We Speak Music
Sam Gelston Unleashes New Album ‘See Through Now’
There is something refreshingly fearless about Sam Gelston’s See Through Now. At a time when many artists chase perfection through endless revisions and digital refinement, Gelston takes the opposite approach, embracing spontaneity, vulnerability, and the unpredictable nature of genuine human expression. The Boston-based singer-songwriter’s latest album feels less like a polished product and more like a direct line into his creative and emotional world.
Recorded entirely in his bedroom and performed solely by Gelston himself, the album’s lo-fi framework becomes one of its greatest strengths. Rather than obscuring the songs, the raw production enhances them, creating a sense of intimacy that draws listeners closer with every track. Vocal imperfections, subtle mistakes, and unfiltered performances are left untouched, allowing the music to breathe naturally and honestly.
Musically, See Through Now sits comfortably between alternative rock, folk, and indie songwriting traditions. Influences such as Elliott Smith, Big Star, and Jeff Buckley are evident throughout, yet Gelston never feels derivative. His distinctive voice and unconventional songwriting instincts give the record its own identity, one built on emotional candor and artistic curiosity.
The album’s tracklist is filled with compelling moments. The brilliantly titled opener, “I’m Coming to LA to Kill You,” balances dark humor with heartfelt affection, immediately establishing the emotional complexity that defines the record. Elsewhere, songs like “Who You Are,” “IDKY,” and “Lazy Too” navigate relationships, self-doubt, and depression with a level of honesty that feels both courageous and relatable.
Perhaps most impressive is Gelston’s ability to find beauty in unlikely places. Tracks such as “Somethings Last a While” showcase a writer unafraid to use unsettling imagery or unconventional language to express universal emotions. Rather than seeking easy resolutions, the songs invite listeners to sit with ambiguity, uncertainty, and contradiction.
By the time the closing track, “Make It Make Sense,” arrives, See Through Now reveals itself as Gelston’s most affecting work to date. Written following his diagnosis of kidney failure and preserved from an irreplaceable iPhone demo, the song delivers a powerful emotional conclusion. The album as a whole stands as a testament to the enduring power of honesty in songwriting and firmly establishes Sam Gelston as a uniquely compelling voice in contemporary independent music.
We Speak Music
The Refusers Ignite a Call for Rebellion with Explosive New Single “Buck The System” (Out July 5)
Seattle rock outfit delivers a blistering anthem for a generation frustrated by political dysfunction, economic inequality, and technological disruption
SEATTLE, WA – The Refusers are turning up the volume on resistance with the release of their powerful new single, “Buck The System,” the title track from their upcoming 14-song album of the same name. Fueled by raw punk energy, searing guitars, and unapologetic lyrics, the song captures the growing frustration of everyday people who feel abandoned by political institutions, threatened by economic uncertainty, and marginalized by powerful elites.
What began as a simple song title scribbled on a sheet of paper quickly evolved into the centerpiece of the band’s most ambitious project to date. For songwriter and frontman Michael Belkin, “Buck The System” represents a sentiment shared by millions worldwide.
“People are tired of being ignored, manipulated, and left behind,” says Belkin. “Whether it’s politicians breaking promises, corporations replacing workers with AI, or billionaires gaining more power while ordinary people struggle, there’s a growing feeling that the system no longer serves the people. ‘Buck The System’ is about standing up, pushing back, and reclaiming your voice.”
The track taps into the rich tradition of protest music pioneered by artists such as Bob Marley, Rage Against the Machine, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Public Enemy, and The Clash. With driving Gibson Les Paul guitars, roaring Marshall amplifiers, and the unmistakable punch of a Hammond B3 organ, The Refusers deliver a modern protest anthem with a classic punk-rock spirit.
The song’s defiant chorus leaves no room for ambiguity:
“We won’t kneel, we won’t break. Every chain we’re gonna shake. Rise above and take it back. No retreat, no turning back.”
As the track builds, the band issues an unmistakable call to action:
“One by one we flood the streets. A million fists, a million beats. They can build their walls up high. We will tear them from the sky.”
Recorded during an intense two-week studio session, “Buck The System” is one of fourteen hard-hitting tracks featured on the forthcoming album. Other standout songs include “Fat Cats,” “Get Off My Back,” “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Deep State,” “Rise Above,” and “Conspiracy Theory,” each tackling themes of power, corruption, media influence, and personal freedom.
Far from promoting any specific political ideology, The Refusers channel a broader spirit of popular resistance against entrenched systems of power. Their music speaks to listeners across the political spectrum who feel disconnected from institutions that no longer represent their interests.
The Refusers have built a passionate following of more than 228,000 Facebook fans by refusing to shy away from controversial topics and delivering music with a message. Their trademark sound combines heavy rock guitar riffs, driving rhythms, Hammond organ textures, and provocative lyrics that challenge listeners to question conventional narratives.
Belkin draws inspiration from his experiences navigating corporate and institutional environments, carrying forward a philosophy he embraced while attending UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business: “Question the Status Quo.” That principle remains at the heart of The Refusers’ music and mission.
Hailing from Seattle, The Refusers feature:
- Michael Belkin – Songwriter, Lead Vocals, Guitar
- Steve Newton – Bass, Backing Vocals
- Tom Basher – Drums
- Jordan Pitre – Hammond Organ
At a time when public dissatisfaction with politics, economic inequality, and global conflict continues to grow, The Refusers have crafted a soundtrack for those unwilling to remain silent.
With “Buck The System,” the band delivers more than just another rock song—they deliver a rallying cry for anyone ready to challenge the status quo.
“Buck The System” will be available on all major streaming platforms on July 5.
About The Refusers
The Refusers are a Seattle-based rock band known for their unapologetic blend of hard rock, punk attitude, and socially conscious songwriting. Combining Les Paul guitars, Marshall amplifiers, Hammond B3 organ, and fearless lyrical commentary, The Refusers create music that challenges conventional thinking while delivering high-energy performances. Their upcoming album, Buck The System, continues the band’s mission of speaking truth to power through music.
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