REVIEWS | New Music Discoveries 005
- SHOWGRAPHERS
- May 20
- 3 min read
This edition of "New Music Discoveries" leans into quiet intensity and emotional resonance. From stripped-back ballads to cinematic heartbreak, these tracks speak softly but hit hard. Whether you're navigating distance, loss, or simply trying to make sense of the noise, these songs offer a sense of connection in the in-between. Vulnerable, bold, and beautifully human—this week’s discoveries are ones to sit with.
"Pheromone" by Danny Addison
With "Pheromone", the lead single from his upcoming debut album "Porcelain", Danny Addison proves he's a voice to watch. Raw, magnetic, and hauntingly intimate, the track captures the visceral pull of desire—where instinct overrides reason and red flags are blurred by longing. Addison’s delicate vocals glide over intricate guitar lines, crafting a sound that’s both emotionally urgent and sonically lush.
"Zoo Friend" by AUNCE
With "Zoo Friend", Aunce offers a quietly powerful meditation on our connection to the natural world—and the sorrow that comes from watching it slip away. Spacious and emotionally charged, the track unfolds like a distant memory: soft, intimate, and just slightly out of reach. Layers of hazy vocals, shifting rhythms, and immersive textures create a dreamlike space where feeling takes precedence over explanation.
"Endless" by Lost Velvet
Lost Velvet arrive with "Endless", a debut single that feels like a midnight drive through memory and motion. Drenched in whammy guitars and laced with a moody, cinematic sweep, the track blends the raw edge of ’90s grunge with post-rock atmospherics. Its chorus crashes in with a wave of distorted nostalgia, capturing the ache of chasing something just out of reach. "Endless" is a haunting first impression—bold, brooding, and beautifully unafraid to linger in the dark.
"Block My Number" by Akira Sky
Akira Sky makes a striking impression with "Block My Number"—a raw, moody single that blends cinematic flair with emotional bite. There’s a quiet intensity to the track, carried by her smoky vocals and noir-tinged production. The video, directed by Luiza Botelho, adds even more depth, with stunning visuals shot across Manhattan and Brooklyn and a magnetic appearance from Brazilian actor Pablo Morais. A bold, stylish debut from an artist worth watching.
"The Same Way" by M'ADAM
Tender and timeless, "The Same Way" by M'ADAM is a heartfelt indie folk track written as a gesture of connection across distance. Inspired by the artist’s sister and her partner being apart—and rooted in the artist’s own memories of separation—the song speaks to love that transcends both miles and moments. A beautifully intimate piece that reminds us how music can bridge even the widest gaps.
"Just Anyone" by Etham
UK singer-songwriter Etham returns with "Just Anyone", a soul-stirring ballad that captures the lingering ache of love lost. With his signature emotional honesty and cinematic storytelling, Etham delivers one of his most vulnerable tracks yet—a gentle yet powerful reflection on memory, heartbreak, and holding on to what once was. His intimate vocal performance, paired with sparse, heartfelt production, offers a poignant preview of his upcoming EP "Everything and Nothing", out this July. For anyone who’s ever loved deeply and lost, "Just Anyone" will hit home.
"When Stars Weep" by Nathaniel Paul
Following the success of his 2023 LP "Turpentine", indie folk artist Nathaniel Paul returns with "When Stars Weep"—a raw, beautifully stripped-back acoustic ballad that cuts straight to the core. With nimble guitar work and heartfelt lyricism, the track explores the fragile threads of connection in a chaotic world. It's understated, but powerful—quietly capturing moments of clarity in the noise.
"Escape The Shade" by Jesse Kinch
Jesse Kinch returns with "Escape The Shade", a soaring, high-energy anthem that hits with both grit and heart. Recorded live at the Salinas Sports Stadium during the California Rodeo, the track captures the raw electricity of his performance—then polishes it to shine in the studio. With empowering lyrics and an unshakable spirit, Kinch delivers a message of resilience and self-belief, urging listeners to step into the light and chase what matters. It’s bold, defiant, and deeply motivational—everything a great rock anthem should be.