NMR
May 3, 2026

Brixtone – The Mirror Stars ( Electro / Pop )

Brixtone – The Mirror Stars (  Electro / Pop ) Review

 NMR –  A flash back for me to 80’s style electronic synth pop, really cool drum sounds and patterns, the synths are equally good, the super wide vocal has a disntinct vibe, almost Bowie style,  not sure if its double track or FX, but its suits the track.

The track has an evolving structure, adding elements as it moves forward, but the back drop always the drum  / synth groove.

I like it … 

A blood-bound collision between half-brothers Paul and Pete Brixtone, raised in opposite worlds yet drawn toward the same rupture in sound.

One brings instinct, abrasion, and noise.

The other brings structure, discipline, and an architectural sense of melody.

What emerges is volatile—controlled damage.

Their debut Never Play to the Gallery has already begun carving out its own mythology, earning strikingly positive reviews and being described as an “electro-rock-post-punk-jazz entity.” It’s a restless, shape-shifting mass of sound, stretched tight between decay and precision.

This isn’t nostalgia. This is reconstruction.

BRIXTONE operates in the unstable space between signal and collapse—where rhythm mutates, melodies corrode, and structure feels perpetually on the brink of disintegration.

Never Play to the Gallery doesn’t follow the faultline. It cuts through it.

NMR
May 2, 2026

Caleb Keepin’ – Settle Down ( Pop / Acoustic )

Caleb Keepin’ – Settle Down (  Pop  / Acoustic ) Review

 NMR – Nice big intro with the guitar chords washed with chorus and reverb, then a drop to the more mellow verse, its a nice mix.

The Chorus is dropped over the same into structure, nice width, a good uplift in dynamics.

The vocal sounds good, some nice added instrumentation to add colour and build the track, overall a very nice produced track.

New Zealand artist Caleb Keepin’ returns with another deeply personal release, “Settle Down.” Rooted in his pop, rock, and indie influences, the track blends energetic instrumentation with a reflective message about building a sense of home—no matter where life takes you.

Having lived in three different countries over the past three years, Caleb draws from a period marked by constant change, shifting plans, and evolving expectations. This experience shapes the heart of “Settle Down,” where the idea of home is redefined—not as a destination, but as something you actively create.

Lyrics like “But our home is a familiar face” and “Make it what we promised now” highlight this perspective, emphasising connection and commitment over location.

Speaking about the track, Caleb shares:

“The last few years have been full of many surprises and ups and downs. The dream was always to create a home for myself and my wife—it just looks so different to how I thought it would be, and that’s okay.”

Following the release of his debut album “Concept of Life,” “Settle Down” continues to showcase Caleb Keepin’s signature style—personal, heartfelt songwriting paired with guitar-driven pop-rock production.

NMR
May 2, 2026

Soulbird – Meet You There ( Pop / Rock )

Soulbird – Meet You There (  Pop  / Rock) Review

 NMR – Very soulful intro, nice smooth guitar chords and a walking Bassline, the vocal style and tone is nice, all very laid back.

Some nice instrumental additions, the Bass woprkm becam more noticable for me as it builds, the track then takes a tempo twist and really picks up, I have to say its worth waiting for this as it sounds really good, the slide style guitar and fastr rhythm patterns adds some real dynamics.  

Tell them what you think …;-)

Soulbird are an emerging alt-rock band from Adelaide, South Australia, crafting a distinctive and dynamic sound that seamlessly blends groovy, hard-hitting rock with ethereal, melodic textures.

In 2025, the band made their festival debut at Space Jams Festival, where they received an enthusiastic response from both audiences and organisers alike—marking a strong step forward in their live presence.

Their 2025 single “Spare Me” further cemented their growing reputation, earning a spot in City Magazine’s “Best Music of the Month” feature, as well as airplay on Three D Radio’s 20+1 program.

We are in the early stages of working on our next release which will be our debut album but more on that soon! For now, you can keep up to date with all of Soulbird’s latest news and upcoming shows via our Instagram page, Soulbirdmusic.

Check out the EP here 

NMR
April 30, 2026

Kerosene Cocktail – Polaroids ( Indie / Pop Punk )

Kerosene Cocktail – Polaroids ( Indie / Pop Punk) Review

 NMR – High energy intro with some great guitar riffs, into a solid chord structure, reminding me of a mix of Pink and Greenday rolled into one, pretty nice vibe.

The catchy riffs keep coming and the chorus vocal powers the track along, the mix is loud and brash, suits this style really well, overall a power Pop Punk track not to be overlooked !

Add to your Pop Punk playlist. 

Cornwall pop-punk outfit Kerosene Cocktail are back with their brand new single “Polaroids”, set for release on April 7th—and it marks a bold step forward for the rising UK band.

Recorded at Cube Studios with producers Gareth Young and Ross Rothero-Bourge, Polaroids showcases a noticeable evolution in both sound and identity. Known for their raw, high-energy live performances, the band successfully channels that same intensity into a tighter, more refined studio production.

Built around layered guitars, driving rhythms, and hook-heavy vocals, the track expands on Kerosene Cocktail’s early sound without sacrificing the edge that’s been fuelling their growing presence across the UK grassroots scene.

Fronted by Jasmine Wills

At the heart of the track is 20-year-old frontwoman Jasmine Wills, whose vocal delivery injects a fresh energy and distinct personality into Polaroids. Balancing punchy attitude with strong melodic instincts, her performance gives the track a modern feel while staying rooted in classic pop-punk DNA.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Energy

Polaroids thrives on contrast. The track reflects on a time before everything became instant—when taking a photo meant something. When you had to wait, hold onto the moment, and make the effort to share it.

That sense of commitment sits at the emotional core of the song, wrapped in a sound that feels immediate, loud, and built for both radio play and packed-out live shows.

The band explain:

“Polaroids is about when moments actually meant something. Before everything became instant and disposable. You had to commit to it. You had to wait for it. That’s what we wanted to capture, but still keep the energy high and make it hit hard.”

Bigger Sound, Sharper Focus

Sonically, the single pushes into a more confident and expansive space. The guitars are deliberately layered to create a full wall of sound, while the drums retain a live, slightly unpolished feel that keeps everything grounded.

Vocally, the focus is on natural, memorable hooks that land effortlessly without feeling overproduced. The result is a track that feels just as powerful blasting through speakers as it does in a live setting.

NMR
April 27, 2026

Reese O’Neill – Machine ( Acoustic / Electro ) Review

Liverpool-based singer-songwriter Reese O’Neill is crafting a distinctive sonic identity rooted in emotional vulnerability, queer expression, and the sacredness of intimacy. Her work seamlessly blends the confessional lyricism of folk with the experimental textures of art pop, bridging delicate acoustic elements with expansive, atmospheric production.

Drawing inspiration from the poetic depth of Leonard Cohen and the avant-garde sensibilities of Laurie Anderson, Reese’s music exists in a space where introspection meets innovation. As she works toward her debut EP, she continues to shape a sound that is both raw and immersive—exploring themes of limerence, worship, and digital isolation with striking honesty.

About “Machine”

“Machine” stands as a compelling example of Reese’s evolving artistry. The track leans into an electronic folk aesthetic, built around soothing, autotuned vocals and layered harmonies that dissolve into synth-like textures. Its glitchy, spacious production wraps around her voice, creating a listening experience that feels both intimate and emotionally intense.

At its core, “Machine” is deeply personal. The line “I’m a machine with a broken command” reflects Reese’s lived experience with Functional Neurological Disorder—a condition that affects how the brain sends and receives signals throughout the body. While grounded in her own reality, the track resonates more broadly, speaking to anyone who has felt disconnected within their own mind or overwhelmed by emotional turbulence.

This openness and emotional clarity sit at the heart of Reese O’Neill’s artistry, offering listeners a space where vulnerability is not only expressed but embraced.

For fans of: FKA Twigs, Erin LeCount, Weyes Blood, Laurie Anderson, Broken Social Scene

NMR
April 25, 2026

Fierce Friend – Blood Red Hills ( Rock / Punk ) Review

Brighton-based indie artist Fierce Friend returns with “Blood Red Hills,” the first single from the forthcoming album Blood Red Hills & The Uncanny Valley.

Fierce Friend, the solo project of Brighton musician Alan Grice, blends playful sophistication with razor-sharp songwriting and an indie-rock core beneath shimmering electronic textures.

“Blood Red Hills” is a high-energy indie anthem built on the jagged, choppy guitar chords of Field Music, the kind of fuzzed-out bass sound DIIV would be proud of, and a woozy, seasick riff that might have wandered off a My Bloody Valentine record. Electronic sparkle, a key change that has no right to work — but somehow does — and a euphoric blizzard of a playout sit above a darker story of love and trust slowly eroded by time.

Grice is a longstanding figure in Brighton’s art-pop underground, contributing to cult favourites Electric Soft Parade, Foxes! and Octopuses. With Fierce Friend, he distils those experiences into a sound that’s sleek and unmistakable — blending bright melodic hooks with rhythmic precision while exploring the heartbreaks, hauntings and strange hopes of lost heroes.

Fierce Friend’s debut album Lies That Comfort You (Chord Orchard, 2018) earned spins on BBC Radio 6 Music, with Stuart Maconie praising it as “a great sophisti-pop record.” The sophistication remains, but the new material is leaner, more direct and wired with restless, propulsive energy.

“Blood Red Hills” introduces the world of the forthcoming album Blood Red Hills & The Uncanny Valley, due October 2026.

NMR
April 25, 2026

Brad Craig – Mean Time ( Pop / Rock ) Review

NMR – Brad Craig – Mean Time Review

Some really nice sounds from Brad on this track, an eerie intro soon morphs into a solid rhythm pattern, guitar licks float around filling the spaces between lyric lines.

The added instrumentation throughout the song gives it dynamics and colour. 

The overall mix sounds great with plenty of width and pad synths to smooth things out, Brads vocal style sits really nicley in the track, good melodies, nice chord structure, very well self produced track.

Nice work Brad.

NMR
April 24, 2026

Aiden Faith – Crows ( Electronic / Pop Punk )

Aiden Faith – Crows ( Rock / Punk / Electro ) Review

 NMR – You could be mistaken into thinking this is an electro synth track….but dont be fooled, this has a synth intro but soon builds into a harder edged rock track with the addition of overdriven guitar and big vocals, throw in a few guitar licks and its all there.  

Nice track……

From the new EP – Louder Than Silence

Independent multi-instrumentalist Aiden Faith has unveiled his latest EP, Louder Than Silence—a project that pushes beyond the usual boundaries of Alternative Rock.

Written and produced entirely by Faith, the EP acts as a statement of intent for his “vintage-fresh” philosophy. It’s a sound that fuses the analog warmth of classic rock influences with the sharp, unpredictable textures of modern alt-rock, creating something that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Currently based in Rome but driven by a nomadic creative spirit, Faith delivers a record that balances nuance with raw power. At its core, Louder Than Silence is defined by two standout tracks: “LOUDER” and “Safety Net.”

“LOUDER” leans into high-energy, anthemic territory, while “Safety Net” offers a more intricate and atmospheric experience. Despite both sitting within the alt-rock space, they showcase a wide sonic palette—from gritty, powerful vocals to moments of delicate, emotionally driven songwriting. The result is a project that resists being boxed into a single sound.

Faith’s versatility doesn’t stop in the studio. As a live performer, he moves seamlessly between two distinct formats: the stripped-back intimacy of solo acoustic sets and the explosive energy of a full-band performance. This duality allows the songs on Louder Than Silence to evolve and resonate differently depending on the setting.

With Louder Than Silence, Aiden Faith continues to carve out a space that blends independence, authenticity, and sonic ambition—offering a compelling glimpse into the future of alternative rock.

Louder Than Silence is available now on all major streaming platforms.


About Aiden Faith

Aiden Faith is a fully independent alternative rock artist and producer based in Rome, Italy. Known for his self-reliant approach and genre-fluid style, he writes and produces all of his music, bridging vintage sensibilities with a modern, forward-looking edge.

NMR
April 17, 2026

Radiator – Carnival ( Indie / Pop – punk )

 Radiator – Carnival ( Indie Pop / Punk ) Review

 NMR – Solid guitar intro, a vibe which is the backdrop to the track, biting chord sounds take us through the verse whilst the airy vocal sits on top nicely.

The track builds around a series of guitar riffs and licks all providing added colour and dynamics to a memorable groove keep the listent engaged .

I like this one…

From the new EP – Glass 

From London Uk, 5 piece Post-punk outfit Radiator are back with their highly anticipated new single “Carnival,” released on April 17. The track marks the band’s first new material since their debut EP Glass made waves by landing in the Top 40 of the Official Vinyl Singles Chart last December.

Following the success of Glass—and a six-date tour in support of the record—“Carnival” signals the next step in the band’s rapid rise.

New Chapter ..

“Carnival” arrives as Radiator’s first release of 2025, building on the momentum of their breakthrough debut. To celebrate, the band has lined up a series of notable media appearances, including a live studio performance on BBC Introducing Essex & Cambridgeshire on April 16. This follows an earlier interview on BBC Radio London’s Breakfast Show on April 3.

Influences

Driven by a tight groove and indie sensibility, “Carnival” blends post-punk energy with alternative rock textures. The band cites influences ranging from 80s icons like The Fall and Echo & the Bunnymen to more contemporary and crossover acts including Radiohead, Queens of the Stone Age, and Fontaines D.C.

Frontman Ollie Blakesley shared insight into the track’s origins:

“Carnival was one of those lyrics that came to me after I’d been walking round a few different parts of England. I realised there were all these things that crop up everywhere you go.”

NMR
April 15, 2026

Softreboot – Parallax Dream ( Electronic Pop / Punk ) Review

Softreboot is the conceptual solo project of Sergei Orlov—an artist operating at the intersection of human emotion and modern technology. Rooted in themes of degradation, the project explores fading memories, lost signals, and the growing emotional distance between people in a hyper-connected world.

While the lyrics, overarching concepts, and artistic direction remain deeply personal and human-driven, softreboot incorporates AI as a forward-thinking production tool. This fusion results in expansive, atmospheric soundscapes that feel both intimate and futuristic.

Sonically, softreboot blends the melancholic edge of early 2000s alt-rock with modern electronic textures—making it a compelling listen for fans of Radiohead, Placebo, and The xx.

“Parallax Dream” and the Dust Protocol Universe

The debut single, “Parallax Dream,” marks the first chapter in a wider conceptual universe titled Dust Protocol—a musical logbook documenting a system slowly losing its data.

At its core, the track uses the metaphor of the parallax effect to capture a haunting emotional disconnect: two people occupying the same physical space, yet existing in entirely different emotional realities.

The official music video for “Parallax Dream” is now available on YouTube, offering a visual entry point into this evolving narrative world.

What’s Next?

softreboot is already operating with a fully completed debut album, signaling a clear and ambitious artistic vision.

The next chapter in the Dust Protocol universe is set to arrive soon, with a new single officially scheduled for release on April 24, 2026.