Flames of Durga - "Spirit Guide"

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Photo by Presley Ann

Flames of Durga are a Joshua Tree based band have a new single out dedicated to their late father. "Spirit Guide" is a monster of a song and not your typical tribute song for a departed family member. This one is a big, big rock song that shows off the band's influences such as The Kills, Black Sabbath, and L7. Twin sisters Beah and Cecilia Romero's emotions are palpable in "Spirit Guide," and this one is best to listen to as loudly as possible. Knowing the backstory of the song adds to the listening experience, but it also works just to crank up and rock out.

Guitarist/vocalist Beah Romero says of her band's new single:

“‘Spirit Guide’ was written when my sister and I were going through a very challenging time. Its lyrics call out to a higher power in a humble, prayerful way—centered on surrendering to divine timing. Little did we know our most difficult year yet was ahead, with the passing of our father, Michael White Feather Romero, in November 2024. He loved the song when we first played it for him, and now he truly is one of our spirit guides. This song is dedicated to him.”

You can listen to "Spirit Guide" below. For more on Flames of Durga, check out the band on Facebook and Instagram.

On Repeat...

Holiday Ghosts - "Slipstream"

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The latest single from Holiday Ghosts hearkens back to when pop music was weird. "Slipstream" will remind you of classic early alternative artists like Talking Heads, The Modern Lovers, and Violent Femmes, but it also has the 90's slacker vibe of Pavement and Beck. It turns into a crazily fun and just offbeat enough indie rock/pop song. You can watch the video for "Slipstream" below. West Bay Playroom , the new album from Holiday Ghosts, will be released February 15 on PNKSLM Recordings. The album was recorded in band member Sam Stacpoole's childhood home, specifically his old playroom. You can pre-order the album here . For more on Holiday Ghosts, check out their Facebook .
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Liam Kazar - "Shoes Too Tight"

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Photo by Alexa Viscius This may be Liam Kazar's debut single, but the Chicago based musician already has an impressive resume, having worked with Jeff Tweedy, Chance the Rapper, Steve Gunn, Daniel Johnston, and others. "Shoes Too Tight" features childhood friend Spencer Tweedy on drums, Lane Beckstrom on bass, and Ohmme on vocals. It's an absurdly fun and groovy little song that is a party waiting to happen. What he gives us here is a timeless song that could truly have been released any time since the 1960's (ok... maybe not the 80's...) There are elements of classic rock, 60's crooners and R&B, indie rock, modern Americana... it's really just packed with everything in a cohesive song that maintains the vibe the entire way through. You can watch the video for "Shoes Too Tight" below. For more on Liam Kazar, check him out on Instagram and Twitter . He's also raising money on his Bandcamp for Constellation and The Hungry Brain. ...
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Midnight Peg - "Thirstland"

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Photo by Cecil Sykes Midnight Peg are an Edmonton, AB based band that are referred to as "madhouse punk." Their latest single, "Thirstland," is a just barely under control two minute burst of punk. You have guitar riffs that will make you think of At the Drive In, and somewhat spoken and yelled vocals which create a feeling of chaos throughout. This is a loud and angry track that is completely in your face. But, unlike most tracks this loud and punk based, "Thirstland" still keeps a sense of art in their music. Midnight Peg feel like a higher class of loud, angry punk rock. This one is great, with just enough of an emo undercurrent to make the song kind of melodic and almost palatable to a mainstream audience. You can listen to "Thirstland" below. Skinning is due out in October on Thousand Island Records. For more on Midnight Peg, check out the artist's website .
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