Caleb Hyles, Judge & Jury & Manafest – Never Back Down
Release Date: 16th February 2024
Collaborating all over the place (as usual), Caleb Hyles has brought his signature modern sound back again with ‘Never Back Down’. The track, which is also the opener for the EP of the same name, just oozes energy and it’s a struggle to think of a track this year that has a more ‘2024’ sound to it. Electronic elements combine with huge guitars and wonderful cleans. It’s going to be a busy year.
The Swigs – Tough Shit
Release Date: 9th February 2024
London based rock outfit The Swigs released their second EP, Bar None, this month with ‘Tough Shit’ as one of the tracks from it. The Camden based four piece are creating progressive alt-rock that brings softer, whispery vocals together with delightfully jangly guitars and a funky drum beat. These three elements combined with catchy bass means the track is basically impossible to sit down to.
Knives – Doppelganger
Release Date: 16th February 2024
Bristol based post-punk outfit Knives are approaching the first anniversary of their debut EP Newshounds and are kicking 2024 off with ‘Doppelganger’, a just under three-minute romp. Bringing pop influences into their punky style with angst-fueled vocals, ‘Doppelganger’ is a showcase track for a band that are about to embark on a huge year. Gigs around the country lined up already, along with a slot at the incredible 2000trees festival. There’s a bright future ahead of this lot.
Gypsy Road – The 7 Stages Of Grief
Release Date: 15th February 2024
Aussie punks Gypsy Road are in their sixth year of releasing music with a punk scene that is exploding around them and taking over the world. Sitting in the more melodic section, a more post-punk area, than the ‘pissed up dude in a bar’ vibe that a lot of the local bands are putting out there, ‘The 7 Stages Of Grief’ is a beautiful track that will lift the listener up within seconds and carry them along in a wave of emotion. These have a story to tell and it is one you’re going to want to hear.
Wroht – Forged In Fire
Release Date: 23rd February 2024
Closing us out is Wroht, full blooded American death metal from the San Francisco Bay area and their latest track ‘Forged In Fire’. The song is their first since 2018’s debut album, Worship Rot, and if the names of their releases don’t tell you enough about the band….expect riffs, riffs and then a handful of riffs. Powerful vocals, some riffs and a drummer that seems to dislike his drums. This is death metal through and through. Get those neck muscles warmed up.