Alberta Cross / "Toy Soldiers"

    

The Skinny Review:
Alberta Cross cut loose on “Toy Soldiers,” a propulsive and gritty track that thrives on restless energy and sharp-edged momentum. Jagged synth lines and swirling guitars lock in with driving drums, creating a sound that feels chaotic yet deliberate, capturing tension without losing its sense of purpose. Lyrically shaped by the weight of the world rather than forced answers, the song turns uncertainty into a defiant surge of hope, amplified by its raw, live-band recording spirit.

In Their Own Words:
“There’s a heaviness running through the track, but it wasn’t something we chased - it’s just the world bleeding into the music. The song wrestles with uncertainty, but it doesn’t fake solutions. Recorded as a raw power trio with members from The Vaccines and The Temperance Movement at the legendary Wool Hall Studios (The Smiths, Tears For Fears).”

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Brain Leak / Put Back Together EP

    

The Skinny Review:
Brain Leak’s Put Back Together EP captures a turbulent period of early sobriety with unflinching honesty, turning vulnerability into something empowering. Led by Tara-Gabriella Engelhardt’s introspective songwriting and backed by a formidable lineup of UK alternative musicians, the collection traces emotional collapse, coping, and the slow work of rebuilding. Its deliberately varied production gives each track a distinct edge.

In Their Own Words:
The EP’s creation was intentionally fragmented; each track shaped in a different sonic setting by a different producer. “It’s a Frankenstein production in the best way,” Engelhardt explains. “This year I wanted to explore my sound, see how other people work, and figure out what I want for the next body of work.”

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Maddy Little / "All My Fault"

    

The Skinny Review:
“All My Fault” is a tender indie alt-pop track that unpacks self-doubt, emotional push-and-pull, and the realization that love shouldn’t hurt this much. With minimal, stripped-down production, the song lets its vulnerability breathe. The single lands as both a goodbye to a damaging chapter and a confident step toward self-worth.

In Their Own Words:
Built around a stripped-back, organic production style, “All My Fault” keeps its focus firmly on emotion. Little explores the toll of being caught in a cycle of unmet commitment, questioning her worth while mistaking manipulation for affection. “I was constantly either being blamed, or blaming myself,” she explains. “I didn’t think I was good enough, or I felt too weak to walk away from a situation where I wasn’t valued.”

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Birthday Squirrel / "Marc Maron"

  

The Skinny Review:
Birthday Squirrel’s first full-length album, Higher, Warmer, confidently weaves together alt-rock, folk, and psychedelic sounds with a cozy, offbeat spirit all its own. The record feels playful and inventive, embracing a warm, DIY charm that’s easy to love. The album's focus single is a fun, hooky tribute inspired by one of Frolick’s favorite entertainers, the inimitable Marc Maron.

In Their Own Words:
“I discovered the WTF podcast during the pandemic and immediately fell in love with it,” he says. “MM is a great interviewer and because he's so honest about his myriad of personal issues, he has the rare ability to get people to open up about theirs. He doesn't pretend to be perfect and he's funny to boot. That honesty is what hooked me -- you just feel like he's giving you everything, warts and all which is such a beautiful thing. In a world where 'empathy' has become a bit of a dirty word, Maron is a champion of the underdog. I listened to a lot of episodes while out for "pandemic walks" and after a while, it just felt like he was a pal I hung out with a couple times a week. When the podcast ended, I needed to do something to express my gratitude.”

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Desiree Dorion / "Red Wine"

 

The Skinny Review:
“Red Wine” is a warm, witty country song that finds humour and honesty in loneliness, inspired by quiet nights spent in familiar company. Built on classic country sounds like steel guitar and fiddle, the track feels timeless. With shared vocals and a strong sense of togetherness, it comes across as a heartfelt tribute to the small comforts that help us get through.

In Their Own Words:
“‘Red Wine” is a love song to wine being my best friend during COVID, and the boring lonely nights red wine got me through. It’s a classic Country song, shaped by the influence of the legendary Country greats like Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton.”

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Gatlin Black / "When You Come Down"

  

The Skinny Review:
Gatlin Black returns with “When You Come Down,” a recent track from their forthcoming EP Modern Spirit that blends rock, blues, and roots-driven influences. Written during a moment of personal transition, the song carries a reflective tone while pushing forward with purpose and grit. It's a reminder to stay open to change, because new perspectives can lead to something better when you least expect it.

In Their Own Words:
“”When You Come Down” was written at the turnaround period of my life,” says Jake Weckwerth, front man and songwriter for Gatlin Black. “A time of reflection. A brief moment on that last helicopter out of the war zone where you catch the full glimpse of the carnage below you burning. This song is acknowledgement, reflection, sheer will, and action behind the desire for a better quality of life.” 

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Cut Flowers / "Until It's Time"

  

The Skinny Review:
“Until It’s Time” is a warm, energetic song that reflects on change, regret, and moving forward. Blending folky harmonies with driving guitars, it has a memorable sound shaped by an unusual guitar tuning and a stand-out melodica line. Recorded with a minimal approach, the track feels intimate, as though you're seeing the band live at a small venue.

In Their Own Words:
“It’s a song about regretting not being there for people you love when they need you,” says vocalist Kevan Byrne. “And sort of trying to make amends before we die — saying this time I’ll be there for you, and will stay there until it’s time for me to go.”

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