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 – 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.
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.
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.”
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.
NMR – Raging Lines – Let Me Know Review
I really like intros like this, straight in with a kick/snare and the opening riff, which in this case is really catchy, I would normaly say the vocal should be in early but Im happy to listen to the licks for a few bars .
When the lyrics do kick in its a great vocal vibe, suits the music style very nicely, that guitar lick coming and going in one form or another is very cool.
I like the whole song structure, mix and prodcution is just right, I cant say too many songs are too short, but another 30s wouldnt go amiss here, nice work.
PnB – Julia ( Pop / Rock) Review
NMR – Classic Rock Pop vibes from the intro, cool guitar grrove and great riffs, vocals have good feel and harmonies work really well, chorus is big and catchy, nice summer driving track.
With their new single “Julia,” PnB make a powerful return, delivering an energetic track that seamlessly blends rock and pop-punk. It’s a song that instantly grabs attention while also striking a deeper emotional chord. Staying true to their unmistakable sound, the band also shows clear growth in both expression and dynamics.
“Julia” tells a story shaped by intense emotions, unspoken thoughts, and the kind of connection that leaves a lasting mark. Driven by powerful guitars, punchy drums, and infectious hooks, the track unfolds with a sound that feels both nostalgic and modern — raw, honest, and direct.
The single was produced by Mack (Mack Music), who successfully captures the band’s authentic energy while shaping a polished, contemporary sound. The result is a track that fully delivers on its emotional and sonic impact.
With “Julia,” PnB reinforce their place within the rock and pop-punk scene, offering a song that excites listeners, invites sing-alongs, and lingers long after the final note.
“Julia” is set for release on March 26, 2026, across all major streaming platforms.
About PnB
PnB stand for an honest, high-energy sound rooted in rock and pop-punk. Combining catchy melodies with genuine emotion and a strong stage presence, they create music that connects directly with their audience and leaves a lasting impression.
Tár – A Course For Home – review ( Metal / Rock )
NMR – This has a good vibe for me from the off, full, wide guitars, solid Bass and Rhythm, everything we want in a Rock track, the pace picks up as the track move forward, some nice dynamic drops with cleaner guitar sounds here and there, overall a power groove, nice work.
Polish alternative rock band Tár have released their latest single, “A Course for Home,” offering the first glimpse into their forthcoming EP, “Dancing on the Event Horizon,” set for release on April 24, 2026.
The track marks the band’s first new material since their 2024 debut mini-album, “Chasing Shadows… Losing Ground,” and signals an ambitious new chapter for the Szczecin-based group.
Expansive Sound –
Building on their signature “nostalgic-gaze” aesthetic, Tár blend alternative rock and metal with elements of desert rock, stoner-doom, shoegaze, and grunge. “A Course for Home” leans fully into this identity, capturing a gritty, early-2000s atmosphere while maintaining a modern edge.
The band describes the track as a sonic journey:
“‘A Course for Home’ invites listeners on a journey. It’s for anyone who’s ever dreamt of exploring space in a starship. If you enjoy stoner rock, groovy energetic music that plays to the nostalgia of the ’90s alternative guitar scene, this is for you. Let’s get back to the alpha quadrant together.”
Lyrically, the song explores themes of distance, travel, and the search for direction—echoing motifs often found in classic sci-fi narratives.
Dancing on the Event Horizon
The upcoming EP, “Dancing on the Event Horizon,” represents a fresh phase for the band, continuing their evolution following their live debut in fall 2024. That performance coincided with the release of “Chasing Shadows… Losing Ground,” which remains available across major streaming platforms including YouTube, Bandcamp, and Spotify.
Influences –
Tár draw clear inspiration from genre-defining acts like Queens of the Stone Age, Deftones, and Truckfighters. Their sound fuses crushing riffs with atmospheric depth and melodic drive, resulting in a dense yet immersive listening experience.
With “A Course for Home,” Tár not only revisit the textures of alternative rock’s past but also push confidently into new sonic territory—setting the stage for what’s to come in 2026.
Hollow Bodies – The Tour review ( Pop / Rock )
NMR – I wasnt sure about this at first I mean its harmless enough but on first listen I was on the fence, a few plays and I get it, its quirky, its catchy, the melodies are nice, its not too serious and it shows, reminds of Divine Comedy.
Hollow Bodies’ lively new single, The Tour, drops listeners straight into the uneasy atmosphere of a high school reunion—where nostalgia collides with reality, and no one quite turned out the way they imagined.
The track serves as the first release from the Seattle-based janglegazers’ upcoming album, We’ve Never Been Wrong. Their seventh record takes the form of a concept album, following the lives of Newport High School’s Class of ’05 as they grapple with the gap between youthful ambition and middle-aged reality.
Questions linger throughout the narrative: Will Hal’s flashy new car finally earn him the respect he lacked as a teenager? Can Emo Eddie rekindle his long-lost connection with the class valedictorian? It’s a slightly absurd, deeply relatable portrait of a generation facing the quiet disillusionment of adulthood—a true middle-aged wasteland.
Recorded at Seattle’s iconic Litho Studios, We’ve Never Been Wrong unfolds across twelve story-driven tracks, each capturing a different perspective from the class of ’05. Together, they form a reflective and often humorous meditation on identity, regret, and the choices that shape a life. At its core lies a lingering question: How did I end up in the world I’m living in?
With wry, introspective lyrics and winding guitar hooks, Hollow Bodies continue to carve out their distinct space within indie rock. Their offbeat storytelling evokes the hazy fuzz-folk textures of Yo La Tengo alongside the warm, eccentric humor of Super Furry Animals—resulting in a sound that both celebrates and questions modern American life.
The Far North – All The Things You Did ( Acoustic / Folk)
NMR – Fresh Acoustic sounds on this track, a very upfront live vibe with that ” In the room” feeling, Lee’s vocal has his own style, gritty and melodic, the added instrumentation helps the overall dynamics, nice work.
Runcorn Folk/Alt-Country artist The Far North returns with a brand-new album, Songs For Weathering Storms, set for release on November 21st via Red Lantern Records. The record will be preceded by the lead single “Mountain Song”, arriving on October 31st.
The Far North is the solo project of singer-songwriter Lee Wylding, who formed the project in 2020 following the disbandment of UK Americana outfit The Fireflys, where he served as lead guitarist and vocalist for over 15 years.
His debut album, Songs For Gentle Souls—produced by Nigel Stonier—quickly gained traction, receiving early support from BBC 6 Music presenters Chris Hawkins and Bob Harris. The exposure helped the album reach #1 on both iTunes and Amazon charts.
In 2023, Wylding followed up with Songs For Healing Hearts, further cementing his reputation with appearances at events such as The British Country Music Festival and Party In The Pews.
Now, with his third release, Wylding describes Songs For Weathering Storms as his most emotionally expansive work to date. While themes of love, loss, and hope remain central, the new album broadens its scope. One standout track, “Release/Repeat,” takes a thoughtful look at humanity’s relationship with animals, encouraging listeners to reconsider consumption habits and embrace a more plant-based future.
The upcoming single “Mountain Song” captures the emotional depth of the record. Written about a particularly painful breakup, the track begins in a reflective, melancholic tone before evolving into an uplifting finale, driven by a vibrant violin-led coda.
Despite its introspective moments, the album also offers a sense of optimism. Tracks like “Ship Of Bones,” “I Am The Storm,” and “Hummingbird” explore resilience and the importance of looking ahead with those closest to you.
Sonically, the album embraces a stripped-back approach. The absence of drums and the intimate production style were intentional choices by Wylding and producer Jono Tringham. Drawing inspiration from artists like Dallas Green (City & Colour), the record leans heavily on acoustic instrumentation, allowing the songwriting to take center stage.
Additional influences can be heard throughout, with nods to Neil Young, Uncle Tupelo, Johnny Flynn, and Bruce Springsteen shaping the album’s warm, roots-driven sound.
With Songs For Weathering Storms, The Far North continues to refine a deeply personal and honest voice—one that resonates through simplicity, storytelling, and emotional authenticity.