First Listen – “Dear John” – Royal Wood
Royal Wood’s Dear John is a heartfelt, beautifully crafted album led by “Give It Up,” “Sunshine,” and “A Good Day” — a luminous prelude to his 2025 tour.
First Listen – “Poster Child” – Taylor Acorn
Taylor Acorn delivers a stunning, cathartic masterpiece that bridges the golden age of emo with the modern alt-rock edge. Featuring the electric singles “Crashing Out” and “Hangman,” this album is required listening for anyone who knows that sometimes, the only way to move on is to get angry first.
First Listen – “Real Life” – Hudson Ingram
Hudson Ingram’s “Real Life” is a warm, reflective fall anthem—blending mellow groove, heartfelt lyrics, and nostalgic calm into a perfect autumn listen.
First Listen – “Prologue” – Lore
Lore’s Prologue is a surreal, funky, and experimental debut EP that fuses Latin grooves, screamo bursts, and hypnotic smoothness into one bold, cohesive trip.
First Listen – Sad – Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade’s new album Sad revives early 2000s pop-punk with heartfelt nostalgia, led by singles “Under My Sweater” and “One Day at a Time,” as their world tour continues.
First Listen – “dog years” – Chris LaRocca
Chris LaRocca’s dog years is a soulful, genre-blending EP from the Canadian multi-instrumentalist—anchored by the tender, cinematic “slow dance in the diner.”
First Listen – Death of Don Valley – Ivy Gardens
Ivy Gardens’ Death of Don Valley fuses sludge, grunge, and synth into a heavy yet groovy statement, highlighted by the standout track “Astray.”
First Listen – “Ya Mama” – Massari
Massari honors his Lebanese roots on “Ya Mama”, blending Arabic rhythms with sleek pop for a vibrant anthem of pride, heritage, and global connection.
First Listen – “Whiskey’s Whisperin’” – Brandon Wisham
Brandon Wisham’s “Whiskey’s Whisperin’” blends soulful vocals, steel guitar, and late-night emotion into a timeless country standout.
First Listen – “Extinction Level Event” – Dark Angel
Dark Angel roar back after 30 years with Extinction Level Event — a ferocious comeback honoring Jim Durkin, powered by explosive singles and a reinvigorated lineup.