The first week of March is done, so let’s lean into the best kind of heavy riffs, driving rhythms and a big sense of urgency. From stripped back duo power to reflective songwriting and hard edged modern rock, these are the rock bops of the week 🤘
Dual Variant – Against All Odds
Dual Variant deliver a relentless rock anthem that fuses distorted bass, explosive drums and the best kind of determination
Against All Odds arrives with in your face, immediate force, built around distorted bass lines, thunderous drums and a great melodic vocals that push the track forward with urgency.
Dual Variant are twin brothers Anthony and Nicholas LaBarbera from London, Ontario, whose two piece setup strips rock down to bass and drums while keeping the impact genuinely huge. Their sound draws from modern alternative and hard rock, channelling perseverance and resilience into a punchy anthem that reflects their relentless approach. Love this!
Ker – Time Traveler
Ker crafts a wonderfully reflective rock journey that blends classic songwriting with warm melodies and thoughtful lyricism
Time Traveler opens out with a steady melodic vibe, guided by gentle guitar lines and a calm, reflective vocal that leans into classic rock storytelling. There’s the best kind of Syd Barrett-style quirk and whimsy-ness to Ker’s work that we’ve grown to enjoy since we came across his stuff.
Ker was born in Edinburgh and later moved to London, developing his songwriting after discovering guitar and music theory later in life. His music nods to the melodic traditions of the 1960s and 1970s, pairing thoughtful lyrics with approachable arrangements designed to connect with listeners. A great listen.
Sweet Mess – Midnight Knows my Name
Sweet Mess bring theatrical energy and soaring vocals to a bold rock track built for stadiums
Midnight Knows my Name centres on a punchy guitar groove and a strong vocal lead, opening into a catchy chorus that gives the track its arena ready momentum. It’s riffs-a-plenty here, but it all feels in service of a great song – something that a lot of heavier stuff falls short on.
Sweet Mess are a Phoenix, Arizona rock band led by vocalist Sylvie alongside guitarist Fer Lopez, bassist Rob Watson and drummer Michael Hayes. The group’s sound blends classic rock influences with a lively stage presence, delivering melodic rock that balances performance flair with big hooks. Brilliant stuff.
Bedlam 1547 – Summoning Mind
Bedlam 1547 unleash a fierce rock banger where aggressive riffs and sharp hooks collide with a whole lot of intensity
Summoning Mind comes out the gates with gritty guitar riffs and a tight rhythmic backbone, creating a sense of tension that builds through its driving arrangement. There’s a lot of fierceness here, but it comes across with a sense of fun too.
Bedlam 1547 is the project of Tony R Gulvin, blending elements of punk attitude, hard rock power and alternative metal scale. The track marks the first in a recent run of singles that showcase a sound where aggression and melody sit side by side. Essential stuff.
Dead Skin Project – Secret Wars
Dead Skin Project explore dark rock territory with brooding guitars that give us the questions to power and truth we need
Secret Wars, carries a moody atmosphere shaped by brooding guitars and steady rhythms, gradually unfolding into a track that balances tension with reflective intensity.
Dead Skin Project comes from Bishop Auckland in England and represents the work of a long time musician immersed in the scene since the late 1970s. The project blends rock, punk and gothic influences while maintaining a DIY ethos focused on personal expression and social reflection. Love to hear more of this.