Music

Big No No’s “Hold Your Horses,” a Spirited Revival of Power Pop’s Golden Age

Stockholm-based quartet Big No No has embarked on a delightful musical journey that resonates with the nostalgic echoes of power pop’s heyday infused with a modern twist that’s impossible to resist in their latest single, “Hold Your Horses.” Following their experimental self-titled debut album in 2022, the band has reinvented their sound, embracing a lighter, more diverse approach. This release is the vibrant harbinger of their forthcoming album, and it’s a breath of fresh air.

“Hold Your Horses” exudes a captivating blend of American guitar noise and the ironic power pop spirit of the late ’70s. The track’s infectious loops and unexpected falsetto choruses will catch you off guard, much like Matthew McConaughey’s surprise appearance. It’s a reminder that dreams can be achieved at any age.

The band’s commitment to an organically honest sound is evident, as they recorded live at Stockholm’s iconic INGRID studio with producer Christoffer Zakrisson (known for his work with Viagra Boys, among others). This approach creates a sense of unity and authenticity that permeates every note.

The opening notes of jangly and driving guitar riffs instantly transport listeners to the golden era when catchy melodies ruled the airwaves. Big No No masterfully combines intricate and catchy guitar work with a sense of urgency and excitement. In an age where music often leans towards complexity and elaborate production, “Hold Your Horses” is a refreshing testament to the genre’s simplicity and catchiness, a musical time machine that encapsulates the essence of power pop while offering a fresh perspective. The lively percussion, characterized by sparkling cymbals, adds to the track’s effervescent atmosphere.

Lyrically, the song offers a clever narrative, touching on themes of impulsivity, risk-taking, and the passage of time. Lines like “I’m whoring out my mind, oh and my time, Hold Your Horses” evoke a sense of urgency and the need to pause and reflect. It’s a relatable message delivered with poetic finesse, a testament to Big No No’s ability to craft catchy and meaningful hooks.

Artist Spotlight

Lisa Boostani creates a mesmerizing tidal realm in “Ocean”

Lisa Boostani’s “Ocean” takes you deep into a sensory world where body, spirit, and myth come together, beyond the surface of genre. Boostani makes a soundscape that is both ethereal and deeply human by combining the broad essence of psychedelic pop with the strong appeal of alternative rock.

Her voice rises as if it is coming from deep within her, shaped by emotion rather than action. She intentionally channels the intangible, turning weakness into strength rather than a source of pain, and “Ocean” tells people to get involved in this inner world, not just watch it. This release is an integral part of her first EP, “One,” which will come out in March 2026 and is based on love, sensuality, and unity.

If “Ocean” is any indication, the EP will show sensuality not as something pretty, but as a kind of spiritual intelligence, a way to know yourself by connecting with others. The song’s textures and structure have an aquatic quality, moving between clarity and delirium, rhythm and freedom. Its emotional focus is on immersion instead of resolution.

The striking quality of “Ocean” is the blend of the mystical worlds. Boostani understands that strength often shows up as gentleness and that deep feelings are better expressed through frequencies than words. She wants people to see consciousness as immediacy, sensation as truth, and openness as an undeniable strength.

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Artist Spotlight

NOAH. captures the unspoken signals in enchanting R&B track “That’s Bless”

“That’s Bless” captures the unspoken late-night message, the smile that was exchanged from afar, and the feeling you sense but are afraid to say. NOAH. offers a song with a smoky R&B feel and lyrics that capture unspoken tension, firmly in the realm of emotional ambiguity, where connection is clear but not defined.

This piece concerns the subtle discomfort of mixed signals and quiet longings, when looks say more than words ever could. NOAH. handles the theme with restraint, letting the chemistry simmer rather than explode. NOAH.’s delivery shows a confident gentleness, recognizing that some feelings don’t need strict definitions to be real.

In “That’s Bless,” he captures the essence of connection and the compelling allure that endures, even when both parties pretend it is not there. The composition is based on real-life events, and it acknowledges that specific attachments endure in the heart long after one has persuaded oneself of having progressed.