There is something wonderfully refreshing about music that balances dreamy melodies with a little grit, and Brooklyn-based trio Diver Through does exactly that on their EP I Want To Be Disrupted. Led by songwriter Michael Baynes, alongside Mikey Clams on bass and Ken Nasta on drums, the band creates an appealing blend of indie rock that feels atmospheric, heartfelt, and effortlessly catchy. Their music has an emotional pull, drawing listeners in with shimmering guitar before revealing a more restless, energetic side. Across this release, Diver Through show that thoughtful songwriting and memorable rock music can comfortably share the same space.

One of the most compelling moments comes with I Want To Be Disrupted, the title track. It opens with a crisp, jangling guitar sound that immediately catches the ear, while Baynes’ straightforward vocal delivery gives the song an intimate quality. As the rhythm section gradually builds, the track develops a stronger, more urgent character. There is a lovely push and pull between the softer vocal moments and the heavier instrumental sections. The occasional falsetto touches add another layer of emotion, making the arrangement feel unpredictable without becoming overwhelming. At its heart, the song captures that familiar desire to break away from routine, challenge old habits, and welcome something unexpected. It is a thoughtful idea wrapped in a wonderfully engaging indie rock arrangement.

It’s the Sky brings a different kind of appeal. Built around an accessible melody and beautifully balanced instrumentation, the song has an airy quality that makes it easy to settle into. The guitars and drums work together naturally, creating movement without crowding the vocals. However, beneath its inviting sound lies a serious subject: the changing environment and the growing uncertainty surrounding our planet’s climate. What makes the track particularly effective is the way it approaches this concern without sounding overly preachy. Instead, it allows the imagery and emotion to speak for themselves. The result is a song that feels relevant and personal while remaining genuinely enjoyable to listen to. Its melodic strength also makes it one of the EP’s most memorable moments.

There is a more mysterious atmosphere surrounding Somewhere You Left Behind, which reveals another side of the band’s musical personality. Darker guitar textures and a deep, steady bassline create an almost hypnotic foundation, while Baynes’ expressive vocals bring warmth to the arrangement. The song gradually gathers strength, moving towards a more powerful chorus that gives its emotional message greater weight. There is a sense of looking back, recognising what has been lost, and learning that moving forward does not necessarily mean forgetting everything that came before. The contrast between the shadowy instrumentation and the clear vocal delivery works beautifully here. It is a track that rewards a little patience, allowing its atmosphere to grow rather than rushing towards an immediate climax.

What makes I Want To Be Disrupted enjoyable is the way Diver Through allows their songs to breathe. The guitars are sometimes bright and shimmering, sometimes rougher and more distorted, while the bass and drums provide a solid foundation throughout. Nothing feels unnecessarily complicated, yet the arrangements have enough detail to keep the listening experience interesting. Baynes’ songwriting also deserves credit for bringing together personal emotions, wider concerns, and catchy melodies without making the music feel forced.

Ultimately, I Want To Be Disrupted is a charming and thoughtful release from a band that clearly understands its sound. Diver Through combines dreamy indie rock textures with moments of genuine intensity, creating songs that are both accessible and emotionally engaging. It is the kind of EP that invites repeated listening, with different details revealing themselves along the way. Sometimes music does not need to shout to make an impression; a strong melody, honest expression, and a little creative unpredictability can do the job beautifully. Diver Through delivers all three.

The Darkness You Bring Back

Jacob Connor’s “Back Here” takes listeners on a gripping journey through the darker corners of the human mind, where survival comes at a price and victory does not always mean coming out unscathed. Built around a powerful psychological storyline, the song explores what happens when someone fights their demons, only to discover that the battle has changed them in ways they never expected.

The lyrics paint a striking picture of a man falling from grace and struggling to find his way back. The opening lines, “I was on a tightrope, was goin’ through hell,” immediately establish a sense of vulnerability. As the protagonist hits rock bottom, dances with the devil and fights his way towards the light, there is a feeling of hard-earned hope. However, the real twist comes when he looks into the mirror. The imagery of scars, cuts, horns and a tail suggests that the darkness he fought has left its mark on him. The line “the more time you spend down there, you bring it back here” is particularly haunting, capturing the idea that some battles change us permanently.

What makes “Back Here” so compelling is its exploration of the thin line between defeating evil and becoming part of it. Jacob Connor gives this story an emotional depth that goes beyond a conventional tale of struggle and redemption. It is a thought-provoking, unsettling and memorable song that leaves listeners reflecting on the hidden cost of survival.

City RIP – A Powerful Rock Story With a Human Heart

Sativa Brothers make a striking entrance with “City RIP,” a wonderfully gritty rock number that combines the raw spirit of classic rock with a story that leaves a lasting emotional impression. Driven by muscular guitar work, rich Hammond organ textures, and an energetic rhythm section, the track has an unmistakably vintage flavour without sounding trapped in the past. There is a real sense of purpose behind every musical layer, giving the song the character of a miniature rock drama.

What makes this release particularly compelling is its storytelling. At its heart is a man who arrives in the city with little hope left, carrying memories of better days while struggling to face his present circumstances. The contrast between nostalgia and harsh reality gives the song considerable emotional depth. It also touches on homelessness, loneliness, and the often-overlooked need for simple human kindness. Rather than becoming overly sentimental, the band approaches this difficult subject with a refreshing blend of honesty, dark humour, and compassion.

The guitars bring plenty of muscle, while the Hammond organ adds warmth and a wonderfully nostalgic character. The soulful vocals complement the arrangement beautifully, making the entire performance feel expressive and alive. “City RIP” is more than an entertaining classic-rock revival; it is a reminder that behind every struggling face is a human story worth noticing. Sativa Brothers have made their debut count with a track that rocks hard while keeping its heart firmly in the right place.

Love Beyond the Cold

John Dorian’s “Two Swans” is a beautifully moving chamber ballad that captures love’s fragility, the weight of shared memories, and the emotional strength it takes to hold on when life gets difficult. Rich in atmosphere and heartfelt emotion, the song unfolds like an intimate conversation between two people standing at the crossroads of love, loss, and uncertainty. Its haunting opening immediately draws you into a world where feelings run deep and nothing is quite as simple as it seems.

The lyrics are particularly striking, using the image of “two swans out in the cold” to represent two souls facing loneliness and uncertainty together. Questions about disappearing and being left without witnesses create vulnerability, while the recurring images of rain and darkness paint a picture of emotional distance. Yet, beneath this sadness lies a powerful declaration of devotion. The lines about carrying someone’s heart wherever life leads express a love that survives separation, changing circumstances, and even regret. The beautiful closing thought that love may change with time but can never be erased gives the song its emotional heart.

Musically, “Two Swans” is wonderfully atmospheric, with delicate piano, evocative violin, layered synths, and subtle electronic textures creating a rich, cinematic soundscape. John Dorian’s expressive vocals bring an appealing vulnerability to the performance, allowing every emotion to settle naturally. Rather than relying on dramatic flourishes, the arrangement builds its impact through restraint and thoughtful orchestration.

“Two Swans” is a tender, haunting reminder that genuine love does not simply disappear when circumstances change. It stays with us, quietly shaping who we are.