Streams

Beautiful songs are one in a million and not so easy to come by regardless of what websites/radio/media throw in your face. Simple songs like this one can be just as powerful as next year’s big chart topping artist. Forum Blue is the new project of Ray Torres of Ray Torres & The Mercy (an artist I wrote about quite a bit over 5 years ago). This song is titled “A Precious Place” and is an honest love letter to his Father who has long since passed. Give this touching song a listen and hug those closest to you.

I really have to draw attention to one of the most excellent acoustic pop-punk “cover” tracks done in recent memory. Sef Idle has been playing for years fronting and playing guitar for bands like uniSEF and False Idle but has recently come forward as a skilled acoustic-punk singer/songwriter. Sef Idle just released “Someday, Today” back in May and it is a fitting reminder of how raw, natural talent can captivate the listener. It’s not that often that you hear a Christian singer/songwriter in this genre be so overwhelmingly effective with honesty and conviction, letting the music do the talking through words and song. Check out this new cover song of the Hangnail classic “At Arm’s Length” done only the way Sef could do and let the music speak to you. It’s raw, melodic, and still pleasing to the ears. It’s just a real and honest rendition of a song most people probably wouldn’t even be familiar with. If you would like to purchase this song, it is a part of the new compilation “ZAP-O-MATIC No.2” available right here. All sales go to support Skip and his Cancer treatment/recovery.

“Groovy” might be 60s slang, but James Gardin offers a fresh dose of it with his new song “Groove.” Produced by Terem, the track boasts psychedelic synths and a tight beat to back Gardin’s smooth vocals. The song is available on all digital retailers. Continued →

Vocal Few which is the project of Matt MacDonald of The Classic Crime and his wife Kristie, has a new ep coming out titled “Grand Pre” on August 17th. Check out 2 new songs below.

Benjamin Daniel is a new artist i’d like to introduce you all to. His music beautiful new song “Shaping Season” and purely magnificent in every mention of the word, is now streaming below. Benjamin is currently working on new recordings and this is one of his first to feature. This 5 minute and 30 sec epic song takes the listener on a journey through unshakable emotion, piercing sadness, unmistakable hope, and the redemption that shines through it all. I’m a tough one to be swayed by new solo independent music but there is something truly amazing about this debut track and something awe inspiring. You might remember Benjamin as a contributor here at IVM and an avid listener of great music. Check out the song “Shaping Season”, below.

I’d like to shine a spotlight on a new artist by the name of Collington. Collington are releasing their new single “Here We Go” today. Check out the music video and song, below. If you dig the sounds of Switchfoot, Band of Horses, Future of Forestry, My Epic, or Lifehouse then you’re going to love this new music. [Website]

Smalltown Poets have released an excellent new album titled “Say Hello”. We are offering a special full album stream below. I would encourage you to check this out and purchase online at your digital store of choice. This album is full of passionate praise and radio friendly rock n’ roll sure to please fans of Jars of Clay, Matchbox Twenty, Gin Blossoms, Mae, and Mercy Me.

Nomis‘ new album Rhodes to Rome released today, an eleven track project which blends contemplative lyrics with mellow hip-hop stylings. You can find it on Bandcamp, Spotify, and iTunes. “Theory of Self (feat. Joe Ayinde),” one of the album’s singles, can be heard below. Continued →

Earth Groans are back with a brand new, totally mind blowing and explosive track titled “Heathen Heart”. Listen and comment with your thoughts below.

Check out this ep stream from new metallic hardcore band – Dreaded Dale. The band just released “Wayward Ep” today. It is available on their bandcamp here and through digital networks in a few days. Ep stream and a little background on the ep, below. The band plans to release 3 eps in 2018 so keep your eyes peeled and ears ready. Dreaded Dale has set out to bring Christ to a generation that has all but given up on typical Christianity

Check out this new single “Fearless” by the female led rock band – Ignescent. The new ep “Fearless” is available now through all digital networks. The band will please fans of Flyleaf, Fireflight, and The Letter Black. Good stuff.

Orion Walsh and Slow Coming Day have released their first new song in over 10 years titled “Maybe” and you can listen to it below. The song is available via bandcamp here. It’ll be up on Spotify soon. In addition to this song they also recorded another new track that will appear on the “Family & Friends Sampler” due out July 4th. Pre-orders launching soon. This song has a Postal Service (the band) vibe with an electro-indie-pop-rock like influence.

It’s time to shake off those Monday blues with an encouraging song from Sareem Poems & Ess Be. The blend of hip-hop, electronic, and soul makes “Eyedentity” a standout from an artistic standpoint, though the lyrics only accentuate this. In verse one, focusing around the image of a young black male, Sareem cleverly states: “Don’t use slang, you talk white / Hip hop ain’t the only music that you like / Metallica tees on you just don’t look right.” The song comes from Mind Over Matter, which the duo will release on June 15. Continued →

Check out the new DENS song “Sackcloth & Ash”, below. The song appears on the band’s upcoming new ep “No Small Tempest” which will release on June 29th through Facedown Records. Pre-order in some beautiful bundles right here

I am truly thrilled about this upcoming 20 song release from Houston, Texas based punk rock band, The Prettybads. “Meet The Prettybads” will release on June 15th through IVM and features gritty yet poppy punk rock songs with enough 50’s doo wop and Ramones undertones to keep you entertained for hours. Check out the new song “Johnny” below and pre-order the album on CD or Tape over on the IVM Storenvy page here. You can also preorder the digital release via Bandcamp for just $6 here. All orders will come with free stickers including new designs by The Prettybads.

Appearing out of nowhere is a new indie pop/edm project from Aaron Sprinkle and Jessie Villa called “Luna Wave”. They just released the 5 song self titled debut ep through digital networks. Get a sample of it via Spotify below. This well produced and composed little ep features 5 songs that bridge the divide between indie pop, edm, and what remains of alternative rock. If you enjoyed some of the sounds on the last Aaron Sprinkle album “Real Life”, he takes it a step further into pop territory and you’re going to be a fan. Aaron is a talented fellow and this ep is a perfect example. Enjoy!

Shake It Up are back with a brand new song titled “Fateweaver” and it rules. Check out the song below via bandcamp and make sure you guys it for just $1 over here.

Fit For a King are back with a brand new song titled “Tower of Pain”. Check it out on Spotify (and all other digital networks) below. Thoughts?

I’d like to point our readers in the direction of this really great new project from Ray Torres called “Forum Blue”. Ray has been a tremendously talented young guy who released prior projects as “Ray Torres & The Mercy” and under his name (solo). Now he is back with more songs as Forum Blue and you can take a listen to these “home demos” right here on bandcamp (or listen below). Think Dashboard Confessional, Secondhand Serenade, Vocal Few, Hall & Oates, etc. A soulful singer with a powerful voice. If you can find his previous releases, you’re in for a real treat. Then go and spin these great songs. I’m looking forward to hearing how the songwriting progresses on future releases.

This absolutely insane new track “United Stomp” from Southern California hardcore band, Living in Victory, is now available for stream via IVM right here (see below). The new song will appear on the band’s upcoming “Freeman Ep” due out on June 23rd through On The Attack Records. Any fan of legitimate hardcore is going to dig this track without a doubt. This is quality stuff from a band who know’s their stuff. Check it out. [Bandcamp]

IVM presents this incredible new song “No Other Way” from solo alt-rock artist – Jeremy Ryan. It’s unlike most stuff you’ve come to expect from solo singer/songwriters in recent memory. This is solid alternative rock done right. Expect Jeremy’s music to take off in a big way in the coming years. Lyrics, bio, and song can be found below.

Poetic Descent are back with another new song from their upcoming ep release. Check out the song “Paperthin Walls” below.

The Devil Wears Prada just released a cover of “Sour Breath,” originally performed by American singer-songwriter Julien Baker. Check out the song below, and if you like what you hear, you can stream and download or even purchase a 7″ vinyl bundle on Merch Limited. Continued →

Emo-pop meets boom bap has never sounded so good. Theory Hazit has remixed Paramore’s classic song “The Only Exception,” taken from Brand New Eyes which released in 2010. Check out the original and the remix below.

I am going to introduce all of you readers to the new band Snakehound right now. The band features former vocalist for The Burial and past IVM contributor – David Marshall. Their sound runs the whole map but fans of Norma Jean, Converge, Everytime I Die, and The Chariot will really find something to appreciate here. Check out their new music, below and please support by purchasing on bandcamp. Their lyrics are deeply personal and the music is explosive in nature, like a full on assault upon the senses. Their debut full length is out soon but in the meantime check out a new song below.

Something I’ve kept under wraps for a few weeks and a piece of news that I am truly excited about. The East Coast band – DENS, have indeed signed with California based record label Facedown Records and will release “No Small Tempest” Ep on June 29th. You can take a listen to the powerful new song titled “Deadrise” below. All you fans of Saosin, Thrice, My Epic, Attalus, and Armor For Sleep, will absolutely adore this new music. Facedown Records taking a chance on the more “rock” oriented bands like My Epic, Everything in Slow Motion, Attalus, and now DENS, is the best move they’ve ever made. I really enjoy their whole roster but the bands above have all made truly remarkable albums. Everyone go like DENS and give this new song a listen. Oh and you can pre-order this Ep in a few different bundle options right here.

A new band called “Gut Punch” have emerged from behind the curtain and are ready to pummel your face off with their furious hardcore energy. Check out their debut song “Finish Line”, below. You can follow them on instagram here: @gutpunchhc This band features (former?) members of Born Blind and No Innocent Victim and reside in the San Diego, CA. region. Who else digs this?

Following in the footsteps of solo outings from the greats like Tony Sly, Joey Cape, Tim Armstrong, and Chuck Ragan, comes this new solo ep from punk warrior – Sef Idle. The first official song from the “Someday, Today” Ep has been released and this incredible new track “I Don’t Remember” can be streamed below. The song appears on the “Someday, Today” Ep due out May 8th. Buy it on Tape/CD here and on Bandcamp here.

The new rock band Poetic Descent which feature former members of Mayfly and a sound all their own, is back with a brand new track called “Consuming”. Their sound can best be described as a passionate, aggressive take on rock n’ roll that is sure to please long time fans of a fading genre with something fresh and unique. RIYL: Incubus, Story of the Year, Project 86, Tool, Spoken. Check out the song stream below.

Grave Robber are back and with a new full length to present. The band’s new album “Escaping the Grave” will be out worldwide on April 13th. If you are any kind of a punk rock fan and love the horror genre of film then you are going to need this record in your collection. Order the CD right here. Check out 4 new songs from this album, below.