Music
Mathea-Mari breathes new life into rock with “Crush”
Mathea-Mari is making waves in the music world with her latest release, “Crush.” This is a fresh and vibrant take on a song that originally came out in 2003 as a gritty rock track by SomeOtherLife. The original was produced by the well-known Rick Beato and featured the classic sound of early 2000s alternative rock, characterized by moody guitar riffs and raw vocals. Now, two decades later, Mathea-Mari has transformed that dark, brooding track into a bright and cheerful pop song.
Instead of evoking nostalgia, she’s reinvented it. With sparkling synthesizers and clear production, her version of “Crush” brings a youthful energy that’s perfect for summer playlists. What’s especially impressive is how she keeps the emotional essence of the original while completely changing its vibe. The feelings of longing remain, but instead of lurking in the shadows, they now shine in the sunlight. Her voice is honest and playful, offering a new perspective that feels less like heartache and more like the excitement of new love.
This new “Crush” feels like the refreshing first sip of a cold drink on a hot day. It pays tribute to the original while also showcasing Mathea-Mari’s unique style in the pop music scene. In an era marked by numerous remixes and reboots, this one stands out due to its sincerity. It invites the song to shine in a new way. Mathea-Mari not only introduces a new audience to an overlooked classic but also shows that reinvention can be truly magical. Overall, “Crush” is a defining moment for an artist who knows how to make her mark.
Artist Spotlight
“Hell has frozen over” finds Sarina choosing peace over being understood
Sarina’s new track, “Hell has frozen over,” explores the less dramatic, more complicated moment of reaching the end of the road, being gaslit, ignored, rejected, and painfully lonely. It translates the emotional burnout into a rock-pop context that’s easy to understand.
“Hell has frozen over” focuses on the decision to step away, instead of explaining, defending, or seeking understanding from people who refuse to listen. The rock foundation gives it the right weight, the pop influence makes it accessible, and the focus stays on the emotional message.
Sarina’s art is the struggle of loss and being strong in yourself. It’s about understanding that protecting your peace is more important than being understood. And that’s the emotional balance that gives the release its character so that the subject matter has relevance beyond a particular circumstance.
“Hell has frozen over“ is a relief from the burden of carrying on a debate that will never be resolved. Sarina turns an experience of isolation into a statement about boundaries, resilience, and the choice not to get caught in the same cycle. The result is a record that’s at its best when it’s being true to what it feels like to finally be free from whatever has been holding you down.
Photo Credit: Andrea Hunter
Artist Spotlight
Girlhood finds summer warmth and quiet freedom on “Lemon Aid”
“Lemon Aid“ is a warm indie-pop ballad from Girlhood that finds comfort in the ordinary and weaves in a sense of release. This song is about surrendering to the moment, finding space to breathe, and letting a little lightness back in. This reflective core is surprising, given the warm summer-night feel of the track, hinting at a moment of emotional rebalancing.
Singer-songwriter Natalie Holmes has a tender personality and fronts the slow-burning “Lemon Aid.” The production supports that softness, keeping the song’s gentle mood and intimate direction front and center. Beneath the comfort is a thoughtful examination of pressure, transition, and the need to pause.
The song’s link to the streets of Stroud offers yet another layer of art to the work. Familiar places can mean something when life feels uncertain, and the emotional scene involves storefronts, parks, cafes, and leafy, winding streets. “Lemon Aid“ searches for beauty in everyday places and rituals, finding still moments that mean something without getting carried away.
The track is the first release of Girlhood’s forthcoming album, “This Will Make Sense In The End,” a more reflective chapter with hope at its heart. “Lemon Aid” is about softness, conjuring a space where dancing, wandering, and just existing can feel like a cure. It’s an unleashing of small observations and soft emotional movement and a clear indication of the thoughtful direction that Girlhood is heading next.
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