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Ocean Deep by Aster Rhys

Cherine Abulwafa
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Ocean Deep by Aster Rhys

Raised across the Eastern Seaboard, Aster Rhys has surely captured the enchanting multicultural and multiracial nature of the area and skillfully managed to transcend all of its beautiful and colorful influences into a single release, Ocean Deep, which is an incredibly rich track both in terms of its lyrical content as well as its musical depth.

In the first few seconds of your first listen, you’ll be hearing the sounds of moving waves and enchanting ocean shores, and you are absolutely not to blame if you start thinking that this could turn into one of these cliché releases. But do not judge too fast cause you’re in for a surprise! The intro features an incredible rhythmic entrance played by the flute, bass, and guitar and you are instantly hit by this folksy authentic ambiance and feel. It is almost as if the artist is making a statement about her pride and appreciation to her heritage and to the past. The combination of instruments used and how they are contextualized perfectly deliver a bluesy and an enchanting sea atmosphere. We have bass, guitar, drums, flutes, and accordion; and the latter is incredibly effective in giving this folksy and somehow mystical kind of ambiance. 

We cannot also disregard the brilliance of the accordion line and how it complements the vocalist. The lyrics primarily capture the complexity of emotions one feels when letting go of a relationship, especially if it’s a toxic one. The waterline here is a metaphor. It is a separator between the familiar past ( in this context a toxic or unhealthy relationship) and the uncharted future. Funnily enough, we often find ourselves lingering a little bit too much to a familiar harmful past rather than taking a real stand and just doing what is best for us. It is a mixture of emotions where it is so hard to align both our hearts and minds together. “And I love you, ocean deep. And I hold you in my sleep.” These lines are paralleled with a couple notes of a chromatic scale at the back, played by the accordion. This specific tune is actually associated with this idea of disappointment. You can instantly hear it when you listen to it. Just brilliance!

Rhys surely has a great and unique artistry, and if you are someone who likes artists like Florence + the Machine, AURORA, or Laura Marling then you will definitely enjoy listening to Aster Rhys’ Ocean Deep; and I guarantee you that this artist will easily become one of your favorites!  

Towards the Light by Les Arrivants

Moataz Gwaily
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Towards the Light by Les Arrivants

Canadian group with globe trotting leanings, Les Arrivants latest single ‘Towards the Light’ crosses continents and oceans to resonate with its middle eastern roots and stun listeners everywhere else with its unique blend of folk, world music, and jazz.

Based in Montreal, Les Arrivants (The Arrivals) is a musical trio composed of Amichai Ben Shalev on the Bandeneon, an instrument from the Accordion family popular in South America, Abdulwahab Kayyali on the Oud, the Arabian predecessor of the guitar, and Hamin Honari on the percussion, playing a mix of Persian tombak, Arabian deaf, among other instruments. The result of this blend is something otherworldly. Dark, mystifying, entrancing, and enchanting.

The Title song of Les Arrivants’s second album, ‘Towards the Light’ elegantly displays the focused magic of 3 musicians from 3 different backgrounds. The rumbling thunder of Honari’s Persian tombak is ominous, Kayyali’s Oud is delicate and romantic, and Ben Shalev’s Bandeneon introduces a charming charisma with its consistent and reassuring droning. The colors are equally deep, melancholic, brooding, and dark -and light with major thirds and light-fingered phrases that glide extremely smoothly.

‘Towards the Light’ is a piece that is easily hypnotic. The mix of exotic sounds and the apparent lack of a melodic center or a defined harmonic structure make the piece feel like walking through a tunnel with mirrored walls. Confusing, but thoroughly magical.

Riverside Music TV’s latest highlight – Fatherson

Sistra News Team
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Riverside Music TV’s latest highlight – Fatherson

Riverside Music TV is a fresh music television channel dedicated to showcasing artists both emerging and at the top of their game. Their projects have been marked with fantastic performances, interviews and behind-the-scenes content, with subscriber access to gig tickets, merchandise and prizes helping to cement community. RMTV is a subsidiary of Riverside Studios, which operates from Glasgow, and gives their work cutting-edge production facilities to use.

Fatherson is the latest band to be highlighted by RMTV. Debuting in 2014, the Kilmarnock three-piece has unveiled four studio albums and seen radio and chart success with each new release. They’ve performed across the UK, peaking at a support slot for Lewis Capaldi.

The third of Fatherson’s video features on RMTV is now live, the band performing the mystical ‘Piece Of Mind’ after ‘Making Waves’ and ‘Crying Wolf’ first showed their talents. The tracks’ arrangement lends itself well to the live setup, allowing for heavy riff-driven instrumental sections to combat soft, vulnerable vocals where layers of brass and synths glitter from the backing track.

The camera work captures the energy of the room, the blue lights and twinkling backdrops bringing the raw aspect of a local gig to an incredibly polished production. This balance between post-production polish and getting the essence spot on in the moment has made RMTV’s work with Fatherson some of their most exciting to date and is no doubt a sign of more phenomenal moments to come.

Ross, Fatherson’s frontman, alongside Marc on bass and Greg on drums, adds, “We’re the best version that this band has ever been…and in six months we’ll be a better version of that.”

Plus Music PR

First Day Of Spring unleashes their second EP ‘Be My Hospital’

Sistra News Team
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First Day Of Spring unleashes their second EP ‘Be My Hospital’

Four-piece band First Day of Spring seek to experiment between art and melody, their sound offering catharsis and solace. Drawing from both post-punk influences and the alternative scene of 1990s USA, their authenticity, balanced with melancholic beauty has seen them garner attention across music media, radio and press. Their most recent release is their second EP Be My Hospital, anticipated after the success of their debut Fly Over Apple Blossom.

The project starts with the steady drums and distorted bass of ‘You’re Blue, I’m Blue’, pitted against a twinkling, forlorn electric guitar melody. The unsettled nature of the track is continued in the vocals, as their rises to the repeating hook feel melancholic, almost revelling in their own angst.

‘The Rising Tide’ is next, adding a more energetic alternative feel, but keeping a self-fulfilling sense of righteous indignation at the centre of its tone. The synth and guitar melodies are a break from this discord, the brightness a painkiller, not a cure.

Then, ‘Old World’ breaks into a new environment, the heavier use of piano arpeggios changing the overall feel to something brighter and more hopeful. The fuzzy, high-pitched synth pads echo this sentiment, even the vocal coming out into the sun for the first time. The final track, ‘On Monday’, takes the hurt, and finds a silver lining, returning to the distorted fury, but reserving it in a wistful, forward-looking thematic journey. A hazy, elemental and slightly ethereal tone adds a layer of sweetness. Still not quite accepting the present, but finding hope in the future, the creative boundary is broken, and the EP sees its end.

First Day Of Spring dive into the project:  “Some of the themes running through songs like On Monday and Be My Hospital are centred around being a visual artist and songwriter and feeling profoundly disillusioned in your creative practice when figuring out whether or not the work is the most enjoyable part of it or that real success is to never have to work a day in your life. Meanwhile observing every other artist simultaneously going into that process and everything that comes with it.

Whereas You’re Blue I’m Blue is predominantly about tribes and ultimately the ability for those tribes to co-exist harmoniously and be among each other in the present. The partnership vocally with dear friend and vocal lead Mariah Maines has been a key part of the evolution of the song re-imagination.

The last track on the E.P., Old World was chosen based on its buoyancy. Having a song mainly about all the things we took for granted during COVID-19 as the last song on the EP gives me a lot of positive emotions surrounding those things. There is a reference in that song to a granite obelisk dated to 1836 or 1837, marking the eastern boundary of the City of London’s conservancy jurisdiction over the River Thames. The crowstone is at the bottom of my road and always reminds me of home. When COVID-19 came to an end it meant we could all hang out at the beach again so when I hear that song I think of that specific time and it feels hopeful.”

Plus Music PR

Klsr shares dimension-bending single ‘Connections’

Sistra News Team
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Klsr shares dimension-bending single ‘Connections’

Known for his innovative attitude to audio-visual creations, Klsr creates vast, visionary works, often exploring light and texture through real-time, live processes. Spellbinding experiences for his audience have followed, Klsr leveraging audio reactivity and creating visually compelling works.

Klsr‘s new track ‘Connections’ starts with a fantastical fourth dimension, the swirling vibratos chopping up at a faster-than-slower frequency, allowing the near unnoticed build-up of bass and string sounds to engulf the listener, pulling them into emotional call-and-response melodies. There’s a feeling of naturality in the chaos, but it’s an unsettling feeling hearing it so unrooted in expectation. The final, colossal moments restore order, but theirs an underlying shift that the cinematic last notes highlight. A short but vast composition from Klsr.

Klsr adds, “Connections is inspired by cinematic movements and imagery, combining electronic music with natural elements. I wrote this because of my love of electronic music – the outro of the song is a culmination of everything before it, it breaks out into a beat combining digital and organic sounds. I use a lot of organic sounding elements to begin with to build the tension, and then granular synthesis plays a big part in evolving that sound.”

Plus Music PR

Ebony Buckle unveils contemplative single ‘Golden Sand’

Sistra News Team
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Ebony Buckle unveils contemplative single ‘Golden Sand’

Ebony Buckle has recently teased the release of her third album Hearts Get Started, starting with ‘Fall Behind’ a few weeks ago. This project comes after the press acclaimed debut Disco Lasers, and 2022 follow-up Myths from the Megaverse, expanding Ebony’s sound with explorations of pop, rock and ambient music. Ebony writes and performs with her husband and music producer Nick Burns, actualising the excitement around her songwriting. 

Ebony Buckle‘s latest single ‘Golden Sand’ is a homage to her childhood, the artist delivering a deeply emotional performance from the first moment, undeterred by growing instrumentation as her feelings are laid at the audience’s feet. The initial piano accompaniment is joined by an acoustic guitar, the strings and drums soon helping the soundscape to traverse the dreamlike reflection of her thoughts. 

Taking herself back to the feelings of presence, and confidence in an unchanging future, triggers soaring, angelic melodies in the vocal, softly supported with expertly mixed harmonies. The climax is cinematic in scale, the barriers broken as emotions are ripped apart. As the last moments ring out, there’s positivity in the nostalgia, despite the hardship of taking herself back to that moment. A beautiful moment for artist and audience alike.

Ebony explains the contemplative nature of the music, the Townsville, Australia-born artist sharing, “I wrote the song after finding a photo of my brother Finn and myself playing at the beach when we were little. I get very homesick living on the other side of the world from my family. The music video is very nostalgic and was filmed where I grew up. It features my best friend Kat and her beautiful family, as well as a little cameo from my Mum.”

Plus Music PR

EP: This Game Called Love by KOBURG

Cherine Abulwafa
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EP: This Game Called Love by KOBURG

Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica, and Within the Black! These names are almost synonymous with symphonic metal. You simply cannot separate them. Those bands were shaped by the great energy and influence of the genre, and they, themselves, have made great contributions to it as well. Some of them even reshaped the course of the genre. Koburg, the Winchester, UK-based artist is surely on the same exact track. With her latest EP release, This Game Called Love, Koburg is making a statement in the world of symphonic metal. 

The song is mainly about the inner struggle of someone who wants to be in love, yet so afraid of the vulnerable side of it. Off-course this is not the first love song you hear and probably not the last. But love is really a complicated theme. There are way too many emotions and experiences that go under the umbrella of love whether they are good or bad; and truth be told, no one can neither live without it nor actually explain it, and this is probably what makes it an immortal topic or theme: everyone has his own experience and definition of love. 


The artist has released an EP featuring two versions of the same song. The first version is the “transcendent version” which is more of a mellow symphonic-like version of the song. The cello lines add great depth and warmth to this release. Perfectly suited to this “transcendent version;” and the outro features the sound of a beating heart, which perfectly conveys the idea of love: finding someone that makes your heart beat. The second version is “the twisted version,” or in other words the symphonic metal version. Including both versions to this EP was quite a smart move as it really shows the artist’s versatility. It also highlights this idea that such emotion can really be expressed differently. It’s the crazy emotional rollercoaster of love: sometimes it’s too deep and intense; others it’s sweet, mellow, and kind. 

Koburg has released an EP that affirms the fact that she has the voice, the emotional depth, and the artistry that can make her one of the top symphonic metal female artists. Especially with the fact that she is a one-woman band! So, if you’re someone who is looking for some new good symphonic metal music, now you know where to look! 

Release by Kama Tala (feat. Jessi Lee)

Sistra News Team
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Release by Kama Tala (feat. Jessi Lee)

Kama Tala‘s “Release” is a very emotional song with a 3/4 time signature that gives it a distinctive waltz-like beat unusual in the blues and soul genres this song mostly pulls from. The 3/4 time signature offers a flowing, dancy feeling that accentuates the ideas of release and emotional emancipation the lyrics address. Beginning with a more subdued intro and progressively layering instruments and vocals to reach a strong climax before gently easing into a reflective outro, the song structure clearly and deliberately develops.

Inspired by the work of musicians like Bill Withers and Amy Winehouse, the song’s approach combines old soul and blues with a contemporary touch. The vocal approach and instrumentation of the song clearly show the influence of soul and vintage blues, nevertheless, it has a modern edge that makes it up-to-date and new. Jessi Lee’s saxophone adds a deep, warm dimension to the song by bringing a jazz element match with musicians like Norah Jones or John Coltrane.

Jessi Lee – Photo by Noel Woodford.

“Release” employs a harmonic mix of guitar, bass, percussion, and alto saxophone among its instrumentation. With the bassline especially notable for its smooth, flowing character, which drives the song ahead and adds depth, the guitar and bass lay a strong basis. Played subtly, the drums reinforce the beat without overwhelming the other sounds, therefore enabling the vocals and saxophone to take center stage.

A highlight is Jessi Lee’s saxophone performance, which moves in and out of the arrangement with a feeling of freedom that reflects the song’s subjects. Her passionate and precise saxophone technique delivers emotional jabs the listener will find very resonant.

Every instrument and voice line are precisely matched to provide a coherent sound, therefore reflecting the excellent production quality. Reverb on the saxophone and vocals give the song a broad, ambient aspect that increases its emotional effect.

Kama Tala’s vocals are touching, delivering the song’s themes of heartache, understanding, and eventually being released with conviction. His voice carries a weight of experience, perfectly suited to the bluesy, soulful nature of the song. This reminds me of BB King; the vocal delivery is both personal and strong, guiding the listener into the emotive trip.

Reflective and profound, ” Release” explores the process of letting go and discovering liberation via emotional release. Added in the revised form of the song, the chorus offers a cathartic moment that echoes long after the song finishes, thus powerfully affirming this subject.

Though it combines elements of jazz and modern pop to increase its appeal, ” Release” fits well in the blues and vintage soul genres. One of the song’s virtues is its genre-blending approach, which allows a broad audience to enjoy it while also maintaining the authenticity and depth of its inspirations.

“Release” is a must-listener for lovers of blues, soul, and jazz; it not only honors its inspirations but also creates a place for itself in the modern music scene. 

XRAY ViSiON by CYNIKAL

Mariam Nowar
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XRAY ViSiON by CYNIKAL

Identical twins, CYNiKAL & 4.47 FM just released a Hip-Hop banger titled “XRAY ViSiON” which features smooth flow and a catchy rhythm that gets stuck in your head upon the first play.

“The pseudonym ‘CYNiKAL’ was formed around the author’s conscious thoughts of [negativity],” shares the artist. “He’s trying his best to do the right thing despite the path of immorality looking like a much easier time.”

Produced and arranged by 4.47 FM, while rapped by CYNiKAL, the track features a steady flow of bars that discusses the struggles of the streets in the US, accompanied by catchy – but a tad repetitive – melodies. 

There are three versions of the song, the Radio Edit, the Instrumental, and the original track. On the Instrumental track, you can clearly hear vocal chops engulfing the beat, with the snare following the chop perfectly to create a wholesome sound – however, lacking a bit of diversity.

The upcoming album by CYNiKAL titled “PURiTY” revolves around the theme of not pleasing others, with inspiration taken from all walks of life no matter how trivial, and influence powered by 90s Hip-Hop from the likes of A Tribe Called QUest, Wu-Tang Clan, Madlib, and J Dilla. 

Despite the artist’s name that promotes cynisicm, we promise “XRAY ViSiON” will bring an upbeat vibe to your listening experience.

I Hate the Eagles by Anique Rose

Mariam Nowar
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I Hate the Eagles by Anique Rose

Pop angst? Sign us up!

Inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams, you can tell that 20-year-old Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Anique Rose’s tale of heartbreak in “I Hate the Eagles” is similarly influenced by themes of romantic agony over an ex-lover. 

The commercial pop track features her effortless vocal register switching from chest to head voice, before the chorus ensues to make way for an almost-yelling tone as she blames her significant other for walking away without granting her forgiveness or a proper goodbye.  

We can only assume that “The Eagles” is either the football team that Anique Rose’s ex played in, or possibly the team they used to cheer together. But we can definitely guess that she was not talking about the wild birds!

As for the music structure of “I Hate the Eagles”, you’ll hear influences of rock music seeping its way into the track – matching the angsty vibe of the blond bombshell’s vocals. “I still reread each line, But I know it’s wishful thinking, ‘Cause you were designed, Way too proud to be forgiving,” she sings.

The music video, however, hilariously depicts Anique Rose as she breaks into her ex-boyfriend’s house and steals a few items before burning the memorable pieces to ashes! Accompanied by her girlfriends, she paints the perfect picture of moving on with the gals and eventually letting go of such a toxic relationship.

Currently studying at UCLA, Anique Rose found her passion for music from a young age, before her musical career took off in a brilliantly and brutally honest manner that she uses in her lyrical ethos. 

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