MTS Records and MTS Management Group are on a roll, keeping the momentum alive with an electrifying mix of new rock releases. These tracks aren’t just songs—they’re bold statements, brimming with lyrical fire and sonic experimentation. From moody alt-pop to rootsy Americana and thundering melodic metal, the collection stretches across sounds, stories, and cultures. But at its heart, there’s one uniting force: an uncompromising commitment to authentic expression.
Leading this charge is Boston’s own Digney Fignus, whose upcoming single “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” drops June 20th. It’s a blistering blend of alt-folk attitude and Americana soul, drawn from his forthcoming record Black and Blue – The Brick Hill Sessions. Sharp in its lyricism and gritty in tone, Fignus takes aim at deception and doublespeak with razor-edge metaphor. It’s a track steeped in protest song tradition, yet it speaks directly to today’s chaotic world. Timeless and timely—this is music with teeth.
Shifting gears, Dutch alt-pop maestro Harry Kappen brings emotional gravity with “Break These Chains,” featured on his album Four. It’s a soaring anthem of self-liberation, wrapped in lush arrangements and cinematic swells. Kappen’s producer instincts are front and center, but it’s his raw, aching vocals that leave a lasting impression. The song pulses with hope and determination, a soundtrack for anyone trying to break free and rediscover their strength.
“Kelso Beach” by Noble Hops is a heartfelt, no-frills slice of Americana that finds strength in simplicity and truth. Written during a winter storm on the shores of Lake Erie, the track captures frontman Utah Burgess in a moment of quiet reflection, channeling gratitude, longing, and the hard-won wisdom of lived experience. With warm organ swells, gently strummed guitars, and a steady rhythm section, the song creates space for its central message—“my life’s been better with those I choose”—to resonate deeply. It’s not flashy or loud, but it lingers, like a good conversation by the fire, reminding us that the best songs often come from the cold.
The Perfect Storm follows with “We Fell in Love,” a shimmering piece from their LP Maiden Voyage. Airy synths float beneath velvet vocals, and the track flows like a love letter to midnight drives and fleeting romance. There’s a cinematic quality to the production, yet an intimate vulnerability cuts through, anchoring it in emotional truth. It’s a love song for dreamers and drifters alike.
Enter XDB, exploding onto the scene with “When the Love Is Gone.” This isn’t just a song—it’s a sonic reckoning. From their forthcoming album Gods of Aliens, the track is equal parts heartbreak and fury, laced with thunderous guitars and impassioned vocals. It’s operatic in scale, yet grounded in gut-wrenching emotion. With every chorus, XDB tears open their chest and dares you to look inside.
Finally, Canadian genre-hopper Ed Roman drops “Pawnshop Ghettoblaster,” a wild, defiant groove that smashes funk, rock, and punk into a glorious frenzy. The bass thumps, the lyrics whirl with surreal humor, and every note dares you to try and label it. Roman doesn’t play it safe—he plays it loud, weird, and wonderfully real.
Together, these six tracks represent more than a playlist—they’re a testament to MTS Records’ mission: championing music that breaks molds, defies genres, and says something worth hearing. Whether you’re drawn to the political punch of Fignus, the cathartic howl of XDB, or the offbeat genius of Roman, there’s something here that’s bound to hit home. Ditch the algorithm. Dive into something real.
Listen to the latest, greatest indie artists on the Best Indie on the Planet playlist!