Shallow Pools - "Ice Water"

Massachusetts-based band Shallow Pools encapsulate the impacts of quarantine on mental health in their first single of 2021, “Ice Water!”

The four-piece has developed a satisfyingly cohesive and lustrous indie-pop sound in their short time as Shallow Pools. Formed in 2018, they already have their debut EP, Spring, and 4 other singles in their discography. Thankfully, they refused to let the tough year prevent them from continuing to release music, and decided to pull inspiration from the experience instead.

With a message surrounding the effects that prolonged seclusion has on our mental state, “Ice Water” is a fantastic track that is described as having “powerful, synth-driven melodies.” Shallow Pools waste no time by bringing instantly catchy instrumentals accompanied by well-written and relatable lyrics; introspective and impactful.

“Ice Water” is a departure from the music we’ve made in the past, but it’s the perfect bridge between our old and new sound. We wrote the song with our friend and producer, Chris Curran, and learned a lot about the type of music we want to be making in the process.”

Something about Shallow Pools makes them feel comforting and familiar. There is a nostalgic vibe in “Ice Water'' that feels a bit reminiscent of the “Perfect Day” by Hoku era, but obviously with a theme that’s more fitting for recent events. I really enjoyed the easygoing essence of this track - it is definitely an earworm.

“The song is about the impact that the state of the world has had on our mental health, specifically in the last year. We’re excited to share it and hope that anyone who has had similar experiences will find some comfort in knowing that there are others who can relate.”

Watch the “Ice Water” music video:

Shallow Pools have successfully put a lighthearted spin on the weird and repetitive life many of us dealt with in the past year. It helps to provide a sense of connection in a time where isolation seems to be more prominent than ever before. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Shallow Pools’ music. They truly have such a captivating glow about them that is so refreshing.

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Alex Kilgore, Untold Music Promotion

Kiera Dillon - Perspective

Independent singer/songwriter and producer Kiera Dillon has released her charismatic debut pop album, Perspective!

Currently residing in the Philly area, the soaring artist has developed a wondrous collection of tracks that form a complete and satisfying experience. Dillon has mastered a delectable bedroom-pop/indie pop sound that smoothly illustrates her exquisite writing style.

“[This album] explores themes of nostalgia and coming of age and aims to show listeners that there is universal acceptance in emotion no matter how it is experienced or perceived.”

“Lullabye” is a classic, soothing childhood tune that sets a dark, curious mood. Despite its reminiscent nature and familiarity, it is also unexpected and gripping. Quickly followed by “Play the Victim,'' which expresses an awakening, Dillon’s feisty, jaded tone is accompanied by hints of vulnerability and pain. This revelation allows the chance to proclaim thoughts and feelings that have been held in for so long. Dillon’s impeccable vocals and lyricism made this one of my favorites.

Credit: Julia Cahn

Later in the album we are introduced to “Not Yours.” This cinematic sounding track is about someone being controlling and trying to drive insecurity. I admire the strong spirit that arises in “Not Yours.” It radiates a similar fighter energy as “Play the Victim,” but with a bit more confidence behind every word. Her use of slick but subtle rests is euphoric.

A notable aspect of Perspective is Dillon’s usage of audio clips in a few tracks. Very personal and raw, “This Can’t Be a Breakup,” for example, incorporates recordings of sweet memories. The gentle honesty conveyed helps to emphasize Dillon’s powerful emotions relative to a complicated romantic heartbreak. “Naive” also integrates similar elements; a simplistically beautiful acoustic vibe, featuring warm and charming storytelling about life lessons. The climbing intensity is gratifying.

Credit: Julia Cahn

There is a lot of diversity throughout Perspective. “Man on the Moon” is a lighthearted and lovely ditty expressing devotion and being there for someone in any situation. While “False Reality” touches on struggles with addiction. There is a distinct hurt in Dillon’s voice as she pleads for things to get better. “False Reality” is a well-written and thoughtful recital of a tender subject. “Outro” enchantingly concludes the album with a primarily instrumental production and light, devine vocalization.

Kiera Dillon is a striking new artist that has thoroughly impressed us with her debut album, Perspective. I was captivated from just a brief listen - however, the more you dive into it, you’ll become increasingly enraptured. This is the type of music that truly resonates and leaves an impact. Absolutely stunning.

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Alex Kilgore, Untold Music Promotion

Introducing: Faster on Fire

We’re honored to present Faster on Fire, an innovative and revitalizing pop punk band from North Carolina!

Credit: Kevin La Chiana

Jon Skinner impresses with lead vocals/strings and keys, while Alex Gabor radiates on drums/vocals. Although it’s mainly just the two of them, the writing duo amplifies their studio and live performances with additional guitarists and bassists. This dynamic has aided in developing an “exciting formula” that they are proud to claim provides a unique experience.

Forming roots in their previous band The Oh Whales, Jon and Alex explain that they were initially “heavily influenced by the 'easy-core' trend a few years ago.” However, the duo decided that they wanted to strengthen and magnify their art by focusing “lyrical content on retrospection rather than what we felt was a little shallow and unfeeling lyrically in The Oh Whales.” I’ve always been drawn to music that tells a story and that has significant depth and a level of profundity; Faster on Fire fits that perfectly.

In 2019, Faster on Fire dropped their debut EP, Lessons Learned, which helped them flourish from simplistic powerpop/pop punk, to something much more compelling. They unquestionably remind me of some of the bands that really attracted me to the music scene. Skinner and Gabor hit the nostalgia mark without feeling stale, and they’ve certainly conquered the mission of honing fresh individuality.

“Can’t Stop Starting” is described as dance-provoking, and I couldn’t define it better. It’s an upbeat, introspective track about being in a cycle of failing to appreciate what you have. You’ll find a lot of honest, self-awareness in FoF’s music. “June Again,” for example, features absolutely addicting instrumentals that deepen the portrayal of holding on to someone, and hoping that you’re not just a memory in the corner of their mind. Skinner and Gabor are such multifaceted artists who highlight their skills beautifully in each song.

Faster on Fire strives to make connections, and “I’ll Never Know” captures that effort with its well written, vulnerable, and heartbreakingly personal message. “Rookie Mistakes” is an acoustic ballad that Skinner says takes “a deep dive into some of the emotion that might typically get glazed over in a ‘one that got away’ track.” Overall, Lessons Learned is a cleverly balanced EP that delivers all you could ask for and more.

“The whole point is exposing what we feel, and people respect that and have responded in incredible ways. Feeling is dynamic, and we have been able to really reflect that in the sadness and anger portrayed in the instrumentation alone.”

Credit: Kevin La Chiana

With Faster on Fire’s new music in progress, they confirm that we’ll receive the same level of alluring profoundness and organic writing. Skinner says, “for the first time probably ever, we truly wrote each track as a pair, rather than an idea being backfilled with the other's ideas. Alex is a wonderful writer, both musically and lyrically, and being able to tap into that in real time resulted in some of the deepest lyrical content and cohesive instrumentation we've ever produced.”

I can't wait to keep tabs on these immersive, visionary artists. We can look forward to more ballads and riff-heavy anthems, including a track to be released in Q2 of 2021. Skinner expresses that they are “really excited about going into the studio with a new production and management team, thanks to FBT.”

Follow Faster on Fire on their socials below to stay updated on this wonderful, emerging band.

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Alex Kilgore, Untold Music Promotion