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Metalcore Band Lost In Hollywood Share New Single “Pretty Skin”

Eric Alper
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Metalcore Band Lost In Hollywood Share New Single “Pretty Skin”

Impactful, melancholic, and energetic — these are qualities with which Lost in Hollywood vocalist Amon Garrasi, guitarist Timo Dymala, bassist Julian Utz, and drummer Samuel Minio capture the emotions of their listeners.

Lost in Hollywood were founded in early 2023 and quickly gained attention in the metalcore scene with their debut album The Beauty of Death gaining over 1.9 million streams. Their first live shows, including at the Reeperbahn Festival 2024, showcased the band’s immense potential. 

In 2025, Lost in Hollywood signed with Arising Empire, toured as support for SETYØURSAILS, and additional concerts and festival appearances for this year and next year are already confirmed.

For their single“Pretty Skin,” the band worked with Manuel Kohlert of Future Palace during the songwriting process. The song was co-produced and mixed by Max Ivory and mastered by Christoph Wieczorek — one of the most demanded producers in the scene who has worked on critically acclaimed albums with acts such as Electric Callboy, Future Palace, Annisokay,and many more.

Death-Pop Band Blood Command Unleash Explosive New Single “Mariah’s Song”

Eric Alper
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Death-Pop Band Blood Command Unleash Explosive New Single “Mariah’s Song”

Norwegian death-pop renegades Blood Command return with their explosive new single“Mariah’s Song.” Fronted by the unstoppable Nikki Brumen, the track fuses razor-sharp riffs, hardcore urgency, and a soaring emo-tinged chorus, channeling the chaos of overwhelming, forbidden love into a devastating anthem.

With over 60,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a relentless touring schedule that has taken them to major festivals like 2000 Trees, ArcTanGent, Reload, Mystic, and Mighty Sounds, as well as upcoming European club shows and a confirmed slot at Wacken Open Air 2026, Blood Command continue to cement their reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting heavy acts. “Mariah’s Song” captures the raw energy of their celebrated live performances while proving once again that the band’s unique blend of punk fury and irresistible pop sensibility is impossible to ignore.

5 Surprising Facts About Marvin Gaye’s ‘Here, My Dear’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Marvin Gaye’s ‘Here, My Dear’

Marvin Gaye’s Here, My Dear is one of the most personal records in soul music. Released in 1978, it stands as both an artistic statement and an emotional document. Every track reflects the honesty of a songwriter willing to place his private life into his music, a quality that has since influenced countless pop artists who draw from their own personal journeys.

1. A Double Album Born From Divorce

Here, My Dear was created as part of Gaye’s divorce settlement with Anna Gordy Gaye. He agreed to give her half of the royalties from his next album, and instead of a “quick” project, he poured his emotions into an expansive double LP.

2. A Studio of His Own

The sessions took place at Marvin Gaye Studios in Los Angeles. Surrounded by a familiar space, Gaye wrote and performed with intimacy, playing all the keyboard parts himself and shaping the sound with engineer Art Stewart.

3. The Artwork as Storytelling

The cover shows Gaye in a toga in a neo-Roman setting, while the back depicts a collapsing temple marked “matrimony.” Inside, the fold-out artwork presents a Monopoly-style board with images of marriage, music, and judgment, offering a striking visual reflection of the album’s themes.

4. A Song Without Boundaries

“When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You” runs over six minutes with no chorus or bridge, flowing like a confessional conversation. Gaye used it as both a centerpiece and a reprise, creating a structural anchor that guided the album.

5. A Funky Space Journey

“A Funky Space Reincarnation” takes listeners to an imagined cosmic world influenced by Parliament-Funkadelic and Earth, Wind & Fire. Its playful groove balances the heavier moments of the album, showing Gaye’s range as both a soul poet and a funk innovator.

Here, My Dear captures Marvin Gaye’s artistry at its most fearless. The album transforms personal experience into musical storytelling, a tradition later embraced by pop artists who use their work as a mirror of their own lives. Its honesty and innovation continue to resonate, making it a true gem in his catalog.

5 Surprising Facts About Boyz II Men’s ‘II’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Boyz II Men’s ‘II’

Boyz II Men’s II is a landmark in R&B history. Released in 1994, it cemented the group as global icons, fusing silky harmonies with emotional depth. Beyond the chart-topping singles, there are stories and details that highlight the extraordinary legacy of this album.

1. A Historic Chart Double

“I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in succession. Boyz II Men became the third artist to replace themselves at #1 in the United States, following Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

2. Consecutive Record Runs

“I’ll Make Love to You” stayed at #1 for 14 weeks, equaling Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Coming right after the 13-week run of “End of the Road,” Boyz II Men achieved consecutive double-digit #1 reigns.

3. A Tribute in Harmony

The interlude “Khalil” honors the group’s road manager, Roderick “Khalil” Rountree. His memory lives through this spoken track that connects deeply with the group’s personal story.

4. Grammy Gold

II earned the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 37th Grammy Awards in 1995. The category debuted that year, making this record the very first winner of the award.

5. A Bold Production Story

Over 20 songs were recorded for II, with Motown president Jheryl Busby calling in Babyface, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis to contribute. Busby also chose “I’ll Make Love to You” as the lead single, guiding the album toward one of its most iconic successes.

II shines with record-breaking singles, heartfelt tributes, Grammy recognition, and bold production choices. These hidden gems celebrate the artistry of Boyz II Men and the enduring influence of one of R&B’s greatest albums.

10 Essential Albums for Getting Into Jazz Fusion

Eric Alper
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10 Essential Albums for Getting Into Jazz Fusion

Jazz fusion is a playground where virtuosity meets groove, where jazz, rock, funk, and soul collide. For newcomers, these albums serve as a gateway into its limitless creativity.

Chick Corea – ‘Return to Forever’
A lush, melodic blend of jazz improvisation and Brazilian rhythms, this album became a blueprint for fusion. Corea’s keys sparkle while Stanley Clarke’s bass gives it weight and warmth.

Herbie Hancock – ‘Head Hunters’
Groove-heavy and irresistibly funky, Hancock fuses jazz with funk and R&B in a way that still sounds futuristic. “Chameleon” alone could convert anyone to the world of jazz fusion.

John McLaughlin – ‘Extrapolation’
Before the Mahavishnu Orchestra, McLaughlin set the stage with this fiery debut. It bridges free-flowing jazz improvisation with the sharp edges of rock guitar.

Mahavishnu Orchestra – ‘The Inner Mounting Flame’
Explosive, electric, and spiritual, this album epitomizes the intensity of fusion. McLaughlin’s guitar meets Billy Cobham’s thunderous drums in a storm of virtuosity.

Miles Davis – ‘Bitches Brew’
A landmark in music history, this double album rewrote the rules of jazz by adding rock’s raw power and psychedelic textures. It remains the Big Bang of jazz fusion.

Pat Metheny Group – ‘Offramp’
Atmospheric and melodic, it introduced listeners to fusion with a softer touch. Metheny’s guitar tone feels like a dream, perfectly balancing complexity with accessibility.

Return to Forever – ‘Romantic Warrior’
Corea’s legendary group turned fusion into a high-wire act of precision and power. This record blends medieval themes with jazz and prog-rock complexity.

Steely Dan – ‘Aja’
Slick production meets jazz sophistication on this endlessly listenable classic. Becker and Fagen assembled an all-star roster of players to make fusion radio-ready.

Weather Report – ‘Heavy Weather’
Jaco Pastorius’ bass steals the show, especially on “Birdland.” The record balances pop accessibility with deep, intricate playing—perfect for first-time listeners.

Yellowjackets – ‘Yellowjackets’
Their debut merges smooth grooves with sophisticated harmonies, carving out a place in the modern fusion landscape. It’s an album that feels both intricate and inviting.

10 Essential Albums for Modern Indie Rock Fans

Eric Alper
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10 Essential Albums for Modern Indie Rock Fans

Indie rock has always thrived on restless energy, genre-bending experiments, and the thrill of finding beauty in unexpected corners. For modern fans, these albums form a foundation—spanning the gritty, the dreamy, and the anthemic.

Arctic Monkeys – ‘AM’
A swaggering, nocturnal record full of riffs that sound like they were born under neon lights. Alex Turner’s sharp lyricism gives indie rock its cool leather jacket moment, making late nights feel cinematic.

Bon Iver – ‘22, A Million’
Experimental yet deeply human, this album folds folk sensibilities into fractured electronic textures. Justin Vernon makes vulnerability feel cosmic, showing how indie rock can lean into abstraction without losing its soul.

Florence + The Machine – ‘Ceremonials’
Cathedral-sized choruses and lush instrumentation give this album its mythic energy. Florence Welch’s voice towers above the arrangements, turning indie rock into something both spiritual and visceral.

Fleet Foxes – ‘Helplessness Blues’
Layered harmonies and intricate arrangements bring a folk-rock warmth to indie fans’ playlists. It’s an album that asks big questions while inviting listeners to lose themselves in its pastoral soundscapes.

Mitski – ‘Be the Cowboy’
Every song feels like a tiny stage play, balancing vulnerability with cinematic drama. Mitski delivers indie rock with theatricality, proving intimacy and grandiosity can live in the same breath.

Phoebe Bridgers – ‘Punisher’
Bridgers’ hushed voice and razor-sharp songwriting capture the millennial mood of longing and disillusionment. It’s an indie rock masterpiece that sneaks up quietly, then devastates you with honesty.

Tame Impala – ‘Currents’
Psychedelia meets sleek pop, creating a record that sounds equally at home in headphones or on festival stages. Kevin Parker redefined indie rock’s boundaries, showing how groove and introspection can intertwine.

The National – ‘High Violet’
Brooding yet strangely comforting, the album blends baritone confessionals with lush arrangements. It’s the perfect companion for late-night indie fans who crave catharsis in minor keys.

Vampire Weekend – ‘Modern Vampires of the City’
Playful and profound, this album captures the restless energy of a band maturing into something timeless. Indie rock here becomes both an existential question and a joyful celebration.

Wet Leg – ‘Wet Leg’
With sly humor and razor-sharp hooks, this debut felt like a jolt of fresh air for indie rock. Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers turned wry one-liners into anthems, proving wit and chaos belong on the dancefloor.

Indie Rock Band Breakup Shoes Announce New Album ‘Standing Still’ Out October 10

Eric Alper
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Indie Rock Band Breakup Shoes Announce New Album ‘Standing Still’ Out October 10

Indie rock group Breakup Shoes has today released the deceptively upbeat and dance-y “Malaise”, streaming now Here . Fans can also read more about the new single – taken from the band’s forthcoming album Standing Still–exclusively on Under The Radar. Standing Still was produced by Charlie Brand (Miniature Tigers) and features previous singles “Copacetic” and “Brainwashed”. The album is set to be released on October 10th. To pre-order, please visit: breakupshoes.com.

Standing Still Tracklist:

1. Moving On Is Hard

2. Brainwash

3. The Suburbs

4. Malaise

5. Universal

6. Anti Social Socialite

7. Midwest Goodbye

8. Copacetic

9. Infinitely Sweet

10. …But So Is Standing Still

On the new single, vocalist/guitarist Nick Zawisa shares: “I wrote ‘Malaise’ from a place of stagnation and complacency. I had just gotten back from visiting some friends in New York and was frustrated at how stuck I was feeling in the sweltering Phoenix heat and had convinced myself that I needed a big change to break me out of the comfortable spell of the mundane. That inflection point is what this song is about; realizing you need to make a change and following through instead of getting in your own way.”

He continues: “In the demo stage, ‘Malaise’ had a bit of a darker, shoegaze vibe but when it came time to track it, we started with some simple disco-drums and wanted to lean into a dancier vibe. So we let the bassline take the driver’s seat. We then buttoned it up with synths, bongos, reverbed out tom fills and some glockenspiel, while sprinkling in some guitar hooks. We were just having fun in the studio with this one; leaving a long instrumental bridge/outro because it felt good and we didn’t want the song to stop.”

Breakup Shoes will be touring the West Coast this fall with Felly starting on October 23rd. Fans can catch the band live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and more. For a full list of dates or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.breakupshoes.com/tour.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

10/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo

10/25 – Solana Beach, CA @ Music Box

10/29 – Santa Barbara CA @ Soho Restaurant & Music Club

10/30 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe’s Alley

11/1 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent

11/2 – Reno, NV @ Cypress Reno

11/4 – Portland, OR @ Holocene

11/5 – Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou’s

11/7 – Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl

11/8 – Bellingham, WA @ Wild Buffalo House of Music

11/11 – Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club

11/12 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell

11/13 – Fort Collins, CO @ For The Crows Tour

11/14 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre

Arizona alt-indie act Breakup Shoes has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

Formed in 2015 by close high school friends, now 10 years later, the hardworking group has evolved into their current lineup — Nick Zawisa (vocals / guitar), Matthew Witsoe (drums), Michael Montiel (bass) and Michael Cully (guitar) — thanks in part to the DIY show culture across their hometown of Phoenix and leaning into extensive US touring with bands like Summer Salt, WILLIS, Phoneboy and more.

From 2016’s acclaimed debut EP, Nicotine Dream, the band has proceeded to self-release two additional EPs as well as three full-length albums — with 2018’s Unrequited Love (& other clichés) garnering nearly fifty million streams across platforms. 

Most recently the band put out 2023’s The Death of Everything Worrisome. The eight-track LP — featuring singles “At Least I’ve Still Got Some Friends,” “Rat Race” and “Get Lost” — is an earnest reflection on modern anxiety that balances blunt vulnerability with catchy hooks and melodies.

Moving into the second half of 2025, Breakup Shoes is set to release their highly anticipated follow-up titled, Standing Still.

Produced by Charlie Brand (Miniature Tigers), someone who was hugely influential to the group, Breakup Shoes says they found a great “sonic match” for their upcoming record.

 “[Charlie] helped us forge a new chapter in our sound that is ambitious and original while still keeping the earnest lyricism and storytelling that Breakup Shoes is known for front and center,” says Nick Zawisa.

“The album chronicles the story of my last few years, centered around feeling dissatisfaction with the status quo,” Zawisa adds. “It grapples with feeling stuck, complacent, and unhappy; all the feelings that culminated in uprooting my life and moving across the country.”

The band’s infectious lead single “Brainwash” is streaming worldwide now, with the album releasing October 10th, 2025 and is available for pre-order now at breakupshoes.com.

Agnostic Front Announce New Album ‘Echoes In Eternity’ And Western U.S. Tour With Strung Out, Murphy’s Law, La Armada

Eric Alper
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Agnostic Front Announce New Album ‘Echoes In Eternity’ And Western U.S. Tour With Strung Out, Murphy’s Law, La Armada

NYC’s legendary pioneers, AGNOSTIC FRONT, are set to unveil the unapologetically fierce new album Echoes in Eternity. The band’sestablished sound remains best known for their pure adrenaline-fueled riffs, unrelenting energy and outspoken critique on social corruption. “Way of War” is the first single to land ahead of this forthcoming onslaught; Echoes in Eternity is set to arrive in its full thunderous form on November 7, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music. 

The band comments on “Way of War”:

“The track is very much a sign of the times! How the corrupt politicians greed pulls us and many other nations into senseless wars. These actions unfortunately, come with casualties that civilians never call for. It’s the way of war.”

AGNOSTIC FRONT hold nothing back. In “Way of War”, the forthcoming album’s opener, a relentless storm of driving rhythms and aggressive vocal chants awaits. It’s an abrasive and raucous display of power against injustice. 

AGNOSTIC FRONT is set to tour the Western United States this fall with a stacked line-up including STRUNG OUT (playing Exile In Oblivion in its entirety), MURPHY’S LAW and LA ARMADA. The tour is set to kick off on Wednesday, October 15th in Denver CO and will continue to pummel audiences across the West Coast until ending on November 2nd in Garden Grove CA. 

Following the East Meets West tour, the band will then embark on an East Coast US tour with RAW BRIGADE and VIOLENT WAY as support.

EAST MEETS WEST TOUR DATES

October 15, 2025 – The Oriental Theater – Denver, CO
October 16, 2025 – Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
October 17, 2025 – The Shredder – Boise, ID
October 18, 2025 – Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
October 19, 2025 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA
October 21, 2025 – The Ritz – San Jose, CA
October 22, 2025 – Goldfield Trading Post – Sacramento, CA
October 23, 2025 – Cornerstone Berkeley – Berkeley, CA
October 24, 2025 – Ventura Music Hall – Ventura, CA
October 25, 2025 – The Glass House – Pomona, CA
October 26, 2025 – Swan Dive – Las Vegas, NV
October 28, 2025 – The Rock – Tucson, AZ
October 29, 2025 – The Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ
October 30, 2025 – Transplants Brewery – Palmdale, CA
November 01, 2025 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA
November 02, 2025 – Garden Amp – Garden Grove, CA

Varials Return With Crushing New Single “I’ll Find The Dark” Featuring New Vocalist Skyler Conder

Eric Alper
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Varials Return With Crushing New Single “I’ll Find The Dark” Featuring New Vocalist Skyler Conder

Philadelphia’s VARIALS — Skyler Conder, vocals; Shane Lyons, guitar; Mike Foley, bass; Sean Rauchut, drums — have erected a massive, impenetrable, and intimidating wall of sound with “I’ll Find the Dark,” their first new song since 2022.

It’s also the first track to feature formidable new frontman Conder, who shares that the song is about “ending it all abruptly.”

Squalling feedback, deathcore growls that sound as though they originated in the deepest recesses of hell, and violent, and riffs that sound like detonations are the hallmarks of “I’ll Find the Dark.” It’s heavier than a slab of granite and a welcome return for a revamped and revitalized Varials.

“‘I’ll Find the Dark’ lyrically tries to captivate the overall theme of being consumed by pain throughout existence,” says Conder. “The idea was for the instruments to be just as aggressive as the vocals and lyrics of the song itself. The track tries to express the emotional distress of feeling lost within yourself, being terrified of existence and living, as well as trying to overcome some sense of grief and heartache.”

Shane Lyon furthers, “The idea was to build a wall of sound that suffocates the listener.”

Suffocation has never sounded so good.

This is just the opening salvo from the new and improved VARIALS. More music is on the way. And it’s going to be just as vicious.

Philadelphia’s Varials seamlessly alternate between moments of crushing power and melodic poise, unlocking harmony in the middle of opposite poles. So much so that Decibel once raved that “Varials have their own modern spin on hybridizing metal and hardcore into a powerful new amalgam.” The band — newly comprised of Skyler Conder (vocals); Shane Lyons (guitar); Mike Foley (bass); and Sean Rauchut (drums) — consistently sharpen their signature style with searing intensity, uncontainable energy, and incredible creativity. Varials began to build their fanbase with Pain Again [2017] and In Darkness [2019]. The latter yielded “Romance,” which amassed 21 million streams and counting. Varials next delivered a dose of controlled chaos like with their third full-length, 2022’s Scars For You To Remember. Over the course of Varials’ career thus far, the band has hit the road with the likes of Wage War, Kublai Khan, and more, holding its own with some of the genre’s heaviest hitters and earning its right to be named among the best. Varials’ upcoming fourth full-length looks to be the band’s most brutal effort yet.

Laura Cox Unleashes Rock Anthem ‘Do I Have Your Attention?’ Ahead Of Forthcoming Album ‘Trouble Coming’

Eric Alper
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0
Laura Cox Unleashes Rock Anthem ‘Do I Have Your Attention?’ Ahead Of Forthcoming Album ‘Trouble Coming’

French rock firebrand Laura Cox hits hard today with her new single “Do I Have Your Attention?” released on Friday September 19th via earMUSIC / Verycords. The new single is a full-throttle, riff-driven blast of party rock – heavy on distortion, unapologetically loud, and built to shake the walls.

Says Laura, “Do I Have Your Attention? is a track with a clear message and raw sound. It grabs the listener’s attention in a direct way, evoking the ambivalence of letting go, whether it’s liberating or self-destructive.”

Equal parts attitude and adrenaline, “Do I Have Your Attention?” is a reckless dare: speed the amp, plant the foot on the pedal, and watch the world react. Lyrically it plays with the thrill of excess and the edge between fun and destruction – calling out phoniness, testing limits, and refusing to play small. Musically, it’s a fierce one-shot of guitar mayhem: chugging riffs, saturated leads and a chorus that invites singalongs and sing-offs in equal measure.


The new single follows the earlier releases “No Need To Try Harder” and “Trouble Coming,” and acts as a loud, electric snapshot of the energy that runs through the forthcoming album Trouble Coming (out October 31, 2025). Fans will find here everything that made Laura famous – raw guitar chops, classic rock heart, dialled up with a modern punch that keeps the sound urgent and immediate.

“Trouble Coming marks a new era in my musical evolution, still firmly rooted in the rock that shaped me, but driven by complete freedom in writing and composition,” adds Laura. “This album reflects a sense of letting go, both through the themes it explores and the modern sounds that emerged from an unexpected collaboration.” 

CD Track List:


1. No Need to Try Harder
2. A Way Home
3. Trouble Coming
4. Inside the Storm
5. What Do You Know?
6. Dancing Around the Truth
7. Out Of The Blue
8. The Broken
9. Rise Together
10. Do I Have Your Attention?
11. Strangers Someday


Vinyl Track List


Side A:
1. No Need to Try Harder
2. A Way Home
3. Trouble Coming
4. Inside the Storm


Side B:
1. Dancing Around the Truth
2. Out Of The Blue
3. The Broken
4. Rise Together
5. Do I Have Your Attention?
6. Strangers Someday

From viral YouTube guitarist to international festival headliner, Laura Cox has become one of Europe’s most compelling modern rock voices. With over 513,000 YouTube subscribers and 105 million plays across her videos, she has taken bedroom chops to main stages like Hellfest, Rockpalast, and Pol’and’Rock. Her upcoming album Trouble Coming continues that journey. It’s loud, honest, and built for now.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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