THE LOCALIST: JUNE 2026 WRAP UP

COAST TOWN’s latest single release is a collaboration with Manila-based vocalist belle eve. The song receives further support from local talents Pauline Tolentino and Caleb Khuu on vocals and guitar respectively. The band’s heavily reverbed soundscape and spacey instrumentation comfortably complement belle eve’s gentle and ethereal vocal performance. 

The debut EP from Shrieking is a relentless, abrasive and unforgiving musical experience. Dissonant screams and shrieks harmonize with high tempo drum machines and electronic synths with the album segmented by four brief interludes, each uniquely different from the rest of the project. Living up to its title, Shrieking playfully toes the line between music and noise.  

With eight tracks and a runtime of just over fifteen minutes, rhx34’s latest addition to their burgeoning discography manages to cover vast sonic ground despite its brevity.  The album blends acoustic guitar, audio samples, heavily autotuned vocals, and a variety of electronic synths and effects, culminating in a sound that is truly unique. 

With a sound and style reminiscent of 90s downtempo hip-hop, “360°” oozes with nostalgia. The track has a slow, relaxed and introspective flow, combining laid-back vocals with undeniably catchy lo-fi synth loops as the foundation for the song’s key melodies. The mellow instrumentation allows space for the vocal performance, which explores themes of change and personal growth.  

“Antidote” is Awake & Dreaming’s second single release of 2026 and is anticipated to be on their debut album Inevitable, slated for release later this summer. The song features slow piano-driven melodies, soft rock guitars, and a powerful performance from lead vocalist Sasha Kristoff which brings a welcome balance to the song, rather than detracting from its delicacy.

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp.