Browsing Tag

Failure

Nostalgic Smells filtered emo through a grunge lens in his third release, On an Axis

Nostalgic Smells’ latest single, On an Axis, is an ennui-loaded continuation of the sludged-up rancour introduced in his 2024 debut single, Glimmer. The distinction in this third release lies within the tensile textures of grungy, Deftones-esque hooks that tumultuously pull you along with rhythmically infectious progressions reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine.

David Weir, the independent musician behind Nostalgic Smells, showcased his adeptness at weaving visceral, pulsating progressions with lithe guitar lines that wind sinuously around the rhythm section through On an Axis, which alludes to how easy it is for worlds to be knocked out of kilter. His diaphanous voice works in striking contrast to the grungy instrumentation, creating a dynamic interplay that transforms an aural experience into an emotional connection.

Drawing inspiration from legendary bands like Deftones, Hum, Failure, and Quicksand, Weir leverages his 20 years of experience as a drummer to craft a sound that pays ode to pioneers, while charting his own path by following intersections through grunge, emo and shoegaze.

On an Axis became a discordant presence on the airwaves on June 17th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ATR releases Icarus Died In Vain: It’s loud and the perfect representation of Rock

ATR has dropped their single ‘Icarus Died In Vain’, giving that full on Rock and Roll sound, making sure it’s extremely loud.

Within the first few seconds the chaos begins, amping up the volume giving it that real in your face sound, it’s heavy but in a good way and continues that throughout. Clashing on the drums, the insane shreds on the guitar, giving it this real thunderous instrumentation.

The vocals are fairly rough and harsh, really keeping that loudness the same, piercing through the instrumentation. Having the occasional high-pitched shriek halfway through, it’s dark, fairly peculiar and rather unique, but it’s one hell of a Rock song and one that deserves all the recognition it gets.

Be sure to listen to ATR’s piece because it’s one you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re into music that’s more on the heavy side.

Check out ATR’s single Icarus Died in Vain by heading on over to YouTube.

Review by Karley Myall