Lo Cloud – “Stars Align”

This song is feel-good atmospheric rock. The guitar tones are piercing and feel almost trumpet-like – like they’re making a proclamation. In any case, this track soars in a way not unlike Angels and Airwaves, or some of the more cinematic Jimmy Eat World songs. This is the 3rd of many Lo Cloud songs to come; they make their live debut at Audiofeed Music Festival on July 5th.

Confessions of a Traitor – “Still Haunted (feat. Heal the Hurt and HolyName)”

Epic heavy music is on the rise. But, Sleep Token who? Bad Omens what? Confessions of a Traitor has entered the arena (and we hope they’re playing actual arenas soon). When you have Tommy Green of HolyName fame lending talents, that’s about as powerful of an endorsement as you’re going to get (and Heal the Hurt is a name you’re going to know soon if you don’t yet). There isn’t a whole lot to say about this track other than this band is ready for the big leagues and this song lives up it’s name as a haunting, fist-pumping addition to their resume.

Wishy – “Over and Over”

The indie rock project from Indiana that wowed a lot of people last year (us included) with their oddly nostalgic sound, is back with another dose of pensive whimsy with “Over and Over.” Emotive vocals meander, while a funky arrangement and warm melodies envelop the listener. There isn’t any pretense here though, believe us.

Joshua Crozier – “Regrow (Isaiah 43:18-19)”

Singer-songwriters are a corner of the DIY scene that I tend not to seek out. If I’m honest, its in part out of laziness. They require more focus to really dig into the lyrics and heart behind the song and I don’t often have the capacity to do so. This track, from the Chicago indie artist, is Scripture inspired (as if you didn’t already figure that out) and captures my attention with, in part, the reassuring words of God. The song, which has a quiet start, ramps up into a sweeping blanket of melodies and instrumentation that seems to have a communal feel.

Orthodox – “Searching For a Pulse”

This song is crushing. In every sense of the world. And, in the words of my friend Jared Paris talking about a Haste the Day song online, it makes me “want to destroy a small village.” Ugh.

indie tribe – “ROB HELL”

This track makes me put on the stank face and pull goofy dance moves I’d mortified to let anyone see in my living room. Also, I just listened to that Orthodox track above (which is dark, albeit in a satisfying way) and this is a good palate cleanser. Why is Indie Tribe so consistently in making tracks guaranteed to get any room lit?! I don’t know. But I hope it never stops.