RISE dropped their frantic single, "Always," marking an intensely energized, fiercely passionate turn for the Liverpool quartet. Known for splicing high-tempo melodic rock with sharp pop-punk and progressive rock flourishes, the dynamic four-piece construct a heavy, wildly distorted, and relentlessly rhythmic foundation here. https://open.spotify.com/track/70t8yCBz4KZqbAzqW05L2z?si=99c7e3a7e6d94d18 Sam Kinley (aka stayMellow) holds it down on bass and lead vocals, locked in step with Alex Mahoney’s furious drumming. Around them,...

There is a specific weight to Chellcy Reitsma’s "Carpe Diem," one that feels less like a motivational poster and more like a heavy coin you’ve carried in your pocket for years, its edges worn smooth by worry. It announces its intention with a title we think we know, a bright promise of seizing the day, but the music itself doesn't offer easy platitudes. Instead,...