Novustory, Birds In Row, Counterparts and More: New Noizze – The 10 Must-Listen Tracks of the Week

Hung over and aching from Slam Dunk? Same. Here's the best singles from this week, complete with a few from the week before just for good measure.

Novustory – I’m Never Gonna Fit In (With These Kids)

Novustory are back with brand new single ‘I’m Never Gonna Fit In (With These Kids)’. The Manchester based band have shown that a strong open culture and real connection to their fanbase can take you a long way. Their DIY mentality has also played a big part in their success to date and saw them sign to Regent Street Records last year. ‘I’m Never Gonna Fit In (With These Kids)’ is a gritty anthem for all the kids who sit in a classroom looking and feeling a little different to the rest, to those that can do no right and are told they are weird and to those that are made to feel like this is wrong. Funnily enough you realise that these traits are the ones that make you unique. There’s a sense of relatability and a beautiful overarching message that this is absolutely not a bad thing. Vocalist Imogen Storey shines showing her broad and diverse range as well as the pure power she holds in her voice. The power-anthem combined with these vocals make for a commanding statement that delivers the message lying beneath all the more distinctly. It’s bold, it’s brilliant and it drives a message of hope to those that may not yet have the strength to recognise their own beauty and worth. Get on to Novustory whilst they aren’t playing arena’s, you probably don’t have long. – Jac Holloway

Birds In Row – Water Wings

Birds In Row aren’t ones to comply with the rigid and formulated ‘release campaign, tour, release campaign’ process that’s common place within the industry. Instead, the French experimental hardcore group opt to do things on their own terms and in their own time. Whilst this may mean new material from the band is a rare occurrence, it does mean that any new content from the band is guaranteed to be authentic, earnest and simply brilliant. ‘Water Wings’ is a testament to that. Intense to a harrowing degree, the track resonates the screamo laced full- body breakdowns the band specialises in all whilst showing a newfound focus on delicate atmospherics. It’s emotional hardcore at it’s most genuine and palatable, a single that highlights the fact that this act inhabit a niche far removed from the recycled cliches and regurgitated conventions associated with the hardcore sound at large. With a new record on Cult Of Luna’s own Red Creek Recordings due later this year, truly, the return of Birds In Row is the real reason for celebration this long weekend. – Dan Hillier

Sullii – Me And Mine

Sullii, the moniker and personification of solo artist Joshua Rogers who some may know from previous musical projects. Multifaceted and genre-bending, Sullii’s music depicts an honest, open and raw portrayal of his life and the traumas he has experienced. With an ability to connect on a deep level through this honesty it’s no surprise that this has resonated so much that Sullii has built a cult following. Creative freedom breathes way for Sullii to be able to reinvent himself continuously and allows space to craft music that isn’t bound by genre. Last week Sullii dropped the new single ‘Me and Mine’ from the full-length album ‘Wake Up Next To Me’. The song features a beautifully melodic vocal cat and mouse vocal that blends between synthesised vocals and Rogers sweet tone and bounce between one another. Recurring acoustic guitar and a twinkly piano track pave way for a lowkey emo pop anthem that shifts gears half way through giving way to a full rock anthem. A spoken monologue closes the track making for a brilliant burst of heartfelt emotion. Whether you are already a fan or stumbling across Sullii for the first time, you are in luck. Recently the artist released a music video for the songs ‘Follow’ and ‘Distant’ and if that isn’t enough you’ll be able to listen to the entire album tomorrow on release day. Sullii will drop their brand new album Wake Up Next To Me tomorrow. – Jac Holloway

Counterparts – Unwavering Vow

Releasing just prior to the band inciting melees en-masse at Slam Dunk this weekend, the new single from Counterparts is metalcore at it’s most intricate and intense. The first single to be taken from their upcoming full length A Eulogy For Those Still Here – released October 7th via Damage Records – ‘Unwavering Vow’ bare the visceral sensations of dread and uncertainty that bind the band’s new record as a whole. “I think I deal with things by preparing myself for the end,” states vocalist Brandon Murphy on the record. “With so much of this record I’m mourning the loss of someone that’s still alive or saying goodbye to something that hasn’t left yet. All of these things I have are still a big part of my life but one day they won’t be, and I don’t want to be focusing on that instead of enjoying the time I have with them. Maybe I’m saying goodbye preemptively but I think it’s important to say goodbye while you can.” – Dan Hillier

UNWELL – Epiphany

Born during the pandemic, UNWELL have emerged as a group of friends looking to harness their collective inspiration and offer empathy and compassion to combat the melancholy through the beautiful form of Pop Punk. This week the band released their brand new single ‘Epiphany’. The band have been pretty prolific to date having released their debut album called New Moons last year. ‘Epiphany’ marks the first sign of new music this year and as yet who knows what is next for the talented pop punkers. ‘Epiphany’ is the perfect mix of early tropes of post-hardcore and the fresh energetic bounce of more modern pop punk. The song tears through variance at speed with sections that are faster and thrashier and others that hold big singalong moments and irresistible jumpiness. Complete with mosh-worthy riffs that weave through the song and, to drop the metaphorical cherry on top, a bridge section that goes slightly harder before having its crescendo lead into the final chorus. Vocalist Matt Copley soars and stands out particularly in the chorus where his gritty vocal and powerful highs combine. This will be no surprise to those on TikTok that have seen his Punk Goes Broadway videos as well as other impressive vocal covers. ‘Epiphany’ is catchy, melodic and full of heart. The band feel invigorated, motivated and fresh. It’s a matter of time before UNWELL will be on a stage near you. – Jac Holloway

Vukovi – Hades

Vukovi have dropped their new single ‘Hades’ alongside the announcement of their brand new album Nula. The ambitious Scottish duo have been drip feeding songs over the last few months and material thus far suggests that you can expect large scale punchiness, mammoth riffs and a brilliant sonic blend of other influences. ‘Hades’ has an explosive chorus accompanied by a fuzzy electronic riff and hooks aplenty. Moments of ambience break the song up which adds impact to the full throttle sections. Vocalist Janine Shilstone shines with a tinged darkness to her delivery particularly on the whispered grittier lyrics juxtaposed with the chorus where she soars. Nula is a concept record that follows the journey of the character (Nula) in a dystopian sci-fi world influenced by the duo’s love for many franchises in the sci-fi genre. The album includes incredibly mature lyrical themes too. Nula (the character) is a captured extraterrestrial that’s now the property of a nefarious capitalist. Nula (the album) picks up 25 years after her capture and in-between there’s all sorts of comment on themes of trauma, violence, lust, and revenge. ‘Hades’ is further proof that this album is going to be ambitious, bold and matches the strength of its concept with the level of songwriting. Exciting times lie ahead. – Jac Holloway

Waco – Hardships Will Happen

If any band know about hardships it’s Waco. Having previously gone through ordeals that would derail even the most enduring of artists, the cosmic punks instead have always been one to focus on the light that lies ahead instead of the darkness of the current, remaining a beacon of much needed optimism and light in times of turmoil. The group’s new single ‘Hardships Will Happen’ resonates that. Addressing the difficulties that unavoidable in life, the track is a bouncy, sugar laced ode to powering through the night to greet the dawn that waits ahead. “This song is about a lesson we learned early on; things don’t always go to plan,” states vocalist Jak Hutchcraft. “When stuff goes pear-shaped we find ourselves self-doubting and soul searching. We are massive advocates for mindfulness in our band and that has helped us be resilient in the face of adversity. When hardships happen we try not to react emotionally and in the moment, but to take a step back and decide what is the healthiest way to respond, move forward and learn from it. The story of the music video is one of life imitating art. We had a well-crafted plan for a music video—think Mad Max meets The Warriors—but the universe had other plans. On our way to the location our van dramatically broke down. As the AA told us they wouldn’t reach us before nightfall our hope for the movie began to dissipate. Instead of giving up, however, we grabbed the camera, walked to a nearby beach and began filming” – Dan Hillier

Thornhill – Raw

‘Raw’ is the final single from the highly anticipated sophomore record Heroine from Aussie metallers Thornhill. The band have come out swinging on this record with an ambitious sound that is a leap for them both sonically and thematically. Heroine is said to be an anthology of stories set to a dynamic, cinema-inspired score. Thornhill’s collective love for Hollywood, cinema, glamour and style played a big part in the album’s conception and through the creative process. ‘Raw’ is a punchy riff-driven anthem that cleverly contains verse sections that build to the chorus’ dramatic explosion of sound. There is a sense of groove that weaves in between djent riffing and vocalist Jacob Charlton dynamically shifts gears stylistically to either provide his bellows or his softer melodic tone. Jacob Charlton explains: “The story of the song ‘Raw’ follows an actress’s responses to various requests, love letters and desperate attempts made by fans and stalkers after her first major success, appearing in a soon to be cult classic film. This song primarily focuses on character of the voice rather than complex melodies and harmonies so I really wanted to bring a story to life that matches the attitude of the instruments. The way that she fights back these attempts and turns them down requires a lot of bravery and strength and it was more of the angle I wanted to hit, rather than relying on angry, dark lyrical themes.” Flitting between pummelling brutal sections and beautiful melody ‘Raw’ is as diverse as it is ambient. – Jac Holloway

Jaws of Life – I Promise

Jaws of Life have dropped their second single ‘I Promise’ from their upcoming three-track mix tape named Jaws Of Life Mini Mix Tape. The band released their debut single ‘Stargazing’ in April which has impressively amassed over 10k YouTube views and a tonne of streams in just over a month. ‘I Promise’ arrives with a strong message of self-care, reaching out for support when needed and by extension offering this support to others. The song was announced during mental health awareness week with the message that looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Asking someone is they are okay, reaching out to touch base with an old friend or just making people aware you care are all such important notions to carry and shout about. ‘I Promise’ is a touching pop punk anthem full of melodic hooks and a verse full of stomping energy. Vocalist Mitchell Bock delivers the song’s message with poignancy but also with a sense of hope and a call to action. The chorus sums this up beautifully “Just because you’re struggling, doesn’t mean you’re failing. I know it hurts right now but I promise you will make it”. The song is yet another impressive addition to the fast growing contribution from Jaws of Life in their small time as a band but further cements their position as a fresh revival for early pop punk. – Jac Holloway

Neck Deep – STFU

Neck Deep are back! The band have returned with their first new music in two years in the form of ‘STFU’ (Shut The Fuck Up), following 2020’s album All Distortions Are Intentional. The band returned to record ‘STFU’ with Andrew Wade who worked with the band on 2015’s, ‘Life’s Not Out To Get You’. Long time Neck Deep fans may see the song as a return to their energised faster-paced rawer pop punk roots and the band agree describing it as “somewhat of a return to our roots, and a return to what we do best.” The song itself is a punchy riff-driven anthem which combines satire and a humorous sense of impending doom that challenges the shape of the world we live in. The songs accompanying video sees life through a screen, the attempts to escape and challenge it as well as the eventual realisation of hopelessness that it is all-consuming all delivered in a comical throwback of dial up desktops and sketched drawings as well as performance of the band. As of yet, the band haven’t announced whether there will be more music in 2022 but for now ‘STFU’ serves as hope for a new chapter at least. – Jac Holloway

All tracks can be found in our essential playlist.
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