DISCOVERING THE NEW MUSIC UNDERGROUND AROUND THE GLOBE
Pop/Review The Graceland Conspiracy - We Are Chaos
The Graceland Conspiracy is the new dream-pop project created by Colin Crooks, previously a member of PBR Streetgang, who released several singles through the legendary Northern Irish label Good Vibrations and is currently part of Bad Noise Monster. Crooks plays piano and bass, while McMahon provides the vocals. They are joined by Paul Wilkinson on guitar, Gary Taylor on drums and Jon McKinley on brass, creating a group whose members have crossed paths repeatedly through Northern Ireland's music scene.
Electronic/Review James Tabbi - Slow Slow Slow
James Tabbi - Slow Slow Slow
Metal/Review We Are To Blame - Omega Origin
We Are To Blame is a Swedish alternative melodic metal band from Gällivare, blending heavy riffs, atmospheric production, and emotionally driven pop-influenced vocals. Formed in 2020 by vocalist Alice Hartvig and guitarist/vocalist Johan Karlsson, the band’s sound is built on contrast—melding metal intensity with melodic accessibility. Now a full band featuring Sebastian “Seppo” Lindgren, Oliver Älmeros, and Marcus Lillsebbas.
Rock/Review Massimo Donelli-Paolo Rossi - Adorati Spiriti
Massimo Donelli and Paolo Rossi, both Italians, played together, especially as young men, in bands. After several years of professional involvement in journalism and politics, they reunited to share their old passion. Massimo composes the music, which is then reworked using artificial intelligence, while Paolo—who has published poetry books over the years—writes the lyrics and co-produces the music, which draws inspiration from various genres, especially prog, jazz fusion, and world music.
Electronic/Review Innocent Darkness - The Dark Fungus (Witch House)
Hailing from Ekeren, Belgium, Innocent Darkness represents a bold new voice in the underground electronic music scene, crafting visceral soundscapes that blur the boundaries between hardware experimentation and sonic storytelling. Transitioning from DJ to music maker, this artist has channeled their passion into a pure hardware-driven approach, utilizing the Yamaha Seqtrak, Novation Circuit Tracks, and Roland MC-707, alongside Bitwig Studio and Vital VST, to forge something genuinely raw and uncompromising.
Classical/Review Hannah Roberts - Celtic Legends: The Piano Music of Helen Hopekirk
Known for her work championing female voices in the keyboard repertoire, American pianist Hannah Roberts has performed throughout the United States and abroad in Austria, the United Kingdom, and Serbia. Her scholarship focuses on reviving the works of overlooked female composers, with a special emphasis on Scottish-American pianist Helen Hopekirk.
Hip-Hop/Review Splitzide - 2 Sides Of The Story (20th Year Anniversary Edition) [SLOWED+REVERB]
Minneapolis-based artist Splitzide embodies the multi-dimensional creative spirit of Ye, seamlessly blending roles as singer, rapper, producer, poet, and songwriter. Drawing inspiration from Tupac's relentless work ethic—having locked himself in the studio to create up to 40 songs in a day—and Master P's business acumen, Splitzide has refused to let industry labels box in his artistic vision.
Folk/Review Lynne Gong - Sunny Day (feat. Magic Fan)
Lynne Gong is a composer, guitarist, and producer creating music that blends cinematic composition with rock, metal, electronic, indie rock, and pop influences. Her work combines atmospheric sound design, heavy guitar-driven arrangements, and emotionally immersive storytelling.
Rock/Review For You Brother - Waiting On The Train
For You Brother is a powerful musical partnership between two accomplished artists whose combined experience spans continents and decades. John Davis, a Berklee-trained musician, songwriter, producer, and Recording Academy member, has crafted hundreds of songs across rock, Christian rock, modern country, and Top 40 genres, with his work featured internationally in television, film, and commercials. Joining him is Jean Carllos, the renowned keyboardist, composer, vocalist, and producer best known for his decades-long tenure with Brazil's internationally recognized Christian rock band Oficina G3, where his progressive rock sensibilities and powerful keyboard work have defined their signature sound.
Rock/Review John Michael Hersey - Quixote
John Michael Hersey - Quixote
Pop/Review Teanko - Can you recognize me
Teanko is the music project of Dutch singer-songwriter and producer Theo Konst, who lives in Portugal. Theo has been making music for more than five decades. He formed his first band while still at primary school and made his first professional studio recording at the age of 18. Songwriting, recording and music technology have remained part of his life ever since. Over those decades, Theo experienced the evolution of music production first-hand — from analogue tape, synthesisers and samplers to digital recording, Melodyne and, today, artificial intelligence.
Electronic/Review Innocent Darkness - Dominion Of The Stars
Hailing from Ekeren, Belgium, Innocent Darkness represents a bold new voice in the underground electronic music scene, crafting visceral soundscapes that blur the boundaries between hardware experimentation and sonic storytelling. Transitioning from DJ to music maker, this artist has channeled their passion into a pure hardware-driven approach, utilizing the Yamaha Seqtrak, Novation Circuit Tracks, and Roland MC-707, alongside Bitwig Studio and Vital VST, to forge something genuinely raw and uncompromising.
Rock/Review Translucent Veil - The Veil
Translucent Veil is committed to the sound and vibe of late 60s and early 70s psychedelic rock and hard rock. The lyrical themes range from deeply introspective to whimsical and socially conscious. Translucent Veil is a North Carolina-based rock band made up of veterans of other regional bands.
Cinematic/Review Johanna Telander - Tales of Les Dames Blanches
Johanna Telander is a Finnish-American composer, writer, performer, published poet and Recording Academy voting member since 2024. Likely best known as the creator of “Kalevala: The Musical”, whose concept album has earned international acclaim and a devoted global following in over 80 countries, Johanna just released her highly anticipated newest musical theatre work, “Tales of Les Dames Blanches”.
Classical/Review Ståle Kleiberg, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, Peter Szilvay - Kleiberg: Across the Ocean towards a Higher Firmament – Orchestral Works
Ståle Kleiberg is an acclaimed Norwegian composer known for his distinctive and warmly expressive musical language. Born in 1958, Kleiberg has built an international reputation through large-scale orchestral, choral and chamber works that explore themes of identity, memory, history and human experience. His acclaimed compositions include Requiem – for the Victims of Nazi Persecution and David and Bathsheba. Kleiberg is Professor Emeritus of Music at NTNU in Trondheim and has maintained a long-standing artistic relationship with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra.
World/Review Sidiki Camara - Ankaben
Sidiki Camara is a Malian-born, Oslo-based percussionist and musician whose career spans more than five decades. Rooted in the Manding musical traditions of West Africa, Sidiki has developed a distinctive sound through collaborations across jazz, folk, contemporary and African music. His international work includes collaborations with Boubacar Traoré, Bill Frisell, Ali Farka Touré, Mamady Keita, Karpe and Esperanza Spalding.
Pop/Review Sandy Martin - Ice Candy
Sandy Martin, a multitalented American singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, captivates audiences with her ability to craft heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies that resonate with listeners of all ages. Her music exudes a sense of authenticity and sincerity, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and emotions. Sandy's soulful voice and dynamic stage presence have earned her a loyal following, establishing her as a rising star in the music industry.
Rock/Review ReeToxA - Double A Side 2 (Akaroa / Erica And The Stars)
ReeToxA is the artistic vision of Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Jason Mckee, an artist who has transformed profound personal adversity into extraordinarily moving music. Drawing influence from real-life experiences rather than solely musical predecessors, Mckee has crafted a unique sound that resonates with raw authenticity and emotional depth. His journey has been marked by remarkable resilience, having overcome significant challenges to emerge as a compelling voice in the contemporary music landscape.
Rock/Review Laji George - Washed Away
Laji George, the dynamic frontman of Pseutopia, is carving out his own sonic territory with his debut solo venture. Born from the vibrant, diverse streets of New York City—a place he's called home since immigrating as a young adolescent—George channels the raw energy and authenticity of his beloved city into every note. His musical DNA is deeply rooted in the 90s grunge movement, delivering that unmistakable heavy, introspective undertone that defined a generation.
Country/Review Podge Lane - Ebb And Flow And The Great Unknown
Podge Lane is an Irish alt-country artist celebrated for his intimate lyricism melded with experimental country instrumentation. With a broad catalog of raw concept records and energetic live albums, Podge embraces his country and folk leanings, with a uniquely droll and vulnerable edge.