NEW NOISE: August 2025

From American Shoegaze EPs to vibrant Indie UK newcomers, take a read of some of our favourite new discoveries and their new releases...

Slumber - Days Like These

Fusing gritty guitar and reflective lyrics focusing on the ache of wanting to quit your job, change who you are and start again, Slumber’s newest track ‘Days Like These’ perfectly describes the burnout feeling everyone is sometimes burdened with. With two previous releases that have given the group a name for resurrecting the feeling of being at a 2000’s Indie party, their 3rd release doesn’t totally lack that feeling however for the first time we experience a more vulnerable side to the band. 

“Well if nobody likes me, why did everyone care?” Vocalist questions, sharing intimate feelings over a cocktail of vibrant drum beats and fierce guitar riffs that lace the track with a heartfelt sting. Maintaining their Indie-Pop roots, an untamed guitar solo of raw, feisty hooks takes the song to a new level of confidence. It’s daring yet candid. ‘Days Like These’ is proof that Slumber are only just getting started but are preparing for the big stage.

Words by Izzy Hayden

She's Green - Willow

American indie pop band she’s green return with their latest single ‘Willow’, in a track which open with a bang and keeps that momentum throughout. The hazy vocals and layered instrumental textures create Dream Pop atmosphere which invites the listener into their world for the entire track.

Photo Credit: Jaxon Whittington

‘Willow’ gives the mood of life, a song which allows the listener to almost visit each season. A title that suggests the harmony of growth, and a story on life and love. "Willow, willow, willow, wanna know you like the back of my hand" reinforces this feeling, adding a powerful and caring tone to the track. This power is heard in the volume of the track, which starts immediately, resounding that emotion of love once again, and this is heard in the emotionally optimistic guitars, drums and vocals. "We can learn to start again" could suggest the feeling of growth has faded, but it is certain that she’s green are here to stay, all year round. Be sure to listen to their full EP 'Chrysalis' out now.

Words by Oliver Watts

Ashain White - Look What You Made Me Do

Ashaine White’s new EP 'Look What You Made Me Do' blurs the line between genres skipping between her Indie-tinged melodies and soulful vocals. Tracks like 'Whole Lotta Me' hook you in with intricately intertwining instrumentation that is partly eery, partly slick and breezy. The tonal balances are super interesting and make every second offer something unique. Our favourite track is ‘Let Me Down’ which begins with a steady groove before the calmness is fractured as Ashain channels the sting of realising those who you thought were once on your side “are actually against you”. 

She successfully delivers the raw emotions of frustration and anger, taking her own lyrics – “throw your toys out the pram to prove a point” – and embodying it musically. Drums begin to intensify, guitars start roaring, percussion is pounding, and White’s voice gets pushed to the edge with her practically screaming “let me down” as she realises inevitably, you “have to rely on yourself to pick yourself up and carry on”. Through her genre-blending abilities, pulling threads from Indie, Rock, Soul and Jazz, White has taken us on a journey from quiet introspection to a cathartic release.

Words by Beatrice Wright

Tom A Smith - Fashion

Known for his incredible live presence, Tom A. Smith has known how to own a stage since he was a child with a boldness that artists who’ve been performing 30 years more than him wouldn't even come close to matching. 

Although Tom's newest track ‘Fashion’ is laced with his usual boundless guitar riffs, it branches into a more electronic zone then anything we’ve seen so far on his discography. With a catchy hook about needing more bass, the in your face chorus is undeniably fun. “I'd offer you a drink but i cant afford these london prices” … “I spent all my money on this shirt” Smith declares with a sassiness that turns the track fierce. Riddled with a Liam Gallagher level of confidence and swagger, ‘Fashion’ is a daring single sure to land in hundreds of summer playlists.

Words by Izzy Hayden

Kai Bosch - Summer of Love

Everyone is uploading their ‘summer’ Instagram posts right now, trying to pick the perfect song to sum up their festival glitter and Spanish tapas and new boyfriend. Luckily for them, Kai Bosch has just released his new single ‘Summer of Love’ which encapsulates everything from clear, sparkling, European waters to the mess of bottles left after a night out you’d rather forget. 

He begins with an isolated synth, a pounding heartbeat, eye contact below the flashing lights. The song slowly builds, like a flash mob in a rom-com, youthful and thrilling. Guitars skip flirtatiously round lyrics that ooze with teenage naivety and whirlwind romance, of “kiss in cars” and “seeing stars”. He whips from chorus to chorus, a pure, sunshine-powered pop song. Whether you’re trying to forget the dizzying lights and stolen kisses of this summer, or currently arranging them in a carefully chosen Instagram layout, let Kai Bosch be the soundtrack to it all. 

Words by Esme-Morgan Jones

Eden Rain - I've Hidden Your Passport

Eden Rain’s latest offer is intimate yet devastating, encapsulating the process of coming to terms with a loved one moving away. The title, ‘I’ve Hidden Your Passport’ perfectly summarises the feeling of desperation that comes alongside an uncertain future.

Eden's storytelling takes centre stage, and invites us to explore her observations, almost joking that “it sort of makes like a love song, it’s not far wrong”. The bold lyrics allow for us to relate strongly to that feeling, and the things we want to do to keep close relationships as they are. The chorus’ juxtaposition especially highlights the singer’s vulnerable and conflicting thoughts on being both level-headed and “greedy”. Eden Rain’s rich vocals blend with soft yet powerful production that brings the song to a cry-worthy climax. ‘I’ve Hidden Your Passport’ will feature on Eden Rain’s upcoming EP, ‘Can I Come Too?’.

Words by Wren McCarthy

SAOL - Skeletons

SAOL is the new solo project of Irish songwriter Zoë Gough, formerly of Dublin alt-pop band, Dreaming of Jupiter. Her music dips between a myriad of genres while always radiating a 90s veneer.

Her latest single 'Skeletons' is filled with poignant personal stories that will resonate deeply. This gloomy lyrical content is then matched by an eery Grunge sound as distorted guitars and crashing drums swirl around you. The most impactful moment of the track is the break before the chorus when all instrumentals drop out apart from a scratchy riff that tempts you with a harsh final breath before diving into the intensity of the chorus. Tonally its filled with Grunge nostalgia, lyrically its powerfully emotive and melodically it has the slick sensibilities of Zoë's Alt-Pop origins. We can't wait for more!

Jack Devlin - Default Days

Belfast based artist Jack Devlin presents ‘Default Days’, a song he wrote in Kilkeel, with a deeply personal meaning. “Its about losing my cousin, how that loss changed me - growing up, facing the real world, and how weird that transition can feel". ‘Default Days’ is a song with dark themes spun into a positive indie anthem, its upbeat rhythm resonates with childhood nostalgia, remembering the good times through the bad and vice versa.

This deeply emotive track is a lyrical masterpiece, telling a story of mourning and transformation, accepting, letting go, and growing into something new. Inspiration stemming from the likes of Noah Khan and Paolo Nutini, Devlin is a songwriter’s songwriter, with his ability to turn such dark stories into such positive songs he sets himself apart. Jack Devlin has put together something.

Words by Cormac O'Carroll

Lucinda Poy - Liar

From the very first seconds of Lucinda Poy’s latest release you feel entranced by the slick synth melodies. The Aussie songwriter has a knack for creating magical soundscapes and this new track ‘Liar’ is a perfect example.

As the bubbling electro rhythm swirls in the distance the super smooth vocal lines caress your ears. The sound is muted but hooks you in with the subtle emotion. Then the sound slowly grows with each chorus, rising into a shimmering indie pop sound laced with synths and crisp vocal lines that soar high! The production is punchy yet not overfacing, offering a fun retro energy while allowing Lucinda’s vocals to shine.