Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 4 - Jul - Sep 2025 i Plectrum Magazine

Welcome to Issue 4 of Plectrum Magazine – your loudest source for rock and metal, and the pulse of underground creativity. In this edition, we crank the volume even higher as we spotlight a daring new wave of independent talent. From DayEyez’s AI-powered alt-rock confession to Ettie’s cathartic shower-punk release, every page pulses with raw energy and artistic rebellion. We get deep into the poetic stillness of Mahuna, the stormy vulnerability of Ivy League, and the fearless declarations of Plough and Graphite Stain. Whether it’s the haunting sonic spaces of PAN or the unapologetic groove of Gib the Rocker, this issue is designed to challenge, stir, and electrify. Our six-page cover feature delves into the unconventional brilliance of The SKB’s—a collective born from chance encounters and driven by creative freedom…

MAHUNA’s Forever Is Mine is an evocative album that maps memory and emotion with the precision of a cartographer and the vulnerability of a poet. Originally from Belfast and now rooted in Berlin, MAHUNA invites listeners into a personal yet universal journey—where landscapes of Monaghan, Kinsale Bay, and Paris are etched with acoustic intricacies and lyrical depth. His textured guitar work, shaped through years of solo sessions in Cork, becomes a vessel for introspection and storytelling. From fatherhood to stillness, each song resonates with quiet strength, anchored in memory yet reaching toward something timeless. In conversation, MAHUNA reflects on how place, silence, and the gentle gaze of a heron shaped the soul of this record. Forever Is Mine isn’t just an album—it’s a world you enter, moment by moment. You’ve…

UNITED STATES, SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco singer-songwriter Michellar returns with her emotive new single “Conquer All with Love”, released on 23 May 2025. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Toby at Tobias Wilson Music Ltd. in Staffordshire, UK, and featuring London-based talents Harrison Black and Christina Rntd., the single builds a transatlantic partnership that radiates authenticity, emotional depth, and sonic warmth. At its core, “Conquer All with Love” channels the heartfelt storytelling of ‘90s rock and pop duets—think The Police meets Sonny & Cher—with introspective verses giving way to uplifted choruses. A dreamy arpeggio opens the track, evoking early Police ballads, before Michellar’s sincere vocals sweep in, singing of standing by your partner through the storms: “Wherever the road may lead, love will be our seed.” Harrison and Christina’s harmonies complement…

FRANCE, TOULOUSE French metalcore outfit Lethernal Utopia break new ground with their single “Glitch”, released 12 May 2025. Recorded in Toulouse and channeling the intensity of Parkway Drive and In Flames, “Glitch” hits the sweet spot between melodic metal and aggressive breakdowns, showcasing both technical finesse and emotional depth. “Glitch” starts with a thrumming riff that immediately grabs your attention. Sweeping melodic lines form the backbone, setting the stage for the first hook: a soaring clean vocal refrain that’s both powerful and poignant. As it builds, the track explodes into raw, screamed aggression—clear testament to the duality at its core. That balance between beauty and brutality is what gives “Glitch” its edge: it’s a song that rips and soars in equal measure. Midway through, a meticulously crafted guitar solo bursts…

UNITED STATES, SEAFORD NY Seaford, NY singer-songwriter and producer Jesse Kinch returns with “Born Ready,” a kick-in-the-chest rock single dropping on May 16, 2025. From the first heartbeat-like drum pulse to Kinch’s guitar-driven climax, this track bristles with passion, purpose, and proof that some artists are simply born to do this. At its core, “Born Ready” is Kinch’s personal testament—his musical journey laid bare in strumming chords and heartfelt lyrics. Over thunderous drums courtesy of Joe Nevolo, Kinch’s guitar leads surge forward with urgency and intent. The track’s arrangement is lean and focused—no extra frills, just pure rock energy and substance. Production, anchored by Kinch’s own vision in his home studio “The Sanctuary” (with drums tracked at Cove City Sound), captures a live-room authenticity that preserves the raw edges and…

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WALES, CARDIFF Cardiff quintet Feverjaw explode back onto the scene with “The Physical Limit,” a punchy alt-rock single released on March 28, 2025, that dances on the razor’s edge of brute force and melodic finesse. Anchored by thunderous drums, soaring guitar riffs, and emotionally charged vocals, the track builds momentum from the opening chord—and never lets up. From the first rumble of the rhythm section, Feverjaw balance bombast and clarity. The guitars crash in with muscular impact, yet carve out enough space for the anthem-ready chorus to shine. Its hook is both defiant and inviting, inviting listeners to shout along yet feeling deeply personal. The band’s knack for layering texture is clear throughout. Guitar harmonics shimmer over a driving bassline, while the drums chug forward with unwavering intensity. A well-placed…

ENGLAND, GUILDFORD Zachary Mason’s latest single, Madness Gladness, is a dreamy detour from his more rock-rooted past—a hypnotic, delay-drenched offering that blends emotional chaos with romantic clarity. Having re-recorded the track three times over four years, Mason’s persistence reveals the deep personal resonance of this composition. Inspired by a nameless fictional character and powered by genuine feeling, the song captures love’s duality in both theme and texture. With contributions from top-tier collaborators Nate Barnes and John Thomasson, the track pulses with heart, restraint, and melodic gentleness. In this interview, Mason reflects on his evolving journey, his classic influences, and the unfiltered emotional truth that drives his songwriting—no matter how fast the industry spins Madness and gladness – two extremes wrapped in one title. What was the emotional genesis of this…

NEW ZEALAND, AUCKLAND Auckland’s newly formed collaboration True North arrives with a striking debut: “No Exit Wound,” released May 16, 2025. Fronted by songwriter and guitarist Tones Thorburn-formerly of Stormporter and Late Model European—this compelling track marries rock intensity with a soulful, introspective undercurrent, firmly planting True North on today’s musical landscape. From the first note, “No Exit Wound” pulses with emotional urgency. Thorburn’s raw vocals intertwine with backing harmonies from Sandy Mill, creating a rich narrative tapestry that speaks to resilience, self-examination, and defiance in the face of hardship. The vocal blend—male and female—imbues the song with a call-and-response intimacy, deepening its emotional weight. The instrumental palette is equally arresting. Matthias Jordan brings warmth with layers of piano, electric piano, and organ, while Milan Borich and Ben King lay…

READ MORE TOM MINOR THE MANIC PHASE London’s late-night myths and half-mad heroes find a fitting tribute in The Manic Phase, the new EP from Tom Minor—an indie auteur channelling the ghosts of Soho into a finely-balanced mess of melody, madness, and mournful brilliance. Released on 2nd May 2025 and produced by Teaboy Palmer (dubbed “the Phil Spector of Finchley Road”), this isn’t just a record—it’s a microcosmic memoir, scored in power pop, soaked in soul, and held together by duct tape and heart. At the centre of the narrative is Steve—“Thievin’ Stephen”—a sweet, unpredictable figure known for stealing drinks and hearts in equal measure. “It may not have been his real name,” Minor reflects, “but he introduced himself to us as Steve.” This reimagined tale dances between memory and…

NEW ZEALAND, RICHMOND Richmond, New Zealand – DayEyez emerges from the shadows with “Insecurities,” a striking 4-minute single released February 21, 2025. This raw, emotionally heavy altrock anthem fuses the stadium-ready energy of Imagine Dragons with the introspective grit of early Linkin Park and the melodic intensity of Nothing But Thieves. It’s a confession set to soaring choruses and urgent guitar riffs, tackling the crushing weight of self-doubt and the hidden cracks in relationships. DayEyez, an AI-integrated artist, uses cutting-edge production to intensify the emotional honesty of the lyrics. The track plunges listeners into the turbulent reality of masks worn out of fear—lies and walls constructed to maintain stability. The tension crescendos through a cathartic chorus that refuses to let go: “I’m not enough, but I’ll pretend… until everything unravels.”…

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ENGLAND, LONDON London’s queer pop-punk firebrand Ettie roars back with “The Song I Scream in the Shower,” out 14 May 2025. Equal parts caffeinated, angsty, and unapologetic, the track turns the private ritual of shower singing into a sonic battleground—where grievances are belted, emotions are cleansed, and attitude runs high. From the opening jagged guitar chords, it’s clear this isn’t your bathroom hum—this is full-throttle, polished rebellion. Ettie channels the early 2000s alt-punk energy of Avril Lavigne (“don’t like your girlfriend”) and Hayley Williams-style torching (“airplanes in the night sky”), giving listeners the swagger to call out the people who’ve wronged them—while still hoping they scrub away the angst come rinse-time. Ettie’s lyricism is razor-sharp, honed by a childhood steeped in Shakespeare and early songcraft (she started writing at nine).…

UNITED STATES, LITTLE ROCK Little Rock’s rising trio Side Chain—vocal powerhouse James “Chip” Pennington, guitarist Dustin Miller, and drummer Stephen Shatzer—return with “Transference,” their most polished and dynamic single to date. Dropped on May 26, 2025, the track beams with a fresh energy, fusing pounding alternative-metal riffs and radio-friendly hooks for a modern, high-impact experience. What kicks off as a memorable guitar line penned by Dustin evolves into a layered sonic canvas. Tracked and filmed at Shatzer’s own Shrapnel Sound studio, the band’s innovative recording process shines: guitars are quadruple-tracked through Warm Audio DI, UADFX Herbert plugin, UAFX ANTI and UADFX Knuckles pedals, and daytime tone is sculpted with Friedman IR-X for soaring lead sections. The resulting sound is muscular yet smooth, blending grit and sheen with masterful precision. Pennington’s…

UNITED KINGDOM, MANCHESTER Manchester’s rising alt-rock outfit Plastic Heart return with “Hear My Call”, Building on the momentum of their March debut single “Tension” the band—led by Naomi Schofield’s powerhouse vocals, Zak Hadfield’s guitar, Matt Seddon’s rhythmic inventiveness, Ollie Hand’s bass, and Rhys Bentley’s driving drums-deliver a more polished and emotionally ambitious statement. From the opening riff, “Hear My Call” captures the tension of a relationship teetering toward toxicity. Naomi’s voice lands with raw intensity, pleading for recognition even as the connection fractures. Lyrics laden with heartache—seeking validation from someone no longer invested—land with a haunting resonance. The chorus builds into a melodic crescendo, underpinned by layered textures and deft rhythmic shifts, showcasing the band’s newfound sonic ambition. Produced by Andy Gannon, the track leans into experimental guitar effects and…

ENGLAND, LONDON London-based solo thunder, Gib The Rocker, returns with “Sonic Assault,” a propulsive single released on 27 February 2025. Driven by blistering riffs and groove-laden bass lines, the track is a direct love letter to old-school rock & roll — vintage enough to evoke Motorhead, but fresh and bold in its spirit. Featuring Lugo’s fiery guitar alongside Jamie Lailey’s commanding vocals and James Wise’s relentless drumming, it’s a sonic declaration: rock is very much alive. Right from the opening bars, “Sonic Assault” hits hard. The riff, played with a single finger in a Joe Perry–style groove, delivers both simplicity and potency. It’s a calculated throwback: raw, brutal, and thrilling. Lailey’s vocals ride atop the riff like a battle cry, rejecting the notion that rock is dead and championing a…

ENGLAND, LONDON London’s enigmatic singer-songwriter Pilgrim of Love (Manuel La Malfa) blooms into full flourish with “Julia,” released on April 2, 2025. A gentle collision of 90s classic rock warmth and modern indie intimacy, the track lingers like a well-worn letter—nostalgic, deeply personal, and strikingly honest. Born from a riff conceived in 2015, “Julia” has been refined across the years before finally being brought to life at Turin’s Brutus Vox Studios. Here, La Malfa, Mulfa’s multi-instrumental touch and Clapton-inspired guitar tone meet engineer Claudio Caroli’s analog prowess—recorded live in just four hours on gear once connected to Metallica’s Black Album. The result is a sound that is organic, resonant, and free of polish. From the first chord, minimal production breathes space, allowing La Malfa’s heartfelt vocals to soar alongside ambient…

IRELAND, DUBLIN Dublin-based veteran rock writer Ultan (aka John Paul O’Prey) defiantly shatters age barriers with “Reviled,” his fiery March 26, 2025 single that stakes a claim as old-school rock’s proudest comeback. Drawing from decades of passion—but channeling the raw energy of ’80s rock and punk—Ultan delivers a powerful anthem that shows some legends simply refuse to fade away. At its heart, “Reviled” kicks off with a stomping rhythm section that wouldn’t be out of place on an AC/DC album, fused with Motorhead-like bravado and topped with a Bon Jovi-style melodic sensibility. The chorus hooks quickly: “Raise your fists, this world’s gone wild,” Ultan snarls, his gravelly voice echoing that of hard-living rockers past. The guitars cut sharp and bright, crisp solos weaving classic R&B grit into the core riff.…

UNITED STATES, NEW YORK New York singer-songwriter Alwyn Morrison returns with his most personal release yet, “Chained”, released on April 9th 2025. Co-written with close friend Michael Ales and brought to life in Los Angeles by producer Michael Carey (Escape The Fate, Gwen Stefani), this single cuts straight to the heart of loving someone battling depression—and the despair it leaves behind. From the first strum, “Chained” hits with simplicity and sincerity: clean guitar lines and restrained vocals build intimacy, giving space for genuine emotion. Recorded mostly in one take—from demo to finished product—and untouched lyrically, the track breathes with authenticity. This isn’t artifice; it’s a raw confession. Lyrically, Morrison traces his experience of caring for someone in darkness (“in a dark room”), acknowledging his own confinement by empathy and helplessness.…

SWEDEN, SUNDSVALL Swedish artist MiQael joins forces with Brazilian vocalist Anniê on “Love & Death,” a four-track EP released June 6, 2025, that fuses hard rock, pop-punk, and heavy metal textures with a raw emotional core. Across four powerful songs, the duo traces the harrowing journey of lovers willing to challenge fate itself—and even death—to stay together. Opening with “Two Becoming One,” the EP sets its tone: gritty guitar riffs intertwine with Anniê’s expressive vocals, accented by Jonas Jönsson’s driving drums. The track’s defiant lyrics and explosive energy introduce listeners to the central conflict—love clashing with mortality. In “Pull You Through,” the tempo shifts—punchy rhythms underscore a more intimate moment of promise and resilience. MiQael’s guitarwork takes center stage, delivering melodic hooks that reinforce the song’s message of unwavering support.…