We’ve reviewed songs by Paul Gehl before, and with each new release I’ve said the same thing: Gehl is an artist who just keeps getting better and better. Well, guess what? I’m going to say it again.


The familiar influences shine through. It’s Ozzy Osbourne–era Black Sabbath jamming with Led Zeppelin. But as his earlier releases have proven, Gehl’s music is never mere pastiche. There’s a distinctive sound here, along with production choices that feel unmistakably “Gehlesque.” I love the guitar work, the ghostly yet compelling vocals (the octave singing works wonders), and the way the choruses seem to float. And why change a winning formula? It would be madness.


"Devils and Demons" finds Gehl in a moody frame of mind. Although the production is relatively slick, he still manages to keep things raw and atmospheric, allowing the reflective lyrics to carry the weight and guide us through the darker corners of his thoughts.


It’s hard to imagine any hard rock fan not enjoying this. “Devils and Demons” reinforces Gehl’s strength as an honest songwriter, reminding us that sometimes the most compelling rock songs are the ones that let life experience speak the loudest. It’s clear Gehl has walked the walk—because songs like this don’t come from anywhere else. It's a terrific track.


Listen here: "Devils and Demons"


Research further:

Paul Gehl Spotify

Paul Gehl YouTube


Review by staff at MBTM


"Favourite View" by Charlie Ward


One of the musical movements from the past that I miss the most is the American singer-songwriter wave of the late sixties and early seventies, which gave rise to artists such as Gene Clark of the Byrds, Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, and Jackson Browne. These musicians helped pave the way for Eagles, who would go on to popularize the style. In time, the genre came to be known as Americana. Charlie Ward’s “Favourite View” pays homage to this era of music, and it does so exceptionally well.


While Americana is still alive and thriving—and in many ways never really went away—Ward’s song brings back the high quality of songwriting that defined the genre’s early years. Perhaps that’s because many of its pioneers came from pop backgrounds and were influenced by artists like The Beatles and their contemporaries.


“Favourite View” by Charlie Ward is an unapologetic and infectious pop song that balances a catchy chorus with a sentimental, reflective narrative. The track features Ward’s daughter, Olive Ward, and serves as a poignant reminder that the happiness we often chase elsewhere is frequently right in front of us. Musically, it’s one of those songs where everything simply works. The track is driven by the warmth of acoustic guitars and seasoned with tasteful Glenn Frey–like guitar licks throughout. Both father and daughter sing their hearts out, and the harmonies they deliver are well ... sonic gold.


If you’re a fan of Americana—or of the artists mentioned above—be sure to check out “Favourite View.” It will put a smile on your face and make a wonderful addition to your playlists.


Listen here: "Favourite View"


Explore further:

Charlie Ward website

Charlie Ward Facebook

Charlie Ward Spotify

Charlie Ward YouTube

Charlie Ward Instagram

Charlie Ward TikTok


Review by staff at MBTM


 


“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



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

 

 

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