May Round Up

TOY PARLOUR – Say Something

TOY PARLOUR’s ‘Say Something’ is a blistering dive into alternative metal, bursting with distorted riffs and a thunderous low end that grips from the first beat. Reminiscent of early MUSE with its soaring intensity and dystopian edge, the track layers crushing guitar work over relentless drums, building a wall of sound that’s both chaotic and cathartic. Vocals veer between melodic despair and gritty defiance, giving the track a raw emotional punch.

Skinny Dippers – Breathe

Skinny Dippers’ ‘Breathe’ is a shimmering slice of indie pop that beautifully captures the tension between stress and serenity. As the first single from their upcoming EP, it sets a reflective tone, delicate guitar lines and dreamy synths wrap around earnest vocals that explore the struggle to find stillness in an overwhelming world. There’s a breezy warmth to the track, but it’s laced with emotional depth, making each listen feel like a quiet exhale.

Yoshika Colwell – A Poem About Walking

Angelic and reflective, Yoshika Colwell’s ‘A Poem About Walking’ is a breath of fresh air, a sweet and simple song that quite instantly comes with goosebumps and a single tear slowly growing in the corner of my eye. She delivers on an emotive journey amplified by a soundscape built on sparse instrumentation and stunningly timid vocals that pull us into her latest musical short story. ‘A Poem About Walking’ finds Yoshika meditating on the lowest point of a broken relationship, a sadness which is beautifully echoed in its sound.

Balter – used to be

On ‘used to be’, Balter craft a breezy yet heartfelt slice of summery indie pop that shimmers with nostalgia. Beneath its laid-back, sun-soaked soundscape lies a quiet emotional weight, a sense of longing and reflection that’s rare in indie pop. With jangly guitars, understated vocals, and gentle rhythms, Balter manage to evoke memories of what once was, without ever slipping into sentimentality. It’s a track that feels both familiar and fresh, a reminder that even in simplicity, there’s space for honesty.

Hazlett – tell me something

Hazlett’s tell me something is a raw and tender dive into the quiet ache of heartbreak and the slow journey towards acceptance. With delicate instrumentation and his signature soulful lyricism, Hazlett paints a vivid portrait of emotional unravelling and of what it means to lose someone who once felt like home. The track captures that space between holding on and letting go, it’s an evocative lead single from his upcoming project ‘last night you said you missed me’, and a reminder of Hazlett’s gift for turning deeply human experiences into cinematic songs.

Reuben Medlin – Live My Life Happy

Reuben Medlin’s ‘Live My Life Happy’ is a radiant declaration of hope, resilience, and personal rebirth. The singer-songwriter channels his journey into a song that feels both intimate and uplifting. Written and produced during his recovery of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the single is a turning point, musically bright, emotionally honest, and undeniably cathartic. It captures the moment where pain gives way to purpose, and healing begins to take shape. As the lead track from ‘It’s A Long Walk Home Pt. 2’, it’s a powerful statement from a rising UK talent.

Charles Costa – Emilie

Charles Costa’s ‘Emilie’ is a beautifully bittersweet standout from his acclaimed self-titled album. It’s a dreamy yet defiant reflection on love, loss, and the quiet erosion of identity under societal pressure. With shimmering textures and a wistful tone, the track masks its emotional weight beneath an airy, melodic surface. Costa masterfully weaves together longing and disappointment, offering a love story shaped by constraint and unrealised potential. ‘Emilie’ doesn’t wallow; it uplifts, celebrating sadness as a necessary form of release.

Chas Leman – All In My Mind

Chas Leman’s ‘All In My Mind’ is a shimmering blend of 70’s, 80’s new wave influences with a modern psychedelic twist. Drawing inspiration from icons like Blondie, The Pretenders, and Elvis Costello, the track pays homage to that golden era while carving out its own dreamy, nostalgic space. It’s the seventh single ahead of Leman’s debut full-length album and it’s clear he’s been steadily building a sound that’s both retro and refreshingly original. With jangly guitars, hazy textures, and an ear for melody, ‘All In My Mind’ captures a mood that lingers.

Helgar – Second-Hand Lives

Helgar’s debut single ‘Second-Hand Lives’ is a haunting, atmospheric meditation on emotional disconnection and quiet resilience. Emerging from Reykjavík’s indie scene, Helgar blends layered guitars, ambient synths, and introspective lyrics to craft a sound that sits gracefully between indie rock and ethereal pop. The track captures the subtle weight of unspoken struggles and the ache of conformity, all delivered with a cinematic touch.

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