I don’t think anyone has time to waste on a superfluous intro, so let’s dive right in. Welcome to Data Girl’s Rabbit Hole first review of 2025. Please note that reviews will be written every fourth Friday of the month. If you have something reviewed, email it to datagirlsrabbithole@gmail.com.

Now… let the musical games begin!

Girls Just Wanna by Maiasaura – released January 2025

Girls Just Wanna by Maiasaura opens with a controlled, almost meditative pace that immediately pulls you in. It’s similar to stepping into a familiar space, yet something about it forces a desire to lean closer. April Rose Gabrielli’s voice is mesmerizing, so gentle in the beginning, a sweet siren as the track leads the natural narrative to emerge. April’s vocal range is ALWAYS impressive; the stitches of notes are seamless as the play on intensity crescendos, which maintains a vibrant dynamic. More than a song, Girls Just Wanna is a spelunking expedition inside both chaos and liberation. With lyrics that refuse to apologize, it highlights both the messy and complex sides of a woman’s lifespan. April never loses any semblance of vulnerability as she sings of breaking free from the societal shackles of expectations, and does it with an empowering demeanor. There is literally no sugary candy coating, which makes the elements of rebellion throughout this track incredibly beautiful amidst all the darkness of truth. One of my favorite moments is the unexpected giggle midway through the track. It’s such a simple thing, but it adds a layer of humanity that makes it impossible to ignore. Never mind the way that April transitions from sweet to fierce in the blink of an eye—it shows just how versatile she is as an artist. Girls Just Wanna is elegant chaos of human emotion and a hypnotizing audio experience for anyone who has felt so small in the capacity to express who they are, absent of confidence and fear.

Crazy in the Shed by Tony Moore – released October 2024

Tony Moore’s Crazy in the Shed has become a live favorite for audiences, and it’s easy to see why. Crazy in the Shed was written as part of his one-man show AWAKE, which is currently touring across England. This track distinctly captures the frustration, anxiety, and weird humor of the 2021 lockdowns. Tony has a clever and unique way of organically meshing lightheartedness with a thematic narrative that blurs the lines between dark and light, a behavior that could perhaps leave one laughing through the insanity of consistent human struggle. The main lyric, “I’m just Crazy, Crazy, Crazy in the Shed, I am just crazy in the shed and there ain’t nobody gonna fix what’s inside my head,” (with that slight cackle of insanity) resonates with a universal state of mind that many individuals felt in a state of isolation. Humanity was literally forced into a state of emotional captivity; Crazy in the Shed is an honest reflection of that trip down into a disclosed oubliette in some castles in the middle of nowhere. The reference to Zoom was incredibly necessary and highlighted the hollow interaction and exchange during the lockdown. Don’t get me wrong, I was appreciative of telephones as a means of communication; however, absent anything tactile, like holding the one you love, it was void of pure expression of touch. I’ve been listening to Tony’s music for a while now, and there is always that perfect sliver of light that shines through all the dark, as a reminder to embrace hope.

Rock and Anchor by Emma Snowdon – released October 2024

Emma Snowdon’s Rock and Anchor is a deeply thoughtful track, consumed with nostalgia and the desire for moments that no longer exist. The moment the first note hits your ears, there is a heavy stone in the heart that collides with memories that unravel before you. It’s similar to a large ball of yarn being tossed over a hill; all that is left is a long string of memories and one micro moment at the tip of the tether. Emma has a quiet strength within the timber of her voice that resembles a childlike quality of innocence and vulnerability. The juxtaposed timber of the voice and lyrics offers an understanding of how fragile specific relationships in life are, especially when they are terminated. With lyrics that evoke longing, assisted with the ability to understand your own impact and identity within, Emma captures times when there is so much pain toward the end, with a resonance of appreciation for the experience and the comprehension that your life will never be the same. Emma’s songs, steeped in the human simplicity of difficult and complex emotion, deliver a track that allows you to spill your emotions in whatever manner you see fit. To the invisibility of the idea of one who was there before, who had your back, you lacked the ability to see that the entire time, you were stronger than they were. And how they escaped your strength because they knew deep down inside, they could never compare to the person you were. Emma’s track comes from a place that escalates a solidified state post-pain, with poignant scapes.

Downtown by HotKid – released October 2024

HotKid’s Downtown really takes me back to downtown Toronto, when I was in the city almost every day. The city streets were always insanely chaotic with all the individuals who travelled on the subway. So many things occurred, that my state of contemplation became one to better understand the verity of humanity. A plethora of humans, I’m certain, would find chaos unnerving, but it is my preferred state of mind as it allows for innumerable moments where your mind spirals down a vortex of thoughts. I thought the energy from this track was impeccable; it captures the perfect vibe of the noise in the quiet moments of the simplicity of things, such as the sounds that emanate from the streetlight at speculative times of day—mainly the witching hour. HotKid channels the essence of what it means to live in a city and the wild moments that come with it—from individuals moving in all directions on a compass to neon lights, even the contribution of that one store that closed early on a busy street due to a prior engagement and couldn’t find coverage for it. With haunting vocals, possessing a similar quality and timbre of both Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, the way the voice and melody play an intertwined game between each other to see which would pull you in more is hypnotic, like keeping an eye on a pendulum as you travel through the city. My favorite lyric from this track, “I’ve got that photograph, the one that caught us both in a laugh,” is a personal touch that hits hard for anyone who’s ever shared a perfect moment with someone, only to have it captured in time or the space in between time.

Going Down to the Beach by The Discarded – released November 2024

The Discarded’s Going Down to the Beach is a frenetic rush of energy from the very first note, with its pulsating drumbeats and infectious guitars. This track almost instantly forces your body to literally get up and move, which I will admit makes it difficult to write a review, as all you want to do is dance. Nevertheless, I persevered. As you can tell, I genuinely enjoy it when all the various parts of a song play off each other. In this track, the deliciousness comes between the vocals and the guitar. It’s like that conversation on a bus that erupts with laughter, making you want to laugh yourself—except, in this instance, you’ll want to dance. Going Down to the Beach, within its lyrics and musicality, houses a more profound message of disconnection. The metaphor of breaking connections to the demands of our technologically advanced world carries a deeper meaning. I remember a time when society wasn’t overstimulated, when if someone called and couldn’t reach you, they would leave a message, and you would return their call. That barely happens anymore because, societally, we live in a world that demands an urgent and immediate response, regardless of the content. Society and urgency have started to merge, and not for the better. Demands now dictate that everything be right now. The thought of time and pace has sped up to the point that human brains are constantly riding a mental autobahn—no speed limit, no holds barred, just a Road Runner mentality. I appreciate being able, regardless of the season, to see the growth of a little flower of vibrant color trying to peek through as a reminder to cut the invisible cord of technology.

Bleed Out Summer by Awakening Autumn – released October 2024

Awakening Autumn’s Bleed Out Summer is a track filled with the emotional intensity I’ve come to expect from the boys in the band. From the very first note, the song basically punches you in the chest and pulls your heart out while it’s still beating, Temple of Doom style. And honestly, I’m so okay with the fact that it doesn’t let go. The lyrics are raw and vulnerable, especially the line “Cause I would break myself to get this off my chest.” It speaks to that deep human need to be heard — a desperate battle cry that demands attention. It forces itself to be heard in its presence. The way Bleed Out Summer transitions from soft, introspective beats to loud, cathartic screams mirrors the emotional journey of trying to process massive emotions. There’s a beautiful contrast in the song’s delivery—at times quite tender, and at others, it leaves so much explosive plasma on pure virgin white walls. Humans have a deep yearning to be understood, to be able to express their moments that bring them to the depths of the Mariana Trench or into the highest stratosphere. The title Bleed Out Summer honestly makes me think of a body just holding on to a specific section of time, where everything spills out—and sometimes not for the better. It’s a desire to push through whatever pain is there, wanting to say “fuck it” and just break out. Regardless of anything, that emotion stays at a fleeting standstill, killing time, waiting for something in the pain. Awakening Autumn’s ability to keep creating music that allows for the appreciation of organic and honest narratives is something that always reduces me to a smile of pure joy.

Graystone by Slip~Ons – released October 2024

More energy coming your way with insane drums to open up with Graystone by Slip~Ons. It doesn’t feel like a 2025 release — in the best possible way. It’s like stepping into a time machine and landing right in the heart of 90s rock. That’s where I’m most at home. Don’t get me wrong, I relish other genres and can appreciate what each one brings, however Rock always has me at a standstill not wanting to move and just feel. The guitar riffs remind me a little bit of Van Halen, with a raw quality and burst of energy. With vocals that equally came to play with strength and confidence, shifting techniques throughout the track; an ebb and flow push pull quality between and vox and melody. The drums, the guitar, the vocals are seamlessly in sync, taking on an unstoppable entity of its own force. Like when it is -14°C, and you’re all bundled up, bracing yourself to step outside? The air hits every exposed part of your skin, and for a second, it feels like you’re going to freeze, but then you take off. That’s what Graystone feels like, a slap in the face from old man winter and finding the strength to push through an unrelating moment.

American Kid by Straylings – released October 2024

Reflective energy coming your way with American Kid by Straylings. The voice reminds me of The Bangles and Martha and the Muffins. It’s a voice that takes me back to a time that isn’t modern, something from a few decades ago. There’s such a dreamy quality that blurs the lines between reality and the current existence of humanity. The guitars never let up, merging everything together so beautifully, accompanied by a gentle voice that still carries a strong presence in its delivery. Electic light bathing, think about that, there was a time when neon lights were incredibly iconic. I think what I appreciate about this track, and what others may find incredibly relatable, is the lyric, “I don’t belong here.” The interpretation and imprint of a song are so important, and that specific line alone makes this song what it is. The nostalgia of formative years is one that becomes very real as I listen to American Kid and the way that we become more jaded as we age.

(A Sort Of) Icarus, by Movieland – released December 2024

Okay, first off, any song that’s going to be titled (A Sort Of) Icarus will always pull me in. Now, with this track, I enjoyed the music; however, what really took me down this rabbit hole were the lyrics. I loved the long intro in anticipation of the lyrics, which I went ahead and read. Talk about a true punch to the gut. The vibe reminds me of a blend of The Cure and Morrissey. The emotion of falling in love with another human being is one that renders us not only able to move but completely speechless. The lyrics “I’ll spill for you” sliced my heart in half — being able to express that sense of vulnerability to a human being. The manner in which the word “softer” is repeatedly used throughout this track ties everything together is a tapestry of emotion unto itself. And, again, I have to say, this track is so relatable, regardless of the time frame of a human being. I could not stop touching the lyrics with my index finger on my phone because they honestly resonated with me so strongly. To push and dive deeper into this track felt so simple, like my body was fluid and made with tech, yet had a heart that could completely plug in and get lost in it. The entire concept of waiting for someone brings me back to Jane Austen (look up the book) or Wuthering Heights; how individuals are star-crossed lovers, just wanting to connect with each other, yet emotion takes over. The bitterness of them not being together, the anger, the frustration—it’s a hard pill to swallow.

Paranoia by Spun Out – released October 2024

The psychedelic nature of Paranoia is its most striking feature. From the first note, it’s clear that this song isn’t going to take you on a typical ride. The swirling, kaleidoscopic soundscape grabs you by the senses and doesn’t let go. The music shifts and bends like a trip, taking you through emotional and mental highs and lows. The manner in which the elements of the track merge together; distorted vocals, dreamy synths, and swirling guitar is disorienting in the best possible way. The kind of song that makes you feel like you’re experiencing a world entirely of its own creation. The sound pulls you into fluid state of movement with constant shifts, more toward intrigue and uncertainty. Euphoric escalation is exactly where this will lead you.  

Be My Shoulder Now by Ritchi Maguire – released January 2025

Be My Shoulder Now by Ritchi Maguire, released today, is literal comfort food for the soul. As soon as I press play, I’m enveloped by a warmth that makes me want to cry; not out of sadness, but from the sheer purity of intention woven through every lyric. The melody is gentle and so beautifully composed, it reminds me of something wholesome and simple, like the sweetness of an apple. It’s the way the textures of sound come together that provides a nurturing feeling nurturing, pure poetry in motion.  The storytelling is where this song shines. There’s such an immense amount of conviction in the narrative. It speaks of a love that’s not just about passion but about unwavering devotion. A man, so deeply in love with a woman, would do absolutely anything for her. And in that act of giving, of being there for someone, there’s an incredible sense of resilience, of quiet but profound strength. It’s not the grand gestures that stand out—it’s the simple, steady promise of presence. To know that someone has your back, that you can lean on them without hesitation, is the feeling that Be My Shoulder Now evokes. With softness reminiscent of The Kiss by Klimt, where two bodies lean into each other in a moment of trust and intimacy. A connection that goes beyond words, “when I see you in that dress…” reminds me of Beautiful Tonight by Eric Clapton, a quiet awe, a sense of sitting in the stillness and letting the beauty of it all wash over you. A rare connection where we feast with our ears, than the soul The epidemy of what it means to be loved.