THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #150

With a number that blends a grungy heart with a more contemporary melodic hook, a throwback to post-grunge fused with Euro melodic metal, and a perfect slice of post punk, this visit to the Singles Bar is rather guitar based. That said, with a French singer songwriter applying a light touch, an absolutely fierce alt-pop number and a danceable piece of deep psych, it isn’t without variety. Then, in terms of massive curveballs, there’s even a well played salsa jam… As we wave goodbye to the first quarter of 2026, the singles keep coming…and as always, we hope you find something new to enjoy!

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ASYLUM ROAD – Cerca Trova EP

Blending elements of groove metal and melodic hardcore, with influences from Machine Head and Sevendust, Irish band Asylum Road delivered some absolutely massive riffs on their brilliant EP ‘The Fear’ in 2024. A couple of the vocals might have split opinion with their genuinely abrasive approach, but from a musical standpoint – and looking at the material in terms of tightly played, classic metal, without sounding at all dated – the release was first rate.

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NIGHT THIEVES – Metaxis

Two years on from their acclaimed EP release ‘Polarity’, Night Thieves build upon an already solid alt-metal sound when parts of their eagerly awaited full length ‘Metaxis’ take a chunkier turn. The grooves and beat laden melodies that made the EP so appealing are still present, and Jess Moyle’s vocals retain their hugely accessible sound, but the best of this album’s songs present a more confident sounding unit.

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Watch: Night Thieves share new video for ‘Home’

The previous two singles from UK metal band Night Thieves managed to convey very different aspects to their huge sound. ‘Obsidian’ shared a love for early Linkin Park and Paramore, but added a heavier edge that worked brilliantly against a great vocal, blending retro alternative and slight goth influences with ease, while ‘Mycelia’ unleashed a heavier sound, driven by pneumatic drums bringing more of a metalcore edge. By retaining a clean vocal, this still managed to be very accessible.

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THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #146

A rather spooky offering from veterans of the UK alternative scene, an epic but self-effacing narrative set against great orchestration, and an almost uncategorisable number splicing synths with a world music flair are just three things you can expect to find at the Singles Bar this time around. As we head further into 2026, the sheer variety of “single” recordings remains impressive, and perhaps ever more so now that we live in a world where underground artists are more likely to present digital singles and EP releases over an old school album format. To call this selection a mixed bag would certainly be an understatement but, as always, we hope you find something new to enjoy…

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