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Four Act Riot return with Insecure, a track that dives into the quiet uncertainty that can linger beneath even the most seemingly perfect relationships. At its core, the song captures that persistent inner voice—the one that quietly asks “what if?”—turning a deeply personal feeling into something widely relatable in the context of modern relationships.

Sonically, Insecure balances layered instrumentation with a clear focus on vocal delivery. The production gradually builds tension, stacking guitars and rhythm elements without overwhelming the mix, before breaking into an energetic, memorable hook. It’s a structure that keeps the listener engaged while reinforcing the emotional weight of the lyrics.

There’s a clear commitment to authenticity here. Rather than leaning into overproduction, the band favour a raw, performance-driven sound that allows the emotion to cut through naturally. It’s this approach that gives Insecure its impact—grounded, direct, and honest.

Fans of modern indie and alternative rock will find plenty to connect with. The track sits comfortably alongside artists like Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sam Fender, and Royel Otis, blending catchy melodic sensibilities with a punchier, guitar-led edge.

Artist Statement

“We wanted Insecure to feel honest and relatable. It’s about those moments in relationships where everything seems fine on the surface, but you still have that doubt in the back of your mind. This could stem from your own anxiety or something else, but we wanted real emotion with real instruments and vocals—something that people can connect with.”

— Morgan Rees (Four Act Riot)

About Four Act Riot

Four Act Riot are an indie rock band based in Cardiff, formed in August 2024. Despite being a relatively new project, they’ve quickly made an impression on the South Wales live circuit, building momentum through consistent gigging and high-energy performances.

Within their first year, the band have already played major Welsh venues and festivals, including Lakefest, and expanded their reach into London with a show at Dingwalls in Camden. Their debut single Drunk secured radio play across both the UK and the US, while unreleased track Crisis has gained early attention after being featured on the BBC television series Stranded on Honeymoon Island.

Drawing influence from the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sam Fender, and Stereophonics, Four Act Riot craft guitar-driven indie rock built on strong melodies and emotionally direct songwriting—positioning themselves as a band with clear intent and growing momentum.

The Songs of Butler & Cupples Return with Genre-Bending New Single ‘Frequency’

Following the momentum of their first two releases of 2026, The Songs of Butler & Cupples return with ‘Frequency’—a vibrant, genre-fluid single that further cements the project’s songwriting-first ethos.

Rooted in collaboration, musicianship, and substance over spectacle, the release continues to position the duo as one of the more creatively ambitious emerging songwriting projects operating beyond the constraints of traditional band structures.

Conceived as a platform where the song itself remains the central focus, The Songs of Butler & Cupples was born in response to a modern music landscape often driven more by perception than composition.

Helmed by two experienced industry songwriters, the project allows ideas to dictate direction—free from genre expectations or commercial formulas. With ‘Frequency’, the duo step into jazz-infused R&B and alternative pop territory, showcasing yet another dimension of their increasingly diverse catalogue.

Thematically, ‘Frequency’ dives into the emotional unpredictability of club culture and human connection. Built around the idea that being on the “right frequency” can spark euphoric, transcendent experiences—while being out of sync can feel disorientating and surreal—the track embraces both chaos and beauty in equal measure.

There’s an atmospheric tension running throughout, drawing comparisons to the unsettling allure of a David Lynch-style narrative. The result is a soundscape that feels hypnotic, immersive, and emotionally charged.

Musically, the track thrives on contrast. Slick, hook-driven melodies and expressive vocals glide over inventive production that feels simultaneously live, rugged, and futuristic.

There’s a looseness and spontaneity in the arrangement that captures the energy of a live band performance, while still maintaining the sharpness and accessibility of modern pop. It’s a balance that makes ‘Frequency’ feel refreshingly unpredictable—yet instantly replayable.

Already demonstrating a willingness to move fluidly between electronic pop, rock, and more experimental sonic landscapes, The Songs of Butler & Cupples continue to build a reputation for crafting songs that linger long after the first listen.

Rather than chasing trends, the project remains firmly focused on strong songwriting, emotional resonance, and creative freedom.

Summary

At its core, The Songs of Butler & Cupples exists as an open creative vehicle—one without limitation or expectation. With ‘Frequency’, the duo prove once again that meaningful songwriting, inventive production, and bold artistic ideas still have the power to cut through the noise and genuinely connect.

Zoom 9000 Review: A Forgotten Budget Multi-Effects Gem?

Is the Zoom 9000 the best cheap multi-effects pedal nobody talks about anymore? In this review, I put this vintage ’90s unit through its paces to see whether it still holds up in a modern home studio setup—and the results might surprise you.

Originally released during the early boom of affordable digital effects, the Zoom 9000 represented a shift in what guitarists could access on a budget. Built as a streamlined multi-effects processor and now long discontinued, it packed a wide range of sounds into a compact unit. Decades later, you can still pick one up for next to nothing—but does cheap still mean capable?

First Impressions

There’s something immediately nostalgic about the Zoom 9000. It comes from an era where multi-effects units were evolving fast, offering guitarists an all-in-one solution at a time when individual pedals were far less accessible.

Despite its age, the unit is surprisingly usable. The layout is simple, the workflow is fairly intuitive, and it’s clearly designed with practicality in mind—especially compared to some of today’s menu-heavy budget units.

Sound & Performance

At its core, the Zoom 9000 delivers a selection of essential effects, including:

• • Reverbs and delays
  • Modulation (chorus, flanger, tremolo, phaser)
  • Drive tones ranging from clean compression to distortion
  • Pitch shifting and EQ options

For a unit of its time, the sound quality is impressively solid. Early reviews noted its “usable” 16-bit digital effects and touch-sensitive distortion, which still hold up in certain contexts today.

That said, not everything has aged equally. Some effects feel dated or limited compared to modern plugins and pedals—but others still sit nicely in a mix, especially in lo-fi, indie, or experimental setups.

In a Modern Home Studio

So how does it perform today?

In a modern setup, the Zoom 9000 works best when used with intention. Running it through a clean amp or directly into an interface can yield surprisingly characterful tones. It won’t replace high-end modelling units, but it offers something different—an older digital flavour that can actually stand out in a mix.

Interestingly, some users still find that while certain sounds fall short, others “still stack up” even after 30 years.

Strengths & Limitations

What works well

• • Cheap and widely available on the used market
  • Simple signal chain and routing
  • Unique vintage digital character
  • Some effects still genuinely usable

Where it struggles

• • Limited editing compared to modern units
  • Some effects sound dated
  • No modern connectivity or flexibility
  • Build and UI feel very “of its time”

Final Verdict

The Zoom 9000 isn’t a hidden miracle pedal—but it is a fascinating piece of gear history that still has its place.

If you’re expecting a modern all-in-one solution, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re after character, experimentation, or a budget-friendly way to add something different to your setup, this overlooked ’90s unit might be more relevant than you think.

Sometimes, cheap doesn’t mean outdated—it just means misunderstood.

When Adrien Dembowski (guitar) and Nik Maiser (vocals) chose the name IMMUNITY in early 2020, they couldn’t have predicted how symbolic it would soon become. As the world slowed to a standstill, the Nuremberg-based four-piece did the opposite—quietly building momentum and carving out their identity in isolation.

During that time, the band laid the groundwork for a sound that now stands confidently on an international level.

Precision Meets Emotion

Musically, IMMUNITY sit firmly within the modern metalcore landscape, drawing comparisons to heavyweights like Bring Me The Horizon and Architects. Their sound blends raw intensity with technical precision, layered with atmospheric depth.

From the outset, producer Christoph Wieczorek (Annisokay, Electric Callboy) has helped shape their sonic identity. Working out of Sawdust Recordings Studios, the collaboration has resulted in a polished yet powerful sound—balancing aggression with emotional weight.

Live On Stage

While their studio work is impressive, IMMUNITY truly come alive on stage. Their live reputation continues to grow, backed by a solid catalogue that includes their debut Breathe (2022) and the follow-up Dark Side of the Earth (2024).

The band has already shared stages with major acts such as Skindred, Polaris, and Chelsea Grin, proving their ability to hold their own alongside established names. Extensive touring has taken them across Europe, with performances spanning Austria, Belgium, France, and beyond.

The Next Chapter

With a sound that hits hard in the mosh pit while maintaining thoughtful, well-crafted songwriting, IMMUNITY are rapidly becoming a name to watch in modern metalcore.

The Franconian four-piece have built a strong foundation—and they’re showing no signs of slowing down as they move into their next chapter.