What If?

20 BEST TRACKS OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER 2025

Posted on by JL

ALL TOGETHER


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TRACK BY TRACK

– 1 –

Band: OPUS KINK (Brighton, UK)
Who: Razor-edged, punked-up, sax-and-trumpet infused
noizzz collective team fronted by charismatic frontman
Angus Rodgers.

Track: I’M A PRETTY SHOWBOY

Angus Rogers: “Here is our song, rock and roll music for the empty and stunning.
A song about contempt, appetite, impotence and self-preservation through gyration.
Enjoy superficially with your body and send the reeling mind on to hell! “

TUTV: Wham Bam! Yeah Yeah! Go Go! Oh my Oh My! Razzle Dazzle!
This is the kind of adrenalizing tunes I wait impatiently for every single day.
Tunes that put a big smile on my face, tunes that make all of my limbs go nuts,
tunes that go straight to my best-tracks-of-the-year list. Funky buzz, vocal fuzz.

Catchy as hell, cool as fuck.

Instagram – Linktree – Tour Dates
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– 2 –


Promo photo

Band: MY FIRST TIME
Who: Fast-rising indie
rebels from Bristol, UK.

Since their 2023 debut single Wind Up Merchant
MFT went on to become the newest British hype.

New single: SIPPY CUP

Isaac Stroud-Allen (frontman): “It’s about power, corruption and how people
are happy to watch the world burn if they’re the ones sitting on a rooftop bar sipping
on a Sex On The Beach.”

TUTV: Believe the hype. These young wolves bulldoze their way through the daily
bullshit we have to endure with a knife between their teeth. Sippy Cup is a bruising,
full of vim and vigor uppercut hitting where it hurts. If this is your first time that you
hear these rabble-rousers, you’ll be gobsmacked. Bring it on, rascals.

WATCH

STREAM

Instagram – Linktree
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– 3 –


📷 Mats Verschueren

Band: WIJF. (WIFE. in English)
Who: Hungry hit team from Belgium
ready to take on the world.

Track: LOVE MACHINE

TUTV: One of the 5 astronomical sledgehammers of their brand-new
debut EP Alter Ego. Love Machine takes you on a hair-rising rollercoaster.
Awesome vocalist, awesome band, asewome tune.

Helter-skelter!


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 4 –


Photo by Isabella Martinez

Band: PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
Who: The dumbfounding psych-prog rockers from
down under, who started their odyssey in 2014.

Last May they launched their volcanic 7th full-length, titled
Carpe Diem, Moonman and only 2 days ago they dropped
album #8, named Pogo Rodeo.

There’s definitely something in the Australian air that makes bands over there very productive. Yes, as you may or may not know, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are
also from down under.

Track: THE REAL CONTRA BAND
Single from that brand-new LP.

TUTV: Blimey. As usual, the cooking
Aussies turn your mind and your body
upside down. Killer stunner.

Hallelujah!

Instagram – All Albums
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– 5 –


New album artwork

Artist: PEACHES
Who: The fabulous performer/producer and feminist/gay
activist born Merrill Nisker 58 years ago in Toronto, Canada.

Track: NOT IN YOUR MOUTH NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

Brand-new single from her upcoming 7th LP, her first in 10 years.
It’s baptized No Lube So Rude and will come out next year.
Details TBA.

Peaches: “When the world is friction, lube isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
It’s how you turn that friction into pleasure, into power, into pride.”

Peaches goes nuclear on this
booming disco-punk eruption.

Bang! Boom! Bang! Boom!

Instagram – Linktree

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– 6 –

Band: SLEAFORD MODS
Who: Rap-punk poetry duo featuring
voice Jason Williamson and instrumentalist
Andrew Fearn.

Track: THE GOOD LIFE

Single from their forthcoming, 13th LP, baptized
The Demise Of Planet X. It’ll land on Mother Earth
on 16 Jan 2016.

Actress Gwendoline Christie and agog duo The Big Special join the tandem on this one.

TUTV: We know for a long time that the sharp-mouthed mods are an unstoppable
groove engine, and this one is another pulsating one. Wowza. Fucking-A. Let’s see
if you can catch up with this speedy hip-shaking trigger.

Rush and race here.
Live your good life fast.

Instagram – All Albums – Bandcamp
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– 7

Band: FIRE BLANKET
Who: Noise rock/post-hardcore outfit from Manchester, UK.
FFO: Jon Spencer, The Jesus Lizard and Tropical Fuck Storm.

Track: DOCUMENT

TUTV: Picture this. Aggressive guitars rage like chainsaws around a nasty mid-tempo groove, juiced-up by sinewy drum hits and when the clamorous chorus kicks in the
vocalist bellows as if he can’t get out of his straitjacket. Oh yeah, you’ll love this horrific slice of hellraising post-punk mayhem.

They look and they operate like your new favorite Halloween band. Amps up, decibels
up, heat up. I wonder if this track isn’t a hidden one on one of Fugazi‘s detonating exploits.
An in-your-face debut. Bang-on.

STREAM


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 8 –


Photo by Connor Reilly

Band: TEST PLAN
Who: Indie noizz trio from London looking for the sweet spot between
dancing and moshing. They cultivate a ferocious blend of noise-rock,
dance-punk, and post-hardcore.

Track: GONE
The beginning of a brand-new chapter, according to the band.
It’s the first of a few singles from an EP out sometime next year.

TUTV: Hells bells. Test Plan grab you by the throat from the blaring intro and never
lose their suffocating grip. They come at you, full speed, with schizophrenic guitars,
an indefatigable drummer and a psychotic vocalist who screams his four lungs out
and tries to excommunicate his eerie demons.

No rest for the wicked. No emergency exit. We’re trapped, so let’s join these
maniacal mindfuckers in their attempt to make the Richter scale go ballistic.

Linktree
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– 9 –

Band: CAST
Who: Britpop vets who were one of the
support acts for Oasis’ reunion shows in the UK.

Track: CALLING OUT YOUR NAME
Newest single from their upcoming 8th full-length,
baptized Yeah Yeah Yeah, out 30 January 2026

Ebullient retro Britpop bliss.
Makes you want to open your
windows and sing along.

Anthemic knockout!

Instagram – All Albums
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– 10 –

Band: KREIN’S LOW-BUDGET DEATH EXTRAVAGANZA
What a name!!
Who: Polish punk dropouts.

Track: I THINK I’M IN LOVE
Single from their upcoming album
called ‘Evil Love‘.

TUTV: So these four Polish dropouts think they’re in love.
In love or not, I guess any reason is good for these riff-shooting
punk cowboys to run amok.

Their new cacophonous sucker-punch is a piercing piece of rambunctious racket motorized by raucous guitars, a brutal drummer and a weird frontman who looks
mental and sounds mental. Hell, bloody hell, yeah.

Get on your pogo-stick and pretend
you are a kangaroo on dope.


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Instagram – Facebook
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– 11 –

Artist: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Who: Former legendary frontman of The Verve ,
and still a bona fide legend today.

Track: HEAVY NEWS
Stand-out gem from his
7th full-lenght Lovin’ You

TUTV: Ashcroft does what he does best for years now, making your hair in the back of your neck stand up. This is another stadium anthem for thousands and thousands vocal cords to sing a long out loud.


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Instagram – Website
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– 12 –

Band: THE LEMONHEADS
Who: Notorious songsmith Evan Dando‘s
band, for almost 4 decades now.

Track: WILD THING
One of the highlights of their first
album in 24 years, baptized Love Chant.

TUTV: Dando sounds brisk,
jaunty, hungry and energetic.
Welcome back.


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Instagram – Facebook – All Albums
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– 13 –

Band: ARYEL MOON
Who: Fresh Irish indie outfit, fronted by Italy-born musician
Donatella Camedda, who have been building a reputation on
Dublin’s live circuit.

Track: LITTLE BIT CLOSER

Camedda: “It carries that mix of desire, anticipation, and adrenaline you feel
in the very first stage of falling for someone. That in-between space where you’re
caught between genuine connection and the rush of limerence.”

TUTV: Expect flamboyant indie power-pop, invigorated with reverberating guitars,
pummeling drumming and penetrating vocals, intense and intrepid, and a passional
chorus. One spin and you know we have a winner. In a normal world this should be
an indie hit. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with Aryel Moon.

Get your ears a little bit closer.

Instagram – Facebook
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– 14 –


Credit: Reuben

Band: THE CHELSEA CURVE
Who: Mod-pop-rock trio
from Boston, MA.

Track: RALLY’ ROUND
Brand new single.

Linda Pardee (vocalist/songwriter): “This song has morphed into a different meaning
than what was originally intended when written. The lyrics were initially about friendships, acquaintances, people coming into your life. Being part of a community. Finding your
people. Despite differences, we can or should be able to at least co-exist.

TUTV: TCC are no strangers to Turn Up The Volume. And their back again with
this new flashy rocker. Those jangly guitars, that vital, that feverish drive. Resonates
like R.E.M. are back and teamed up with Evan Dando‘s Lemonheads. No I don’t have a
hangover whatsoever. Listen closely and your ears will experience what I experience(d).

All you shiny people out there, come on feel the Dando vibe.


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Instagram – Spotify
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– 15 –


Photo by Kirk Lisaj

Artist: JANE INC.
Who: Toronto-based
songstress.

Track: WHAT IF
Piece from her upcoming 3rd full-length, called
A Rupture A Canyon A Birth, out October 17th.

The song is inspired by the moment that a semi truck plowed into her broken-down tour van. Nobody in the Jane Inc. touring party was hurt in that accident, and they even played their scheduled show later that night. But everyone could’ve easily been killed, and that kind of near-death experience will do something to you. That’s the key to what if.

TUTV: Bumping EBM thrumming, shimmering synths, trippy piano touches,
and vocal outpouring. Donna Summer would like this stomper. Dress up
and hurry to the discotheque.

Instagram – Linktree
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– 16 –

Band: BLURT
Who: Experimental post-punk combo founded in 1979 in Stroud,
Gloucestershire (UK) by poet, saxophonist and puppeteer Ted Milton,
aged 82 now.

Milton grew up in Africa, Canada and Great Britain. He started his artistic career
with poetry publications. In the mid-1960s, he began performing as a puppeteer, participating in numerous international festivals and TV performances

With Blurt he recorded/released a dozen of albums
with Beneath Discordant Skies from 2015 as their
most recent one.

They’re back in town now with a brand
new track, titled THE MECCANO GIRAFFE.

TUTV: It grooves and moves along to a non-stop drum beat, a rollin’ bass
riff, trippy guitar lines, some saxy moments and Milton’s shivering voice.

Funky shit!


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 17 –

Debut single: MURPHY’S MEDICINE

Amy (vocalist): “The Brighton Scene is buzzing at the moment and it is thrilling to be playing alongside so many other great bands. Our single launch at the venue Alphabet in Brighton is part of a great new grassroots series of gigs from Spagetti promotions that showcases emerging bands from across the city”.

TUTV: Way to start! These Brits hit bullseye
right away with their chirpy debut single.

Its lazy indie pop vibes stick on the spot. Feathers is a tremendously catchy
feel-good lullaby, juiced with sparkling guitar solos, a bouncy drum/bass
tandem, and happy-go-lucky duet vocals upfront.

Bingo.

Instagram
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– 18 –


Photo by Corey Poluk

Band: THE GOODS
Who: American power pop band blending big guitars, huge hooks,
and sweet British Invasion-style harmonies into a fresh, distinctive
sound. Formed by singer-songwriter Rob Good, a veteran of
the Oakland underground.

Track: SUNDAY MORNING OUT OF THE BLUE

Single from their riff-filled debut album
Don’t Spoil The Fun. You can stream it here.

TUTV: Imagine nightingale legends The Byrds eight miles high, causing a jingle jangle
spectacle at an adrenalized speed, flavored with vivid vocals. Trust me, one spin and
you’ll be hooked.

Instagram – Spotify
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– 19 –

Band: DIRT ROAD SOULS
Who: Roots rock band who have a story tell, not per se their own,
and not entirely yours, either. It’s universal in its truth, but specific
in its intent.

Track: HOLD ON SOUL
Single from their upcoming album named ‘(The Life and Times of) Johnny Moonshine’, an ambitious 12-track concept album and roots rock opera set for release in early 2026.

Davis Black (vocalist/guitarist) “‘Hold On Soul’ was first written many years ago when
I had left my small town and gone off to start a life in Boston. After high school and college years I’d often return to my small town to recharge – and get drunk with my friends who didn’t leave town. These lyrics come from the culture shock between the two places. The stress of the city vs. the simplicity of the small town was very real for a little while.”

TUTV: Americana at its entertaining best. Groovy and cacthy melodiousness, heart-ans-soul stirring vocals/harmonies and glowing guitar electricity combine for a galvanic chant.

Enjoy the vibrant vibe right here.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 20 –

Band: PRESENT NATURE
Who: Alt-indie songwriting
newcomers from Leeds, UK.

Track: COLUMBA

Jonny Woolnough (songwriter): “It’s a character appropriation offering a lens
into a couple’s day-to-day existence. A protagonist veering off the track is reminded
of his immaterial fortune. It celebrates life, existence, and endless possibility.”

TUTV: De-stressing fuel for daydreamers.
Columba feels like an Indian summer
sun ray.

Instagram – Spotify

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TURN UP THE VOLUME

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JUKEBOX 2025 – Week 40 Five New Rad Tracks Added Twice A Week

Posted on by JL

In order to not miss a beat TURN UP THE VOLUME scans the musical
horizon daily, for 10 years now, to pick ace tracks and add 5 new ones
twice per week, to the one and only JUKEBOX playlist that matters.

ALL TOGETHER

The 5 fresh ones
TRACK BY TRACK

Band: SHOW ME THE BODY
Who: Post-core trio from NYC, formed
in 2009, and 3 albums so far.

Track: SABOTAGE
A cover of Beastie Boys‘ 1994 cracker.

TUTV: Fight for your right to sabotage lousy parties.

Instagram – Facebook
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Band: CREEPER
Who: Electro doom and gloom
eccentrics from the UK. They
left their batcave in 2014.

Track: PREY FOR THE NIGHT
Newest single from album number 4.
Sanguivore II: Mistress of Death
shows up on October 17th.

TUTV: They look creepy, but don’t sound creepy.
You can call it high-powered Goth pop with big
choruses. But beware, don’t be their prey.

Instagram – Facebook
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Photo by Kirk Lisaj

Artist: JANE INC.
Who: Toronto-based
songstress.

Track: WHAT IF
Piece from her upcoming 3rd full-length, called
A Rupture A Canyon A Birth, out October 17th.

The song is inspired by the moment that a semi truck plowed into their broken-down tour van. Nobody in the Jane Inc. touring party was hurt in that accident, and they even played their scheduled show later that night. But everyone could’ve easily been killed, and that kind of near-death experience will do something to you. That’s the key to what if.

TUTV: Bumping EBM thrumming, shimmering synths, trippy piano touches,
and vocal outpouring. Donna Summer would like this stomper. Dress up
and hurry to the discotheque.

Instagram – Linktree
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Band: DUST
Who: Up-and-coming
Australian post-punk act.

Track: RESTLESS
Cut from their forthcoming debut album, named
Sky Is Falling, that will arrive next week, October 10th

TUTV: Mood-swings fueled by emotive guitars/drums/vocals.

Instagram – Linktree
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Band: REMEMBER SPORTS
Who: Charged up pop-rockers from Philadelphia.
So far they have 5 albums on their résumé.

Track: ACROSS THE LINE

TUTV: Sheryl Crow goes country-grunge.

Instagram – Linktree

20 BEST TRACKS OF THE MONTH – MARCH 2025

Posted on by JL

ALL TOGETHER


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TRACK BY TRACK

– 1 –

Band: PUNCHBAG

Who: A new brother-sister party duo, from South London colliding the raw unfiltered energy of punk, with the overflowing ecstasy of pop. With fierce tempos and ferocious energy, their music is an explosively cathartic release of raw intensity and unapologetic fun.

Track: I’M NOT YOUR PUNCHBAG
From their upcoming debut EP. Details TBA.
It was written before they came up with their
moniker Punchbag.

TUTV: Ecstasy. Elation. Euphoria. Exhilaration. Yes, this electro-smack makes
you bounce and jump like a pogo-stick. Two singles in and Punchbag are already
a punky EBM sensation. They kick you in the teeth without asking while having
fervent fun.

Amazeballs.

Instagram – Linktree
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– 2 –

Artists: GANS

Who: 2-piece from Birmingham (UK) – Euan Woodman (drums/vocals) and Tom Rhodes (bass/vocals) – born in late 2023 over a shared love of noise, literature and late night shebeens. They write music about love and hate. They’re good for your soul.

Track: I THINK I LIKE YOU

TUTV: Warning. This insanely groovy punk blast will bulldoze all over your shocked speakers. Expect a superheated funky firestorm that attacks the Richter scale with a shattering impact. A manically jagged jackhammer it is. Trust me, you’ll think you like them, very much, while you bang your head into your fridge’s door.

Go nuts, go gaga, go gans.

Instagram – Linktree
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– 3 –

Band: SOFT PLAY

Who: British red-hot-steaming misfits, Isaac Holman (lead vocals, drums) and
Laurie Vincent (backing vocals, guitar, bass) started their rowdy ride back in 2012,
named Slaves. They have fabricated 3 earthshaking LPs so far.

Track: SLUSHY

It features British songstress Kate Nash,
a surprising guest appearance actually, but
it works blastingly well.

TUTV: What a ruthless jackhammer. Blimey.

Instagram – Facebook
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– 4 –

Artists: LAUREN MAYBERRY and JOE TALBOT

Who: Scottish synth-pop Chvrches‘s fabulous
vocalist and post-punks Idles‘ frontman.

Track: SORRY, ETC, ETC

A roasting reinterpretation of highlight from her magnifico solo
debut longplayer Vicious Creature that came out last year.

TUTV: Holy Moses. This rowdy master
blaster smashes your roof to pieces.

Instagram – Vicous Creature Stream
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– 5 –

Band: KLÄMP

Who: A collective with members scattered across the UK and the Netherlands. This group, now comprising seven members, has its roots in a trio that expanded over the past four years. The current lineup includes both current and former members of notable bands such as IDLES, Sex Swing, Tall Ships, Manatees, Do Me Bad Things, Pulled Apart By Horses, Petbrick and Mugstar.

They released their Self-titled Debut Album
in 2019, followed by 6-track Hate You in 2020.

New track: WET LEATHER
Piece from their upcoming, sophomore LP Total Technik,
out on April 18th. Pre-order info here.

TUTV: Kraut-rock and roll with an intoxicating impact. A wall-of-guitar-pyrotechnics rollercoaster. An overpowering tempest of rambunctious riffs. Voltaic psychedelia at
its spine-chilling best, bombarding your ears the way you like it. Fascinating, right?
You betcha.

Mind-bending.


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Instagram – Bandcamp
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– 6 –


@miksfiles

Band: ALISON’S FALL

Who: High-voltage indies
from The Netherlands.

Track: WHAT IF

TUTV: Raucous Royal Blood riffs, hard-hammering drum beats, a mean
bass machine, gutsy vocals and a knockdown chorus combine for a jagged
jackhammer that you’ll play louder with every spin.

Steamy smack.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 7 –

Band: THE LIVING PINS

Who: Flaring indie duo – Carrie Clark and Pam Peltz – who found each other on
the edge of the delicately ramshackle playground of the 1990s Austin (Texas)
music scene. They released their 4-track debut EP Let It Be So in 2023.

New single: GOLD

TUTV: Hallelujah! The pins do it again. Gold is a hip-shaking bluesy garage rock thrill
that has an instant impact on your greedy ears with its solid swagger, its gloriously cracking guitars with a feverish solo somewhere in the middle, and its cool duet vocals. Play it to your unicorn, and have a dance together.

1-2-3-4. Let’s roll.


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Instagram – Facebook – Bandcamp
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– 8 –

Band: THROWING MUSES

Who: Legendary indie group from Rhode Island founded in 1981, in by two musically marvelous stepsisters, Kristin Hersh and Tanya Donelly who later co-formed The Breeders with Kim Deal but soon afterward she started her own group Belly.

Track: ALBATROSS
My fav piece from their new, supreme
album Moonlight Concessions.

TUTV: This spicy psychedelic strummer rotates
on and on and on until the slo-mo finale.


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Instagram – Website – All Albums
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– 9 –

Band: PREOCCUPATIONS

Who: Canadian post-punk outfit from Calgary, Alberta.
They formed in 2012 under the name Viet Cong, a name
they dropped in 2016 following lots of criticism related
to the Vietnam War.

Track: BASTARDS
New single from their upcoming 5th LP,
titled III At Ease. Out on May 9th.

TUTV: Never heard Preoccupations going
this synth-poppy and it works 100%.

Kicky knockout.

Instagram – Spotify
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– 10 –

Band: WORLDCUB

Who: A group from North Wales piloted by brothers Cynyr (guitar & vocals) and
Dion Hamer (drums & vocals). They produce material from their home studio on
the hills of Eryri, splicing together elements of surf guitar music, kraut-rock grooves
and hypnotic psych tinged vocal harmonies. Last year their released new album
Back To The Begining.

TUTV: From the first chord on, Exploding! swirls irresistibly fueled by heated guitars,
a magnetizing, bouncy bass riff, a non-stop, repetitive and footstomping drum beat and moody vocals, that bring former Super Furry Animals‘ frontman Gruff Rhys‘ smooth voice tone to mind. Bullseye.

Detonating drill.


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Twitter – Soundcloud – Bandcamp
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– 11 –


New album artwork

Artist: PETER MURPHY

Who: Former Bauhaus‘ dark-Goth-wave icon, now 67.

Track: THE ARTROOM WONDER
The second taster from his upcoming, 11th solo
full length, baptized Silver Shade. Out on 9 May.

TUTV: A thrumming electro-driven tune hitting
you again and again and again. Fabulous thrill.

Booming and boosting.

Instagram – Linktree – All Solo Albums
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– 12 –

Artists: THA FLICKER

Who: A duo with contrasting yet complementary artistic journeys. Giulia born in Sesto San Giovanni, infuses the project with her vibrant soul, creating intense melodies, profound lyrics, and a captivating voice. Marco born in Monza, brings an instinctive and meticulous approach to crafting their signature electronic sound.

Track: LAUGH
Second single following last year’s
excellent debut Faded Flowers.

The song is inspired by a true story. It tells the story of a woman who, after 30 years of domestic abuse, laughs at her husband’s funeral—not out of joy, but as an uncontrollable, cathartic release.

TUTV: Think Sharon Van Etten at her most heartfelt. Laugh is a purifying and soul-freeing rumination, invigorated with passional vocals, synth-shining orchestration and a steadfast drum beat.

Magnific accomplishment.


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Linktree
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– 13 –

Artist: EZRA FURMAN

Who: Glittery singer-songwriter from Chicago. He started
his career with a band called The Harpoons who released
3 albums.

Track: JUMP OUT
Piece from her upcoming 10th full-length,
named Goodbye Small Head. It arrives
on May 16th.


New album artwork

TUTV: An astounding, claustrophobic shriek.
Furman‘s furious vocals give you the creeps.

Stunning stonker.

Instagram
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– 14 –


Photo by Meg Molli

Artist: ADAM LYTLE
Who: Singer-songwriter from New York.
He released his debut album This Is The Fire
in 2023.

Track: HEAVEN
Brand new single.

TUTV: Heaven is a powerhouse ripper, that gets under your skin without asking
permission, fed by inflammable guitars, intense vocals and a titanic chorus.
Americana rock pschydelia at its hypnotzing best.

Electrifying energizer.

Instagram – Bandcamp
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– 15 –


Photo by Dave Paterson

Band: AUTOGRAMM

Who: Synth-driven power-poppers from Seattle, Chicago and Vancouver. Since their inception, The band have performed throughout Canada, Mexico,, the US, the UK, and Europe. References: The Fixx, The Cure, 20/20, The Dickies, Duran Duran, The Cars, Devo,
The Go-Go’s.

So far they recorded/released 3 albums.

Track: RANDY


Impressive artwork

TUTV: Diana comes out for the gates like a speed train and never looks back.
Dynamizing synths start the whirlwind trip, the powerhouse drum/bass engine
pushes the rotating rhythm with vivid vigour, and zippy vocals complete the
accelerating sonic picture.

Pirouette yourself dizzy.


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Facebook – Linktree
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– 16 –

Band: LIFE COACH

Who: 4 dazzling Scottish indies.

Track: CRINGE
The first single taken from the upcoming second album,
named ‘A Love Letter To Your Yearning Heart’ which comes
out on May 30th.

TUTV: The alternating dreamy female and sinewy male vocals create
an intriguing contrast and give this speedy, puissant stroke a kinetic
twist. Dashing energy that makes your finger reach for the repeat button.

Stellar.


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Instagram – Spotify
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– 17 –

Band: TELL

Who: Vehement garage rockers from Boston. Last year
they released their 6-track debut EP Life In Reverse.

Track: SWEET PROXIMITY

David Wildman (guitarist/lead vocals) “I think there is a rock renaissance in progress.
This is a Margaret Thatcher-ruining-England level of trauma we’re experiencing. Trump and Musk have taken over in what was basically a (barely) legal coup, and it has ignited a wave of rage not seen in years, translating into important and meaningful music being made all over, and mostly under the radar so far. We’re proud to be part of that.”


Credit Dan Saltzman

TUTV: This guitar-frenzied riff buzzer resonates like an alarming wake-up call to counter Trump‘s Divided States Of America. The Times They Are A-Changin’ warned/sang Bob Dylan way back. And they drastically do, lately, but obviously, in the wrong direction. Tell are aware of the new blank generation, and let us know it, loud and clear, with puissant panache.

Join the riot.


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Instagram – Facebook
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– 18 –

Band: FRONT PAGE NEWS

Who: Group formed in Leeds (UK) by three schoolmates and a ‘drummer wanted’ poster on a lamppost. They turn rough-and-tumble, high-energy sound–injecting indie rhythms into punk sensibilities and subjects.

Track: BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR
From their kicky debut EP Stop, Drop & Roll

TUTV: Imagine The Fall fronted by Iggy Stooge. These cocky hound-dogs know all you need to know about indie (post)punk history to get up, stand up and form a band with an eager mission to kick ass. Great news, music junkies.

Don’t stop listening.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 19 –

Band: SPORTS TEAM
Who: London-based team,
active since 2016.

Track: MAYBE WHEN WE WERE 30
Single from their forthcoming 3rd LP
Boys These Days, out on 23rd May.

TUTV: Gloriously affecting and steadily boogielicious with musing duet vocals
all over it until sinewy guitars, slowly but surely, augment the intensity of this witty
mixed emotions tune.

Splendid piece.

Linktree
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– 20 –

Artist: PETE BRILEY
Who: English singer-songwriter.

Track: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE WASTERS

Musically, this track encapsulates the typical joy and experimentation within its composition – something for which, Pete is very much becoming renowned for.

​All My Friends Are Wasters is an ode to the bohemian friends that would never
be understood by this stranger at the party. Someone who could never understand
the square pegs in round holes all trying to catch a wave – and that just makes Briley
love the people in his life all the more.

TUTV: Compelling, profound and transfixing reflection.
Subtly and emotively arranged with fetching piano play
and expressive vocals.

Absorbing effort.

Instagram – Linktree

———————————–

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TURN UP THE VOLUME’s 25 Best Tracks Of 2023… So Far

Posted on by JL

Time flies. We already have six months of 2023 behind us.

Six months of listening every day to music, bad/good, very good and 24 Carat Gold.
It was hard to make a selection of the 25 most impressive pieces. But we did it.

Turn Up The Volume’s 25 Best Tracks Of 2023… So Far
Right here, right now.

ALL TOGETHER


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TRACK BY TRACK

1. ‘Lads Lads Lads’ by LAMBRINI GIRLS (UK)

These Brighton punk feminists are MENTAL and AWESOME.

They released Turn Up The Volume‘s best EP of 2023 (so far), named You’re Welcome
a couple of weeks ago. And one of the 6 Molotov cocktails on it is this in your-macho-face sucker-punch. The Lambrini girls race faster than a Ferrari bolide. Best band in the world!

Halle-fucking-lujah

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2. ‘This Just Ain’t My Year’ by 32 TENS

A vigorous young trio from the UK. On this turbulent ripsnorter, it’s full tilt ahead
from the get-go. No brakes, no breaks, no mistakes. A whirlwind of scorching guitars,
pounding drumming, a revolving bass line somewhere in the middle, go-getting vocals
and a dynamite refrain. This is gonna be the year for 32 TENS.

Here’s why.


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3. ‘Gorilla Guerilla’ by MANTRA OF THE COSMOS (UK)

This brand-new supergroup features Shaun Ryder & Bez (Happy Mondays/Black Grape), Andy Bell (Ride/Oasis) and drummer Zak Starkey, yes Ringo’s son, who played with Oasis and The Who among others and who actually came up with this project’s idea and describes it as “a fantastic psychedelic groove from a band of misfits, outsiders and innovators.”

Whatever, this first single is a Booming Blast!

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4. ‘Right Wing Beast’ by SLEAFORD MODS (UK)

Hip-shaking-hop highlight from the waterfall-punk-rap duo’s 12th LP UK GRIM.


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5. ‘Freedom’ by CHIC CHOC (NYC)

It’s an incredible shame that women still have to fight for so many fundamental rights.
It’s bloody 2023 and so much female injustice is still a reality. So, it’s great that female artists get up, stand up and fight for their right to tackle this human disease.

Chic Choc do it right away on their fantastic debut single. An electronic-booming EBM knockout to fill dance floors with. Boosting beats, catching chorus, sensuous vocals and
a protesting choir, lead to a sassy stunner. Bang-on. Le freak, c’est chic choc.

Freedom for every woman on the planet. NOW!


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6.’Beefcake Doctrine’ by CHUM (London, UK)

This 4-piece post-punk from London launched their
kick-ass debut LP Metaphysical earlier this year.

Beefcake Doctrine is driven by repetitive Krautrock dynamics.
Its trance-inducing beats create a hypnotic and puzzling razzmatazz
you can’t and you won’t escape from.

Touchdown!

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7. ‘Riverstone’ by DITZ (Brighton, UK)

After scoring the best debut LP – to TUTV’s ears – of 2023
The Great Regression, followed by a live album, they just
dropped this brain-frying hammer blow.

An electric chair experience.


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8. ‘Lose My Mind’ by THE MANIC BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB (Canada)

It’s a liberating, drum-backed anthem that allows the band to break free from any stress
or obligations in pursuit of a good night. Good times or bad times, it’s always (in)sane to lose your marbles while diving into a hot let’s have a ball night, now and then. And ‘Lose Your Mind‘ is the matching master blaster to double your adrenalin production.

Sheer euphoria.

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9. ‘Bullet Man’ by PARIS TEXAS (Los Angeles)

On this slam hip-hop dunk the duo condemn the US’s mass shootings of late in a cynical loud-and-clear way The rip-roaring rappers pretend to be murderous shooters firing at everyone and everything. Bulletman is a devastating drill, a boiling burst that cuts like a first-class Swiss knife.

Shoot.

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10. ‘Set Yourself On Fire’ by ULTRA SUNN (Brussels, Belgium)

Once again this cold/darkwave duo – Sam Huge and Gaelle Souflet – shine in the darkness. The rapturous chorus hits you from the first spin. Resounding beats, entranced synths, and echoing vocals combine for another triumph.

Shake your booty.

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11. ‘Your Death Is My Glory’ by CAMLANN (Indonesia)

A human-caring dark-disco duo Ony Godfrey and Fauzan Pratama from Indonesia.

Their newest single is a catchy-as-hell injection that accelerates your bloodstream.
An irresistible stomper to jump up and down like crazy while giving the middle
finger to all power-greedy politicians.

Score!

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12. ‘Lipstick’ by GHOST FETISH (Seattle)

What a way to debut! Expect a glorious nightclub gem with a synth-tantalizing vibe reminiscent of the starry-eyed sparks of British electro-pop heroes New Order. Lipstick
is both a sensuous and affectional tune with gripping vocals up front and melancholic
ones in the back.

Top!


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13. ‘Prophecy Of The Dragon’ by THE VOIDZ (NYC)

Julian Casablancas, the voice/face of The Strokes returns with his hobby band.

Their new single is a flabbergasting metallic corker. It goes forth and back, left and
right, slow and fast as if Casablancas and his misfits put several snippets of several
songs together and puzzled them into one stupendous stroke of a track.

Blimey.

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14. ‘What If?’ by QUIZ SHOW (Montclair, NJ)

This noizzzz jackhammer from their self-titled debut LP rocks and rolls with panache. Expect ablaze guitars buzzing in a slow/fast mode and turning up the volume, especially
on the yell-along refrain. Legends Hüsker Dü come to mind. Say no more.


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15. ‘Heart On‘ by 2LIBRAS (Seattle)

It’s the second single off of the upcoming debut album World’s End of this cyber-synth duo.

Heart On is an arousing mid-tempo groover. Both spicy and funky, shadowy and seductive, lustful and provocative with hypnotizing vocals. Its slow-mo synth-bass beat crawls under your skin from the kick-off and progresses steadily towards your restlessly pounding heart.

Groovy.

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16. ‘Night Time’ by BROKEN RECORDS (Scotland)

The first single from their new, 5th full-length,
named The Dreamless Sleep Of The 1990s.

Night Time is an ecstatic, awe-inspiring, and anthemic thrill. It has that engrossing and
afire rock swagger of Bruce Springsteen‘s melancholic Americana exploits, it’s infused with
The Edge-like guitar sparks and frontman Sutherland‘s ardent signing is a perfect match for this soul-stirring pearl.

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17. ‘Spellbinding’ by THE SMASHING PUMPKINS (US)

Billy Corgan and his combo released a rock
opera opus titled Atum: In Three Acts.

A total of 33 tracks which I reduced to a great 12-song album.

One of those 12 cuts is this flaming synth-induced haymaker.


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18. ‘Cars’ by Artists: LUNAR TWIN (Hawai/Salt Lake City)

This electro-pop duo scored an excellent album with Aurora last April.
A 30-minute sonic trip, an ambient fantasy with trancy vibrations, ataractic
effects, and near-whispering vocals.

Cars is my favorite piece. Electrifying dream pop
at its mesmerizing best with sparkling guitar play.

Home run.


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19. HRT by Band: I, DORIS (London)

This colorful collective criticize the disastrous state of health care, with the government ignoring the life-risking problems, in England with a sickly sticky riot grrrl pop tune that activates your limbs instantly.

Think Debbie Harry and Blondie playing around on their debut LP. Vibey and briskly. Frolicsome 60s organ touches, lively guitars here and there, and avid vocals.

Applause.

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20. ‘From The Start’ by LOST IN JAPAN (Canada)

The band’s new punchy stroke jumps up and down in your head and elevates your mood from the start. It’s a contagious foot-stamper with a poppy chorus vibe inviting you to play air guitar and sing along with all the force your lungs can come up with.

Wowzers!

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21. ‘Los Angeles: City Of Death’ by SWANS (NYC)

Capricious mastermind Michael Gira and his combo around for
a long time now, actually since 1982. But they still deliver impressive
goods.

New LP The Beggar is a mind-fucking feat.

And this grand jam is an ongoing, repetitive psych drone, with
saw-edged guitars Gira‘s poignant vocals adding a creepy
touch.


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22. ‘Sinatra Drive Breakdown’ by YO LA TENGO (Hoboken, NJ)

A notable psychedelic trip by the lauded indie veterans who released
one of their best longplayers (17 in total) with This Stupid World.


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23. ‘Dead And Over’ by DOWN THE LEES (Canada)

The first new music in three years from the post-punk-rock project of singer-songwriter-guitarist Laura Lee Schultz. The composition captures the raw emotions of sadness, frustration, and anxiety that permeated throughout the years since the pandemic began.

The track’s ominous mid-tempo progression and swelling structure advancing over
an ongoing hypnotic guitar riff send shivers down your spine. Second by second, like
a nervously ticking clock, the sonic poignancy and heartfelt fervidness grow with exuberance and magnitude until Schutlz’s monumental vocals go through the roof.


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24. ‘Why Did You Go?’ by CHVRLI BLVCK (London)

This is an emotive post-break-up pearl. Heartfelt reflections embedded in
a goosebump musing that resonates like a bittersweet symphony. This British
singer-songwriter’s highly passionate vox reminds me of Antony Hegarty‘s sensitive ardency. The whole-souled tristesse and mixed emotions at play here make you
silent.

Tune in.


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25. ‘A Little Bit’ by MILES FROM NOWHERE (Hamilton, Ontario)

This is the artistic moniker of Canadian songsmith Miles Evans-Branagh. He signed for
one of this year’s best albums, so far, with Slow Down. Eight musings. Eight engrossing compositions with one and the same message: get high on life with love. Craftily written, subtly arranged, and graciously orchestrated with intimate, soulful charm and stylish elegance that moves and touches.

Opener A Little Bit is one of those 8 affecting reveries.


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