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
TRADER
BAND DISCOVERED
I discovered Trader when my friend Steffen wrote about the band in his weekly newsletter My True Intent Is All For Your Delight back in 2022. Their second album Their Best Work So Far immediately caught my attention — simple, solid ’90s-style rock from Denmark. Now Trader have put new songs online, and a new EP titled Hoodie is on the way, set for release in May.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
90s | timeless rock-driven | unpretentious
BESIDES THAT
The song Please was probably the one I played the loudest in 2022.
WISH
I’m still waiting to experience them live.
OFFICE DOG
BAND DISCOVERED
With their debut album Spiel from 2024, the New Zealand band Office Dog quickly became a hot topic almost everywhere. Tracks like Antidot and Big Air, along with outstanding songs such as Shade, Warmer, In The Red, and The Crater, were in heavy rotation for me throughout 2024.
In October 2024, I caught Office Dog live as the opening act for Nada Surf at the The Crocodile in Seattle. I was genuinely impressed. Following an interim EP, a new track is now out. A full album is on the way, along with their very first European tour.
KILLER SONG MOMENTS
The song carries a beautiful ’90s drive and strongly evokes everything that was once labeled Independent back then. I especially like the minor-key shift at the end of the chorus—it works really well.
BESIDES THAT
At Plattenstreit & Bier, the album Spiel was introduced by myself back then. It’s where I meet up with friends and we share new music as well as old gems with each other.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
post-punk | melancholic | introspective
AVERY TUCKER
ARTIST DISCOVERED
I’ve been following Avery Tucker’s music-output since the early Girlpool records. The duo split up a few years ago. Last year, Avery released a handful of solo songs for the first time, followed by a wonderful album titled Paws. The record feels fragile, heartwarming, and deeply meaningful—yet at the same time, it carries a sense of anger and a striking, powerful intensity. Through Diggers Factory, the vinyl was available for pre-order, which I immediately placed after hearing the first notes of Like I’m Young, Malibu, and Big Drops. Today, I received the news that the vinyl production via Diggers Factory will not be happening after all. For me, that’s the moment to finally write about the digital release instead. Let’s hope there will be another solution for a vinyl pressing. What a truly great record.
KILLER SONG MOMENTS
Like I’m Young – when thesong erupts around the 2:30 mark, it hits with a massive emotional force. I wouldn’t say I fully understand Avery, but what he’s going through (or have gone through) is portrayed with striking intimacy right from the very first track.
Big Drops – the final minute from around 3:40 is just incredible. An overwhelmingly catchy chorus, with the song already being carried by that melody long before it fully unfolds.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
emotional | indie pop | raw | intimate
WISH
Hopefully, the vinyl release will still work out somehow.
CITY LIGHT THIEF
TRACK
Fevers Key
DIGITAL RELEASED
03|05|2026
FROM UPCOMING EP
Greetings From Fevers Key
STREAM
Spotify
BAND DISCOVERED
City Light Thief are back after a few quiet years — and, as always, with plenty of care and thoughtfully crafted music. Around fifteen or sixteen years ago, back when I thought I could write proper music reviews, their debut album, Laviin, landed on my desk. Since then it’s simply been love, and I’m always happy when the band gets back together and releases something born out of their passion for music. Fevers Key turned out great. Their new EP Greetings From Fevers Key will be released on March 20. Vinyl will be shipped in early May.
KILLER SONG MOMENTS
The intro reminds me of a Christopher Nolan / Stranger Things mix. A pure moment of bliss.
When the song cuts at 2:36, the bridge is shouted out, and then at 2:56 it shifts into a harmonically powerful ending.
FAVORITE LYRIC LINE
Soundless, I travel / no head turns to mark my passing
…
Velocity, Velocity this isn’t me / No one ever is.
BESIDES THAT
City Light Thief will play at Gebäude 9 in Cologne on March 21.
