Japhet is not in a rush. That might sound strange in a fast-moving industry obsessed with virality, but for the Calgary -based rapper, the slow grind is part of the story. Rooted in melody and driven by effortless vocals, Japhet’s music isn’t just about the come-up—it’s about the journey, the lessons, and the moments in between. Born in Nigeria and raised across Atlanta and Texas before settling in Calgary , Japhet’s path hasn’t been linear, but his musical identity has grown stronger with each move. A self-taught pianist and former saxophone player, he first discovered his voice in church, where gospel melodies laid the foundation for the emotion that now runs through his work. Today, he channels those roots into a modern trap sound—melodic, moody, and rich with storytelling. His latest single, ‘Zack & Cody’ , captures that blend of confidence and reflection. With guitar-led production and a laid-back, luxury feel, the track explores duality—hustle and reward, pain and poise. The accompanying video only strengthens the message: Japhet isn’t just dreaming about the suite life—he’s manifesting it, piece by piece. There’s no need for gimmicks here. What makes Japhet stand out is his sincerity. He’s not trying to mimic trends or chase a formula. Instead, he’s building a catalogue based on loyalty, honesty and passion—three values he names without hesitation. Whether he’s drawing inspiration from his mother’s relentless work ethic or finding peace in nights out with friends, Japhet’s work is rooted in reality. That’s what makes it resonate. “This one’s about the duality of the come-up,” Japhet shares. “There’s the hard part and the flash part—but both are real. It’s about making it out, showing it off a little, and living your own suite life.” With past releases racking up over 100k streams on Spotify and viral traction through fan-made AMVs on YouTube, Japhet’s foundation is already taking shape. And he’s just getting started. More music is on the way, and while the industry might be spinning fast, Japhet is keeping his focus on longevity. He’s not just here to be seen—he’s here to stay. Cover Art: Josh Turner Press Photo Credit: NRG Randy FOLLOW JAPHET: INSTAGRAM  | YOUTUBE  | SPOTIFY

Released in late May 2025, Pretty Windows—a Nottingham duo—created a brilliant blend of electro-pop and indie-rock music, born from lockdown introspection. The album revisits new‑wave nostalgia while keeping things fresh and emotionally resonant. New Order meets Human League : The synth layers and programmed drums evoke mid‑80s grandeur, while the airy backing vocals recall Human League’s emotive choruses Nostalgia with an edge : Tracks like "Zimmerman Standing", "Starsky and Hutch", and "1977" meld nostalgia with fragility—deepening rather than flattening their sound. The Nottingham Duo told us this album feels like "the culmination of a life well lived, both good and bad", saying it "feels like everything songwriting was ever supposed to feel like". I've decided to review a few of the 8 tracks in this album to give you an idea of the sound and style youre going to get with the entire album. Have a listen to it as you read: “Zimmerman Standing” This track works extremely well as a standout single, gaining traction before the rest of the album was released. The title may hint at Bob Dylan (née Zimmerman), but the song feels closer to a lament for stillness. Over ghostly pads and the pulsing synth baseline, the lyrics ache with neglect and delayed momentum -- like falling or trying to run in a dream. “Twelve Pink Plectrums” Perhaps the emotional core of the album; this track is anchored in minimalist piano and analogue hiss, it deals with creative frustration and lost time. The title’s specificity gives it a diaristic weight—this is not generic bedroom-pop, but lived-in and precise. This track follows the feeling of the best day of Bassist Nick Hutchinson's life; when his dad took him to get his first bass guitar! As a musician myself, i know its true that those memories stay with you forever. “1977” The closing track on the album, and the most overtly nostalgic piece. A slow-building ballad that invokes punk’s birth year but seems to steer away from usual punk style. Instead, it’s a melancholic synth elegy—looking back at a mythic past that one can only yearn for and look back on. The meaning and inspiration behind this song is truly heartbreaking, but creates such a strong motif for this track. This track is shrewed in tragic, life-altering events; family deaths, the death of Elvis, and the struggle of watching loved ones struggle with addiction. While it has an upbeat baseline to it --and a fun, dance worthy synth line-- they bring you to realise the sadness of the track and how emotional events affect our everyday lives, even if its not normal behaviour.. Having been born out of the chaos that was lockdown some years back, Pretty windows have created and incredible album and even a stand alone track " Vinyl and Heck " that shows just how much fun and good can come out of a bad situation. I really enjoyed listening to this new album: since i had not really listened to this blend of electro-pop/indie music before, it was a pleasant surprise to have enjoyed it as much as i did and i have now added it to my playlist, you should too! download or buy the album on Spotify, Soundcloud or other platforms and follow their socials to hear more updates when they come! Follow thier instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thisisprettywindows/

Alabama 3  - April 2025 - Rescue rooms Nottingham ‘ Alabama 3  are a well known London based group, who became famous for their take on blending country, blues and gospel.  They made a happy and welcome return to Nottingham to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the two albums;  `Exile on Coldharbour Lane’ & ‘La Peste’. Whilst they predominantly played their own songs they also threw in some heavyweight classics for the crowd too.The crowd erupted with joy and excitement as the band walked on stage, with the front man Larry Love swaggering about in a gold glittery tuxedo jacket with big support from Zoe Devlin who both influenced the mood for the rest of the gig.They kicked off the gig with an insane cover of Hotel California by The Eagles, which was received in a great manner and really had the crowd singing and swaying....including myself! The whole gig really was an amazing experience and I urge anyone and everyone to go and see them live if you haven't already.they of course played one of their most popular and well known songs, the theme tune to The Sopranos - Woke Up This Morning which made the crowd come alive even more so than it already was. The Rescue Rooms venue itself isn't exactly huge but it was packed to the gills, with such a variety of people of all ages it really was a great vibe all night.Alabama 3 proved to me and many others they are not just a one hit wonder at all, with a 30+ year career they clearly still know how to party and give a great show.’ Written by Sophie Alexandra https://alabama3.co.uk/live

Psych/Rock band Sons of Mu, established in 2018, have contacted INFL with a lovely exclusive on their new LP Are You Tired Of Being Human? and we're loving it! The 10 track LP has something for everyone; whether you're more into psychedelic tunes, punk, rock, or even some funky tracks, this new album has it. Available on their bandcamp , you can pre-order the digital, CD, or vinyl version of the album before its release soon! "Are You Tired Of Being human" Vinyl & CD cover Each track on this LP is great in their own way; through lots of head-bang-worthy beats, or slowed, reverb and incredible vibes. Having been over a year in the making for this new LP, i definitely believe every single one of these tracks is perfectly curated in the exact way intended by the band. Personally, my top 3 tracks on the upcoming LP are Marshmallow/Doomed, 7/8 Lemonade, and The Locksmith : which you can pre-order on Bandcamp to get 1 track now and the others as soon as they are released! This LP was inspired by many things like media and even different genres of music. Their biggest influences come from many places like Can, Spacemen 3 to obscure science fiction movies. Basically, if you're into anything from 60s/70s German krautrock, left-of-centre psychedelia, and funk-infused garage jams, Sons Of Mu fits right in the musical lineage: running from Can and Spacemen 3 through to more modern acts like Tame Impala and Khruangbin. Their tapestry of influences spans classic grooves and avant-garde atmospheres—making them a compelling listen in today’s psychedelic-funk scene, no matter what musical genre you prefer! This LP stands out in many ways and there are some hidden links between this and their previous releases. here are my favourite aspects of the new tracks dropping soon: Production : Their homegrown, analog-feel gives this LP a documentarian quality—authentic and unique; differing from many big recording companies that try to take away from that originality and hard work. Dynamics : It keeps you guessing—from cosmic washes to tight grooves and sudden bursts of energy, each song bringing different strong emotions with them, that can change at any given minute. Conceptual depth : The recurrent “human” theme, while obvious from the LP title, is thought provoking and demands an answer —are you tired of being bound by the mundane? Here is the track list for the LP: Marshmallow/ Doomed 7/8 Lemonade Burning Torch The Locksmith (this is available to listen to on their Bandcamp page now) Mugshot Isolation Small World Thinktank Golden Age It Never Stops Who else is more excited after hearing the track names? As someone who has never really been into psychedelic rock (as its not my kind of music); i can honestly say this LP has changed my mind; i would gladly sit and play this over and over again! It is a journey through rock/punk/psych/funk music history in a way, which is so cool and welcome on my playlist any day. Set your calendars for June 27th when this wonderful LP will finally be released for all you to enjoy as well! Be sure to follow Sons Of Mu on their socials for more updates of new music or gigs: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sons_of_mu/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sonsofmu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonsofmuband/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sonsofmu4431 Bandcamp: https://sonsofmu.bandcamp.com/ Written by Holly Surguy

Pedro Barbosa’s new music video for 'We Are Light' offers a captivating visual complement to the uplifting single. With its release on 13 June 2025, the video blends heartfelt storytelling, creative cinematography, and symbolic cues to elevate the song’s message of unity and empowerment. The video arrives as a radiant visual counterpart to the single’s uplifting message, delivering a cinematic portrayal of hope, solidarity and inner strength. While the song itself already beams with emotional purpose and pop sensibility, the video deepens its impact—transforming a heartfelt anthem into a stirring narrative of collective resilience. The video employs seamless, flowing shots that guide viewers through shared moments of connection—people linking hands, exchanging smiles, standing together in light-filled spaces. These visuals reinforce the theme of unity and shared humanity. Soft sunlight filters through windows, blending with warm, earthy tones to create an inviting atmosphere. Shadows are used artfully, representing challenges that people face—yet each subject is illuminated in a way that feels hopeful and bright. Follow Pedro: FACEBOOK  | X  | TIKTOK  | INSTAGRAM  | YOUTUBE Visually, it's shot with a softness that matches the song’s melodic optimism. Subtle transitions and well-paced editing help the video feel more like a narrative meditation than a typical pop clip. It’s not flashy—but it doesn’t need to be. Its strength lies in restraint, sincerity, and symbolic clarity. Rather than a linear narrative, the video presents short, poignant vignettes showing diverse individuals: Barbosa appears throughout the video, yet his presence is gentle and grounding. He is a catalyst—not the center stage. This aligns with his philosophy that music is a shared experience, not a solo spotlight. Many shots focus on hands joining, groups gathered, or individuals framed in light. These visual motifs tie back to the song’s central lyric: “when we stand united, we are powerful.” The collaboration with RADA Unearthed reinforces the video’s intent—not just to entertain, but to inspire real-world action. In capturing the essence of ‘We Are Light’, the music video does more than translate lyrics into imagery; it becomes a mirror reflecting what is possible when people connect with purpose. It enriches Pedro Barbosa’s vibrant single with sincerity and visual poetry. It’s a celebration of connection—quiet, intimate, and deeply human. Simple yet profound, the video serves as a stirring reminder that unity isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s built in the small moments we share every day. In short: it’s a visual hug. One that reminds us, without preaching, that we’re never truly alone in the dark.

Blending choral folk, down-tempo textures and lush dream-pop swells, the Liverpool alt-indie artist delivers a quietly devastating portrait of post-breakup emotional duality... On ‘Not the Same’ , Jensyn once again proves their gift for crafting music that feels both deeply personal and sonically transportive. The Liverpool-based alt-indie artist, known for their genre-fluid songwriting and layered dreamscapes, returns with a track that plays like the emotional aftermath of a breakup unfolding in real time — not in black-and-white grief, but in subtle, shifting hues of sadness, frustration, and quiet self-reflection. INSTAGRAM  | FACEBOOK  | TIKTOK  | SPOTIFY Built around the duality of heartbreak, ‘Not the Same’  traverses two sonic worlds: its verses are hushed and intimate, with slow-burning piano lines and haunting vocal layers that evoke the stillness of early morning sorrow. Here, Jensyn leans into a folk-leaning, choral-meets-down-tempo electronic texture — sparse but emotionally rich, allowing the lyrics space to breathe. “Hate me, make it easy for me” is a devastating opener, cutting straight to the heart of a breakup where neither person is truly to blame, and therefore nothing can be neatly closed off. But then the track opens outward. The chorus lifts us into a more luminous dream-pop space: ambient guitars shimmer, lush strings (performed by Rachel Dover) swell with feeling, and Jensyn’s vocals stretch out with layered harmonies. It's a sonic shift that reflects the internal tension — the desire to move on clashing with the ache that lingers when the other person seems unfazed. Niamh Mailer’s piano work throughout is delicately placed, offering a soft anchor to the track’s drifting emotional core. Produced with warmth and mastered by James Wyatt at Sloe Flower Studios, ‘Not the Same’  feels both expansive and intentionally restrained. There’s a quiet confidence in the arrangement — no melodrama, just truth — and a sense of storytelling that keeps the track engaging across its transitions. More than just a breakup song, ‘Not the Same’  is a meditation on the complexity of endings and the messiness of healing. It also signals an exciting evolution for Jensyn, who has collaborated with multiple musicians for this next era of music. If this single is anything to go by, they’re not only refining their sound — they’re opening it up to something even more resonant, more human. Perfect for late-night drives or solitary reflections, ‘Not the Same’  leaves a lasting echo in the quiet that follows. PHOTOS & VIDEO BY SARA WOLFF

With The Eternal Hour , Mikel Rafael steps fully into view as a singular voice in modern folk — weaving mythology, poetry, and raw emotional texture into an EP that feels both ancient and newly unearthed. Across its three tracks, Mikel charts a single day in the life of a wandering soul, using minimalism not as constraint, but as a way to dig deeper, listen harder, and feel more. WEBSITE The EP draws from Celtic traditions and stripped-back Americana, but there’s a spectral quality that haunts the edges — harmonies that emerge like distant echoes, guitar lines that shimmer before fading into mist. Fans of Lisa Hannigan and Nick Drake will find familiar comfort here, but Mikel never leans on pastiche. His voice is patient, crystalline, sometimes barely above a whisper — a quiet force shaped by silence as much as sound. From the literary nods in ‘A Shield and a Sword’ to the metaphysical wandering at the heart of the narrative, Mikel’s writing is steeped in image and implication. There are ghosts in these woods, but they’re internal — reflections of grief, longing, and the slow work of self-repair. Themes of loneliness and mental health thread quietly through each song, never overstated but always present. Recorded with visual precision — each track accompanied by a haunting music video filmed in the Pacific Northwest — The Eternal Hour  is as much a world as it is an EP. Mikel Rafael doesn’t just write songs; he builds spaces to feel within. For a debut, it’s staggeringly self-assured — a quiet storm with lasting resonance.

Built on pounding drums, scrappy guitars and the kind of vocal urgency that suggests someone's about to burst through your speakers, the track blends the scruff of punk with indie grit and alt-rock edge — all delivered with the confidence of a band who’ve gigged hard and learnt to play with fire. INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK From its first hit, ‘Remedy’ feels like a band with something to prove. The guitars are thick with distortion but agile, riffing with a controlled chaos that evokes The Libertines’ early-era messiness and the pointed aggression of The Black Keys. There's a wild-eyed unpredictability to the arrangement – sudden drops, rising crescendos, and a hook that doesn't ask for permission. It centres around breakdown and release – personal chaos, the slow search for healing through sheer volume and emotion. Lead vocalist George Years turns the pain into propulsion, delivering lines with a raw, sometimes ragged intensity that never once feels performative. It’s sweaty, desperate and somehow still triumphant — like all the best rock should be. There’s an unmistakable Britishness to the sound, proudly DIY in texture but refined in structure. That balance – between instinct and craft – marks ‘Remedy’ as a standout moment in The Straights’ catalogue so far. From supporting Buzzcocks and Inspiral Carpets to earning the praise of scene veterans, their trajectory is rooted in the hard-won grind of real bands doing real work. ‘Remedy’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel — it spins it faster, harder, and sends it careening into the wall with a grin. It's a loud, honest howl from a band on the rise — messy, magnetic, and gloriously alive. Photo by Rhona Murphy

With ‘Take Me Home’, Sunrise in Jupiter offer a colossal, emotional closer to Mission to Mars Vol. 1  — a track that lands somewhere between anthem and elegy, carved from heartbreak and distortion. This is alt-rock with celestial ambition, grounding its soaring, widescreen moments in the ache of real-world separation. INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE Written in response to a voice message from the frontman’s daughter — a quiet plea for his return — the track channels familial longing into something grand and cinematic. Guitars shimmer with a solar edge before exploding into waves of distortion, while the rhythm section offers a heartbeat-pulse that drives the song forward like rocket propulsion. Every section builds with patient tension: the verses laced with melancholy, the choruses raw with desperation. ‘Take Me Home’ lands heavy — there’s a narrative force here that’s more than metaphor. Though framed as a space odyssey, the song is deeply terrestrial at heart. ‘Don’t leave me dead and stranded’ isn’t just a lyric — it’s a gut punch, a lifeline tossed out in a moment of emotional gravity. Instrumentally, the track sits comfortably alongside the cinematic rock power of Muse or Foo Fighters — but with a richer emotional fabric. The final chorus blooms into a halo of harmony and organ ambience, leaving listeners suspended in a bittersweet, star-lit silence. Sunrise in Jupiter are building something special. ‘Take Me Home’ isn’t just a strong single — it’s a statement of emotional intent. A track for the alienated and the drifting, it captures the moment when longing meets lift-off.

Built around a luminous pop structure that recalls the warm gloss of '60s Motown and the introspective cool of indie soul, the track is a rich and delicate meditation on hesitation, hope, and forward motion. Vocalist Yuto Uchino's performance is gentle and hypnotic; his voice floats effortlessly across the track’s glistening production, delivering lyrical motifs that feel as much like mantras as they do storytelling. Behind him, the arrangement is masterfully layered: flute and saxophone lines shimmer like refracted light, while Tomo Carter’s drums offer a smooth, grounded pulse that keeps everything buoyant. Described by Uchino as the sensation of “drifting between sea and sky,” ‘Nebula’ captures that in-between moment where self-doubt is just beginning to melt into resolve. It’s music for staring at the horizon—not certain of what’s next, but pulled forward by something quietly insistent. Sonically, The fin. continue to evolve. From their early psych-pop roots to the expansive textures of 2021’s Outer Ego , ‘Nebula’ feels like a new peak, confident, open, and richly melodic. Their live presence remains in high demand, with sold-out London shows and a North American tour on the way. INSTAGRAM This isn’t just dream pop—it’s a dream you can walk into. One woven from jazz, indie, and ambient soul, crafted with care and curiosity. With Nebula , The fin. offer a track that doesn’t shout its presence but slowly surrounds you, reminding us that the quietest moments often glow the brightest.

Campana’s ‘ROPE’ is a lush, deeply emotive journey through the crevices of vulnerability — equal parts groove and gravity. The Seattle-based genre-blender pulls threads of Hip Hop, R&B/Soul, and Jazz-Funk into a rich, spacious soundscape that feels fluid and intentional, creating a track that walks the line between heavy themes and affirmation. Opening with warm, reverb-kissed keys and fluid bass undercurrents, ‘ROPE’ immediately sinks into a meditative pocket. Campana’s vocal is intimate and clear, threading poetic metaphors around emotional unraveling with an honesty that feels lived-in. The titular metaphor — a rope as emotional tether — is handled delicately, speaking to moments of mental chaos, miscommunication, and the quiet power of being held through it. The refrain, ‘You make me better,’ cuts straight through the arrangement with unforced sincerity — not as grand declaration but quiet realisation. YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK Dave Shanaé brings a silky counterpoint, her tone weaving in subtle inflections that enrich the track’s harmonic textures, while Dave B.’s verse adds rhythmic bounce and a grounded, narrative-focused presence. Together, the trio balance light and weight with masterful control, nodding to genre innovators like Smino and Noname without ever slipping into mimicry. There’s a clear evolution here from Campana’s COSMOS-era momentum to his solo work — the sonic world of ‘ROPE’ feels more refined, more internal. It’s a track that understands restraint, allowing space for the groove to breathe and for the emotional weight to settle gently. Lifted from the forthcoming READY FOR MORE , ‘ROPE’ signals an artist in full bloom. Campana has long been a staple of the Pacific Northwest scene, but here he transcends regional influence. This is soul work disguised as a slow jam — music for the moments when you're barely holding on, and someone reminds you it’s okay to be caught.

It doesn’t just spit in the face of convention – it flings a sequin-studded boot straight through it... Clocking in at under two minutes, the North London outfit deliver a turbo-charged distillation of brat punk, 2000s pop kitsch, nu-metal jaggedness, and a trace of grunge grime — all shovelled into a blender and served with a wink. INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK True to their absurdist, no-rules ethos, ‘Hater’ is a full-throttle burst of chaos that combines gleeful abandon with airtight precision. From the first second, the drums slam into gear with machine-gun urgency while the guitars carve out slashing, candy-coated riffs that echo the absurd maximalism of peak-era pop-punk — but dirtier, grittier, and completely unbothered. Over the top, the synths fizz and glitter like cracked neon under a nightclub strobe, undercutting the aggression with a seething party energy that somehow makes ‘Hater’ feel both vicious and euphoric. Vocally, the delivery is all bite and bile — catty, confrontational, and delivered with the theatricality of a YouTube-fuelled meltdown. The repeated refrain ‘No, we can’t be friends’ is spat with relish, channelling both meme culture sarcasm and genuine emotional venom. It’s a track that’s as cathartic as it is chaotic — a punchy, anti-people-pleaser anthem for anyone over it, done, and dusted. Following the groundwork laid by 2023’s ‘Entertainment Value’ and this year’s ‘A Cause For Concern’, ‘Hater’ proves Toxic Barbecue are doubling down on their pixelated punk palette. They’re not interested in scene allegiance or genre purity — they’re here to duct-tape irony to rage and set it on fire. Think glitter, think grit, think absolutely no apologies. A glitter grenade of pure catharsis.