Tag: Rock

Western Swing Royalty: Asleep at the Wheel Drops Star-Studded Title Track

‘Riding High In Texas’ is the newest single from their forthcoming album. Photo: Bismeaux Records/Signature Sounds Recordings, used with permission.

Asleep at the Wheel Releases New Single “Riding High In Texas” Ahead of Forthcoming Album

Austin, TX — In celebration of their 50+ years as a cornerstone of Texas music, legendary Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel has released the title track of their new album, Riding High In Texas, out August 22 via Bismeaux Records and Signature Sounds Recordings. (IV-PR, 2025)

The track, “Riding High In Texas,” was originally written by bluegrass great Peter Rowan and first appeared on his 1980 LP Medicine Trail. This new version features Ian Stewart—the band’s newest member—on lead vocals, delivering a quick, twangy take on the song.

In a nod to Rowan’s bluegrass roots, bandleader Ray Benson invited modern-day guitar phenom Billy Strings to lend his virtuosic picking to the track.

“Love everything about this song,” says Benson. “It also made for a great title for the record. Ian can yodel, and having Billy Strings play guitar on it… took it to a whole new level.”

The song’s hook—
“Let’s go riding high in Texas in my mind / Said sometimes I feel I gotta leave this crazy world behind”—
rings out with the band’s signature harmonies, pedal steel, and fiddles, all elevated by Strings’ unmistakable flatpicking.

Holler. premiered the track and its accompanying music video, calling it an “effortlessly cool road anthem with their signature pedal steel and fiddle licks.”

The video features Stewart on horseback, singing through the streets of Austin. Intercut with footage of saddle bronc riders and full-band performances at Dallas’ Longhorn Ballroom and Benson’s Austin studio, the video captures the Lone Star spirit that defines the band’s sound and this record.

🎵 Hear previously released singles “Texas In My Soul” and “Texas.”
📦 Pre-order or pre-save the full album Riding High In Texas.

🎉 Coming Up: Hall of Fame Induction

On August 9, Asleep at the Wheel will be officially inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Riding High In Texas tracklist:
Riding High In Texas
Texas In My Soul
Long Tall Texan
Texas
Texas Cookin’
Lonesome Pine Special
T for Texas (Blue Yodel #1)
All My Exes (Live in Texas)
There’s Still a Lot of Love in San Antone
Beaumont Rag

Catch Asleep At The Wheel On Tour

August
Wednesday, August 6 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
Thursday, August 7 – Vienna, VA – Filene Center (with Lyle Lovett)
Saturday, August 9 – Carthage, TX – Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
Wednesday, August 13 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
Thursday, August 14 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall
Friday, August 15 – Newton, NJ – Newton Theatre
Saturday, August 16 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Hudson Valley
Sunday, August 17 – New York, NY – City Winery New York City
Tuesday, August 19 – Kent, OH – Kent Stage
Wednesday, August 20 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

25 Years of Chaos: Slipknot Reissues Debut Album with Rare Tracks & Live Cuts

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition). Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slipknot Celebrates 25 Years with Explosive Anniversary Reissue of Their Debut Album

Slipknot is marking a major milestone in their storied legacy with the 25th Anniversary Edition of their groundbreaking, self-titled debut album — a record that reshaped the heavy metal landscape and launched the Iowa nine into the stratosphere. (another side, 2025)

Originally released on June 29, 1999, Slipknot was a sonic Molotov cocktail that exploded onto the scene with raw energy, brutal precision, and an uncompromising creative vision. Produced by the legendary Ross Robinson, the album went double platinum, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place as a metal classic. Now, 25 years later, the band is revisiting the chaos and creativity of that moment with a deluxe reissue that reveals how it all came to be.

Deluxe Edition Details

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) will be released on September 5, 2025, via Roadrunner Records and will be available across digital platforms and physical formats.

Pre-order formats include:

  • A 6LP box set on blood-splattered vinyl (limited to 1,899 copies)
  • 2LP and 2CD editions
  • Full digital release across streaming services

The 6LP set includes the original album, plus never-before-heard recordings, alternate versions, and unreleased takes sourced from SR Audio, Indigo Ranch, and more. These rare tracks provide a glimpse into the creative process behind the debut—charting the band’s evolution from raw brutality to refined chaos.

In a nod to the fans who’ve been with them since the beginning, the band also released an ultra-limited blood-filled vinyl version via their secret website — limited to just 100 copies, which sold out instantly and even crashed the site.

Exclusive Live Recordings & Rare Demos

The anniversary edition includes live recordings from Slipknot’s first world tour in 1999–2000. One set captures their unfiltered power on a small stage in Hartford, CT, while another from the UK shows them commanding a festival mainstage with explosive force. These performances have been remixed and mastered from original soundboard tapes and handpicked by the band to best reflect their primal early era.

Fans will also get access to a previously unreleased demo of “Prosthetics,” recorded before entering the studio with Ross Robinson. This early version reveals the seeds of what would become one of the album’s most haunting tracks.

A Legacy of Innovation

Guitarist Jim Root reflects:

“We loved what we did with the first record but we didn’t even know if there was gonna be anything after that. We just wanted people to hear it… The dream scenario, in some ways, came true for us.”

That dream evolved into Knotfest, the band’s signature touring festival launched in 2012, and Knotfest.com, a thriving media platform amplifying new voices in the heavy music world. From genre-shattering albums to game-changing live performances, Slipknot has built a multi-generational fanbase that stretches across borders and decades.

Founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan adds:

“Every time I’ve walked on stage, it’s never been about how many people have been there because my culture, the maggots, always show up.”

The 25th Anniversary Is for the Maggots

This anniversary is more than just a reissue—it’s a thank you to the fans, the Maggots, who’ve carried the band for a quarter century. Slipknot is bringing the story full circle, revisiting where it all began while reminding us why they’ve remained one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Pre-order now and prepare to relive the chaos that started it all.

[Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) drops September 5, 2025.]

L-R: Box Set 6LP Packshot, 2LP Packshot. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slow Crush Announces Thirst: A Haunting New Chapter in Shoegaze

Slow Crush reveals ‘While You Dream Vividly’ from their new album Thirst. Photo: Stefaan Temmerman, used with permission.

🎤Slow Crush Announce New Album Thirst, Out August 29 via Pure Noise Records

Slow Crush is back—and more immersive than ever. The Belgian four-piece has announced their upcoming album, Thirst, due out August 29 via their new label, Pure Noise Records. Known for their powerful fusion of rock and shoegaze, Slow Crush further solidifies their place at the forefront of the genre with this emotionally rich and sonically textured release. (another side, 2025)

A Dreamscape of Sound: New Single “While You Dream Vividly”

Last month, the band gave listeners a taste of what’s to come with their latest single, “While You Dream Vividly.” Ethereal and haunting, the track unfolds as a layered journey through longing and surrender.

“We wanted to capture the sensation of being tethered to someone yet drifting weightlessly, lost in the surreal beauty of the moment,” the band shares.

Set to a hypnotic rhythm and draped in melancholic tones, the song draws you into a hazy dreamscape where time fades and only connection remains. Frontwoman Isa Holliday’s evocative lyrics—what she calls “true blue”—echo like a timeless promise, leaving you floating, falling, and forever yearning.

A Gritty Evolution

On Thirst, Slow Crush’s signature gauzy riffs and propulsive rhythms return with even more grit and depth. The band used the downtime between tours to dive deep into their creative process following the success of their acclaimed albums Aurora (2018) and Hush (2021), which collectively sold tens of thousands of physical copies worldwide.

This time, they decamped to The Ranch in Southampton, U.K., teaming up with producer Lewis Johns. With no expectations except transformation, vocalist/bassist Isa Holliday, drummer Frederik Meeuwis, and guitarists Jelle Ronsmans and Nic Placlé pushed their sound into new territory.

Emotional Depth and Vulnerability

Across Thirst’s ten tracks, Slow Crush explores themes of renewal, connection, and emotional intensity. The album is heavier and more vulnerable than ever. Isa reached new emotional depths in the recording booth—some tracks brought her to tears, marking the band’s rawest and most personal work yet. Pre-Order / Pre-Save Thirst.

At its heart, Thirst revolves around what Isa calls:

“The romance of being with a loved one.”

Whether navigating the ache of distance or savoring the fleeting perfection of reunion, Thirst captures that delicate tension—of being tethered to someone while drifting together through something dreamlike and beautiful.

Upcoming Fall Tour

To celebrate the release of Thirst, Slow Crush will embark on a headlining Fall tour beginning in early September. The run kicks off on the East Coast and includes stops across both coasts, the Midwest, and more.

🎟️Tickets are on sale now.

Thirst tracklist: 

1 – Thirst
2 – Covet
3 – Cherry
4 – Leap
5 – Hollow
6 – Haven
7 – While You Dream Vividly
8 – Bloodmoon
9 – Ógilt
10 – Hlýtt

Stay tuned for more from Slow Crush as Thirst approaches. This one promises to be their most transcendent chapter yet.

‘RED’ by Jet Jurgensmeyer: A Country Anthem That Bleeds Unity

‘RED’ cover art. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎶Jet Jurgensmeyer Releases Powerful New Music Video for “RED”

Nashville, TN – Rising country artist Jet Jurgensmeyer has officially dropped the music video for his latest single, “RED,” now available on all major streaming platforms. (Aristo PR, 2025)

🎥A Visual Tribute to Heart, Hard Work, and Heritage

Filmed at the scenic Galloway Farms in Franklin, Tennessee, the video showcases Jurgensmeyer immersed in rural Americana—waving the American flag, working the land, and reflecting on shared values. Directed by the Riker Brothers, the film pairs sweeping drone shots and raw, grounded imagery with the song’s soul-stirring message: “At the end of the day, we all bleed red.”

“Filming this music video was an absolute blast,” says Jurgensmeyer. “I felt right at home working on the farm, and I think this video really captures the heart of what we wrote the song about. It’s a freedom anthem for everyone.”

The Story Behind “RED”

Written by Jurgensmeyer, Ericca Latza, and Kayleigh Clark, the idea for “RED” was sparked during Jet’s drive to their first-ever writing session together. He pitched a concept centered around the color red—a symbol of both unity and struggle.

The song evolved into a powerful anthem celebrating the shared human experience, touching on themes of hard work, love, pride, and identity. From red dirt on blue-collar boots to the stripes on the American flag, “RED” reminds us that, despite our differences, we all bleed the same.

Produced by Jurgensmeyer and Dan Frizsell at Farmland (Berry Hill) in Nashville, the track is a bold statement wrapped in an authentic country sound.

Building Momentum with “Going Next”

“RED” follows the release of Jet’s emotionally charged single “Going Next”—a heartfelt reflection on relationships and perseverance, co-written with Andrew Rizzuto. The acoustic-driven ballad paints a tender portrait of love through uncertainty, vulnerability, and the promise of what’s to come.

From THE RIDE: phase 2

Both singles are featured on Jurgensmeyer’s 2024 album, THE RIDE: phase 2, released in July. The 11-track collection blends country, rock, and pop, delivering fan favorites like “Good Days,” “Coffee Bar,” and “Falling Too.” Each song showcases Jet’s evolving songwriting, diving into themes of love, growth, and emotional resilience.

Available now on all streaming platforms, THE RIDE: phase 2 cements Jurgensmeyer as one of country music’s most promising new voices.

More Than Music: A Career in Entertainment

Beyond his musical talents, Jet Jurgensmeyer is a seasoned actor and voice artist, with standout roles in hit series like Last Man Standing, Adventures in Babysitting, and TOTS (as the voice of Pip the Penguin). He’s also appeared in acclaimed projects such as Ozark, American Sniper, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI.

His voice work spans beloved shows like Bubble Guppies, Shimmer and Shine, and Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie. In every project, Jurgensmeyer brings heartfelt authenticity and vibrant energy.

Giving Back

Outside of the spotlight, Jurgensmeyer is also known for his philanthropic work, including his involvement with The Ryan Seacrest Foundation, showing a commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the stage.

Stream “RED” and watch the official video today – a heartfelt anthem from an artist who’s just getting started.

Mixtape Memories: Jacob Duarte’s Deluxe Edition Hits Hard and Haunting

Nihilistic Easyrider (Jacob Duarte of Narrow Head) announces debut album via Run For Cover. Photo: Derek Rathburn, used with permission.

🎤Nihilistic Easyrider’s DELUXE EDITION: A Mixtape of Memories, Melodies, and Melancholy

Nihilistic Easyrider is the brainchild of Narrow Head frontman Jacob Duarte—but make no mistake, this isn’t a solo endeavor in disguise. DELUXE EDITION is a genre-blurring mixtape: a collection of songs written across various phases of Duarte’s career. The album pulls from a colorful palette of styles—Y2K-era emo, pop punk anthems, Soviet fuzz-drenched alt rock, and shimmering pop reminiscent of Evan Dando. (another side, 2025)

The debut is brought to life by an ensemble that includes Narrow Head drummer Carson Wilcox, producer and former tour-mate Graham Hunt, and features from Momma’s Allegra Weingarten and Ella Friedman. Even with its eclectic range, DELUXE EDITION remains rooted in Duarte’s signature approach to songwriting—melodic, moody, and full of hooks.

An Emotional Companion to Narrow Head’s Depth

In both lyric and sound, DELUXE EDITION shares Narrow Head’s penchant for navigating the emotional wreckage of modern life. The themes—romantic failures, mental unraveling, and existential burnout—are now filtered through the lens of mundane reality. Hunt’s textured production brings Duarte’s inner world to life with buzzing synths, barroom piano bursts, rattling acoustics, and early-aughts-styled sonic quirks.

The Lead Single: “Getaway Plan”

Written during a 2021 stay in Florida, the album’s opener, “Getaway Plan,” launches straight into jubilant pop-rock territory. Duarte strings together irresistible hooks before unleashing a Smashing Pumpkins-style climax of arena-ready guitar theatrics. The song’s lyrics tell a tale of failed midnight meetups and the naïve hope of suburban escape—summed up with the bittersweet charm of a red Solo Cup on a front lawn.

The track arrives with a playful video directed by Nate Kahn, starring Matt Berry (The Berries), who “signs” Duarte to Run For Cover Records for a fictional one quadrillion dollars.

From the Road to the Studio

Fresh off a relentless touring cycle behind Narrow Head’s 2023 album Moments of Clarity—featuring dates with Interpol, Snail Mail, Senses Fail, and others—DELUXE EDITION feels like a welcome retreat. It captures a rawer, more off-the-cuff studio vibe while also looping in some of Duarte’s tour comrades for cameos.

“Narrow Head and this project are equally big parts of me, and I need to do them both,” Duarte explains. “But I always know if a riff is going to become a Narrow Head song or a Nihilistic Easyrider song the moment I first write it. In a funny way, these Nihilistic Easyrider songs are closer to the music I always wanted to make growing up — they’ve got that real ’90s and 2000s emo feel that I grew up loving and wanting to channel.”

🎶On Tour This Fall

Nihilistic Easyrider hits the road this fall for a North American headlining tour kicking off in Houston and Austin, with stops in Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Washington D.C., and more. Support comes from On Being an Angel.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — don’t miss it.

Check below for full dates and locations.

Nihilistic Easyrider Live Dates:
Tickets Here | Hi Re Poster Here
Sep 12: Houston, TX – Secret Group
Sep 13: Austin, TX – Mohawk (Inside)
Sep 16: Chicago, IL – Subterranean
Sep 17: Bloomington, IN – The Bishop
Sep 18: Detroit, MI – Parts & Labor
Sep 19: Toronto, ON – Sneaky Dee’s
Sep 20: Buffalo, NY – Rec Room
Sep 22: Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye
Sep 23: New York, NY – Night Club 101
Sep 24: Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA
Sep 25: Washington, DC – DC9
Sep 26: Raleigh, NC – Kings
Sep 27: Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5

DELUXE EDITION Tracklist:
1 – Getaway Plan
2 – Weekend Forever
3 – Facedown
4 – Drive All Night
5 – Don’t Get Scared Now
6 – Well Kept Secret
7 – Sanitorium
8 – Smiles and Cries
9 – Everything Is So F*cked Up
10 – Howie On The Brain
11 – Waiting On Someone
12 – The Way It Crumbles

‘The Isolate’ Explores Inner Turmoil in Demons My Friends’ Latest Heavy Release

Demons My Friends share new single and video for The Isolate. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Demons My Friends Drop New Single “The Isolate” Ahead of Sophomore Album

Last month, Demons My Friends, the heavy-hitting trio from Mexico City and Austin, unveiled their latest single, “The Isolate,” marking their debut release with acclaimed heavy music label Ripple Music. (US/THEM Group, 2025)

A Sonic Reflection on Teenage Anxiety

“The Isolate” is a deeply personal track, capturing the intense anxiety the band members experienced during their socially awkward teenage years. The song lays the thematic groundwork for their upcoming sophomore album, soon to be officially announced.

“Demons My Friends continues to be a therapeutic effort for all of us,” says guitarist/vocalist Pablo Anton. “With this new song we wanted to shine a light on our teen years… so much of the drama in our lives is invented by our own minds, by our own demons.”

Behind the Music

  • Music by: Demons My Friends
  • Lyrics by: Pablo Anton and Luis Salinas
  • Recorded at: One Pot Mexico (Querétaro, Mexico) and Red Nova Ranch (Austin, TX)
  • Produced & Mixed by: Jeff Henson (Red Nova Ranch)
  • Mastered by: Alberto de Icaza

Band Members:

  • Pablo Anton – Guitars and vocals
  • Lu Salinas – Bass and vocals
  • Tarro Martinez – Drums

From SXSW to Sonic Catharsis

Formed during an impromptu session at SXSW 2022, Demons My Friends brings together members of Fellowcraft (Washington, DC) and Mexican rock veterans QBO. What began as a spontaneous collaboration quickly evolved into a fully-formed musical identity.

Their concept is clear: confront inner demons—anxiety, depression, rage—and transform them into creative fuel.

Debut Album Demons Seem To Gather (Out Now)

Their 2023 debut Demons Seem To Gather (via Gravitoyd Heavy Music) showcases a powerful blend of drop-tuned grunge riffs, doom-laden structures, psychedelic harmonies, and groove-heavy rhythms. Fans of Monolord, King Buffalo, All Them Witches, Soundgarden, and Baroness will feel right at home.

“The Austin/Mexico City groove unit applies their sonic dominance toward deftly-written, clever songs… climactic hooks shake up their luxuriously groovy pacing.” — Invisible Oranges

Available now on LP, CD, and streaming platforms.

Demons Seem To Gather tracklist
1.The Tower Falls
2.Bring The Night
3.Inner Slay
4.Ghosts Of You
5.Make Them Pay
6.Fire Mountain
7.Your Bones
8.We Are The Resistance

Stay tuned for more from Demons My Friends as they gear up for their next chapter—haunting melodies, introspective themes, and thunderous grooves included.

Grayson Jenkins Finds His Voice on ‘Hard Heart to Hold’ and Forthcoming Album Country Parables

Grayson Jenkins leans into the rock side of country with new song and video. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Grayson Jenkins Unveils New Single “Hard Heart to Hold” Ahead of Forthcoming Album Country Parables

Kentucky-born country artist and songwriter Grayson Jenkins has released his new single “Hard Heart to Hold,” an anthemic country-rock track from his upcoming album Country Parables, set to release everywhere on July 25. (Covered Bridge Creative Co-op, 2025)

The single is paired with a live performance music video, filmed at Jenkins’ 2025 headlining show at The Burl in Lexington, KY—the very venue that inspired the song’s creation.

A Rising Voice in the Appalachian Country Scene

“Hard Heart to Hold” follows a string of successful releases, including:

  • “Nobody’s Stopping You Anyhow” (feat. Brit Taylor), featured on Spotify’s All New Country playlist
  • “Taxes & Time”
  • “Good Times Go” (feat. Pony Bradshaw), highlighted by The Bluegrass Situation and Whiskey Riff

Fans can watch the video, stream the new single, and pre-order vinyl and merch online.

A “Hillbilly Springsteen” Sound

Jenkins’ bandmates jokingly describe “Hard Heart to Hold” as sounding like a “hillbilly Springsteen”—a track driven by pulsing drums and heavy guitars, elevating Jenkins’ vocals and vivid storytelling.

Jenkins views the song as a reflection of both his influences and his ongoing sonic evolution.

Telling Stories from the Heart of Kentucky

Lyrically, the track tells the story of a young woman navigating early adulthood and finding comfort in the Lexington music scene—a nod to the thriving musical culture of Kentucky and the greater Appalachian region.

Nearly a Decade on the Road

Grayson Jenkins is no newcomer. With nearly ten years in the music industry, his career has weathered:

  • The ups and downs of indie artistry
  • A global pandemic
  • Over 250,000 miles touring across the US, Canada, and Europe

Raised on a small farm in Muhlenberg County, KY—yes, that Muhlenberg County from John Prine’s “Paradise”—Jenkins carries with him a strong work ethic and resourcefulness that continues to shape his music and career.

Country Parables: Jenkins’ Most Ambitious Work Yet

Now in his 30s, Jenkins returns with Country Parables—a ten-track LP that marks his most comprehensive and mature work to date. The album combines the lyrical depth fans have come to expect with a fully realized sonic palette that Jenkins has long been chasing.

Crafted by a Powerhouse Team

To bring this album to life, Jenkins teamed up with frequent collaborator and touring partner Pony Bradshaw to co-produce the record. The album was recorded at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, AR, with a team of acclaimed musicians, including:

  • Paddy Ryan (Parker Millsap, John Fullbright)
  • Jesse Aycock (JR Carroll, John Moreland)
  • Aaron Boehler (Wilderado)
  • Fats Kaplin (Jack White, John Prine)

Collaborations on the album include Brit Taylor, Madelyn Baier, and Pony Bradshaw, with two tracks co-written by Nashville veteran Pat McLaughlin (John Prine, Bahamas).

With Country Parables, Grayson Jenkins offers a heartfelt, roots-driven collection that further cements his place in the next wave of Americana storytellers.

Country Parables tracklist:

1.Old Trails
2.Hard Heart to Hold
3.Nobody’s Stopping You Anyhow (feat. Brit Taylor)
4.Grand Slam
5.Scarecrow
6.Taxes & Time
7.Good Times Go (feat. Pony Bradshaw)
8.From Now On
9.Calling Out Your Name (feat. Madelyn Baier)
10.Country Parables

“But beyond the smoky bars and days out on the farm, Jenkins embodies one of Country’s more abstract, yet most important qualities: its philosophical soul.”

— American Songwriter

“In case you aren’t familiar with Grayson Jenkins’ prior work, the Muhlenburg County, KY native aptly follows in the footsteps of John Prine and all of the other folk and country troubadours before him who forged their career on the strength of clever lyricism and truthfully authentic storytelling.”

— Whiskey Riff

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Commoner’s ‘Change of Heart’: A Raw and Reflective Breakthrough

Commoner’s new EP is available now. Photo: Yeshua Flores, used with permission.

Commoner Announces New EP Change of Heart via New Morality Zine

Tucson-based alternative rock band Commoner has announced the release of their new EP, Change of Heart, out now via New Morality Zine. The title track “Change of Heart” delivers a hard-hitting, emotionally raw experience, digging deep into themes of fractured relationships and shifting personal dynamics. The accompanying music video reflects this narrative visually, using fragmented edits of the band’s performance to emphasize the feeling of instability and change. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

A Dynamic, Emotional Sound

Change of Heart blends elements of emo, alternative, and post-hardcore, showcasing Commoner’s ability to strike a balance between cathartic intensity and stripped-back vulnerability. The band’s sound is raw, dynamic, and highly personal—each track moving seamlessly between heavy, driving moments and quiet emotional reflections.

“The process of recording this EP was truly healing for me,” says lead singer Romin Mattison. “We had been sitting on these songs for a while and getting a little stir crazy with listening to them over and over again. It was really awesome to hear the final product and be able to listen back to the memories in real time.”

Produced in collaboration with Zach Tuch (Touche Amore, Knocked Loose, Zulu), the EP leans into what makes Commoner’s sound so compelling: emotive vocals, tight instrumentation, and a gritty, aggressive edge that commands attention. The release features five tracks, each delivering a distinct emotional and sonic punch.

Meet the Band

Commoner is made up of:

  • Romin Mattison – Vocals
  • Matthew Bryant – Bass
  • Jeremy Buck – Guitar
  • Beto Marroquin – Guitar
  • Tyler Casillo – Drums

Together, they create music that invites listeners to lose themselves in the noise, drawing inspiration from early 2000s and 2010s influences like Citizen, Movements, Incubus, and Fuel. Their high-energy performances bring their emotional songwriting to life on stage, leaving a lasting impact on their growing fanbase.

About Commoner

Formed in Tucson, Arizona, Commoner blends emo, alternative, and post-hardcore into a style that feels raw and cathartic. What started as a solo project by Romin Mattison with the track Japanese Apartments eventually evolved into a full band when Matthew Bryant joined on bass. The lineup was completed with the addition of Jeremy Buck, Beto Marroquin, and Tyler Casillo, solidifying the band’s identity and collaborative sound.

In 2023 and 2024, the band released two singles as part of their Winter Promo series—“Misery Mistaken” and “Whatever’s Left is Yours”—exploring themes of abandonment, neglect, and healing. These tracks laid the groundwork for Change of Heart, both in tone and depth.

With plans to tour and keep evolving their sound, Commoner is just getting started—and Change of Heart marks a powerful new chapter in their journey.

Change of Heart tracklist:

1.Test Your Luck

2.Change of Heart

3.Parting Gift B-Sides (Vinyl Only)

4.Misery Mistaken

5.Whatever’s Left Is Yours

‘Alone in a World of Wounds’: Steve Von Till’s Meditative Ode to Nature and Loss

Steve Von Till releases new single/video from Alone in a World of Wounds. Photo: Bobby Cochran, used with permission.

Steve Von Till’s Alone in a World of Wounds: A Haunting Tapestry of Loss, Nature, and Reflection

Ploughing a different furrow from his work with post-metal pioneers Neurosis, Steve Von Till’s latest solo album, Alone in a World of Wounds, is a sweeping, gothic-tinged collection of Americana infused with ambient textures and world-weary vocal melodies. It’s a deeply introspective journey—both sonically and thematically. It will be released on May 16 via Neurot Recordings. (another/side, 2025)

A Cinematic Opening

The album opens with “The Corpse Road,” a track that unfolds in a haze of mauve-toned drone textures, immediately immersing listeners in a creaking, dust-laden wilderness. Von Till sings of being placed in the “solitude of our inner spaces,” his voice framed by the mournful resonance of French horn and beautifully subtle cello arrangements by Brent Arnold. The track is accompanied by a haunting visual, directed by Josh Graham.

Rooted in Atmosphere and Intuition

Initially inspired by the harmonic resonance of piano and synths, Alone in a World of Wounds follows the reflective ambience of 2021’s No Wilderness Deep Enough. This new album sees Von Till opening up his voice like never before, with songs that emerged from intuitive improvisations—raw, emotional, and unguarded.

Music, Poetry, and Purpose

Outside of music, Von Till is also a published poet. His 2021 collection, “Harvestman,” draws from a deep well of personal and philosophical writing. His lyrics and prose often reflect on humanity’s place in the cosmos, touching on themes of longing, loss, and the vastness of existence. In this album, a profound connection to—and disconnection from—nature serves as the thematic core.

The title Alone in a World of Wounds is inspired by a quote from environmental philosopher Aldo Leopold’s 1949 book A Sand County Almanac:

“One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.”

Life Beyond the Music

Von Till’s commitment to the natural world goes beyond his art. He has been an elementary school teacher for over two decades and serves on the board of directors for the Firekeeper Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to reducing youth suicides among the Blackfeet Nation in Montana.

A Sonic and Visual Aesthetic

While Alone in a World of Wounds may seem far removed from the aggressive tones of Neurosis, the raw spirit of punk and DIY ethos remain essential to Von Till’s process. His search for deeper connection, his willingness to live with sorrow, and his instinctive approach to creativity all ground this project in authenticity.

Recorded largely at his barn studio in Idaho and mixed by Randall Dunn at Circular Ruin in Brooklyn, the album also features artwork by Spokane-based alternative process photographer Brian Deemy. Working in colloidal wet plate tintype, Deemy’s visuals perfectly complement Von Till’s ancient-yet-modern aesthetic—a haunting tribute to our bond with the more-than-human world.

Steve Von Till Live Dates:

May 30 – June 1: Prepare the Ground Festival – Toronto, CAN
July 25 – 27: Fire in the Mountains Festival – Blackfeet Nation, MT

Alone in a World of Wounds tracklist:
1 – The Corpse Road
2 – Watch Them Fade
3 – Horizons Undone
4 – Distance
5 – Calling Down the Darkness
6 – The Dawning of the Day (Insomnia)
7 – Old Bent Pine
8 – River of No Return

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Starmony Is Coming: Slumbering Sun’s Next Chapter in Sound

Slumbering Sun shares Midsommar Night’s Dream single from forthcoming sophomore album Starmony. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slumbering Sun is set to rise once more with their much-anticipated new album, Starmony—a sonic voyage that promises to blend celestial ambiance with earth-shaking heaviness. As the band teases fragments of what’s to come, early listeners are already whispering about a bold evolution in their sound. Here’s what I know so far:

Austin band Slumbering Sun shares “Midsommar Night’s Dream,” a new single from their forthcoming sophomore album Starmony. Starmony will be available on limited edition LP and digital on May 6, 2025. Fans can pre-order HERE. (US/THEM Group, 2025)

Slumbering Sun is a powerful new melodic doom entity formed by members of underground mainstays Temptress, Destroyer of Light, and Monte Luna. The resulting sound explores broader melodies and sonics than their other bands, inspired as much by Celtic folk standards as by doom, grunge and shoegaze.

Slumbering Sun makes music for crazy romantics. Keegan Kjeldsen, James Clarke, Kelsey Wilson, Garth Condit, and Kelly “Penny” Turner joined forces in 2022 in order to weave a dreamy kind of doom that would incorporate shoegaze, grunge, and prog. All were friends in the Texas metal scene, assembled from bands in Austin and Dallas, who sought to elevate the love and camaraderie they’d found over the years into an artistic vision. 

After releasing their debut, The Ever-Living Fire (2023, #20 debut on Doom Charts), Slumbering Sun played their first show at Stoner Jam during SXSW, embarked on a series of regional tours, and capped off the year with an appearance at Ripple Fest. The band spent all of 2024 making their second effort, Starmony, in between touring the Midwest, and releasing their single “Out of the Blue & Into the Void” — a brilliant mashup of Neil Young’s and Black Sabbath’s classic tracks. With no plans to slow down, the band intends to make more metalheads than ever pound their fists and cry about their exes. 

Band members:
James Clarke (Vocals) – of Monte Luna
Keegan Kjeldsen (Guitar) – of Destroyer of Light
Kelsey Wilson (Guitar) – of Temptress
Garth Condit (Bass) – of Monte Luna, Scorpion Child
Penny Turner (Drums) – of Destroyer of Light

SLUMBERING SUN LIVE 2025:
05/02 Austin, TX – Valhalla (album release show)
06/04 El Paso, TX – Rosewood
06/06 Tempe, AZ – Yucca Tap Room
06/07 Las Vegas, NV – Dive Bar
06/08 Palmdale, CA – Transplants Brewing
06/10 San Francisco, CA – Bottom of The Hill
06/12 Eugene, OR – Sparrow & Serpent
06/13 Portland, OR – High Water Mark – Soundcastle Festival
06/14 Olympia, WA – McCoy’s
06/15 Bellingham, WA – Shakedown
06/17 Moscow, ID – Mikey’s
06/18 Boise, ID – Neurolux
06/19 Salt Lake City, UT – Aces High
06/20 Denver, CO – Squire
06/21 Colorado Springs, CO – What’s Left Records
06/22 Wichita, KS – Kirby’s Beer Store
07/11 Asheville, NC – Doomed and Stoned Festival

Starmony tracklist:

01. Together Forever

02. Keep it Secret

03. Midsommar Night’s Dream

04. The Solar Bear

05. Danse Macabre

06. The Tower

07. Wanderlust

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Trippy, melodic doom metal. From the moment you hit play, ‘Liminal Bridges’ feels like a transitional track meant to guide you along a wispy, winding trail in a slightly foggy forest while on a quest.” — Metal Sucks

“An ice-cold blend of 90s alternative, doom, and prog that will quench your thirst for captivating melodies, thundering percussion, and grungy riffs! They’ve created an epic mash-up of classic doom and added the soaring vocals and towering instrumentation that took us on the sonic journey from Sabbath to Maiden to Soundgarden.” — CvltNation

“Nothing short of fantastic, and should be blasted at full volume.” — Metal Injection

“Possibly the best doom album I’ve heard this year… Front to back it’s an insanely well done work, with remarkably clear vision.” — Invisible Oranges