Matthew Ryan Jacobs / "Peace of Mind"

  

The Skinny Review:
Matthew Ryan Jacobs’ new self-titled EP features five songs that showcase a moodier side to the artist. He weaves together folk, Americana, indie rock, and a hint of country, moving fluidly between gritty, fuzzed-out textures and quieter, acoustic stretches. The focus track “Peace of Mind” grows from a delicate folk tune into a sweeping, harmony-rich release, with lyrics that anyone can connect with. While the focus track is a stand out by itself, the entire EP is well worth a full listen.

In Their Own Words:
“I actually told my producer Ben Kempel that this one was for me, so if I want the song to be six minutes long with an extended guitar solo, it will be,” he says of the new collection of songs. “Not that we were trying to create something radio friendly or pop in the past, but we would try to keep the songs tighter in time and the playing more concise. Lyrically I tried to push a little deeper, which is always the goal, but it is strange to put that all out there for anyone to hear and probably misinterpret. 
But overall, I think this is my favourite group of songs yet.”

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Jeremy Voltz / "Feel It All"

   

The Skinny Review:
Jeremy Voltz’s new single “Feel It All” dives into the messy, emotional work of caring for someone even when frustration and distance try to pull you apart. Emotionally laid bare and relatable, his soulful sound shines through. It’s a poignant highlight of his recent releases, capturing the delicate mix of tension and tenderness that shapes real relationships.

In Their Own Words:
“The song came from a rocky relationship with a friend,” Voltz shares. “I tried for almost a year to distance myself and keep safe at arm’s length. But I realized that no matter how hard I tried not to care about my friend, I couldn’t stop. My anger had dried up without me noticing, and I even tried to cling to it so I wouldn't have to care, because caring is hard. But ultimately, care blooms in spite of our best efforts.”

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Tickles / Sugar & Plastic Plates

   

The Skinny Review:
Tickles expand on their noise-punk beginnings with a debut album that feels darker, heavier, and more intense than previous releases. Fierce guitars, pounding bass, frantic drums, and stark lyrics drive songs about isolation, anxiety, abandonment, and old emotional wounds. The album becomes a chaotic yet cleansing blast of sound, celebrating noise and full-throttle release.

In Their Own Words:
 “Recording with Chris Hoggomat flowed effortlessly as we’ve spent a long time refining these nine tracks and knew exactly what we wanted. The connection with Chris allowed us to experiment freely, exploring noise, unusual sounds, and even techno-inspired textures, pushing each song to its limits while keeping its core intact. The result is a record that captures both our chaotic power and the careful thought behind each arrangement, offering a vivid experience of our new incarnation. The album title, subject matter and its artwork capture the bittersweet feeling of birthdays, moments filled with joy, yet sometimes tinged with solitude as connections slowly fade and loneliness quietly settles in.”


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Pat James and The Whole Truth / "On The Edge"

  

The Skinny Review:
Canadian artist Pat James channels Springsteen in this infectious single. It's the focus track to his debut album, I'd Like To Leave, which features 12 songs that run the gamut of emotions, expressed through thoughtful storytelling and a soulful performance. "On The Edge" is a wonderful representation of the album as a whole, perfectly encapsulating the artist's feelings in a catchy melody.

In Their Own Words:
“I went through a dark period and the way I dealt with my demons was to withdraw from life,” Pat James says of the single. “I stopped performing for a few years and really pulled away from socializing or doing things that I used to enjoy. I would try to go out and be present, but then I’d get overwhelmed and leave without even a goodbye. I would become more upset with my life and that feeling of not knowing if I might fall at any given moment is where “On The Edge” was born. “

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Lights / "Learning To Let Go"

  

The Skinny Review:
The vibrant new track dives into that tangled stretch between sorrow and recovery, where freedom feels like a victory lap and a blind sprint. Lights explores how our emotions can twist our perspective, making it tough to separate clarity from confusion. Ultimately, the song embraces the idea that progress often begins with the courage to finally move on.

In Their Own Words:
“‘LEARNING TO LET GO’ is essentially about emotional shapeshifting,” explains Lights. “The way our perception of something can change depending on our headspace or past experiences to the point where it’s hard to see the reality in a situation and extrapolate truth. Sometimes our only way forward is to learn to let go.”

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Future Radio / "It's Not Over"

  

The Skinny Review:
"It’s Not Over" boasts a colourful blend of upbeat pop styles, sharp rock influences, and sleek electronic undertones. The song’s steady momentum and repeat-ready refrain showcase an attitude that’s cheeky and unwavering. The theme of the songs evolves from feeling overlooked to becoming a bold declaration of self-worth and a refusal to be pushed around.

In Their Own Words:
Johnny Late, Future Radio’s frontman and songwriter, describes the track as a rally cry against bullies and anyone who believes they can walk over others. “One of the things I hate most is bullies,” says Johnny. “No one has the right to treat someone else badly. This song started as that, a line in the sand. It’s about saying, ‘You might have won the battle, but the war just started.’ It’s fun, it’s defiant, and it was an absolute blast to make.”

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Matthew Ryan Jacobs / "Empty Rooms"

    

The Skinny Review:
Matthew Ryan Jacobs delivers heartfelt reflection with “Empty Rooms,” an indie rock and Americana blend that urges listeners to appreciate the present. What began as an attempt at a happy song evolved into something more bittersweet, balancing gratitude with the awareness that everything must end. It’s a great reminder to be present and appreciate what you have.

In Their Own Words:
“The idea behind “Empty Rooms” started out as me trying to write a happy song, but it ended up a little darker in the end. As it usually does,” says Matthew Ryan Jacobs of the new single. “I was looking at my life and being grateful that most of my family and people close to me are still around and healthy; and trying to be in the moment now because it won’t always be like this. That’s the line, “time may tell, but it will always take”, it’s inevitable. 

So be in the moment and be grateful and take it a bit easier on yourself and your loved ones.”


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