top of page
Testing Melodies
Reviews


Tahani Leaves Nothing Unsaid in Her Emotionally Charged “Don't Come Knocking”
Tahani has released her latest original, “Don’t Come Knocking,” and it leans right into what she does best; "turning trauma into soundscapes" that stay with you. There is something very real about how she approaches music. Her songwriting carries that early 2000s emotional pop nostalgia but still feels fresh in the way she delivers it. Her vocals move between soft vulnerability and powerful release so effortlessly that it keeps you hooked. “Tahani's music feels like a slow-bu
May 21 min read


“Not Country Enough For You” by Caitty Lets You Bloom Through Heartbreak
Caitty’s “Not Country Enough for You” introduces her as an artist who knows how to wear emotion openly and still sound strong. Her songs feel deeply lived-in, carrying an emotional weight that quietly lingers long after the music fades. There is softness in her tone, but also enough fire underneath to make the bigger moments hit harder. What I liked most is how natural she sounds, and that comes through beautifully in her latest track as well. “Caitty carries emotion in her v
Apr 251 min read


HJ Soul’s “Unbreakable” Glows With Soul, Strength, and Quiet Power
Rising artist HJ Soul has released his latest song, “Unbreakable.” His journey from performing soulful classics to writing original music is clearly shown in the diversity of his sound. There’s a timeless quality in the way he approaches music, blending older warmth with a fresher modern softness. His music seems rooted in spirituality, reflection, and personal growth, which gives his catalogue a deeper identity. What connects most is the honesty in his style. Nothing feels f
Apr 181 min read


Natalie Jean’s “Unbreakable Spirit” Finds Strength in Softness and Storytelling
Natalie Jean’s latest album, “Unbreakable Spirit,” feels like an honest portrayal of emotional moments. Natalie is a multi-award-winning singer -songwriter with a strong presence across music charts and platforms. She stands out for her versatility, comfortably working across genres like jazz, pop, R&B, blues, rock, country, and more. A 2x Gold Medal winner at the Global Music Award and a voting member of the Recording Academy, she brings both credibility and experience. She
Apr 122 min read


Amy Vee’s “Better Still” Feels Like Sitting With Your Thoughts a Little Longer Than Usual
Dive into “Better Still” by Amy Vee if you are looking for a dream pop song to add to your playlist. Amy is an artist who doesn’t fear vulnerability and that is very evident in her music. Her sounds drift between indie folk and ambient dream pop, and it genuinely feels immersive. What stood out to me is how naturally her lyrics flow, poetic but still very easy to connect with. There’s a sense of maturity in her music that connects with you. “Better Still opens the door to A
Mar 281 min read


“Route 19" by Friend/Monell Feels Like a Drive Back Into Your Own Memories!
Ever wondered what it feels like to reconnect with someone you love through music? “Route 19” by Friend/Monell quietly does just that. Friend/Monell is a creative partnership between multi-instrumentalist and producer Jeffrey Friend and producer, director and storyteller Ray Monell. This collaboration feels very raw, as if Jeffrey and Ray were meant to form a band together. “Friend/Monell’s music feels like it finds a quiet corner of your memory and stays there.” The song p
Mar 251 min read


Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard Ease You Into “A New Moon” With Quiet Magic
Joseph Turner’s debut track, “A New Moon” is in collaboration with The Dudes of Hazard. Joseph is a singer-songwriter who keeps effective lyricism at the center of his tracks. His background in rock bands shows up in subtle ways, especially how the arrangement builds without feeling heavy. On the other hand, The Dudes of Hazard being a rotating group adds charm to the track. Both of them gel so well together that it doesn’t feel like a collaboration, but a team performing mus
Mar 241 min read


“Breathe” by Aldís Fjóla Feels Like a Quiet Hug in the Middle of Chaos
Let’s dive into the calm with Aldís Fjóla’s latest track, “Breathe.” Aldís is a singer-songwriter with roots in 90s rock and grunge. Growing up around music clearly shaped her instincts, which are reflected in each of her performances. She speaks about themes like mental health, love, and resilience, which gives depth to her music. “With a voice that leans into vulnerability, Aldís Fjóla creates music that quietly lingers.” “Breathe” unfolds slowly, almost like it wants you t
Mar 221 min read


Kevin Driscoll Turns Letting Go into a Warm, Reflective Groove with “Put It Behind Me”
The United State-based artist has released one of his most personal tracks, “Put It Behind Me.” Kevin Driscoll is an artist who naturally blends blues, Americana, alt, folk rock, and rock textures without making it feel forced. His songwriting feels rooted in real emotions and everyday experiences, carrying emotional weight and reflection. Kevin’s vocal delivery has a storyteller’s quality, which makes his songs deeply relatable and dear to listeners. “Kevin Driscoll blends r
Mar 141 min read


Get Lost in the Warmth of “Live At Your Local Waterhole” by The Sven Curth (Huge) Trio!
The Sven Curth (Huge) Trio has come up with the album, “Live At Your Local Waterhole” in collaboration with special guest Chris Carballeira. The Curth (Huge) Trio comes across as one of those artists who genuinely enjoy the craft of songwriting and playing instruments, and that passion really defines their music. A singer-songwriter who plays guitar and banjo, Sven seems equally invested in writing meaningful lyrics and constantly improving as a musician. What makes his style
Mar 62 min read


William Hut Returns with a Warm and Inspiring Album, “Eternal Pieces”
William Hut returns with “Eternal Pieces,” his full-length album under the William Hut name in nearly ten years, and it genuinely feels like the work of someone who has taken that time to reflect, grow, and rediscover his creative space. Hailing from Bergen, Norway, Hut has long been a respected figure in the indie pop world, especially known for his work with the Norwegian Grammy-winning band Poor Rich Ones, which introduced many listeners to his distinctive voice and melodi
Mar 62 min read


Fresh Finds Roundup 14 - Move with us
This week’s Fresh Finds moves through shadowy trap landscapes, sharp-edged hip-hop, polished synth pop, festival-ready EDM, and experimental alternative expression. 4 releases, 4 distinct sonic identities, each pushing rhythm and mood in different directions.
Feb 282 min read


The Parting Turns Protest Into Poetry on "Requiem for a Homeland"
An EP with a concept is what I always look out for and The Parting’s “Requiem for a Homeland” seems like a solid one. The Parting is musician Brian O’Callaghan’s project that strives to become a socially conscious voice in contemporary music. You can sense that his music comes from lived experiences and real encounters with the subject he chooses and storytelling he does. Since 2018, he’s leaned into politically aware songwriting, but it never feels fabricated. There’s a beau
Feb 272 min read


Wattmore Let Love Linger in “It’s Called Love… It’s Called the Blues”
The brother-duo hailing from Australia is back with another track, “It’s Called Love… It’s Called the Blues.” The Wattmore brothers ooze an awkward, slightly chaotic energy through their music which makes them unique. Their humor is dry, their tone unapologetic, and nothing about their music feels fabricated. I love how the guitars do half the talking, and the rest is done by their vocals that feel natural and convincing. Their music often reflects grungy guitar riffs, sharp
Feb 241 min read


“You Don’t Know Me” by Seann Medicina is a Sour Story of a Misunderstood Relationship!
The Ottawa-based singer-songwriter has released a very emotional track titled “You Don’t Know Me” Seann Medicina is known for creating songs that are relatable and etch deep into the hearts of listeners. He blends folk, rock, and indie to create a perfect balance of storytelling and rhythm. His songs feel like a personal diary from his life experiences and travels. Seann’s vocals are versatile and guitar work is dynamic, making him an elegant artist. “Seann Medicina proves he
Feb 231 min read


Testing Melodies – Fresh Finds Roundup #10: "Indie it is."
As a music enthusiast, I'm always looking out for fresh sounds and immersive sonic experiences. Rock has been a genre which is ever-changing and finding a sound that stands out feels like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Feb 212 min read


Testing Melodies Fresh Finds 05: "As independent as it gets."
As a music enthusiast, I'm always looking out for fresh sounds and immersive sonic experiences. Indie has been a genre which is ever-changing and finding a sound that stands out feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. Don't worry, we got you covered, here's some of our hand picked Indie titles for you- "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" by AC Scott Release Date- 28 Jan 26 (Out Now) Flows like a river while standing still like a tall mountain, AC Scott's music feels like a
Feb 152 min read


Ava Valianti Paints Young Love in Full Color with “Deep Fuchsia”
Emerging star Ava Valianti has dropped her latest single, “Deep Fuchsia.” Hailing from Newbury, USA, the young singer-songwriter is known for capturing audiences with her emotionally rich indie-pop sound. At the age of 16, she has already made her mark with over 150 radio spins, numerous theatre and stage performances, and accolades including two New England Music Award nominations, as well as a runner-up finish at the International Acoustic Music Awards. Ava Valianti “After
Feb 141 min read


Lifetime of Moments Captured in “Pole Position” by Mick J. Clark!
Mick J. Clark has released his album, “Pole Position.” Mick feels like one of those artists who’s been quietly doing the work for years, and it shows the moment you press play. A songwriter first and foremost—you can hear that long writing journey in how effortless the melodies feel. Being signed to Warner/Chappell doesn’t change his sound; it just gives weight to what he was already doing right. There’s a grounded, lived-in quality in his voice—not flashy, not trying to prov
Feb 82 min read


“Out of Obscurity” Finds Bill Barlow at His Most Confident and Clear
Bill Barlow has released his fourth album “Out of Obscurity.” Bill is known for delivering tracks that are laden with genre-shifting vocals. His songwriting blends pop, R&B, rock, and blues to produce an immersive experience. His songwriting feels sharper, more intentional, not excessive, showing an artist unafraid to explore depth and range. He is vocally magical as his sound moves effortlessly between grit and smoothness, matching mood to message with ease. Bill is an emoti
Jan 312 min read
bottom of page
