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Amelia Ray turns the page on deception in new single “Pretending to Read”

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With a moment to observe hidden behind a book cover, Amelia Ray is back with her new single, “Pretending to Read,” her latest slice of city life seen imaginatively, which says everything without ever looking away from the page. In a handful of lines, Ray captures the poetry, awkwardness, and gentle intimacy of the subway ride with the strangers. “Pretending to Read” explores the art of being unseen while seeing everything, a sentiment many city residents can relate to. It’s a moment saying our protagonist is riding on public transportation with a book not to read, but as a prop. Ray tells the story in her familiar lyrical humor and quiet intensity.

There’s a conversational flash in the delivery, as if she’s letting you in on a secret. The single finds a casual groove musically, making it easy to ride the rails between residents’ storytelling. The production is clean and intimate, ensuring that Ray’s voice and sharp imagery are right up front. Instead, what’s truly remarkable here is how “Pretending to Read” gets into the head of the person in the corner, the quiet observer. It connects to those of us who have ever used a book or headphones as a shield, a means to tune in while tuning out. It’s voyeurism in an introvert’s costume, and Ray turns that psychological contradiction into art.

Its intelligence lies in its temperance in what it says by what it declines to say. The subway becomes a cross-section of humanity, and Amelia Ray turns into its nosy narrator, leafing through the unspoken pages of strangers’ lives. Amelia Ray is here to remind us with “Pretending to Read” that some of the best stories are discovered when you’re not technically reading them at all. If you’ve ever observed the world from behind a book, this song is for you, and your gentle reminder that sometimes, looking is a kind of listening.

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Indie

“Kiss” by Zekiizo sparks a feisty dance with the moody charm of a tumultuous love vibe

Zekiizo

Zekiizo’s new single, “Kiss,” tells a candid story that is anything but sweet or straightforward as it dances into an intoxicating whirlwind of emotional chaos when a fresh romance collides with the ghosts of the past, leaving audiences eager to hit replay. What makes “Kiss” unique is its fearless embrace of the imperfections and complexities in relationships, all wrapped in an infectious and irresistibly pleasurable sound.

With feel-good production and an upbeat rhythm, “Kiss” might initially come across as a perfect anthem for a late-night drive. However, a closer listen reveals its moody grit and unapologetic honesty. This is not your average love song; it explores the mutual rewards that keep a connection alive, even if it’s built on a shaky foundation. Zekiizo dives into the complicated aftermath of heartbreak, capturing the dynamic thrill of transitioning from an old relationship into something new, and examining the emotionally charged space where lust and intimacy often overshadow logic.

There’s a gritty edge to the song, conveying a confident, almost self-centered frankness that feels refreshingly honest; neither party emerges entirely innocent or unscathed, but this lack of perfection adds to the charm. The lyrics hint at something more unsettling, pulsing with playful intensity, while the beat grooves with electronic-meets-indie influences, precisely the genre-blurring signature that Zekiizo is becoming known for. It’s seductive, a little off-kilter, and knowingly problematic, which is what makes it resonate so deeply.

From her Boston roots to the creative sprawl of New York City, Zekiizo has carved a unique niche for herself that defies easy categorization. “Kiss” feels like a culmination of her bold sonic vision: emotionally unfiltered, sonically vibrant, and dripping with attitude. Whether you’ve just come out of a breakup or are in the middle of a fling with someone new, this track will strike a nerve of exhilarating yet unsettling nature of new love.

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Feisty, flawed, and utterly addictive, “Kiss” encapsulates the sound of reckless rebound energy wrapped in a perfect pop disguise. Zekiizo isn’t just creating music that vibes; she’s vividly narrating the complexities of love, pushing sonic boundaries while delivering stories that resonate on a human level, reaffirming her status as an artist to watch, and we’re here for it.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Zekiizo’s Kiss on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Zekiizo | Instagram | TikTok

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Indie

Secret Garden Gathering triumphantly dazzles with its newest release, “You Are the Darkness After My Dawn”

Secret Garden Gathering

Welcome back! Thirteen years after disappearing into obscurity, Secret Garden Gathering reemerges like an enchanting dream with their hauntingly beautiful new single, “You Are the Darkness After My Dawn.” Drawn from a part of their upcoming live EP Is-Y-Deri’, a name whispering of ancient forests and introspective revelations, marks not just a revival but signifies the reckoning sound of a band that has been both reborn and weathered by time. It serves as a cathartic tribute to life’s intricacies, celebrating something beautifully bruised and defiantly resilient amidst struggle, making every moment of silence worthwhile.

Recorded in a frostbitten cottage nestled deep in the Welsh mountains, the setting feels deeply integrated into the essence of the track. From the opening chords, “You are the Darkness after my Dawn” envelops the listener in a spectral intimacy that is delicate, cinematic, and entirely immersive. The arrangement showcases a raw vulnerability, blending jazz-soaked rhythm with folk-rock undertones, as if the band is gently revisiting and illuminating fragmented memories.

The song unfolds like a story being retold, beginning with a quiet and contemplative ambiance that gradually escalates towards a thunderous crescendo, fronted by soaring vocals that convey deep emotional resonance. This is further enhanced by gritty, grunge-inspired guitar layers that encapsulate the ache of nostalgia and the strange nature of melancholy. The piece symbolizes the transition from summer to twilight, reflecting the enduring impact of lost love.

Secret Garden Gathering has not just made a return; they have revitalized something exceptional, a rare artistic voice. “You are the Darkness after my Dawn” illustrates that time away has not weakened their creative expression; instead, it has broadened their artistic palette. The result is a dream-rock ballad characterized by a cinematic scope, deeply rooted in the complexities of human experience, poised to stir even the most subdued aspects of the soul.

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CLICK HERE TO STREAM Secret Garden Gathering’s You Are the Darkness After My Dawn on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Secret Garden Gathering | Instagram

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