Singer-songwriter Nick Maas dropped his debut single under his own name, independent from his wonderful psych-folk rock project Cabin Essence. “House For Two” is a breezy pop tune that touches on uncertainty about the future in the midst of constant change. Needless to say, that sums up the last few years we’ve had, and Nick Maas is navigating it all
Read more
The two talk about his recent experience, DJing on cruise ships for the past several months, and what he’s up to now that he’s back in Milwaukee for a little bit.
Read more
22Maurii released a two-song EP last month, following up previous EP “If Only ..” from September. The artist is known to incorporate fantastical, nature-oriented imagery into an R&B-hip hop hybrid style, and he does exactly that here as demonstrated by the cover art depicting a unicorn in the forest as well as tranquil bird sounds heard throughout both songs. 22Maurii
Read more
R&B crooner Calebe put his 2024 in motion with a new single last month. He’s singing to a love interest here, assuring that he’s committed to her and that she’s got everything he could ever look for in someone. “In a world of pretenders you’ve got nothing to fake” Calebe sings, affirming that his lover carries herself in a sincere
Read more
Nopaleros are a new act who just released their debut EP. Incorporating elements of cumbia and psychedelia, the band brings three songs carried by danceable grooves and suspenseful melodies. With plentiful personality and moving parts, Nopaleros have a fun, catchy and unique touch with “The Ugly Law” that we’re excited to see expanded upon in the future. We definitely hope
Read more
Fiddler-composer Heather Lewin released a new single at the beginning of the month. Enlisting Christopher Chan on guitar, Lewin allows her melody here to gracefully prance with whimsy and glee. Chan’s rhythm gallops along to create a most heartwarming duality akin to childlike wonder. “Arlo’s Delight” is an effervescent string tag-team – give it a listen!
Read more
Indie folk act Astronaut Husband released a new album a few weeks back. The 16-track project is layered gorgeously with feathery vocals, gossamer acoustic melodies, muted field recordings and wispy textures. Lyrical themes of fumbled love (“Shut Up”), longing for someone (“Remain”), aimlessness (“Night Drive”), people changing (“Fountain of Youth”) and despair (“After Hours”) accompany the gentle, introspective instrumentation that
Read more
Atmospheric black metal act Algid Funeral released their sophomore album at the end of January. Bringing ten songs, the band unleashes their chilling, wicked brand of heaviness via devastating growls, unrelentingly grim melodies and frigid soundscapes. The record could be the sonic accompaniment to a solar eclipse that never goes away. Algid Funeral undertake harrowing desolation with “Enveloping Umbra.”
Read more
X-Ray Arcade hosted an evening of gothic vibrations Friday night with Milwaukee acts Glass Seraph, Destros and Faketwin alongside Chicago-based Iron Years and Lincoln, Nebraska-based Plack Blague. Glass Seraph is the duo of singer-songwriter Vivie and producer Tombo, although Vivie typically performs solo. Their sound could be described as dreamy, gothic pop. Friday was Vivie’s second performance; their first had
Read more
In the first installment of In The Crates, Ben Slowey talks with Lisza Battikha aka DJ aka Sheikha about her background in music and ultimately her decision to pursue DJing.
Read more
Pop rockers Will Pfrang and the Good Land Gang have the visual out for their recent single “Girl in My Dream.” Shot by Austyn Meyer, the scene finds frontman Will Pfrang hanging out around Holy Hill in a beautiful fall landscape. The song is about the recurring apparition of your soulmate visiting you after dark. Check it out, and look
Read more
Surf-garage rockers Vanity Plates are back with a new single and video. Shot by Omar Lozano, the scene finds the fellas having a day out at the Mitchell Park Domes, taking in the scenery and goofing around with shots of the band performing the song peppered in. “Posthumous Fame” touches on the humble question of whether people will appreciate you
Read more
Experimental/noise act Death Tape Super Bass released a new tape at the beginning of January. With six tracks themed around the grotesque horror subgenre, Aaron Steinmetz brings his eclectic blend of industrial clangor and techno sensibility. The last two tracks dive straight into harsh noise for ten minutes each, more or less, reflecting the more jarring and corrosive sensations of
Read more
Hardcore punks Peroxide recently disbanded, but they weren’t going to head out without releasing one last record! They blaze through seven songs here, sharp and ferocious as ever, full of headbanging potency and piercing decibels. All proceeds from ordered tapes are going towards helping the Turbo’s with recent medical expenses. “The Big Light” is a powerhouse closing to Peroxide. Long
Read more
New wave act Xposed 4Heads returned to Earth for a new single and video recently. The future-flying party rockers bring their fun, idiosyncratic energy for a jam where they crank the notches up and boogie through the apocalypse. Directed by the band’s own Mark GE, the scene is in black and white, taking place in a brutalist environment to represent the
Read more
Sludge Hawking released a new album in December. Mixing country, folk rock and psychedelia, Hawking brings nine songs rife with somber twang and social commentary. “Born Into Blue Light” kicks things off with existential themes about our changing times, followed by similar contemplations like the day-to-day dread of “Circles” and awakening into class consciousness with “Sleep City Streets” and more.
Read more
Piano composer Bodhi Pavlik released an EP of original music on the New Year. It’s a beautifully introspective listen, comprising five compositions instilled with patience, intention and wonder. Pieces often start gently before they crescendo into rolling intensity, captivating as they are playful. Bodhi Pavlik’s “Origins” is a powerful debut effort from the young artist, ideal as a soundtrack to
Read more
Hip hop artist Mech has a new album out. Combining his edges as both a producer and songwriter, Mech brings the best of both his worlds together here with 14 tracks. You can tell from his effervescent demeanor and party-ready approach that Mech is ready to win in the game, bringing a plethora of snappy hooks, bouncy cadences and candid
Read more
Brooklyn-by-way-of-Milwaukee producer MELVV dropped a two-piece last month. The vibrant artwork says it all – these tracks bring lively, buoyant bass music to the party. There’s plenty of colorful electricity to “Voltage”, followed by the meticulous adventurousness of “Electronica.” Check it out!
Read more
File Under Humanoid are a new act to keep an eye out for. The psych-stoner rockers dropped a new single a few weeks back and it’s quite a testament to the times we’re living in. “Jester’s Lament” finds humor in tragedy, touching on entertaining oneself as the world falls. The guitars build serious tension as vocalist Jason Sidabras carries the
Read more
Pop rockers Royal Mill have kicked off their 2024 with a new single. “Falls Apart” is a sentimental anthem about being all in for someone you love even if it doesn’t work out in the end. You’re willing to take that risk though, and the song captivates the emotive rush that comes with making that leap of faith. Stay tuned
Read more
Adventuresofque dropped a new EP to kick off his 2024. It’s five tracks where Que is nonstop hustling and feeling in his element, delivering unstoppable flow and boastful hooks with an unbothered mindset. Whether he’s seeking petty pleasures or getting his money right, Adventuresofque exudes pure euphoria with “Surprise.” We can imagine it’s going to be a productive year for
Read more
SIN BAD dropped a new EP, recorded some time ago and finally unleashed into the world last week. “It’s Final” is four songs, bringing the band’s signature blend of garage rock and power pop with catchy hooks and gingery energy. SIN BAD alternate between jumping right into rapid tempos and letting their songs slowly build into the punch, carrying lyrical
Read more
Jam rockers Modern Joey have unleashed their long-awaited debut EP out into the world, and it was well worth the wait because these songs are a boatload of fun. It’s five tunes that incorporate elements of country, funk, disco and progressive rock. The title track is given over eight and a half minutes to breathe, paving the way for a
Read more
Fingerstyle guitarist Denny Rauen released a new album back in December. With nine compositions, Rauen delivers “wordless songs of the soul” as he describes, written inspired by the role that the guitar has played throughout his life. As such, these songs are warm, tender and tranquil, full of memory and gratitude. It’s definitely the kind of record you put on
Read more