Who needs an intro? I sure don’t.

Dalton Wright – Echoes (Singer-songwriter)

There’s something about this latest single from Dalton Wright that conjures images of the 90s and early 200s – soft, delicate indie with hints of falsetto that place Wright in company of bands like the Goo Goo Dolls, Copeland, or John Meyer. None of those are perfect comparisons in themselves but at the least serve as an emotional waypoint. There’s just something at play that feels nostalgic in a sense. And as the track approaches it ends, Wright isn’t afraid to turn on the pedalboard for an extra final punch.

Charles Walker – One Step Closer (Americana)

Despite the song’s title immediately making my brain start playing Linkin Park, I can confidently say my man Charles Walker does not miss. Whatever you call this genre, he does it better than people twice his age. Both his verses and chorus are right on the money, and his lyrics wrestle with the tender relationship of relapse and relational distress. Production is excellent as expected. I simply cannot sing his praises enough as one of my favorite discoveries in the past few years.

Cool Hand Luke – If You Keep (Alternative)

Yellowcard releases “Ocean Avenue”. Creed is on tour. Cool Hand Luke has released new music. If you asked me to guess what year it was, I would never think you were talking about 2024. When the press release for “If You Keep” said it was the newest CHL track in 7 years, I was immediately ready to correct it – until I realized it was RIGHT. Folks, we are all getting old at an alarming rate. Needless to say, many people expected things to end after Of Man was released in 2011 so it’s good to see Mark Nicks is still at it between his many other responsibilities. I’ve come to recognize the lack of songs for/about families and maybe that’s simply due to the fact fewer people are having children – but it’s really cool to see Nicks encourage his daughter through song, and it just so happens the song also happens to be pretty tight as well. This isn’t the “classic” CHL sound, but it’s definitely worth checking out nonetheless.

Professor Caffeine & the Insecurities – Unreal Big Fish (Prog)

On the cusp of releasing their first album, Professor has also dropped a Tiny Desk submission version of a yet-unreleased track. The video is weirdly-normal compared to the zany nature of their older covers videos, but it definitely captures the essence of the band’s skill and personality nonetheless. And while many Tiny Desk videos are stripped down or acoustic, this is a display of full-band fury. Check out the track below before it releases officially.

MYFEVER – Runaway (Indie)

I’ve heard this track a few times live with Weston Hine’s solo sets, but it’s cool to hear it fleshed out fully. This is another in a series of singles anticipating the release of their first LP, and it’s another classic. “Miracle” didn’t quite hit the spot for me, but I’ve loved many of the tracks thus far and this is another strong addition to the discography. It’s lush, dripping with hints of folk and there’s a lot of visual imagery at play.

Little Ghost – Leave Me (Singer-songwriter)

Little Ghost returns with always-impressive fingerpicking and alt-rock vocals. Even with just guitar and vocals for much of the track, things never feel empty. And when percussion and keys kick in, things build gently and beautifully. “Leave Me” is proof that sometimes less is more in a world of 200-track songs.

Badlands. – I Think I Want You (All The Time) (Indie pop)

We love Badlands. I heard this song MONTHS ago, and while it’s maybe a little too repetitive to be my favorite so far, there’s undeniable energy here that fans have come to expect. It’s not too late to join the Badlands. hype train, and a full EP is on the way soon.