The Horrorwood saga continues in Ice Nine Kills’ latest homage to Batman ‘89, “The Laugh Track” » // MELODIC Magazine

American heavy metal band Ice Nine Kills brings listeners into Gotham City on their latest crime-ridden single, “The Laugh Track,” inviting psychos everywhere to “dance with the devil in the pale moonlight.” 
Frontman Spencer Charnas steps into the shoes of Jack Nicholson’s Joker from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film, recreating the iconic parade takeover through the city. The music video incorporates multiple references known to Batman fans, including the symbolic bat signal, villain-creating acid...

Indie rockers Good Kid debut bittersweet new single, “Wall” » // MELODIC Magazine

Alternative rock group Good Kid has released their newest upbeat single, “Wall,” a catchy, bittersweet tune that looks back on a past relationship that has come to a close. 
About the new single, the band shares: 
“*’Wall’ is a story about running into your ex —*the ex. It’s about putting up walls, pretending you’re fine, even though a simple encounter at a vintage clothing shop can stir up everything you thought you left behind. […] This is the most uninhibited and unfiltered we’ve ever been, w...

Good Neighbours invite listeners into their home of good vibes in debut album, ‘Blue Sky Mentality’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “found u/me,” “Suburbs,” “Kids Can’t Sleep,” “Home”
Artists you may like: Royel Otis, Milky Chance, Fitz & The Tantrums
In just one year, English indie-rock duo Good Neighbours topped rock-alternative charts in 2024, were nominated for multiple British music awards, and their viral debut single “Home” gained multiple certifications worldwide, including Platinum in the US (RIAA) and Gold in the UK (BPI) — all before the official release of an album.
Good Neighbours are taking...

Wipe those tears and dial the phone: Zinadelphia releases the song to pick you up when you’re down in “Call Up Nancy” » // MELODIC Magazine

Philadelphia-based musician Zinadelphia debuted her latest single, “Call Up Nancy,” a jazzy anthem that urges listeners to turn to music and their best friends when times get tough.
The lovechild of Amy Winehouse, Gloria Gaynor, and Tammi Terrell, Zinadelphia is known for her harmonious blend of jazz, funk, Motown, and soul. “Call Up Nancy” is the perfect example of the singer-songwriter’s strength. 
While it’s easy to be frustrated with someone testing your nerves over and over again, to overan...

The Happy Fits will make you dance and cry with their latest album, ‘Lovesick’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “Wild In Love,” “Lovesick #1 (Misery),” “Everything You Do”
Artists you may like: iDKHOW, Phoneboy, Panic! At The Disco
The Happy Fits are back and better than ever: if you’ve been missing badass electric cello harmonies with an enchanting indie-rock sound, Lovesick is here to save the day. Lovesick has something for anyone looking for the classic, upbeat Happy Fits sound, the ballad and slower song enthusiasts, and those who want an album that keeps them on their toes. 
What...

Take a journey with Milky Chance on their latest album, ‘Trip Tape III’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “Camouflage,” “Naked And Alive,” “Bigger Than Us,” “Passion”
Artists you may like: Sofi Tukker, Almost Monday, Young The Giant
If you know and love the German indie-rock band Milky Chance for their distinct blend of folk and electronic sounds, paired with their signature groovy vibe, you’re in luck! The dynamic duo of vocalist/guitarist Clemens Rehbein and bassist/percussionist Philipp Dausch stick to their roots in their latest collection of music, Trip Tape III, supplying y...

Young The Giant presents their latest awe-inspiring EP, ‘In The Open Volume One’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended tracks: “Mind Over Matter,” “Bitter Fruit,” “Apartment”
Artists you may like: Death Cab for Cutie, The Lumineers, Silversun Pickups
Just when you think that Young The Giant can’t get more angelic, they open the sky and a new compilation of ethereal songs descends from the heavens. Young The Giant released the first compilation of their stripped-back songs, In The Open Volume One, on September 2, featuring six reimagined, laid-back versions of previously released tunes.  
Beginning in...

DIAMANTE slays the supernatural in new music video for “Silver Bullet” » // MELODIC Magazine

Glam-rock powerhouse DIAMANTE is a force to be reckoned with. 
The Coming In Hot singer is unapologetically herself in an epic 80s-Thriller inspired music video for her energizing summer single “Silver Bullet.”
Comparable to legendary women in rock such as Bonnie Tyler, Joan Jett, and Lita Ford, the rising rockstar continues her message of female empowerment in this latest head-bang-worthy jam: 
“When she was a little girl / She knew she wanted the world / Nobody could kill her shine / There was...

Silversun Pickups’ epic return to The Wellmont Theater, New Jersey 8/23/25 | Photos & Review

American rock band Silversun Pickups continue to treat New Jersey well. Stopping by what seems to be their favorite venue, the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ, remains a staple on their headlining tours!

While this tour has several different openers throughout its four-month run, NJ was lucky enough to be blessed with the rock throwbacks from Kentucky, Girl Tones!

Sister-duo Kenzie and Laila served as an incredible opener to the night. My introduction to them was their angst-ridden singl...

AJR explore ‘What No One’s Thinking’ in latest EP — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

The wait is finally over: New York’s finest trio AJR finds a way to somehow sound completely different from their usual style, yet produce a project that sounds so authentically them at the same time. All of this is wrapped up tidily with a bow on their latest EP, What No One’s Thinking. 
In this folksy five-song collection, the Met brothers — Adam, Jack, and...

grandson sets the revolution in motion with exhilarating new record, ‘INERTIA’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

grandson is pissed (and rightfully so). 
In a time where one can either turn to violence in response to the frustrations of the world or bury themselves under a rock for safety, Jordan Benjamin, better known as grandson, opens up another outlet to deal with the anger: music.
INERTIA is thirty minutes of pure fury at full force. If you’re...

Balu Brigada walk listeners through the ‘Portal’ with captivating debut record — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “Backseat,” “Politix,” “Sideways”
Artists You May Like: almost monday, Beach Weather, Royel Otis
Indie rock band Balu Brigada proves that they are far from one-hit wonders and a true force to be reckoned with in the alternative music scene. Auckland natives Henry and Pierre Beasley released their debut record, Portal, on August 29 via Warner Music. While the brothers gained worldwide recognition by accompanying eclectic rock duo Twenty One Pilots on the worldwide Clancy World...

‘Oh my god, she likеs The Happy Fits!’ Falling in love with the Lovesick single “Do You See Me?” » // MELODIC Magazine

The Happy Fits have done it again: The New Jersey natives spoil fans with another beautiful single off their forthcoming studio album, Lovesick, set to debut on September 19. 
Blending orchestral sounds and dramatic lyrics reminiscent of early Panic! At The Disco and The Brobecks, “Do You See Me?” surprises us as it does a complete 180 from the previous upbeat, 80s-sounding single, “Wild in Love.”
Starting on the much softer side, this song gracefully showcases vocalist/cellist Calvin Langman’s...

Glass Animals feed listeners “Vampire Bat,” a delicious track to sink your teeth into » // MELODIC Magazine

After a summer of teasing fans with hidden USB drives and kiwi keychains placed around New York City, the “Heat Waves” band officially debuted their latest single since their 2024 album, I Love You So F***ing Much.
“Vampire Bat” is a whimsical track that combines the usual sparkle of a Glass Animals song with marching band beats and cheerful synthesizer, with vocals much deeper than expected from the indie rock band. The tone contrasts from the more sinister narrative, which suggests a story of...

3 Dollars perform in Debonair Music Hall, Teaneck, NJ – 3/28/25 - WMSC 90.3 FM

I first discovered 3 Dollars at their performance at Kudo Society in 2023 – WMSC had the pleasure of hosting them for an episode of our live music performance show WMSC Unplugged, and I had the incredible displeasure of being out of town on that date.  Disappointed, I welcomed them BACK to our studio the following year where my partner-in-musical-crime (and now music director) Amber Bintliff asked the inevitable question – Why three dollars? 
The answer to that question is one I won’t spoil – Yo...

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus performs in Teaneck, NJ – 3/14/25 - WMSC 90.3 FM

If I was tasked with making an “emo essentials” playlist, there is no doubt that several songs by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus would be among the first additions. 

Listening to this band… honestly since I’ve understood music as “a thing”… I was delighted to see they were performing at a venue so close to me. What did I do to deserve this?
 
The openers of the night were incredible, setting the tone (and setting the bar) for the rest of the night– First up was Philly’s own alt-rock band Sleep Cycl...

Alt duo MISSIO rocks Mercury Lounge in NYC - 3/12/25 - WMSC 90.3 FM

Electronic duo MISSIO never fails to impress. MISSIO announced their I Am Cinco North American Tour in late November, supporting their fifth studio album “I Am Cinco” in May 2024.  
MISSIO were one of those bands that got me through the rough parts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it was a troubling time for everyone, they made sure that their fans knew that they were never alone. They released a great documentary titled “Love Me Whole” in May of 2020, giving a behind the scenes look into the pr...

Montclair Life Captured by MSU Photojournalism Students

In the fall of 2024, students in Professor Thomas Franklin’s Intro to Photojournalism class at Montclair State University documented Montclair life. This photo essay features a selection of their work, capturing a variety of scenes that reflect the town’s diversity. From busy streets to quiet moments, the photos offer a straightforward look at the community through the lenses of student photographers.

NIGHTMARE BEFORE SPINSMAS SPREADS MUSICAL CHEER ON DEBONAIR MUSIC HALL - 12/20/24 - WMSC 90.3 FM

It was like The Spins knew exactly what I needed to celebrate the end of the fall semester… 
New Jersey band The Spins celebrated the holiday season with their debut Nightmare Before Spinsmas at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, NJ. The WMSC Unplugged alum explained that they typically have an annual Halloween show, but missed out on the chance this year – And thus, the Halloween Holiday Bash in the middle of December was born! 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The lineup was New Jersey through and through, beginn...

Cage The Elephant and Young The Giant – in Holmdel, NJ, 8/24/24 - WMSC 90.3 FM

I would see this lineup a thousand times over again if I could!
 
I listen to a lot of music (like… a lot). A question that is often asked of music enthusiasts is “what is your favorite song?” What a daunting question that is! Luckily, I have landed on an answer years ago that remains true to this day: “Cold Cold Cold” by Cage the Elephant. 
The moment the “Neon Pill” tour was announced, I knew I had to be there. If Cage the Elephant alone wasn’t enough to convince me, seeing that Young the Gian...

SOUNDTRACK TO DEMOCRACY WCRD 2024 MUSIC PICKS - WMSC 90.3 FM

“Thoughts and Prayers” – grandson
Review by Emily “Emol” McCormack
When prompted to write anything relating to political music, my go-to is always a song by grandson. While I typically review his song “Blood // Water,” the song that started my love for him and his music, he has plenty of other politically motivated songs in his discography. Released the same year as the Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting, his 2018 single “Thoughts and Prayers” is just as applicable to our present political climate as it was six years ago...

SUMMER 2024 MUSIC PICKS! - WMSC 90.3 FM

“whatthehellishappening?” – Glass Animals*
Review by Emily McCormack
When a favorite artist of mine releases a new album, sometimes it takes me a little while to “get around” to listening to it. I want to fully absorb it… I didn’t quite get to listening to Glass Animals’ latest album I Love You So F**King Much in time for their concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC, and decided I rather listen to some of the new songs in person for the first time, rather than rush to listen to the studio recordings beforehand. This was an AMAZING DECISION. The UK band never disappoints with their upbeat energy, story-driven visuals, and making for an overall enjoyable experience from all ends of a concert venue. The set opened with “whatthehellishappening,” and upon first listen I LOVED this song. The song doesn’t skip a beat, and the audience was immediately brought into the space-themed story that is Glass Animals latest project through a space-ship journey – leaving the audience wondering what the heck is happening, but more than happy to go along for the ride![...]
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