Superficial Paradise by Maiasaura—OK, seriously, stay buckled when you listen. This song will take you on a path that induces a cardiac event in the best possible way. Maiasaura engages in crisp, clean, and punctuated notes, with numerous pivots that leave you guessing where the track will go next. With superimposed vocals over high-octane music, the vibe exudes undeniably frenetic energy. It’s so cool to hear April Rose Gabrielli’s voice like this—it doesn’t relent or hold back in the slightest. Hmm, if this were an energy drink, it would contain the highest amount of caffeine one could get their hands on. The beat remains consistent as all the tracks complement each other. The main vocal track ebbs and flows between sweet and hardcore, taking no prisoners. The play on the title is something I find quite thoughtful: Superficial Paradise in a digital age of AI replications—things no longer have the organic feel they once did, as a myriad of things are now rendered fake. It speaks volumes about dishonesty and about being something one may not truly be. Anything inorganic drives me insane—it feels lackluster and banal, unlike this song, where the message comes through with clear precision. Another image that comes to mind is Alice in Wonderland, down the rabbit hole—the plea to appreciate something entirely opposite in a sphere that resists and seeks truth. Here is a track with a red pill appreciation, embracing verity and rejecting bullshit!

Walk Away by Gigi Moss is a track that carries sweet strength within its staff lines; it speaks of resilience and endurance. I love the poetic feel of the lyrics, capturing everyday moments that we often take for granted. This is especially evident in the pointed lyrics of Walk Away, where the smallest moments of life take on deeper meaning. I must admit, I really admire the tenacity in this song. It speaks of a time when there was a person in your life that you loved deeply, but you simply let them walk away, even though it hurt. There is much strength in the timber of Gigi’s voice. As I’ve been writing reviews, the first thing I listen for is the timber of a singer’s voice, and Gigi has a very lovely, gentle voice that conveys strength. As the realisation of understanding her lyrics sets in, raw emotion shines through each note. This song must have been difficult to write because it tackles issues of self-esteem, love, breakups, and not begging for someone to stay. The resolve for independence is far stronger than the desire to hold on. There is a certain sense of tenacity that plays through gentle tones in this body of work that conquers difficult scenarios—this is exactly what I hear when I listen to Walk Away. It’s incredible how one is motivated when patterns evolve into something steeped in distinguished pain, yet still find the strength to move forward.

From the moment I heard Just A Game by Ritchi Maguire, I felt an overwhelming emotion that was rooted in understanding why history is so important. It also highlights how the struggles of our ancestors transcend to those living in the contemporary world. I truly appreciate the echoing screams that are tenderly expressed throughout Just A Game. It’s incredible how, a pivot in perspective can take over, and how the memories we try to suppress often emerge during the most insane of moments. These events shape our experiences. When a group of people are colonised or treated as though their human spirit lacks depth or meaning, it can either render them with a pillaged death or see them rising from the ashes or the burned death that has been consistently observed. From there, they walk a path where history is acknowledged in tomes that are songs. Although this track is only four minutes in length, the depth of its theme spans decades and pain. From a musical perspective, the layering of tracks is beautifully composed. Ritchi is very on point with each word he enunciates, taking nothing related to pitch and clarity for granted. When I hear the lyric “The rise and fall of my chest,” it is riddled with poignant images, as the physical act of singing takes over. That is what arises.

Natalie Shay has always entranced me with her lyrics. She writes from a narrative that is deeply personal to her, and the organic feel of her songs highlights the purity of raw emotion. I have to admit, I enjoy the overplay in Love You to Death—it’s so mischevious in nature. Lol, “You have no obligation… I’m mad I even tried…” That line says it all. The way voice messages are overlaid onto the track makes the point of the song even more powerful, adding an extra layer of depth with the exposure of a multilayered track full of human energy. I think that’s what I appreciate most about Natalie—her songs come from a place of honesty and vulnerability. I also saw the promo for this track on social media, and it caught my attention because it was fun: a red balloon and vampire blood on Natalie’s mouth. Despite the sometimes dark or emotional content she writes about, Natalie always brings a sense of whimsy to the execution. Whether it’s through the visuals or the music itself, there’s an undeniable energy that makes her work feel both authentic and fun. It’s this balance between depth and lightheartedness that draws me to her music. The way she blends these elements together effortlessly is what sets her apart and makes her songs resonate on a deeper level. Each track feels like a unique journey, with both light and dark moments blending seamlessly to create a captivating and immersive listening experience.

Lucy’s Diamonds (Fell From The Sky) by Jack Critchlow is a track that instantly captured my heart. I first learned about Jack Critchlow one night while watching a live stream from The Bedford, and I immediately fell in love with this song. It’s the kind of track that conquers difficult subjects, tenderly sung with raw emotion. Just the vox and acoustic guitar—there’s something so powerful and pure about that simplicity. The vulnerability in the lyrics, blended so seamlessly with the guitar, evokes a deep sense of emotion within me. I can relate closely to this track, as it touches on themes of struggle, love, and loss. There’s a certain beauty in the way Jack brings these emotions to life, allowing each note to resonate with such depth. The honesty in his delivery is unmistakable, and it’s this raw authenticity that draws me to the song every time I hear it. It feels like a moment of connection, where the music speaks directly to the soul. The track’s emotional resonance lingers long after the last note fades away. It’s one of those songs you find yourself playing on repeat—not because you can’t get enough, but because each listen brings something new, an even deeper understanding. It’s a rare thing for a song to have such an enduring impact, but Lucy’s Diamonds (Fell From The Sky) does just that.

Should Have Seen It Coming by Real Sickies feels like a nostalgic throwback to when I was growing up. The sounds of The Cure blended with The Clash and cranked up loud in the best possible way. The voice of the singer is very pronounced, with a staccato edge that resonates perfectly with the music. The raw energy of the track pierces, pulling you in with every beat. It’s definitely a head-banger to listen to when energy is required and action must be taken. The rhythm is infectious, pushing you forward with each fast-paced guitar riff and punchy drum line. The song captures the perfect balance between punk grit and catchy hooks, making it the kind of track that energizes you and fuels a sense of rebellion. There’s a sense of urgency in the way the vocals and instrumentation come together, leaving you feeling charged up and ready to take on anything. It’s the kind of song you want to blast in your headphones when you need a burst of motivation, and it doesn’t disappoint. The energy in this track is contagious, making it impossible to stand still while listening. It’s a song that demands movement, whether it’s a nod to the beat or a full-on mosh pit. There’s a timeless quality to the sound, blending the classic punk influences with something fresh and bold. It’s the kind of track you play when you need a reminder of the power of music to push you past your limits and shake things up.

Born Loser by Autogramm sounds like a song that doesn’t quite belong to this generation. It carries an old-world feel in the best possible way. The music has an almost ethereal texture, with layered tracks and a consistent, driving beat that feels both nostalgic and timeless. To me, it carries a distinct flavor of the 80s, music that still resonates decades later. I genuinely enjoy the title, Born Loser. Instead of invoking defeat, it propels one toward resilience. There’s an empowering quality to the song, as if the phrase “Born Loser” is a challenge rather than a limitation. It pushes you to embrace imperfection and find strength in struggle. The combination of its throwback sound and deeply resonant message creates a perfect balance, making it a track that stays with you long after the music stops. It feels like a declaration of defiance and an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in but found their own power in the process. The consistent bass beat throughout the track plays a crucial role in enhancing its intensity. It serves as the backbone of the piece, creating a sense of momentum that propels the listener forward. This steady, pulsating bass complements the vocals perfectly, grounding the track while allowing the soaring melodies and lyrical content to take flight. It adds an extra layer of depth, giving the song both stability and infectious energy. The bass is not just an accompaniment, but a key component that drives the track’s power, making it even more engaging and impactful.

Head Buried in the Ground by Maiasaura—wow, what a track! I absolutely love this song. The loop of April’s voice has me completely mesmerised. There’s something so hypnotic about the way her vocals are layered and looped, drawing you in deeper with every listen. The hard edge of the music is such a welcome shift after a long week of dealing with classes and the daily grind. It’s exactly what I need to shake off the stress and refocus my energy. And in true April fashion, she pivots halfway through, taking the song in a completely unexpected direction. I swear to God, when she sings, she consistently brings me to my knees. I can literally feel the power behind her voice, and it stops me dead in my tracks, leaving me completely captivated. This track is a raw testament to resilience. It speaks directly to the struggles we face, the challenges we endure, and the strength it takes to keep going despite everything. And you know what? She’s absolutely right—none of what we go through in life is accidental. Every hardship, every obstacle, is part of a larger picture. Unfortunately, there are individuals in this world who would rather see us suffer than succeed, but April’s voice in this track reminds us of the power we have to rise above it. The fearless attitude of simply going against the grain and following your own path is another reason why April is exceptional at writing songs that empower. She doesn’t just tell you to keep going; she commands it. She urges you to be independent of everyone else’s expectations, to nurture who you are, and to carve out your own perilous tale, no matter the obstacles. It’s a call to arms for those who need the courage to stand up and rise. I keep coming back to the line, “They wanna keep you down / They wanna keep your head buried in the ground / They wanna keep you stupid and useless / They wanna keep your head buried in the ground.” Every time I hear it, I think, she is so right! It’s as though she’s shining a light on the forces that try to suppress us, keep us small, and discourage us from reaching our full potential. But this track isn’t just about acknowledging those forces—it’s about empowering us to fight back, to rise up, and to break free from the suffocating grip they try to have on us. April’s voice is the perfect vehicle for this message—powerful, commanding, and filled with emotion. This isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like they were being held down, a declaration of defiance and strength. Head Buried in the Ground is a rallying cry to be unapologetically yourself, to take up space, and to fight for the life you deserve.

Now, this is a track that I’ve seen evolve into what it is today. We Are One by Tony Moore is a feel-good anthem that chronicles the impact of COVID-19 and the way an entire community came together to watch Tony perform. I know this firsthand because I was there from day one of the RIGHT HERE with Tony Moore livestreams in March 2020. The origins of this song saw Tony naming our regular audience members, making it an incredible testament to adversity and the resilience of the human spirit. It showcases how music can heal and unite people, no matter their background. Because the reality is, regardless of where we come from, we are one human race. We are all the same physically, in terms of human function, yet each of us carries our own unique characteristics. I could tell you how Tony is a brilliant songwriter, how his lyrics always hit deep, and how his mixes are always spot-on. But honestly, I’d rather focus on the emotion this song evokes. I’ve literally stopped writing this review three times just to dance around my office while working on this, even though I should probably be focused on my undergraduate thesis. There’s something about We Are One that just lifts the soul, reminding us all of the power of connection. It’s more than just a song—it’s a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, we are stronger when we come together. Every time I hear it, I’m filled with a sense of joy and unity that cuts through any lingering negativity, and I think that’s what makes it so special. Tony has truly captured the essence of human resilience and the healing power of music.