So many great singles this month, this needed to be a team effort. maybe if we work together, we can also rid ourselves of this godforsaken winter. until then…
Reviews by TJ Foster, Natalie St. Denis, Ava Ferriero, Maurice Burbridge
Stella and the Reptilians - “Elks Lodge”
This upbeat, fast-paced indie rock track boasts the perfect balance of being both catchy and still driving a message home. That message being that you don’t have to fall down with someone who has proven they can’t live up to what is expected of them. In the end, karma will take care of things. This polished, epiphany-moment type of song feels as much like motivation as it does a solemn reflection of the anger that can ignite in you when someone lets you down instead of leaning into any sort of potential that could’ve blossomed into something great. [NS]
Passing Grade - “Madrid”
It’s hard not to be drawn in by the immediate electric energy of the guitar riffs in this rock song. An angst follows, as the band’s lead, Henry Powers, sings of preferring to stare at a wall rather than spending an ounce more of precious time talking to someone. The mention of Madrid greets us early in the track, offering yet another relatable tale of wanting to pack it up and head to Madrid for the summer just to get away from an anxiety that seems to trail closely behind every move you make. Naturally, this single gives off the energy of a summer song – one you sing with the windows down, unbothered by any potential passersby. [NS]
Simon Elijah - “Nameless”
Elijah gets deeply personal and vulnerable in this single. The track reflects on feeling out of place among a school of many other fish. His layered vocals harmonize together eloquently, helping add to the emotion behind this relatable tune. As the title track on his upcoming album, we get a strong idea of what’s to come. [NS]
James Mullen - “Same As It Ever Was”
The first time I heard James' new single, he was debuting it on stage ahead of a town hall with AOC herself up in Glens Falls. Which is the perfect way to hear such a well-crafted, folky protest song. Four chords, the truth, and a really great melody are the backbones of this song. Don't sleep on it. [TJ]
The Regal Selects - “Ever”
“Ever” reminds me of driving my Jeep — the top down, wind blowing through my hair, and shades on. Howard Glassman's vocals with the catchy melody of the song carry a rebellious tone. The guitar solo halfway through makes it whole. As the beat slows down at the end, The Regal Selects are portraying the feeling of calming down after dancing your heart out. “This is the best thing ever,” he sings in the chorus. And he is right, this song makes for a good time. [AF]
The William Deuel Band - “Times Are Changing”
The William Deuel Band sets the tone with a raw “Oh yeah babe,” right after you hit play on the song. A distinct voice carries “Times Are Changing” with a catchy guitar melody in the background. You feel frustration increase in the singer's voice as the guitar grows louder, eventually paving way for the chorus. “What else could it mean?” he continuously asks, setting the reluctant mood of the song. When you want to let out your inner frustrations, this is the song to blast. [AF]
A Whole Nother - “Out of Time”
“Out of Time” feels like it's straight from a coming-of-age film. With incredibly vulnerable lyrics and a unique melody to back it up, this song will make you want to pour your heart out. It reminds you of someone trapped that’s finally breaking free, which creates a beautiful song. The accompaniment starts out soft but becomes rough, but that is exactly the point. Moskwa has the perfect voice for the emotions she’s portraying — feminine yet filled with rage. “Out of Time” is incredibly relatable and definitely my new summer 2026 song on repeat. [AF]
Caity Gallagher - “American Gods”
From the opening notes of "American Gods," it's immediately evident that Caity Gallagher's new single is going to be something special. Gallagher's voice is as elegant as ever, her melodies cutting through skin and bone to connect directly with the heart. It all sounds so effortless, too. A wonderful addition to an already stunning discography, this is certainly one to be proud of. [TJ]
Saliyah Itoka - “Ego”
Some things remain key for a great R&B song; good vocals, great vocal layering, a chill beat, and a strong ending. "Ego" has it all. It feels somewhat ironic to heap praise onto Itoka's single about her own pridefulness - and ensuing shock when her lover perpetuates it instead of dampening it. But this song shows why anyone would be a fool to question her ego. For fans of R&B, "Ego" sounds like if Coco Jones sang a Victoria Monet deep-cut. In other words, the sort of track you play in the car and your friends not-so-secretly Shazam. [MB]
Griff - “Spare Parts”
Recorded with the rest of Griff's new album in under three days, "Spare Parts" is as personal and intimate as folk music ought to be. This love song parallels the spare parts of a run-down car with the spare parts that turn half a heart into a whole. With lyrics that are not overly-complex, but too intentional to be considered simple, this just might be next addition to your most subdued playlist. [MB]
Emily Pinkerton - “Not a Game”
This piano-side ballad opens Pinkerton's Quiet Anthems, a collection of songs inspired by intimate stories from various women, including herself. Her breathy voice feels at times operatic, and matches perfectly with the melancholy of the lyrics. Music has an affinity for making the lonely feel understood, and "Not a Game" serves as a beautiful reminder that the quietest person in the room, and the smartest, are often the same. [MB]
The Belle Curves - “Rainy Day Rider”
Warm as hot chocolate and soft as fur, "Rainy Day Rider" describes a feeling anyone with a sensitive heart knows too well: infatuation. Sometimes your mind and your heart have differing viewpoints, and it's usually alot more magical — if impractical — to follow the latter. The song builds to a wonderful conclusion, with the joyous spirit of someone who can't help but scream how in love they are! And the guitar is quite nice, too. [MB]
Katie Bull - “Home. Coming.”
Jazz has a theatrical element that's easily lost in modern iterations, but "Home. Coming." is ready for the stage. Bull's full voice matches the rising grandeur, before a three-minute instrumental break allows you to enjoy the immense talent at play. It's hard to listen to this and not want to shake a little. "Home. Coming." grants you the opportunity to be a 1920s flapper for six minutes; don't squander it! [MB]