First Ghost’s newest release is the melancholy ‘Burnt Out’, a track that is as sweet as it is sobering, addressing how fleeting moments in our lives can be. Produced by vocalist/guitarist Anton DeLost, it falls somewhere between American Football and The Wonder Years; it’s nostalgic and sentimental whilst the chorus, complete with gang vocals, establishes it as a memorable soundtrack to many long evenings and twilight hours.

The video to accompany the track reflects this theme, and is “a bittersweet reflection on being in the moment and enjoying the little things in our relationships that we often take for granted”, according to the band. Have a listen and fall into the softness of spring with Toronto’s First Ghost.

Built on clipped drums and a lulling acoustic guitar, KC Dalager only needs a few words to project a mood, a feeling and an atmosphere.  Now, Now have retained their magic even after a six year break between albums, and their latest release from upcoming LP ‘Saved’ is ‘AZ’, a swooning love song to a person and a place.

It’s full of dusty sunset colours and nostalgia for a moment, taking you to Arizona with them as they bomb down the highway in slow motion. ‘Saved’ is released on May 18, and ‘AZ’, along with previous tracks from the album ‘SGL’ and ‘Yours’ will definitely be on heavy rotation in my life until then.

Australian pop-punk is having a moment right now. From the chart-smashing 5 Seconds of Summer, to Stand Atlantic who have just released their debut EP, the amount of high-shine, feel-good pop punk is on the up in Australia. 

One band that caught my attention with their latest release is Yours Truly, a band based out of Sydney who have definitely got the hang of catchy and upbeat pop-punk. Recent single ‘High Hopes’ is their best offering to date, with the suspense in the verse paying off with a massive chorus that means vocalist Mikaila can belt to her hearts content, her voice suiting the genre perfectly whilst offering something a little different with its pop edge.

As a fan of pop-punk that leans into the pop more than the punk, this band are right up my street. If you’re a fan of bands like All Time Low and State Champs, you’ll probably be into this band too. Having released their debut EP in March last year, as well as supported bands like Tonight Alive and We The Kings, the future is shaping up nicely for Yours Truly.