EP – RCRD LBL

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 Mew Zikwryder

2Z push creative boundaries with genre-blending EP Highness

2Z is breaking new ground with the release of their latest Highness, which dropped on 19 August via GOGO2020. Known for their awe-inspiring performances and eclectic rock soundscape, the Korean group venture into bold new territory with Highness.

The band collaborated with acclaimed electronic DJ and producer plomo which marked the beginning of their journey which blends rock with electronica. The five track EP merges 2Z’s raw energy with plomo’s refined electronic flair. The project includes two standout tracks, namely ‘Borderline’ and ‘Unreal’. It also features three remixes of previously released tracks, reimagined through plomo’s Techno and big beat lens.

‘Borderline’ unfolds in two emotional parts; the first confronts disillusionment, then it ascends with hope. The track draws inspiration from the unwavering support from the band’s global fanbase. Meanwhile, ‘Unreal’ offers a dreamlike meditation on beauty, fear as well as devotion, with “she” symbolizing music or the fans themselves.

Stream the EP below:

Follow 2Z:

Instagram – Facebook – YouTube

Follow plomo:

Instagram

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 Mew Zikwryder

‘Elektro Punk EP’ Lands: Shizo van de Sunflower’s Latest Is a Techno-Punk Knockout

(Shizo van de Sunflower / Elektro Punk EP Artwork)

Released on August 1, 2025, the ‘Elektro Punk EP’ proves Shizo van de Sunflower, aka Daniel Blum, still brings it. He blends personal edge with beats that smack you right in the chest. His influences in music started back in the 1980s with C64 and software design, building a sound that’s deep and electrifying, often lacing his music with undertones of dealing with depression and advocating for mental health. He teamed up with Sternentramper for the 2024 “War noch nie Kalifornien – Summer Remix” and caught the ear of acid icons Yves Deruyter and Emmanuel Top. You’ve also seen him at Dresden’s underground joints and Mittelgrün Con 2024.

The EP’s four tracks pull from DAF’s fearless electro-punk vibe, mixing German spoken word with sounds that grab you. ‘Das Mikrofon’ catches you off guard with Kristina Sop’s soprano clashing over a tough EBM beat. ‘James Bond’ pokes fun at the spy legend, its bassline dripping attitude. ‘Ich war mal Punk’ calls out faded punk dreams lost to crypto and property, sharp and biting. ‘Herz aus Stein’ finishes it off with a no-vocals techno rush that’s all adrenaline. It’s a shoutout to the genre’s roots, twisted with a fresh, no-filter spin.

Shizo van de Sunflower revealed: “I was inspired by the raw sounds of DAF’s pioneering era and created four tracks that oscillate between anger, irony and pure dance fever. German lyrics, no compromises.”

Stream Elektro Punk EP:

Follow Shizo van de Sunflower:

Spotify – Facebook – Instagram – Soundcloud

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025 Mew Zikwryder

JOHNNYSWIM Unveils Soul-Stirring Track ‘Slow Medicine’ from New Album

Los Angeles-based folk-pop duo JOHNNYSWIM has returned with their deeply personal fifth album, When The War Is Over, released on 7 February via their own MR AND MRS SWIM LLC imprint. Among the standout tracks, ‘Slow Medicine’ emerges as a powerful meditation on healing, emotional connection, and the journey toward self-realization. The song, which begins as a delicate piano ballad featuring Amanda Sudano Ramirez’s heartfelt vocals, gradually unfolds into a hauntingly beautiful composition. It speaks to the realization that true healing isn’t found in distractions but in deep, meaningful relationships.

Produced by Abner Ramirez and mixed by Raul Lopez, ‘Slow Medicine’ exemplifies the duo’s signature blend of raw emotion and musical precision. The track reflects the overarching themes of When The War Is Over, which the duo describes as a product of one of the most challenging periods in their lives. JOHNNYSWIM recorded the album in a live setting, embracing an organic and vulnerable approach that allows each instrument to breathe and every lyric to resonate. Their heartfelt storytelling has garnered support from major outlets like Rolling Stone, NPR, and BBC Radio London, solidifying their reputation as a force in the folk-pop world.

As part of their album’s rollout, JOHNNYSWIM recently performed ‘Dopamine’, a collaboration with rapper Tobe Nwigwe, on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, showcasing their dynamic stage presence. With over 575 million global streams to their name, the duo continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Their upcoming tour will take them to London’s Scala on 20 May and Amsterdam’s Tolhuistuin on 21 May. As ‘Slow Medicine’ resonates with listeners, JOHNNYSWIM hopes their music offers solace and a sense of shared experience, reminding fans that healing is a journey best undertaken together.

Listen to ‘Slow Medicine’ here:

Follow JOHNNYSWIM:

Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Spotify

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025 Mew Zikwryder

VELVET MOON Captures Magic with In The Moment Live EP

Swedish indie dream-pop trio VELVET MOON has unveiled their latest live EP, In The Moment With VELVET MOON, recorded during their December 2024 performance at the iconic Brinova Arena in Karlskrona. Released under Argle Bargle Studios, the EP highlights their beloved 2020 hit ‘Catch The Wave’, a track that has amassed over 15 million streams. With music featured in major commercials for brands like Kappahl and Bollinger, and performances at festivals like The Great Escape, VELVET MOON has carved out a reputation for their timeless, cinematic sound. Their upcoming album, Endless War In The Summer, set for release in April 2025, promises more haunting yet ethereal tracks, including ‘The Hour of King Kong’, ‘A Love Song’, ‘Hymn’, and ‘Daylight’.

The Stockholm-based band, led by lyricist and vocalist Sandra Bjurman, crafts deeply evocative songs that explore both personal and societal themes. Working alongside producers Stefan Örn and Johan Glössner, VELVET MOON blends nostalgic dream-pop with modern indie sensibilities, drawing inspiration from The War on Drugs, Joni Mitchell, and Ry Cooder. Their sound, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, Men I Trust, and La Luz, resonates across generations. Their live performance of ‘Catch The Wave’ captures a new intensity, with shimmery guitars, sweeping strings, and Sandra’s soulful, brooding vocals creating an atmosphere that’s both melancholic and electric.

VELVET MOON describes ‘Catch The Wave’ as a poignant reflection on modern disconnection, where fake news and emotional detachment leave people yearning for real connection. The live EP, filled with sweeping melodies and haunting lyricism, offers a raw, immersive experience that studio recordings simply cannot replicate. In The Moment With VELVET MOON is a testament to the band’s ability to channel passion, tenderness, and social commentary into their music, solidifying their place as one of indie pop’s most compelling acts.

Listen to VELVET MOON’s newest EP now