Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Chappaqua Wrestling ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’

Brighton band Chappaqua Wrestling have released their new single ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’. The band have had a hectic year supporting Sports Team and Black Honey as well as playing Latitude, Green Man and Live At Leeds amongst others. They were also invited to record at Abbey Road for BBC Introducing and will be interviewed on Radio 1 next Monday to launch this new single.

‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’ is a sweet can of indie pop flavoured with Americana hues fizzed to perfection. Chappaqua Wrestling have finely brewed their melodic smooth sound into something truly captivating. With a bubble gum “bah bah dah bah bah” vocal hook between the sweet mellow melody, the band create a dreamy tune that drifts delicately into the ears. With lush harmonies and velvety vocals the track flows fluidly. The band however take this sweet candy floss element and back it with a warm sting on guitar to add a dash of zest. The west coast groove wiggles its way throughout creating something to shuffle and jiggle to while the Americana hues add sweltering heat to the track. This rich instrumentation makes the track tantalizing to the senses and ensures repeat plays. With a shredding solo, exotic guitar flurries and a western- esque humidity between the laid back effortless atmosphere Chappaqua Wrestling have created a track that immerses you in a blissful world completely crafted by them. Honing in on their breezy retro sound of their last single ‘Cry Every Time’ and refining it to polished perfection Chappaqua Wrestling are fast becoming a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Electric Shore ‘Temper’

Irish band Electric Shore have released their third single ‘Temper‘. This melodic emotive track broods and ripples with Electric Shores perfectly blended indie rock with lush delicate pop elements sprinkled on top. The twinkling keys add a flurry of sweet innocence while the lamenting stings on guitar create a biting sharpness. The track meanders through a hazy melancholic tone as the soft somber vocals coo over the nostalgic melody while anthemic backing vocals create the arena ready sing along feature. It’s deeply moving and tender with pristine musicianship and crisp production as the track builds to an epic heart racing crescendo – it is hair raising and utterly enthralling. The light airy instrumentation flutters and flows beautifully complementing the emotional lyrics about regret, loss and a desire to make the most of time with those who are precious to us. Developing their sound and honing in on their craft Electric Shore have created a majestic and riveting track with ‘Temper’.

Stream ‘Temper’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth-pop

The Academic ‘Aftertaste’

Photo Credit: Cian Duignan

Irish alt-rock quartet The Academic have released their new single ‘Aftertaste’. Co-Produced by the band alongside Dublin producer, Cormac Butler, “Aftertaste” is a teaser of what we can expect from the band’s second album, which is promised for the first half of 2020. The band have shared the stage with headliners such as Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, and Cage The Elephant as well as headlining their own sold out shows on both sides of the Atlantic.

‘Aftertaste’ is an exhilarating guzzle of carbonated indie shimmering through a glistening 80’s pop sheen as The Academic present their tight intricate sound with precision and vibrancy. From the sweet candy flossed nostalgic melody to the lustrous guitars the band create a meticulously layered indie pop smacker ready to revolve in your head for days. Sleek glittering synths create a refreshing ethereal atmosphere bursting with energy as Craig Fitzgerald’s vocals warm the track with his passionate velvety tone. Intricate zest filled guitars create a stinging bite to this beaming effervescent number.  An elastic bass rumble creates that all important infectious groove while the synths surge adrenaline into the track. ‘Aftertaste’ is a stadium ready charmer that is sure to continue The Academic’s rise to fame.

Speaking of ‘Aftertaste’, frontman Craig Fitzgerald says, “When it came to ‘Aftertaste’ it was a lot different to how we worked before. From a production standpoint we were a lot more involved. Sometimes there is a preconceived notion out there that if you are a guitar band, you should be in a particular lane. Our mindset when writing, is less defined by what the stereotype of an indie band should sound like and be more about letting our songs be the best they can be.”

Stream ‘Aftertaste’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

wojtek the bear ‘slow tv’

Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘slow tv’. As with their last two singles, ‘slow tv’ was once again recorded with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert]. wojtek the bear have been play-listed by Radio X, played live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland, They have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show.

‘slow tv’ is a jangly slice of lo-fi indie as wojtek the bear spread pop sensibilities over a glorious buoyant backdrop to create a sweet juicy number. With a zest stricken C86 influenced guitar line and animated rhythms, this track floats and bounces along in a blissful sun kissed atmosphere. Soft vocals coo over the glucose melody and hazy atmosphere however there is a gloomy almost melancholic undertone in the track which adds a beautiful contrast to the vibrant and rich instrumentation. Superbly layered and meticulously crafted ‘slow tv’ is a dreamy luscious track with a refreshing sting to keep you pressing that repeat button. Another fantastic track from wojtek the bear.

Lead singer, and chief songwriter Tam Killean says about the track, “I guess the track is a rumination on the total opposite ends of the spectrum you can end up at with people you’ve been in relationships with. There are people i’ve been with before who at the time are your entire world, yet now if they got wiped out by the 267 bus to Possilpark I’d probably only find out about it if it was in the Evening Times the next day.” 

Watch the video for ‘slow tv’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Slouch ‘Duplicity’

Glasgow Band Slouch follow up their early 2019 release, ‘In Your Mind’, with brand new single ‘Duplicity’. The single was recorded in summer 2019 in St. Helens with production duo Sugar House. This year has so far seen them included in Fred Perry Subculture’s ‘Big in 2019’ playlist curated by This Feeling, play some of Glasgow’s most famous venues including King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Stereo and Nice N Sleazy and play their first shows outside of their hometown.

‘Duplicity’ is an effervescent glistening delight as Slouch meticulously blend punchy indie rock with ethereal shimmering synths and sublime pop sensibilities. With chiming guitars sparkling through the dynamic euphoric soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo, ‘Duplicity’ has everything to have you singing along and dancing. The melty melody drifts elegantly under the warm vocals as the track builds to its anthemic chorus. With a zesty guitar solo and crisp electronics Slouch have created a hazy dreamy number filled with sublime bubbling instrumentation.

‘Duplicity’ will be celebrated with a gig in Broadcast Glasgow hosted by This Feeling on the 27th September.

Stream ‘Duplicity’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

PAGES. ‘Bubble Brain’

PAGES. have released their new single ‘Bubble Brain’. PAGES. are an indie-pop band from the North-East of Scotland. They have performed a 4-date national headline tour and multiple headline shows in their hometown of Aberdeen. Their new single, ‘Bubble Brain’, achieved national airplay on BBC Radio Scotland and has been mixed/mastered by U.S.producer, Rob Murray (Mark Ronson, Britney Spears, Major Lazer). 

‘Bubble Brain’ is a smooth hazy indie pop gem that floats delicately upon PAGES. infectious musicianship. With elegant keys creating an ethereal backdrop between the sticky gloopy beat – the track glides effortlessly through a dreamy groove driven soundscape. The zesty guitar injections add a dash of vibrancy  and refreshing lift to the candied syrupy consuming track as the smooth vocals coo the melty melody. Richly textured and lushly layered this indie pop delight is a laid back jam that is sure to stick in your head for days.

Stream ‘Bubble Brain’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Broke Casino ‘Boss’

Broke Casino have released their new single ‘Boss’. Broke Casino are a five piece indie/rock band from Manchester made up of Ralph Schofield, Sam Wilks, Ollie Boon, Sean Savage and Lucas Cook. The band kicked off 2019 with their debut sell out Manchester headline show and a slot at Dot To Dot Festival.

With its strutting soundscapes wrapped in punching indie rock ‘Boss’ boasts Broke Casino’s anthemic and well thought out sound. The band flex their flamboyant muscles with their slinky guitars which glisten and shimmer with luminous scintillation capturing sparkles of light as they stride and majestically soar through the buoyant backdrop. The track prances in filled with kinetic energy as the rooted bass weaves and bends superbly between the pounding drums to create a beefy and hard hitting foundation for the guitars to flourish off while the warm vocals pack in oodles of passion. Each scorching element creates a superb texture with climatic intensity as the band blend and weave their intricate musicianship to create a disco infused indie rock gem sure to pump adrenaline into your veins and have you dancing in no time.

Stream ‘Boss’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Brand New Friend ‘The Letter A’

After their stellar performance at the 2000trees Xtra Mile Recordings takeover in July, Northern Irish five-piece Brand New Friend have released their new single, ‘The Letter A’. They have played shows throughout the UK and Ireland, both headlining and with veterans or peers like Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan – plus a host of festival slots at Reading and Leeds, 2000trees and others.Their debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, spawned several singles all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq as well as sessions and interviews on the Across The Line show on BBC Ulster.

‘The Letter A’ is a punchy track with a smooth melody wrapped in a biting indie rock soundscape as Brand New Friend blister and swarm through the track with relentless stamina and infectious vigor. With jagged striking guitars slicing through the bouncy bass line and snappy drums this track has an infectious energetic buoyancy that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. The pop smacked melody and 50’s-60’s classic melodic hue gives a sentimental familiarity and charm to the song. The vocals exude confidence with a youthful sense of urgency as the band flesh out their tight and dynamic sound. With an explosive chorus, The Strokes- esque verses, sharp instrumental backdrop and gritty crunchy element presented beautifully on guitars, this adrenaline-inducing number is sure to have you singing along in no time. 

Watch the video for ‘The Letter A’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, Jazz, New Music, Soul

TOYGIRL ‘Reign’

Dublin’s alternative rock band TOYGIRL have released their new single ‘Reign’. The song’s earliest conception came about in April 2018 when British/French frontwomen, Hannah Worrall, was experimenting with bass and string loops on Garageband. The song wasn’t finalised until much later in February of this year (2019) after the collaborative input of Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) and Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar). ‘Reign’ was recorded in Temple Lane Studios with the help of engineers Jack Mulligan and Tadgh Maw. The track was professionally Mixed by Stuart Grey at Jealoustown Studios and Mastered by Billy Farrell at same.

‘Reign’ is a groove driven number that burrows you deep into TOYGIRL’s passionate, crisp sound. Sublime guitar work fleshes out the bands classy, jazz side while the rooted elastic bass weaves warm slinky elements and golden vibes into this refreshing number. With a steady beat and Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals, this track is a mellowed out delight with refined instrumental backing. Each component part steadily grooves and drifts perfectly into place to create a superb track to immerse yourself in.

According to the band “The single is a sarcastic and passive aggressive presentation of the mask we all wear in order to make others happy, and in attempts to convince ourselves of our own happiness. The regal imagery accentuates the idea that with great (self-induced) power comes great responsibility. We all strive for normality to fit in and from that we lose everything that makes us unique.”

TOYGIRL are celebrating the release of their debut single with an Irish and UK tour, withdates in Levis’s of West Cork (Sept 28th), the Roundy Cork city (Sept 29th), Roisin Dubh in Galway (Sept 30th), McHugh’s of Belfast (Oct 2nd) and the Workman’s Club Dublin (Oct 3rd).

Stream ‘Reign’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Ivory Wave ‘Uptown’

Birmingham indie/dance band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Uptown’. The song was produced by Matt Terry (Prodigy/Enemy/YouMeAtSix) & mixed by Grammy award winning producer, Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, U2). Ivory Wave have landed main support slots with DMA’S, The Twang, Superfood and played festivals such as Isle Of Wight, Truck, Y Not, Shiine On to name a few

‘Uptown’ is an infectious track filled with shimmering synths and rich rhythms. The track shimmy’s in, cool yet dynamic in its floor filling approach. Ivory Wave have a knack for creating carefree tunes as they add a pop polished sheen to their raw indie to create something truly enjoyable. Honest lyrics, brummie vocals and a smooth melody pepper the track in a catchy atmosphere while the swirling synths, jangly guitars and snappy beat make the track anthemic and ready for festival sing alongs. ‘Uptown’ is a fine display from Ivory Wave.

About the track George Johnson said “Uptown is about a binge of going out drinking. The fact that all week you’ll be texting your mates, planning those big nights out, to just wake up with a hangover, all your wages spent and 20 missed calls off your girlfriend. It just stopped appealing to me.”

Stream ‘Uptown’ below