motel void

SUNSTINGER – SPARE ME THE RAPTURE

Sunstinger are a band from the post-industrial regions of Scotland. On their expansive new EP, Spare Me the Rapture, the band’s sound feels inseparable from its surroundings: beautiful yet crushing, abrasive yet dreamlike, oppressive yet romantic.

The six-track EP opens with its title track, which immediately reveals the band’s deep affection for the ’90s shoegaze tradition. You can hear echoes of My Bloody Valentine and Ride in the hazy guitars, soaring melodies, and immersive wall of sound. This is exactly the kind of music that begs to be played loud. I can only imagine how overwhelming these songs must feel in a live setting, but until I get the chance, turning up the volume at home is the next best thing.

KING BLUE HERON – WRITHE

King Blue Heron are, in their own words, “kinda indie, kinda shoegaze, definitely from Pittsburgh.” Writhe, taken from their new EP The Breaking Wheel (which I’m planning to dive into next), is an absolutely fantastic track.

The vocals are outstanding, the lyrics carry a beautiful sense of melancholy, and the song’s structure keeps you engaged from start to finish. About halfway through, it breaks away from its slowcore-inspired sadness and explodes into a powerful, energetic shoegaze storm. It’s a thrilling transformation that makes an already great song even more memorable.

FOSTER PETTIT – BEST PART

Foster Pettit is a singer-songwriter based in San Antonio, Texas, and Best Part completely won me over. I honestly can’t remember the last time I heard a vocal melody this effortlessly beautiful.

The whole track gives me strong Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness-era Smashing Pumpkins vibes. From that wonderful guitar riff to its nostalgic atmosphere, it captures everything I love about ’90s alternative rock while filtering it through the intimate lens of lo-fi bedroom pop. It’s warm, understated, and quietly addictive.