Eight years ago, Vista Blue released what I believed to be the first-ever pop record dedicated to the wonderful sport of curling — a split 7″ with The Zambonis. And with the 2026 Winter Olympics drawing near, the time was right for a sequel. So Vista Blue is back with a second curling-themed release titled Still Curlin’ (kudos to Nolan and Conor for the brilliant Beach Boys rip-off cover art!).
You may recall that the energy created by Vista Blue’s last curling record resulted in Olympic gold for Team U.S.A. In 2022, without a Vista Blue curling release, Team Shuster came up short in the bronze medal game. And while Team Shuster has been displaced by Team Casper, optimism abounds this year. In typical VB fashion, “We’re Still Curling” is an upbeat punky pop anthem about the power of persistence and dedication. I also like how this song perpetuates a mystique that the members of Vista Blue are not just fans of curling but also competitive curlers themselves. That’s a very Beach Boys angle to take, and I choose to believe that it’s true: like all these guys, when they’re not making music, are out there on the sheet perfecting their curling skills. There are, in fact, more than enough members in Vista Blue to form a curling team. Could they take The Vapids in a match? On the digital B-side, “Where’s Team Shuster?” rips at a hardcore pace and asks a question that millions of people will be asking when they tune in to the Olympics this year. Perhaps Team Shuster will be back at the French Alps in 2030, but for now, it’s all about Team Casper. Here’s a crazy fact: When Vista Blue released that last curling record, Daniel Casper was only 16 years old! Can he get his squad to come up big against the vaunted teams from Great Britain and Canada? We shall see! But in the meantime, I’ve got my soundtrack ready.
Following a series of tremendous split singles from Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin, Moss has released a track that’s 100% solo. Moss wrote, recorded, mixed, and played everything on “And The Lies Go Round.” This is his first new original song since 2024, and it’s a killer tune. We’ve come to expect everything from proto-punk to glam rock to post-punk from Moss. On this track, he’s hitting a sweet spot for me: mid-tempo old school punk with a driving anthemic riff and a sing-along chorus. While Moss is often known for sarcasm in his lyrics, this particular song’s message is more straight-forwardly serious. The song is about how people today are so quick to spread very damaging lies when they literally have no idea what they’re talking about — and how this sort of thing can have very dire consequences. The lyric “And they believe/Everything that they’ve heard/Just like sheep/Standing in a big herd” could not be more spot-on. Since returning to the world of music back in 2020, Moss has developed a very distinctive style and sound as a lead artist. Fans of his excellent albums with Skin-Tight Skin ought to find this song very much to their liking.
Original Cotton Blues Band Eine Bluesband gegründet 1987 in Vaasa mit dem ersten Lebenszeichen (auf Tonträger) im Jahr 2015 und ein Nachfolger im Jahr 2018.
There’s something about music and cars – a match made in Heaven. As a teen cruising in my ride, a ’72 VW Beetle, back before digital media and streaming, I’d be listen to tunes mostly on the radio, beholden to the DJs and what they’d play. Rotating through my preset stations, usually WCCC, “The Rock”, WHCN, “The River” famous for album oriented rock, rock blocks, and double shots, and WPLR out of New Haven, I’d search for the best song in the moment. And now and then, I’d stumble upon a song that would instantly inspire a spontaneous right hand to the volume knob, spinning it clockwise to crank up the volume. So what better inspiration for a playlist than songs that made me, over the years, as Autograph wails in the refrain of their song, “turn up the radio.”
Obviously some band and albums inspire cranking up the volume, like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Guns N Roses, hair metal, etc. But I’m talking about individual songs that back before streaming, in the car or at home, would make you turn the radio up. They were songs you couldn’t get loud enough. Many were hard driving songs, but some were just amazing acoustically with the fullness of their sound, and others were songs you loved so much you wanted to just hear every little detail.
So here’s my list. I may have left a few off, and I included a few that weren’t ones I turned up back in the day, but are definitely now songs I want to turn up. For the most part I left out music since streaming began. These are mostly 70s and 80s, and some 90s songs. They aren’t necessarily my favorite songs by these artists, and many aren’t even my favorite artists. But they for whatever reason made me reach for that volume knob and turn up the radio.
For the most part I’ve only included one song per artist, with a few exceptions. Led Zeppelin blasts through the intro with “Immigrant Song”, as it did in the movie Thor – Ragnarok, such a great place to start.
But I had to also include one of my Zep faves “Good Times, Bad Times.” Van Halen’s Hot For Teacher” drums and guitar need that full volume sounds, as does “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love.” And the haunting Sting “I want my MTV” intro then kicking into the Mark Knopfler guitar riff on his Les Paul in “Money For Nothing” needs to test the limits your amplifier and speakers. But the beauty of Knopfler’s acoustic guitar and vocals on “Romeo & Juliet” also need to be felt as well as heard. And Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” is perhaps my all time favorite song to crank up (check out how young the band looked back in the day).
The songs that truly reminisce about those rides in my kelly green bug, windows down (partly for comfort – no AC back then), in addition to the songs listed above are Boston’s “Long Time,” The Kinks’ “Do It Again,” Yes’ “Leave It,” Scorpions “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper,” ZZ Top’s “La Grange,” Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Lovin’,” Steve Miller Band’s “Jungle Love,” Steely Dan’s “Hey Nineteen,” Human League’s “Fascination,” Eagles “Seven Bridges Road,” Spandau Ballet’s “True.” Instant turn the volume to “11” while riding in my car.
Eric Carmen’s “Make Me Lose Control” made the list not out of any desire to turn it up, but by virtue of its lyrics “turn the radio up”!
Jimmy Page (Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, The Firm), The Edge (U2), and Jack White (The White Stripes) got together to turn up the volume in It Might Get Loud – definitely worth a watch.
While not making my playlist, songs like Elton John’s “Sixty Years On” live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra inspire turning up the volume to hear the beauty of every nuanced note:
While I think you’ll enjoy listening to my playlist, as I think it’s pretty great, remember they’re songs that made ME turn up the radio. My further intent and hope with this blog is to inspire you to make your own list of songs that make you want to immediately reach for that volume control (likely no longer a knob). Then, when listening, you can set the volume to “11” and listen to your whole list.
I had lots of fun doing this one, and love cranking it up in my car, though I do get a little embarrassed in parking lots or in my neighborhood, and feel obligated to turn it down a bit…
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
Live in the moment. Enjoy the moment. Love the moment. TURN UP THE MUSIC! Listen to the MUSIC!
Good Day Noir Family,
Jacob Chacko’s “Drive Thru Fog and Rain” unfolds like a moving scene rather than a static track, inviting the listener into motion almost immediately.
Drive Thru Fog and Rain is Jacob Chacko’s Single Out Now
A confident rhythm sets the pace, and soon layered voices enter, supported by background vocals that introduce a subtle gospel shade.
The song feels communal and uplifting, even while it explores more abstract musical territory.
This is not a straightforward groove-based piece. As the verses develop, a guitar line occasionally echoes the restrained tension of Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd, although only in brief flashes. Instead of leaning on that reference, Chacko quickly redirects the listener elsewhere. The track becomes a blend of styles rather than a homage. Psychedelic tones coexist with ethnic rhythmic accents, while funk-inflected pulses keep the body engaged.
Moreover, jazz elements appear throughout the song, especially during instrumental passages and solos. These moments reveal Chacko’s deep jazz background, which allows him to explore unexpected harmonic turns without disrupting the flow. At the same time, avant-garde instincts surface in the way sections expand and contract, creating movement that mirrors the imagery suggested by the title.
The rhythm section deserves special mention. It drives the track forward with confidence and leaves enough space for the vocals and guitar to breathe. Meanwhile, the background vocals enrich the atmosphere, adding warmth and a sense of shared experience. Because of this balance, the track feels intricate and accessible.
Lyrically and musically, “Drive Thru Fog and Rain” suggests resilience. The music encourages motion, even when conditions feel uncertain. As the song progresses, the energy builds rather than explodes, which reinforces its steady determination. Then, during the instrumental breaks, the jazz and funk influences take center stage, inviting the listener to move, reflect, and stay present.
Ultimately, this single showcases Jacob Chacko as an artist with a clear vision and a broad musical vocabulary. He blends psychedelic rock, jazz, funk, and gospel-inspired elements into a cohesive whole.
Drive Thru Fog and Rain is Jacob Chacko’s Single Out Now!
Driven!
“With an excellent team behind me, Thomas Monaco (Co Vocal Producer), Talya Gelfand (Backing Vocal), and Les Lovell (Sound Engineer – The Music Factory) brought strength and integrity to the music production.” – Jacob Chacko
Good Day Noir Family,
John Nicholas dives into familiar territory with “Today With You,” yet he does so with confidence and clarity that set the track apart.
Today With You is John Nicholas’ Single Out Now
A warm and fluid bass line opens the song, and right away it establishes a sense of motion. Therefore, the listener is invited into a journey that feels open-road ready rather than confined to a studio space.
Soon after, the vocal enters with a slightly hoarse tone that recalls Rod Stewart, not as imitation but as a shared attitude. Nicholas brings his own character into the performance, keeping the delivery grounded and sincere. The song feels lived-in and honest. The melody unfolds naturally, avoiding unnecessary complexity while still offering depth.
The production plays a crucial role here. Real instruments breathe throughout the track, and consequently, the emotional impact feels direct. Instead of hiding behind layers, the arrangement allows each element to speak clearly. In addition, the rhythm section maintains a steady push that supports the song’s forward momentum without ever feeling rushed. Because of this balance, the track remains energetic while staying relaxed.
There is also a strong American rock spirit running through the song. At times, the atmosphere brings to mind John Mellencamp, especially in the way the music blends rock and folk influences. Still, Nicholas does not lean on nostalgia alone. He updates that classic framework with a modern sense of polish and intention. The chorus lifts the song emotionally, giving it a sense of release that feels earned rather than forced.
Lyrically, “Today With You” focuses on presence and shared moments. Therefore, the song resonates as an invitation to slow down and appreciate connection. Additionally, the road-trip imagery suggested by the groove reinforces that idea of movement paired with reflection. As the track progresses, subtle dynamic shifts keep the listener engaged, even though the structure remains accessible.
By the final moments, the song leaves a sense of optimism and warmth. It does not rely on dramatic twists, yet it succeeds through consistency and heart. Ultimately, John Nicholas proves himself as a skilled songwriter who understands how to blend classic rock roots with a contemporary touch. “Today With You” stands as a reminder that straightforward songwriting, when done well, can still feel fresh and energizing.
Today With You is John Nicholas’ Single Out Now!
Uplifting!
John Nicholas is a singer-songwriter driven by storytelling and lived experience. He began writing songs at 12 after picking up his father’s old guitar, and has continued ever since, drawing inspiration from his surroundings and personal moments, shaping them into direct, melodic songwriting.
He has received regional and national airplay, toured across the UK and Europe, and won Firestone’s Road to the Mainstage competition in 2018. Known for emotionally open performances, John feels most at home on stage, whether playing intimate rooms or large festival crowds, including All Points East in 2019.
After stepping away from music for several years, he has returned with renewed focus, now performing with a full five-piece band and building momentum through strong live shows and new material.
Good Day Noir Family,
CRYSTALATOR’s EP “SLIP INTO THE CORE” announces its intent with no hesitation, placing the listener inside a harsh, forward-looking world shaped by tension and contrast.
SLIP INTO THE CORE is CRYSTALATOR’s EP Out Now
The opening track “SLUDGE” signals that this will be a dystopian and intense ride.
The first chord movements feel heavy and mechanical; there is also a visionary edge that leans toward alternative, industrial, and hard rock territories. The atmosphere feels futuristic while remaining grounded in raw guitar power.
The EP does not rely on brute force alone. “MODERN LOVE DESTROYED ME” arrives with a groove that hits hard, almost like an avalanche. The riffs are thick and aggressive, yet the vocal approach shifts the balance. Instead of matching the guitars with pure rage, the voice remains more melodic and atmospheric. The band creates a strong contrast that defines their identity and keeps the track engaging rather than overwhelming.
The title track “SLIP INTO THE CORE” stands out for its darker tone. The main riff feels unsettling and sharp, pulling the listener toward a shadowy space. At the same time, the melodic choices introduce subtle dissonances that recall the emotional weight and tension often associated with Alice in Chains. Because of this, the song feels introspective without losing its aggressive edge. The interplay between melody and distortion gives the track a sense of controlled chaos.
Then comes “DISSOCIATE,” which closes the EP with pure intensity. The initial scream sets the tone instantly, pushing the energy to its peak. Yet, even here, CRYSTALATOR avoid falling into predictability. The structure moves between relentless heaviness and moments that hint at the past while still pointing forward. The band builds a bridge between classic hard rock instincts and a more modern, experimental vision.
“SLIP INTO THE CORE” feels cohesive and purposeful. Each track adds a different shade to the same dark palette, while transitions between songs feel natural and intentional. The EP shows a band that understands dynamics, contrast, and identity. CRYSTALATOR do not chase nostalgia, nor do they abandon it.
This EP confirms a group unafraid to push hard while thinking carefully about atmosphere and structure. CRYSTALATOR deliver a release that feels forward-facing and sharply defined.
SLIP INTO THE CORE is CRYSTALATOR’s EP Out Now!
Ferocious!
CRYSTALATOR is a dynamic trio from Auckland, New Zealand, formed by Dave Gibson (drums), Harry Rush (bass, vocals), and Kelly Haldane (guitars, vocals). With a musical journey spanning over a decade and shaped by multiple name and stylistic evolutions, the band has refined a sound that merges modern rock, metalcore, and industrial elements. Drawing from influences that range from classic rock to contemporary electronic music, CRYSTALATOR delivers a blend that feels grounded in 90s rock attitude while remaining forward-looking. Their work reflects a strong focus on experimentation, texture, and precision, supported by meticulous production choices and an ongoing commitment to developing a distinct and cohesive identity.
Good Day Noir Family,
There is an immediate sense of intimacy in Patience Please’s single “Madeline.” The track opens with a gentle, nostalgic guitar strum that feels fragile and confident.
Madeline is Patience Please’s Single Out Now
At the same time, the arrangement leaves plenty of air, which allows the emotion to surface naturally. Shortly after, the vocal enters with striking closeness. It sounds as if the singer is standing in the room, speaking directly to you rather than performing at you.
The song does not rush to reveal its full shape. It grows patiently. Around the fifty-second mark, the drums appear with brushed strokes. That choice keeps the mood restrained while adding motion. The track begins to breathe more deeply. The band shows clear compositional awareness here, because every element arrives only when it serves the narrative.
The chorus is where “Madeline” truly opens up. The melody carries a timeless sense of emotional weight. Moreover, it recalls the expressive power found in classic songwriting rather than modern shortcuts. In this respect, the song brought to mind Hurt by Johnny Cash, not through imitation, but through the same honesty and vulnerability. Both songs speak quietly, yet they leave a deep mark.
Lyrically, “Madeline” explores the end of a relationship without bitterness. It reflects on what was shared and acknowledges the value of that experience. The sadness never turns into self-pity. The song mourns loss, but it also respects love for what it was. This balance gives the track its emotional credibility.
Near the closing section, strings enter and widen the emotional frame. Rather than overpowering the song, they lift it gently. The ending feels expansive without losing intimacy. The final moments float rather than crash, leaving space for reflection.
Additionally, the band’s restraint deserves praise. They resist the urge to overproduce or dramatize. Instead, they trust the song itself. Because of that decision, the performance feels sincere and grounded.
“Madeline” stands as an introspective ballad that values emotion over excess. It proves that Patience Please understand how to let a song unfold naturally.
Madelineis Patience Please‘s Single Out Now!
Intimate!
Patience Please are a three-piece indie rock band from West London, delivering bold, crunching guitars, soaring vocals, and emotionally direct songs with clear arena ambition. Fronted by Ollie Palmer (vocals/guitar), alongside Arthur Marriott (lead guitar) and Tommy Lane (drums), the trio bonded over loud rehearsals and a shared belief in their material.
Known for anthemic, high-energy live shows, the band quickly built momentum on the London circuit, selling out venues such as The Troubadour and Dingwalls 2. With four singles released to date, including Wasting Time, Miracle, and Pretend, Patience Please have surpassed 35,000 organic Spotify streams and received airplay from BBC Introducing and Radio 2.
Poison The Well released the definitive album The Opposite of December… A Season of Separation in December 1999 and it went on to become a benchmark of the genre that has inspired a generation of bands. The album was chosen as one of the “15 ’90s Metalcore Albums That Still Resonate Today” by Brooklyn Vegan; as one of the “21 Best U.S. Metalcore Albums of All Time” by Kerrang!; as one of the “25 Best Metalcore Albums of All Time” by Loudwire; and as one of the “Top 60 Best Hard Rock Albums of All Time” by Revolver. Its influence is indisputable.
But the band is not content to rest on the laurels of its past achievements, as mighty as those achievements are.
PTW are thrilled to announce their Spring 2026 headline tour. Converge will support with Balmora, SPY, The Armed, and The Barbarians of California appearing on different segments. General onsale began on Friday, January 23 at 10am local time here.
Peace In Place, their first album in 16 years, will arrive via SharpTone Records on March 20. Pre-order it here.
Poison The Well Tour Dates:
4/2 — Cleveland, OH — House of Blues* 4/3 — Chicago, IL — Concord Music Hall* 4/4 — Pontiac, MI — The Crofoot* 4/6 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground* 4/7 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY* 4/9 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium* 4/10 — Queens, NY — Knockdown Center* 4/11 — Philadelphia, PA — Fillmore* 4/12 — Baltimore, MD — Nevermore Hall* 4/25 — Las Vegas, NV — Sick New World% 5/7 — Denver, CO — Summit+ 5/9 — Austin, TX — Stubb’s Outdoors+ 5/10 — Houston, TX — House of Blues+ 5/12 — Phoenix, AZ — Nile Theater+ 5/13 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco+ 5/15 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues+ 5/16 — San Diego, CA — The Observatory North Park+ 5/17 — San Francisco, CA — The Regency Ballroom+
%Festival Date *SPY and Balmora +The Armed and The Barbarians of California
Scottish metal heavyweights, Bleed From Within, are proud to reveal their live Audiotree Session. The band filmed the one take performance during their 2025 North America tour supporting BulletFor My Valentine and Trivium, featuring songs from their latest album Zenith and more. Audiotree are renowned for showcasing talented musicians from around the world. Their channel has become a cornerstone, capturing intimate studio performances from diverse artists.
Bleed From Within stated: “We’ve had our eyes on Audiotree for quite some time. We saw this as an opportunity to showcase our material in a new light, without the usual production that we have with us in a live environment. In an age of over produced records & bands editing live footage, it felt refreshing to walk into a room and just play our instruments knowing that this was our one take and only chance to dial it in. There were no run throughs or drop ins. Play it loud, then come see it in the flesh in April/May on our first ever headline tour of North America!”
After 20 years, Bleed from Within have reached their Zenith. The Glasgow firebrands are one of the hardest working acts in metal: playing shows globally with everyone from Megadeth to Slipknot, all while writing and regularly releasing monstrous, exhilarating songs. The upward journey reaches new heights on their seventh album, which contains the band’s heaviest, catchiest and most intrepid music to date.
Bleed – vocalist Scott Kennedy, guitarists Craig “Goonzi” Gowans and Steven Jones, drummer AliRichardson and bassist Davie Provan – have long been Scottish metal’s most valued sons, constantly at the vanguard of muscular-sounding music. First albums Humanity (2009) and Empire (2010) made them cult figureheads in the deathcore scene, before Uprising (2013) broadened their palate with groove metal adrenaline and melodic death metal prowess. It also marked their major-label debut, catapulting them onto tours with heavy royalty.
