New Music Review

Lily LiCausi Latest release – Broken Record  – Nice guitar vibe.  

An evocative blend of indie, alternative, and singer-songwriter sensibilities, Lily LiCausi’s music is intimate yet bold, with lyrical storytelling at its core.

Musical Identity

Lily LiCausi crafts songs that feel deeply personal. Her sound is marked by atmospheric instrumentals, nuanced vocals, and a melding of soft vulnerability with bursts of emotional power. Think spacious arrangements, honest lyrics, and a voice that makes you lean in.

Best soundtrack material for reflective moments — long walks, late nights, journaling, or simply when you want to feel something real.

For fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, (or similar ambient-indie acts) who value lyricism over bombast.

 Worth Your Attention ?

Lily LiCausi isn’t chasing trends — she’s offering sincerity. There’s something quietly powerful in her restraint: a chord held just a second too long, a vocal crack at the right moment, storytelling that doesn’t preach but invites you in. She feels like a genuine artist, one you’ll want to follow.

Vlinder to Release New EP, Live in the Studio, on August 16th.

Inland Empire-based alt-rock trio Vlinder are gearing up for the release of their new EP, Live in the Studio, arriving August 16, 2025. The three-track collection captures the band’s raw energy and evocative songwriting, offering a powerful journey of self-discovery and emotional release.

Formed by Glo (vocals, songwriter), Austin (drums), and Melanie (bass), Vlinder have built a reputation for delivering honest, anthemic rock with a heartfelt edge. Their sound—a dynamic blend of alt-rock, indie rock, and Midwest-emo influences—resonates with fans through its mix of introspective lyrics and driving instrumentation.

Unlike a polished studio production, Live in the Studio stands out for its unfiltered approach. Recorded live, the EP channels the spontaneous energy of the band’s performance while highlighting the emotional depth in their songwriting. Across its three tracks, Vlinder explore the timeless themes of letting go and rediscovering oneself.

“Recording Live in the Studio was a deeply personal journey for us,” says Glo. “It’s about facing your past and finding the strength to let go of what no longer serves you. We hope the songs feel like a hug for anyone going through their own journey of self-discovery.”

With Live in the Studio, Vlinder continue to carve out their space in the alt-rock scene, balancing vulnerability with cathartic release. The result is a record that feels both intimate and anthemic, inviting listeners to join the trio as they open a new chapter in their musical journey.

About Vlinder

Vlinder are an alt-rock band from the Inland Empire, California, known for their raw, emotive songwriting and commanding live performances. Their music blends introspective lyricism with expansive rock arrangements, creating a warm, cathartic soundscape that connects deeply with audiences.

LoveGhost & Skinner Brothers – Worth It

Love Ghost & The Skinner Brothers Unite Again With “Worth It”

The powerful new single “Worth It” marks the third collaboration between Love Ghost and The Skinner Brothers. This raw slice of alternative rock dives headfirst into the age-old question: Am I enough?

With haunting melodies, razor-sharp lyrics, and an explosive guitar solo, Worth It becomes a cathartic anthem for anyone who has ever stared into the mirror and questioned whether the struggle is truly worth it.

Following the success of their first two collaborations — “Freedom in a Padded Cell” and “Scrapbook” — both artists were eager to reunite in the studio. The chemistry speaks for itself, and now fans will also get the chance to see it live: Love Ghost and The Skinner Brothers are set to tour the UK together this November.

About Love Ghost

Love Ghost are a genre-bending force, fusing alternative rock, grunge, metal, pop-punk, acoustic, and hard rock into their sound. Their lyrics often carry a poetic, emo edge, tackling themes of trauma and mental health with unflinching honesty.

The band has been featured on Rockpalast (broadcast across Germany) and performed on four continents. Their collaborations stretch worldwide, including work with Mexican artists like Adan Cruz, Santa RM, Dan Garcia, Ritorukai, Wiplash, Blnko, Rayben, El Burger, and more. Globally, they’ve worked with Rico Nasty, Bali Baby, The Skinner Brothers (UK), and even released an entire album with SKOLD.

Love Ghost’s impact has earned recognition from major outlets like Rolling Stone (featured over 10 times), Sonic Seducer, Playboy, TimeOut Mexico, Clash Magazine, Lyrical Lemonade, EARMILK, Backseat Mafia, Alternative Press, and more.

About The Skinner Brothers

Known for their gritty, unapologetic rock energy, The Skinner Brothers have carved out their place on the UK scene. They’ve toured the UK with The Libertines, supported Rat Boy and Mike Skinner & The Streets, and in 2021, joined Kasabian as main support on their UK arena tour.

Festival appearances include the Isle of Wight Festival, Neighbourhood Weekender (where they headlined the Viola Beach stage), Stockton Calling, Splendour Festival, Bingley Weekender, and shows at venues like O2 Academy Leeds, O2 Ritz Manchester, and O2 Academy Islington in London. Their Soul Boy II Tour in 2022 further cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting live bands in the UK right now.

Kris Russ – Cost Of Heaven

Meet the Artist: Established Singer-Songwriter from New Orleans

I’m a 33-year-old singer-songwriter based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and versatility is at the heart of my sound. From emotional ballads that hit deep to acoustic indie-dance tracks that make you want to mosh with your grandmother, my music is built to make you feel something—whether that’s tears, chills, or screaming at the top of your lungs.

My inspirations come from artists like Dashboard Confessional, OneRepublic, and City and Colour. That mix of emotional honesty and driving energy is what I bring to every song. Whether it’s an intimate acoustic moment or a high-energy indie rock track, I guarantee my music belongs on any indie or hard rock playlist—and on any stage.

My Plan & Drive

I’ve built a year-to-year plan to keep my career moving forward. Right now, I have a backlog of a couple hundred songs ready to present to labels. But even if no label bites, I’ll continue pushing forward independently. I’ve already assembled a record of unreleased tracks, and I take care of everything from social media to stage presence with a professional approach.

My process is simple but effective: record the music, build a marketing plan, schedule shows in different states, then release and execute.

Live Shows

Performing live is where I shine. I’ve led a band that found minor success, completed multiple six-day runs, and played close to 1,000 shows in just the past few years. My motto is simple: the show must go on. Whether it’s a crowd of 10 or a stadium packed like sardines, the energy never changes.

On stage, I like to mix it up. Some tracks are supported by backtracks, others break down to just me and an acoustic guitar. For bigger shows, I bring in the full band—and we rehearse until the songs feel second nature, so when we step out there, the performance is as tight and powerful as possible.

Broken arm or not, I’ll find a way to deliver. That’s the promise I make every time I walk onto a stage.

Spotlight Sessions

Sam Way – New Live release – Alchemy

Love for the written word and a desire to tell powerful stories has always been at the heart of Sam’s work as an artist. As a teenager, he filled notebooks with plays, poetry, and short stories, while also composing his first songs on the out-of-tune upright piano his mum once played.

Music quickly became his passion. Weekends were spent exploring new artists, pouring over the ‘Staff Picks’ section at HMV, and spending every bit of pocket money on records. Creativity offered him a refuge—a source of catharsis that would ultimately shape his life.

After moving from a small rural town in southwest England to the capital, Sam released his debut music in 2013 through a small independent label. He threw himself into songwriting, collaboration, sonic experimentation, and touring. However, feeling limited by label bureaucracy, he broke away to independently fund his own music and studio time.

Early Releases and Milestones

Sam’s live performances quickly gained attention, with highlights including a cross-country UK tour, 14 dates alongside fellow songwriter Anna Pancaldi, a festival appearance at Somersault in Somerset, and a main stage performance at Bristol Summer Ball.

His self-funded debut EP, Architect, featured five original songs he both wrote and co-produced. A strategic social media campaign helped spread the word, propelling Architect into the top 15 of the UK Singer-Songwriter iTunes Charts.

Between 2015 and 2019, Sam released 10 singles, three official music videos, and performed internationally in LA and NYC at Sofar Sounds shows and the iconic Rockwood Music Hall. He also featured in Mahogany Sessions’ coveted Covers project with an intimate live rendition of “Without Me.”

Sam’s breakout moment came with Interlude, a piano composition that gained traction across classical, neo-classical, and instrumental playlists. From 2019 onward, he has been steadily building towards his forthcoming album while releasing 10 more singles, publishing his first poetry volume, and collaborating with pop producer Rob Late on the track Closer.

Notable appearances include live performances and interviews on BBC London, with his single Give Me Something receiving airplay on BBC Introducing in Devon.

Today, Sam’s catalogue has surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify and he has amassed over 3,200 followers on the platform. His work continues to be championed by press outlets and supported through numerous PR campaigns, cementing his place as a multi-faceted artist with a gift for storytelling.

Polish pop-punk staples CF98 are back with their latest single, “Hate My Life,” and it’s a burst of nostalgia, angst, and unfiltered honesty. Packed with shout-along choruses, raw lyrics, and early 2000s energy, this track perfectly captures the chaos of growing up, wrestling with anxiety, and questioning everything—without pretending to have it all figured out.

“Hate My Life” is nostalgic, fun, angry, and weirdly comforting—the kind of track for anyone who grew up on Paramore and Sum 41, or still finds themselves screaming along to teenage anthems in the car.

If you still get goosebumps from teenage anthems, need a soundtrack for your quarter-life (or mid-life) crisis, and love the idea of screaming into the void while keeping it catchy, “Hate My Life” is exactly what you need.

“Hate My Life” is the fourth single from CF98’s upcoming album, Stupid Punk, set to drop on October 24, 2025 via SBÄM Records and Double Helix Records.

Elementary Chaos have returned with a brand-new album titled Dancing on a Wire, and its opening track, “Let Go,” sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come. The song immediately draws listeners into the duo’s world of layered instrumentation, heartfelt delivery, and atmospheric soundscapes.

For those unfamiliar, Elementary Chaos is the creative partnership of Ed Hubregtse and Addy de Hond. Both are passionate multi-instrumentalists who seamlessly switch between vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards. What makes their music even more compelling is the fact that it’s completely self-produced—the recording, mixing, and mastering are all done in-house, giving each track an intimate and authentic feel.

Their performances are often found in the theater setting, where their sound can unfold with cinematic weight and emotional depth. With over two decades of collaboration behind them, the duo has built a catalogue of albums and singles that showcase their evolution while staying true to their artistic core.

Musically, Elementary Chaos draw inspiration from New Wave, Rock, and Indie, with echoes of legendary acts such as U2, Simple Minds, and Editors shaping their sonic palette. This influence is clear in the soaring guitars, driving rhythms, and rich vocal textures that run throughout Dancing on a Wire.

“Let Go,” as the album’s first track, feels both like a statement and an invitation—one that pulls listeners into an atmospheric journey blending nostalgia with modern indie edge. It’s a powerful reminder of why Elementary Chaos have remained a creative force for more than twenty years.