We Speak Music

How Dirt Flirt Turns Inner Turmoil into Anthemic Pop Gold

Published

54 minutes ago

June 19, 2025

In an era where pop artists often armor themselves in irony or perfection, Dirt Flirt emerges like a paper-cut to the heart—small, sharp, and unexpectedly lasting. Her self-titled debut EP doesn’t beg for attention; it bleeds for it. Across five tracks that flirt with synth-pop, emo, and electronic minimalism, the rising alt-pop voice unravels tales of heartbreak, identity, and the kind of quiet chaos that defines young adulthood.

Dirt Flirt’s sonic world is one of contradictions. Her music feels cinematic yet deeply intimate, like scrolling through texts from your ex while a sci-fi movie plays in the background. The EP opener, “Necklace,” sets the tone with its ominous beats and lyrical introspection, immediately positioning her not just as a singer, but as a storyteller navigating emotional gray areas. By the time you arrive at “Bodycount”—an anthemic, aching ballad about becoming someone else’s past tense—you’re fully submerged in the world she’s built: glitchy, emotional, and utterly human.

What makes Dirt Flirt special isn’t just her genre-blurring sound or polished production—it’s her radical emotional clarity. There’s no filter here. On “Boyfriend,” she wraps a queer coming-of-age heartbreak in pop hooks sharp enough to draw blood, while “Dramatic” invites listeners into the exhausting spiral of self-sabotage with a wink and a punch. These are songs that don’t just speak to misfits; they sing for them. For every person who’s ever ghosted someone out of fear, or kissed the wrong person for the right reason, Dirt Flirt has written a soundtrack.

In a crowded alt-pop landscape, Dirt Flirt’s debut is a rare thing: emotionally intelligent, sonically daring, and fully alive. She doesn’t just explore vulnerability—she weaponizes it.

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We Speak Music

Seb Adams’ Nostalgic Revival In New Album Is Where 90s Pop-Punk Meets Modern Magic

Published

10 minutes ago

June 19, 2025

Philomena Marie

Seb Adams returns with Bittersweet Nostalgia, an album that feels like a heartfelt letter from the past, stitched together with the sonic threads of 90s pop-punk and modern alt-rock. Following his 2022 debut, Between Awake & Fast Asleep, Adams deepens his sound and emotional reach, blending infectious energy with introspective lyricism. This is an album made not just for nostalgia’s sake, but for catharsis and growth.

The opening track, “Rearview Mirror,” sets the tone with its propulsive guitars and anthemic chorus, immediately capturing Adams’ desire to leave behind negativity while celebrating life. It’s a spirited introduction to a record that balances upbeat melodies with sincere vulnerability. The title Bittersweet Nostalgia perfectly encapsulates this delicate dance between joy and melancholy that runs throughout the album.

Adams wears his influences proudly, with clear nods to Green Day’s punk urgency and the emotional honesty of Jimmy Eat World. But what truly distinguishes this record is the infusion of gaming and internet culture. Tracks like “Guitar Hero III” bring a wistful, almost cinematic quality that is both personal and relatable, conjuring memories of simpler times with an arcade-inspired rock pulse.

Lyrically, the album is rich with themes of mental health, self-reflection, and evolving relationships. “More Than You Know” stands out as a poignant tribute to friendship lost, layered with heartfelt vocals and thoughtful instrumentation. Meanwhile, “Man In The Mirror” pulls no punches, tackling addiction and heartbreak with raw honesty—a reminder that Adams isn’t afraid to confront the darker aspects of life head-on.

Musically, Bittersweet Nostalgia is a textured blend of guitars, pianos, ukuleles, and synths, lending the album an organic yet contemporary feel. This DIY approach to production brings an authenticity that resonates deeply, making every track feel like a personal conversation. The upbeat energy never feels superficial; it’s grounded in real emotional experience.

Closing with a stripped-down reprise of “Worth Waiting For,” Adams leaves listeners with a message of hope and resilience. This album isn’t just a collection of songs — it’s a journey through the complexities of growing up and looking back with both fondness and clarity. Bittersweet Nostalgia is a refreshing reminder of music’s power to heal and inspire.

For fans of alt-rock and pop-punk with heart, Seb Adams delivers a compelling sophomore effort that balances nostalgia with forward momentum. It’s an album that feels deeply personal yet universally accessible — a fitting soundtrack for anyone navigating the bittersweet path of life.