McKay has announced a new single: “Plugged.”

McKay is a band focusing on creating music that blurs the lines between different styles, including alternative and indie-folk. At times intimate and personal, at others energetic and fierce, the group’s sound is organic and easy to relate to. McKay’s most recent release, “Plugged,” offers a warm sound, highlighting the band’s retro aesthetics. The electric guitars, in particular, add a raw, edgy quality to the song, contributing to its immediacy. The harmonica parts are also outstanding, adding to the classic charm of the arrangement and bringing an emotive quality to the mix. The mid-tempo song is built on the backbone of a back-to-basic drum beat, which does a great job of propelling the music and adding some energy without overpowering the other instruments. The bass line has a plucky, bouncy tone, which is reminiscent of 60s bass tones. The mellower approach provides some low-end impact to the mix but still enables the guitars, vocals, and harmonica to stand out for their bright and present characteristics. One of the key components of the song is the synergy between the electric and acoustic guitars.

When combined, the two instruments provide a jangly rhythm, which benefits from the percussive attack of the acoustics and the warm sound of the electrics, making for a grittier edge that’s grown to becoming a staple of contemporary folk-rock music. “Plugged” enables the acoustic roots of the band to interlace with McKay’s rock energy, making for a perfect in-between.

The vocal harmonies and personal lyrics are reminiscent of songwriters like AA Bondy, while the old-school aesthetic of the sounds are akin to classic artists like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. The choruses have a brighter, melodic twist that actually dives into indie rock territory. The open electric guitar chords and staccato riffs are a subtle nod to bands like Pavement or Francis Moon. Comparisons aside, McKay created a very personable and direct sound, which transcends the group’s influences to form a very well-defined identity.

Find out more about McKay and don’t miss out on “Plugged” by connecting with the band on Spotify or Instagram.

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Dead Rituals explores the link between shoegaze and post-punk on "How Easily"

"How Easily" is a new single by Dead Rituals , the post-punk outfit led by singer-songwriter Andrea Caccese. With its unapologetic rawness, this song encapsulates the essence of punk while infusing it with the nuanced ambiance of shoegaze. From the opening notes, " How Easily " is relentless and energetic. The driving rhythm section provides urgency and momentum, with a throbbing bass line that drives the song. The wall of guitars takes center stage in "How Easily," weaving a hazy tapestry of distortion and melody. The sharp, biting guitar riffs surge through, contrasting with the ambient textures serving as a backdrop. Amidst the chaos, Caccese's guitar work occasionally dips into atmospheric textures, introducing elements of shoegaze into the mix. These ethereal moments contrast the track's abrasive nature, adding a touch of introspection and depth. Listen via Spotify or Bandcamp .

Dead Rituals released a stripped-down acoustic take on "How Easily"

Dead Rituals (artist-producer Andrea Caccese) released a single titled “ How Easily ” back in June. The song delves into the passage of time and the uncertainty of the future as we move on. "How easily we forget our hopes and dreams," Caccese sings with resignation - An attempt to reignite that spark that's slowly fading away as our days go by. While the lyrics might appear like a gesture of surrender, the instrumental has plenty of fight left in it. " How Easily " combines the mist of shoegaze with the roaring angst of post-punk, tipping the hat off to artists such as Slow Crush , Narrowhead , or even Nirvana . The newly released acoustic version of the song brings a contrasting view, stripping it all down to its bare essentials. With nothing but vocals and guitar, the urgency of the original remains, but a newfound level of intimacy takes center stage. Spotify / Bandcamp / Youtube

Dead Rituals deals with the pain of feeling trapped, with their shoegaze-inspired single “Prisoners.”

"Prisoners" is a hauntingly beautiful song by Dead Rituals . The track highlights the band’s post-punk edge while still bringing its shoegaze roots to the forefront. The throbbing bass line locks in with the drums, as the soaring guitar and vocals fill the room with so much ambiance and depth. The song speaks to the experience of feeling trapped in circumstances that seem impossible to escape. Despite its melancholy tone, "Prisoners" is ultimately a hopeful song. It acknowledges the pain of feeling trapped but also encourages listeners to break free from their self-imposed limitations. Overall, "Prisoners" is a moving and thought-provoking song that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a standout track in Dead Rituals' discography and a must-listen for fans of introspective indie music. Check out "Prisoners" on Spotify.

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