The singles in March were deeply impressive, with showings from the likes of Amber Palace, deathdotgov, False Reality, Bleed and Crawling that captured our ears, there was plenty to indulge in. With more than plenty of singles to spin through in March, we have now highlighted some of our favourites from the month that we didn’t get the chance to.
Bridget. – Hairspray (Independent) / Amy
With her strongest song to date, Bridget swoops in with a fiery yell of rebellion and riot grrrl grit on the release of her new single “Hairspray”. Proving yet again that she is riding on an upward trajectory, on this track she’s leveled up her sound and further established her footing in the industry.
FFO: Halflives, Static Dress & Harpy
Final Dose – Dark Paradise (Wolves of Hades) / Dobbin
A barbaric cut from London corpse-punkers Final Dose’s upcoming LP, Under the Eternal Shadow. Final Dose’s sound is focused on the elements of punk and black metal that are truly shared, truly connecting with the genre’s ‘first wave’. This track brings almost relentless aggression, copious and palpable attitude, satisfying riffs, and above all, rhythms that will make you move. They brave a clean tone for the end of the track to end “Dark Paradise” in a cryptic place. With UK, US and EU shows all completed in 2024, Final Dose’s spring 2025 output should cement their reputation as an essential blackened punk band in the worldwide scene.
FFO: Hellhammer, Grave Infestation & Spectral Wound
I’m letting unseen forces take the wheel – Big Carp (Independent) / Jack W
Ever wondered what it would sound like if someone took an already crazy genre and then wrote a song about fish? No? Well oh well, I guess now you know anyway. The ever-impressive experimentalists in I’m letting unseen forces take the wheel have done just that, and, silly lyrical content aside, it’s a fantastic piece of work. Blending cybergrind with a slow piano-ballad, there’s so much to unpack here. An act that will never be easily defined, if you like to have fun then you should absolutely check this out.
FFO: ZOMBIESHARK!, Mikau & Fish
Lickshot – Back to the Roots (Independent) / Joe
Lickshot deliver their triumphant and rebellious anthem on “Back to the Roots” that intertwines genres of ska, trap-metal and alternative to deliver explosive energy. Dual vocals and the genre-switching put forward a track that leaves the ear always anticipating the next chord, seeing where the track will twist next. With a full record on the horizon, Lickshot’s full presentation will be one to keep an ear out for.
FFO: Sonic Boom Six, Dance Hall Crashers & Popes of Chillitown
winterwell – Famine // Growing Pains (Independent) / Shane
When North Carolina outfit Heirloom unexpectedly announced an indefinite hiatus following the departure of vocalist Nolan Kenneth earlier this year, many were left wondering if the line up would pursue other musical endeavors. While it remains to be seen for most of Heirloom, Kenneth wasted little time in becoming involved with another project. Newly formed three-piece winterwell recently released their debut single tandem in Famine // Growing Pains. With plenty of transitive influence from Heirloom leftover, the self-proclaimed “road trip screamo” trio fully embody that notional sound to a sun-soaking degree that both core kids and vacational travelers will find plenty to revel in. If you’ve been looking to update your summer playlists, winterwell happily accommodates.
FFO: Heirloom, Wastebasket & Second Place
Collude – Derecho (feat. Citadel Burning) (Independent) / Joe
Collude offer up an extended cut on “Derecho” that is full of riffy goodness through its runtime. Metalcore-come-tech riffs that weave themselves throughout the track, backed with the trading of vocals, all making for a track packed with captivating layers. Concluding on a breakdown filled with double kicks and bends, Collude’s second this year shows they will be a force in 2025.
FFO: VEXED, SWARMED & Unprocessed
Error – Human Paradox / Echoes of Departure (Independent) / Jonathan
Hailing from the island of Singapore, hardcore unit Error present their gnarly double single, Human Paradox / Echoes of Departure. The ominous and eerie atmosphere captured on “Human Paradox” is the perfect foundation for the band’s pummelling riffs. The track’s brooding buildup to its destructive ending breakdown is sure to stir up a violent mosh pit at any show. “Echoes of Departure” takes the short and sweet approach, wasting no time in getting into the chaos.
FFO: Knocked Loose, Kublai Khan TX & Boundaries
Olorin – Disguise (Independent) / Jonathan
Acoustic punk singer-songwriter Cory Wells introduces his new melodic hardcore band, Olorin, with “DIsguise”. A sonic love letter to classic melodic hardcore, the song bleeds with raw emotion as Wells’ impassioned screams take the forefront. It’s bleak and sad in all the right ways while simultaneously being an impressive tribute to a staple sound. It’s exciting to see Wells return to his roots with a heavier project, and I watch with anticipation for Olorin’s next move.
FFO: Hundredth, Defeater & Counterparts
Eden Eyes – Interloper II (Independent) / Jonathan
Landing with an aggressive grittiness and an impressive amount of technicality, Eden Eyes find intricacy in the heaviness with “Interloper II”. The Singapore metalcore unit combines their many influences into a satisfyingly destructive package. From frontman Russell Loo’s gnarly unclean vocals to a solo from guitarist Ethan Wang, the band’s range is on full display. Interloper II’s unbridled anger drives the track with a vengeance, a propitious offering from this young band.
FFO: HEAVENSGATE, Half Me & Bury Tomorrow