Los Angeles-based project The Sea At Midnight by Chris King weaves together surreal recordings with sweeping anthemics. A prominent producer through his work with Chris King (Cold Showers and Kai Tak), the single recently released, "Our Brilliant Destruction," stretches aesthetic parameters hard and has an extremely strong message that makes sure this is an outing of importance, one that tops the trivial frameworks of music.

A dominant dialogue between arpeggiated synths and atmospheric guitar tones, with beautiful drums fixes the stage, building tension to the last layer, with voices thoroughly laden to envelop the listener. The rhythm is in constant pulse-forward motion, coupled with guided programmed percussion and subtle electronic textures, the sum dipping into hypnotic grooves via basslines and riffing throughout the track. The vocal performance here is special and remarkable, receiving poetically fragmentary lyrics.

The song is a warning and solidarity response to the wildfires devastating Los Angeles and other parts of the world, while the proceeds of the single purchased off Bandcamp by King are going to the LA fire victims, implying the honesty of his message in so many words. It feels like an actual charity that cuts through this oft-hollow-touted industry, making it an unpolished expression of certain projects. It is at this point that the song becomes more of a channel for achieving true world effects, sometimes being able to bridge the gap between conceptuality and reality.

The single draws from the much-beloved Gothic and post-punk sounds of the late '80s while deftly weaving in modern acoustics. The arrangement has a cinematic touch, as if high-octane movements were tinting a storyline with subtle textures. "Our Brilliant Destruction" is one of those heavy, ominous titles that gives me shivers down my spine. Every time I listen, the weight of the words seems to weigh down on my shoulders. The harmonies may be high, but something underneath does this little trickle in my back. It is super intense, like overwhelming almost, but commanding enough to just pay more attention. Well, if you haven't joined the charm of The Sea At Midnight just yet, now would be a great time for you to jump on board.

When you stream or buy it on Bandcamp, you're not only supporting an incredibly talented artist but also contributing to a cause that needs help right now. And the best part? By visiting Bandcamp, you can show your support and be part of something bigger.

Energy Whores loom like bright flashes of neon against a mono-color storm outside. For some years now, this electronic outfit has made forays into the music industry through an enigmatic, genre-defying signature that exhibits biting social commentary with some of the craftiest productions seen in recent years. Their music longs to be felt, dissected and understood. If you didn't know of Energy Whores before, you've been missing out on a daring act in electronic music. With the release of "Bunker Man," they go even further than usual to show who owns the music scene right now.

It is not merely experimental for the sake of it; there is usually genuine thought underlying it. Each beat, each synth line, and each layered vocal is carefully placed with purpose. Influences run the whole gamut, making it boldly progressive, with a kaleidoscopic blend of the old and new that goes straight to what electronic music should be. The band employs a rather playful approach to constructing music; in fact, they actively seek out the ability to shock or daze the listener when it comes to rigidity within their sound.

"Bunker Man" opens with a pulsating deep bass line that feels alive, writhing and twisting under an ambiance synth pad. The production is ingenious; every note sits in the right place, instantly pulling one into a whole new world. It is as if one has just stepped into a dystopian nightclub, where the beats are entertainingly contagious and the stakes feel dangerously real. The percussion hits quite rapidly and sharply, punctuated with syncopated rhythms that keep you guessing.

Energy Whores here deliver one of their most dynamic performances to date. The lead vocal is exquisitely felt, a cup overflowing with apparatus-drawn harmonies about in the hazy, manipulated vocal effects. This track is a brilliant textbook on dynamics, tension, and release, one with those changes that are fresh and exciting. They utilize dynamics so well here—there are moments where the music is almost sparsely rhythmic, which is contrasting and makes it feel very big. The mix is pristine with everything in its place, all the elements driving the urgency home.

A real anthem at the impending apocalypse, a treat to the ears, yet it does force you to confront some uncomfortable truths. And isn't that what the Energy Whores specialize in? They take the stark realities of the modern world; greed, fear, and absurdity; and turn them into stuff you want to dance to. "Bunker Man" is an experience, a sordid journey deep into the heart of our times, that leaves you exhilarated. Get on your favorite streaming site, stream it, put on your good headphones, and become transported.

The story of Kim Beyer is one of resilience, reinvention, and emotional honesty. From Memphis' soul-filled cradle, where blues reinvented life and livelihoods, her music is steeped deep in musicality, a kind of authenticity to be had by none. Life had many plans for Kim: a move to Europe, marriage, and a blossoming career as a singer-songwriter, which was turned upside-down by a stroke of fate. After settling in Columbus, Ohio, to start a family, her husband suffered a massive brain aneurysm, leaving him severely disabled. In incomprehensible pain, Kim knuckled down and turned to music again, directing that pain on her 2021 album "STAGES," a bittersweet exploration of trauma and healing. 

Now, in 2025, Kim Beyer is back with a vengeance to punch in her latest project: "Spiral". Kim’s music has always thrived on juxtapositions, bright, shimmering arrangements paired with lyrics that cut into the bone. This contemplation of her own life: a woman who has endured immense discomfort but won't let that define her. She and her sound are a virtual kaleidoscope of influences, gritty blues that came from her Memphis upbringing; the glossy sheen of '90s pop; and the pulsating energy of modern electronic. 

The lead single from "Bad Person" in her new album, "Spiral," is a magnificent lesson in tension. Produced at Rock Candy Recordings by Matt Langston, the track is a slick dance banger crackling with nervous energy. The production shines in its crispness and heavy layering; with a contemporary approach, each one stands proud.

A rhythmic bass line pushes forward with sharp handclaps and bouncy content that must be listened to at least once in a lifetime. A tight rhythm section constrains a groove that creates both a mechanical yet human atmosphere, in homage to the song's exploration of life in the digital age. 

The synth work on "Spiral" really brings the track to life. Staccato stabs poke through the mix like shards of glass, creating an urgent and uneasy atmosphere. Glitchy electronic flourishes weave in and out of the mix, forming an otherworldly space that is tight. 

Kim's singing is generous and airy, but tension lurks just underneath. She gives her lines an unbelievably rhythmic appeal that turns her voice into not another sophisticated instrument, but another member of the percussion family. 

The song's hauntingly danceable nature perfectly mirrors the themes at play. It's a track that will get your body moving while simultaneously challenging you to grapple with the dark aspects of your digital lives. The production is a beautifully blended mix of techniques and core emotions, solid evidence of Kim's adept skills at balancing the cerebral and the visceral. 

"Spiral" will hit you like a gut punch if you've ever felt the crush the digital world puts on you. Be glad to lend your ear to "Spiral" streaming right now, it is out on all major platforms including Spotify, don't sleep on it and go listen to it right now.

Carl Kammeyer emerges as a gifted performer whose emotions are intense and compelling. A native of the quiet corners of Bethel Island, CA, Kammeyer uses his voice as a channel for bravery and reflection. The new music he has released, “Only You,” underlines his position as one of those artists who dare not hide his face; crafting a song that stands as a visceral experience. But the accompanying video is certainly a breath of fresh air, the artistic black and white visual tale lifts this amazing piece into a work of art that defies lack of attention. 

The art of storytelling through sound and image is explored in "Only You." The song unfolds like a prayerful confession, cloaked within a hauntingly minimal arrangement that lets the voice inhabit the limelight. The vocals are hauntingly beautiful while flowing, pulling one deeper into the heart of the song's story. The instrumental palette stays purposely austere, with a soft, reverb-washed drum. 

The percussion strikes the listener's ear like a heartbeat, impeccably mixed, with an extra dollop of attention paid to the spatial dynamics of the track. Each element feels like it is put there for a particular reason, developing a composition that envelopes the listener.

If the song is like a window into Kammeyer’s soul, the music video is a plunge into his psyche. Directed with an eye for beauty, the video presents a warm black-and-white picture, suggesting it could be placed anywhere in an imaginary period. And the choice of the absence of a lively super-pigment sounds like a decision; one that mutters that the lack of bright colors fits in so well with the emotional weight being told. The central story centers around a couple, in view of the male subject, who seems at war with himself. One particularly stirring image shows him slumped over, lying submerged in a bathtub, a visual metaphor for one drowning in one's wars, only to have the door opened on that world by the woman who reels him back.

The chemistry between the two characters was electric; the choreography was made to mirror the flow of the song itself. There’s something personal about their performances, almost as if you're witnessing something more private than even those two are aware of. The simplicity of the video, while allowing itself to carry the weight of emotion throughout the tale, is such an advantage that it’s difficult to resist. The camera work is very lush; the cinematography is memorable, and the whole sequence is exquisitely framed, leading you directly into the world of the song. The camera generously lingers on the couple, calling upon the audience to share in their pain; the audience here feels hope.

The video strikes a nice visual and audio balance, wherein two people can accomplish each other in one piece. The man's struggle with the woman acts as a stark contrast, driving home the message of real love and real connection  Carl Kammeyer is a singer-songwriter who can strike a chord with an audience, and with "Only You," he invites us to do the same. Songs like this inspire and touch our inner core, making us want to reach out, just as many did. Stream "Only You" as soon as it drops and take in the entire package of the video. And while you're at it, make sure to follow Carl Kammeyer in whatever artistic endeavor comes next. 

Coming straight out of the colorful streets of Windhoek in Namibia, Proklaim is no ordinary artist. The dynamic lyricist, quiet in his country's missions, has built a name for himself fused with soulful Hip Hop with incredibly personal stories that speak from way beyond his Namibian origins. Proklaim is not about songwriting, but about the experience, twisting bits of his journey, faith, and cultural identity into every bar; but let's get into this latest offering that's making noise, his new single, "LSD."

A fun, funk-inspired piece that feels alive and breathing, each beat carrying with it a storm of purpose. The production aspect is divine. Mixed and master-engineered by Wojtek Majewski, Audio Art Namibia, each detail is a bright description of the other. The bass line is hypnotic yet steady, and immersive and provides the perfect foundation for Proklaim, lyrical and cannon-bursting explosive. Drum patterns are clean and tight, sustaining the rhythm without overshadowing the rest of its ingredients. The keys and the brass fanfares put fancy, lush, nice up, and make the piece of music truly special.

Proklaim is still at the top of his game here. The artist has such a pointed and deliberate flow. Each word feels breathed in deliberately and given space, each line feels weighed with meaning and emotion. Right from the word go, spoken words sneak up and pull in thoughts smoothly but grab the fans' attention. What an unexpected yet brilliant way to set the tone.

While listening to "LSD," I absolutely focused on the song when the rythem inclined me toward reflection and turned the page in my mind about my aims and hurdles and the people surrounding me who are uplifting and those who, perhaps, don't. Proklaim can submit his music very personally as if he is revealing a piece of himself whilst encouraging you to introspect on your life.

I'm not going to lie, that hook on this record is catchy. Bright, hooky, and the perfect contrast to the heaviness of those verses. What I found compelling was how everything fits so well in the end. The production, the lyrics, and the vocals work together so beautifully. If you're into hip-hop as beats plus rhymes, and soul-searching music that speaks and stays with you, then "LSD" is a must.

I had the opportunity to experience "LSD" today, and I cannot recommend it enough. Proklaim isn't only a rising star in the hip-hop scene; his music demands to be listened to with decibel levels cranked into inspiration.

Anna Iachino is one of those artists who manage to defy every expectation, every conventional trajectory we’re used to seeing in the music world. At 63 years old, she’s stepped into the realm of electronic music like she was born for it, boldly dancing through life’s hardships with a candidness that makes her work feel alive. Her project, "Plutonic," embodies a stunning turnaround, vibrant proof that it's never too late to create, express, or move. But Plutonic does not dabble in electronics; she lives, owns, and most of all, dances to them. Her multi-faceted art as a composer, producer, and live performer is as inspirational as it is rebellious against the expected norms. And, judging by her latest single titled "Where's The Trauma?" she's here to disrupt and enchant equally.

"Where's The Trauma?" comes charging out of the gate with an energy that commands. A pulsating bassline forms its very backbone, while a steady heartbeat keeps the song grounded while layered rhythms and melody spiral up. The production is very detailed, as none of the sounds seem out of place at all. Each synth stab, each tick from a hi-hat, and each jab from the drums serve a purpose in creating a sonic tapestry that is intricate yet danceable.

The song is a total rocker, a wondrously infectious electronic dance music tune where you have to feel like dancing. Driven by a hypnotic groove, the strong bass lays the track's backbone, while bright arched synths and dynamic buildup fuse into euphoric moments.

The vocals are the lifeblood of the track, repeating the titular refrain "Where's the trauma?" Her voice strikes a note of tension, intimate insubordination. Anger and frustration are heard along with an intense release. Production complements this perfectly while maintaining distinctly spacious mixes, as the voice cuts through almost starkly, cleanly, against that lush backdrop of synth pads and driving percussion. The dynamic use is downright brilliant, allowing less frenetic moments indeed to yield explosive drops, not to mention the rich, textured, and deeply immersive sound design.

I found myself completely swept up in the energy of this track. The first beat just grabbed hold and didn't let go. The way it builds and unfolds is sensational. It makes you want to get up and dance, no matter where you are. Do yourself a favor: if you haven't already, stream "Where's The Trauma?" by Plutonic right now.

I just love it when an artist is less a persona and a more real person whose work exudes such transparency that it feels like they speak directly to you. One of those rare finds is Alwyn Morrison; a singer-songwriter whose roots weave with the pulse of New York City. Morrison's journey to artistry is as layered and multifaceted as the very city he calls home. Born to the sound of music, Morrison first found himself in music as a xylophone player with his school orchestra. His younger years were woven with melody and rhythm, but it was only when life dealt him some curveballs that Morrison started to transform his struggles into song.

Before coming onto the scene, Morrison was a music journalist, an experience that honed his ear for storytelling. He has interviewed such visionaries as Esperanza Spalding and Jack Antonoff, but as he repeatedly points out, it was going through his heartbreaks and triumphs that made him go from being an observer to being a creator. Partnering with producer Michael Carey (Gwen Stefani, Robbie Williams) and composer Michael Kooman (Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald), Morrison has created a sound that melds basic, unfiltered emotion with a mature pop-rock sensibility. Drawing its influences from a host of disparate sources, including The Cranberries, Sia, and The Cars, his music not only pays homage to his idols but also carves out its space entirely.

Morrison's debut single, “The City,” is an experience. Right from the open hits of its snappy, buzzing drums to the reverb-soaked guitar riff, this song feels alive, pulsing and energizing with the same kinetic energy that defines the urban landscapes it wants to hopscotch through. Morrison walks the incredible line between nostalgia and disillusionment to narrate the delicate two-step dance of longing and loss that torments anyone who’s ever loved a place that doesn’t love them back.

“The City” opens with an arresting arrangement layered with a clean, arpeggiated guitar. The verses build slowly, with cold drum fills and modest synth pads creeping in, inducing great anticipation. Upon the onset of the chorus, the track bursts into an electric soundscape filled with bittersweet lushness. Morrison's instrumentation is very strikingly layered. The guitars shimmer and swell like sunlight bouncing off skyscraper windows, while the rhythm section roots the tune with an unwavering, meditative pulse.

It's the little cadence in "The City" that makes it so hauntingly, incredibly beautiful. The melody quickly hooks onto you, almost leaving a bittersweet aftertaste with unpredictable harmonic shifts. "The City" hit me where I wasn't ready for it; a bit of a half-focused listening upon first hearing, and then the chorus stopped me in my tracks. A cinematic effect is in play; it drags you along tucked between Morrison and the crowd on the streets, driving you into sensation and confusion. Not merely a song about New York, but a song about all that any city has ever offered us. Every modicum of longing, every dream ever chased, and every count of times we have wondered whether it was worth chasing.

If you ask me, Alwyn Morrison is an artist from whom we're going to hear a lot more. His talents are a rare gift, and "The City" is just the beginning. So, do yourself a favor: stream this song right away on streaming sites like Spotify and more.

British pop artist TaniA Kyllikki, through an infectious mix of confidence and vocal prowess, has intelligently pulled out her corner in the independent music scene, perpetrating a highly peculiar sound particular to her contemporaries. Her own life's story adds depth to her music that could never be forced. It forms itself around the progressive genre style as she and her husband/producer, Rynellton, combine various innovative sounds while clinging to a traditional motif.

Her latest effort, "Feel Good Vibes," plays a master class catering to how to make an anthem, wherein the positive indicator is not compromised. The track begins with this intelligently laid-out progression that immediately latches onto you when the bar phrase establishes a groove that gazes ahead with the kind of confidence that TaniA delivers in her vocals.

The verses glide on a cool framework of arpeggiated synthesizers, giving TaniA enough solid ground for her remarkable vocal range. You will notice the dynamic range, breathing space in the mix, and the X-factor ability of each component to get noticed a bit more.

Halfway through the arrangement, you will hear a surprisingly inventive rap breakdown that showcases TaniA's licensing as a singer.

A risk that dances on the brink, but pays off tremendously, providing zest for what could have been in the straight-up dance category. This section has the kind of subtle modicum shift in a musical pattern that shows just the devotion to detail that makes good productions great.

This week's regular rave lost its shine, but you'll discover more and more with each facile hearing. When that last hook kicks in, I cannot help but dance. The beauty of the track is just how readily it intertwines commercial appeal with genuine artistry. The lyrics may describe good vibes and living your best life, but TaniA bears a certain honesty in her delivery that might just make any clichés turn into a moment of honest connection.  

Get the track and play it with good headphones; you'll be glad you did for how it comes alive from the stereo field's width and the subtleties of the production. Crank it up and let yourself feel the light-hearted push of the groove; you would want to hit that replay by the time that last chorus comes around! I rarely find a song that is this accessible while still being so intelligently created. Do yourself a favor and add it to your library today!

Blacklight Beat Patrol is an electronic project like no other, they're an act that has never shied away from being unique; they embrace the unconventional and have been free from adherence to any of the rules of mainstream music. Over the years, they have given us a body of work that reads like a love letter to misfits, dreamers, and anyone who has ever felt just a bit out of step with the world around them. Their third full-length album, "Meet the Blacklight Beat Patrol," is no different from the others.
 
The album starts off with "Party Econobox," a feverish whirlwind of beats and jagged synths. It’s a one-minute introduction, perfectly setting the tone: expect the unexpected. 
 
"Fun with Ray Guns" heads into synth-wave territory, giving quite a pleasingly forward attitude. The track vibrates with the spirit of individualism and playful defiance. With its syncopated rhythms and bright synth flickers, it is a wonderfully dynamic tableau that keeps you guessing every time the beat changes and the melody shifts. "Ten Paces" exudes tension that propels the beats along with some gorgeous playful keys to a satisfying climax. "Inversion Principal" stands out with its flawless rhythm section. If laid on a late-night drive through a city painted in neon, it would excite a sense of wonder. The extension of the bright synth arrangements raises an uplifting feel but keeps up with the experimental air of the album. "8×8" continues its work with repetitive motifs that slowly evolve as the piece goes on.
 
Now comes "Project Shellback," a pulsating high-energy song with blazing percussion and synthesized waves alternating in intensity. "Speedrunning" leans into darker terrain, full of dystopian synth textures and flashing metronomic percussion. It is a track as if wandering around in a disintegrating digital, enthralling world. 
 
Just as you expect the album to have finished showing all its cards, there comes the ending: "Byte Size," a spontaneous masterwork that's positively imaginative. A distorted keynote runs alongside some casual drum hits that create this chaotic, surreal groove. The production of "Meet the Blacklight Beat Patrol" is top-notch; mastered by Tijan J. Wise at Wise Audio Lab, each song feels like it's in its private world, thanks to their fearless conquering of sound design.
 
 Listening to "Meet the Blacklight Beat Patrol" feels like knowing a musical secret about everything in music. This music isn't exactly for everybody; that is the very point. It's for people on the outside, the dreamers, the ones who thrive beyond the borders. It's for people like you and me, who crave something real and out there. If you feel like you're ready to take on an album that will challenge, inspire, and move you, stream "Meet the Blacklight Beat Patrol" now.

Bloodlin3 is a refreshing group, bringing together culturally distinct El Paso with the tradition of bluegrass in Paducah. This tri-state collective certainly put some lightning in a bottle with their latest release, "Blessed Today" featuring Project Pat.

The group's sonic DNA reflects the golden age of Memphis, which connects easily to a hypnotic production style inspired by the legendary Three 6 Mafia with brilliant melodic delivery. Bloodline3, made up of Reinman Quiji, Mallachi, and Stephen King, refuses to hold onto these influences; rather, it builds upon them for its sound.

It starts with a synth arrangement that's nostalgic and exciting, carrying a fuzzy melody to cut through dark layers of sub-bass before breaking into a trap-influenced hi-hat pattern. Produced under the care of Virtuosic Productions, it's remarkably powerful, and leaves room between the percussion hits to breathe while still vibrating throughout the track.

If for new listener's the first verse sounds too much like an old pro stepping on the court, the innovative style becomes instantly familiar. The syllabic precision grows sharper with the style. The hook is a style that drills deep, becoming less of a mantra and more of a mission statement with each iteration.

The progression of verses displays each member's vocal style: double-times delivering technical excellence while paying tribute to fast-rap pioneers, while Virtue's style springs forward. A melodic touch then ends the cipher as the artist leaves bars that show why the group is above question when it comes to penmanship.

However, more impressive is that all the mixing throughout the top maintains clarity even despite dense performances. Every vocal got placed perfectly in its key pocket and gave lots for the intricate wordplay to shine without having to compete against the instrumental low-end theory. A masterclass in modern hip-hop engineering without skinning out the raw energy, straight from the golden era of the genre. 

Transitional switching from verse to hook is made seamlessly, instilling momentum in an undertone to the direction of working with intent throughout the whole tale. Repeated listening is mandatory, and approachable even with a tantalizing edginess. With every attend, truth jumps a new time before your ears. 

If you want a song to open your year authentically, "Blessed Today" is that song. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to roll down your windows and blast it at full volume with how it feels refreshing. Stream "Blessed Today"; it’s a jewel from Bloodlin3, and trust me, you'll want to keep listening to it.