“Lately” by Shapes Like People

We’ve reviewed the husband-and-wife duo Shapes Like People before, and now they’re back with another strong offering titled “Lately” — a gorgeous slice of retro pop with shimmering guitars and lush harmonies. You can hear echoes of The Everly Brothers, The Beatles, and The Byrds, with even a hint of Phil Spector’s famed Wall of Sound woven into the mix.

“Lately” is a superb composition built around an irresistible melody. The arrangement feels warm and tender, and I have to say, the guitar riff that opens and closes the song is absolutely wonderful — the kind of figure George Harrison might have crafted circa 1965. In fact, the song itself could easily have been written in the mid-sixties. It wouldn’t have sounded at all out of place on The Byrds’ Fifth Dimension or Younger Than Yesterday. And that’s the highest compliment I can offer, as that remains my favourite era in popular music.

Go give these guys a listen — and be honest: when was the last time music sounded this good?

Listen here: "Lately"

Explore further:

Shapes Like People Bandcamp

Shapes Like People Facebook

Shapes Like People Spotify

Shapes Like People Soundcloud

Shapes Like People YouTube

Shapes Like People Instagram

Review by staff at MBTM

The Ballad of Lucy Jordan by AC Scott

Written by Shel Silverstein and originally performed by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show in 1974, The Ballad of Lucy Jordan was a Friday night staple in my parents’ house when I was growing up. I mention this because it was never a favourite of mine — until now — and I have AC Scott to thank for that. She hasn’t just made the track her own; she has delivered a definitive version of this classic, which is, by the way, incredibly difficult to do. Many have tried before her, and each has fallen short.

AC Scott’s rendition is a bone-chilling and absolutely brilliant ballad. Performed with just piano and her emotive vocal — hitting every nuance at exactly the right moment — the result is mesmerising. Although the arrangement is sparse, nothing feels absent. It’s intimate, honest, and authentic. Scott’s delivery reflects a life fully lived: the hardships, personal struggles, tears, and joys.

A former DJ and broadcaster who turned to music after her health collapsed, writing her first song in 2023, Scott is only just beginning her career. She’s a powerful reminder that talent can lie dormant until it surfaces at a crossroads in life. Check out her catalogue on Spotify — it’s pretty amazing.

Listen here: “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan”

Explore further:

AC Scott website

AC Scott Facebook

AC Scott X

AC Scott Spotify

AC Scott YouTube

AC Scott Instagram

AC Scott TikTok

Review by staff at MBTM

“Fire” by Blade of Thorns

Direct and unguarded, “Fire” by Blade of Thorns hits like a shockwave, its pounding drums and crashing guitars landing squarely in the chest. It reminds us of two things. First, that organic, high-quality alt-rock is still absolutely electrifying. Second, that it’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of Creed to the genre’s evolution — the band that helped bring what was once marginal music into the mainstream.

Many bands swim in the same musical waters as Blade of Thorns, but few do so with this level of conviction. What distinguishes “Fire” from similar releases is its ability to match the quality, attitude, and drive of the very bands it pays homage to. It fuses self-destruction, pain, and suffering into an irresistibly charged sonic bullet that no fan of indie or alternative rock will want to dodge. The vocals — strongly reminiscent of Scott Stapp — are commanding and emotive, supported by hard-hitting guitar riffs and perfectly placed drum accents. What’s not to like?

All told, “Fire” is an intense, emotionally honest piece of music from Blade of Thorns — one that blends aggressive instrumentation with moments of vulnerability, translating both into a compelling and fully realised rock-metal statement.

Listen here: "Fire"

Explore further:

Blade of Thorns website

Blade of Thorns Spotify

Blade of Thorns YouTube

Blade of Thorns Instagram 

Blade of Thorns TikTok

Review by staff at MBTM

“To Nothing” by Harsh Language

On “To Nothing,” Harsh Language choose atmosphere over flash—and it pays off. The track carries a moody, late-night feel that places them somewhere between the brooding synth drama of Depeche Mode and the heavy, emotional swell of Deftones. Truth be told, I can even hear shades of one of my all-time favourites, Rialto. And yet it never feels like a mash-up. Instead, it sounds like a band fully locked into what they do best—which is always a great thing.

Lyrically, “To Nothing” taps into frustration and disillusionment, particularly with those in power and the systems surrounding us. Musically, it pushes boundaries, blending electronic pop with shoegaze and alt-rock textures: the guitars hover rather than riff, the drums pulse with restraint, and the synths bloom at the edges of the mix. Then there are the vocals—strong, introspective, and defiant—adding both depth and accessibility.

With this release, Harsh Language deliver an outstanding offering, weaving goth-leaning textures into an alt-rock framework that feels both contemporary and nostalgic. If you’re a fan of any of the genres mentioned above, “To Nothing” deserves a spot on your playlist—add it today.

Listen here: “To Nothing”

Explore further:

Harsh Language Facebook

Harsh Language Spotify

Harsh Language Soundcloud

Harsh Language Bandcamp

Harsh Language YouTube

Harsh Language Instagram

Harsh Language website

Harsh Language TikTok

Review by staff at MBTM

“Hallayoola” by Euplasia

“Hallayoola” is an upbeat pop-rock offering with a carefree spirit. It’s built around thumping drums, chiming guitars, and a nineties groove that drives the song forward with infectious energy.

It’s very much in the vein of bands like The Housemartins or Del Amitri, which I mean as the highest praise. What’s noteworthy is that Euplasia is every bit as good as the legendary groups they are paying homage to. I don’t care what anyone says. This is jangly ’80s/’90s British indie-pop at its very best: playful lyrics, fantastic melodies, great guitars … it’s fun, warm, danceable, and immediately catchy.

“Hallayoola” is a small, joyous celebration packed into under four minutes. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a ride to work. It’ll chase away your blues and inject you with energy and positivity. Enjoy.

Listen here: “Hallayoola”

Explore further:

Euplasia Spotify

Euplasia YouTube

Euplasia Instagram

Review by staff at MBTM

 

 

“Justice For All” by Dr. Evangelos Viazis

With his latest single, “Justice For All,” Greek composer and electronic artist Dr. Evangelos Viazis stakes a claim in the realm of dramatic, message-driven music—and he does so exceptionally well. It’s an impressive undertaking.

Blending sweeping orchestral grandeur with modern, hard-hitting electronic production, the track carries an epic, even anthemic, quality. What’s not to like? The vocals are fantastic, the production is cinematic, and the lyrics resonate. By exploring universal themes such as equity and resilience, Viazis taps into ideas that are both timely and timeless—concepts we can all relate to.

“Justice For All” is a brilliant offering from Viazis, one that will most likely find its way onto a plethora of playlists.

Listen here: “Justice For All”

Explore further:

Dr. Evangelos Viazis Facebook

Dr. Evangelos Viazis X

Dr. Evangelos Viazis Spotify

Dr. Evangelos Viazis YouTube

Dr. Evangelos Viazis Instagram

Dr. Evangelos Viazis TikTok

Review by staff at MBTM

“Rewrite The Road” by Ulrich Jannert

“Rewrite The Road” by Ulrich Jannert is an introspective anthem about personal growth and second chances, reminding us that while we can’t change the past, we can choose the direction of our future.

Built around a cinematic piano motif, warm, layered production, and subtle rhythmic textures, the song blends soul rock with touches of folk and Americana. Like the previous Jannert tracks we’ve reviewed, this one truly shines. It boasts a memorable melody and thoughtful lyrics—and although I’ve said it before, it bears repeating: Jannert has a phenomenal voice. He’s one of those rare singers who can infuse his delivery with both vulnerability and bravado, a combination that makes his music hard to resist.

“Rewrite The Road” is a polished, heartfelt offering that not only gets your foot tapping but also invites you to reflect on your own life and the choices you’ve made—precisely what meaningful lyrics are meant to do. It gives listeners more than just phonetically pleasing words to sing along to; it offers substance and resonance.

I’d also encourage you to explore the full EP that the song opens—it’s a truly spectacular release. And while you’re at it, take some time to dive into the artist’s entire catalog. You won’t be disappointed.

Listen here: “Rewrite The Road”

Explore further:

Ulrich Jannert Spotify

Ulrich Jannert Instagram

Review by staff at MBTM

“Smooth Skin” by The Couriers 

My son asked me the other day what quiet confidence is all about. It was a difficult question to answer — trying to define it feels like drawing a line in water. At what point does quiet confidence become so quiet that it’s hard to tell whether it stems from fear of speaking up rather than from the kind of self-assurance that doesn’t need to force its point? I wish I had simply told my youngest to listen to “Smooth Skin” by The Couriers as an example of quiet confidence. He would have understood its essence immediately.

Built around warm, finger-picked guitar lines and hushed dynamics, “Smooth Skin” is about as intimate as folk-pop gets. Rather than layering on dramatic flourishes, The Couriers go for simplicity — soft harmonies, acoustic guitars, subtle instrumental interplay, and a spacious arrangement — to carry much of the emotional weight. The harmonies, in particular, are a highlight: beautifully layered and deeply evocative, they convey much of the song’s longing and nostalgia. Yet as strong as the arrangement is, it’s the melody that truly steals the show — at least to these ears. It’s irresistible, and quite simply put, beautiful.

The Couriers’ new track serves as a captivating introduction to their sound: warm, harmony-rich, and emotionally resonant. It’s a song that lingers in the mind, thanks to its gentle restraint and heartfelt delivery. This is music that leaves a lasting impression. Enjoy.

Listen here: "Smooth Skin"

Explore further:

The Couriers Facebook

The Couriers Spotify

The Couriers YouTube

The Couriers Instagram

The Couriers TikTok

Review by staff at MBTM