Matthew Ryan Jacobs / "Matches"

 

The Skinny Review:
Matthew Ryan Jacobs' new single “Matches” is a warm and heartfelt folk-rock single with strong Americana influences. Its stripped-back arrangement gives the song a natural, authentic feel, while the pedal steel adds a rich, timeless touch. Honest and easy to connect with, “Matches” is a simple yet memorable preview of his upcoming EP.

In Their Own Words:
“”Matches” is about feeling helpless in a situation or feeling a weight that you can’t shake off,” Matthew says. “The chord progression felt so moody and had a vibe, so the lyrics came fairly easy and quick. It was also written during a very difficult time in my life that was totally out of my control, which is the helplessness reflected in the lyrics.”

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Lauren Minnear / "Ghost"

 

The Skinny Review:
Lauren Minear’s “Ghost” is a compelling alternative pop single that pairs infectious energy with deeply personal songwriting. With a powerful chorus and emotionally raw performance, the song explores the feeling of wanting to disappear while still longing to connect with others. Vulnerable and open, “Ghost” delivers a heartfelt listen.

In Their Own Words:
The song grew from Lauren’s own experience of navigating intense emotions, particularly within the demands of parenthood. Feeling everything deeply can sometimes create an urge to numb, isolate, or retreat, but over time she’s come to recognize that distance rarely brings the relief we’re searching for. Instead, “Ghost” became an act of confronting those impulses head-on.

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Junior VP / "Red Cardigan"

  

The Skinny Review:
Junior VP’s new single "Red Cardigan" is a heartfelt indie rock song about the lasting feelings of a first love. With dreamy guitars, catchy melodies and strong drums, it balances sadness with an uplifting feel. There's a very early-2000's indie rock vibe to it, perfect for those craving a bit of nostalgia for their current playlists. The new single offers a preview of their debut album, Do You Feel The Same?, arriving in 2027.

In Their Own Words:
Speaking on the track, vocalist and lyricist Ross Macintosh says, “I think this is one of the only tracks on our upcoming album that has three verses. We usually try to keep songs short, sweet and going in different directions but I really like the narrative that we managed to put together here. It tells the story of a sort of ‘long-lost first love’ and we hope it resonates, or at the very least that people find themselves humming along to the chorus afterwards. It’s a weird one because the chorus lyrics came whilst I was writing the melody, but I have no idea who Grace is… There’s a lot of playfulness in the instruments and magic moments that can only come from being in the studio.”


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Your Friend, Death / "As Good As Dead"

  

The Skinny Review:
Your Friend, Death's latest single mixes alternative rock with a strong New Orleans jazz influence, giving the song a unique, new sound. "As Good As Dead" features a staggering nine musicians, making it the band’s biggest and most ambitious release so far. And that ambition more than pays off; the song is dynamic and impressive.While the lyrics showcase the sadness of a relationship falling apart, the sound feels very New Orleans, just as intended.

In Their Own Words:
On the new single, “As Good As Dead,” the band members showcase the diversity in their songwriting, featuring a New Orleans jazz-style twist to their alt rock sound. "I’ve been in love with New Orleans for a while; the music, the history, and the culture,” says band member Ryan Boyer. “It’s always been on my bucket list to write a New Orleans jazz-inspired song.”

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The Lael Project / "It's About Soul"

   

The Skinny Review:
The Lael Project’s reimagined release of “It’s About Soul” gives new energy to one of the late Lael Summer’s most cherished songs, blending her emotionally powerful live vocals with rich contributions from talented musicians. The track stands out as a soulful anthem of resilience and self-expression, capturing the honesty, strength, and vulnerability that made Lael such a remarkable artist. More than just a posthumous release, it serves as a moving tribute to her legacy while continuing her mission of promoting mental health awareness, hope, and human connection through music.

In Their Own Words:
Speaking on the song, Marla Mase says, “‘It's About Soul’ was another one of Lael's girl empowerment anthems; She wanted to empower girls, reminding them that their power lies in who they are, their spirit, their soul and not in how they look, even though Lael very much cared about how she looked. She was glam, she struggled with an eating disorder, and she truly loved clothes, make-up and fashion. Both can be true. Her sassy bad-assness was as prominent as her vulnerability and sensitivity. This song showcases that sassy side of her and her sense of humor as well. It’s funky as fuck.”

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DownTown Mystic / Mystic Highway Road Trip

  

Mark Maryanovich Photography

The Skinny Review:
With six tracks of upbeat contemporary rock at its best, the Mystic Highway Road Trip EP channels an uplifting spirit and restless momentum that feels tailor-made for long drives and the uncertain times we're in. Balancing catchy hooks with a sense of optimism throughout, the returning rhythm team of drummer Steve Holley and bassist Paul Page gives the record a seasoned, undeniable groove. Strong songwriting, polished performances, and emotionally-charged vocals make this EP an inviting release for anyone craving classic-minded rock with fresh energy.

In Their Own Words:
DownTown Mystic has been on a rock and roll with The Wish & Mystic Highway releases in 2025 and continues the rockin' trend in 2026 with On E Street Remix and now Mystic Highway Road Trip. The Mystic Highway Road Trip EP contains 6 songs, modern day rockers that are filled with positive vibes and energy that have become the cornerstone of DownTown Mystic's music.

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The Noise Who Runs / "The Summer Talking"

   

The Skinny Review:
“The Summer Talking" is a catchy indie-pop song that combines bright melodies with a thoughtful look at serious social and environmental issues. The track starts with feelings of nostalgia, and the hope of new beginnings, but gradually reveals a deeper message about climate denial, political inaction, and the comforting stories people tell themselves about the future. Along with its visually striking video, the song leaves listeners with the uneasy feeling that we may be ignoring growing problems while convincing ourselves that everything will somehow be fine.

In Their Own Words:
“This song is about love, memory and self-deception, but also about a culture that keeps choosing short-term comfort over uncomfortable truths. Whether it’s a relationship, a dream of somewhere better, or believing just one more summer holiday comes without consequence, we become very good at telling ourselves what we want to hear," says Ian Pickering.

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