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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Dani Blond / "Human"

   

The Skinny Review:
“Human” is a heartfelt indie alt-pop song that explores the ups and downs of life, showing both the pain of the human experience and the beauty that can still be found within it. The lyrics reflect the artist’s connection to nature and the emotions that come with personal loss. The song also reveals a renewed turn to creativity for the artist, giving it a sincere and uplifting feel.

In Their Own Words:
“The question of “what is it like to be human?” feels poignant at this time in our western world,” she says. “With technology threatening human creativity, ongoing wars and genocide, splitting up families and throwing them- including children- into cages, ecological destruction and collapse, increasingly polarized worldviews, alongside a hyper-individualized, ego-driven capitalist culture (highlighted in the music industry) it raises the question: is this really who we’re meant to be?”

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John Muirhead / "Made It Out"

   

The Skinny Review:
“Made It Out” is a moving reflection on the passage of time and the unexpected emotions that come with revisiting your roots. Instead of leaning too heavily on nostalgia, the song captures what it's like to return to a place that's changed just as much as you have. It's a sincere, accessible track that showcases John Muirhead's knack for songwriting.

In Their Own Words:
“Made It Out” captures the strange feeling of revisiting a place that once defined you. Familiar streets remain yet storefronts change, fields become parking lots, and lifelong friends build lives elsewhere.
“Being back in town felt strangely unfamiliar,” John explains. “Everything had changed, yet nothing had changed at all. I thought a lot about the friends who left, and how happy I was for them, even though I wished they were there with me during that chapter of my life.”

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Gatlin Black / "Easier Days"

    

The Skinny Review:
This infectious alt-rock single delivers Gatlin Black's familiar style with a raw energy and genuine depth. Hook-filled melodies, had-hitting rhythm and stand out guitar work give the song a dynamic sound without sacrificing the meaning behind the thoughtful lyrics. This band seems to always offer honesty in a rock package, and "Easier Days" proves to be no different.

In Their Own Words:
“’Easier Days’ is a manifestation of the bringing of some better times, mentally, physically, and spiritually,” says the band. “It’s about the tension of who we were, who we’ve become, and the feeling that somewhere along the way, something essential was lost. It moves through disillusionment, temptation, and memory— trying to make sense of a present that doesn’t feel like home. It’s a search for relief and return, not just comfort or quick fixes, but to a place of clarity, inner peace, and belonging even though at times it feels out of reach.”

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Oswald Slain / "Heaven Is The Place"

    

The Skinny Review:
"Heaven Is The Place" is the latest single from Oswald Slain. It pays heartfelt tribute to his neighbourhood pub, capturing both its comfort and complexities through the artist's wit and poignant storytelling style. Propelled by energetic percussion and emotionally charged vocals, the song is warm and intimate, with an underlying indie rock anthem vibe.

In Their Own Words:
“There is an inevitable breaking point that I feel this song reflects. Between success, failure and everything in between. I often feel trapped in purgatory waiting for something to happen as an artist, surrendering to hope and suffocated by anxiety. Though there are moments, and more so recently where clarity, acceptance and a humbling gratefulness step in and take over. This song was always that for me. A moment of clarity. It took me a year to write this song. I had the first bit for a year and just couldn’t finish it. Then I started drinking again and it happened pretty easy. There’s a pub I had my first pint in, after my hiatus from drinking, called Sugar Loaf in Bristol. I guess Heaven Is The Place is a love letter to the present and my favourite pub.”

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