Is this the longest winter ever already? Sure as shit feels like it. Thankfully, it hasn’t slowed down the 518 from releasing new music. As always, we’ve got the rundown on new local singles below.

Reviews by Andy Scullin

Double XP - “All A Game”
Double XP are bursting out of the gate with their debut single. Tight hooks and riffs, and some of the sharpest production I’ve heard on a punk song in years. Melodious, fast and fervent. Although released in January, this one has the staying power to be song of the Summer.

Luke Pascarella - “Locked Up”
This single from E-Block’s Luke Pascarella is quite a departure from the energy and upbeat rhythms captured in E-Block. Locked Up is quiet and introspective, while truly showcasing the vocal talent and musical range of Pascarella. Soaring falsettos and a subtly-sweet guitar arrangement are the highlights of this track.

Bear Grass - “Chugging Along”
This piano-driven song exudes confidence and talent. The stripped down arrangement allows for the vocals to fully stand out and lead the narrative. With an almost music-box quality, this song is, for lack of a better word, comforting. Being formally unfamiliar with Bear Grass, I decided to dive into some of their other work, and I strongly suggest you do the same.

The Erotics - “Nightmares or Lullabies”
Dirty, mean and relentless, The Erotics latest single does not dissappoint. Pure thrashing rock-n-roll, The Erotics have added another classic their already extensive catalog. If the tasty-riffs and driving drum beat doesn’t get you, the lyrics will. Nightmares or Lullabies paints such an apt picture of the rock-n-roll lifestyle, it almost smells like whiskey, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Armbruster - “King Under the River”
This jazzy instrumental track from Armbruster starts off with such a unique and atmospheric sound that it was near impossible to tell which direction the song would go. It lulls you into a soundscape that gets you comfortable with the pattern before a manic, yet still beautiful crescendo. A couple of sentences cannot do this song justice, so you will have to listen for yourself.

Twelve Days in June - “Rosemere”
This song is such a perfect encapsulation of early alternative rock. With hints of Bob Mould, The Smiths, and even Jeff Buckley (who gets name-checked in the tune) Twelve Days in June have crafted a perfect homage to alt-forefathers, while remaining wholly original. Sharp songwriting with brilliant arrangement and production.

Caroline Berry - “Dream So Deep”
With this confident release, Caroline Berry is sure to make quite a name for herself. Great vocal layering accompanied by an acoustic guitar gives this song a stripped-down, yet amazingly full quality. Upon second listen, the vocal harmonies were even more impressive. Expect great things from Caroline Berry.