thistle.’s backflip EP arrives next month, and so far we’ve heard “tied” and “pieces.” The UK grungegaze trio is back today with “pylon,” a ripper inspired by Monster. “‘pylon’ was the last song that we wrote before going into the studio, coming together in a Cardiff, Wales rehearsal studio,” the band explains. “Very much powered…
The song begins with an atmospheric introduction featuring strings and an arpeggiator that blends classical elements with modern influences. This creates a unique listening experience. As the groove develops, a new-age, festive atmosphere emerges, giving listeners an uplifting emotional journey.
“Little Things” is an instrumental piece that showcases Richard Green’s compositional abilities. He has an exceptional knack for musically representing the joy found in the often overlooked aspects of life. The song reminds us of the little things that frequently go unnoticed but ultimately fill our lives with meaning and provide us with our best moments.
Green’s work in this track feels like an anthem for life. It radiates positive energy and incorporates a danceable vibe, making it suitable for gatherings or personal reflection. The arrangements display a richness that captivates from the first note to the last, offering listeners an engaging sonic experience.
Little Things – Sound and Atmosphere
Notably, the harmonic variations throughout the piece create an intriguing backdrop to the central melody. This melody unfolds with a therapeutic quality, drawing listeners in and inviting them into a peaceful, uplifting realm.
His ability to blend modern sounds with a refined vision makes this track an exemplary showcase of his artistic intent. The balance between contemporary beats and classic sampled instrumentation is handled with sophistication. This coexistence of influences enriches the experience, providing depth and a sense of familiarity.
The song’s structure allows it to ebb and flow gracefully. Once the initial atmospheric setup concludes, listeners are seamlessly led into different sections that highlight Green’s innovative approach to composition.
Little Things – Performance and Production
The danceable qualities of “Little Things” do not compromise its emotional weight. Instead, they enhance it, making the song not just enjoyable but also meaningful. It can evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy, encouraging listeners to appreciate the small, beautiful moments in their lives.
This song would resonate well with fans of artists like Moby, known for blending electronic elements with richer musical textures. Similarities can be drawn between Green’s work and that of such established artists, yet he manages to carve out his own identity within this sonic space.
As “Little Things” progresses, it continues to impress with its sophisticated sound design. The interplay of various musical elements creates textures that evolve, ensuring that every listen reveals something new. This depth is not commonly found in instrumental tracks, marking Green as a noteworthy talent in the contemporary music scene.
Richard Green invites listeners into a joyful exploration of sound, encouraging them to revel in the simplicity of life’s little pleasures. As the track comes to a close, one cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude for the moments that enrich our existence.
With this single, Green not only demonstrates his technical skills but also communicates a strong emotional narrative. His ability to evoke emotions through instrumental music is commendable, marking him as an artist to watch in the future. “Little Things” exemplifies how music can be a powerful medium for connection and reflection.
The musical journey begins with “Memento Mori (Storm),” an atmospheric and intense track that evokes shades of Pink Floyd. The composition combines sophistication and depth, showcasing the artist’s remarkable talents. The intricate solos draw listeners in and create a rich auditory experience. The melody resonates deeply within, allowing the imagination to soar freely.
Following this is “The Roar,” which takes a different route. The song greets listeners with a strong rock energy that invigorates. This track presents another dimension of the artist, displaying expertise in guitar work and an ability to stir emotions through shifts in harmony and rhythm. The lively tempo sets a tone that energizes listeners, emphasizing the versatility of the artist.
Next is “Self-Absolution,” a piece that unfolds like a dream. It begins as a celestial mirage, transporting listeners to unknown planets. The ethereal quality blankets the track with angelic pads that elevate the guitar solo. This song encourages a deep emotional connection, enhancing the feeling of flight through its sonic textures. The combination of dreaminess and technicality makes it stand out on the EP.
The concluding track, “Be One,” kicks off with a driving groove that captures attention immediately. As the guitar melodies interlace with the rhythm, a sense of anticipation builds. The solo arrives seamlessly, alternating between highly melodic moments and intricate technical displays. This balance between emotion and skill showcases the artist’s ability to communicate through their craft, leaving the listener fully immersed.
THE ROAR – Sound and Atmosphere
The EP showcases a fantastic variety of emotional expressions through guitar. Each track embodies a different essence, together creating an impressive collection. Fans of artists like Pink Floyd and Pat Metheny will appreciate OTA3D3’s masterful ability to engage through music. The EP leaves a vibrant exploration of musical landscapes.
The artist successfully blends various influences, resulting in a sound that feels fresh yet familiar. The depth of emotion conveyed through each piece is commendable, further establishing the artist as a noteworthy figure in contemporary music. This EP stands as a significant contribution to the instrumental music genre.
THE ROAR – Performance and Production
Listeners can expect to feel a range of emotions throughout the EP. Each song tells its own story, connected yet distinct from the others. The seamless transitions between tracks ensure that the experience is cohesive and immersive. The musicality shines brightly, revealing layers that invite repeated listens.
“THE ROAR” is a remarkable EP that exemplifies the talent and artistry of OTA3D3. The album offers an emotional ride, anchoring itself in its listeners’ hearts. The impressive instrumentals and thoughtful compositions prove the artist’s dedication to their craft. The EP serves as a gateway to deeper musical understanding, fulfilling both the mind and spirit.
STREAM THE NEW SINGLE/VIDEO, “OF RADIANCE AND LEVITATION,” NOW!
New England’s revered and fast-rising melodic death metal band FIRES IN THE DISTANCE will release their eagerly awaited third full-length album, Circadian Promise, on June 12 via Prosthetic Records.
Serving as the follow-up to 2023’s acclaimed Air Not Meant For Us, Circadian Promisesees FIRES IN THE DISTANCE refining their melancholy, synth-embroidered sound to cathartic new heights. The result is a record that is both virtuosic and visceral, progressive yet authentic, further establishing the band as one of the genre’s most compelling emerging forces.
Circadian Promise also ushers in an exciting new chapter for the band, introducing vocalist/guitarist Brendan Hayter. He joins founding songwriter, lyricist, and guitarist Yegor Savonin, bassist Craig Breitsprecher, and drummer Jordan Rippe.
Commenting on the forthcoming record, Hayter states:
“I think this is the album the band was destined to make. When I heard the demos, the word ‘timeless’ continuously came to mind. All four of us pulled out all the stops to make Circadian Promise exactly what it wanted to be. For me personally, as a new member and a vocalist, I thought the music was begging for new expressions through the human element—clean vocals and different timbres of screaming to channel various stages of the emotional process. Thankfully everyone embraced the vocal diversity, and it’s been an honor to push myself to new limits on this record.”
Today, the band has unleashed the album’s lead single, “Of Radiance and Levitation,” alongside an accompanying music video directed by Jayson Cessna.
Adding about the crushing new track, Savonin says:
“As the introduction to the new record, this track encapsulates the essence of what’s to come and brings forward new elements of melodic vocals to complement a variety of themes, including loss, abandonment, healing, reprieve, and determination.”
By This Time Tomorrow (Feat. Johan Reinholdz of Dark Tranquillity)
Once the Silence Takes Your Place
Agonal Dreaming
Originally conceived in 2016 as founding guitarist Yegor Savonin’s solo project, FIRES IN THE DISTANCE quickly evolved into a full band, earning acclaim with 2020’s Echoes From Deep November and 2023’s Air Not Meant For Us. Following a high-profile 2024 North American tour, the group reunited with producer Dave Kaminsky and orchestrator Randy Slaugh, while welcoming new vocalist/guitarist Brendan Hayter. The resulting six-track album—some songs stretching beyond nine minutes, is their bleakest yet most embracing work, blending cinematic orchestration, organic production, and dynamic vocal contrasts.
Lyrically and thematically, Circadian Promiseexplores spiritual erosion, mortality, and the search for acceptance, balancing existential weight with hard-won optimism. Recorded in Connecticut and North Carolina, the album retains a resonant human warmth even in its most technical passages, pairing atmospheric strings and expansive leads with Hayter’s serrated growls and somber cleans.
Singles like “Of Radiance and Levitation,” “To You, Author of My Fade,” and “By This Time Tomorrow” reflect deeply personal meditations on depression, self-awareness, and grief, while showcasing the band’s cinematic scope and emotional intensity. With touring planned for 2026 and beyond, Circadian Promise continues FIRES IN THE DISTANCE’s decade-long pursuit of catharsis, melding Savonin’s introspective vision with powerful songwriting, immersive arrangements, and evolving musical ambition.
FIRES IN THE DISTANCE: Lineup: Yegor Savonin – guitar/lyrics/songwriting Brendan Hayter – vocals/guitar/additional lyrics Craig Breitsprecher – bass/backing vocals Jordan Rippe – drums
Fiori del Male Allarme rosso nel golfo Persico Review
This song greets the listener with a piercing guitar whistle that heralds a formidable hard rock journey. Following this introduction, a somewhat dystopian guitar riff enters, establishing an atmosphere filled with tension and anticipation. A solid and determined voice then emerges, singing in Italian. The lyrics address current themes, notably the ongoing conflicts arising from human folly, often driven by power struggles for resources like oil. These subjects, upon reflection, reveal that many of our conflicts are not as significant as we might believe.
The track possesses a distinctly dystopian quality, reminiscent of films such as Mad Max. Its relentless rhythm combines with an epic sound that grips the listener throughout. The production integrates a technological feel at its core, yet it never detracts from the song’s intense and instinctive nature. The guitars clash like tanks heading into battle, creating a visceral experience for the audience. Additionally, the use of pads amplifies the sound space, further energizing the composition.
This hard rock piece offers a thrilling ride that I highly recommend for fans of musical acts like Iron Maiden and Lacuna Coil. The explosive energy and thematic depth provide a rewarding listening experience. The combination of urgent riffs and thought-provoking lyrics ignites both the mind and body.
Allarme rosso nel golfo Persico – Sound and Atmosphere
Listeners may find themselves immersed in a narrative that prompts reflection on societal issues. The band has cleverly crafted a track that serves as a wake-up call. With its gripping instrumentation and meaningful lyrics, the song fulfills its purpose of shedding light on human follies.
The juxtaposition of the music’s aggressive quality with its substantial message differentiates it in today’s music landscape. The hard-hitting beats and soaring vocals work together harmoniously to create memorable moments.
Fiori del Male manages to invoke a sense of urgency and gravity without sacrificing the hard rock essence at the song’s core. The lyrical content not only aims to inspire thoughts on global matters but encourages listeners to question the motivations behind human actions.
Allarme rosso nel golfo Persico – Performance and Production
The production shines through without overshadowing the raw intensity of the performance. The band has struck a balance between a polished finish and the organic feel that hard rock enthusiasts appreciate. This attention to detail undoubtedly enhances the listening experience, making it more immersive.
“Allarme rosso nel golfo persico” by Fiori del Male is an intense and stirring single. It invites listeners on a hard rock adventure while fostering a deeper consideration of societal issues. This song stands out with its strong instrumentation and meaningful narrative, making it a perfect addition to the repertoire of any hard rock aficionado.
Energizing and reflective, this song is more than just music; it’s a thought-provoking experience that should not be missed.
The journey begins with “Hands Under It,” a track introduced with an eerie and intense atmosphere. The sound instantly immerses the listener in a dark and dystopian world. The vocals share qualities reminiscent of the lead singer of Bad Religion, paired with the raw essence of Lemmy from Motörhead. This is pure rock, encouraging listeners to raise their horns toward the sky with abandon.
The second track, “In the Shadows of Fort Reno,” starts with fantastic intensity. The intricate interplay between the drums and vocal lines creates a compelling dynamic. The guitar adds a layer that broadens the auditory experience, showcasing influences of hard rock, punk, and even grunge. The addition of female backing vocals provides a diversion, enriching the overall sound.
Next comes “Always Bet on Black (and Pink),” another adrenaline rush of a song. One distinctive quality of this band is its garage sound, evoking the desire to be in a basement, sweating alongside friends while enjoying cold beers. The music compels you to move, to let go of inhibitions, and to revel in the chaos of the moment.
A standout track is “…And Then Four,” which opens with an atmospheric introduction led by a female voice. This song reveals yet another facet of the band’s sound. As it progresses, around the 1:15 mark, the music transitions into the band’s signature style, featuring powerful male vocals that dominate the latter half. This shift showcases the band’s versatility and ability to navigate different sonic landscapes while remaining cohesive.
The album concludes with “the Minute We’re Born,” an incredibly intense track that envelops listeners in its hard rock sound. The energy is palpable, revealing the band’s strong chemistry; it allows them to create energetic and infectious music. Each note resonates, inviting fans into a vivid auditory experience that lingers well after the final chord.
Beast Machine Theory – Sound and Atmosphere
Overall, “Beast Machine Theory” is a reflection of the band’s powerful musical identity. It balances raw rock energy with moments of introspection, keeping listeners engaged throughout. The transitions between intense riffs and melodic sections demonstrate their skill in crafting songs that resonate emotionally and physically.
This album is an invitation for listeners to embrace the rawness of rock music. It’s an experience that inspires movement and connection, enhanced by the shared camaraderie of live shows. This album serves as a bridge between classic influences and fresh creativity.
Storm Boy delivers a solid performance throughout, showcasing a willingness to experiment with sound while maintaining their core identity.
Oh boy! In a flash, Uni Boys went from being a band I slept on to being a band I figured was too “big” for me to be reviewing. However, I have decided that it’s completely idiotic to ever call a band too big to review. My philosophy from now on is that if I love a record, I’m going to write about it and not just assume that you all already know about it. My whole goal is to spread the gospel, and I don’t mind preaching to the choir every now and then if it means that even one person will be turned on to something they like.
So maybe you do all already know about the self-titled fifth album from Uni Boys. But as someone who tries to stay on top of the best things going on in power pop, it would be downright neglectful for me to not weigh in on this absolute gem of an album. I do my best to be more measured in my takes than I used to be, but I can’t help thinking this 12-track long player could stand toe-to-toe with numerous late ’70s/early ’80s power pop albums that are considered standards of this musical style. Of course Reza Matin and Noah Nash nail the vintage power pop sound, from the ringing guitars to the soaring harmonies to the heartfelt lovelorn vocals. But it’s the quality of their hooks and songwriting overall that just can’t be denied. These guys know how to write a tune! One song sounds like it should be the single. Then the next one does too, and it just keeps going that way until the album is over. There are no sub-par tracks or drastic departures from the formula. Circa the later ’90s, when I was scouring every record store I could get to in a quest to acquire every power pop album released between 1976 and 1982, if I would have across a record like this, I would have absolutely flipped my shit!
This record (as do all the Uni Boys’ records) models itself after the classics. But it never settles for being a knock-off version. Uni Boys have essentially made their own classic power pop album in 2026. “I Don’t Wanna Dream Anymore” would fit in perfectly on any of those famous compilations of power pop singles (anything that reminds me of The Jags has to be good!). “Maybe I’m Wrong”, “Want You Back,” “You’re So (Phisticated),” and “Genevieve” are very much in the same vein. “You’ll Curse His Name Again” is ’70s power pop by way of classic ’60s pop a la The Lemon Twigs, etc. “Abra” is so laidback California smooth that it could easily turn up on someone’s yacht, and I am all about that! When the band ventures a little outside the textbook power pop box, the results are extraordinary. “Sin Your Life Away” lays down a later ’60s psych-ish pop touch and absolutely stuns. “No Need To Serve a Purpose” is giving Brian Wilson vibes in all the best ways.
So there you have it: better late than never, my first Uni Boys review! It’s pretty awesome to be living in a moment where bands like this are getting their proper attention and respect. Even the most cynical Boomer or Gen X crank who hasn’t liked a power pop record in 40 years would be hard-pressed to listen to this record and not fall head over heels for the Uni Boys. Get it from Curation Records!