SETH BECK
ARTIST DISCOVERED
As a huge fan of Greet Death, I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I only recently discovered bassist Seth Beck’s solo work. How did I miss this? Soft Heaven is already his third album, released in 2025, though so far it’s only been available digitally or on cassette via Flesh and Bone Records. Songs like CRV, MATMTU, and Passenger Seat had me completely captivated from the very first listen. Such beautiful, understated music that found its way straight to my heart.
KILLER SONG MOMENTS
The calmness that runs through most of these songs is incredibly moving. The entire album feels remarkably cohesive and perfectly captures a reflective mood – one you have to be willing to embrace.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
introspective | melancholic | understated
BESIDES THAT
His 2023 album Entertainment Center is another outstanding release – and thankfully, it’s available on vinyl. I still have to dive into his debut, June, from 2019.
HORSE
BAND DISCOVERED
When I discovered the Australian band Stirr at the beginning of the year, the internet also served up another band for my playlists: horse. Their debut EP Ask Me Again Next Year will be released digitally on July 10. Drawing heavily from UK-inspired post-punk, all of the singles released so far sound remarkably sophisticated and genuinely impressive. The older tracks Blight, The Gap and Headlights, along with the latest single Under Your Sun, have all found a regular spot in my listening rotation.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
post-punk driven | substantive | raw
WISH
Of course, I’d love to catch this band live at some point. We’ll see if it ever happens.
TUFFIE
BAND DISCOVERED
Once again, Sunday Drive Records has done an outstanding job. At this point, I seem to be completely under this label’s spell. Minneapolis outfit Tuffie released their self-titled debut EP last Tuesday, following the advance single Eraser, which impressed across the board. The result is driving, highly energetic alternative emo packed with intensity and punch.
FAVORITE LYRIC LINE
„Rearrange the room again I / Still can’t erase the mark you left here / Walk around and let it sink in / Nothing’s the same and it never will be“ from Eraser
„Undercover pixel lover / Meet me halfway / Liminal minimal lover / Don’t be that way / Shotgun in my bag / I guess I know I’ll use it“ from Landline, shotgun
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
driven | emotional | cathartic | grungy
BESIDES THAT
You can pre-order Tuffie’s EP HERE. The physical release is scheduled for early September.
WISH
Best of luck – and may the right connections come along so that Tuffie eventually makes it over to Europe.
GARET CAMELLA
ARTIST DISCOVERED
The Los Angeles–based musician Garet Camella releases Balance, a second single from his upcoming EP Just Passing Through. Some of you might also know him from his band Indigo Wild. Until today, both the artist and the band were new to me, and I have to thank the Weekly Listening feature from Various Small Flames—otherwise, this gem would have slipped under my radar. It’s easy listening in the vein of refined indie rock, reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie, Disheveled Cuss, or Park National.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
relaxed | lighthearted | breezy
DRYPOINT
BAND DISCOVERED
Drypoint showed up in my social media algorithm. In 98% of cases, I usually have the sound turned off for ads. As luck would have it, the sound was on this time, and their current single Cyclist started playing. After just 10 seconds – along with the visuals hitting me – I found myself on the band’s profile. Three singles, one EP. Nothing older than 2025. A clear, punchy sound somewhere between grunge and emo, with touches of post-punk and shoegaze. Let’s see what we’ll be hearing from Drypoint in the future. It all sounds very promising.
KILLER SONG MOMENTS
The song feels very complete and thrives on its overall atmosphere rather than relying on individual bursts. To me, it has the power to wrap you up.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
grim | drone | deep
WISH
It will take time for such a young band to eventually play live in Europe. Things have to fall into place first. So no expectations – let’s just wait patiently.
WIDOWSPEAK
BAND DISCOVERED
Widowspeak showed up in my social media algorithm. The first notes of their song If You Change immediately pulled me in. I love the calm feeling, the sense of hope, and the warmth the song radiates in every second. It naturally brings to mind prominent bands like Mazzy Star, R.E.M., Camera Obscura, and others. Their new album Roses will be released in June.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
calm | healthy | hopeful | retro
