Reels GFY by Simian Politik is an active alternative indie rock song led by lowish-gain distorted guitar riff with a definite live music feel.  I really love the groove that the active bass line provided on top of the steady drums, as it gives the song movement and intensity, and is mixed in nicely to accomplish just that.  The vocals are not sung, but more poetically performed, giving a feel that many 90's grunge bands would use.

Pools are Perfect for Holding Water by Glory Fell is a heavy metalcore song that has a mixture of melodic pop-punk vocals and metal screaming that tag team in a way I never knew needed to happen!  The instrumentation is spot on, with blasting high-gain heavy guitars, booming active bass, and drums that never rest.  The rhythm changeups by the drums are very tasteful and create an atmosphere of intensity that is hard to match.  That drummer is always feeling the music and not afraid to lead the charge with the feel and direction of the song.  So impressive!

 Refoulement by Ashen Skies is an incredibly heavy blast to the face with amazing guitar sound, giant booming bass, active crushing drums, and some of the best vocals to ever hit heavy metal rock.  I hate to assign it to a genre, as it is consistent mix of heavy metal, alternative, metalcore and more, and it hits just right. Nik Barker is a very notable name that led me here, as he is the incredible former lead vocalist of Twelve Foot Ninja.  If you've listened to them, you'll know he can sing any genre you throw at him with perfection...even well outside of rock.  His versatility is something special, and he's demonstrating it throughout this whole brand new album that they just released.  The dynamics, harmonies, etc. are jaw dropping. I chose Refoulement to add to the Hidden Scrolls Sensei's Choice playlist because it wastes no time getting to the nitty gritty of this top-notch new sound.  They are purposely exploring an unrestricted creative process wit...