Browsing Tag

Southern California

Insomniacs unite around Layla Bina’s grunged-up feat of indie rock, Hypomania (I’m Awake)

Posted on 5 May 2023
https://soundcloud.com/laylabina/sets/hypomania-im-awake-single/s-5cBYpqwFspO?si=d43cf8c6c04a46c99ca9641be3231862&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

For her latest single, Hypomania (I’m Awake), the up-and-coming one-woman powerhouse, Layla Bina grunged up indie rock to send a few postcards to the 90s Seattle sound and Riot Grrrl era while raucously bringing in the future of aural insomniac angst.

The SoCal-born and raised Iranian-American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist doesn’t let her classical vocal training get in the way of delivering rip-roaring vindicating vocal lines that would make her a better match for Kurt Cobain than Courtney. There are plenty of Nirvana nuances to chew on in the catchy chord progressions that will leave you rolling with the punches of her insightful lyricism.

Just as Kathleen Hanna brought feminist theory out of the academic sphere and into the public domain as she created the third wave of feminism, Layla uses her UCLA psychology education to spill insight onto the airwaves and spark conversations around mental health that get pushed under the rug in mainstream discourses. If any alt-rock act deserves to be iconic, it is Layla Bina, who is currently tucked away in the studio recording her debut album with the Grammy Award-winning producer, Josh Monroy.

Stream Hypomania (I’m Awake) from May 5th on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Maybe Its Time: Nick Cody and The Heartache help us find a fresh start on All Kinds Of Crazy (feat. Towse)

Posted on 31 October 2022

Showing us where the genuine moment is to start fresh again, Nick Cody and The Heartache bring us so much true artistry and hope to all our hearts on the delightful new single, All Kinds Of Crazy (feat. Towse).

Nick Cody and The Heartache is a UK-based alternative rock project who is joined by London-based Southern California-born act Towse.

Taken from the 13-track album called All Is Fine ‘Til The World Goes Pop, Nick Cody and The Heartache have dropped a superb song to dance with all night with the whole family. Drenched in so much love and care, this is a terrific song with that pure old school joy wrapped inside the deepest fabric.

All Kinds Of Crazy (feat. Towse) from UK-based alternative rock act Nick Cody and The Heartache is such a sweet song all about thinking about life through a new lense. Despite all the dark times we’ve all faced recently, this is a reminder that warmer days are just around the corner for us all.

When you believe in something enough, there is nothing that can stop that climb to the top of the mountain.

Hear this fine new single on SoundCloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

To Myself: The Lonely People knows what the mission is on No One Else

Posted on 3 October 2022

Dropped in 2020 amid so much uncertainty and fear, The Lonely People light up our emotions and blaze a web of intrigue through heightened feelings and speaker-soaring awesomeness on No One Else.

The Lonely People is a Southern California-based indie alternative electronic/psychedelic rock/shoegaze/hip hop fused outfit.

”The Lonely People have begun building a community of like minded people who value being themselves but not always being social accepted by the crowd usually causing them to be isolated or alone. The band makes it their mission to make sure people know that they are with them and they understand and because theres so many like them out there we are all in this together.” ~ The Lonely People outlining their vision for this incredibly meaningful project

Making music to heal us all from all the worries that can plague our souls when things get a bit too much, The Lonely People are in divine form and might thrill the power socket of anyone who just wants to plug out from the world.

No One Else from the multi-genre Southern California act The Lonely People is a creatively stirring performance that James Bond would be proud to play from his gadget-filled car. Laden with a pulsating beat that will get your blood flow dripping properly, we find ourselves in a nostalgic glow with a dreamy style to take your mind away for a few minutes.

When you’re wrapped into a spell, it’s best to see where it leads.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see more via the IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Tortured Past: Positronic rips the airwaves apart with his speaker-shaking single Close To You

Posted on 3 September 2022

After previously deciding that the negative energies in the band world weren’t for him, Positronic shows us all his synth-pop potency on a new track that shall set you free on Close To You.

Positronic is a Michael McDannold-created electronic act that is all about the positive vibrations and was formed in the Inland Empire, Southern California.

”Michael’s vision is one of positivity and levity, believing that music should bring joy, not sadness and depression.” ~ Michael McDannold speaking about his uplifting project

Surging with a thunderbolt of creative energy, Positronic feels that sickness deep within that has cast a shadow over the previously vibrant light with a quite stunning performance. Wondering why the shadow can’t pass away into the darkness, this is a single to play loud when you want to be right next to that special soul you miss terribly, despite the risks involved.

Close To You from the Inland Empire, Southern California-based indie electronic solo artist and music producer Positronic is a cloud-gazing anthem for anyone who loves music that sends you back to the 80s, but with a fresh modern twist. Urging us to let go of anything that isn’t assisting in the peace to form all over our souls, this is a deep message that will cause many hearts to flutter.

Despite all the previous pain, sometimes we just want to be with that one human.

Listen up to this fine song on Spotify and see more via the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Isaiah Moss doesn’t want to be hurt for too much longer on ‘Grave’

Posted on 18 July 2022

Knowing that his sore heart has grown rather tired of this troubling game of distance, Isaiah Moss shows us so deeply inside his current mental state with a song that might make you shiver in fear with ‘Grave‘.

Isaiah Moss aka Jaden Kim is a Southern California, USA-born indie alternative solo singer-songwriter who formulates music that is refreshingly different.

”Moss’ sound is best described as having the grandeur of a Floyd composition, the soul chops of an early Kanye record, and the technical competency of a five-year-old.” ~ Isaiah Moss

With a courageously intense story that is brooding and shall put your entire mood into a different mindset from before, Isaiah Moss is a performer who puts it all on the line each time and rips the plaster off with a raw display you can’t explain unless you listen loud.

‘Grave‘ from Southern California, USA-born indie alternative solo singer-songwriter Isaiah Moss is a troubling single that is all about being in a relationship that feels so cold and loveless from the other side. Feeling used and taken for a fool is the message that entails a unique vocal experience from someone who has bravely made such a personal song.

Knowing when you need to walk away before you slide down too far is the quest that many find while others don’t.

Soak your perspective on the road through intrigue on Spotify and see more via the IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Just Live: South California act Hvnted return on fast-paced new single ‘The Fool’

Posted on 5 October 2021

With a full-blooded bounce that wakes you up from your previous pandemic-educed slumber, Hvnted returns with a story all about never being ‘The Fool‘.

Hvnted is a Southern California born, raised and based indie rock band. They make that kind of real music which has been designed to help us all cope with any hurt, fear and sadness, we might have been feeling lately.

”Whether it’s been traveling as a band or back home, locked in our rehearsal space, we’ve met a lot of interesting people and we’ve had to deal with our share of heartache and hardship. But, we believe that these experiences have made us stronger and brought us closer together.” ~ Hvnted

Fused with the quick flick of a hungry match that wants to fire up proceedings, this is a heat-filled track with lots to lather into as you look for an escape from the dull world. There is explosive energy on all corners, as you lay back and let the lyrics guide you into a different world from before.

”Our music has been a way for us to express ourselves and get it out. Our music has given us a voice. And, although these things have been pretty tough to deal with, we’ve found relief in writing about our struggles and playing our music together.” ~ Hvnted

‘The Fool‘ from the Southern California indie rock band Hvnted, is a full volume-d assault on the sizzling speakers that keeps up the impressive consistency the whole way though. With a stunning escapade that is filled with passionate vocals and a band that never lets up, this is a track to play real loud when you need to jump around and get back into your own skin again.

Stream this new single on Spotify and see more news via the IG music channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

He’s Ready: Southern Californian rock artist Rudy G drops debut single ‘Finally An Escrow Jay’

Posted on 5 September 2021

As he turns the page on the past and moves up to the heights which he wants to reach, Rudy G sounds rather inspired as he flies freely after being caged up for too long on ‘Finally An Escrow Jay‘.

Rudy G is an experienced Southern California-based indie rock artist, multi-instrumentalist and music producer. After being involved in various projects over the past decade, he is ready to kick-start his solo career and sounds in inspired form here.

”His passion began when he discovered the electric guitar in high school, the high-energy antics of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the emotionally intense artistry of Nirvana, later discovering the creative forces of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles.” ~ Rudy G

As he sings with an unwavering purposeful vigor, this is a skilled musician who performs like a man on a mission. Each lyric is meaningful and his soundscape is one that is clearly influenced for his love of all things rock and punk. It feels like Rudy is keen to make up for lost time – as he plays with a strong-willed style – that is full of gutsy perseverance, which streams like a gushing lake all over this debut release.

”It’s a metaphor that entails the side of us that always wishes to break the mold that binds us to complacency. We need to build the courage within us to pursue our dreams and passions. We need to do what we believe is right, despite the opposition.” ~ Rudy G

‘Finally An Escrow Jay‘ from the highly motivated Southern California indie rock solo artist and music producer Rudy G, is a track with renewed energy from an energetic artist with an extra bit of fire in his belly. He sings and plays with that unflinching style which totally enhances his aura, as he pertinaciously explodes into our minds to show us what is possible if you want it enough.

Believing in what is right, is the way to feeling free inside your soul.

Hear this new single on Spotify and check out the IG music page for more news.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

People Come And Go: Southern California’s Audrey Scout drops break-up fueled debut single ‘That’s Embarrassing’

Posted on 22 August 2021

Taking theme inspirations from the 70’s after a recent breakup that shocked her system, Audrey Scout realized her true self-worth on a reflective single which has you admiring her promising debut named ‘That’s Embarrassing‘.

Audrey Scout is a nineteen-years-young multi-skilled indie country/pop/folk singer-songwriter from Santa Clarita in Southern California. This high achiever is a high school’s talent show winner, current college student and pianist who sings with an old soul mentality, who has a pure vocal ability from the top drawer.

”Along with the petty lyrics, it is perfect for singing at the top of your lungs and jamming out to with your friends down the freeway.” ~ Audrey Scout

People will come and into your life suddenly and attempt to fleece you of your treasured innocence so they can greedily add it to their fake chain of misdeeds – when actually all they are doing is building up that karma – which will strike them where it hurts when the time is right. This is the message of moving past all the past doubts and believing in your path, as you learn how to be wiser but to never lose what makes you special.

With sweetly textured vocals that feels honey-dipped and made with that rare love – you feel warm inside your thoughtful body and almost relieved that she has made this track – to set herself free and break away from the plastic waste that could of held onto her forever.

‘That’s Embarrassing‘ from the sparkling Southern California-based indie-country/pop/folk singer-songwriter, painter and keen hiker Audrey Scout, is the story of taking some time out to ponder what happened after a rough breakup. You have processed things and realized that you weren’t at fault and will learn from being played by a selfish person, who will have to answer for their mistake, not you.

Sung with a real sense of a purpose from a wildly talented artist with a real future, this is an underground gem we need to show love to right now.

Hear this highly promising single on Spotify and see more new about this wonderful talent on her IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Can Still Feel You In My Chest: Southern California’s NORSWRTHY fights determinedly to be free on ‘Claws’

Posted on 11 June 2021

With his much-anticipated debut EP ‘Ghost of California‘ scheduled for late 2021, the well-respected NORSWRTHY sharpens up with a subtlety impressive edge as he fully focuses on his music expression, on the cinematic-like great 2nd single release called ‘Claws‘.

Stephen “Norswrthy” Schofield aka NORSWRTHY, is a remarkable Southern Californian-based indie singer-songwriter, composer, and music producer. After years of working with other artists in various creative forms, he confidently swoops in to do something that has been on his mind for a long time.

”Originally known for his photography in LOWFIELD, Stephen has been well established in the music industry having created album art for artists like Pharrell, Halsey, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Hailee Steinfeld, Rich The Kid and more.” – NORSWRTHY

He sings so effortlessly with such a piercing style that has you captivated the whole way through, as his stylish voice and terrific lyrics are backed up with a sound that feels like you are in another world. His energy is rather momentous and you click out of reality and move into a place where he wants to be – but knows that to be free again – he needs to forget and move on from the past. This is easier said than done – as the memories stain your mind like sticky blood on a much-loved shirt – when you know that the new path is probably best now.

‘Claws‘ from the multi-skilled Southern California-based NORSWRTHY, is a highly impressive release from an obviously talented artist. Nothing might be ever good enough in his mind – but to us mere mortals – this is something really outstanding.

Hear this striking new single on Spotify and have a look at his IG music page for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

That Extra Hunger: The Mantra Discord dive in with catchy debut single ‘Impressions’

Posted on 1 June 2021

As they pierce your frail speakers with a performance that will leave you awe-struck with emotions, The Mantra Discord craftily flow into our thoughtful minds with their first single called ‘Impressions‘.

The Mantra Discord is a super hungry instrumental/math-rock/experimental duo from the busy streets of Southern California.

With a supremely intricate start to proceedings, this is stacked full of wonderful guitar-driven solos that revs up your engine – this unique piece has you captivated by its every turn – as you feel like you are in a melancholic state of mind, full of darkness in your room, as you find the light again.

”What separates us from other math-rock bands is that we have included strings to give our music a fuller sound and different elements just looking to explore more melancholic melodies and darker atmospheres. We take influences from modern instrumental rock bands such as Chon, Polyphia, plini, Elephant Gym, and Covet, while also listening to other bands like the Fall of Troy and Oceans Ate Alaska to give a more darker and a little heavier fill to our music.” – The Mantra Discord

‘Impressions‘ from the highly creative Southern California instrumental math-rock duo The Mantra Discord, is a debut track that will have you feeling you have just listened to something so different from the rest. The high skill level of this motivated duo is a blessing to the ears, as they bring us a dazzling display of musicianship to remember.

Stream this brand new vision on Spotify and see more news via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen