restrained collaborative EP from Swedish singer Emma Luciaand ambient project Ship Says Om (Jenny Gillespie Mason). Born out of a creative friendship in Berkeley, California, the project began when Lucia invited Mason to reimagine her songs through a more atmospheric and exploratory lens.

The EP flows between two distinct yet interconnected moods. On one side are intimate, emotionally rich songs of romantic anticipation—“Keep Me” and “Feel Your Eyes.” On the other, more meditative, elemental pieces emerge, including the Swedish-language “Ditt Hjärta” and the wordless “Water Prayer.”

Mason’s production is deeply rooted in the natural world, incorporating found sounds like birdsong, wind, thunder, rustling trees, and the rhythmic motion of oars cutting through water. These organic textures are layered with ambient synths, acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle percussion, creating a soundscape that feels both immersive and quietly expansive.

The result is a seamless fusion of Lucia’s luminous, expressive vocals and Ship Says Om’s textured, environmental production. Djuphjärtad evokes the stillness of forests and lakes while gently tracing the emotional thresholds of new love. Sonically, it sits somewhere between experimental ambient and modern composition, echoing the spirit of artists such as Stina Nordenstam, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Philip Glass, and The Books.

With Ride Or Die, Esplanada deliver a concise three-track EP that marks a clear step forward in their sound—more direct, collaborative, and emotionally driven. Blending melancholic tones with cinematic alt-pop/rock textures, the project feels both intimate and expansive.

Led by composer Philippe Missud and lyricist Elisa Giacomini, the EP introduces Silke on vocals, adding a fresh and expressive edge. Backed by a strong supporting cast and produced by Alex Aldi (Passion Pit, Goo Goo Dolls), the sound is polished yet deeply human.

The EP follows a simple but effective emotional arc:

• “Ride Or Die” opens with a powerful statement of loyalty and devotion, turning the title into a mantra of staying present through chaos.
• “Back To The Way It Was” leans into nostalgia, balancing longing with a subtle sense of hope.
• “Our Heart’s Not There” closes things out with quiet clarity, capturing the moment when a connection has faded beyond repair.

Across its three tracks—promise, memory, and truth—Ride Or Die explores love, resilience, and emotional honesty, drawing comparisons to artists like Metric, Garbage, The Cranberries, and London Grammar.

Set for release on June 17, Ride Or Die is a compact but emotionally resonant statement from a band continuing to evolve.

Indie rock singer-songwriter Jay Madera has announced his upcoming album Backroom Blight, arriving June 26, 2026 via Pop Cautious Records.

Leading the release is the first single, “Forty Winks,” out May 29, offering an early glimpse into Madera’s most expansive and ambitious work to date.

Blending alternative rock, melodic pop, and experimental textures, Backroom Blight explores the emotional contradictions of modern life—moving between disillusionment, hope, and catharsis with a cinematic edge. The album was recorded between 2023 and 2024 and co-produced by Madera alongside Alexandre Hirlinger, with contributions from a range of collaborators.

Following his 2021 release Anxious Armada, Madera continues to evolve his sound, pairing anthemic hooks with deeply introspective lyricism. At its core, the new record examines identity, anxiety, and the search for meaning in a world shaped by both beauty and collapse.

“Forty Winks” captures a key emotional turning point—when prolonged worry gives way to acceptance. Built on shimmering instrumentation and a slow-burning release, the track reflects the fleeting nature of relief and the quiet peace that follows.

Meticulously crafted yet emotionally raw, Backroom Blight promises a powerful and immersive listening experience.

Brand New Heartache, the husband-and-wife duo of Eleese and Matthew Meschery, blend Americana roots with anthemic indie-pop and rich vocal harmonies. Originally formed in Oakland, California, the pair relocated to Madison, Tennessee in 2022, positioning themselves within the heart of the Nashville music scene.

Since the move, the duo have developed a polished and emotionally resonant sound, working with session musicians connected to Chuck Prophet, Counting Crows, and Aimee Mann. Their growing presence in East Nashville is building momentum ahead of a forthcoming release on Mule Kick Records.

Their music centres on themes of love, resilience, and emotional honesty. Songs explore the tension between devotion and doubt, capturing the realities of long-term relationships with depth and authenticity. The result is a sound that feels both intimate and cinematic.

The band name draws inspiration from the classic song made famous by Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons, whose influence can be heard in the duo’s vocal chemistry and melodic sensibility. Their debut album reflects this heritage while delivering a modern take on Americana and indie songwriting.

The record features a strong lineup of musicians, including Jebin Bruni and Jimmy Wallace (keys), James DePrato, Matthew Szlachetka and Nat Gleason (guitars), Michael Urbano, Darren King and Jim Boggios (drums), and Ted Pecchio, Etienne Franc and Mitchell Cardenas (bass). Backing vocals come from KPHawthorn and Sarah Ailli.

Production and mixing were handled by Michael Patterson, known for work with Beck and The Notorious B.I.G., alongside engineers Ryan Sandlin, Steve Berns, and Michael Rosen, ensuring a high-quality and dynamic sound.

Influenced by artists such as John Prine, Mates of State, The New Pornographers, The Head and The Heart, and Aimee Mann, Brand New Heartache combine elements of indie folk, classic country, soul, and Laurel Canyon-era songwriting.

Their move to Tennessee was a natural evolution following a 2019 show opening for Maggie Rose in Oakland. Rather than reinventing their sound, the transition has deepened their songwriting, giving their music greater warmth, clarity, and emotional impact.

Swedish experimental singer-songwriter Emanuel Tagil continues to carve out his own unique space in modern music. Signed to Messy Weekend Records, his work blends mystery, drama, and a playful edge, sitting somewhere between art pop, yacht rock, Broadway, and R&B.

Tagil has steadily built a distinctive catalogue with previous releases including his self-titled debut Emanuel Tagil (2019), Knock Away (2021), and Veni Veni (2023), alongside the EP SUCCESS STORIES PART 1. Now, he returns with the forthcoming EP SUCCESS STORIES PART 2, released on June 13, 2024 — a project that may well be his most refined work to date.

Known for his soft yet inventive vocal style, Tagil’s new three-track EP blends synth textures with guitar-driven experimental pop, continuing his boundary-pushing approach to songwriting.

Opening track Outlaws delivers a low-key yet anthemic feel, celebrating spiritual lawlessness while challenging conventional ideas of success. It’s a subtle but powerful statement piece that sets the tone for the EP.

The second track, Moron, takes a more surreal turn, built around an absurd and provocative question posed at the very moment the world ceases to exist — showcasing Tagil’s knack for combining humour with existential themes.

Closing the EP is Spiral Stairs, a track that continues his exploration of layered emotion and unconventional storytelling, rounding off the project with a sense of intrigue and artistic depth.

With SUCCESS STORIES PART 2, Emanuel Tagil once again proves his ability to blend genres, ideas, and emotions into something entirely his own — unpredictable, theatrical, and unmistakably original

Swedish-born, London-based songwriter Fredrik Ceder has released his latest single, “My City,” marking the first instalment in an ongoing independent release campaign throughout 2026.

Originally from Luleå in northern Sweden and now residing in London, Ceder channels themes of displacement, ambition, and self-discovery into the track. “My City” explores the lingering question of whether it’s ever too late to become the person you were meant to be, delivering a melodic indie rock sound with emotional weight.

The song was created across two contrasting environments—live drums recorded with a session drummer, while the remaining elements were crafted late at night in a compact home studio, squeezed in around a full-time job. This DIY approach gives the track a sense of urgency and authenticity, reflecting the determination behind its creation.

Ceder’s sound has drawn comparisons to the storytelling of Bruce Springsteen and the emotional directness of Sam Fender, shaped by his experience of navigating life between two countries and identities. A winner of Carnaby’s Songwriting Challenge, he has honed his craft through songwriting sessions in Sweden, London, and Los Angeles, alongside years of touring the UK as a lead guitarist.

“My City” sets the tone for what’s to come, with more singles planned throughout the year. Together, they form a cohesive body of work centred on themes of origin, identity, and the evolving distance between who we were and who we are becoming.

Swedish-born artist David Svraka returns with his latest single, Hold Me—an emotional melodic pop release that blends modern production with a nostalgic Scandinavian touch. Drawing influence from the polished songwriting of Nordic pop and the uplifting energy of artists like Avicii, the track delivers a cinematic mix of electronic textures and heartfelt expression.

At its core, Hold Me captures the quieter side of human connection. Rather than focusing on grand romance, it leans into themes of comfort, vulnerability, and the strength we find in others during uncertain moments. The lyrics feel personal and sincere, while the production gradually builds from soft, delicate verses into an anthemic and emotionally charged chorus.

Originally written as a stripped-back piece, the song was later reimagined using AI-assisted production tools—allowing David to expand his sonic palette while staying true to his songwriting roots. The result is a polished, contemporary sound that balances organic emotion with modern pop sensibilities.

With soaring melodies, warm synth layers, and memorable hooks, Hold Me sits comfortably within the space of melodic pop, emotional EDM, and radio-friendly electronic music. Fans of Avicii, Kygo, and the broader Scandinavian pop scene will find plenty to connect with in its uplifting yet reflective tone.

David Svraka continues to explore the evolving relationship between traditional songwriting and emerging technology, always keeping authentic storytelling front and centre. Hold Me marks another step in that journey—a track that invites listeners to slow down, connect, and hold close the people who matter most.

Genre: Melodic Pop / Electronic Pop / Dance Pop
For fans of: Avicii, Kygo, Scandinavian pop, emotional electronic music

Amerakin Overdose is a mask-wearing industrial/nu-metal outfit from Portland, Oregon, known for their explosive live shows and theatrical personas. Blending crushing riffs, groove-heavy rhythms, electronic elements, and dynamic vocals, the band channels themes of chaos, excess, and societal decay into a high-impact sonic experience.

Since forming, they’ve released three full-length albums and built a strong reputation on the U.S. touring circuit, sharing stages with major acts across the metal scene and appearing at prominent festivals.

Their 2024 album Artificial Infection pushed their sound into darker, more experimental territory. Working alongside producer Jonny Santos, the band has continued to evolve, releasing a series of singles throughout 2025 and 2026, including a bold reimagining of “Genie in a Bottle,” the heavy-hitting “Point of No Return,” and “Time Bomb,” featuring Tauren Blackman.

In a surprising shift, Amerakin Overdose also unveiled their first acoustic track, “My Endless Battle,” a more stripped-back and emotional release addressing mental health and personal struggle. The song reflects frontman Cody Perez’s recovery journey and delivers a powerful “never give up” message.

With a distinctive blend of metal, industrial, and visual performance, Amerakin Overdose continues to push boundaries and carve out their place in modern heavy music.

American deathcore outfit Orgasmic Savage have released their new single “Sacrificial Betrayal”, taken from the band’s upcoming full-length album.

The track was recorded by Darrell Young and mixed/mastered by Paul Francis at GetRight Recordings Studio, bringing a polished yet aggressive edge to the band’s already abrasive sound.

Formed in Redford, Michigan in April 2024 by guitarist Darrell Young, Orgasmic Savage expanded a year later into a full lineup built on raw energy and unfiltered creative drive. In a remarkably short space of time, the band has carved out a reputation for a dark, gritty, horror-infused approach to deathcore—leaning heavily into extreme textures and an intentionally unsettling atmosphere.

Their work is shaped by an intense, chaotic creative process that prioritises raw expression over refinement, resulting in music that feels immediate, confrontational, and deliberately unpolished. That ethos carries through into earlier material such as “Prelude To Assimilation,” further establishing their signature sound as uncompromising and extreme.

With “Sacrificial Betrayal,” Orgasmic Savage continue to push deeper into their brutal sonic identity, setting the tone for what’s expected to be a relentlessly heavy upcoming release.