REVIEWS | New Music Discoveries 013

New Music Discoveries 013 is a collection of songs about change, the kind that shakes, heals, and reshapes us. This week spans euphoric indie swells, raw post-punk chaos, and deeply personal confessions, each track holding a mirror to who we are and who we’re becoming. From Dax’s hard-won honesty on “Man I Used To Be” to Tamar Berk’s tender plea for closeness in “stay close by”, these releases remind us that vulnerability can roar as loudly as distortion. Whether it’s the biting debut of Dogs Don’t Die or the shimmering reinvention of Wes Presley and Austin Je, Volume 013 is messy, powerful, and alive.

"Speak Too Soon" by Mercy Kelly

Manchester indie five-piece Mercy Kelly deliver a stunning new single with “Speak Too Soon”. Opening with a hooky guitar line and soft yet commanding vocals, the track builds seamlessly into a euphoric swell of sound. Lyrically touching on love, loss, and finding your way, it’s both relatable and deeply affecting. Subtle twists in pacing and arrangement keep it fresh throughout, making this one of Mercy Kelly’s most captivating releases yet.

"The Cold" by Dogs Don't Die

Bristol four-piece Dogs Don’t Die make a ferocious entrance with their debut single "The Cold", a chaotic yet precise collision of pulsing drums, jagged guitar, and raw, impassioned vocals. Beneath its wall of distortion lies a sharp self-examination, with lyrics that grapple with ego and possessiveness through fragmented honesty. Cathartic, unfiltered, and uncompromising, "The Cold" positions Dogs Don’t Die as a genre-blurring new force to watch.

"stay close by" by Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk’s new single “stay close by” is a dreamy, vulnerable plea for connection that sets the stage for her forthcoming fifth album, "ocd" (out September 5th). With lush textures, gentle urgency, and Berk’s signature melodic touch, the track feels like a deep exhale, hopeful yet uncertain, intimate yet expansive. Co-produced with Matt Walker (Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage), “stay close by” offers a first glimpse into Berk’s most personal and sonically ambitious chapter to date.

"Ali's Plan" by Ben Withers

Brighton-based singer-songwriter Ben Withers makes a striking debut with his first EP "Ali’s Plan". The three-track collection weaves themes of reflection and resilience, born from a period of post-lockdown struggle. From the sharp media critique of "Weatherman" to the introspective "Take It Easy" and the raw title track exploring fractured relationships, Withers blends influence from Catfish and the Bottlemen, Biffy Clyro, and Pearl Jam into something deeply personal. Eclectic yet cohesive, "Ali’s Plan" establishes Withers as an emerging voice with both grit and vulnerability.

"Man I Used To Be" by Dax

Wichita artist Dax delivers a deeply personal statement with his new single "Man I Used To Be". Produced in Nashville with Jimmy Robbins, the track reflects a turning point in Dax’s life: his first release after six months of sobriety. Honest and introspective, the song captures both struggle and renewal, carried by his raw lyricism and heartfelt delivery. With the "Lonely Dirt Road Tour" set for October, "Man I Used To Be" marks not just a musical milestone but a powerful testament to growth, clarity, and connection.

"IWOKEUP" by Wes Presley, Austin Je

Dropped via indie label Private Party, “IWOKEUP” is a pop-punk/emo revival anthem with a twist, driving 80s-inspired disco drums layered under distorted guitars and saturated vocals. The track channels the raw energy of Midwest emo while reimagining it for 2025 with nostalgic yet modern flair. Produced by 24k and Don Patch, “IWOKEUP” blends infectious hooks with a relentless groove, making it a contender for summer anthem status. For Wes Presley (formerly WesOracle) and Austin Je (aka Jeremiah Stokes), both longtime forces in the Midwest scene, this release marks a bold reinvention and a reminder that indie innovation is alive and well in Indianapolis.

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