Dirty Costello – Pandemic (2025)
Delving into the alternative rock sounds of the 1990s, singer-songwriter Dirty Costello tips his hat to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Lenny Kravitz. Yet, as much as he drags us to yesteryear, there is a unique flair to Dirty Costello brimming with modern-day edginess making his music familiar but refreshingly new. As a kid of the 90s, I had my favourites – although I did have a bit more of a pop ear – so it’s delightful to enjoy nostalgic whispers of the past. Come with me as I jump headfirst into Dirty Costello’s debut single, ‘Pandemic’.
In collaboration with a producer/musician who wishes to remain anonymous, the UK-based Dirty Costello (also known as Michael 1ke) pours a sonic concoction of bright red alternative rock mixed with bold blue hits of funk, then a teensy peek of pop-rock shimmering in the background. As the debut single from this songster, it is a true hit of something fantastic to come. The soaring guitars and crashing drums flood the melody with raw energy – the type of energy that courses through your veins after drinking far too much caffeine. Interestingly, as much as ‘Pandemic’ twirls you about in rambunctious glee, there is a profound weightiness lingering in the lyrics.
With warm, rich vocals wriggling into your ears and rocking about your cranium, ‘Pandemic’ tackles those Covid-19 years. Similar to a musical documentary of sorts, Dirty Costello picks his way through people’s experiences at the time, strips it all bare, and offers vulnerability with a strong sense of resilience and empowerment. He explains:
“This song was inspired when the Earth stood still for months which was the Covid-19 pandemic. I wrote this song as a documentation of what we all witnessed at the time of the pandemic and the other goings on around the world at the time. It was a difficult time for humanity, so I wanted to write something to uplift souls…this song was written at the time of the pandemic asking questions and highlighting issues but having fun at the same time.”
Find out more about Dirty Costello on his Facebook and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more alternative rock music on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Rock playlist:
