The must-hear new songs by Phoenix musicians of June 2023

Tassel, 'deepest pit'

If you haven't heard of Tassel, then you're in for hybrid music like you've rarely ever heard before. The outfit claims to fuse "industrial, EBM and punk" influences for a "haunting sound for the new generation." And that pretty much sums up the six tracks of their recently-released "NEW COVENANT" — minimalist electronic music that's made for dancing in the darkest corner of the most dramatic goth club around town. But as the standout "deepest pit" quickly demonstrates, there's something deeper going on here. Whether it's the peaks and valleys of the sonics, the sheer emotional intent and/or just the inventive structures, it's a song that proves Tassel to be everything they claim to be and so, so much more.

Simulation, 'Poisoned Identity'

We've written a few times about the folks at Total Peace. The tiny boutique label releases everything from hardcore to experimental music, and their commitment to whatever sounds good feels like a proper encapsulation of our own fair city. In June, the label had something of a banner month with a handful of new releases, including a self-titled five-track EP from the band Simulation. Sure, they hail from the Bay Area — and also feature members of another underground fave in Repo Man — but there's a great reason they landed the Total Peace seal of approval. Just listen to "Poisoned Identity," a snarling hardcore jam with big energy and bigger intentions that feels more than at home in the canon of proper Phoenix punk rock.

Eterno Ritorno, 'Ossa'

Oh, hey, it's another release from Total Peace. Their banner month of June featured six tapes total, also including the latest from Eterno Ritorno. This one's extra-special, as the band hail from the Italian region of Veneto and "make propulsive hardcore reminiscent of Disper-Azione and Nog Watt," according to the label. Credit for Total Peace for representing our shared aesthetic on the global stage of great experimental punk and electronic music. But mostly credit to Eterno Ritorno for "Ossa," a standout of the four-track effort. It's a frenetic and frills-free slice of punk that'll have you smashing the walls and ceilings in no time.

Andy the Giant, 'Breathless'

Los Vendidos call themselves the "world's greatest rock band." They also claim they'll knock your socks "clear across the room." So, then, does the same hold true for "Breathless," a three-track collection of bare-bones folk-pop from member Andy "Andy the Giant" Boyd? Well, let's take a second to dissect the title track. Upon first listen, you may notice that your socks are still firmly planted on both feet. However, there's a certain charm to Andy the Giant; his unassuming, slightly nerdy approach to DIY folk reads like a slightly more awkward take on Kimya Dawson. The end result isn't exactly mind- or life-altering, but it's weird and quaint enough that you just might throw your socks off in solidarity.

Beyond All Doubt, 'Replenished'

If you call your band Beyond All Doubt, two things are true: 1. you're into metal and hardcore bands with similarly deliberate names and 2. you chose it because the name has some potential for wordplay and/or sick graphic design across both merch and album covers. Both seem to be true for this Phoenix outfit, as their latest album is not only called "B.A.D. Demonstration" but it features some truly solid font choices. But that doesn't mean the record isn't also quite "bad" — just take a listen to "Replenished." Here, B.A.D.'s fusion of bone-crushing metal and head-smashing hardcore ring the clearest, a track that will spark immediate reactions in pits everywhere. Because being badass doesn't mean you can't have fun with it, right?

Butoh Sonics, 'Unveiling of the Inner Life'

There have been live albums recorded in some historic and iconic venues. Now, while The Trunk Space isn't exactly, say, Red Rocks or Madison Square Garden, it's nonetheless special and important to Phoenix. And perhaps that's why the avant-garde outfit Butoh Sonics opted to record a new live album from the venerated indie venue. The record, which honors the recently deceased local artist Michael 23, is centered primarily around the 43-minute "Unveiling of the Inner Life" (though other tracks were also recorded during the June 21 gig). Don't let the daunting runtime defer you, either. Listening to it is like sitting through an entire gig in a tiny club while also flying through some bizarre alternate dimension of angular sounds.

Madilyn Mei, 'Claire Jones'

At just 19 years old, Madilyn Mei is like a lot of other young and hungry artists trying to make a name for themselves. She's gigging fairly often (including dates outside Arizona); her social media game is pretty tight; and she not only writes her own music but also does artwork and all that jazz. All of that hard work and dedication seems to be paying off in at least the one big way it matters: making great music. Mei's debut album "To Exist With You" is packed with 12 solid bedroom pop tunes, and that includes the standout, "Claire Jones." From the simple but playful instrumentation to Mei's own effervescent harmonies, it's a track that'll have you swooning so hard the earth might shift under your very feet.