Alt-rock duo Gardenia are making big noise with just two people. On their new EP Don’t Look Up, Ryan Zakin and Tamir Malik channel thunderous drums, distorted bass riffs, and sharp, storytelling lyrics that reflect daily occurrences as well as the chaos of the world around them. Produced by Jack Shirley (Gouge Away, Deafheaven), the three-song release pushes their sound to new heights. We spoke with the band about breaking through creative blocks, optimizing studio spaces, stoner rock and underrated records. Check out the our interview to learn “6 Things” about New York’s Gardenia.

Imagine yourself walking through an eerie and enchanting world scored by the sounds of 90’s alt-rock. That’s what listening to Faint Illusions, the new EP by Austin grunge band Farmer’s Wife, is like. In our “6 Things W/”feature, the band dives deep into their songwriting process, DIY visual aesthetic, and touches on how skate games, horror films, and sad girl Notes app reflections all collide in their music.

Miami alternative band Ex Monarch blends 90s grunge with modern rock. Their most recent single “Rotten,” which we featured as one of our faves back in October, the band calls “an honest expression of grief.” 

“We want our music to create a sense of empathy, and a space to expand the conversation and destigmatize topics that are hard to talk about,” says vocalist Amanda Pasler.

In our “6 Things W/Ex Monarch” the band touches on sonic influences, creating a balance on social media, guilty pleasures and more.

Salt Lake City band NADEZHDA released their debut EP Battery in January. The release explores the social ramifications of capitalism and the effects of the illusory “American Dream.” Through the darkness, the band remains optimistic. Described as "hardcore's Fleetwood Mac," they merge influences from punk, grunge, and alt-rock. In our Q&A with the 5-piece, we discuss the band’s origin story, their approach to recording, influences, and more.