BY DIGITAL WAX MEDIA STAFF

 

As January of 2025 draws to a close we can collectively bid farewell to a month which seemed to last for six months. But along with excessive snows, freezing cold, and many socioeconomic changes, fortunately came a ton of great music, the last of which we will dive into now. It’s time for this week’s FRESH WAX RECAP.

 

This week’s feature comprises a healthy stylistic variety of work, ranging from alternative rock and folk to r&b and soul/jazz. A number of these tunes come as part of rollouts for upcoming albums for which we here at Digital Wax are chomping at the bit to get our hands on!

 

THE BROTHERS COMATOSE – “HOME AGAIN” FEAT. LINDSAY LOU

 

San Fransisco group, The Brothers Comatose released their newest single “Home Again” with Americana singer-songwriter Lindsay Lou. Released exclusively to Bandcamp ahead of the song’s official release to streaming services such as Spotify, all proceeds from streams and purchases of the track will go to the Musicares organization.

 

 

Musicares is currently focusing the entirety of its charitable efforts toward providing assistance to those impacted by the wildfires which have unfortunately ravaged the Los Angeles area recently. The tune’s inspiration is drawn from the similar experience of individuals close to members of the band. Visit The Brothers Comatose Bandcamp page to stream and/or purchase the benefit single.

 

 

HELLO JUNE – “DANCE (M. WALKER REMIX)”

 

 

 

One of the most original and exciting indie bands currently working is unquestionably Hello June. Birthed from the hills of Appalachia, the outfit’s captivating synthesis of confessional songwriting and atmospheric soundscapes feels akin to being able to reach out and touch Mars while one’s feet remain firmly planted on Earth.

 

“Dance (M. Walker Remix)” is the latest in an ongoing remix series from the band. This most recent release sees one of the earliest of the band’s tunes given a new spin which ultimately makes you want to… well, dance!

 

 

AMY IRVING – “ALWAYS WILL BE” FEAT. AMY HELM

 

 

You may know Amy Irving from her 50-year career as an award-winning actress on film, television, and on the stage. What you may or may not know is that she very much knows her way around a tune. Having starring alongside country music legend and American icon Willie Nelson in 1980’s Honeysuckle Rose, Irving announced this week that she will be releasing a full album of Willie originals with the blessing of the man himself.

 

The first taste of the tribute album comes in the form of the title track, “Always Will Be,” which takes a somber Nelson tune from 2004 and puts a lively, joyful spin on the number. A jazzy, soulful offering, “Always Will Be” also boasts a feature from Amy Helm, daughter of another American icon, drummer and singer Levon Helm of The Band. Always Will Be is set to hit shelves in April. In the meantime, the title track is currently available to stream on all major platforms.

 

 

PALE JAY – LOW END LOVE SONGS INSTRUMENTALS 

 

 

Released on Friday through Colemine Records’ Karma Chief imprint, Pale Jay’s Low End Love Songs Instrumentals follows the full-vocal version of Low End Love Songs which was released over the fall.

 

The recontextualized take of the album offered through the purely instrumental version emphasizes the jazzier and more orchestral elements of Pale Jay’s crafty productions, which itself is rich in sonic textures and effortlessly amalgamated stylistic explorations. Low End Love Songs Instrumentals is how available to stream and purchase.

 

 

THE SCARLET GOODBYE – “SPEEDWAY” & “TO FEEL THE SUN”

 

 

Minnesota rock duo The Scarlet Goodbye – comprised of Jeff Arundel and Dan Murphy (founding member of Soul Asylum) – have released to new singles recently as they approach the release of the group’s sophomore effort, El Camino Adios.

 

”Speedway” and “To Feel the Sun” provide an effectual glimpse at what to expect from the upcoming record, set to be released in March. A singer/songwriter sensibility within the framework of a full rock band approach endow this material with thoughtful overtones and a driving backbeat that effectively pushes the proceedings forward. Discover “Speedway” and “To Feel the Sun” on streaming services now.

 

 

SAM GRABER BAND – LOVE AND FURY

 

 

This week Digital Wax dove into Love and Fury, the debut LP from Minneapolis rock trio, Sam Graber Band. Love and Fury an alternative throwback of sorts with a modern sheen.

 

This hook-laden helping of power pop offers up a little something for everyone, and is bound to move the proverbial needle from both the airwaves and the stage. Sam Graber Band’s Love and Fury is now available to stream on all major platforms.

 

 

NAUPS – “SINFUL SAINTS” FEAT. BIZARRE & S.K.E. THE HEISTMAN (PRODUCED BY MATT ECHO)”

 

 

Sinister vibes permeate this grimy posse cut featuring a diverse cast of lyricists over top-notch production by Matt Echo. New York’s own Naups and S.K.E. THE HEISTMAN trade bars with Bizarre, the latter of whom comes in hot with the trademark off-color lyricism that made him a standout character amongst his fellow members of Detroit hip-hop collective, D12.

”Sinful Saints” is currently available to stream on all platforms.”