Matt Gluf

Quarters of Change, the New York City quartet comprising Ben Acker, Attila Anrather, Jasper Harris, and Ben Roter, unleashes their lastest rock album "Portraits." Blending nineties-style alternative hooks, crunchy space rock soundscapes, and seventies grooves, the band has earned millions of streams, sold-out shows, and critical acclaim. Following successful EPs and the full-length debut "Into The Rift" in 2022, Quarters of Change gained notable fans like Joe Jonas and Lewis Capaldi. Now, with the release of "Portraits," Quarters of Change continues their momentum, amplifying energy and distortion, establishing themselves as a phenomenon in the alternative music scene. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys anthem oriented rock from ages past, with a modern update in content and style.

YĪN YĪN's third album, Mount Matsu, marks a captivating evolution for the Dutch quartet. Recorded collectively in their Belgian studio, the album transcends genres, blending influences from Khruangbin to Kraftwerk, surf music to Southeast Asian psychedelia. The lineup change fosters a more democratic creative process, resulting in a sonic kaleidoscope that goes beyond their earlier works. The instrumental tracks, rooted in Southeast Asian psychedelia and funk, showcase the band's willingness to experiment. From off-kilter disco tunes to neo-surf rock anthems and laid-back jams, Mount Matsu is an eclectic journey. The album seamlessly balances dancefloor energy with dulcet tones, making it a mature and adventurous project that I enjoyed multiple times over.

Renowned for the breakout success of singles 'green eyes' and 'waste your time,' Summer Pearl makes a triumphant return with her debut mixtape, outmysystem. Infused with echoes of generational talents like Lauryn Hill but featuring a fresh UK twist, the mixtape beautifully showcases the full spectrum of Summer's talent—soulful and gritty, nostalgic and forward-looking, melancholic and uplifting. Seamlessly blending influences from Soul, Dub, Reggae, Hip-Hop, and Jazz, Summer crafts a distinct and refreshing sound, defining a deeply personal and heartfelt mixtape. This project, a collection of songs spanning three years, reflects on personal growth and a slew of personal experiences.

Minneapolis-based artist Mike Kota unveils her debut EP, Turning a Corner, infused with uplifting words of wisdom centered around love, progress, and gratitude. Characterized by bold and soulful vocals complemented by resonant guitar riffs, the EP takes listeners on a visceral journey of emotional catharsis. The raw intensity of the sound, coupled with Kota's tear-inducing vocal delivery, makes it effortless to immerse oneself in the emotional depth of the music. Can't wait to hear more from Mike Kota.

Embark on a fuzzy daydream with Saya Gray's EP, QWERTY, where glitched singer-songwriter experiments come alive. The EP unfolds like a mesmerizing tapestry, weaving distant piano melodies, bold drum breaks, and vocals adorned with captivating filters. Amidst the diverse sounds and asymmetric song structures, discover an unexplained joy in surrendering to the ebb and flow from one track to another, creating a uniquely satisfying musical journey. Within a world of infinite content feeds and instant connection, QWERTY stands out as a captivating escape.

Netherlands-based artist Cero Ismael returns with his latest EP, Eureka. The release showcases a distinctive R&B-infused sound, weaving a tapestry of emotive spaces with Ismael’s beautiful vocal melodies and thoughtful instrumentation. "Eureka" marks a notable shift towards heightened production quality, diverging from the rap-centric style that characterized Cero's previous work, such as the sound found in Blue Man (2021). This project not only captivates with its soulful vibes but also demonstrates Ismael’s evolution and versatility in exploring new sonic territories.

redveil, also known as Marcus Morton, showcases his impressive talent as both a producer and artist in his entirely self-produced album learn 2 swim. This passionate and inspiring record features bright, soulful samples and an emotionally charged flow with captivating hooks. Drawing heavily from jazz, funk, and soul, redveil's instrumentation creates a sunny and positive vibe while delving into complex themes. Standout tracks like "pg baby" and "morphine" boast hooks that are simply irresistible. If you enjoy this album, be sure to explore his other two self-produced full-length albums, Niagara and Bittersweet Cry.

Kenny Mason's album 6 is just one of the many unique genre-bending projects in his rapidly growing discography. His distinctive sound blends grunge rock, hip-hop, and shoegaze in a way that illicits punk from the early 2000s. To put it simply, Kenny Mason's sound and flow are truly unique in the rap world. Despite receiving acclaim and recognition within the scene for Angelic Hoodrat (2019), I believe Kenny Mason remains a hidden gem in the broader rap landscape. If you're seeking a refreshing change of pace in your rap rotation, do yourself a favor and give Kenny Mason a listen.

I appreciated how the lyrics were more prominent in the mix and how the tone was crunchier and generally more aggressive compared to their previous records, which had a more laid-back and positive vibe. This new, more intense tone and momentum align well with the album's title, "Frog in Boiling Water," which I found fitting. Overall, it’s a solid project. At its worst, it's slightly above average shoe gaze, and at its best, it’s texturally intriguing shoe gaze with bursts of straightforward alternative rock, featuring clear, distinct vocals and melodies.