Coming out of Boone in North Carolina, RIOT SON is an artist whose name speaks to both rebellion and emotional intensity. With origins in the Southern Appalachian landscape, his music channels the mix of beauty and turbulence that defines both the region and life from his own perspective. Through his work, RIOT SON explores the full sweep of life’s emotions; joy, heartbreak, love and pain, creating songs that entertain as well as connect with listeners searching for something real.
First stepping out an an artist in September 2023 with the debut single “Friday,” RIOT SON quickly began establishing himself as an artist able to instil feeling into his sound. Since then, he’s shared a steady string of impressive releases that showcase his range as a songwriter and his ability to craft music that flows across genres.
Now, RIOT SON returns with his latest release, bringing us his brand new single titled “Loneliest at Best,” the first installment of a forthcoming three-track EP. Linking up with German producer Magnet$u, the track is wrapped in the nostalgic tones of early 2000s emo and alternative rock, calling back to acts like Brand New and The Used.
RIOT SON filters those influences through his own lens, layering them with jangly post punk guitar textures with echoes of new waves aesthetics and infusing the whole track with a sense of engaging individuality. The song’s lyrics tackle the complex facets of relationships with heartfelt honesty, offering a reflective look at the ways affection and pain often intertwine.
Filtered in with the twang of bright guitar notes and lively shuffle of drums, the track swells with RIOT SON’s smooth vocal leads as he spins delicate melodies above the energising arrangement. Cut with memorable melodies carrying poignant lyricism, the uptempo patter of percussion and enveloping layers of guitar form a stunning indie rock listening experience that’s invigorating, dreamy and unique all at once.
Building to an epic finale of slick vocal bounces and surging instrumentation, “Loneliest at Best” presents a wholly absorbing sound that’s sure to win over fans around the world. With his upcoming debut EP with Magnet$u on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what this talented singer-songwriter has in store for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Listen to Loneliest at Best below
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