Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas! We would like to thank you all for your support, follows and likes this year. Thank the amazing artists we found and have featured on our blog, the dedicated and lovely PR Companies who we have had the pleasure of working with to promote the rich variety of music that surrounded us this year and the immensely kind donators who have bought us a coffee through our donate button keeping us all caffeinated and aiding to help keep the blog spreading the word about amazing artists. As we look forward to finding and featuring more exciting music in 2018 we would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

You can follow our 2018 Playlist on Spotify  which features an infectious collection of all the bands and artists we featured on our blog in 2017 below

 


Olly Flavell ‘Paint the Sky’

Olly Flavell is an innovative singer songwriter whose originality captivates with ease. With wisdom beyond his years and a youthful flair, carefully crafted material naturally flows from this talented 20-year-old making him stand out from the crowd. In combining influences from the realms of Pop, Country and Rock Flavell creates an unseen contemporary sound with nuances of classic melodies and traditional lyricism. Flavell who is currently recording his new EP ‘My Heart In My Hand’ is set to  release his new single ‘Paint the Sky’ on Christmas day.

‘Paint the Sky’ is a beautiful melodic track that bleeds soulful passion and romance. It’s delicately swayable with a luscious melody and warm soaked heartfelt instrumentation to whisk you away into a sweet tender lovely bubble. With gentle guitar strums, a soft tapping beat and some steamy guitar injections it’s one for a romantic slow dance and perfect for the idealistic Christmas scene- soft snow fall and romance. Flavell’s soulful vocals exude a beautiful sense of love and devotion and pull at your heartstrings while a sultry guitar solo adds a nice hint of passion. It’s fireside, dreamy warmth perfect at this time of the year. Flavell has a knack with elegant melty melodies and refined arrangements and this treasurable wispy ballad is another example of his charming, polished evolving craft.

Watch the lyric video for ‘Paint the Sky’ below

 


Boston Manor ‘Drowned in Gold’

Blackpool’s Boston Manor have released a video for their new single ‘Drowned in Gold’ which was produced by Mike Sapone (Taking Back Sunday, Mayday Parade, Public Enemy etc) at Barbershop Studios in New Jersey. The band formed in 2013 and, in two short years, worked their way to signing with renowned US indie label Pure Noise Records. They released their debut album ‘Be Nothing.’ in 2016 to widespread acclaim and the band have continued to tour the world since then, whipping up a frenzy in the US on tours with the likes of Moose Blood, Have Mercy and Can’t Swim, as well as completing their first full headline tour of the UK. 2017 also saw Boston Manor perform all summer on the penultimate Vans Warped Tour in the USA, play packed out rooms at Slam Dunk Festival and make their first appearances at Reading & Leeds Festivals.

‘Drowned in Gold’ is a fierce no nonsense relentless rush of gluttony inducing alternative rock. It’s a catchy, bold, brash incarnation brimming with snappy pulverising drums, crashing guitars and a mighty overload of instrumental bashing. With attitude driven vocals that scream and exude passion this track is an instant shot of fiery adrenaline. Toeing the line between chart fodder and alt-anthem this track is a smashing display from the five piece that is sure to have the Kerrang heads going crazy. It’s one for those manic sticky mosh pits. Warning whiplash guaranteed.

When asked about the track vocalist Henry Cox explained: “Drowned in Gold’ is about people being followers; people who never question anything & surround themselves with trivialities and mundanity, We had been writing for a while and wanted to put something out. We’re really proud of this one and so decided to release it ahead of the upcoming UK tour.”

Boston Manor are currently working on the follow-up to ‘Be Nothing.’, which is expected for release in 2018.

Watch the video for ‘Drowned in Gold’ below


Changing Gears ‘Hold On Tight’

Changing Gears are a five-piece pop rock band based in Dublin, who recently have released their new track ‘Hold On Tight’. Comprising of Eoin O’Donnell (guitars & vocals), Colin Reid (guitars & vocals), Steve Power (piano, keys & vocals), Danny Spelman (bass & vocals) and Morgan O’Brien (drums/percussion), ‘Hold On Tight’ was released as part of their upcoming studio album which will be out in early 2018. It is a laid back track that cruises in with sharp guitar jangles and a punchy beat. It’s mellow, sun kissed and hazy with a jazzy piano feature springing up where you least expect it. Smooth vocals and a dreamy atmosphere create an effortless easy-going track with zealous guitar stabs to keep it refreshing. Perfect for summer days.

Watch the video for ‘Hold On Tight’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Ragmans Daughter

Ragmans Daughter are an indie band from London who have released their debut single ‘Lazy’. This hazy sun sprinkled track is a crisp display from a band who are sure to go far. Vivid juicy guitar jangles weave playfully between the laid-back melody and punchy drums which bounce and hop with a contagious spring and elastic rebound. The track becomes more fuzzed and heavy as it progresses adding an effervescent buzz and gritty texture to their luscious mellow sound. The production is on point. The track is fun, fresh and appears unfussy until the psychedelic whirls and grungy flavours kick in and you realise this is a band with a difference. The melody is drenched in sugary melty syrup that seeps into your ear rendering you hooked to their delicious sound. This track announces Ragmans Daughter as an energetic and creative band with a lot of success ahead of them.

Stream ‘Lazy’ below

 


Gallus EP

Gallus are a Glasgow band comprised of members Barry Dolan (Vocals), Craig Duris (Bass), Eamon Ewins (Guitar) and Paul Ewins (Drums). They have released their debut self titled EP and played their first gig at the legendary King Tut’s. These fresh young lads have shown some serious potential within this EP. The rowdy ruckus causing wallops of ‘Weapons’ which features crashing guitar riffs against a jagged driving bassline and pummelling drums showcases a shrilling mighty display that I can imagine is insane live. That instrumental is so snappy, raw and elastic it’s sure to set the mosh pit alight. ‘Making Tracks’ introduces itself with a slick riff and rumble on drums. It’s bouncy, edgy and smothered in rock and roll. It’s my favourite track on the EP as it showcases some really striking nimble guitar work. The shouty vocals maintain the rawness and brawn of their sound while the instrumentation displays an organic whiff of finesse. ‘Maybe Next Time’ begins disguised as the delicate track on the EP. Twinkling guitars and soft vocals introduce the track before it explodes instrumentally into their brand of garage rock. It’s a bit Pixies- esque at times with vibrant golden guitar lines adding a sun kissed glow to the grungy attitude soaked track.

These guys have whacked out an impressive EP that showcases their talent and slick musicianship with tracks that exude energy, adrenaline and some exciting instrumentation. Gallus will be finishing of their year with a free show in Glasgow at Broadcast with 0141 and Heavy Rapids. Following this, they will be supporting Retro Video Club as part of Independent Venue Week so if your around make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Gallus’ EP below


Indie Quick Picks

Dramalove

Genre: Alternative -rock

Bio: Alternative rock trio Dramalove, originally from Italy but now based in Canterbury have released their new single ‘Play With You’ It is the lead single off their first full-English EP titled “How To Wear A Broken Heart” and it includes 5 songs picked up from a selection of a 20 demo song package that the band managed to home-record during this first year and a half living in the U.K. It has been mastered in Ashford at the Anchor Baby Recording Company and is due to be released in early 2018, The trio have already achieved a certain level of stardom by reaching the semi-finals of the Italian version of X Factor of which the Italian version allowed bands to apply and team up with artists such Skin from Skunk Anansie and Mika. Dramalove fast gained a dedicated local following in Canterbury, and summer 2017 already saw them touring across the country with gigs in Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester and London.

Track: Play With You

Why We Like It: It’s a slick heavy dose of swagger soaked rock. This smooth criminal is sassy gritty and sensually steamy. With sticky eerie soundscapes smothered on vaporous sharp guitars lines and Matt Bellamy- esque falsetto vocals this track cruises in, in all its stuffy sizzling glory to take over your mind. It’s impressively commanding and luring.

You can follow Dramalove on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dramalove

Watch the video for ‘Play With You’ below

Bad Family

Genre: Alternative Rock

Bio: Brighton’s Bad Family formed in late 2016 and quickly released EP1 to critical acclaim. They return with EP2 and are ready to claim their place among the indie elite.

Track: ‘On Your Wall’

Frontman Dane Etteridge explains about the track: “Have you ever been with someone, it doesn’t work out and they start sleeping with someone new way too soon after the breakup? Well, thats what ‘On your Wall’ is about, the horrible anxiety and hatred it causes towards the person that you once cared so deeply about, The idea that you shadow is the last thing to leave a room, and your former lover is with their next one before your shadow has had the chance to get out.” 

Why We Like It: It’s a stinging knife edged rock track blistering with fiery sharp guitars crashing against punchy drums which creates a thrilling wall of sound. With a catchy chorus and delicious melody this track is instantly likable and fiery. Swirling guitar whines teamed with rumbling drums and a dark chanting bridge create a wholly unique eerie spiky experience. It’s an attitude drenched anthem.

You can follow Bad Family on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/badfamilyuk

Stream ‘On Your Wall’ below

 Zach Leon

Genre: Singer songwriter

Bio: Zach Leon is an alternative artist based out of Nashville, Tennessee and originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years and is now currently pursuing a solo career.

Track: A + K from his ‘Sailawayheart’ album

Why We Like It: It’s a luscious sweet ditty. Creamy smooth and sugar coated this track is melty, heart shaped candied romance. A soft delicate acoustic guitar twinkles along a boppy doo-wop beat while sing along friendly backing vocals and clap along joyous chorus creates a light heart-warming dreamy blissful atmosphere. This track will put a smile on your face and have you swaying happily in no time. With velvety passionate vocals and feathery light skip along rhythm this track is the perfect pick me up.

You can follow Zach Leon on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/zachleonmusicstuff/

Stream ‘A + K’ below

Mellor

Genre: Indie

Bio: Reading Indie four-piece Mellor have had a whole host of national and regional media support from the likes of Absolute Radio, BBC6 Music, BBC Berkshire, BBC London, and BBC Introducing. Labelled by Alt Reading as “one of Reading’s most exciting acts”, they bring a live show packed with high energy, raucous vocals, big guitar riffs, and pounding drums. The bands dedicated following is steadily on the rise thanks to shows up and down the UK sharing stages with the likes of The Kooks, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Flyte, and The Milk.

Track: You Were Right

Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant track stamped with Mellor’s signature infectious blistering indie- so irrepressible and effervescent it bubbles and boils intense adrenaline through your veins. Sharp guitars sting and wail with a brazen zest teasing then gushing through you leaving you craving almost gagging for more. Punchy drums and dynamic vocals bring the track to anthemic heights. It’s one for large crowds bellowing out at the top of their lungs.

You can follow Mellor on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/melloruk/

Stream ‘You Were Right Below’

The Fontaines

Genre: new wave rock

Bio: The Fontaines are a new wave rock duo based in Los Angeles, California comprised of siblings Charlotte Fontaine (vocals) and Hank Fontaine (guitar). They are backed by Xrys Kaplan (drums) and Daniel Zuker (bass) both live and in the studio.They have released a series of singles and EPs while performing across the United States – including a sold-out headlining performance at legendary venue The Troubadour. It was recently announced that The Fontaines will be returning to SXSW in 2018 in support of their new EP ‘Playboys’ which was recorded at Big Bad Sound LA (Rancid) and mixed by Xrys Kaplan and legendary producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna).

Track: ‘Playboys’, the title track from The Fontaines new EP

Why We Like It: It’s blusterous, sassy, attitude driven rock. With a snappy beat and rowdy guitars blazing through a twist ready shimmy and shake groove. This track oozes enough energy to whip you into a frenzy of dancing. It’s raw and gritty with a timeless doo- wop-ness that has been distorted and corrupted adding an edgy aggressive coating. Charlotte’s vocals seamlessly flicker from a soft coo to powerful bellow as the track becomes more dynamic. It’s a razor sharp jubilant frenzy causing number and catchy as hell.

You can follow The Fontaines on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thatfontainesound/

Watch the video for ‘Playboys’ below

Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify here

 


Factory ‘Violet Lips’

Merseyside’s Factory have released their new single ‘Violet Lips’. Factory have been shaking up venues all over the country supporting bands like SPACE, as well as selling out headline gigs in Manchester and Liverpool. In 2016 they were chosen by Alan McGee to open up for Primal Scream at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and 2017 saw the band kick things off with the sold-out release of single and music video for ‘Step a Little Closer’ which received radio play from Dave Monks at BBC Radio Merseyside. Factory also completed their first UK tour, with dates at Sound City ‘Suburbia’, TRAMLINES, Dot 2 Dot and even their first gig in the capital.

‘Violet Lips’ continues their quest for world domination. Its more shrilling fierce and savage than its predecessor. With funky guitar injected between slick basslines and punchy drums it’s a swagger soaked demand for attention. This track seeps chic rooted grooves from its very core, with a bass line so elastic beefy and slick it steam rolls through with relentless tyrant stamina. With steamy guitar wails and a refined shimmy ready rhythm these guys have what it takes. It’s a solid rough and tumble track, yet sensually smooth to make you dance effortlessly. With a raspy vocal adding raw rock and roll muscle teamed with a catchy melody and sweat and leather adrenaline pumping instrumentation, this track is a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out for Factory these dark horses have some serious talent and they have burst onto the music scene gung-ho and are ready to rock.

Stream ‘Violet Lips’ below


RAFFER ‘Together’

Kent based, RAFFER has released his new single ‘Together’ which was written, recorded and mastered all under one roof. RAFFER is only 19 years old and already producing pieces which simply wow listeners. RAFFER has returned from a short break, ready to make an impact with a selection of new music set to be released over the coming months. His entirely self produced, infectious indie-pop sound has already won him compliments from BBC Introducing and ‘Together’ is sure to follow this trend.

‘Together’ is a dewy luscious indie pop track so melodic and catchy it will be stuck in your head for days. Glowing in bright luminous vibes this track squirts, bursts and oozes energetic youthful vibrancy. Velvety vocals exude passion and dynamism while zesty zealous guitar stings inject instant vitality and vigor. Its deliciously sweet melody is like honey to the ears which induces a sugar rush of ecstasy from the first note leaving you craving more. The infectious hook teamed with a shredding electrifying lead guitar riff lifts the track to soaring anthemic indie pop heights. This track is doused in sunny vibes and one to dance around the room ridiculously to.

Watch the video for ‘Together’ below


Darce ‘Valhalla’

Irish hip-hop/alternative artist Darce has released the first single ‘Valhalla’ from his forthcoming EP ‘Night’ which features vocals by up-and-coming Cork soul singer Eve Clague. In 2017 Darce released his debut EP ‘Sunset’ and it has been featured on blogs across the world including Ambrosia For Heads and The Irish Times via Nialler9 (Artist of the week). He has been played on esteemed radio stations such as 2fm,98fm, Cool Hype Radio (Chicago) and Fubar (London).’Valhalla’ has already got it’s UK radio debut on Fubar Radio along with it’s first Irish play on 98fm’s Totally Irish.

 ‘Valhalla’ is a tightly crafted, darkly hued track that smothers you in sparse haunting soundscapes. It’s a breezy biting number with honest lyrics and a smooth creamy chorus melted on top. The rap adds attitude and fiery emotion to the track while Eve Clague’s vocals soothe and coo with a lulling gentle sleekness. The sticky beat adds a rebounding spring to the track while the haunting aerial soundscapes swirl with a chilling icy sharpness. It’s a catchy laid back frosty display from Darce.

When asked about the track Darce said: “It captures youth in rural Ireland. From the nights of backstreet drinking in cold ghost estates to the creeping feeling of knowing you will have to leave eventually.”

Stream ‘Valhalla’ below