Page 3 – That Eric Alper

MARTYRS Bring Wintry Melancholia with Surprise Charity EP ‘sno-fi’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

MARTYRS Bring Wintry Melancholia with Surprise Charity EP ‘sno-fi’

Merthyr Tydfil’s “least favourite sons,” the Welsh DIY duo Martyrs, have delivered a seasonal surprise with their brand-new EP, sno-fi. Released as a Bandcamp Download Exclusive, the project was inspired by a missed opportunity to perform at a London benefit show hosted by indie pop legends The Understudies; instead, Jon Howells and Michael Hall decided to craft their own six-track fundraiser, with every penny from sales going directly to Cancer Research UK. Following the surprise global radio success of their Halloween Dream EP, sno-fi sees the duo returning to the lo-fi, genre-agnostic roots of their debut. It is a collection of strange, melancholic “festive” tunes that swap sleigh-bell cheer for a raw, intimate soundscape, even featuring a role-reversal spoken word track and a haunting live acoustic version of “snowglobe” recorded in the hollowed-out lobby of a Victorian-era hotel.

Lyrically, the EP moves away from the commercial glitter of the season to speak to those facing loneliness, addiction, or grief during the holidays. Vocalist Michael Hall notes that the band wanted to create something for the people often left out of the Christmas narrative while raising vital funds for cancer research. Musically, the tracks are “drenched in seasonal melancholia,” blending synth-driven atmospheres with stripped-back arrangements that feel both dreamlike and grounded. From the found-footage aesthetic of the “snow came down” video to the inclusion of home demos and live takes, sno-fi is a quintessential DIY offering that prioritizes emotional honesty over holiday polish. It’s a sophisticated, slightly dark, and deeply human addition to the winter music canon—one that verifies Martyrs as a band capable of turning personal reflection into a collective act of kindness.

sno-fi Track Listing:

1. snowglobe
2. snow through frosted glass
3. snow came down
4. snowglobe (Live Acoustic)
5. snow came down (Demo Version)
6. snowblind

DAN SINDEL Offers a Comedic Holiday Antidote with New Single “Duck the Halls”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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DAN SINDEL Offers a Comedic Holiday Antidote with New Single “Duck the Halls”

Veteran LA rocker Dan Sindel is taking a blowtorch to seasonal clichés with his new holiday novelty track, “Duck the Halls.” Originally written years ago for the TV show Duck Dynasty, the song has resurfaced as a high-energy, irreverent collaboration featuring Terin on vocals alongside Sindel’s signature multi-instrumental production. Eschewing the typical “Santa suits marching in lockstep,” the release is accompanied by an original animated video hand-drawn and created by Sindel himself—with a strict “No AI” policy. The visuals follow a crew of bumbling characters through a dangerous “Evil Forest” filled with menacing trees, offering a bizarre, South Park-style comedic break from the relentless commercialism of the season. It’s a perfect pivot for a musician who cut his teeth in the ’80s metal scene performing alongside legends like Accept, King Diamond, and Saxon.

Sindel, who produces every note of his eclectic music and animates his own media, describes “Duck the Halls” as a necessary relief for those feeling cynical about the holiday onslaught. With nods to the likes of Frank Zappa and Dr. Demento, the track fits comfortably into specialty comedy rotations and alternative holiday segments. “I’m no Grinch,” Sindel notes, “but the true meaning of Christmas has all but vanished beneath an onslaught of obscene commercialism.” By blending his heavy metal pedigree with a penchant for graphic design and absurdist humor, Sindel has crafted a holiday anthem that is as technically sharp as it is hilariously unconventional. It’s a “Duck the Halls” rallying cry for anyone looking to rock on through the seasonal noise while staying far away from the predictable holiday “soup d’jour.”

ANNE MURRAY Offers Limited-Time Documentary Stream to Celebrate ‘Here You Are’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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ANNE MURRAY Offers Limited-Time Documentary Stream to Celebrate ‘Here You Are’

Following the massive response to her new album Here You Are and a sold-out tribute at the Grand Ole Opry, music icon Anne Murray is giving fans a unique holiday gift. Through December 30th, the acclaimed documentary Anne Murray: Full Circle is available to stream via a private link as part of her “A Season with Anne” event. It’s an intimate, moving look at a trailblazing career that saw Murray shatter genre barriers and influence generations of storytellers. Longtime manager Bruce Allen notes that this limited-time screening is a direct “thank you” to the fans whose decades of support have kept Murray’s legacy thriving. The film features rare archival footage and personal reflections, providing a deep dive into the journey of one of the most celebrated voices in Canadian music history.

This seasonal event serves as a perfect companion to her current chart success, reinforcing the cultural impact of an artist who remains as resonant today as she was during her groundbreaking crossover years. By sharing Full Circle for free this month, Murray isn’t just looking back at her remarkable journey from the Maritimes to global superstardom; she’s inviting fans into the inner circle of her life offstage. Whether you’re a lifelong follower or a new listener discovered through the recent all-star tributes, the documentary offers a sophisticated look at the grit and grace required to sustain a career of this magnitude. It’s a rare, unguarded moment from a legend who has always let the music speak for itself, now giving her audience a front-row seat to the story behind the songs.

ANDY THOMAS Delivers Bluesy Swamp-Rock Stomp with New Single “Dirty Work”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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ANDY THOMAS Delivers Bluesy Swamp-Rock Stomp with New Single “Dirty Work”

Longtime in-demand guitarist and newly minted solo artist Andy Thomas is taking a stand with his new single “Dirty Work,” a fuzz-laden anthem for anyone tired of being overworked and mistreated. Produced by fellow Virginian and Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools, the track is a raw, swamp-rock masterpiece born out of Thomas’s decision to walk away from a toxic boss for the last time. It’s a “spite song” in the best sense, channeling the spirit of blues greats with a no-love-lost attitude and a V8-powered groove that demands attention from the first note. Beyond the grit, the song represents a personal milestone for the Trongone Band frontman; having found sobriety in recent years, Thomas is now using his newfound stability to step into the spotlight and tell his own story with a voice that is as strong and direct as his electrifying guitar work.

After years of climbing the ranks as a sideman for acclaimed acts like Yarn, Thomas is shifting his focus toward a purpose-driven solo career that feels like a reclamation of his musical soul. He speaks candidly about his journey, noting that sobriety allowed him to refine his love for music and realize that his story has a place on the world stage. “Dirty Work” isn’t just a self-warning to never let your guard down—it’s the sound of an artist who has realized he can beat anything and is now cresting the horizon with enough energy to power the entire eastern seaboard. With Schools at the helm of the production, Thomas has crafted a tune that feels both classic and urgent, verifying his transition from an elite guitarist to a compelling songwriter with a lot on his mind.

MANDOLIN Launches Incendiary Debut Album ‘same feeling, different font’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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MANDOLIN Launches Incendiary Debut Album ‘same feeling, different font’

Rising Texas singer-songwriter and producer Mandolin has just delivered her hotly anticipated debut album, same feeling, different font, a record that firmly establishes her as one of the most exciting prospects in progressive soul and R&B. Building on a potent discography that includes standout singles like “Lie To You” and “Mad,” the new album retains Mandolin’s power-packed vocals and vintage production style while pushing her artistry into more atmospheric, alternative territory. The project is a masterclass in intimate storytelling, featuring dream-like melodies and smoky, textured guitar work from collaborator Christian Magden. From the gripping vulnerability of the opening interlude “broken” to the indie-inflected groove of “HEAD! (Want You Now),” Mandolin navigates complex emotional landscapes with the kind of precision and integrity that has already earned her critical acclaim from the likes of CLASH and Ones To Watch.

Having recently cut her teeth as direct support for fellow Texan BLK ODYSSY, Mandolin showcases a masterful command over both songwriting and production throughout the LP. Tracks like the hazy slow jam “Party Girl” and the stripped-back freestyle “cigarettes but I don’t smoke” highlight her undeniable lyrical focus and starry arrangements. The journey concludes with the hypnotic “Closing Time,” where Mandolin reshapes heartbreak into newfound strength and resolve, her voice rising with bittersweet clarity. It is a bold, cohesive debut that proves she isn’t just an “option” in the current landscape—she’s a burgeoning force. With a sound that bridges the gap between classic soul warmth and modern R&B tension, Mandolin is effectively crossing international borders and setting a high bar for the genre in 2026.

DEAD CHIC Tease the Future with Shadowy New Single “The Bells and The Fists”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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DEAD CHIC Tease the Future with Shadowy New Single “The Bells and The Fists”

Dead Chic is following up their debut album, Serenades and Damnation, with a visceral new single titled “The Bells and The Fists.” Accompanied by a raw, high-intensity video directed by Pablo Delpedro, the track is described as a “strange, shadowy” piece where flesh and steel collide—the sonic equivalent of a pagan ceremony held deep underground. The band, which began as a partnership between Andy Balcon and Damien Félix (formerly of Heymoonshaker and Catfish), has evolved into a formidable four-piece with the addition of drummer Rémi Ferbus and keyboardist Mathis Akengin. This new track serves as a taster for the band’s 2026 direction, leaning into the “chaos and fury” that has turned their live performances into dark, sweaty rituals.

The foundation of Dead Chic was built not just on sound, but on a shared visual language of landscapes and illustrations that Andy and Damien exchanged when they reconnected in 2020. That cinematic sensibility is on full display in “The Bells and The Fists,” which captures the thick, atmospheric tension the band has honed over years of relentless touring. With their debut already under their belt via Upton Park, this latest offering proves that the chemistry between the four members is only getting more explosive. It’s a bold step forward for a group that excels at finding the beauty in the macabre, blending heavy rock energy with a sense of ritualistic storytelling.

21 SAVAGE Questions ‘What Happened to the Streets?’ with New Video “Ha”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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21 SAVAGE Questions ‘What Happened to the Streets?’ with New Video “Ha”

21 Savage has just dropped the new video for “Ha,” a standout track from his massive fourth solo studio album, What Happened to the Streets? After a world-stopping trailer announced the project earlier this week, the 14-track opus arrived with a heavy-hitting guest list including Drake, Lil Baby, and Young Nudy. To ensure the sonics were as sharp as the lyricism, Savage reunited with his Grammy-winning Savage Mode partner Metro Boomin, while also tapping legends like Zaytoven and Southside for production duties. It is a dense, high-stakes collection that feels like a definitive statement from a global superstar who is clearly at the height of his powers.

Never one for a standard rollout, 21 Savage used Art Basel 2025 as the canvas for his latest marketing move: a creative partnership with the renowned British-Nigerian visual artist Slawn. The duo designed four unique album covers that were toured throughout Miami, making noise at Prizm and Scope before being turned into limited-edition vinyl runs of 2,100 copies each. By merging high-concept visual art with his signature street-level storytelling, 21 Savage is once again redefining how a modern rap icon presents his work to the world, delivering a project that is as visually ambitious as it is musically relentless.

TiaCorine Hits Her Final Form with “Lotion” Video and New Album ‘CORINIAN’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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TiaCorine Hits Her Final Form with “Lotion” Video and New Album ‘CORINIAN’

North Carolina’s own TiaCorine is currently operating in a higher dimension. Following the October release of her third project, CORINIAN, she has just dropped a reality-bending music video for the single “Lotion.” Produced by the ubiquitous Kenny Beats and featuring a guest turn from Alabama’s Flo Milli, the track is a masterclass in ’80s freestyle throwback energy, complete with rubbery bass and keyboard percussion that feels like it was ripped straight from a vintage boombox. The video, directed by Dell Nie, leans heavily into Tia’s “kawaii-coded” aesthetic, opening on a pink moon before descending into a cinematic house party where Tia literally shrinks her enemies into Barbie dolls. It is exactly the kind of irrepressible, unpredictable vibe we have come to expect from an artist who has spent the last three years building a futuristic, pink-hued multiverse.

CORINIAN serves as the final chapter in a trilogy that began with 2022’s I Can’t Wait and 2024’s Almost There. According to Tia, she has officially reached her “final form,” a sentiment backed up by the heavy hitters she assembled for the record, including Wiz Khalifa, J.I.D, and Saweetie. The critics are paying attention, too; Pitchfork and HYPEBEAST have both hailed the project as her most polished and daring work yet. This all comes on the heels of a massive year that saw her breakout hit “FreakyT” go RIAA Gold and her appearance on Chance the Rapper’s STAR LINE. With a new manga, Impossible Girl, and a trail of psychedelic visuals in her wake, TiaCorine isn’t just making music—she is finishing the world-building she started years ago.

Sonia Stein Returns with Dreamy New Single “Eyes”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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Sonia Stein Returns with Dreamy New Single “Eyes”

London-based Polish singer-songwriter Sonia Stein is back with “Eyes,” a dreamy, emotional pop track that serves as the first single from her upcoming EP. The song was born out of an immersive writing camp where Stein pushed herself to be fully open to the creative process without limitations on genre or theme. Sonically and thematically, “Eyes” feels like a natural successor to her previous work on Blooming Season, capturing that specific, explosive rush of meeting someone and feeling an instant connection. Stein uses vivid lyrical imagery like “April leaves” and “crowded streets” to ground the listener in a bustling reality before hitting them with the breathless “loss of gravity” that comes when two people lock eyes for the first time.

Stein’s path to this release has been anything but linear, stretching from her birth in Berlin to years in Poland and eventually studying at Berklee in Boston before settling in London. Her career has already seen her tour the world with the likes of Dido and James Arthur, amassing over ten million streams along the way. Currently navigating pregnancy, Stein is documenting how her changing body and diaphragm are subtly reshaping her relationship with her music, adding a fresh layer of vulnerability to her work. This new project continues her collaboration with high-tier production sensibilities, maintaining the hypnotizing vocal range that has made her a staple at festivals like Glastonbury and a favorite of producers like Liam Howe.

Sam Spade And Phil Varone Unite For A Gritty Cover Of “Pet Sematary”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 16, 2025

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Sam Spade And Phil Varone Unite For A Gritty Cover Of “Pet Sematary”

The dark corners of the rock world are getting a caffeinated jolt as an all-star lineup of veterans joins forces for a haunting tribute to a punk classic. Under the banner of ‘The Rock N Roll & Coffee Show Presents’, host Joe Punk has assembled a powerhouse crew to deliver a gritty and atmospheric cover of the Ramones staple “Pet Sematary.” This unique recording project serves as a celebration of the community built around the popular podcast, bringing together former guests and long-time collaborators for a high-energy reinterpretations of rock history.

The lineup for this eerie release is a true cross-section of rock royalty, featuring the rollicking vocals of Sam Spade from The Midnight Devils and the thunderous drumming of Saigon Kick’s Phil Varone. Joe Punk anchors the track on bass alongside guitarist Ross Collins and keyboardist Steve Gerety, while Mike Fitz of Bad Marriage handled the mixing and mastering to give the track its modern bite. This collaboration highlights the genuine friendships formed behind the microphone, transforming a favorite horror-infused anthem into a powerful statement of creative camaraderie.

To accompany the single, a twisted new lyric video is premiering exclusively on YouTube to provide a nostalgic and visual dive into the song’s darker themes. Joe Punk expressed his excitement about bringing such talented individuals together, noting that the project is a dream come true for a lifelong fan of the genre. With the release of “Pet Sematary” now officially unleashed, fans of the show can expect even more surprises from this recording project as it continues to bridge the gap between heavy rock and late-night coffee culture.