today’s rock picks move through cinematic grief, creative resistance, refined alternative rock and road-ready americana. these four tracks turn pressure, survival and self-reckoning into big, emotionally charged guitar-led moments.
funeral for the girl i was - fanny alexandra
The verdict
“fanny alexandra turns self-grief into dark, cinematic alt-rock stunner”
funeral for the girl i was begins like a fragile confession, with intimate lines that feel close enough to catch every breath. it's a arresting start, and i'm locked in right away. from there, it opens into a darker alternative rock chorus, moving between delicate vulnerability, heavier release and a rock-leaning bridge that pushes the emotion into full view. the chorus soars, and there's no doubt, this one's going in all our rock playlists.
fanny alexandra writes about grieving the person you used to be, the version of yourself that had to disappear so you could survive and become someone new. the song blends intimate alt-pop storytelling with alternative rock intensity, carried by a vocal that feels wounded, honest and direct. it turns pain into something cinematic, powerful and deeply cathartic. it's fantastic, and we look forward to the follow up.
thank u for making this fanny alexandra 🕯️
anna - roan grevel
The verdict
“roan grevel brings melancholy and muscular rock power into a fantastic single, 'anna'”
anna is a refined alternative rock track that balances emotional restraint with a strong instrumental build. it's got that fantastic 90s sounding vocal, melodic guitars and driving drums which give the song a compelling shape, and the mid section in particular stands out with brilliant guitar work. this moves from intimate reflection into a deeper place, and we're definitely a fan of where roan takes us.
roan grevel is a french singer-songwriter and musician shaping a sound rooted in european alternative rock. the track sits between nostalgic melancholy and modern energy, using structural shifts to reveal both rawness and vulnerability. its final stretch brings the guitar work into sharper focus, giving the song a sense of release after all that contained tension. it's a single that feels thoughtful, powerful and is definitely a standout rock track this month.
thank u for making this roan grevel 🇫🇷
shades of shame - kieran wallace
The verdict
“kieran wallace turns reckoning into a wonderfully warm-hearted rock anthem”
shades of shame is a soul-baring rock track with deep americana roots, driving chords and a high-energy australian edge. from its opening rhythm to its explosive climax, the song feels built for the open road, with soaring vocals and a lovely pulse that make its heavier themes feel alive. there's some lovely guitar work, but my absolute fave are the vocal melodies in this; warm, tastefully arranged and right to the heart.
kieran wallace is a melbourne-based singer-songwriter drawing from classic storytelling while keeping the sound crisp, current and immediate. this release looks at learning to live with yourself, facing old blame and finding release in the middle of the reckoning. rather than staying in the dark, it turns shame into motion, pairing vintage textures with modern impact and choruses that ask to be felt at full volume. a beautiful single, and we can't wait for our next road trip to blast this one out.
thank u for making this kieran wallace 🚗
welcome to the southland - stevie lee woods & the nrl band
The verdict
“stevie lee woods & the nrl band serve up a lovely dose of country-rock warmth in 'welcome to the southland'”
welcome to the southland is a summertime country-rock anthem with a big live feel, tight band energy and a chorus built for audience singalongs. the track leans into southern roots, family tradition and bright, open-hearted momentum, giving its rock edge a welcoming, all-ages lift. when paired with the video, you really catch the vibe and before i know it, i'm ready for a beer and a hang with my buddies.
stevie lee woods & the nrl band hail from branson, united states, led by woods, star of nashville roadhouse live. recorded at mansion studios in branson, the single brings together production from chris omartian, chris armstrong and stuart epps. it captures the band’s love of country music and performance, with the kind of energy that grows stronger when a room starts singing every line back. a great vibe, and we'd love t hear from from stevie lee woods.
thank u for making this stevie lee woods & the nrl band 🌞