Braille Eyes – Wonder Why
Release Date: 27th October 2023
Social Links: Instagram | YouTube | Spotify
California has given a lot to the world of alternative music of the past half a century. Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, Social Distortion, No Doubt, the list goes on and on and is one that continues to grow to this day. One of the latest bands looking to join the list of legends is Orange County atmospheric rockers Braille Eyes, with their latest EP, Please Know That It Cut Me To The Bone, and opening single from said record ‘Wonder Why’. Dynamically shifting from grungier instrumental sections through alt-rock and some softer American radio rock style moments too, Bob Bradley and Matthew Blair have mastered using subtle transitions between similar but not identical genres to keep a track moving and fresh. ‘Wonder Why’ isn’t reinventing any wheels, but it is a fun and well rounded track that goes harder than you would think from the intro.
Mr Max – Semi-Pro
Release Date: 2nd December 2023
Sticking in California and heading to Los Angeles is where you’ll find Mr Max and their latest single, ‘Semi-Pro’. The band have been plying their trade, growing in both popularity and members, for the past six or so years with this latest track developing their sound into an even catchier style of punk than before. ‘Semi-Pro’ is rough around the edges and unrefined as all the best punk is, but the abrasive vocals will hook you in and the beat with have you dancing for a couple of minutes at least.
Hafgúa – Undertow
Release Date: 15th December 2023
Heading to the Netherlands next sees spooky metallers Hafgúa (pronounced ɦɑf-ɡy-wä) bring the drama with their latest track ‘Undertow’. Slow and brooding, the track is features long instrumental sections, vocals that alternate between beautiful cleans and soaring growls. With just a couple of years together as a band it is a testament to how well the five of them have gelled as to how tight a track this is. Well worth it if you are a fan of doom, gothic sounds or anything in those areas.
Tenside – Silence Is Betrayal
Release Date: 21st December 2023
Modern metal outfit Tenside decided they’d be one of the final bands to release anything of any substance in 2023 with their latest track ‘Silence Is Betrayal’. The track from the German four-piece features pounding track much in keeping with a style that has been growing over the past decade and a half. There’s no doubting that Tenside have the chops with five albums to date and if ‘Silence Is Betrayal’ is meant as a warning sign to 2024, it’s going to be a huge year for these guys!
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