We Speak Music

The Maddocks Strike Gold with Anthemic New Single ‘Benny Says’

Published

5 months ago

November 29, 2024

The Maddocks have carved a well-deserved place in the indie scene, and their latest single, “Benny Says,” solidifies their reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the UK. With its pulsating rhythms, swirling guitars, and an explosive crescendo, this track is a heady mix of post-punk grit and psychedelic flair that’s impossible to ignore.

The band—hailing from Stockport and consisting of George Edwards (vocals & lead guitar), Siobhán Lally (bass), Ed Gibbins (drums), and Alex Tollerfield (rhythm guitar)—channels influences from Fontaines D.C., Tame Impala, and The Strokes, while still managing to craft a sound distinctly their own. “Benny Says” is a testament to this: raw, rebellious, and brimming with unfiltered emotion. The song dives deep into the psyche of its protagonist, weaving a tale of self-reflection through layers of infectious melody and a rhythm section that commands attention.

The track’s high-octane energy isn’t just a studio creation—it has long been a standout in the band’s live performances, where it has become a crowd favorite since 2022. This energy is part of what sets The Maddocks apart; their live shows are electric, bursting with a palpable chemistry and a rare authenticity that makes their music resonate even more powerfully.

“Benny Says” also serves as a precursor to their forthcoming EP, The Mind Palace, hinting at a bold evolution in their sound. It’s clear that the band is unafraid to experiment, pushing boundaries while staying grounded in the gritty Northern ethos that has defined their music thus far. The Maddocks’ ability to balance experimentation with accessibility is particularly noteworthy, ensuring that their music connects deeply with both loyal fans and new listeners.

The single arrives at a pivotal moment for the band, as they prepare for their biggest headline show yet at Manchester Academy 3 in March 2025. If “Benny Says” is any indication, The Maddocks are poised to deliver not just an unforgettable performance but a lasting impact on the indie music landscape.

With its anthemic quality and euphoric energy, “Benny Says” is more than just a song—it’s a declaration of intent. The Maddocks are here, they’re evolving, and they’re ready to take 2025 by storm. If you’re looking for the next band to dominate your playlist, look no further.

We Speak Alternative

GINO BLACK RELEASES IMMERSIVE INSTRUMENTAL SINGLE “THE DREAMER”

Published

10 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Ethan Cole

THE DREAMER – A cinematic journey for visionary minds, blending ambient soul, lo-fi textures, and hip-hop rhythm.

Every now and then, an instrumental comes along that doesn’t just play in the background — it speaks, it moves, it stirs something ancient and unnamed within you. Gino Black’s latest release, “THE DREAMER,” is exactly that kind of sonic experience. It isn’t just a track — it’s a soundtrack for visionaries, an audio canvas painted with colors you’ve only seen behind closed eyes.

A Journey Through the Subconscious
Clocking in at just under four and a half minutes, THE DREAMER unfolds like a meditation — equal parts therapeutic and cinematic. From the opening chords, you’re suspended in a cloud of lo-fi ambiance, textured synth layers, and soulful keys that beckon you inward. It’s as if Gino Black cracked open the subconscious and translated its language into rhythm.

The beat is subtle, never intrusive, but it pulses like a quiet heartbeat — steady, deliberate, and full of intent. There are no vocals here, and none are needed. Every note is its own verse. Every chord change is a plot twist in a story only the listener can truly understand.

This is music that trusts its listener. It’s not here to instruct or entertain in a traditional sense. It’s here to accompany you — wherever you need to go, mentally or emotionally.

A Sonic Manifesto
Gino Black, known for his unique fusion of cinematic hip-hop, soul, and ambient production, has built a sonic identity that leans heavily on emotional gravity. With THE DREAMER, he deepens that identity. It’s minimalistic, but never simple. Each sound is intentional, and the spaces between are just as powerful as the notes themselves.

There’s a philosophical quality to this release. It asks the listener
What does it mean to dream, especially in a world that demands you stay awake, alert, and grinding 24/7? 

This track doesn’t offer answers. Instead, it invites you to rest, to visualize, to imagine yourself beyond your circumstances — something revolutionary in today’s overstimulated culture.

A Reflection of the Artist
Behind the music is Gino Black, the South Florida-based producer, artist developer, and founder of Powerblast Worldwide. Formerly known for his cinematic rap collaborations and motivational podcast MUSIC THERAPY & MOTIVATION, Gino Black has become something of an underground philosopher-producer — the kind of artist who blends discipline with depth, hustle with healing.

He’s produced hits for artists like Ari Martin, She Loves No One, B0JACK, Cutty B. Spooky, and BOMBTHREAT, and his solo catalog reflects a man who has lived, struggled, evolved — and most importantly, learned how to articulate emotion without words.

In an industry still dominated by viral hooks and algorithmic trends, THE DREAMER feels like an act of quiet rebellion. It’s art for the sake of expansion — not just artistic, but human expansion.

Final Thoughts
THE DREAMER isn’t for everyone — and that’s its power. It’s not fast food for the ears. It’s a slow-cooked meal for the soul. It demands your presence. It rewards your stillness.
Whether you’re journaling under moonlight, visualizing your next big move, or just trying to breathe deeper than yesterday, this track provides the perfect sonic space to do it in.

⭐ RATING: 9.3 / 10
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