Enigmatic singer and entertainer Poppy is staking her claim on the "metaverse." Prepare to enter the PoppySphere.
That's the new app that makes Poppy one of the first artists to capitalize on the metaverse — a buzz term since tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg last month shared Facebook's vision for its commerce-driven virtual reality platform named as such. He doubled down by changing Facebook's parent company name to Meta.
Anyway, PoppySphere for iOS and Android presents a virtual 8-bit universe for Poppy fans to explore, with "dynamic rooms and secrets to uncover as they navigate a realm of iconoclastic creation," a press release explains. "Users can customize their own avatar and text chat as they plumb the depths of Poppy's virtual space, playing games and making connections with fellow fans everywhere."
"I am overjoyed to be launching my very own Metaverse!" Poppy says of the app developed with HiFi Labs. "A fully customizable virtual space to hang out and talk with the PoppySphere one on one. The possibilities are endless so, make yourself at home."
Sounds like the perfect way for Poppy lovers to dip their toes in the metaverse. But if it takes its cues from Poppy's music and internet persona, there may be some strange twists and turns along the way.
Poppy's latest album, the punk and grunge-fueled Flux, arrived in September, backed by singles such as "Her" and the effort's title track. She's now on tour in the U.S. and will play Europe in 2022. Last month, she filled her Amoeba Records bag with doom and black metal.
Go to poppysphere.com to check out PoppySphere.
2021's Best Rock Songs (So Far)
Loudwire's picks for the best rock songs of 2021 so far.
AFI, “Dulceria”
Release Date: April 9
What would it sound like if Billy Corgan joined AFI? You get a little bit of that with the AFI song “Dulceria,” which definitely has some of the Smashing Pumpkins leader’s fingerprints on it. “Dulceria” is a dark and moody track, hypnotically rolled out with a consistent Hunter Burgan bass line, “haunted night” guitar flourishes from Jade Puget and a bit of a seductive staccato delivery from Davey Havok. “‘Dulceria’ suggests if you spend too much time in the candy store, you may end up stuck to the floor,” says Havok of the track. It’s easy to see why as the ear candy provided here sneaks up on you and by the time the song is through, you’re definitely full. —CC
Angels & Airwaves, "Spellbound"
Release Date: Sept. 8
Tom DeLonge goes darkwave? Angels & Airwaves took a decidedly more dark synth turn with “Spellbound,” a smouldering track about getting lost in desire and the addictive obsession that entails. With electro-affected vocals, this song has a cool late-night vibe, showing off a different side of the band. — CC
As Everything Unfolds, “Wallow”
Release Date: Jan. 7
As Everything Unfolds rang in the new year with a jolt when, a week into January, the burgeoning U.K. post-hardcore band released the song "Wallow" as a preview of their debut album, March's Within Each Lies the Other. "Wallow" — an urgent, metalcore-tinged banger — gets sufficiently heavy in the verses, but it also sports a soaring refrain propelled by lead singer Charlie Rolfe's strident vocals. Altogether, the tune makes a solid case for As Everything Unfolds as the indie upstarts of the year. —PT
Asking Alexandria, "Alone Again"
Release Date: Aug. 19
Asking Alexandria know how to make an entrance. “Alone Again” has a haunting string-back opening, slowly building to the crescendo, with a wall of guitar and Danny Worsnop’s powerful presence taking center stage. Add in a killer guitar solo and you’ve got a standout lead track. This See What’s on the Inside single certainly commands your attention. — CC
Ayron Jones, “Mercy”
Release Date: Feb. 5
Ayron Jones broke through as a solo artist in 2020 with “Take Me Away,” and he kept that same fire ablaze with his second single “Mercy.” Once again, Jones does a great job placing equal emphasis on the riffs and the vocal melody — both infectious, one not more than the other — and then a twangy, bluesy solo tops it all off. It’s refreshing to hear contemporary rock artists lend the spotlight to the instrumentation as much as their voice, so we’re looking forward to hearing more from Jones in the future. —LS
Bad Wolves, "Lifeline"
Release Date: Sept. 8
The first Bad Wolves song without former lead vocalist Tommy Vext goes a long way in showing where the talent in the group laid the whole time. New singer DL Laskiewicz fits into the Wolves' groove precisely, like a missing puzzle piece, and the band surrounds him with the aggressive yet bouncy, catchy yet urgent rock accompaniment they've perfected over the last several years. Perhaps Laskiewicz couldn't carry this on his own, but as a team, Bad Wolves are just as strong as they've ever been. —Staff
Badflower, "Johnny Wants to Fight"
Release Date: Sept. 2
Badflower definitely touch on some more serious and personal topics on their This Is How The World Ends album, but “Johnny Wants to Fight” is more of a lighter story song, flipping the perspective of the listener through an unreliable narrator. This bouncy little story starts off with singer Josh Katz consoling the titular Johnny after inquiring about his girl trouble, only to later reveal his guilt for the role he played in the whole matter. — CC
Beartooth, "Devastation"
Release Date: March 19
With three albums under their belt, all of varying range in sound and capabilities, nobody was quite sure what genius Caleb Shomo would pull off next; and nobody was ready for devastation to rain. The track is a hard-hitting, head-banging anthem that creates a belly aching yearn to dive headfirst into a mosh pit. It’s the fast pace, chaos-fueled Beartooth you’ve known and love sprinkled with a harmonious chorus to scream until your lungs give out. —YS
Release Date: Sept. 10
What do you do when you’ve got a song so catchy that it sounds like it could’ve come from Weezer? You go get Rivers Cuomo to guest on it, of course. The Canadian rockers admit that the song encompasses what impact ‘90s alt rock had on them, and landing Cuomo for this super infectious song that’s destined to be stuck in your head was just icing on the cake. — CC
Black Veil Brides, “Fields of Bone”
Release Date: April 9
A brooding, comic-book-inspired metalcore slammer, Black Veil Brides previewed upcoming LP The Phantom Tomorrow in terrific fashion with “Fields of Bone.” Part-influenced by the story of Judas Iscariot and the Field of Blood that’s mentioned in the Bible, BVB’s latest single further builds on the legend of the Blackbird character who is at the centre of the band’s bold new world. Plus, in typical Black Veil Brides style, lead guitarist Jake Pitts brings things to a rousing crescendo via a superb solo. Excellent stuff. —JR
Blackwater Holylight, "Around You"
Release Date: Aug. 9
Feel the need to escape into a song sometimes? Portland rockers Blackwater Holylight certainly provide the perfect track for doing so with their gorgeously lush new song “Around You” from their Silence/Motion album. Singer Allison “Sunny” Faris’ vocals melt into the sugary shoegaze melancholy taking listeners on a blissful headphone journey you won’t want to end. — CC
Bring Me the Horizon, "Die4U"
Release Date: Sept. 16
The chameleonic nature of Bring Me the Horizon continues, this time with the band managing to meld their pop sensibilities with cathartic aggression as Oli Sykes sings about kicking toxic obsessions out of his life and finding the triumphant feelings in that experience. This song gives you euphoric highs, danceable moments and just enough time to rage as well. — CC
Chevelle, "Peach"
Release Date: Jan. 29
Chevelle have delivered one of 2021’s best rock albums with NIRATIAS and while there are several songs we could’ve chosen from this stellar set, “Peach” provides a standout moment. The track sneaks up on you with a slow-building spiralling open before unspooling in Tool-esque fashion with lurching guitars, hard hitting drums and an unsettling lyrical narrative. If you’re not nodding along with a “rock face” that signifies the Loeffler brothers are laying down some serious “bad men” vibes, we’d be surprised. —CC
Citizen, “I Want To Kill You”
Release Date: Jan. 12
Being an emo kid from Ohio, it’s a wonder I didn’t get into Citizen sooner. It wasn’t until Roadrunner Records sent me a copy of vocalist Mat Kerekes’ excellent 2019 solo album Ruby that I started to pay more attention. And good thing, because the Toledo-based band’s Life in Your Glass House, out on Run For Cover Records, offers an array of guitar driven bops, including the album’s pulsing first single “I Want To Kill You.” Building from a simple drum beat into a danceable frenzy that will make you want to jump, this is bound to be a hit when it can finally be enjoyed live. —RA
Cleopatrick, "The Drake"
Cleopatrick have emerged as one of rock’s brightest breakouts of the year, carrying over some late 2020 love. Since “Hometown” arrived last year, we’ll give “The Drake” the nod here. The duo of Luke Gruntz and Ian Fraser serve up an electrifying listen fueled by an inner angst raging to be released. It’s a fuzzed out rocker infused with a vocal that leaves nothing on the table as Gruntz enters the headspace of watching an old bully terrorize some of their friends in the audience at a show. The song channels the feelings of regret and powerlessness felt in that moment. While the song is about being the guy who never showed his teeth, the track itself definitely has plenty of bite. —CC
Release Date: June 17
Blessed be those who came to rock, and so it shall be written! Crobot have certainly earned their spot in rock ‘n’ roll heaven with this theatrical ditty that comes with an assist from Steel Panther drummer Stix Zadinia (who trades in his drumkit for a piano here). This divine performance could dredge up comparisons to ‘70s-era Queen, but we’re thrilled to get this glammy gem in 2021. —CC
Crown Lands, "White Buffalo"
Release Date: July 8
If you think rock music was way better back in its early days and/or prefer your tunes to be socially conscious, then do I have some good news for you. Canada’s Crown Lands offer up a fresh take on classic rock that will give you an opportunity to groove and learn something in the process. Plus, many have pointed out that singer Cody Bowles' voice at times sounds like the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne (maybe if Ozzy had taken better care of his vocal cords and body in general), and who doesn't love the sound of that? —RA
Dead Sara, "Heroes"
Ded, "Kill Beautiful Things"
Release Date: Aug. 19
Despite what the title may infer, “Kill Beautiful Things” is more of a cautionary tale than a directive. Singer Joe Cotela explores the idea of trying to fend off the darker tendencies in his life, embracing the narrative with a confident and aggressive nature. It’s a strong rock single with the right mix of hypnotically light and crushingly pummeling moments that should stand alongside the band’s best work. — CC
Delaire the Liar, "Halloween"
Release Date: July 19
If you have a penchant for emo and post hardcore’s heyday, then you have to hear Delaire The Liar’s “Halloween.” The build in this song is incredible. Everything just feels like it’s being pushed to the absolute brink. The sonic equivalent of taking a big, deep breath in a moment of panic and slowly letting it out. —RA
Dirty Honey, "California Dreamin’"
Release Date: March 5
“California Dreamin’” was our first taste of Dirty Honey’s debut full-length album, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Reminiscent of the sound of their 2019 self-titled EP, the song was exactly what fans were hoping for after falling in love with their classic, bluesy attitude. The melody of Marc LaBelle’s soaring vocals in the chorus is almost as addictive as John Notto’s swinging guitar riff, so if you haven’t yet been introduced to Dirty Honey, then this is a fantastic place to start. —LS
The Dirty Nil, "Elvis '77"
Release Date: Jan. 1
The Dirty Nil are such a fun and unique band that find a way to cram everything from thrash and speed metal influences to power pop and grunge into their anthemic and catchy songs. Their latest album, Fuck Art, arrived the very first day of 2021 and has been a welcomed blend of infectious melodies and amazingly ridiculous bangers that turned out to be perfect for powering through this intense year. “Elvis ‘77” is the song you listen to when you’re closing down a bar at 4AM with your arm around an old friend and feeling wistful. —RA
Dorothy, "What's Coming to Me"
Release Date: July 8
We saw Dorothy go from a high energy rock ’n’ roller to a mellow, free-spirited California queen over the course of her first two records, and now she’s back with even more of a punch. “What’s Coming to Me” proved that the high energy is certainly back — the choruses are grand, her vocals are sharper than ever and it sounds more mature all around. She’s even got a little bit of a Stevie Nicks-vibe going on throughout it, and who doesn’t love that? —Staff
Evanescence, "Better Without You"
Release Date: March 4
Nobody puts Amy Lee in the corner! Evanescence’s “Better Without You” is a defiant track, dark in nature and accentuated with a more electronic vibe overall. Lee sets the tone in the verses detailing a controlling and self-serving entity, unleashing her powerhouse vocal in the chorus revealing, “It makes me smile to know that I’m better without you.” It’s an anthem just begging to be adopted for those ready to move on from a bad situation. —CC
Release Date: Jan. 19
One of life’s bigger questions comes into play on this Foo Fighters single as Dave Grohl ponders the fears of his own childhood and how those fears are now being faced by his children. Sharing his own desire for a peaceful existence in a world often seeming on the brink of a global conflict, Grohl offers a thought-provoking track, melodic in nature that ponders if there’s hope for a world where these concerns will not loom ever-present. —CC
Frank Carter has never shied from discussing past mental health struggles and in “My Town” he gets a little assist on the topic from Idles vocalist Joe Talbot. Using the idea of a “town” as a metaphor for one’s mental state, Carter issues a rallying cry that we as a human race might want to look inward with a self-check after what has collectively been a tough year for people around the world. “It’s easy to dissociate when it’s someone else’s problem,” says Carter. “We can look into this town and see the seedy underbelly, the dirt, the disdain, the undercurrent of hate and despair. And then we are reminded that ‘My town’ looks like yours.” This pedal-down rocker starts with a “1-2-3-4” propulsion and doesn’t let up, getting its point across with a killer beat. —CC
Ghost, "Hunter's Moon"
Ghost have returned with "Hunter's Moon," the first new material from the spooky-looking act since 2019's Seven Inches of Satanic Panic EP. Now led by singer Papa Emeritus IV — after the alter ego of bandleader Tobias Forge changed over once again in early 2020 — the group hasn't lost a step with their unique brand of theatrical rock. This tune is a standalone single culled from the Halloween Kills soundtrack, but we have a feeling a new Ghost album is just beyond the foggy horizon. —PT
Release Date: Feb. 20
Sometimes you just need some high energy rock to get you moving and Green Day are here to provide it for you. “Here Comes the Shock” is a workout-ready rocker proclaiming the virtues of some amped up punk rock ready to drop a few truth bombs. Though more about the activity of engaging an audience than delivering on a specific message, “Here Comes the Shock” should keep your pulse racing as you enjoy this motivational gem. —CC
Greta Van Fleet, “Heat Above”
Release Date: Feb. 10
Greta Van Fleet continually flaunt a chief concern of snotty rock critics as the genre moves through the 21st century: Is excessive nostalgia poisoning the form? Mining the past for inspiration is one thing, but the retro vibe captured by the bluesy Michigan breakouts comes off as pandering to some. Regardless, the compelling, plaintive, ultimately valiant strains of "Heat Above," the first track on the band's recently released second album, The Battle at Garden's Gate, are powerful enough to overcome such criticism. If this song is a bad thing for rock music, bring on the poison. (P.S. The Kimmel live version packs the best punch.) —PT
Guns N' Roses, "Hard Skool"
It’s probably safe to say that we were all surprised when Guns N’ Roses dropped "Absurd" earlier this year, which served as Axl Rose’s first official release with Slash and Duff McKagan since 1994. It’s also probably safe to say that the general reaction to their second single “Hard Skool” was much less mixed — it’s a kickass rocker that has the energy of “Welcome to the Jungle” and the attitude of “Nightrain,” and it feels so damn good to hear Slash solo on a GN’R song again. We didn’t think it’d ever actually happen, but they did the damn thing, and we can’t wait to hear what else they have cooking. —LS
Halestorm, "Back From the dead"
This is how you announce your presence with authority! After a pandemic year providing plenty of time to work on new music, Halestorm share this defiant song about the survival instincts that have kicked in during a particularly rough period in most of our lives. “This song is personal and written from a mental health perspective,” said Lzzy Hale. “I wanted to give myself and the world a hard rock song we could shout out loud as the gates opened again. I was on the edge of this world getting completely lost in oblivion, but even though it was the harder of two choices, I didn’t just let the darkness and depression in my mind dig me an early grave.” Shout out loud we all should. Halestorm are back! — CC
Holding Absence, “Afterlife”
Release Date: Jan. 12
Holding Absence are capturing hearts with their sophomore album The Greatest Mistake of My Life and the sweeping and anthemic “Afterlife” is a gorgeous example of why. The last year or so has forced many, many people to deal with loss, and Holding Absence managed to find the perfect balance between real life and art to share a message as old as time — remembering someone who is gone — in a way that’s all their own. The result is a song that I certainly won’t be forgetting any time soon. —RA
Hot Mulligan, "Pop Shuvit (Hall of Meat, Duh!)"
Jerry Cantrell, "Brighten"
For those who only associate Jerry Cantrell with Alice in Chains, he wants you to shut up and listen. “Brighten” is the second single the rocker released this year from his upcoming album with the same name, and it really enhances how much of a genius he is. Of course, there are parts that sound a bit like an Alice in Chains song, but that’s because he’s been the mastermind behind the band since it formed in the late ‘80s. This isn't his first rodeo as a solo artist, so he's got an even fresher and more mature perspective this time around. —LS
Joyous Wolf, "Fearless"
Joyous Wolf are unapologetically themselves — and are extremely skilled at their instruments at the same time. What more could you ask for? Their latest single “Fearless” is a lighthearted rocker that further proves their passion as well as their talent. —LS
Lilith Czar, “King”
Release Date: Feb. 19
Seeing Juliet Simms find her voice as Lilith Czar has been one of the most empowering stories of 2021. The freeing and idgaf first single “King” set the tone for her 2021 album Created From Filth and Dust, and that tone is “get the fuck out of my way, I’m here to take what’s mine.” Watching this music video and hearing this first track, there was no doubt Czar had found power in a sexy blend of pop and rock, and definitely wasn’t waiting for anyone to crown her. —RA
Limp Bizkit, "Dad Vibes"
After seven years, Limp Bizkit bounced right back into our hearts doing what they do best: trolling. One of the big differences now is that people seem to be catching on to their tongue in cheek nature and it feels like everyone is finally on board. Fred Durst is no stranger to creating hype and he did that with his new look earlier this year before Bizkit did what they’ve always done and delivered an irresistibly catchy, groove-laden banger guaranteed to get you bouncing along. Life’s too short to take yourself so seriously. ~Live. Laugh. Limp Bizkit.~ —RA
The Linda Lindas, "Oh!"
Machine Gun Kelly, "Papercuts"
Release Date: Aug. 11
Having made himself a force in modern pop-punk, Machine Gun Kelly continued to expand his musical wings delivering “Papercuts,” a track that would’ve felt at home during the ‘90s grunge era alternative. Distinctive Weezer-esque guitars and Travis Barker-aided beats provide the backdrop for this earworm, the lead track from MGK’s Born With Horns album. — CC
EX1
Wolfgang Van Halen keeps the energy high on “Don’t Back Down,” immediately thrusting a pulsing guitar tone in your face to open the song and accentuating it with a shuffling drum beat providing a clap-along rhythm. With a chorus vocal that pushes the upper register, the song has a feeling like you’re racing toward the edge of a precipice full-steam ahead with no intent of backing down as the title suggests. Turn this one up and enjoy the ride. —CC
Matthew Sweet, “Blown Away”
Matthew Sweet wound down 2020 with a string of tunes that led to a new album, this year's Catspaw, the longtime Southern pop-rock torchbearer's 15th studio set. And while the singles "At a Loss," Give a Little" and "Stars Explode" are all quality — and sit great among the other 12 songs on the closest thing fans will ever get to a return to Girlfriend or 100% Fun form for Sweet — the opening number, "Blown Away," more concisely packs the wallop one needs to recognize that the Altered Beast is back on his A-game. —PT
Melvins, "The Great Good Place"
Whenever a new Melvins record arrives, fans really have absolutely no idea what to expect, which is what has made this band so continuously exciting throughout their three-plus decades in existence. “The Great Good Place” is a pleasant chugger boasting one of Buzz Osborne’s best yet simplest riffs and an all-too catchy vocal line. It’s a natural head-bobber that proves that virtuosity can sometimes be completely overrated and that the best songs are kept straightforward and to the point. —JD
Myles Kennedy delivers arguably the most epic track of his The Ides of March album with its title cut. It’s a song that showcases his songwriting and instrumental talent as well as the range of his vocal prowess, starting almost at an intimate whisper and later soaring with power through the chorus. Listeners are taken on a journey through several stylistic shifts, from the solitary open to the alternating of ominous Flamenco-esque verses and a defiantly heavier chorus. Kennedy lays out a cautionary tale that seems doomed to fail before ending on a hopeful note that the predicted outcome may still have time to be reversed. —CC
Papa Roach featuring Fever 333 and Sueco, "Swerve"
After coming over to the dark side with her 2020 album I Disagree and coining the term “post-genre,” we weren’t sure what Poppy had in store for her fans next. But with her latest record Flux, she’s certainly transitioned more toward a punk-rock sound, and “Her” is a perfect example. The guitars are grungy, the rhythm is catchy and her vocals are a lot more relaxed (with the exception of a couple of lines). It’s sounds more reminiscent of a ‘90s alternative song, particularly Nirvana, which we welcome with open arms. —Staff
Release Date: Feb. 12
If the death of Chris Cornell was the nail in the coffin for Taylor Momsen in 2017, then collaborating with his Soundgarden bandmates on her own song years later was certainly her resurrection. After coming up with a song that sounded “Soundgarden-esque,” Momsen phoned Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron to lend their mastery to it. The result is a magnificent, grungy track that is topped off with Thayil’s instantly-recognizable guitar voice and Cameron’s thunderous percussion. Even more nostalgic to the Seattle sound is that it was recorded at London Bridge Studio, where albums such as Pearl Jam’s Ten, Temple of the Dog and Alice in Chains’ Dirt were born. —LS
Quicksand, "Inversion"
Welcome back post-hardcore heroes Quicksand! The Walter Schreifels-led band have tapped into the angst and anxiety generated in a world increasingly connected through technology with their 2021 single “Inversion.” Crushing riffs and emotionally raw vocals find a way to connect to the audience ironically while sharing a message about the isolating effects of technology. —CC
Rise Against have never been afraid to speak out in song for the marginalized people of the world and with the title track of their latest album, they’ve delivered what should be considered among the best and most poignant songs in their entire catalog. The lyrics hone in on the idealism of the “American dream” as it relates to a current generation of youths growing up in a world of social, economic and political instability. Tim McIlrath’s voice is as defiant as ever, belting in a full rasp that could equally elicit as many raised fists at shows as it does rolled up sleeves ready to take on the fight in the real world. —CC
Release Date: Jan. 29
We’ve missed Rob Zombie in recent years, but the rock star-turned-director is back bringing us pedal-to-the-metal heaviness with “The Eternal Struggles of the Howling Man” being one of the new album standouts. It seems fitting that the horror-influenced musician would open the song with a spooky church organ before letting the guitars and BPM-raising drums take over. But this high energy ride does take one detour midway in, giving listeners a surprisingly funky lounge break before hurtling full throttle back into a feverish race to the finish. —CC
Royal Blood, “Boilermaker”
While a pandemic-induced flood of creativity and a fresh approach really inspired Royal Blood’s Typhoons album, the song “Boilermaker” is actually a holdover from the early attempt at new music. The song even had a fan base before the studio version was even recorded (with Josh Homme producing) as Royal Blood tested it out live for fans during their previous album cycle. Luckily the groovier vibe fit well within the band’s newly evolving sound. While the track is named after an alcoholic drink, the song speaks to the troublesome tendencies of singer Mike Kerr while imbibing. While recording their new album, Kerr decided to get sober. —CC
Serj Tankian, “Elasticity”
If we never wind up getting another album by System of a Down, “Elasticity” from singer Serj Tankian is an ideal consolation prize. The band was always at their best when splicing quirky eccentricities with uber serious themes, which is exactly what we have here on the title track to Tankian’s latest EP. The first minute is especially wild with the animal noises and nonsensical lyrics highly reminiscent of the adventurous “Rock Lobster” originators The B-52’s. Tankian later shifts to a more streamlined approach, stacking layers of sonic texture that imbue a more serious overtone to this rollercoaster single. —JD
Smith/Kotzen, “Scars”
Release Date: Feb. 24
With two influential surnames to serve them, a group name was unnecessary for the collaborative project between Richie Kotzen, The Winery Dogs frontman and former Poison rocker, and Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith — Smith/Kotzen does just fine. After all, it's the music that matters most, anyway, and Smith and Kotzen have it where it counts in that department. The bluesy jam "Scars," released as a single from the duo's recent Smith/Kotzen album, proves that each performer has an abundance of ideas blooming outside of their main acts. To the benefit of listeners, they put those ideas together. —PT
Starset, "The Breach"
There may be no band better capturing themes of isolation and longing in our modern world (or even futuristic ones) than Starset. The Dustin Bates-led outfit kicked off promotion of their HORIZONS album with “The Breach,” a melodically heavy track with the emotional heft to match. Singing from the point of someone sleepwalking through life, Bates perfectly captures the feeling of awakening and the desire for something greater. — CC
Teenage Wrist, “Yellowbelly”
Thrice, "Robot Soft Exorcism"
Thrice continue to evolve and surprise with “Robot Soft Exorcism” showing a new step forward for the band. Entering more electronic-based territory, the song unfolds in a hypnotically soaring manner that unpacks the idea of harmful and destructive systems and how to inhabit and benefit from them. Singer Dustin Kensrue became fascinated with the term as it was coined by author David Dark and a deeper discussion with Dark on the concept led to this musical translation. — CC
What if Oli Sykes fronted Rage Against the Machine? That’s a little bit of the fiery, pit-starting vibe you’ll get with the “Let’s Get the Party Started,” a collaboration between Rage guitarist Tom Morello and members of BMTH. While the song might suggest a celebration, the track is anything but. Sykes sings about struggles with a pandemic induced mental breakdown, while Morello sets off that feeling even further with a devastating guitar solo. — CC
Tremonti, "If Not for You"
Trippie Redd ft. Chino Moreno, “GERONIMO”
Though the vocals of Deftones’ Chino Moreno send “GERONIMO” into the stratosphere, the unsung hero of the track is blink-182’s own Travis Barker. Having produced and played drums on Trippie Redd’s entire Neon Shark vs. Pegasus album, Barker clean-and-jerks “GERONIMO” right over his head with an inventive and air-tight performance, while Trippie Redd and Chino Moreno’s crossover vocal lines spray the listener with a serotonin machine gun. —GH