Vale, Chester Bennington

Linkin Park vocalist and clearly beloved human, Chester Bennington has died, leaving behind a legacy. The band’s take on nü-metal-influenced rock, in their debut Hybrid Theory was grand and dynamic—with excellent, crisp production. (That record garnered them the best-selling album of 2001.) Bennington’s showmanship was theatrical and powerful, and as Stereogum’s Tom Breihan eloquently puts it, “His fiery wail has never been a cool thing, …

Samantha Urbani: Hints And Implications

From her highly anticipated debut solo EP Policies Of Power, Samantha Urbani’s ’80s-inspired jam “Hints And Implications” is utterly addictive. With plenty of retro touches (including power riffs and that drum machine), it’s a punchy track that manages to steer clear of sounding like a throwback. Along with her breathy vocals, Urbani has crafted a piece of power-pop that is wildly catchy—and includes one glorious …

Melina Mae: Time Off Work

Before heading out on her tour, Jay Som (aka Melina Duterte) released a bunch of “impulsive songs” under the moniker Melina Mae, one being “Time Off Work.” The hazy, psychedelic tune is perfectly frowzy—aptly matching the song’s title. The lyrics are kept to a minimum, but illustrate a mood wholly; “Baby’s got a job / She don’t want it anymore.”