Every week our inbox is packed with new singles, and as much as we’d love to give them all the spotlight, there’s just too much good music. So that’s why we’re launching Already Heard Recommends: Songs of the Week
Already Heard Recommends: Songs of the Week is your go-to roundup of the best new tracks from the alternative scene. Each week, we cut through the noise to bring you a curated selection of must-hear songs spanning rock, punk, emo, hardcore, and more.
Volbeat – By a Monster’s Hand
Metallic hard rockers Volbeat are back in a big way. With new album, ‘God Of Angels Trust’ pencilled in for a June 6th release, along with UK arena tour in November, ‘By a Monster’s Hand’ serves as the introduction for the Danish trio’s next chapter. Led by Michael Poulsen’s distinctive vocals and chugging, razor-sharp guitars, ‘By a Monster’s Hand’ is a devilishly delightful reminder of Volbeat‘s crushing capabilities.
Completed by drummer Jon Larsen and bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen (former guitarist Rob Caggiano departed in 2023), Volbeat‘s ninth record promises to be undeniably punchy with a metallic bite and melodically energetic. It sees the trio, along with touring lead guitarist Flemming C. Lund and producer Jacob Hansen, take an uncomplicated songwriting approach. Rather than overthink ‘God Of Angels Trust’s ten songs, it sees Volbeat act on instinct. And on the evidence of ‘By a Monster’s Hand,’ it looks like the idea has paid off.
‘God Of Angels Trust’ by Volbeat is released on June 6th on Vertigo/Universal.
Bury Tomorrow – Waiting
Having expanded and experimented with their sound in recent years, ‘Waiting’ sees Bury Tomorrow remind us how intense they can be. The latest preview of ‘Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience’ proves to be a thrilling thunderous slice of ravenous metalcore.
Never ones to shy away from how they feel, ‘Waiting’ hones in on the theme of perseverance. “Waiting is about rebirth, the sense of going through the fire to emerge from the other side,” shares Bury Tomorrow vocalist Dani Winter-Bates. “Lyrically speaking, it delves into the lowest points of our lives where everything feels weirdly centered around yourself and in some way your misery, whether that’s loss, self-loathing, or poor experiences.”
If anything, ‘Waiting’ emphasises ‘Will You Haunt…’s visceral sound, igniting it with a sonically bold sound that plays off Bury Tomorrow‘s strengths. While the album’s overlapping themes of personal and societal frustration, crippling anxiety, and the ever-shifting disconnect of the world promises to provide a sense of optimistic togetherness.
‘Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience’ by Bury Tomorrow is released on May 16th on Music for Nations.
Thornhill – Tongues
Australian outfit Thornhill continue to preview their forthcoming ‘Bodies’ with a steely track called ‘Tongues’. Its luscious melodies are countered by heavy and icy passages, emphasising the ongoing battle of aggression and restraint. The end product is a pulsating, crushing number that wets the appetite to hear more of ‘Bodies’.
Furthermore, it maintains the immediate approach that ‘Bodies’ previous singles, ‘Silver Swarm‘, ‘Nerv,’ and ‘Obsession’ showcased. Thornhill‘s third album promises to be their most “raw, and unfiltered record” with ‘Tongues’ honing in on the conflict of desire and resistance. It’s a concept the members of Thornhill relate to; “In many ways, it (‘Tongues’) reflects our own relationship with heavy music, the push and pull between being consumed by it or resisting its grip,” the band shared. “Lines like ‘turning your tongue in two’ and ‘fingernails down the walls’ heighten this conflict, evoking the struggle to commit or break free.”
‘Bodies’ by Thornhill is released on 4th April on UNFD.
Knife Bride – Worthy
Brighton-based metallers Knife Bride have emerged as one of the UK’s most notable rising names in alternative music. This week they dropped their latest single – ‘Worthy’. Serving as a goth-tinged metalcore rager, ‘Worthy’ is bold and empowering that intends to lift up listeners. “This song is a reminder that you are always worthy of love,” explains vocalist Mollie Clack. “Even when you feel yourself morphing into something you don’t recognise. You are inherently worthy.”
Completed by Sean Windle (guitar, backing vocals), Sean Millsopp (drums, synth), and Craig Glynn (bass), Knife Bride have been spreading their self-styled brand of “Nu-Gothika” for the best part of 18 months. In that time they’ve shared stages with Ithaca, Scene Queen, Graphic Nature, and Vukovi, as well as stopping by Download and 2000trees Festivals.
With a sound that equally pulls from metalcore titans such as Bring Me The Horizon and Spiritbox, along with Kate Bush, Knife Bride continue to show a heavy load of potential.
Halflives – No Way Out
After flirting with alt-pop in recent years, Halflives are returning to their pop-rock roots on ‘No Way Out’. Taken from their upcoming ‘How Much A Heart Can Take Before It Break’ EP, it sees Linda Battilani lay it all on the line with a vibrant and honest cut.
“‘No Way Out’ is about feeling trapped – by expectations, by society, by the weight of a world that demands perfection and productivity at every turn,” explains Battilani. “The song embodies that suffocating pressure, the sense that no matter how hard you try to break free, you’re stuck in a system that doesn’t reflect who you are or what you want.”
The pairing of energetic pop-rock and sincere songwriting sees Halflives rejuvenated as they prepare to deliver a new EP and UK dates next month. ‘How Much A Heart Can Take Before It Break’ is threaded together by Battilani’s personal growth as a songwriter and producer, allowing her to address internal issues (like on ‘No Way Out’) alongside wider issues; social media, capitalism and marginalization.
‘How Much A Heart Can Take Before It Break’ by Halflives is released on April 11th on Still Standing.
Webbed Wing – Come On
Although Superheaven are preparing to return with a new album, that hasn’t stopped Taylor Madison and Jake Clarke from cranking out a new tune with his other project – Webbed Wing. ‘Come On’ maintains the grungy heaviness heard on last year’s ‘Vol. II’ record, adding a power-pop flair to the mix. Its jangly guitar, fuzzy solo, and snappy tempo is charming, allowing Webbed Wing to tow the fine line of grungy alt and slacker rock.
Lyrically, it sees Madison address the issue of materialism, and how it really doesn’t bring happiness. “I think most people feel that if they achieve certain things, or make a certain amount of money, all of their problems will melt away,” Taylor shared. “I know I always felt that way. But having achieved a lot of things I never would have dreamed of, I have found that my problems remain the same.”
Bob Mould – When Your Heart Is Broken
In some circles, Bob Mould doesn’t need an introduction. Considered to be one of the godfathers of alt-rock and grunge, Mould has just released his impressive 15th solo album – ‘Here We Go Crazy’. Among its highlights is ‘When Your Heart Is Broken’. Aided by drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Jason Narducy, it sees Mould deliver a punchy alt-rock number.
Reminiscent of past collaborators, Foo Fighters, ‘When Your Heart Is Broken’ is richly melodic, instrumentally astute, and uncomplicated in its delivery. It’s just one of ‘Here We Go Crazy’s favourable moments. While Mould is nearing his 65th birthday, his rage and vigour are firmly intact on ‘Neanderthal,’ ‘Hard To Get’ and ‘Sharp Little Pieces’. Whereas ‘You Need To Shine’ and ‘Fur Mink Augurs’ are loaded with driving guitars.
‘Here We Go Crazy’ by Bob Mould is out now on Granary Music/BMG Records.
Venus Grrrls – Eighteen Crows
British alt-rock coven Venus Grrrls continue to capture plenty of attention with new single, ‘Eighteen Crows’, set to maintain the momentum. Co-written with Max Helyer (You Me At Six), the track is a cinematic slice of grunge alt-rock that weaves in the quintet’s goth and riot grrrl influences.
Inspired by a period of ill health for lead singer GK, ‘Eighteen Crows’ sees Venus Grrrls execute a wider and layered sonic soundscape. While the symbolism of crows is often related to death, GK used them as inspiration. “Eighteen Crows” comes from a recurring fantasy I had while sick, where I wished not necessarily for death, but for a different life,” GK explains. “I loved the idea that by becoming a crow, I could let go from a body that ultimately had failed to become liberated in a form that had power and freedom in its physicality. This fantasy was a consolation for me during that time and made up many of my fever dreams in the small hours.”
Now back to full. health, Venus Grrrls have a busy few weeks ahead of themselves. After heading to Austin, Texas this week for SXSW, they’ll be at London’s Royal Albert Hall later this month, as they support James Arthur as part of a series of gigs in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. A smattering of April headline dates will be followed up with appearances at the Download Festival in June and 2000 Trees Festival in July.
Blanket – Levitate
Longtime Already Heard favourites Blanket have started work on their fourth album, and as a little taster, they’ve dropped a new single. ‘Levitate’ is a case of does exactly what it says on the tin. It sees the Blackpool quartet combine a dreamy mix of post-rock and shoegaze with cinematic soundscapes.
As they showed on last year’s ‘Ceremonia’ record, ‘Levitate’ sees Blanket thrive in an equally ethereal and distorted skin, taking listeners on a riveting and hazy journey. Through washed out guitars and misty vocals, ‘Levitate’ floats with precision, leaving us wanting to hear more.
Calyces – Wastelands
If your band is getting compared to Baroness, Mastodon, and Gojira, then we’re going to pay attention. Meet Calyces. Hailing from Athens, Greece, the quartet blend ’00s sludge prog metal with ’70s progressive rock influences. ‘Wastelands’ is their latest offering as they prepare to release their second album – ‘Fleshy Waves of Probability’.
‘Wastelands’ flourishes with impressive guitar work, roaring vocals, and some shrewd and textured percussion, balanced out by a complex-yet-straightforward delivery. With an album that Calyces says is a ” journey with endless possibilities,” the Greek four-piece set the bar high with ‘Wastelands’.
The track also teases the record’s empowering narrative with Calyces saying ‘Wastelands’ is “about those people with a ‘spark’ in their eyes, who have emerged from incredibly difficult situations even stronger”.
‘Fleshy Waves of Probability’ by Calyces is released on March 21st.
Panic Shack – Gok Won
Having built a wild live reputation, Cardiff punks Panic Shack return with their first new material in over two years. ‘Gok Won’ doesn’t see the quartet hold back, aiming at the toxic culture of body improvement shows in the mid-2000s. Sarah Harvey’s words are sharp, criticising the body shaming that TV shows ‘Trinny and Susannah’ and ‘Ten Years Younger’ churned out during her formative years.
Completed by Meg Fretwell (guitar/backing vocals), Romi Lawrence (guitar/backing vocals), Em Smith (bass) and Nick Doherty-Williams (drums), Panic Shack‘s musical spine is riotous and fueled by a punk ethos that puts them on par with Amyl and the Sniffers, and Lambrini Girls.
As we wait for their debut album, you can catch Panic Shack on ‘Don’t Quit Your Day Job’ UK tour in May.
Pleaser – Begging Guitars
Danish four-piece Pleaser are thoroughly punk. The title track from their forthcoming ‘Begging Guitars’ is a riotous blast of fiery punk rock.
Consisting of double lead vocalists and guitarists Annie Nyvold and Suo Fei, drummer Oliver Nehammer and bassist Olle Bergholzall, Pleaser won over critics and fans in their homeland with their 2023 self-titled debut. However, its follow up promises to go beyond spirited punk that ‘Begging Guitars’ thrives off. Described as “a series of adventurous new punk songs,” it promises to see Pleaser be carefree and express their inner, darker thoughts while being earnest.
‘Begging Guitars’ by Pleaser is released on May 23rd on Part Time Records.
Telling Secrets – Paranoid
Rising alt-rock/metalcore project Telling Secrets (AKA Vik Kovacs) returns with the anxiety-induced ‘Paranoid’. Teaming up with producer George Perks (Caskets, Sleep Token), ‘Paranoid’ is a thunderous foray of hard alt-rock, elevated by its arena-ready chorus.
The lyrical theme of fear and dread is one that Kovacs can unfortunately draw inspiration from. Although he splits his time between London and Los Angeles, his home was broken into last year, leaving the Telling Secrets singer at unease. “I felt a sense of anxiety and violation in a space that by definition should be safe and mine. For the first few nights I had an extreme sense of paranoia, to the point where I didn’t feel safe going to bed,” Vik explains. “I took my anger towards the uninvited individual out on this song, in an attempt to let go.”
‘Paranoid’ is Telling Secrets first slice of new material since last year’s self-titled debut album, which drew influences from Dayseeker, The Used, and Sleep Token.
Hear all of this week’s choices and more through our ‘Newish Music’ playlist. Consisting of the latest rock, punk, hardcore, metal, emo, and everything in between, it’s your go-to playlist for new music.
The ‘Newish Music’ playlist is also available on Apple Music.
Have a song to consider for a future edition of ‘Already Heard Recommends? Tell us about it here.
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