Minds Behind the Music News, Reviews & Views

“Savage”

by Pacificaze

Perhaps this says more about my age than anything else, but the moment I pressed play, I was transported straight back to the nineties. Maybe it’s the driving energy, the surf-rock-infused sound, the organic production, or the restrained yet absolutely stunning vocal performance—or maybe it’s simply because the track is just that good. Either way, it hardly matters. What does matter is something I’m sure most of us can agree on: the song is sublime.

I’ve always been amazed at how much a band can achieve with relatively straightforward instrumentation when they truly know what they’re doing. Listen to the tight unison accents throughout, and to the superb guitar work which, believe it or not, pays clear homage to the likes of The Shadows. I love the gentle middle eight, as well as the carefully crafted crescendos and diminuendos woven into the arrangement. And the sixties-flavoured chord progression and vocal melody in the chorus? Absolutely disarming.

For fans of melodic, West Coast–styled pop-rock, it doesn’t get much better than “Savage.” And while you’re listening, be sure to check out “Short Life,” another terrific track by Pacificaze.

Listen here: “Savage”

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Review by staff at MBTM

“Spell On Me”

SJ Hill

Now I truly love this track. From the very first notes of “Spell On Me,” you can tell it’s going to be something special—and when the vocals come in, you can’t help but smile because it just sounds so incredibly good. There’s a hint of John Mayer in the phrasing, a touch of Stevie Wonder in the soulfulness, and you can also sense influences like Jeff Buckley and Dave Matthews woven into the performance.

The theme of the song is timeless. Relationships are complicated—perhaps especially so for outspoken bluesmen: “She’s Jekyll and she’s Hyde, she’s a woman and a child.” Yet Hill’s soulful, blues-infused delivery makes the lyric resonate beautifully rather than feel clichéd. In the film Crossroads, Willie Brown says, “Blues ain’t nothing but a good man feeling bad.” I’ve always thought that was an apt definition of the genre. And if that truly captures the essence of the blues, then SJ Hill embodies it perfectly here.

“Spell On Me” is a superb blues-tinged pop-rock track—both timeless and compelling. It’s hard to imagine anyone not being won over by it.

Listen here: "Spell On Me"

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Review by staff at MBTM

“Emotion Ocean”

by Bear Jr

“Emotion Ocean” is one of those tracks that captures the very core of quality alternative rock: soaring guitars, powerful vocals, and a dynamic arrangement. It’s all delivered in a polished production that recalls great acts of the past, such as Creed, Alter Bridge, and Nickleback.

The lyrics are introspective, painting vivid snapshots of everyday life—coffee stains on your shoes, traffic jams, getting laid off. It’s powerful material that many of us can relate to. I know I can. Over the years, I’ve found myself lost in my own “emotion ocean” more than once. The real challenge, I suppose, is learning not to drown in those moments, no matter how hard it can be to stay afloat.

“Emotion Ocean” is an alt-rock gem. It feels distinctly late ’90s to early 2000s—and that’s meant as high praise. This was a time when music was driven by real instruments and carried genuine lyrical and emotional weight, something that can no longer be taken for granted.

Listen here: "Emotion Ocean"

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Review by staff at MBTM

“Reverie”

by Re:O

“Reverie” by the Japanese-British outfit Re:O is a cinematic, dreamlike, and atmospheric single that—for lack of a better phrase—absolutely kicks ass. Drawing on elements of J-pop, alt-rock, and goth pop, it delivers exotic flair in abundance, heightened by the fact that it's sung in Japanese.

It’s an impressive undertaking from start to finish. Lead singer Rio Suyama delivers a stunning vocal performance, surrounded by soaring melodic guitar lines, inventive synth textures, and raw, driving rhythms. What stands out most is how seamlessly the band blends electronic elements with rock instrumentation. Their sound feels distinctly their own, and the use of Japanese adds yet another layer, making the listening experience all the more immersive and unique.

“Reverie” is a fantastic offering from Re:O—a treat for fans of hard rock and alternative rock alike. More, please.

Listen here: "Reverie"

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Review by staff at MBTM

“Memories”
by Every Other Weekend

Personal upheaval often drives artists to create their most exceptional work, and Every Other Weekend—the current musical project of Manchester songwriter Chris Bull—seems to be no exception.

After years of adversity—including the loss of his father, the breakdown of his marriage, and the end of his former band, City Reign—Bull’s latest single feels less like a commercial bid and more like a page torn from his personal diary. His intimate, beautifully unfiltered vocals transform the listening experience into something conversational. It feels as though you’re sharing a glass of wine with him, caught in a strikingly honest and introspective moment.

Musically, “Memories” is rooted in acoustic indie pop-rock. There’s nothing trend-chasing about it—quite the opposite. The song deliberately avoids excessive production, and that restraint is precisely what makes it feel so real and authentic. Acoustic guitars drive the track forward while their electric counterparts add a gentle jangle. The drums and bass are tightly interwoven, providing a subtle but steady foundation. Oh … and I particularly appreciate the George Harrison-esque chord choices in the chorus—impressive work by any standard.

Anyone who has a palate for organic sounding, melodic pop-rock will love “Memories” by Every Other Weekend. It’s very good indeed.

Listen here: "Memories"

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Review by staff at MBTM

“Only This Song”

by Pam Messer

“Only This Song” feels intimate in the best way — like a quiet confession shared with a close friend. The lyric circles one burning question most of us have faced at least a few times in our lives: what if this moment is all we get? And, of course, very often that is exactly the case. Fortune favours the brave — something experience has taught me (and others with enough life under their belts) time and again.

Pam Messer’s beautiful vocals rest on a carefully crafted production, enhanced by absolutely gorgeous orchestration. This is cinematic pop at its very best. And those drums? They lift the song at exactly the right moments, adding drive, momentum, and emotional weight.

“Only This Song” is a strong offering from Messer and a welcome reminder of just how good high-quality pop can be. It's a triumph. Enjoy.

Listen here: "Only This Song"

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Review by staff at MBTM

“Sweetheart”

by Zachary Mason

It took me a while — and many repeat listens — to make the connection between the classic rock influences that Zachary Mason’s “Sweetheart” draws from. And trust me, once you hear it, it can’t be unheard. Vocally, the track channels T. Rex, while musically it pays homage to Neil Young & Crazy Horse. It’s a clever and effective brew that Mr. Mason has cooked up. There’s also a hint of Bob Dylan in there… maybe even a touch of Tom Petty. I suppose it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that this is a stellar alt-rock track.

There’s a lot to love production wise. Opening with just vocals and guitar is a smart move — it leaves plenty of room for the song to grow, which it does gradually as the bass and drums come into play. Crucially, Mason stays faithful to the era the track represents: the ’90s. It would have been easy to overload the coda with layers of keyboards and stacked vocal harmonies, but he resists that temptation. He understands that less is more, opting instead for some fiery guitar solos. A perfect choice.

“Sweetheart” is a fantastic offering from Zachary Mason, tackling the power of love — hardly a new subject, but one that few handle as well as this 28-year-old Guildford rocker. If you have a soft spot for ’90s alt-rock, this track is for you.

Listen here: "Sweetheart"

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Review by staff at MBTM

“In A Heartbeat”

by Shaky

Great melodies, fantastic guitars and some pretty damn good vocals. “In A Heartbeat” by Shaky is timeless — the kind of music that never truly goes out of fashion. As long as there’s an audience for compelling, catchy alternative pop-rock, there will be an audience for bands like Shaky. And I wouldn’t have it any other way because I genuinely love Shaky’s new single.

Although Shaky is a one-man band rather than a four- or five-piece outfit, “In a Heartbeat” sounds like the real deal. Unless you were told otherwise, you’d assume this was a full band —that’s how authentic it sounds. The guitar-driven production is excellent: I love the dry drum sound, and there are just enough keyboards to lift the track without tipping it into an 80s pop-rock circus. In other words, it’s a tasteful, well-balanced production that feels modern while retaining a classic edge.

Fans of 90s pop-rock, or bands like Rooney and Green Day, will treasure this release. It’s as simple as that. “In a Heartbeat” is a brilliant record.

Listen here: "In A Heartbeat"

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Review by staff at MBTM

"Climbing Over Bodies"

by Nihilists

Nihilists have released a song that is mystic, ultra-melodic, cleverly produced, and timeless. There’s a dash of the sixties in it, touches of new wave, and even a faint hint of nineties power pop woven in. In any case, this is what indie rock should sound like. It’s far more intriguing than anything the mainstream is currently offering, yet it remains highly tuneful and compelling.

Not ones for subtle metaphors, the imagery the group uses is direct, strong, and cynical. “I’ll be climbing over bodies in the snow” is a powerful line, especially for northerners like me. And that’s far from the only lyric that stops you in your tracks. The central theme revolves around a cold, harsh world where “God won’t provide.” It’s a brilliant and accurate—if slightly bleak—take on the uncomfortable reality we’re all forced to live in and witness on TV every time the news comes on.

As much as I like the lyrics, it’s the music that truly blows you away with its harsh textures and claustrophobic intensity. The vocals carry a definite Ian Curtis vibe, while the sound – fusing impressive guitar work with hard-hitting keyboards – is simply terrific. The marching drums and well-judged diminuendos featuring acoustic guitars stand out as particular highlights. What can I say? It’s an immensely impressive undertaking from this Manchester/Hope Valley outfit.

Nihilists’ new single, “Climbing Over Bodies” isn’t necessarily designed to be liked; it’s designed to be felt. And whether you walk away impressed or disturbed, Nihilists make sure you don’t walk away indifferent — something that places this among the best alt-rock tracks I’ve heard in a long time.

Listen here: "Climbing Over Bodies"

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Review by staff at MBTM