Alt-Rock Archives | Right Chord Music Blog

Caustic Waves Unveils New LP ‘Echoes’

rightchord — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:49:22 +0000

Following the success of his debut EP, Full Circle, Glasgow-based artist Neil Thomas returns under his solo project Caustic Waves with the release of his new full-length album, Echoes. The record continues his signature fusion of alternative rock and nu metal while expanding the project’s sonic depth.

Caustic Waves – Echoes

In 2023, Caustic Waves made a lasting impression with Full Circle, earning praise from music outlets for its distinctive sound and dynamic production. After a relatively quiet 2024, Neil reignited the project in early 2025 with Quicksand, the first single from Echoes, setting the stage for what would become an ambitious and fully realised record.

Tracks like the lead single Quicksand and Playing With Fire act as bold alt-rock openers, each delivering strong lyrical hooks and intense instrumentation. Their infectious choruses make them instant standouts, proving to be smart choices as the album’s early teasers and perfect introductions to the sound of Caustic Waves.

It would be all too easy for a less experienced artist to rely on endless, repetitive riffs, but Caustic Waves avoids this pitfall. Tracks like “Artificial Lies” provide a refreshing shift in pace, driven by its rhythmic, punchy drums and hypnotic basslines. Similarly, Spotlights stands out as one of the album’s most engaging moments, with echoing, reverberating guitars that create a richly immersive sound.

Meanwhile, Blessing in Disguise offers a refreshing shift from heavy riffs, presenting a melodic arrangement that perfectly showcases Neil’s vocal precision. In a similar vein, Shadow of the Sun leans on relaxed guitar strumming, featuring a catchy, foot-tapping chorus and memorable melodic lines that stay with you well beyond the song.

The subtle details throughout Echoes are worth noting, from the crackling fire effects in Playing With Fire to the layered backing vocals and cathartic finale of Neon Claws. These thoughtful touches demonstrate that the album’s production is precise, polished, and carefully crafted.

“Echoes builds on everything Caustic Waves has showcased so far, delivering a substantial and immersive record that will appeal to listeners seeking a sense of nostalgia or drawn to the distinct energy of 90s and early 2000s alternative rock.”

Overall, Echoes highlights Neil Thomas’ skill and vision as a seasoned musician, guiding Caustic Waves through bold and inventive sonic directions. This album feels like just the beginning, promising even more exciting developments from this compelling project.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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My Black Poison Unleash Their Inner ‘Freak’

rightchord — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:22:50 +0000

Fueled by raw emotion and a gritty DIY punk spirit, Southampton trio My Black Poison return with their striking single Freak.

My Black Poison – Freak

Freak is a bold statement of everything that defines their sound: honest, intense, and loaded with energy.

Formed by singer and guitarist Sean Cahalin, bassist James J Poison, and drummer Henry Wilkins, Southampton-based My Black Poison is a rising act delivering a potent mix of heartfelt lyricism and infectious riffs. Their sound sits at an exhilarating crossroads where punk energy meets emo intensity, resulting in music that hits hard and stays with you.

Looking back on their career so far, My Black Poison introduced themselves with their debut EP Take a Sip in 2022, offering listeners a clear glimpse of their musical identity. They built on that foundation with their sophomore EP Toxic Traits, taking their sound to the next level and showcasing a bolder, more refined approach.

As a glimpse of what’s to come, My Black Poison have released the single Freak, a track that delivers the same raw, visceral lyricism fans have come to expect, paired with the electrifying intensity that has become a signature of their sound both in the studio and on stage.

Distorted riffs and driving drumming underscore the track’s emotional depth, creating an atmosphere of raw desperation and longing. The interplay between melodic singing and intense, emo-infused screams captures the sense of rejection perfectly, culminating in a powerful and memorable guitar solo.

“Freak delivers everything an emo track should: edgy, high-energy, and emotionally charged, leaving an impact on multiple levels.”

Freak is the first single from My Black Poison’s upcoming debut album. Even though the album is still in the works, the track has already captured the attention of their growing fanbase. Be sure to follow the band on their socials to stay updated on all the latest news.

As they like to say: “My Black Poison are looking for their tribe, and are looking at you.”

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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The MEDZ Seek Liberation On ‘Papercuts’

rightchord — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:51:58 +0000

Addressing the theme of not fitting in, UK alternative newcomers The MEDZ have released their latest single, Papercuts.

The MEDZ – Papercuts

Formed in the middle of 2025 and emerging from the south of England, The MEDZ have made it clear that they are far more than just a band. They serve as a sanctuary, a place of solace and connection for misfits, outsiders, and anyone who has ever felt out of place. Their music is the invitation, bold, unapologetic, and full of life, and everyone is welcome to step in and experience it.

The single cuts deep both musically and lyrically. Papercuts explores the silent battles we carry every day, moments of feeling trapped, overwhelmed, or inadequate. It’s about the search for acceptance while fighting not to lose yourself along the way. The metaphor of “papercuts” works brilliantly here: small wounds that sting sharply, symbolising the struggles and addictions that hold us back, yet also reminders of the healing that comes from shedding old pain and moving toward freedom.

Instrumentally, the track thrives on rapid-fire riffs, tight drumming, and Jake’s urgent vocal delivery, which shifts effortlessly into fierce, screamy bursts when the song demands it. The result is a high-energy alt-rock anthem that truly echoes through.

“Papercuts is a fiery and energetic alt-rock track, direct in its delivery and crafted to hit hard enough to shake your speakers.”

The MEDZ are undoubtedly one of those acts that consistently deliver a memorable experience, giving listeners a thrilling ride from start to finish. With the world ahead of them and little to lose, this band is ready to keep creating exciting music that excites, motivates, and makes every track unforgettable.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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Gabrielle Ornate Unfolds A ‘Dark Prophecy’

rightchord — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:39:29 +0000

Gabrielle Ornate continues to shape her reputation as an intriguing voice in alternative music with her latest release, Dark Prophecy.

Gabrielle Ornate – Dark Prophecy

Known for her eclectic and bohemian style, Gabrielle Ornate has carved out a sound that blends surreal production, empowering lyricism, and an otherworldly sense of mysticism.

With a string of standout singles and thousands of streams to her name, Gabrielle Ornate has honed a distinct artistic voice, a modern siren of flamboyant mysticism who layers ambiguous, subconscious-reaching lyrics over an eclectic, immersive sound that both mesmerises and surprises.

Up until now, Gabrielle Ornate has consistently fused her surreal production with equally surreal songwriting, creating a style that has unmistakably become her signature. Her latest release, Dark Prophecy, carries that same essence, weaving together an empowering narrative about overcoming inner demons while also exploring the uncertainty of the future and the disorienting feeling of being lost in an ever-changing world.

Right from the opening moments, Dark Prophecy bursts with an infectious energy that’s impossible to ignore. Driven by vibrant guitar work and an upbeat rhythm, the track lifts the mood instantly while showcasing some of Gabrielle Ornate’s most empowering lyrics to date. Wrapped in an ethereal production that fully immerses the listener, the song evolves into a striking composition that feels both exhilarating and unforgettable.

Dark Prophecy stands as an uplifting anthem that radiates empowerment and motivation, combining irresistible catchiness with a spiritual depth that makes the listening experience both energising and inspiring.

For fans eager to experience Gabrielle Ornate beyond the studio, she’s bringing her magnetic presence to the stage with upcoming live performances you won’t want to miss:

* October 9th – With Beau Bowen – The Out Of This World Rock Show, Norwich, UK

* October 31st – With Beau Bowen – Beau Bowen’s Halloween Party ft. Gabrielle Ornate & Vanity, London, UK

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Words by Javier Rodriguez

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Dinosaur Death Pose Find ‘No Signs of Life’

rightchord — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 10:05:01 +0000

Dinosaur Death Pose are a four-piece hard rock band, hailing from Dundee, Scotland.

Dinosaur Death Pose – No Sign of Life

Their new album ‘No Sign of Life’ captures a hypothetical scenario that the end of the world is upon us, through raucous tracks combined with dialogue pieces to keep us connected to the story we’re being told.

The album starts with a 1940’s style emergency announcement on track 1 titled ‘LOG CH-29:Emergency Override’. This announcement gives us, the listeners, an idea for the scene being set for the duration of the album.

The radio callout tells us that backup power is the only thing keeping them running and urges listeners to conserve what power they have. This leads us into track 2, ‘Dancing at the end of the world’, which opens with an energetic guitar riff and a punchy drum track, followed by rebel-like vocals. The lively track then takes a turn, into an almost doomy bridge, giving the album a promising start after an almost ethereal but hard-hitting breakdown, we’re taken into an assertive guitar riff, throwing us straight into track 3.

Track 3 is a follow-up radio announcement titled‘ LOG CH-46 Outpost Delta’, which takes us further into the story of what the album is trying to tell us, almost taking us through to the next chapter if it were a book. We hear from a character named ‘Izzy’ who tells us she has been trying to find signs of life by communicating through messages in bottles thrown into the ocean.

‘Hurricane’ or track 4 begins with a hypnotic guitar melody which quickly progresses into something heavier and more explosive. This is for sure a full-bodied, toe-tapping number.

Into track 5, and we get another snippet into the story through another radio announcement, ‘LOG CH 71 – Forest Recon’. Listeners are made aware that there are no signs of life, which gives us not only the track that inspired the album title but also how isolating and quiet the world has now become. We’re given an idea of stillness. During this announcement, the speaker also exclaims, “I’ve been walking 3 days straight, the forest to the North..Something’s in it, I hear it at night”, which proceeds nicely into track 6 ‘Whispers’, which opens with the lyric ‘I hear whispers through the trees’

Track 7, known on the album as ‘Recovered file’, acts as a sort of interlude which abruptly throws us into track 8, ‘Sell Yourself’. An aggressive drum track and bold bass provides a bouncy rhythm section. With hard-hitting lyrics coming in, this expressive song is easily the heaviest track on the album. An organic guitar solo leading into a short beefy bass solo which would have any live crowd clapping to the tempo in unison.

As we find ourselves getting to the end of the story, with track 9 comes more scene-setting dialogue. Here, we’re told there may be signs of life, however, could it be a distress call? Could it be bait? Who knows?! During the dialogue of track 9, the speaker known as Michael states, “Maybe I’m chasing ghosts”, which nicely runs into track 1,0 aptly named ‘Chasing Ghosts’.

Another electrifying track bringing us sharp guitar riffs, crushing drums and those rebel-like vocals we heard initially in ‘Dancing at the end of the world. ‘Chasing Ghosts’ is an articulate, powerful song for sure, that catchy chorus will be stuck in your head before you know it.

We’re now onto the eleventh and final song on the album, so how does it end? With a final announcement over the radio. We hear that we’re now indeed at the end of the world. We know this by being told “generators are coughing”, “fires on the horizon” & “smoke that never clears”. This is a perfect way to end and round up the album, as we’re taken through a series of events through dialogue tracks and vocal tracks, which is an unusual but outstanding concept for an album.

If you enjoyed this album, look out for their new single ‘New Friends’ coming later in the year!

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Written by Sian Evans.

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Slyrydes ‘What-Happens-If-You-Get-Happy’

rightchord — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 08:06:18 +0000

Slyrydes finally release their debut album, and it has been well worth the wait.

Introducing Slyrydes

Slyrydes are a critically acclaimed post-punk band from Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland. They met in a late-night bar where singer Rafto worked.

In 2013, they eventually began playing music together, and it quickly became something very real, with the passion from those late-night music debates naturally translating into a cohesive sound.

However, the path to their debut album has been anything but smooth. In one interview, Fuz from the band describes a journey of chaos and individual self-disruption with rehab, arrests and fighting threatening to knock them off-course. Thankfully, they eventually managed to knuckle down.

In 2019, Slyrydes released their debut single, which was immediately championed by Paul McCloone (The Undertones) on his nationwide radio show on Today FM.

A year later, they had released five singles into the world. Buzz and momentum was growing, and plans were brewing for some major live shows. Then COVID hit, and like so many artists at the time, the enforced hiatus threatened their very future.

Now, after years of personal growth and collective survival, Slyrydes have made it to the start, with the release of their debut album, What Happens If You Get Happy.

“From the beginning, we said we wanted to make important music, the kind that mattered to people,” says Eoin Reilly. “We really lived it. Now we are in a healthier place to put this music out and give it the platform it deserves”

Slyrydes – What Happens If You Get Happy

“This is a visceral, unflinching, and honest record that grabs you from the outset and refuses to let go.”

It feels fitting that the album opener is ‘Mental Health’, the release of this album might just be the ultimate cathartic therapy for a band that openly admits to struggling with various mental health issues and self-destructive tendencies.

We are very honest with our lyrics and music. We’d be taking the piss if we ignored how we felt and started singing about surfing or that paint by numbers person loves another person shit.” [Fuz]

The album continues with the former single, I Claim To Be Intelligent. You can almost feel the tension and personal anxiety building on this track, before it can no longer be contained. The video remains one of the most visually powerful I can remember seeing since starting this blog.

Boy In The Debs Suit is a poignant and frantic search for a missing school graduate. The next three tracks, Procrastination Is A Fear Of Failure (PIAFOF), Ahern, and Stutter, are all previously unreleased tracks.

PIAFOF is another deeply personal track that hints at the mindset of a band that has frequently tetered on the brink. Ahern is a jittery, intense affair that tackles the essence of being Irish.

Ahern, meaning “descendant of Eachthighearna” is an Irish surname. Variants of the surname include Ahearn(e) and Hearn(e). There are 2718 people with the surname Ahern in Ireland, and 1404 people in the United Kingdom.

Long-term fans of the band will recall former singles, Dangerous Animals and Out Patience. Both sound as fresh and exciting as they did on first release. This is a band unafraid to explore the darker edges of modern life.

The lead single from the album is track 11 ‘Famous To Five Million’, a song about what comes after fleeting fame. Of the new tracks, this is an obvious standout moment.

“I hope you keep your head and still remember me. You’re famous to five million.”

The album ends with ‘Just For Show’, a powerful and direct reminder that suicide affects lives, and the deaths from suicide in Ireland should be treated as more than cold statistics.

What Happens If You Get Happy is a 12-track album forged in genuine fire. Six of its tracks have never been heard before. It’s a record that asks big questions but doesn’t flinch from the answers.

“We’ve bled for this record literally and figuratively,” Mark Raftery “It’s been a long road, but maybe we needed that time apart to figure out who we really are. This album is our story.” Mark Comer

With plans to bring their explosive live show back on the road, Slyrydes are ready to make the statement they always promised, and we can’t wait to see what comes next. This band remain important.

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Words Mark Knight

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HALFHEAD Launch With Gritty Post-Punk Debut ‘Phanta-C’

rightchord — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:05:47 +0000

HALFHEAD channels the unfiltered energy and grit of post-punk in their first official release, Phanta-C.

HALFHEAD – Phant-C

Based in Glasgow, Scotland, HALFHEAD is a rising trio made up of Jason Ure (vocals/guitar), Ryan Creighton (bass/backing vocals), and Liam McDonagh (drums/backing vocals). Emerging within the independent scene, their sound is a confrontational blend of distorted bass, urgent rhythms, and unapologetic lyricism. Rather than echoing post-punk tropes, HALFHEAD delivers a raw, direct rejection of societal illusions and forced narratives. Emphatically assuring that this group is not just another typical act of the genre, it’s a confrontation.

HALFHEAD emerges from raw chaos and a bleak, grayscale reality, pushing back against the hollow ideals of modern life. There’s no illusion or escape in their music, only a fractured truth laid bare, accompanied by the sound of a world coming apart at the seams.

With their official debut single Phanta-C, HALFHEAD lays out both their sonic identity and core message. The track digs into the disillusionment and frustration tied to modern life, confronting the outdated norms, societal labels, and expectations that continue to shape and limit how we’re expected to exist in today’s world.

Reflecting this bold mindset, Phanta-C delivers an intense and direct blast of sound, fueled by chaos and defiance. With frantic guitar riffs, rapid drum patterns, and Jason’s commanding vocals, the track becomes a post-punk hymn filled with raw distortion and unbridled confidence.

“Phanta-C stands as a raw post-punk anthem, blending chaotic energy with a sharp, unmistakable message that hits as forcefully as its gritty, hard-edged sound.”

What sets HALFHEAD apart is their unfiltered honesty in expressing their philosophy. They don’t offer an idealised view of the world; instead, their strength lies in presenting a raw, unvarnished reality. Their music strips away all pretences, exposing society in its most raw and unapologetic form.

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Blacklist Union Ignites With ‘Up In Smoke’

rightchord — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:46:28 +0000

Blacklist Union, the dynamic alternative rock band from Los Angeles, returns with a powerful new track, Up In Smoke. This song confirms why Blacklist Union continues to make waves in the hard rock and alternative scene.

Blacklist Union – Up In Smoke

Last May, Blacklist Union released Mississippi Moonhound to widespread acclaim, earning positive reviews from notable outlets such as Metal Talk, Front View Magazine, and Right Chord Music. The song also racked up thousands of streams within its first month, proving the band’s strong appeal and growing popularity.

To further cement their place in the hard rock scene, Blacklist Union has just released Up In Smoke, a song that captures the essence of living in the moment. Despite life’s challenges, it encourages listeners to leave behind burdens and painful memories, focusing instead on the present, because, as the song itself suggests, the present is a precious gift.

Musically, Up In Smoke unleashes a storm of chaotic riffs and sharp, driving drums, all delivered with a familiar edge that will resonate with fans of ’90s alternative rock. Accompanying the release is a visually striking and trippy music video that matches the intensity and energy of the track.

Up In Smoke stands out as a hard-hitting entry in Blacklist Union’s catalog, driven by its sharp execution and a message that hits with real conviction.

Up In Smoke marks the second single from Blacklist Union’s upcoming sixth album, Slay the Dragon, slated for release this September. The album is produced by Christopher Johnson, known for his work with Evanescence, Scott Weiland, Josh Todd, and Phoebe Bridgers.

Fans can catch Blacklist Union live at these upcoming shows:

Cruefest Hollywood at Whisky A Go-Go, 8901 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, Los Angeles — July 12th, 2025
Bar Sinister, 1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles — September 13th, 2025 (strict all-black dress code)

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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Caustic Waves ‘Quicksand’ Pulls You In

rightchord — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 09:15:12 +0000

Caustic Waves is back with Quicksand, a compelling love letter to 90s and 2000s alternative rock that delivers a memorable, high-energy sound.

Caustic Waves – Quicksand

Glasgow-based Neil Thomas, better known as Caustic Waves, has made some serious waves so far (no pun intended… well, maybe just a little) with his signature sound. His music reflects a deep love for alternative rock, metal, post-hardcore, and grunge, drawing inspiration from 90s and 00s trailblazers like Deftones, Incubus, Eve 6, and Helmet.

Since his debut, Caustic Waves has been steadily building momentum, reaching milestone after milestone. A major highlight came in 2023 with the release of the EP Full Circle, whose lead singles each garnered thousands of streams and earned positive reviews from outlets like Distorted Sound Magazine and Right Chord Music.

After taking a brief pause, Caustic Waves is set to push his sound even further with a wave of new music, beginning with the latest single, Quicksand. This track centres around the deeply relatable experience of feeling stuck in a rut, a heavy, sinking sensation much like mental quicksand pulling you down, and the vital role someone can play in helping you break free from that struggle.

Though it may sound like a cliché by now, Neil’s talent for capturing the essential elements of late 90s alternative rock is undeniable. From the driving drums to the thick, crunchy guitar riffs, Quicksand delivers a nostalgic vibe, complete with a chorus-driven melody and Neil’s vocal style reminiscent of Brandon Boyd and Doug Robb, making it a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

“As its name suggests, Quicksand pulls you into a captivating throwback sound with a modern edge, an irresistible blend that invites repeated listens.”

Quicksand is just one of the songs featured on Caustic Waves’ upcoming album, Echoes. This new release continues to embody Neil’s DIY spirit while building on his distinctive and exciting sound. Be sure to follow Caustic Waves on social media to stay updated on all future news and releases.

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Blacklist Union Breaks Free On ‘Mississippi Moonhound’

rightchord — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:14:18 +0000

Los Angeles rockers Blacklist Union return with their latest single, Mississippi Moonhound, a fierce track that blends classic alternative rock influences with a fresh edge.

Blacklist Union – Mississippi Moonhound

Based in Los Angeles, Blacklist Union is a dynamic hard rock band celebrated for their electrifying live performances and a distinctive blend of influences from Stone Temple Pilots, Guns N’ Roses, Malfunkshun, The Cult, and Mother Love Bone, creating a sound that feels both familiar and uniquely their own.

A major milestone for Blacklist Union came in November last year when they toured with punk legends Dead Boys, followed by a December run alongside Josey Scott, former frontman of the iconic nu-metal band Saliva, bringing their signature intensity to Tennessee, Colorado, and California.

Following the strong response to their 2024 singles Horns & Halos and Hey Mr Superstar, Blacklist Union returns with Mississippi Moonhound. This track powerfully conveys the struggle of being haunted by the past while yearning into the night for something beyond.

Right from the start, Mississippi Moonhound showcases a strong ’90s alt-rock influence, especially reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots’ Core album, both in its instrumentation and vocals, with sharp, raw guitar riffs and powerful drums. Yet it’s the soaring, high-pitched vocals in the chorus that give the song its own distinctive energy and fresh vibe.

“Mississippi Moonhound is a direct and unfiltered alt-rock track, no gimmicks, no polish, just a raw rock anthem made for losing yourself and headbanging all the way through.”

Catch Blacklist Union live at their upcoming shows, don’t miss your chance to experience their high-energy performances in person:

July 12, 2025 – Cruefest Hollywood at Whisky A Go-Go, 8901 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, Los Angeles.
September 13, 2025 – Bar Sinister, 1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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