SHARK-FIN AWARDS

It starts with more cadence than I’m used to in a rock single, but before long, the track starts to rumble like nobody’s business. This song is lean and mean and yet it feels like it’s got the size to smash anything that gets in its path. Under the command …

Those who dismiss instrumental music driven by piano and flute as easy-listening tripe will do well to give Outside the Maze, the new release from Gilliam/Martynec/McBirnie, a chance. The trio expands the possibilities of instrumental music within this context in ways that will surprise and delight even the most cynical listener. …

Vineet Singh Hukmani’s ambitions separate him from the pack. The Indian singer/songwriter isn’t content with the tried and true approach to releasing new music but, instead, casts his nets far afield of the ordinary. It didn’t begin that way, however. Hukmani established his reputation during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath …

America has a truly great tradition when it comes to making credible rock n’ roll that entire generations of fans have been able to relate to and take some influence from, and Benevolent & Divine is looking to continue that tradition this spring with a new single in “Hyacinth” that …

Toy City’s self-titled debut features seven originals written by Paul Burke and Steve Shaheen along with two surprising covers. The covers bookend the album revealing the conscious intent behind the track listing and the remaining seven tracks hold up well in comparison. There’s an obvious aesthetic driving the creation of …

Energy presents a diversely-appointed collection of hard rock rhythm and mighty melodic power balladry in their debut album after forty years of waiting, Rock Party, which is due out this upcoming June and already getting a warm reception from fans and critics alike. Featuring heavy groove tracks like “And I’m Doing …

The third full length release The Sun Left and Took the Moon With It from Portland’s Bees in a Bottle, comprising the duo of Christine and Chad McAllister, signals a turning point in an already promising run. The album’s eleven songs elevate their songwriting to higher levels than ever before as Christine …

The unique moniker Heistheartist leaves no doubt about LeeMann Bassey’s seriousness of intent. The Central Islip, New York native began his professional musical journey as a secular neo-soul singer before hearing an online TD Jakes sermon that spun his head around. Heistheartist felt inspired to redirect his artistic efforts and …

Go Time’s new album, Anything Could Happen, is a raucous and wild ride through the vast expanse of the rock genre. The band, consisting of Scott Niekelski on Main Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Steve Grzenia on Percussion and Backing Vocals, Paul Schmidt on Guitar and Backing Vocals, and Mark Marketti on …

Sharp and yet unintimidating, sterling but wholly accessible; the lead vocal in Barry Muir’s “Home In A New York Minute” has got to be one of the smartest of the new indie pop I’ve heard in 2023. Muir is no newcomer to his scene, and in his new single, he …