If you attended the Zac Brown Band show last night, you might be seeing your fellow concertgoers again. You could literally end up on the same boat. Right before performing his 2021 hit “Same Boat,” Zac Brown announced a massive surprise for the crowd.
The post Zac Brown Gifts Free Cruise To Everyone At Fenway Park Show appeared first on Stereogum.
Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my honest review. The Metalverse is an independent website, and all opinions expressed are our own. We thank the team at Baseus for giving us this opportunity. This article is not sponsored, and we have no incentive/kickback from the company/
Baseus has built its reputation on affordable, well-designed tech accessories, chargers, cables, power banks, and increasingly, audio gear that doesn't feel like an afterthought. The Bowie line is where the company has put its most serious audio engineering, and the MC2 is the latest attempt to prove that clip-on, open-ear earbuds don't have to cost Bose or Shokz money to sound and feel premium.
The Bowie MC2 is an open-ear, clip-on true wireless earbud, meaning it rests just outside your ear canal instead of plugging into it. It's the successor to the Bowie MC1 Pro, and it's built around 11mm tri-magnet dynamic drivers, LDAC Hi-Res audio support, Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint, and Baseus's SuperBass 3.0 tuning. It launched in June 2026 at an MSRP of $89.99, though it's frequently found discounted closer to $60, (and you can use the limited-time code "MC2OWSPR" to get it for $49.99), putting its cost well below open-ear rivals like the Shokz OpenDots One and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.
If you've been curious about open-ear earbuds but didn't want to gamble a premium price tag to try the format, this is a good choice.
The MC2 uses a memory titanium alloy C-ring that flexes to the shape of your ear, paired with detachable CloudComfort 2.0 silicone air cushions in three sizes: M, L, and XL. That combination lets you actually tune the fit instead of hoping the stock shape works for your ear, which is a smart move in a category where fit varies wildly from person to person.
Each earbud weighs about 5.1 grams, and the charging case has an oval shape that's more pocketable than a lot of the competition, even if it's a touch slippery to fish out of a pocket. Baseus swapped touch controls for physical buttons on each bud, a decision that pays off in daily use since there's no risk of pausing your music by adjusting your glasses or brushing your hair. It takes a day or two to learn exactly where the button sits by feel, but once you do, it's one of the more reliable control schemes in this price range.
The IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating is a standout for a clip-on earbud. That rating covers the earbuds surviving submersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes, well beyond the sweat-and-drizzle protection most open-ear buds offer. Just know the rating applies to the buds only, not the charging case.
Overall Sound: The Bowie MC2 carries a V-shaped signature with a surprising amount of low-end presence for an open-ear design. Open-ear earbuds usually sound thin because they fire sound toward your ear canal rather than sealing it, but SuperBass 3.0 tuning gives the MC2 more punch and body than you'd expect, without turning muddy. It holds together well at moderate to loud listening levels, though it does tighten up and lose some composure if you push the volume to the top of its range. These won't have quite the volume or clarity of audiophile-standard IEMs, but they sound very good while allowing you to hear your surroundings.
Bass: Bass is full-bodied and present rather than the apologetic hint of low-end you get from most open-ear buds. Sub-bass rolls off gently below 80 Hz, which is normal for the format, but the mid-bass hits with real weight, especially with the app's bass boost engaged. It doesn't feel boomy or bloated; it just fills in the low end that open designs typically leave hollow.
Mids: Vocals sit forward and clear in the mix, which makes the MC2 a strong pick for pop, R&B, and anything vocal-heavy. Instrument separation in the midrange is solid for the price, though it's not going to compete with true audiophile-tier IEMs.
Treble: Treble is present without being harsh or sibilant, giving the sound a sense of clarity and air. It doesn't extend as far as pricier open-ear options, but for casual and even critical listening at reasonable volumes, it strikes a good balance.
Timbre, Soundstage, and Imaging: Timbre leans slightly warm and musical rather than clinical, which suits the MC2's target audience of commuters and casual listeners over strict audiophiles. Soundstage benefits from the open-ear design itself, since nothing is sealing sound directly into your ear canal, giving tracks a sense of openness and air that closed-back IEMs can't replicate. Imaging is decent for the price, with instruments generally placed with enough separation to follow a busy mix, though don't expect pinpoint precision here.
On comfort, the MC2 might be the best in its class. At 5.1 grams per side, there's no ear canal pressure or fatigue, and the flexible C-ring combined with the three cushion sizes means most ear shapes can find a genuinely secure fit. During walks, workouts, and even vigorously shaking my head, these never slipped out of my ears.
There's a small learning curve to seating them correctly the first couple of times, but it becomes second nature quickly.
On the awareness side, this is the entire point of the open-ear format: your ear canal stays completely open, so you hear traffic, conversations, and your environment the whole time you're listening. That's a feature for runners, cyclists, and anyone working from home who wants to stay tuned into the room, but it also means there's no active noise cancellation, and loud outdoor noise or wind will compete with your music. If you need to block out a noisy commute or gym, this isn't the right category for you regardless of which open-ear model you pick.
Vs. Earfun Clip 2: The Earfun Clip 2 sits in a similar budget bracket and is one of the MC2's closest direct rivals. The MC2 pulls ahead on battery life and app polish, and its bass response is noticeably more present. The Clip 2 is a reasonable alternative if you find it on a steep discount, but the overall edge goes to the MC2 for sound and build quality.
Vs. QCY Crossky C50: The Crossky C50 is another budget open-ear option that competes closely on price. It's a fine value pick, but the MC2's IP67 rating, physical buttons, and LDAC support give it a more complete feature set for a similar cost, making it the easier recommendation for most buyers.
Vs. Shokz OpenDots One: This is the aspirational comparison. The OpenDots One costs roughly two to three times as much, and it does hold its composure better at high volumes and in loud outdoor environments. But for the price difference, the MC2 covers the vast majority of what people actually want from open-ear earbuds: comfort, decent bass, long battery life, and a secure fit, without the premium price tag. Unless you specifically need class-leading sound at max volume, the MC2 makes the Shokz price hard to justify.
The Baseus Bowie MC2 doesn't try to dethrone Bose or Shokz on outright sound quality, and it doesn't need to. What it does is take the open-ear format and make it accessible at a price where trying it out doesn't feel like a gamble. The comfort is genuinely excellent, the battery life is great, the app is clean, and the IP67 rating gives you durability most clip-on buds in this range don't offer. If you've been curious about open-ear listening or just want all-day comfort without spending premium money, the Bowie MC2 is an easy recommendation.
Thanks for reading!
Last week, Boy George released “We Will Dance Again,” a reggae song that he made in support of Israel’s campaign of genocide. The song itself denies the term “genocide,” and Boy George claims that he made it with AI. Fucking gross! As you might imagine, the backlash was swift. Boy George was removed from his role in the current London Palladium production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and he says that he fired Tony Pontius, former manager of his Boy George Presents label, after Pontius refused to release the track. Now, Bandcamp has removed “We Will Dance Again.”
The post Bandcamp Removes Boy George’s AI Pro-Israel Reggae Song appeared first on Stereogum.
New York’s legendary underground rock label Tee Pee Records is thrilled to announce the release of ‘In Dreams‘, the highly anticipated sophomore album from Pittsburgh-based quartet Sweat. Following their critically acclaimed 2023 debut ‘Who Do They Think They Are?‘ (review here), Sweat return with renewed swagger, soul, and hard-rocking ambition on latest single ‘Hilary’. Blending […]
The post Swiss American Rock Sensations Sweat Return with New Album + Single appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.
Upcoming Metal Releases: 8/2/26 – 8/8/26
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Guitarist John 5 has announced that his solo band, The Creatures, will feature Wednesday 13 on vocals for the summer/fall 2027 touring season — the first time John 5’s live band has ever included a vocalist. The collaboration, billed as John 5 And The Creatures Featuring Wednesday 13, will span John 5’s musical history, drawing material from his stints with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Mötley Crüe and David Lee Roth, alongside selections from his solo catalog. The first confirmed show is a slot at Wacken Open Air, the legendary festival held July 28–31, 2027 in Wacken, Germany; more dates will be announced.
John 5 said: “I’ve really missed playing these songs that for years were so much a part of my life. Having such an amazing showman as Wednesday 13 join me will ensure the performances are killer. And to have the first show we announce be the Wacken festival in 2027 is truly awesome.”
Wednesday 13 said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be sharing the stage with John 5. He has been such a staple in the music world and is one of the best, and most respected guitarists out there. John and I have been friends for years and we have toured together with our bands going all the way back to 2010.
“All the projects he’s been involved with over the years, are all of my favorite bands, and have been such an influence on me. To be able to sing some of these songs along with him is really a true honor. I really can’t wait to get out on the road next year.”
John 5 has spent more than 30 years as one of the most in-demand guitarists in hard rock and metal, having shared stages and studios with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meat Loaf and Dolly Parton, among others. He has been a member of Mötley Crüe since 2004 and has released more than a dozen solo albums under his own name. His most recent solo effort, Ghost, arrived in October 2025. 2026 saw John 5 tour with Mötley Crüe as well as undertaking a solo European run spanning the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
Wednesday 13 has built a reputation as one of horror rock’s most distinctive voices, earning the nickname “The Duke of Spook” through decades of theatrical performance blending horror imagery with punk rock and metal. He rose to wider recognition through Murderdolls — his project alongside the late Joey Jordison of Slipknot — and through his eponymous solo career.
The post JOHN 5 AND THE CREATURES Featuring WEDNESDAY 13 Announce Summer/Fall 2027 Tour appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.
The song begins with the quirky beats of a Charleston, setting the stage for what’s to come. The guitar starts softly, gradually increasing energy levels with a sharp riff that catches the listener’s attention. This opening sound is striking and unambiguous. Recorded live on a 4-track recorder, it presents a sense of authenticity often missing in contemporary music production.
“Morning, NOON and Night (Platano Macho)” exudes nostalgic vibes, evoking a raw, punk rock feel reminiscent of earlier times. The energetic essence of the track envelops the listener in a way that feels instinctive. In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and digital sounds, this artistic vision stands out as a breath of fresh air.
The immediate impact of the track can be compared to the raw energy of influential bands from the past, like The Clash. This song bursts forth with a minimalist approach, showcasing the instrumental synergy between guitar and drums in a manner that calls to mind the style of The White Stripes.
The collaboration between Chris Mitchard on vocals and Ed Calvert on drums is solid. Their chemistry brings forth an electrifying atmosphere. The simplicity of the song’s construction is invigorating and appealing. The back vocals complement the primary melody at just the right moments, enhancing its overall effect. These additional layers bring depth without overwhelming the track’s raw energy.
The pairing of vocals and lively instrumentation showcases Mitchard’s vocal dynamism. His voice, while simple, filters through the energetic backdrop seamlessly. Meanwhile, Calvert’s drumming maintains a pulsing rhythm that drives the song forward, blending perfectly with the guitar riffs.
What stands out is the song’s ability to capture the essence of lost eras while forming its own unique identity. This synthesis of different musical influences is executed splendidly, creating an engaging experience for listeners.
From start to finish, “Morning, NOON and Night (Platano Macho)” is a delightful discovery. It combines the vibrancy of the past with a modern perspective. It is easy to see why this track is recommended for anyone seeking a genuine musical experience.
Leathers presents a riveting offering with this single, encapsulating raw rock energy with a modern twist. The collaboration between Mitchard and Calvert creates an environment ripe for emotive connection. This song promises to resonate with anyone who appreciates the passions evoked by straightforward, energetic music.
What remains clear is that Leathers has made a significant impact with this track. It stands as a celebration of musical authenticity, making it a noteworthy addition to any playlist.
Energetic
If you love this music: Discover MoreFor fans of:
The Clash • The White Stripes
The post Leathers Morning,NOON and night(platano macho) Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.