For this month’s listening party, we decided to dive into the theme of Anger…
Not the kind of anger that just explodes and disappears, but the kind that sits under the surface. The kind that comes from being overlooked, overwhelmed, mistreated, misunderstood, or just plain tired of pretending everything is fine. These songs don’t try to smooth it over. They sit in it, shout through it, question it, and sometimes turn it into something powerful.
There are 6 songs featured in this collection, handpicked by Jenna and Andie, with 3 tracks submitted from each of them to our community. Together, they shape a really layered look at what anger can sound like when it shows up in music. Not just as something loud or explosive, but as something deeply human. Something that comes from pressure, burnout, injustice, relationships, and the moments where words alone don’t feel like enough.
Jenna’s writes:
Protest Anger – Noah and the loners
“Protest anger is about the rage I felt at the severe mistreatment of peaceful protests over the past few years. From women dragged across the floor at a candlelight vigil by police, to a law being passed, essentially banning anti-government protests all together whilst enforcing more ruthless, violent policing; this song is our way of calling out all that is wrong with the system, and in essence is our own form of protest.”
I was immediately drawn into the bands chaotic and passionate sound. The write up they sent in with their track stood out to me. I was taken back to a few years ago, during a high stress time. This track perfectly captures those raw feelings and helps release anger. I can’t wait to check out some more recent ones from the group.
Not Running Away – Ludiosis
“This is a hard rock riff based song which builds to an emotive climax with raw vocal delivery. It’s about trying to break out of a box or mold that you and others see you in and the doubts and fears that often keep you there.”
I could really feel the message in every lyric LUDIOSIS delivers on this track. I liked this different perspective on anger, one that doesn’t just sit in rage but also carries other strong emotions like shame and fear. There’s something really compelling about how it blends all of that into one emotional space. LUDIOSIS has an incredible energy that keeps you locked into every moment, holding onto each line as it unfolds. The lyrics feel open, honest, and unfiltered in a way that makes the track feel very real and human. It’s an approach to anger that feels layered rather than one-dimensional, and I’m excited to hear more from them.
Inside Out – Scarlett Trantrum
“A powerful indie rock release that captures emotional intensity with cinematic depth and fearless vulnerability. Hailing from Carthage, North Carolina, she continues carving their lane in modern rock with a sound that blends moody production, immersive atmosphere, and deeply personal lyricism.”
Scarlet Tantrum has a unique sound and high energy that captivates me as a listener from the very start. I found myself hanging onto every word and electric riff as the track builds and unfolds. The song moves between restraint and release, creating this push-and-pull feeling that mirrors the emotional tension at its core. The honest and raw lyrics really stood out to me, especially in how they expose vulnerability without holding anything back. Scarlet puts herself on the line with this emotional track, turning obsession and intensity into something both powerful and relatable. It was a perfect sound for our anger listening party, not just because of its energy, but because of how it channels emotion in such an unfiltered way. Like every other track on this playlist, I felt the emotions throughout, and this one in particular lingers long after it ends.
Andie writes:
VIP Pass by Elaris Evolet
This didnt feel just like a song to me, it was like a page ripped straight out of a journal. Elaris Evolet wrote this because she’s so done. Done with the 2-3 job grind, done with “Wingstop money” disappearing into gas prices, and done with the fake “good life” on social media. It’s a high-energy pop track, but the lyrics are pure outrage. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working your life away just to stay underwater while everyone else gets a free pass, this is literally your anthem. You’re not alone, and it’s okay to be mad about it!!!
Fight by Cat Nap
Cat Nap delivers this gritty indie-rock track that skips the fluff and goes straight for the bullseye of anger. While the “powerful” people are building bunkers and looking for the exit, this song is about staying put and fighting for something better. Inspired by the raw energy of artists like Hole and Courtney Barnett, it’s a reminder that we still have power in our words, our music, and our refusal to just give up. It’s loud and it’s like this urgent call.
Passion & Pain by P.S.Y.C –
In the track submission doc of this artist, P.S.Y.C. originally wrote this back in 2017 during a heavy season of life, and after sitting on it for seven years, he finally released it. With vibes that sit right between Mac Miller and Logic, it’s real-deal hip-hop with a soul. It’s this mix of looking back at past mistakes and finding the spark to start a total revival. If you’re into music that actually says something and feels human, I recommend this hip-hop guy!!!
For Jenna’s top 5 picks:
I picked these songs because each one stood out in a different way and together they perfectly capture the theme of sadness. Starting with Sad Song by Scott Quinn, this track was actually sent to us back in 2022 and it still feels so relevant today. It reminds me of emotional ballads like Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi or i’m so tired… by Lauv and really captures the complex feelings of living with a broken heart.
Good Ones by CEDAR caught my attention right away with the lyrics and sharp vocals. It is so raw and real and unlike most pop songs it doesn’t just talk about happiness or perfect endings. It’s an empowering anthem about choosing yourself even in the hard times.
Anything for You is a song that stopped me in my tracks. I won’t lie I teared up the first time I heard it. The artist made it for his mom who is in rehab and you can feel that love in every note. It’s hard not to connect with it and be moved.
Sadness by Aleks doesn’t have any words but the chords and piano perfectly capture the feeling of sadness. It gives you space to sit with it and reflect and is a beautiful complement to the rest of the songs.
We close with Lost Moment, another piano-driven track. Like Aleks’ song it doesn’t need words to convey sadness. Its neo-classical, felt-piano style creates a quiet, lingering emotional impact. This is a great song to end with, when the strings come in it HITS hard. I’m transported to a completely different place in time.
Like every other listening party, we heard some amazing tracks that truly captured the emotional theme for the month. Sad songs are powerful, emotions are powerful, crying while listening to music is a beautiful thing, andI was more than pleasantly surprised and can’t wait for the next listening party.
Check out the Sadness Listening Party, Hope Listening Party, Joy Listening Party, Fear Listening Party, and the Love Listening Party here!
Give these artists a follow on their social media!
Elaris Evolet | https://instagram.com/elarisevolet?utm_source=qr
Cat Nap | https://instagram.com/cat_nap_the_band/
P.S.Y.C | https://instagram.com/psycg_
Scarlett Tantrum https://www.instagram.com/sodehrecords
Noah Noah and the Loners (@noahandtheloners) • Instagram photos and videos
Track Listing
- VIP PASS – Elaris Evolet
- Fight – Cat Nap
- Passion & Pain – P.S.Y.C.
- Inside Out – Scarlet Tantrum
- Protest Anger – Noah and the Loners
- Not Running Away – Radio Edit – LUDIOSIS
Playlist image by Andrea Cassani on Unsplash