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ATR

Specyal T & Chasing Sunday’s ‘Ben’s Girlfriend’ – A Pop-Rock Glitch in the Matrix

Specyal T has never been one for convention. The Caribbean-Canadian musician, songwriter, and producer has spent her career breaking the mould, racking up radio play across North America and Europe, securing sync deals, and earning a reputation for shifting gears with every release. With Ben’s Girlfriend, her latest venture alongside Chasing Sunday, she veers into indie pop-rock with a salaciously eccentric electronic twist, proving once again that predictability has no place in her catalogue.

After the low rumble of rhythmic basslines draws you in, the indie pop-rock installation of authenticity arrests with its intrinsic distinction. While the promise you’ve never heard anything quite like this before is rarely a guarantee of artistic merit, it’s certainly the case for this paradigm of retro-futurism. By dipping into the 80s, tuning into the electro-pop rock energy of the early 00s, and allowing euphoria to pulsate through the unflinching four-to-the-floor beat, Specyal T and Chasing Sunday have orchestrated an earworm that holds its own against *that* iconic track from The Grand Spectacular.

With 2025 set to introduce more singles from her pop-rock band project, Ben’s Girlfriend is an electrifying glimpse of what’s to come. It’s brazen, boundary-pushing, and refuses to play by the rules. Specyal T’s mystique and ability to step outside of her comfort zone have cemented her status as an artist impossible to pin down—just as it should be.

Ben’s Girlfriend was officially released on January 31st and is now available to stream on all major platforms, including SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Boy by As Rome Burns: A Defiant Punk-Laden Anthem Against Patriarchal Poison

While punk, as a concept, is becoming increasingly harder to define, there’s no denying that it runs thick in the veins of the debut single, Boy, from the London-based sharp-witted antagonists, As Rome Burns.

With an unmistakable cerebral echo of The Fall drifting around the crunched chords that pulsate feverish energy into the anthemic melting pot of punk, grunge and indie, the protestive exposition of patriarchal violence and how it poisons the well of modernity knows exactly what trigger points to press and hits them hard enough to bruise.

If you could imagine what the Offspring would sound like if Mark E Smith, Rage Against the Machine and IDLES had some creative input, you’ll come close to getting an idea of what As Rome Burns delivered with their explosively authentic first foray onto the airwaves.

Boy is so much more than a mash of influence and contrasting genres; the inaugural release became a conduit of the artist’s ethos to throw progressive punches and stand against the threat of societal regression while allowing their raw originated sound to ramp up the visceralism of the socially conscious messaging.

Stream the debut single from As Rome Burns on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ralph Bishop’s ‘Photographs’ is a snapshot of rock theatre

With Photographs, the standout single from Ralph Bishop’s debut LP, The Path, the 18-year-old artist from Dorset threads theatrical intensity with classic rock sophistication. Far from settling into well-trodden territory, Bishop carved a distinct niche by pairing his histrionic harmonies with an unapologetically dramatic arrangement that would be equally at home on the airwaves or the Broadway stage.

The track’s emotional depth is as vast as Bishop’s awe-inspiring octave range, which soars alongside the cabaret piano, chamber strings, and searing guitar solos that nod to the golden age of 80s rock. Rather than overpowering the melody, the instrumentation leaves space for Bishop’s theatric vocals to command attention, balancing subtlety with unrelenting intensity.

Lyrically, Photographs transcends rock’s usual fare by delving into the poignant fragility of our relationship with mementoes, inviting listeners to reflect on how memories can simultaneously comfort and haunt. Bishop’s piercing poetry only amplifies the visceral weight of his performance, proving his talent isn’t just in the notes he hits but in the stories he tells.

Having cut his teeth in front of crowds as young as 11 and sharpened his musicianship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Bishop brings a maturity beyond his years to his solo career.

Stream The Path in Full on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kevin Walsh invites listeners into a sonic expanse of theatrical romanticism with his latest single, Ruby

Kevin Walsh’s latest single ‘Ruby’ resonates with a cinematic alchemy akin to the poignant melodies of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’. Orchestrally carved and piano-driven, the production underscores the Cork native’s virtuoso tenor octave range, which has led to the anticipation of him being hailed as a soon-to-be marvel of the West End. The minor-key ballad, delivered through Walsh’s emotive voice, serves not only to showcase his impressive vocal range but also invites listeners into a sonic expanse of theatrical romanticism.

Opening with the disarmingly simple contemplation of modern communication, the single spirals into a soundscape that captures the essence of lost love and longing. The elegiac piano by Dylan Howe, along with Maria Ryan’s string compositions, harmonises eloquently with Walsh’s classically trained vocals. This orchestration, arranged by Aine Delaney and peppered with Sarah Hickey’s background harmonies, encapsulates the nostalgic heartache that imbues the track.

Inspired by the likes of Tom Waits and Randy Newman, Walsh offers a plaintive plea for reconnection which will leave you choking back the tears. Drawing from the acclaimed music video for his reworking of Meat Loaf’s ‘Not a Dry Eye in the House’, which depicts young lovers torn apart, ‘Ruby’ carries forward this narrative of separation and the relentless pursuit of faded dreams.

The release of ‘Ruby’ on November 8th, available on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms, promises to be a touching addition to the modern orchestral pop landscape. Kevin Walsh’s narrative ambition stretches further still, as he plans to weave these themes into an EP that aims to culminate in a full musical film.

As Walsh prepares for an intimate performance at Al Spailpin Fanach, Cork, on November 13th, his journey—from a non-verbal autistic child finding his voice in music to a chart-topping theatrical performer—continues to be an inspiring testament to the power of persistence and the arts.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Atrionix painted a neon-lit skyline in his synthwave score, Nights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFC0fX4Pzw&ab_channel=Atrionix

Sinking into Atrionix’s, standout single, Nights, is so much more than hitting play on an instrumental score; it is diving headfirst into a neon-drenched skyline after dusk.

Short, yet undeniably affecting, the retro-futurist single sets a high bar for anticipation of what’s next from the promising artist. With just over a minute of runtime, Atrionix, the stage name of 19-year-old Londoner Rahul Dasgupta, proves that brevity can indeed be the soul of wit—and of intrigue.

Nights sweeps you up in a rush of synth waves, echoing the energy of a city that never sleeps, each note painting streaks of light across the dark canvas of the listener’s imagination.

After earning his stripes as a pianist, violinist and guitarist at a young age, Rahul had naturally progressed into electronic production by 12; his creative ambitions and passion for sound palettes have never faltered. With his sights now set on becoming a hitmaker and his production style as honed as Empathy Test’s, his career path is going to be paved in gold.

Don’t mistake Nights as a short and sweet instrumental, recognise it as a bold statement of what’s to come from one of the most promising up-and-coming artists on the scene today.

Stream Nights on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unleash your demons and dance on the edge of madness with Patrice AorMelodicRock’s future-forward dance rock anthem, Crazy Night

Patrice AorMelodicRock’s new dance-rock anthem, Crazy Night, is an electrifying testament to the enduring power of rock, infused with a futuristic edge that makes every modern rock outfit sound positively antiquated.

With a pop-hooked production so slick it’s hypersonic, the track propels you into a sonic universe where the expansive presence of the vocals, which could lead a rock opera, meets the cutting-edge innovation of bands like Bring Me The Horizon.

The vocals soar just as high as the guitars which blaze through the synthetics of the track, embodying the futurism of a rock scene reimagined a century from now. Imagine what Shinedown would sound like 100 years from now, and you’ll get an idea of what the solo artist achieved with this hit which electrifies the mind, body and soul.

You’ll want to relive Crazy Night time and time again with its intoxicating synthesis of raw energy and sleek production which invites you to dance on the edge of madness and unleash your demons.

How Patrice AorMelodicRock, who started earning his rock stripes in the 80s, isn’t already at the top of the rock charts is one of the great injustices of our era.

Stream Crazy Night on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

From Earth to Utopia: Galactica Tranctica Fearlessly Innovated the Trance Anthem with the Cosmic Unconventionality of ‘Cleopatra’

One of the most fearlessly innovative forces in trance, Galactica Tranctica, has made a name for himself with his eclectically styled and unapologetically unconventional singles and EPs. His eagerly anticipated debut LP, Forgotten Forever, which hit all major streaming platforms in June, etched his legacy.

His intuitive exploration of a cosmos of styles, textures, tones, and emotions prises the listener from material reality into interstellar journeys through utopias of ecstasy. The standout single, Cleopatra, is a progressive tour de force which teems with euphoric energy and filters diverse layers of electronica into a cohesive soundscape of bass-swathed beats, transcendent ethereal motifs, and experimental synths, which showcase an artist unafraid to explore new territories to lead his listeners to the brink of nirvana and beyond.

Influenced by Grimes’ ability to obliterate aural boundaries with sound, Jason Poole, the mastermind behind Galactica Tranctica, follows suit with his intrinsically originated, expansive as a solar system, productions which have earned plaudits from BBC Radio Introducing, Amazing Radio, and Wigwam Radio.

Stream Cleopatra and the Forgotten Forever LP on Apple Music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kentucky penned a patriotic rock-licked love letter with ‘America, The Beautiful’

Kentucky’s latest single, America, The Beautiful, is a soul-imbued tribute to the multifaceted allure of the United States, delivered with a rock ‘n’ roll heart that pulses with a distinct Americana twang.

The love letter captures the sweeping landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the USA, offering listeners a sonic road trip across its vast expanse with pop culture pitstops along the way. With an approach that will resonate with fans of Bruce Springsteen and Guns n Roses alike, Kentucky weaves a narrative rich with patriotic pride, crafting a soundtrack that is both a celebration and a reflection.

The production melds classic rock influences with a nuanced Americana style, making it an essential addition for those who adorn their playlists with heartland rock. Despite the stripped and simplistic instrumental arrangement, there is no lack of depth. Each acoustic guitar-led progression strikes a resonant chord, echoing with rich, cathartic timbres under Kentucky’s gravelly vocal delivery that resonates with an aura of sincerity.

America, The Beautiful invites listeners to feel the pride and beauty of the American spirit. Its release, which stirred enough emotion to briefly face a ban on TikTok, underscores its impactful message and the poignant exploration of American identity that Kentucky so masterfully encapsulates in this acoustic rock anthem.

America, The Beautiful was officially released on April 1st; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ben Fuller reworked Sinatra’s ‘It Had to Be You’ in superlatively sincere style

Jazz crooner, Ben Fuller, opened his debut LP, Reset, with the heavy cinematic artillery in his heart-wrenchingly impassioned single, It Had to Be You. Hopeless romantics will greet their kryptonite when they hit play on the timelessly resounding reworking of the Frank Sinatra record.

As classic and sincere as Sinatra’s iteration, you’ll instantly succumb to the vibrato in Fuller’s naturally oscillating vocal notes which add warmth and fervent richness to his register as it sweeps across the ornate classical strings and jazz piano keys.

With Batu Sener’s instrumental arrangement delivering the gravitas of a 50s Hollywood score and Fuller adding contemporary touches through his vocal melodies that pull you into the heart of the song’s emotional underpinnings, It Had to Be You is almost too profound for words. By balancing the magic of the original with his own ineffable talent, Ben Fuller unleashed so much more than a cover, the creative interpretation almost unravelled as a divine sonic intervention.

It Had to Be You was officially released on April 5th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ATR unleashed a gritty punk rock anthem of disillusionment with their latest single, Nothing Left to Say, ft Kellii Scott

ATR’s latest single, Nothing Left to Say, featuring the formidable Kellii Scott on skins, is a visceral journey into the underbelly of grungy punk rock. This raw, unfiltered expression of disappointment and betrayal, wrapped in a rancorous alt-90s aesthetic is as cathartic as it is evocatively ensnaring.

The song’s energetic guitar licks are reminiscent of Green Day’s as a contrast to the production and attitude, underpinned by the cutting, gritty edge of Leftover Crack.  It’s a powerful outpour of rage directed at the kind of people we all have the displeasure of knowing. The ones who turn away when you need them most and leave you to contend with the betrayal confounding the circumstances which compelled you to seek comfort within them. It’s a tale as old as time, yet one that makes us feel deeply alone when it is being told – ATR tore through the misconception that we are isolated in this alienation.

ATR, led by frontman Jesse, who recently triumphed over Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, channels this newfound lease on life into their music. The band’s transition to a new studio space has injected a fresh wave of inspiration and motivation, evident in the quality and intensity of Nothing Left to Say, which is augmented by Kellii Scott’s rhythmic furore to enhance the mercilessness in the tone.

Nothing Left to Say will rile up the airwaves on January 5th. Stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast