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Ipe defied the laws of gravity in his funk-grooved feat of disco-pop, Stratosphere

If you could imagine what the output would be if Nile Rodgers, Nic Hanson, and Daft Punk stepped into the studio together, you will get an idea of the electrifying funk-grooved euphoria which organically spills from the latest single from the Chicago-based singer-songwriter and producer, Ipe.

Stratosphere is the ultimate euphonic aphrodisiac for the way the cosmic lyricality lifts you higher than the upbeat instrumentals, which pay an ode to the heritage of disco while bringing in an electrifying new wave of pop.

The infectiously enlivened vocal lines from Ipe, who has been racking up tens of thousands of Spotify streams since making his debut in 2019, are the ultimate aural pick-me-up. His hedonistically honeyed vocal lines are all you need to get in the groove.

Stream Ipe’s latest single, Stratosphere, on all major platforms via this link

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Alex Thorn paid homage to the hair-raising 80s rock era in his revivalist anthem, Bleeding Youth

Chicago 80s rock revivalist Alex Thorn found a riotously anthemic way to affirm that everything is transitory, including perception, in his latest Sunset Strip cruising single, Bleeding Youth. Prickly by name, prickly by nature, the one-man powerhouse used his thorns to draw the blood from the protagonists that deserve to be left in the rearview mirror after they have drained you of sanity and patience.

The stabbing rhythm section punctuates the earworm with galvanising tension to create an addictively exhilarant hit which pays homage to the literally hair-raising 80s rock era while in the same riff-driven breath bringing something completely new to the arena with the pop-punk nuances.

His confronting vocal presence, which teases playful provocativeness into his vocal lines, was the perfect way to package the release that is worthy of pride of place on your playlists next to the likes of KISS, Dokken and Crashdiet.

Bleeding Youth is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Chicago punk three-piece, Torch the Hive, delivered relatable hardcore rancour in their latest single, deku

The Chicago-hailing punk three-piece, Torch the Hive, is fresh from the release of their latest feat of relatable hardcore rancour, deku. Never ones to shy away from the facets of society that are like paint-stripper to sanity, Torch the Hive are staunch advocates of mental health awareness in an era which laces the atmosphere with off-kilter dejection.

The lyric, “just make it go away, I don’t want to feel constrained, I swear I’m not insane”, stands as an undeniable testament to the fact that if you’re not disillusioned at this point, you’re the flawed one for your inability to see the obscurity that is sending even the most resilient to the brink.

Sonically, deku leaves nothing to be desired. The jangly indie rock guitars in the intro lose their angular form when the grungy chorus kicks into full momentum, but the punk pioneers saved the best for their colossal breakdowns that hammer home the extent of frustrated friction. Torch the Hive have exactly what it takes to become the Fugazi or At the Drive-In. We can’t wait to hear where they take their sound next.

deku was officially released on February 24th. Hear it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview: Chicago’s Dust Biters guides us through the redemption on Progeny

Dust Biters is a Chicago-based indie alternative 4-piece post-hardcore metal band who savage the speakers with a spellbinding reaction on each one of their heavy tracks. They speak to us about, coffee, risk-taking, Progeny and much more.

Hello there Dust Biters. We appreciate you having a chat with us today. Where in the world are you located as we speak and what did you all have for breakfast?

Dust Biters: Hi! We’re from Chicago. We’ve all had lots of coffee and need more.

Let’s start at the beginning. Where/how/when did the band start and who are the current members?

Dust Biters: Nick Miller and Nick Kinsley actually met back in high school in Michigan. Kinsley was a fan of Miller’s technical metal band, Flesh and Blood Robot. They became friends and started writing music for a new project. Kinsley ended up moving to Chicago and Miller ended up moving to Pittsburgh, but a decade or so later Miller relocated to Chicago and convinced Kinsley to pick up the guitar again. They started writing 80’s hair metal riffs on Miller’s couch which became the foundation for the songs “Unholy Gospel” and “Creature Man”. Initially, the idea of the band was to write songs that were straightforward 3-chord punk and rock, but that didn’t last very long. Nick Miller and Tommy van Arsdale were colleagues and had talked ad nauseam about music and Tommy’s previous bands in which he played drums, guitar, and piano. Miller asked Tommy to session with them on drums and the three booked time at a studio in Chicago. It became clear after the first session that this was something to pursue, so they found a permanent rehearsal space and began practicing as a trio. Bryan Fonseca joined Kinsley’s work, and again through the serendipity of talking about music learned that Kinsley was looking for a bass player for the new project. Bryan, traditionally a guitarist, was quick to pick up the bass and learn the parts. Bryan’s personality fit seamlessly with the group so we decided to move forward and thus Dust Biters was formed.

Please let us more about your latest single Progeny and the vision behind the release.

Dust Biters: “Progeny” is a song Nick Kinsley wrote about his kids. It’s a song about redemption, forgiveness, and growth. We just released a companion music video, and in contrast, the narrative revolves around a narcissistic cult leader who grows tired of the perpetual, blind worship of his harem and secretly poisons them in a final move of selfishness and desperation to start a new existence. You can watch it on our YouTube channel now.

Guilt is the name of your new 12-track album. Please guide us into the process of completing the project in the way you wanted.

Dust Biters: The first and most important step to getting Guilt recorded was finding an engineer that understood our songs and the goal for our sound because we didn’t really know what we were trying to do. Once Alex Lackner (Accelerated Sound Studios, Lazarus AD) was signed on to engineer the record, it was full steam ahead. We tracked a majority of the record in our studio while the vocals and finishing touches were recorded at Alex’s studio. We spent a lot of time getting the mix right. Guilt is a record that we are very proud of and we’re excited that people are responding so positively to it.

What’s an important piece of advice you’d recommend to anyone working in the music industry?

Dust Biters: Be genuine and ruthless with your art. Take creative risks. Embrace limitations. Practice consistently. Make real connections and support others. Seek feedback and consider all forms of criticism. In 2023, writing good music is only half of the work to get noticed. Be ready to put yourself out there.

What is the vibe like at the local underground music venues in your local area after all the closures previously due to COVID?

Dust Biters: We’re lucky. Chicago has a great, supportive local scene and awesome venues like Empty Bottle, Live Wire, The Burlington, Liar’s Club, Cobra Lounge, and Reggie’s which thankfully all weathered Covid. Like many of our friends, we spent the majority of lockdown writing and practicing so that when it became safer and venues began opening up, we were hungry and prepared to get on stages and play live.

Last, if you could tour with any band in the world, who would it be and why?

Dust Biters: Ha! I think we would all answer this differently, and I don’t think we could decide on just one without a lengthy debate, but if we had to name two bands it would be Glassjaw and a resurrected Every Time I Die.

Listen up on Spotify. Check out the IG page for more.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Chicago alt-metal originators, Dust Biters, expose their bleeding post-hardcore heart in ‘Progeny’

With a tumultuously rapturous sound that could only have stemmed from Chicago, Dust Biters’ lead single, Progeny, from their album, Guilt, is a viscerally maniacal feat of tightly off-kilter ingenuity.

As Nick Kinsley dynamically volleys between hitting all the right vocal notes, he throws plenty of evocative punches along the way. In the same vein as Against Me! Dust Biters heighten their sound to the nth degree through a combination of instrumental prowess and bleeding post-hardcore heart.

In the space of three minutes, Progeny moves through as many tonal shifts as some bands do in an entire LP. Yet, with the way that the uninhibitedly wild progressions bind together with melodic adhesion, it’s always easy to follow their raw groove-led lead.

If they make it to the UK, I will be the one with a near-broken neck at the front.

Check out the Radio Cut of Progeny on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

He Rescued Me: Chicago-based Gospel artist Tiffany Daniels-Hudson feels so free again on Jesus Reigns

Taken off her brand new 6th-track project called Forever, Tiffany Daniels-Hudson tells the story of true faith so well on the glorious church-powered new single to hold hands with called Jesus Reigns.

Tiffany Daniels-Hudson is a Chicago, USA-based indie Gospel singer-songwriter, recording artist and worship leader who also teaches social studies.

Tiffany desires to use music as an avenue to connect with people through her life story and to tell the story of the gospel.” ~ Tiffany Daniels-Hudson

Sometimes in life, you just need to close your eyes and listen to a song on loud. Tiffany Daniels-Hudson leads the way in Christian music with a striking anthem to mend sad hearts with the outstanding Jesus Reigns.

Jesus Reigns from Chicago-based Gospel artist Tiffany Daniels-Hudson is a soul-healing soundtrack for anyone who needs hope right now. Sung so excitedly and projected with tons of magnificent power, this is a graceful effort from the top drawer.

Classy and serene, we find a truly soulful single to embrace while the storms brew outside.

Listen up on Spotify. See more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Terry Blade warns even unconditional love has its limits in his Country-Blues single, ‘Won’t Be Around’

Two-time recipient of the Global Music Awards, Terry Blade, lined himself up for more prestigious accolades by recording his latest single, Won’t Be Around. The stripped-back simmering melting pot of Gospel-Esque Soul, Blues and Country commands your adoration from the first gravelled in feisty-fervour vocal note.

From there on out, the lyrics compel you to take stock of the protagonists in your life as you’re reminded that unconditional love always has its limits. With his voice commanding the soundscape, which paid homage to the roots of Americana with the minimalistic trickle of bluesy keys and strummed acoustic guitar notes, you’re left with no option but to be arrested.

During his career, which sheds light on his experience as a black gay artist, Terry Blade has picked up over 40 awards, And something tells us his glory days are far from behind him.

Won’t Be Around will officially release on January 6th. Hear it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Derek Vaden – Eating My Words: Blisteringly Hot Indie Blues Rock

The sex appeal isn’t the only thing that’s visceral in the swaggering alt-rock single, Eating My Words, from Derek Vaden’s 2022 EP, The Recreational Experiment. The Chicago-based musician and songwriter salaciously straddles the line between blues rock and indie to deliver a hard and heavy rhythmic revival; if Velvet Revolver and Muse had an aural lovechild, it would undoubtedly go under the moniker, Derek Vaden.

The winding blues rock increments are overdriven to the nth degree to give the riotous release anthemic appeal, but none of the vintage blues rock tones lost their bluesy bite. If anything, teeth have been sharpened in this confrontationally volatile release, which was written, performed, and recorded by Derek Vaden’s reverently rock n roll hands in his own studio.

Check out Eating My Words on YouTube and SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

How To Get It: Blac Samurai drops quality new release Iron Essence

Dropping his latest 11-track release, which features many name drops to his favourite artists, Blac Samurai returns with a solid outing which shall have our back when needed most on Iron Essence.

Blac Samurai is a Chicago, USA-based indie hip hop artist who keeps things underground throughout because of his witty flow and heavy bars.

Combining the poetic style of writing with the smoothness and rawness from his influences, such as Outkast, Biggie, Nas, Wu Tang, and Roc Marciano.” ~ Blac Samurai

With particular highlights such as Say Less, Never and Backseat, Blac Samurai summons the greatness within his veins and pops through with a grand-slam result to keep the streets happy. Blending in sci-fi and anime, this is a rather supreme effort to feel rather excited about.

Iron Essence from Chicago, USA-based indie hip hop artist Blac Samurai is a hardcore display to be enthralled by and shall rattle the cages of many hidden spirits. Thriving with intensity and breaking down all self-doubts, we find a hugely confident rapper at the top of his game.

Turn this up loud on Spotify. Find out more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Text Me: Becky Raisman needs that touch right now on I CAN BE YOUR CRUSH

As her eyes light up and take her soul into a happier world, Becky Raisman wants that permanent vacation on the romantic new sizzler to dance with all night called I CAN BE YOUR CRUSH.

Becky Raisman is a Highland Park, Chicago-based indie pop singer-songwriter who makes catchy music to feel better with because of its rich context.

The breathtaking Columbia College Chicago graduate Becky Raisman is on fire and shreds the airwaves on her latest hot single. Packed with poise and precision, we find a toe-tapping gem that has been made with that all-powering love.

I CAN BE YOUR CRUSH from Highland Park, Chicago-based indie pop artist Becky Raisman is a fascinating song about showing how much a new lover has changed everything. Sung with pure energy and a content mindset, this is that track to put on when you wish you change the conversation onto kiss-filled intentions.

When you see those eyes spark, you have found someone rather special.

Listen up to this superb new single here and find out more on her Twitter.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen