Category Archives: Alt Rock

Drivelight ‘Take Two’

Dublin indie rock band Drivelight have released their new single ‘Take Two’. This blistering track displays a new groovy panache soaked side to this four piece. Brimming with slinky guitar lines seeped in good old rock n’ roll swagger this track struts in swanky and sleek while demolishing all in sight with funky grooves keeping that feet shuffling foundation for those magnificent flamboyant yet gritty guitars to rebound and explode off. With a rooted sensual  bass line that coaxes you to the dance floor, an elastic drum backbone, steamy guitars and suave vocals all pumping high intensity adrenaline into your veins this track demands attention and won’t leave your head until you acknowledge it. These guys are coming into their own and ‘Take Two’ is sure to be the springboard for great things. It’s snappy, catchy as hell and filled with enough attitude to have a live crowd going wild. Drivelight have brought some swagger and style while lacing on a healthy dose of slick scorching instrumentation.

You can catch Drivelight live at

24th August: SOMA indie party upstairs Whelan’s.

26th August: Carrickmackross Arts Festival.

15 September Take Two Single launch Upstairs Whelan’s

 

Stream ‘Take Two’ below


The Asteroid Shop ‘She Moves’

L.A.’s  space rock band The Asteroid Shop have released their new single ‘She Moves’. This stomping swagger steeped number strides with blistering guitar over a quivering and pulsing rhythmic backdrop. It’s a darkly hued track with ghostly vocals upon a gritty piercing wall of sound that is so chilling it could raise the dead. Slinky and strut infused the track creeps with a panache driven confidence. It’s a charming bewitchment that beckons your ears to draw nearer into its luring bedazzlement while piercing razor sharp guitars cut and melt away your mind with the most thrilling lacerations known to man. It’s kick-ass acid dripping psychedelic tinged bliss that shows the oh so slick musicianship of this band. I need to hear this live.

Stream ‘She Moves’ below

 


LIERS ‘Host’

Following their well-received debut single ‘Universal Female’, North Dublin rockers LIERS continue their 90s-influenced post-grunge crusade with their second single ‘Host’, the second single off their upcoming EP due for release later in 2018. LIERS consists of vocalist and guitar player Liz Seaver, lead guitarist Ed Scanlan, bassist Stephen Farrell and Ronan O’Hanlon on drums.Their unique edgy style and sound have attracted the likes of 2FM’s Dan Hegarty and former Kerbdog and Wilt frontman Cormac Battle as well as Radio Nova’s musical maestro Gavin Glass.The band have also been announced as one of the winners of RTE 2FM’s ‘Play The Picnic’ Competition and will take to the stage at Electric Picnic on the weekend of August 31 to September 2.

‘Host’ is another exhilarating rambunctious track from the four piece that swarms in instrumentally strong and rowdy with a slinky melody glossing the frenzied backdrop with glazed glorious sweetness. These guys have a tight sound with magnificent bass rumbles which fluidly roll through punchy drum whacks and glorious soaring guitar lines. Once again Seaver’s dynamic and passionate vocals are mesmerising and add that final  power punch that makes this track a force to be reckoned with. There are plenty of superb moments in this song from a rooted feisty instrumental bridge with perfect guitar whines over a fluctuant foundation to elastic bass grooves and nimble guitar flickers weaving tight zesty binds behind the crashing backdrop.It’s an edgy anthemic number with a mature vigorous sound that will have a live audience hopping off the walls.

Stream ‘Host’ below


Indie Buddie Introducing : Gum Soul

Gum Soul have released their debut single ‘Sour’. Based in Bath, Gum Soul take inspiration from the likes of Drenge and Ty Segall, morphing the presence of 90s grunge into today’s indie/alternative scene. The band have only been together for five months, and have already had the pleasure of playing the Bath Festival main stage, just a few hours before the legendary Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), headlining shows in London, and plenty of other gigs in the South West area.

 ‘Sour’ is a tight indie number that soars and glides with slick ethereal guitars shredding and clashing off a hefty backdrop of punchy drums and elastic bass. The verses are chilled and effortlessly laid back as aerial guitars sting between nonchalant vocals. The chorus explodes into a grunge hued soundscape becoming more edgy and grimy while still maintaining that ethereal bliss. It’s a storm in a teacup with a compact display that is hazy and dreamy yet packs in a mammoth assault of shrilling frenzy. With some slick dexterous guitar lines weaved throughout its an impressive debut from Gum Soul.

 

Stream ‘Sour’ below


Electric Shore ‘Someone New’

Ratoath alternative band Electric Shore have released their new single ‘Someone New’. This aerial exhilarating track packs oodles of punch and adrenaline in the slinky form of ethereal breezy guitars over soaring climatic backing vocals and mighty drums. It’s a gripping display with emotion filled vocals over an invigorating backdrop as sweet toned guitars whine and lament with a glistening vibrancy that floods the track with melancholic tones. Powerful in its presentation this track is both chilled and dynamic with a luscious melody gliding upon the breathtaking instrumentation. The anthemic chorus evokes images of a large crowd sing along while that intoxicating guitar solo is stunning. ‘Someone New’ is well crafted for a wholly satisfying and enthralling listen. It is radio friendly with enough edge to add a nice kick, Electric Shore have created a goosebump inducing number that makes these guys ones to keep an eye on.

 

Stream ‘Someone New’ below


Miles Kane ‘Coup De Grace’ Album

Finally Miles Kane has released his highly anticipated Coup De Grace’ album to enrich our ears with his new found sophistication and maturity seamlessly blended among his rock and roll swagger. Appearing more cultured and thought-out this album surpasses 2013’s ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ in both refinement and grandeur. It’s a  glam, psych and pop- faceted prism of beauty that packs in some groovy elements and punk wallops along the way.  Kane has huddled together a team of collaborators for his third album, which includes seven co-writes with Jamie T while Lana Del Rey co-writes on ‘Loaded’ and John Congleton produces.

‘Too Little Too Late’ sets the fiery brisk pace of the album with punk slaps weaving through Kane’s rock n’ roll backbone. The glam rock stomper ‘Cry On My Guitar’, laid back pop sprinkled strutter ‘Loaded’ and snappy glossy ‘Cold Light of the Day’ follow suit adding a new dash of spice with each track as Kane builds his repertoire delicately blending a new genre dimension into his own panache driven branding. Slick, thrilling guitar wails, solos and licks are plentiful and the sultry bass grooves and clap along anthemic choruses exceed all expectations. Kane has found his dynamite team creating an enthralling album with each track cruising into the next with masterful fluidity and fantastic musicianship that makes every song lovable. The dreamy brooding ‘Killing the Joke’ cools the intensity a little as Kane belts out a hard hitting emotional performance to a sway worthy background. The synth element adds a delicate ethereal quality to this tender number as lamenting guitars wander about pining behind an emotional vocal delivery and steady drum thuds. Kane’s knack for melodies has always been apparent and this album is no different- he slides those glorious honey drizzled melodies into our ears leaving us craving for more as they seep into our brains sweetly caressing and soothing their way inside our minds. ‘Killing the Joke’ displays the sweet tender lovable melody while the funky flex that is title track ‘Coup De Grace’ fleshes out his swanky, chic melody. This 70’s – esque Disco Stu jam returns the albums pace to high voltage fun. With slinky guitars and an elastic bass line driving the track into a strutting frenzy – this hook filled gem is timeless and magnetising. The album speed balls into the shouty attitude driven ‘Silverscreen’ before another delicious high powered melodic number, ‘The Wrong Side of Life’ erupts where Kane exclaims over a jagged drum and guitar combination. It’s passionate and quite expressive vocally while the keys wisp and float around a striking backdrop. ‘Something to Rely On’ draws on the raw vigor of the beginning tracks with shredding sharp guitars stinging between punchy drums and an anthemic chorus. ‘Shavambacu’ closes the album with a finger clicking sleekness that creeps in from somewhere dark in the 60’s lurking between chilling and romantic. The chorus breaks up the eerie vibe with a bopping beat and vibrant sweet melody over delicious little flickers on guitar. It’s honest with a ballroom Foxtrot- esque spring in its step, over a sing along simple melody to have you doing a little shuffle to yourself as Kane sings out the album.

Coup De Grace’ glosses and polishes over the cheeky rock n’ roll bravado we know Kane for, with some refined sophisticated flurries sprinkled over a raw and edgy foundation. He packs in a healthy dose of wonderful melodies, sweet and tender moments with some good old fashioned fun and danceable numbers which he swirls into his delectable brew.

 

Stream  Coup De Grace’ below

 


Super Paradise ‘Sweat’

Dream garage band Super Paradise have released their new single ‘Sweat’. Born in Milan, now based in London, Super Paradise released their debut album Quencebo in 2016. They have since been gigging constantly, played headline shows around London, toured festivals of Italy, supported Warbly Jets and Black Honey, recorded a new single in the Italian mountains and their music has been featured on the latest Ray Ban advert. Their self-defined genre of ‘dream garage’ builds on the edgy energy of the San Francisco psych scene and the soundscapes of New Order.

‘Sweat’ is a delirious skull bashing thrill ride that steam-rolls in at a frantic pace. The dreamy verses wallow in hazy psychedelic hued vibes as smooth reverb laden vocals coo over jogging guitars which waver between steady strides and punchy short blasts. With crashing frantic choruses bringing screaming vocals and a barbaric superb wall of sound Super Paradise dish out one heck of a manic tune. Filled with unadulterated energy in the form of shrilling distorted guitars pummeling off pulverising drum whacks and rooted bass rumbles mangled between a western – esque guitar jog this mesmerising mind invasion is well crafted for a wholly satisfying listen. It’s fierce and vicious with raw garage aggression smeared over luscious dreamy pop elements which resurface for the chilled verses before becoming suffocated and buried under the sublime garage turmoil for the choruses. This intense raging number is one to turn up loud and go crazy to.

Stream ‘Sweat’ below


Sisteray ‘Wannabes’

London’s Sisteray have released their new single ‘Wannabes’ taken from their upcoming EP ‘Sisteray Said’ set for release this September. Following a thrilling 18 months in which they’ve lit up festival stages, sold out delirious venues, released their debut ’15 Minutes’ EP, and delighted tastemakers and fans alike and are all set for a UK tour that includes a headline show at London’s 100 Club. Released through Vallance Records ‘Sisteray Said’ delivers on all the London 4-piece’s early promise, with four brilliantly inspired tracks railing against the modern age and giving us a voice for their generation.

The latest track from the forthcoming release ‘Wannabes’ is another brilliant slice of what Sisteray are best at. The slick tunefulness mangled within the intoxicating grimy anthemic blasts make for a wholly consuming experience. Sisteray are becoming more witty, more catchy and tight with each release and when teamed with their brand of chaotic charm there is no stopping this band. Shredding guitars lash and whirl with swagger infested grandeur over punchy drum strikes and groove infested basslines making for an infectious whack of genuine rugged vigour. They know how to write a tune that will have a mosh pit stuck in a sweaty danceable mess.  ‘Wannabes’  is a little more slick and slinky than all out riotous but they have managed to find that glorious line between sleek rock n roll and unruly, skull bashing punk and it’s pretty impressive. The raw energy of the track is blended between panache drenched slivers of guitar, elastic hip swinging basslines, sing along ready choruses and epic edgy instrumental slices – there is something for everyone here.

‘Wannabes’ is out now and ‘Sisteray Said’ is released on limited edition 12″ splatter vinyl (50 copies only!), standard vinyl, cassette, CD, and from all good digital stores through Vallance Records on September 7th 2018. The band’s EP track ‘Algorithm Prison’ is also available right now as an instant grat track when you pre-save the upcoming EP through Spotify, and also with all EP pre-orders through iTunes from July 2nd!

Ltd Edition vinyl, CD, cassette pre-order HERE

Spotify pre-save HERE

iTunes pre-order HERE

You can catch Sisteray Live at :

03 Oct – BRIGHTON – Hope and Ruin

05 Oct – BRISTOL – Mothers Ruin

06 Oct – OXFORD – The Cellar

08 Oct – SOUTHAMPTON – The Joiners

10 Oct – LEEDS – The Lending Room

11 Oct – SHEFFIELD – Cafe Totem

12 Oct – LIVERPOOL – Jacaranda

13 Oct – READING – Oxjam

17 Oct – LONDON – 100 Club

18 Oct – ST ALBANS – The Horn

 

Stream ‘Wannabes’ below

 

 

 


Alexis Kings ‘Velvet’

Indie rock 4-piece Alexis Kings have released their newest single ‘Velvet’ today. Injected with a soulful, funk edge, the track is a feel-good anthem following on from the successful release of their debut EP ‘Squire’ back in 2016, leading to positive reviews from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, and Radio X’s John Kennedy. Comprising of Brendan Aherne (vocals), Sam Privett (lead guitar), Kalyan Rogers (bass) and Fabio Bocca (drums),, Alexis Kings have made themselves known on the London live circuit over the years, selling out crowds at Barfly in Camden and recently broadening their live shows to cities across Asia and the US.The track which was produced by Ian Dowling (Bombay Bicycle Club, Chapel Club) sets the tone for what to expect from their upcoming debut album due later this year. Velvet is set to be followed by an accompanying video with special feature from Old Men Grooving of Britain’s Got Talent.

‘Velvet’ is a smooth slick number that drifts in on a swanky funk flavoured bass and strutting panache soaked persona.Smooth velvety vocals enfold the luscious honey drizzled melody as slinky guitars sweep over it with a golden feather-light motion. The shuffling danceable funky beat and groove infested bass keeps the foundation of this track buoyant with a rock n roll hued backbone. This flaunty number glides and slides with finesse and a suaveness that leaves you in a swooning stupor. The chic guitar melodies add a glossy lustre and elegance to this old school unblemished charming track. Alexis Kings are budding nicely cultivating their sound into something beautiful and refined.

Stream ‘Velvet’ below

 


Collides ‘Fools Feel Fine’ EP

Waterford garage rock band Collides have released their new EP Fools Feel Fine’, a rugged snappy collection of tracks that announce this new band with fiery attitude and some infectious wild hooks. It’s five burly tracks with enough mosh mania seeped throughout to make for some pretty insane live shows. ‘What’s On Your Mind’ sets their brand of slick garage rock in motion. Groovy bass and punchy drums create the fluctuant backbone for the swagger soaked verses and slinky guitars as they glissade over the raspy vocals. It’s the heavy raucous chorus that sets the track alight as crashing guitars pummel around the mighty drum whacks while also soaring and screeching over them with a sultry glossy sheen. It’s a sing along ready crowd friendly chorus that packs some hefty wallops between the sleek wiggles. ‘We’re So Cruel’ continues the relentless stamina with an energetic instrumental onslaught of mosh ready frenzy. The guitars are impressive in this EP- they slither between tasty nimble grandeur to savage and intense. The melodies throughout the EP peak for the infectious choruses and falsetto segments as Collides move between panache soaked grooves to ballsy rock bravado seamlessly. ‘All The Time’ displays their silky side with a shimmy -esque beat over a rugged backdrop of strident guitars and rooted bass rumbles. These guys have sass for sure and it shows in their tunes. ‘Dream In Dream’ displays a hint of sophistication with its sliding melody and eerie hues on guitar between the buoyant spring of the verses before another riotous crescendo crashes into your skull ready for a heavy headbang episode. The subtle psychedelic hints here are sublime and a welcomed surprise. ‘Land Ho’ closes the EP starting on a gentle tone of lush vocals and lamenting guitar before the screaming hefty outburst. The weaving between sweetly soft and blustery is perfect as this mostly instrumental piece displays the craft of these guys. It’s raw and edgy with the perfect sliver of steamy guitar injections over a tyrant invasion of bulky instrumentation. This track shows Collides at their best- it’s haunting, emotional and riveting all while brutally whacking you in the face with organic garage rock. There is no fuss, no flamboyance just biting, chilling, exhilaration.

‘Fools Feel Fine’ is a concentrated slap of what Collides can do. The rawness blended with sweet melodic flurries, on top of a nice dash of swagger make for a satisfying listen and marks these guys as ones to keep an eye on.

 

Stream ‘Fools Feel Fine’ below