July saw some spectacular singles come from the likes of sinema with “At Least, Be Human“, iRis.EXE‘s electronic pop masterpiece in “DISASTER GIRL“, Exist Immortal teaming up with VEXED on “Higher Ground” and Death Goal‘s collaborating with Matt Reynolds for “Knife Bouquet“. Now we turn our spotlight towards some of the other singles we enjoyed in July, spanning across genres from breakcore, soul, rock, shoegaze and hardcore.
Kiyu – lost (feat. Wambso) (Independent)
Embracing Myspace era mixing, Kiyu develop a magical listen on “lost“, featuring the gorgeous vocals of Wambso. Having emo rap-esque vocals at times, it makes for cathartic listen that will lead listeners into the discography of Kiyu, which is rich in its emotive material while also being a sincere listen. With a steady stream of releases coming in 2024, those who have taken solace in this sound won’t have to wait long for more of it.
FFO: Wisp, SOM & Soul Bind
Outsider – The Absence You Became (Independent)
It’s becoming every increasingly difficult to not to describe most Australian hardcore releases as ‘pissed‘, even for want of a better vocabulary. Furthermore, on “The Absence You Became” it is increasingly becoming not difficult to believe that the Aussie acts are looking to outdoing each other with their sheer heaviness and rage. For July it might be fair to say that Outsider take the crown for that. Nearly three minutes of breakdowns and pummelling riffs that conveniently loops perfectly, this makes for a track that should make for a barn burner live.
FFO: Vengeance, Starve & Sedative
Mella – Swaydif (Kino et Ipse Records)
Channelling the energies of Tides Of Man and Hail The Sun in a slightly less bombastic shell, choosing to focus its efforts on the serene and sublime, “Swaydif” is a gorgeous and crooning post-hardcore ballad that yearns to be heard. Danny McCool‘s hyper-sweet vocal delivery, alongside the occasional smattering of ear-pricking riffs from Donald Maynard Clark make for a naturally guided and engaging listening experience from end to end.
FFO: A Lot Like Birds, Wolf & Bear & Eidola
Gloam – Diving Heavy (Independent)
Gloam‘s latest single follows their May release “Hinder“, which delves into themes of discomfort and self-assurance. Formed in early 2022, Gloam; Rowan Hardy (vocals/guitar), Oli Booth (lead guitar), George Blacklock (drums), and Oakie Diggins (bass), draws inspiration from shoegaze legends and bands like Deftones and Slowdive. Their latest effort will no doubt see Gloam continue on their every upward trajectory and hopefully culminate is a wider full-length release.
FFO: sunbleached, MERCURY & Gleemer
W I R E S – hermit (Mirror Peak)
Hungarian unit W I R E S draw influence from darkwave and industrial genres to make for a unique metalcore sound that will see latest single “hermit” entrance the ears of fans from all three genres. The 90s-esque synths and harsh vocals combine for a gritty atmosphere to the track, giving it the sense of a fever dream, and the unnerved feeling of what might at the end of it. How W I R E S will continue to develop their sound will be of much curiosity, given the variety of sound across “hermit” and other singles.
FFO: Perturbator, 156/Silence & Graphic Nature
Gylt – Machine Fun (Independent)
“Machine Fun” gives the first taste of what will come on Gylt‘s upcoming EP, I Will Commit a Holy Crime. Juicy hardcore punk riffs descend into sheer chaos in the track’s latter half, with furious barked vocals that command the track. Its short and sweet track time means not a second is wasted and makes for a track that absolutely rips.
FFO: Biib, Going Off & JIVEBOMB
Ever Elysian – Carry Me (Independent)
With latest single “Carry Me“, Ever Elysian offer up a treat for the ear. Meditating on itself with classic rock riffs that gleam throughout the track as guitarists Mason and Hanco noodle away. Vocalist Marsland‘s voice gives a soulful nature to the track, as “Carry Me” dips into influences from jazz, folk and rock, with each element contributing towards the soul and funk that the Brighton unit offer here.
FFO: Lande Hekt, Emarosa & RISSA
Prim – Golden Tooth/Don’t Count On Me (Sunday Drive Records)
Kevin Flores and Mark Ramos, veterans of Houston’s punk and hardcore scenes, have teamed up with Evelyn Frances and Shane Juretic in Seattle to form Prim, a band with an energetic, hook-heavy take on ’90s alt-rock. Prim, who started in 2020, has released several EPs and singles. Their debut full-length album, “Move Too Slow“, is set to release this September. Co-produced by Supercrush frontman Mark Palm, the album features the pogo-happy single “Don’t Count On Me” and the previously released “Golden Tooth“.
FFO: Geowulf, Cults & Hibou
Sxnctuary – Digital Shadow (AM Crew Records)
Debuting earlier this year with EP, Empyrean, Sxnctuary has been quick to release more of their ethereal and blissful breakcore sound. Beautifully sampled vocals fill “Digital Shadow” alongside the jungle-style breakcore beats, that bounce around the track’s soundscape. There is gorgeous synthwork weaved into the track, having an angel-like glow to it, with all this coming together to make for some of Sxnctuary‘s finest work.
FFO: Trashiii, Dusqk & LOMAJI