Girl Tones - "Pretty Face"

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Photo by Kate LaMendola

Ever since we discovered Girl Tones back in 2025, the Bowling Green, KY sister duo have seemed primed for stardom. They just announced their debut album, and have a new single that could we what breaks them out. "Pretty Face" is a huge alt-rock song heavily steeped in 90's influences. It's fuzzy and shooting for huge clubs and sheds, and it should be played in giant venues. It reminds me of the poppier side of Veruca Salt, which we all criticized decades ago but all have to admit was actually pretty great all along. "Pretty Face" is the kind of song that is going to win over both rock and pop fans equally, which is what we've been loving about Girl Tones.

Drummer Laila says of the band's latest single:

“So many people will hide who they are just to be accepted. Why try to fit in? What does it really add up to?”

You can watch the video for "Pretty Face" below. Precious is due out November 6 on Parallel Vision/Big Loud Rock, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Girl Tones, check out the band's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.


August 22 - Just Like Heaven Festival - Pasadena, CA 
November 14 - SubT - Downstairs - Chicago, IL
November 15 - Beachland Tavern - Cleveland, OH
November 17 - Nikki Lopez - Philadelphia, PA
November 18 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
November 19 - DC9 - Washington, DC
November 21 - Evening Muse - Charlotte, NC
November 22 - Eddie's Attic - Decatur, GA

On Repeat...

Hiding Places - "Waiting"

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Photo by Calli Westra Brooklyn's Hiding Places are originally from North Carolina, and that sound is all over their latest single. "Waiting" has a strong alt-country meets dark indie rock sound. The song is as hypnotic as it is heartbreaking. Even if you're not paying attention to the lyrics, the vibe of the song is overwhelmingly dark and somber. There's plenty of country twang and indie rock fuzz throughout the song, with the music carrying the weight of the song as much as vocalist/guitarist Nicholas Byrne's voice does. The song is stunning, both in its beauty and mood. I feel like I've been sitting on "Waiting" for a while now until I could fully wrap my head around it. Hiding Places has something truly special here. Nicholas Byrne says of his band's latest single: "Hiding Places’ first bassist, Anthony Cozzarelli, left the band in July of 2022. I wrote the chorus the day before Anthony left the band. I recalled the slow death of my ...
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Mama's Broke - "How it Ends"

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Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures - "Hollow Choir"

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Photo by Gia Smith There's prolific, and then there's Derek Smith. The Boston musician's latest single with the Cosmic Vultures, "Hollow Choir," is his eightieth song in the past eight years. It also helps explain the genre psychedelic folk-rock. The song is a little over three minutes, but the genre makes it feel much more epic. It's smooth sounding with trippy little flourishes, particularly in the guitar. At times, it sounds almost Adult Contemporary, but it's far too psychedelic for that. It's the play between the mainstream and the alternative side of folk that makes "Hollow Choir" work so well. Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures have long had this ability to provide a little something for everyone, and their latest proves that more than previous ones have. Derek Smith says of his latest single: “This song sums up the feelings I have had towards my music career for the last few years. I am always being told what I should do or what I sh...
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