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Adelaide's enigmatic alt-rock outfit, Wolf & Chain, has taken their artistry to a chilling new level with the release of the haunting music video for their recent single, 'Phantom.' The music video, directed by Colin Jeffs of Ten of Swords Media, released Thursday, August 17, offers a suspenseful experience of the paranormal. After creating ripples in the music scene with their distinctive blend of dark, aggressive pop and anthemic chaos, Wolf & Chain recently brought forth the single 'Phantom' with its blood-pumping energy. Now, they invite you to dive into the sinister world of the song through a meticulously crafted visual narrative. The music video transports the band to a spine-tingling haunted manor, casting them in the roles of ghost hunters exploring the enigmatic and ominous atmosphere. This concept plays on classic horror tropes, where isolation in an eerie location leads to unsettling encounters. Throughout the video, the band members delve deeper into the enigma of the house, slowly succumbing to the dark and looming presence that surrounds them. Working alongside director Colin Jeffs proved to be an inspiring and collaborative journey. "Colin Jeffs was super fun to work with and a really creative guy," says Jack Cumes, the lead singer of Wolf & Chain. "He had lots of amazing ideas and really inspired us on set." Reflecting on the concept, Cumes shared, "The concept kind of started as a joke. We always poked fun at horror tropes about being isolated on a farm or something like that, seeing or hearing creepy things, or becoming possessed with ideas and going mad in isolation. We watched a bunch of horror movies together as well during that writing/recording process. As fate would have it, life imitates art, and we all fell sick and felt a dark energy during our stay. The video is our way of paying respect to that experience for us in a sense." 'Phantom' has marked a pivotal moment for Wolf & Chain as they venture into new musical directions, integrating a matured and accessible sound while preserving their signature alt-rock characteristics. The single was met with acclaim, gaining recognition from esteemed publications and radio stations, including Maniacs, Triple J, Triple J Unearthed, Wall Of Sound, Hysteria, Kill Your Stereo, and more. Grab the EMF Metter and join the eerie allure of Wolf & Chain's music as they delve into the mysterious world of 'Phantom.' The music video is out now, adding a visual layer to the already captivating narrative of the song. Spotify Instagram Youtube

Melbourne, Australia, is home to singer-songwriter Matt Bailey. His passion for music has led to him performing at various venues and events, both locally and internationally. With a unique blend of acoustic pop, he has captivated audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies since entering the music scene. With a talent for crafting songs that resonate with listeners, Matt Bailey continues to make music that inspires and connects people from all walks of life. Reigning true through the sounds and messaging of his latest single, "I'll Be There," his passion is projected in a newfound way. What stands out to us immediately has to be the blend of acoustic strums that echo through our mind and resemble a melancholy melody that unleashes layers of emotion through experience. Each strum has a feeling conveyed, and paired with Matt Bailey's raw and poignant lyrics; you grasp what he's emanating in an impactful manner. With a narrative that questions love and the lengths one will go to for the person one admires, Matt Bailey does an excellent job at propelling his emotive croons through the speakers as he reiterates a hook bound to get stuck in your head. "Tell me when you need me, and I'll be there," repeats throughout the song as you hear the sincerity of Matt Bailey's raspy vocals and wistful tenors come together to layer in a bold harmony setting the stature these words hold. Being candid as he displays the vulnerability he's willing to endure, "I'll Be There" takes listeners to a place of memories and heart-tugging moments. It's authentic, poised, and confessional, written into sound waves that leave you wanting more. For a second single release, it's a highly mature approach to the stylings Matt Bailey offers. Going us in a pool of our sentiments, we're looking forward to everything Matt Bailey has on the way. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Matt Bailey! We love the sounds and messaging you showcase in "I'll Be There." As a song that comes directly from what sounds like experience, was there a moment or story that inspired the creation of it? It was 2011, and I just came across Green Day's song' When It's Time, 'which I did research later on. That song was written in 1992, recorded in 2004, and released in 2010, which fits How I'll There Happen. I had been single for a few years, and I met a girl in 2011, and we were talking and went on a date. The more time passed, the more I started to like her, but I was too scared to tell her how I felt in case she didn't feel the same way. Spoiler alert she didn't, haha. Did you always know this would be your sophomore single debut? What does "I'll Be There" say about your sound and the message you'd like to put out as an artist? Well, it being 2023 and writing it in 2011, it's been a journey. I recorded and released it about 4 or 5 times before this, even with a different singer. It was the song that the crowd would sing along with me, so it was always the song that was with me over the years. An idea for an EP started in 2012, and I'll Be There was on it, but it never got recorded. If you asked me back then, it would have been my first single after just finishing my first EP. I decided to make my first single that no one had heard hence why I chose I'll Be There for my sophomore single. I'll Be There shows my songwriting and being influenced by Blink 182 and Green Day. The opening of my songs had to be catchy, and you knew exactly what song it was from the first few notes. Could you shed some light on the creative process? What did it look like bringing this song to life? The creative process I think the song wrote itself. After recording it many times and playing it live, it told me what it needed over the years. The way the song ends came from playing it live and me getting the crowd to sing it with me. I would play the whole song through and then have the sing-along at the end. Opening the song with the chorus vocal melody changed everything. That was my producer's decision, and he was spot on. It feels so good after 12 years to finally have I'll Be There how it was always supposed to be. When recording it this time, I was so determined to have no drums; in my head, it was always just acoustic guitar, and it was for a long time until Mark (producer) and I were listening back to it one day in the studio and just as the verse ends. The chorus starts. We both played air drums and looked at each other, and I said it needs drums because Mark was on me for it to have drums, but I was always like, no, nah. Listeners will be happy to know that a music video accompanies "I'll Be There." What went into its creation, and how did it feel to put out your first visual accompaniment of a single? With this song being written so long ago, I always knew my first music video would be for this song. I had this idea to get different people to sing and put other parts together. Glad I never finished that, haha. As time passed, ideas would come to me, like the first scene I wrote in my head was the final one. I was driving past the airport and saw people sitting in the trunks of their cars facing the runway eating dinner, and I thought pizza in the back of a truck under the stars would be the final scene, and it was with fire, of course. I was ready to film it in Melbourne, Australia, in early 2021. At that point, I had a script as well. Everything was moving forward, and then I had nothing. The videographer was ghosting me; the person playing the female lead with me was doing the same, so I had to move on. In 2020 I subscribed to this guy on youtube after coming across a video he posted on a Canon DSLR, which I had the same and wanted to know how to use. A year later, he uploaded a new video about filming his first music video. I reached out after seeing that and saw if he was interested in filming it. Oh yeah, he lived in Oregon, USA as well. He was on board with it, and we made it happen. He asked a couple he knew who wanted to be in it, and they said yes. He would send me videos of diners he visited for me to approve. We had to change a few things, but we got the same results we wanted. Being in lockdown in Australia, I had to accept that I wouldn't be in it. I went from being lead to not being in it, but as time passed, the world was opening up, and the music itself wasn't finished, as well as the music video, so I planned a holiday to America, and we made it work. I played a cameo in it, and the scene perfectly fit the story we were going with. Each artist finds inspiration through musical and non-musical influences, but what keeps you on the path of making music? What is your why? I love creating something from nothing. It makes me feel like myself. No one is telling me how to play guitar or write. With my dad passing away when I was 13, that was when I fell more in love with music. Music became the air that I breathed. I would be lost without music creatively and as a listener and lover of other artists. Instagram Facebook

Swiss-based artist Jack Rush released his debut single “Wanna Fly” on June 16 for Rattler Records. Jack Rush wrote the music and lyrics and was co-produced by Swiss artist Tatum Rush (the artist's son) and Marcelo Bertozzo (Dodgy Affairs). A lifelong musician in his mid-'60s, the self-described “Late Bloomer” has eclectic influences spanning from Neil Young to Beck to Blur, is breaking all the rules, and light-heartedly explained his relatively late start as a recording artist “Well, it's never too late, and I simply wasn't ready, and besides, who's going to dare tell me that I can't do it now?” Jack describes the song's inspiration as “a moment I recently had of euphoric and introspective reverie on a tropical beach set to a feel-good groove.” As such, the tune has a fresh, optimistic, and seductive vibe vaguely reminiscent of the style of Mac Demarco, with a touch of Brazilian flavors in the rhythm. Listen to “Wanna Fly” now on your favorite streaming platform. Instagram Facebook

The “Gener8ion X” artist gives us an electric taste of what’s to come on his new album. Triumphantly walking the delicate line between the nostalgic feel of early 2000s rock and modern productions, Breezy Supreme is a nostalgic breath of fresh air in a crowded music scene. Since exploding onto the scene with his explosive debut album “The Enigma,” this talented artist has constantly pushed himself to the limits of his artistry, fearlessly breaking his boundaries to reach new peaks. With his highly anticipated album “Gener8ion X” freshly released, Supreme is ready to keep the good vibes rolling and position himself for a breakout year. On “Gener8ion X”, Breezy Supreme has caught lightning in a bottle. Breezy says about “Gener8ion X”, “The inspiration behind this album was to bring the nostalgic feel of the 2000s that you’d feel from playing a Tony Hawk game or watching a teen coming-of-age movie.” He’s managed to nail that feeling, and from the pulsating beats that drive the album to the thought-provoking lyrics that frame the experience and connect with listeners, “Gener8ion X” marks the continued growth and maturation of an artist still yet to reach the peak of his already significant powers. “Clueless” is a standout offering on an album filled with heavy hitters. From the song's start, listeners are instantly transported to a nostalgic and comforting soundscape courtesy of a gutsy electric guitar. By the time the drums and rest of the instrumentals kick in, you’ve already been swept up in Supreme’s pace. Dropping lyrics like “So tell me why we’re clueless, I was thinking we could just reset and forget,” Supreme taps into the nostalgic rock heartbreak anthems bands like GreenDay and Blink 182 defined in the early 2000s. Also featuring a standout performance from featured artist Bunny Null, Supreme has once again knocked it out of the park. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream his new single, “Clueless,” and check out his new album, “Gener8ion X”, both available now on all major streaming platforms. Instagram Twitter

The Toronto-based artist keeps his momentum ahead of his highly anticipated debut album. Hailing from the beautiful mountains of British Columbia and currently calling the vibrant musical city of Toronto home, singer, songwriter, and musician extraordinaire Lucas Penner has long had a love affair with music. Offering a sound that feels like a refreshing balance of indie-folk nostalgia and experimental electro-pop, this talented artist boldly blurs lines between genres, mixing and matching elements that speak to him. The result is a sonic texture that is undoubtedly his alone, and with his highly anticipated debut album “All It Does Is Change” slated for release this October, Penner has once again found a way to push his art to new heights. After exploding onto the scene with his critically acclaimed debut EP “Passerby,” Penner’s follow-up 2020 EP “Honey Baby” showed that he could catch lightning in a bottle and replicate it. Inspired by legendary acts like Elliot Smith, Frank Sinatra, and Zappa, Penner’s current musical leanings also incorporate delicious hints of jazz, folk, soft rock, post-punk, and more, making for a well-rounded experience that feels light on the ears. However, this is not to say he lacks in the depth department, as his masterful blend of influences lends a certain complexity that makes for good relistening value. To the earnest listener, “Blue and Black” is many things. Herald to “All It Does Is Change,” a riveting musical journey, and another testament to Penner’s ability to seamlessly mold influences that would be competing otherwise. However, before anything, we should appreciate it as a great piece of music. Featuring groovy instrumentals and smooth vocals tempered by sharp staccato adlibs and a catchy chorus, “Blue and Black” exudes class. As Penner bobs and weaves his way through, lines like “And if I listen I’ll take off my mask And even underneath I’m blue and black” wrap around you and pull you into a hypnotizing soundscape. It’s a magnificent preview of what Penner is cooking on “All It Does Is Change;” we’d expect no less from this talented artist. “Blue and Black” is a jazzy, classy offering to elevate your musical rotation. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Lucas Penner’s new release, “Blue and Black,” and watch his upcoming album, “All It Does Is Change,” out this October. Instagram Artist Website

In a world where everyone seems to be taking themselves too seriously, self-produced singer-songwriter Sam McCoig aka Saint Samuel, taps into a perspective that's upbeat, fun, and pushes the envelope of your deepest thoughts. The Richmond, VA native hits his audience with his latest pop-rock single and video, "Like You Like That," where his alter-ego Saint Samuel flourishes in a musical realm that allows him to live without inhibitions, consequences, or insecurities holding him back. All this and more is explored in the zesty ambiance of "Like You Like That," where we journey through Saint Samuel's unconventional thoughts and the curiosity that stemmed from a conversation between two best friends stuck in a situationship where love at first sight never appeared. Through this mellow to vibrantly paced record, which turns the volume up on pop-rock medlies, Saint Samuel's charming persona and intriguing demeanor poke out of every word he melodically conveys. With his best friend and co-writer, Emily Bruzzo, at the helm, this profound conversation had her hanging onto Sam's words in this heartfelt interaction full of truths and confusion. The two came to a realization when Emily murmured, "You just don't like him like that," bringing Sam to an idea that most aren't ready to hear. What's the best fuel to feed a fire of this sort? Making an edgy head-bopping, percussion-forward, sizzling guitar rendition of all the things that could have been. It's to make a relatable bop that you can't shake, and everyone will have to blare to overcome their daunting situationships. We can thank Saint Samuel for that. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Saint Samuel! Congratulations on releasing your latest record and visuals for "Likassemblede You Like That." Now, we know how the origin of this narrative was formed - but we have to know; how does it feel that it's finally out to the public? Thanks so much for having me! It honestly doesn't feel real. I've had this song sitting around for about a year in its various stages, and I couldn't be happier to finally have it out in the world. The number of times I have listened to the song before today translated to streams would probably equate to a platinum record. So I'm glad other people can hear it now. Music is therapeutic to those who create it; the words you and Emily Bruzzo form paint an image. Do you find getting the words onto paper easy after experiencing something firsthand? In the beginning, getting the ideas onto paper is a very natural process. It is almost always a result of Emily and I having a candid conversation (usually on my porch, where we form our best ideas), followed by her saying, "Oh, that's a song." One time, I was on the phone with her talking about a relationship issue that had me pretty upset, and then I got a notification on my phone that a note about a song was being edited. I asked, "Are you writing a song about this???" Truthfully, that is where our best material comes from—my sadness. Let's create the music video for "Like You Like That." What was your inspiration behind the eye-catching visuals your audience enjoys taking in? Emily and I were exhausted from an eight-hour day at our corporate day jobs, followed by a four-hour songwriting session, when we stumbled upon the music video concept. We both used ChatGPT at some point that day to try and develop ideas for the video. We found ourselves envisioning how AI would respond to questions about how to tell a romantic partner you don't share the same feelings. This evolved into imagining what would happen if ChatGPT could go on a date. I am sometimes known in my circle for my often "robotic" responses to emotional situations, so the idea of me having to navigate a date with ChatGPT opened an entire world of possibilities. How did you and Emily come to form this working relationship? What was it like bringing both the song and visuals to life with one another? I love being asked this. Emily and I met two years ago while working as session musicians for a local country artist. I played bass, and she played keys/synths for live performances. Eventually, we both found ourselves very unhappy in the situation. I think most people agree. I don't look like I'm supposed to be playing for a country artist. At the end of a terrible and annoying rehearsal, Emily cornered me next to my car. She told me she would love to try a writing session together. Give it a trial run and see if we vibe. And here we are two years later. I can't keep her away with all her incredible songs and ideas that somehow work out. Quick side note, I am allergic to cats. And Emily has……..five. So after our first session, I woke up in the middle of the night gasping for air. But we're good. I'm alive and not allowed within five miles of her house. We had so much fun bringing this song and idea to life. I'm so lucky to be able to work with an excellent songwriter, business partner, and best friend. We often start with the most radical ideas for music videos. Rain machines, snow machines, marching bands, pyro, you name it. But then we bring ourselves back down. Neither of us are script writers, but we also have a solid visual and idea of what it will look like. That, combined with working with an excellent director and producer, Spencer Sease, created the 'Like You Like That' video. What do you hope your audience takes away from the messaging and emotion of "Like You Like That?" Well, sometimes, you just don't like someone like that. Most people have been on either or both sides of that situation. And that's okay. I know it can sting, but sometimes, it's just that way. As you can see, I don't give the best relationship advice, but I will say this. If someone isn't giving back what you're putting in and doesn't seem to like you the way you want them, then you're looking at a dead end. A real-life relationship that my song could describe will not be sustainable. Instagram

Next stop, world domination. Emerging somewhere from the deep reaches and vast expanse of the galaxy, BORT has arrived, ready to conquer the airwaves and bring the fresh wave of pop punk you didn’t realize you needed to your stereo. Fronted by the dynamic Jordan McGraw and backed by his talented friends Zach Merrick (of All Time Low) and Jack Lawless (of Jonas Brothers and DNCE fame), BORT might bring fresh sound, but they are in no way rookies. Satisfied equally with world domination or a wild backyard party as long as there are copious amounts of tequila, BORT’s musical journey promises to be wildly entertaining. For BORT founder and frontman Jordan McGraw, the journey to BORT was not straightforward. Having quit his former band after growing tired of managing the egos that came with it, McGraw embarked on a solid, if not entirely fulfilling, solo career. Realizing that he craved the camaraderie and shared passion for jamming and playing music with friends, McGraw decided to give the band life another chance. We’re glad he did, and BORT resulted from those efforts. Inspired by the sounds of the late 1990s and their shared love of music, BORT’s true aim is to make music worth dancing to. BORT’s latest single, “Can You Hear Me,” is a nostalgic, feel-good rock offering that brings memories of the good old early 2000’s scene to mind. Led by powerful drum and guitar performances, the instrumentals for “Can You Hear Me” feel powerful, channeling the spirit of early 2000’s alternative rock bands like Weezer and Blink 182. McGraw emotionally sings lines like “And I try to sit back and let the laws of attraction / React on me, but I can’t do that anymore / Can you hear me?” BORT’s love for their music is apparent and infectious. An unquantifiable spirit underlines BORT’s music, and “Can You Hear Me” is another enticing example. BORT's future seems bright with their infectious energy, uninhibited love for their craft, and desire to make music that speaks to their fans. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream BORT’s dynamic new release, “Can You Hear Me,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Just watch out for the aliens. Welcome to BuzzMusic, BORT! We loved “Can You Hear Me,” and we had to ask! What was the inspiration behind this release? Could you take us through the creative process for it? I started the whole thing with the idea of recapturing that feeling of being in my first band again. With a bit more tequila, better songs, and less drama. This song, in particular, was one of those that just happened in an afternoon. Everybody’s been in that kind of hump day mentality where you just need a good scream in a pillow and a quick reset. Give us the BORT origin story! How did you get acquainted, and how did you decide on BORT as your band name? We are all presidents of our local chapters of the Minnie Driver fan club. So we connected at the animal meet-up. Regarding the name, BORT is a Simpsons reference only the real ones get. What’s been your favorite part of being a group so far? Do you have any particular favorite music-related memories together you’d like to share? Nothing is better than getting in a room and making music with friends. Discovering and growing what BORT sounds like has been the best part. Cheese as fuck, but… there is no better feeling. What goals do you want to achieve through your music, and if your audience could take one thing away from your music, what would you want it to be? BORT is about having fun and returning to the careless parts of experiencing your favorite bands. No song needs to be any more profound than the last. Each song is just kind of what we were thinking and feeling at the moment. We just want people to have those 2-3 minute escapes from whatever they’re dealing with. What’s next for BORT? Can we expect to hear more new music soon, and is there anything you want to say to your fans? There will be a constant flow of music coming. BORT has been too much fun creating, not to keep it up. I think there are already 15 done… we’ll see what makes the cut! Instagram TikTok

BHN Deluxe diversified his soundscape, genre-blending the more alternative aspects with new-age pop and trap tempos and melodies on his new single "IN MY ARMS." Emerging from the Seattle music scene, John Repass (BHN Deluxe) defies all sound categories, breeding a fresh new taste to your palette while only in his junior year in high school. "IN MY ARMS" is one of the young legend's carefully and beautifully constructed masterpieces as he keeps his foot on the gas. The ambient atmosphere presents a heartfelt storyline about giving it your all in a relationship while, in turn, being left isolated and lonely. We remain captivated throughout this record by his ability to craft a unique, vivid, and relatable picture we can all resonate with. In BHN Deluxe's latest interview with BuzzMusic, he was asked what moments inspired this piece of art. "...it's about someone doing their best for someone else but ultimately not being enough for them" - adding on, he mentions how, ironically, it's not your typical concept to be sung to an upbeat production. Apparent in his older music, BHN Deluxe finds it naturally easier to write about his own turmoil and heartbreaks in his music. We've asked who or what drives the force of his daily inspiration, and he mentioned, "...a notable motivation for me artistically and musically is myself. I like to think I change a lot, and I often notice that I evolve so much in a year that I become a whole different version of myself". Looking forward to the performance aspect of his future in this industry, BHN Deluxe displays high-value potential, leaving listeners in awe and craving more. Read the full article and interview with the young legend BHN Deluxe and his latest release, "IN MY ARMS," here. Instagram Facebook

We adore when artists continue to push the genre boundaries instilled into music from the dawn of time. How can you get someone to fit in a box when they're much more than a mold to conform to? Vancouver artist Cenzina defies these genres, and her hybrid approach to the style and influence she embodies makes her stand out. From alternative and classic rock to hip-hop and R&B, the sound she emanates is a force to be reckoned with as she graciously shares her music acoustically and with her band, members of The Project Vancity. Here's to the live performances that will leave you feeling intimately connected to an artist and emotionally fueled, precisely what we know a Cenzina performance to manifest. Her most recent single, "Airplane Mode," is a diamond that shines brightly on releases that indie artists are popping out. Pure passion and divine energy have this record wrapped in warmth and poignancy - and she does it all effortlessly. Cenzina masters her craft in a way that keeps us on our toes as she is ever-evolving through this journey of life and on her music career. The honeyed croons that she divulges have her pairing a bright yet smokey vocal to emphasize the poetic storytelling she pulls from the depths of her soul. It's not just her velvety vocals that remain a staple in "Airplane Mode;" it's how the composition jives. The raw essence of it sweeps you off your feet and draws you into her gravitational pull. You can find Cenzina casting powerful key progressions, all while she projects the delicate and picturesque lyrical motifs she's crafted ever so carefully. Accompanied by her band - this live-off-the-floor rendition is breathtaking and comforting. Recorded during an intimate performance at Vancouver's iconic Hipposonic Studios, you could say Cenzina is a one-take wonder the way "Airplane Mode" came out after this innermost session of melodic charm and fluttering melodies. Listen to "Airplane Mode" now on your favorite streaming platform. Instagram Facebook

Smooth Retsina Glow continues their upward trajectory with their latest album, 'Gemini Reign.' Making waves and carrying an unbeatable momentum, the sweet sounds of indie rock, shoegaze, and dream pop, have taken them to new heights with each release they put forth. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based artists have been gigging hard in 2023 with a myriad of shows performed thus far, and as their undeniable work ethic has proven - there are no signs of stopping. Releasing their 4th studio album, 'Gemini Reign,' this past June with a single to expedite the band, this year has been nothing short of highlights for Smooth Retsina Glow. It's impossible not to get roped into 'Gemini Reign immediately as you click play on the introductory single, "Turn to Hubris." There's a mesmerizing ease that has you tapping your fingers and toes to the beat as you feel your worries wash away with Colin Wolf's croons transporting you. The feel-good guitar strums and timely percussion lull you into a head-bopping frenzy as you feast on the grit and authenticity Smooth Retsina Glow instills as a welcome message for what's to come. "Overcoming" greets us with a slowed-down tempo and the radiant Sarah Stoll's velvety vocals, which wrap us up in the dreamy ambiance that Smooth Retsina Glow offers. We love the versatility professed, and this peaceful approach spreads a soothing atmosphere over what we can expect through the album through the variety of electric and acoustic riffs, which touch on the personality traits of a Gemini. Showing off their many sides, the funk-influenced record "Bound by Desire" is the lead single off their album. Lush chords, a groovy tempo, and the duality of the vocal textures make this a fun track to jam to. Written by the band's guitarist and co-vocalist Colin Wolf, the single has earned them a second consecutive number one in Australia's Bank City Radio and Radioplay in Japan, the UK, Canada, and a slew of radio stations in The United States. Dipping into the melancholy and thought-provoking "All Your Past Times," nostalgia rushes us as we take this record in. The down-tempo ambiance whisks us into a pool of memories as we relic in the lyrical motifs conveyed. Artistic and meaningful, a beauty is etched into the songwriting of Smooth Retsina Glow that allows their words to live larger than life. We experience that throughout the album, but some songs hit differently depending on your state of mind - which the band masters effortlessly. "Backsliding" is another one of those songs that pulls you into a rabbit hole of melodic fusion, all while praying on your current dynamic state. Being the most eclectic song on the album, there's much to become fascinated with as you take in the production. A perfect concoction of melodic elements in the foreground and background shows Smooth Retsina Glow won't hold back in their expression. It's wild to us how a band can seamlessly take you into two varying moods in such a swift and cohesive motion. Going from track five to six, we're now excited and once again revisiting the grunge-like, amplified sound of boisterous energy they portray so well. "Short Handed" has us tapping into the edgy and carefree sides we want to let loose a little more. Encouraging that with an unapologetic persona and sizzling riffs, this song makes us feel like a bar fight is about to break out, and we're standing by with the popcorn. Taking in the back half of 'Gemini Reign, ' it's easy to see the complete structure that the band places in the tracklist. Now, swimming into the dreamy, pop sound of "She Won't Be Home," we're picking up hues of the early 2000s as Sarah Stoll channels a No Doubt meets Lily Allen-type vibe we're living for. Accompanied by instrumentation that allows her to flutter her dreamy vocals, everything in this record meshes with serendipity. Touring us into the free-falling, classic rock energy from "Obfuscate," who knew the ebb and flow of dream-pop to dad rock would have us this invested? But this isn't just any cookie-cutter song that fits into this description. "Obfuscate" gives us emotion and story in extremes through heartfelt lyrics that make their audience think over the instrumental fills. A desired concoction of pure musical balance. That is just what we aim for in great songwriting. Gently easing us into the remaining two records, every song has its appropriate place, and we're here for it all. Nothing sits better in our souls than the twang of a sparse guitar riff and delicate cymbals chiming in for the spotlight. Fitting the song's title, "Eternal Now," you get exactly what you think you would from this persuasively luscious track. Providing us with an emotion-fueled guitar solo like no other, there's something special about how "Eternal Now" is executed. You feel it amp in intensity, all while keeping the relaxed and laid-back zeal intended. Who else can do that but Smooth Retsina Glow? We've felt almost every emotion while taking in this album, and as we reach the last record and title track of the album, 'Gemini Reign,' we're offered up everything we may not have felt through the previous nine songs. There's a whirlwind of energy upon us, and for the final 7 minutes, we're graciously given a leave-it-all-on-the-table moment full of fills, solos, and abstract lyrics that will have you hanging on to the edge of your seat. Unraveling the organized chaos that's sonically dissected throughout these ten records, you'll be happy you checked out 'Gemini Reign' for yourself. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Smooth Retsina Glow! We're stoked your fourth studio album is out into the world to hear. What is the inspiration placed into this collection of songs on 'Gemini Reign?' The inspiration comes from all the diverse listening interests of the group- anything from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Avenged Sevenfold, Lemon Twigs, Tool, Steely Dan, Spafford, King Gizzard, Plini, Turnstile, Madison Cunningham, and Soundgarden can be detected in our songs- but put together in our unique way, and this is undoubtedly a byproduct of our members all having different music tastes- but we are all able to accommodate each others preferences and gives us our character as an original act. Compared to your other albums, what sets 'Gemini Reign' apart from the rest? It's essentially the first time we, as a band, have achieved a sound that is of our creation - by that- we have been able to take all these elements from these artists and absorb it in a way that makes it cohesive, listenable, and challenging in the proper sense of the word. We are an alt-rock group with certain progressive overtones musically, and it has set the standard for which to follow. Our first record in 2019 was much more of a folk-rock record; our second in 21 saw that sound morph somewhat, although that was a bit too diverse for its good, and the third nearly got there- but it wasn't quite "our sound" yet. With Gemini Reign, we are confident we have our identity for the foreseeable future. Another aspect that differs is the aspect we were able to record all the tracks live, which gives it a feel that the records before didn't have ( the first and second, namely, the third, almost entirely done live). As a group, we were able to arrange our songs- written by our guitarist/ frontman Colin Wolf with increasing maturity. Each piece was diligently prepared and mapped out, and there was good energy in this lineup at the time that made the record. We picked up on such intentional placement from the tracklist. What was your motive for laying it out this way, and what type of journey do you aim to give your audience? Sequencing is a bit of a lost art, especially in modern music- with all the options afforded to us by downloading and being able to buy one track or however many it is you want- occasionally, the art of sequencing has fallen by the wayside- but many of the albums that have inspired us over the years have very creative and imaginative ways of sequencing an album that gives it the perfect mixture of contrasts- you'll find this, especially in classic acts like Led Zeppelin, Queen, King Crimson, Beach boys, and The Beatles. A lot of the other influences listed earlier also make good use of sequencing. Our music utilizes different keys, time signatures, and harmonic progression in our writing- and having those elements enable us to achieve a wide range of sonic potential. This record progresses logically and takes the ear on a 45-minute adventure that leaves you wanting more. Does each band member have a favorite song? Which track is it, and what's the reasoning behind the choice? Here are our favorites. Colin Wolf: Bound By Desire- after our first single's Overcoming success, it continued our trajectory upward, earning another Bank Radio Australia number 1 song of the week (the first time we achieved a consecutive number 1 on that station), and it was vital for me because I sang it in addition to writing it! Brian Derckas: Gemini Reign- the pseudo metal characteristic and odd time signature ( 7/8) Jacob Wolfe: Turn to Hubris: for its fuzzed characteristics and dreamy psychedelia, including a backward solo and the swirly sounds that underpin it. With 2023 being such a busy year for you, what do you enjoy the most about the downtime you've been given? What else in 2023 are you excited about what's coming up? As much as we enjoy performing at the level we do, a few evenings off are always a welcome recharge for everyone to hang out and get involved in our hobbies- which are as important as practicing- and it also gives us time away from each other. We work and play hard, which makes the downtime early in the week well-earned, so we appreciate those weeks we may not gig 6 or 5 times. The other aspect of timing away from music is a break from each other- while we all have good interpersonal relationships with each other, it's not like we're going to go hang out on off evenings to watch sports or go on a hike- time away is important for our recharging. Musicians' relationships are different from normal relationships- you need to have the right balance- but you also need time away from each other- because sometimes, too often, familiarity breeds contempt. We have about 60 more shows for the remainder of this year, and the big date to save is Saturday, August 12th, at Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pa- on Main Street Stage from 6.00 to 8.30, where you can expect mostly originals, but also a few covers as well. And every show is something we look forward to and give an infinite amount of enthusiasm to. Also- you can expect we will start laying down more songs in a month or so because we always got to keep pushing ahead of the game! Instagram