2025 Series: Episode 3
Josh Gauton, Zambroa, Jervis Campbell & more
Hi Pal,
A few of you are new here. Welcome and thanks for joining this tiny corner of Substack. I’m blown away that we’re barrelling towards 400 subscribers here. Thanks for all the support.
If you’re new to this, I started this series to highlight some tracks that have dominated my playlist lately.
Thomas, I Get It by Josh Gauton
Indie/Alternative
In the past four years, Josh Gauton’s approach to indie folk and alternative music has been fascinating. His previous album, Slow Renaissance, was one of my albums of 2023, fusing elements of folk, dreampop and experimental synths. In October of 2024, he announced a new audiovisual project called Residence, which would involve him recording songs at different locations in places that reflect the themes of the music. As much as I’d appreciate a new album, I’m enjoying immersing myself in all the released singles, and this one is a great addition to the playlist.
Water by Austin Koukal
Indie Folk
Emotive indie folk with ethereal elements is Austin Koukal’s bread and butter. He is one of those artists I discovered in 2023 during the build-up to the release of his sophomore album. Since then, every new single has been better than the last, and I’m desperate for a new project. The horns on this single are the icing on the cake, elevating it from a good song to an amazing tune.
7 Horns, 7 Eyes, 7 Seals by Irae by Irae feat. Mattie Montgomery
Hardcore
In the spirit of elevating a tune, I don’t know much about the three-piece hardcore band Irae, but I had been following the build-up to their new two-track EP, Tetelestai. Mattie Montgomery, on the other hand, is someone I am very familiar with and a voice I have not heard on new material for about a decade.
For the uninitiated, Mattie Montgomery is the former frontman for For Today, a Christian metalcore band that disbanded in 2016 after an iconic 6-album run that played a huge part in shaping what the scene is today. He is one of my favourite unclean vocalists, and his voice on this tune completely transforms it into a powerhouse.
The Purge by Zambroa
Indie Rock
This dropped a few days ago, but I like it so much that it had to feature here. Honestly, there are no bad Zambroa songs, and all his releases have something about them that makes them worth your while. Still, I cannot help but appreciate the early 2000s nostalgic feel that this tune carries through the chord progression and arrangement. It feels like a throwback to simpler times.
set free by moregrxce, Sondae
Alt-Pop
Sometimes, you have to hold up your hands and say, “fair enough”. I’m grateful for artists like Sondae who collaborate with lesser-known musicians because he’s the only reason this track appeared on my release radar. Today, it’s one of my biggest earworms of the year. I can’t get enough of it.
stuck in these clouds by Jervis Campbell
Folk Pop
Jervis Campbell delivering some sweet ol’ acoustic folk pop goodness is probably exactly what I needed over the weekend. He’s mastered this art form, and with a new album already announced for September, I’m looking forward to more music to enjoy from him.
That’s it for today.
Catch you at the next one!
Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at stismavo@gmail.com