Scene Queen, Chelsea Wolfe, Underdark, The Callous Daoboys and More: New Noizze – The 21 Must-Listen Tracks of the Week

Whole lotta' pink in here. Here's the best singles of last week.

Scene Queen – Pink Push Up Bra

Mere weeks away from her massive UK tour, Scene Queen is seemingly unstoppable, dropping new single ‘Pink Push Up Bra’ to drive anticipation to a fever pitch. Opening to what sounds like a nod to a certain Mick Gordon soundtrack about demon bludgeoning, ‘Pink Push Up Bra’ explodes into what might be her most unhinged performance yet. Groovy djent riffs and a fast-paced driving beat, Scene Queen herself with ferocious deliveries, occasionally breaking into an electronic bridge before exploding back to life. Once again channeling a rebellious intensity and no-fucks-given attitude to call out the age old excuse for abhorrent behaviour, “boys will be boys”, but also lyrically drawing attention to the shameful statistic of “one in six, that shit makes me sick”. ‘Pink Push Up Bra’ is an empowerment anthem, continuing to juxtapose pink imagery with music and lyricism that goes for the jugular. – Harry Shiels

Chelsea Wolfe – Dusk

It’s been a good long while since we’ve had some new music from Chelsea Wolfe. Despite releasing a film soundtrack in 2022 and being a major contributing factor to the widely acclaimed Bloodmoon: I by Converge, Wolfe’s last project proper came in 2019, the dark Americana and folk influenced Birth Of Violence. New single ‘Dusk’ sees Wolfe return to the goth industrial and post-metal influences of earlier albums with a new twist. Channeling a stronger alt-rock and electronic energy, the track almost feels like a somber take on Imogen Heap style alt-pop with its catchy lead hook. The swaying vocals and low-key instrumental bubbles away with noise slowly creeping in for the inevitable crescendo of wall of noise guitars to overwhelm ears. ‘Dusk’ is certainly leaning in an interesting new direction for the celebrated alternative artist, leading us to ponder what else may be on the horizon. – Harry Shiels

Underdark – Enterprise (1st November 2004)

The first track to be taken from the band’s forthcoming second record Managed Decline, released November 24th via Church Road Records, the latest single from post-black metal exemplars Underdark bears witness to the group’s phenomenal ability to marry animated storytelling with adventurous extremism. Introducing the record’s concept of retelling the tale of a post-industrial town’s decline through Thatcherite policies, ‘Enterprise (1st November 2004)’ is a bleak and horrific black metal tale of despair that’s devastating both emotionally and audibly – something not surprising given its subject. “Enterprise is the most aggressive song on the album so it’s fitting that it’s the darkest part of the story; a father and daughter are earning money – by pimping the kid to buy dope,” states vocalist Abi Vasquez. “I wrote it to also serve as a metaphor for the fetishisation of entrepreneurship in neoliberal society.” – Dan Hillier

The Callous Daoboys – Pushing the Pink Envelope

Atlanta, Georgia based, genre-blending mathcore darlings The Callous Daoboys have dropped their new single ‘Pushing the Pink Envelope’ and it’s maybe their most chaotic to date. With a nudge and a wink to cheesy 2010s metalcore tropes alongside their usual hectic exploration of genre, flying between dance-pop synths, mathcore breakdowns with multiple different time signatures, catchy clean vocals and even an unexpected bossa nova bridge, “Pushing the Pink Envelope” is certainly an experience. Don’t worry if all of this sounds like a frenzied fever dream; that’s the Daoboys’ signature move, smashing together different styles of music into an unholy cacophony of sound that, by some miracle, manages to sound like a coherent single. – Tom Bruce

Sugar Horse – Consequences

The second snippet – we hesitate to say single, given the band’s predilection for playing the piece in full live – taken from upcoming release Truth Or Consequences, Neu Mexico, ‘Consequences’ is, as the band describe it, “like stepping into the eye of a particularly lengthy storm.” Rather than the doomy fury they often bring to bear, it showcases the other side of them, an almost airy melancholia with cleanly sung vocals. The band describe the lyrics as the catharsis of art; the ability of an artist to take pain, hurt or just a really bad day and create something beautiful. That’s exactly what ‘Consequences’ is; a reprieve, and the finding of beauty in the eye of that heaving storm. – Will Marshall

Interlaker – Bottomless Pit

Interlaker would no doubt reject the notion that they’re a supergroup. After all, such a term has become synonymous with characters radiating pompous arrogance. However, given the members’ musical merits and just how damn good this track this, it feels like there’s just no other tag available. The first track taken from the new project formed of original Lonely The Brave frontman David Jakes and Arcane Roots / Jamie Lenman drummer Jack Wrench, ‘Bottomless Pit’ is an airy, pine-scented and heart-swelling alt-rock lament void of any of the lingering feelings of doom associated with the track’s namesake. Truly, it’s wonderful to hear Jakes’ immaculate vocals again in a fully electric context, and with the chemistry between him and Wrench tangible and delicate, Interlaker are poised to be one of next year’s biggest success stories. – Dan Hillier

Rust – Facedown

Ontario hardcore’s Rust are back. The Canadian powerhouse have dropped their newest single ‘Facedown’, which was written by the entire quartet and marks the first single to feature drummer Dillon Forret behind the kit. This happens to also be the first track in Rust’s impressive catalog to be produced by vocalist Tommy Wood themselves. A person of many musical talents, it’s evident they put a lot of time and effort into their craft. Explaining the track’s meaning, Wood states “give and take, life and death, everything has a balance. Disrupting it through dishonest acts will result in a correction to the balance.” Rust are cementing themselves as Ontario’s best and realest act today, and Facedown further cements that. – Nathaniel Maure

Creeper – Black Heaven

The third single taken from their upcoming album Sanguivore, ‘Black Heaven’ showcases Creeper‘s continued exploration of all things goth. This time they’ve morphed from Type O Negative worship (‘Cry to Heaven’) into full on goth synthpop, gloomy synths looming over the razor sharp guitars. It’s all very Depeche Mode meets New Order, with the vocal interplay between William Von Ghould (Will Gould) and Hannah Hermione acting as the crux of the song that the throbbing electronics and driving drum patterns revolve around. It’s a bold step for the band, incorporating electronic elements properly for the first time, but one that pays off in spades, creating a throwback to 80s goth club floorfillers with a distinctly Creeper twist. – Will Marshall

Get Wrong – It’s So Easy

Another new act formed of established scene pedigree that would no doubtfully reject the supergroup accolade, Get Wrong’s debut single is just as impressive as the band’s credentials. Comprised of Martha’s Naomi Griffin and Adam Todd of the dearly missed The Spook School, the duo’s first single ‘It’s So Easy’ is a sparkling serving of indie synthpop that’s reminiscent of the titans of 80s pop whilst demonstrating the sense of intimacy, intricacy and wholesome fun that characterises the UK’s underground scene. It’s a welcome respite from the blanketing gloom now settling with the arrival of autumn, and with the duo’s self-titled EP landing December 1st via Alcopop! (UK) and Father/Daughter Records (US), Get Wrong are an act that many will become acquainted with towards the tail end of this year. – Dan Hillier

Against The Current – silent stranger

What happens when we can’t tell the difference between daydreams and nightmares? That’s what the new single ‘silent stranger’ from pop rock trio Against The Current explores, “Embarking on a spiral of panic, what’s real and what’s forced can no longer be distinguished from one another; imposter syndrome pushed to the point of no return,” is how vocalist Chrissy Constanza describes the song, as sugary melodies hide the darker lyricism underneath. Opening with a subdued take on the main melody, it soon erupts into the towering rock they’re known for. It’s the first single taken from their self-described “nightmares era”, joining recent singles ‘blindfolded’ and ‘”good guy”‘ as the third as an independent band, and is sure to go down a treat on their current run of shows and upcoming UK tour. – Will Marshall

The Menzingers – Come On Heartache

Professionals at putting a lump in your throat, The Menzingers‘ new track ‘Come On Heartache’, reaches into country ballad influences alongside their usual wordsmith mastery to produce an absolute belter. To call it beautiful seems too simple, but it’s entirely accurate. Tom sings like a man beyond his years, his voice flecked with emotion and pain. Musically, it’s pretty simple, with some luscious guitar the driving force of the track. The third single from their upcoming Some Of It Was True album, due out 13th of October, the work released so far shows that age is no barrier to the heirs apparent to Bruce Springsteen, as it promises to be their most mature, thoughtful album yet. – Chris Earl

Cauldron – Standing In Awe of a Monument

Birmingham metalcore newcomers Cauldron have unveiled the latest single from their upcoming debut album Suicide in the City. ‘Standing In Awe of a Monument’ is practically sprawling, a five minute ripper that pays homage to the early 2000s metalcore scene that inspires them. Acerbic shrieks, crunching guitars and furious breakdowns abound, with the occasional vulnerable clean vocal. of the song, Frazer Cassling says it’s “about struggling to comprehend something so profound it’s almost alien to you. The monument in the title can refer to anything, but in the context of this song, it refers to watching someone that you love turn into something that you no longer recognise. Something that is complex and unbelievable in its strangeness.” – Will Marshall

Scream – DC Special Sha La La

Legendary Washington DC hardcore punk band Scream have returned with their first new music since going on hiatus in 1993. Perhaps best known for giving a young Dave Grohl his first drumming gig between 1986 and his departure to join Nirvana, Scream have left their mark on DC’s iconic hardcore scene with their combination of chaotic hardcore and catchy hooks. New single ‘DC Special Sha La La’ leans heavily towards the more accessible end of their sound with punchy, driving drums and jangly distorted guitar riffs, Scream aren’t betraying their punk cred here, rather ageing gracefully into a more modern sound. With a star studded new album DC Special on the horizon, it’s great to have Scream back. – Tom Bruce

Silent Planet – Annunaki

Silent Planet’s catchy, emotional single ‘Antimatter’ made tidal waves in the metalcore world, while third single ‘Collider’ turned up the distortion and the rage. The latest rager from the California crew cranks the intensity further and adds some spicy paranoia. Named after the ancient class of Sumerian gods (which is apt, given the undercurrent of religious sacrificial rites), ‘Annunaki’ is the heaviest single yet, from the opening whisper-scream “face the dead” to the final, stuttering, “there’s nothing left for me”. Over wailing guitars and a spacey electronic break, Silent Planet prove that they remain on top of their game. – Josiah Aden

Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter – I Will Be With You Always

Being just shy of a month away from unveiling new album SAVED! to the world, Kristin Hayter reveals another layer to her upcoming enigma with ‘I Will Be With You Always’. A cyclical instrumental comprised of light wailing feedback and a very rinky sounding piano feels quite similar to her previous work under the Lingua Ignota moniker. Fully channeling her eerie vocal chants into esoteric, spiritually questionable lyricism into a manic and impassioned performance, this is every bit as powerful and extraordinary as her widely acclaimed past. Like a twisted revival preacher convincing you to renew your faith in the unknown, Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter is set to shake the foundations of everything we thought we knew was coming. – Harry Shiels

Walking Corpse – Our Hands, Your Throat / The Wheel

Whilst Walking Corpse haven’t been around that long, but they have managed to establish themselves with some of the most straight up in your face grindcore going today. Think of Insect Warfare having a love child with Pig Destroyer, and you’ll get it. The riffs go off like a bench grinder, abrasive and fun in equal parts, showering everything around with sparks. ‘Our Hands, Your Throat‘. picks up where the last album left off, this is good quality fun for all the family (actually maybe not the whole family), all wrapped up in a catchy, grindy bow. “The Wheel” takes the traditional grindcore formula and distils it into a premium high strength liquor. At five minutes this is basically a prog rock song in grindcore terms, and Walking Corpse don’t waste a moment pounding the aural landscape with lightning-fast kick drums, choppy punk influenced riffs and even a ‘slow’ section at the end. – Rob Bown

Volatile Ways – Pink Mist Wish List

For the past year, one of Australia’s hottest acts has got to be Volatile Ways. Bringing listeners their new single, ‘Pink Mist Wish List’, this Australian foursome continues to absolutely crush the competition with their signature brand of deathcore. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Elliot Gallart of Chameleon Studios; a beautiful mix compliments blasting beats full of double bass, riffing guitars, and vocals fitting of early Arch Enemy and Suicide Silence records. Volatile Ways are cementing their place among Australian metals best acts with this new single and listeners would be silly to argue after hearing ‘Pink Mist Wish List’. – Nathaniel Maure

Rain City Drive – Frozen

Melodic pop rockers Rain City Drive are a band with their sights firmly set on the stars. A mainstream-bothering mix of crunching riffs and addictive pop hooks, they’re back just over a year after their self titled record with ‘Frozen’. A song they’ve been playing on tour to incredible receptions, singer Matt McAndrew states that Frozen “is about getting stuck on the wrong person. You’re fixated on the idea of them/how things could be, not the way things actually are”. Certainly themes that a vast amount of people will be able to relate to, but despite the heavy subject matter, it comes in the form of an uplifting, soaring banger with a chorus made to sneak into your head when you least expect it. Don’t be surprised if the band find their way into the charts with this, as over four albums in they seem to be garnering a reputation as a reliable, exciting band who are able to win over young and older fans alike. One thing’s for sure, when you hear this, you certainly won’t be frozen to the spot. – Chris Earl

Service Delay – To The Sky

Toronto is Canada’s hub for good alternative music, no doubt about that. Hidden by all the popular artists the city has, there are quite a few gems, of which four-piece post-hardcore outfit Service Delay are definitely one. Releasing possibly the happiest sad song of the year, To This Day combines the best parts of skate punk and hardcore with the sweetest and sappiest parts of midwest emo and pop-punk. Vocal and rhythm sections are flawlessly executed by brothers Joe and Dave Galbrand, while Carter Brokerville (drums) and Chris Cadieux (guitars/vocals) meld their styles, creating the best possible outcome. These four are proving Canada’s underground music scene is one of the best today. – Nathaniel Maure

A Mourning Star – Would It Be Easier If My Flesh Tangled Through This Blade

With a song title guaranteed to raise simultaneously raise eyebrows and tickle some nostalgia senses, the new single from A Mourning Star is yet another example of throwback metalcore guaranteed to excite. ‘Would It Be Easier If My Flesh Tangled Through This Blade’ is musically pummeling yet lyrically introspective. You can swing your arms and two step to it, yet when you sit and take it all in, it has the potential to hit you inside. The second single from the highly anticipated debut full length from the Canadians, the hype could not be higher at this point for the ‘core revivalists. If you want to pretend like the last twenty years didn’t happen musically, you could do a lot worse than spinning this. It sounds like The Opposite Of December… and Alive Or Just Breathing thrown into a blender, complete with an overly earnest spoken word part. Simply lovely stuff that would fit right in 2003. – Chris Earl

Iron Mind – Assume Your Ultimate Form / Spiral of Debt

It’s been a long time coming, but the new music is flowing from Australian hardcore punks Iron Mind, as they drop not one, but two singles. Their first studio efforts for nearly a decade, they’re as aggro and destructive as you’d expect. ‘Assume Your Ultimate Form’ swaggers its way in first, with some lovely low end before you’re on the receiving end of some old school spit flecked barks. Carried along by some gang vocals and downtuned chugging, it sounds like the band of old with some more modern production. ‘Spiral Of Debt’ is a more urgent, driving affair, however that slowly descends into an utterly brutal, violent battering. The confrontational, affirming lyrics aim to strike a chord and combined with the throwback punk backdrop, it really works. The latter of the singles is definitely the more likely to gain them new fans, but as a whole this double single is a welcome invitation into the world of Australian underground heavy music. – Chris Earl

All these tracks and more can be found on our essential playlist. Follow it here.