Category Archives: Alt Rock

Miles Kane ‘Cry On My Guitar’

Miles Kane has released another new track ‘Cry On My Guitar’ from his forthcoming new album, titled ‘Coup De Grace’ which is set for release on August 10. The release marks his third solo album, following predecessor ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ from 2013. ‘Cry On My Guitar’ is a stomping dazzler that struts in loaded with intoxicating guitar whines, thumping drums and swagger laced vocals – Kane has channeled his inner Marc Bolan. This slick frenzy of rock n roll is overflowing in steamy panache as the exhilarating chorus blasts adrenaline pumping stamina into your veins while the cool shimmy ready verses chill the feverous atmosphere. ‘Cry On My Guitar’ sounds like it could have come from the seducing glam rock mania of the 70’s with a modern Kane twist. That clap along feature, vaporous guitar solo and constant groovy backdrop drive this electrifying spectacle. It’s a swanky outburst that is sure to have your blood pumping and live audiences in a crazed frenzy. Once again Kane produces a chic riveting number that will have you dancing, attempting air guitar and just feeling like a bad ass.

Stream ‘Cry On My Guitar’ below

 


Fangclub ‘True Love’ EP

Fresh from their first UK headline tour, Irish rock band Fangclub have released their highly personal new EP titled ‘True Love’.  Last year the trio Steven King, Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman released their self titled debut album to mass critical acclaim and also toured the UK and Ireland with their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies, and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), and Kerrang! Radio with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words’.

‘True Love’ marks massive growth in the bands sound. The swirling and churning dark tones lurk underneath even the most peppy sounding of the tracks. There is something more sophisticated and painful in this EP. The meaty brain crush blast we are used to once again feature on True Love however they have honed in and sharpened everything from meatier ground shaking basslines and immense pounding drum grooves to slick acute guitar lacerations placed perfectly for maximum impact. Fangclub have us firmly in their grips and they are not letting go. Recent single ‘Knife’ sets the thrilling mayhem in motion with gritty basslines grumbling under slashing guitars and demanding drums. The chilled vocals cool the scorching instrumental backdrop for the verse teasing the explosive chorus we have come to love from Fangclub. Slick basslines have become a staple on this EP as they fluidly flow throughout each track with a sublime rooted groove adding a lusty darkness to each track, like a shadowy thread holding each song together. ‘Heart Is A Landmine’ is where their shadowy eerie tones take over. A moody melody bleeds over a punchy backdrop of slithering guitars whining between a mighty rhythmic bounce. It’s a cinematic tune that could feature in a Batman movie especially with its stirring melody and sublime griping guitar feature. It’s pretty dark and dramatic yet magnificently catchy and climatic all at once. ‘Smother’ brightens the tone of the EP. The guitars become lighter as they zealously inject juicy zest between punchy punk flavoured rock. Its sun kissed melody melts upon the gritty soundscapes like butter as a slick guitar solo and sing along ready chorus slaps on a glossy finish. The “buzz kill” ‘Sweater Forever’ follows. This is my kind of tune. It’s a moody sunny day wallowing blast of grunge that is just magnificent. The drums trudge through a gloopy sweet melody while the piercing sting on guitars lament and soar over this sullen tune. It’s both vibrant and sulky all at once as their vivid use of instrumentation and shaky percussion creates gripping heart wrenching turmoil for us to immerse in. Those twinkling keys add a light innocence through the heavy monotony. The scale of emotion presented through music in this track is masterful and exactly how I hoped these guys would progress. The sheer musical depth containing perfectly timed multi facets glimmering through emotional honest lyrics make for a completely absorbing listening experience. ‘High’ closes the EP bringing everything full circle. It’s upbeat, powerful, catchy and filled with scorching guitar lines. The vocals lure you into the relentless onslaught of crashing drums, brawny bass lines and mouth watering guitar work.

‘True Love’ is a flavourful and tantalizing EP from the trio and proves Fangclub have a lot to offer – they are just coming into their prime.

Stream ‘True Love’ below


The Kax Self Titled Album

After a ten year hiatus The Kax are back with the long awaited deliverance of their reissued self titled debut album. Drawing influence from the likes of U2 and Gang Of Four, The Kax launch their alt rock revitalisation with 9 diverse and individually enticing tracks. Having previously built a name in and around Los Angeles, The Kax aim to take advantage of all that digital services have to offer, this motive pairs effortlessly with the growing online presence that The Kax have been accumulating over the past ten years. The band already have globally famous venues such as The Troubadour and Viper Room under their belt. Recorded and engineered by the well established and acclaimed producer Scott Gilman (Avenged Sevenfold, Alice Cooper),’The Kax’ bears all the professional make up an album may need in order to gain some headway. Two of the songs featured on this album were co written with Sierra Swan, an interscope artist who has toured with the likes of Ringo Starr and Billy Corgan.

‘The Kax’ album is brimming with powerful blistering sounds wrapped in lush melodies and vibrant soundscapes. The shredding guitar riffs plastered all over ‘So Do We’, ‘Better Then’ and ‘Remember Me’ showcase the punchy raw nature of this album as the guitars scorch throughout every track drenched in reverb and attitude while snappy drums and elastic bass lines keep the rhythmic foundations bouncing along. The whole album is an adrenaline shot of dynamic alternative rock with a driving whack of punk undertones. The fluctuant bass lines are another sublime feature throughout all the tracks, particularly in the U2- esque ‘The Hollows’ and the sun kissed infectious ‘Summertime Daze’  as they weave tightly between the sharp guitar with an infectious hip swinging groove. ‘Hungry Animals’ brings a hazy dreamy vibe into the album as the guitar lines become more light and twinkly for the verse before spasming out. The melody in particular in this song is sublime- very catchy and cool as it’s steeped in dreamy pop hues with laid  back vocals spread on top. ‘The Light’ flickers some distorted swirling psych sprinkled disco on the album with whirring guitars over a punchy drum beat and dragged out vocal notes. It’s pretty trippy but flooding with a 70’s tinged strutting swagger. The album comes to a close with ‘Coming Down’, a sparkling guitar driven number saturated in glorious melodies and passionate vocals.

It’s a compact album with heartfelt golden melodies that warm the heart and soothe the soul while packing in a hefty dose of rock edge and anthemic power.

Stream ‘The Kax’ below


Scally ‘Let’s F*ck’

                   Photo credit:Tanya Cullen:Bronte Photography

Mullingar rock artist Scally has just brought out the video for his third single ‘Let’s F*ck’ due for release on June 29th. The bombastic track packs a massive punch as it echoes shades of Rage Against The Machine. The track is the B-side to Scally’s latest single ‘Get Ready For War’ which was released back in March. It’s a slick raw shot of rock doused in brassy attitude. Shredding guitars crash and strike against rapid punchy drums and a groove laced bass. The track builds to a seizure inducing crescendo filled with thrilling distortion and brain spasming shrills on guitar. The riffs are well oiled and catchy while Scally’s laid back vocals daze through the verse becoming more dynamic for the brazen chorus. This high intensity track is soaked in gritty rock and roll swagger with the usual amount of pompousness you expect from Scally, however the effervescent guitar arrangement perhaps warrants this as it plows and soars through the brawny drums weaving its way around the rooted rhythmic undertow creating an ecstatic dance that practically lurches into the stomping chorus. It’s a raw lacerating groovy number that worms its way into your brain and will be next to near impossible to remove from your skull.

Scally states that the track is about “my friend who fancied this chick for ages and he just wouldn’t go over and chat to her, the verses is me telling him to grow a pair of balls and go over and talk to her and the chorus is all the things he wants to say to her but can’t”.

You can catch Scally  with his band – ‘The Dirty Rats’ live at Danny Byrnes, Mullingar on July 1st

Watch the video for ‘Lets F*ck’ below, viewer discretion is advised.

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Mellor

Reading quartet Mellor​ are set to release their new single ‘Safe Word​’ on August 17​ via self release. The Mellor name has been around for about 5 years, but this current line up with Gary Kingham on vocals, Sam Igoe on drums, Kristian Bell on guitar, and Josh Woodward on bass has been together for around eighteen months. The lads took the moniker in homage to a certain Joe Strummer aka John Mellor! It’s this current line up that the band have felt comfortable with the music and sound they’re producing. Kristian, Gary, and Josh have known each other since college, and Sam joined the band thereafter. Last year was the first year of releases with the current lineup, they released four singles ‘Fire on Fire’, ‘Bone Idle’, ‘You Were Right’ and ‘Arms Length’ culminating in an EP at the end of the year. With airplay supports from Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music; John Kennedy, Radio X; Charlie Ashcroft, Elise Cobain, Amazing Radio; Tim Cocker, Virgin Radio; Frank Skinner, Absolute Radio; Linda Serck, BBC Intro Berks the lads are making a name for themselves for sure.

‘Safe Word’ is a strident, scorching example of the refined airtight indie rock this four piece do so well. Raucous guitars grate, shrill and pierce throughout blasting out some slick licks, shredding riffs and thrilling solos that will have you in a kinetic frenzy of awe. The punchy drums batter, bash and rumble out a bounce-able rhythm to make you jump up and down in a state of ecstasy. The groove infested bass weaves an elastic, sensual foundation through this exhilarating piece of gritty indie perfection. The pop drizzled melody is doused in melodious goodness that is sweet nectar to our honey bee ears as it smoothly flows upon the blistering backdrop cooling the mania with its delicious flow and catchiness. The vocal delivery from Kingham once again exudes swagger and passion wrapped in a raspy dynamic coating. Another magnetic and invigorating track from the Reading lads. These guys are travelling  full steam ahead and have a bright future.

 ‘Safe Word​’ touches on the aspect of everyone having a comfort zone in their life and how many of us often go through life regretting that we didn’t do certain things. Speaking of the track the band said, “People get very comfy doing the same thing day in day out. We think it’s an interesting thought that can applied to many aspects in life, whether it be work, personal, or social.”

You can catch Mellor Live at :

30th June – Texfest, Leicester

20th July – Actress and Bishop, Birmingham

22nd July – Tramlines Fringe, Sheffield (Record Junkie)

25th July – Lock Tavern, Camden

27th July – Bute Festival, Bute – Scotland

7th August – The Horn, St Albans

10th August – The Soundhouse, Leicester

16th August – Gwdihw Cafe Bar, Cardiff

17th August – Oakford Social Club, Reading

Stream ‘Safe Word’ below


Bane Riff ‘Less Than Enough’

Pop rock artist Bane Riff has released his debut single ‘Less Than Enough’, a catchy rock track written to inspire his listeners to pursue those unforgettable moments that we sometimes forget about in the madness of every day life. Fairly new to the industry, Bane Riff came from a background in finance industry. Although running his own successful insurance business, Riff realised that he wasn’t happy and felt that something was missing in his life, from then he decided to act quickly and pursue his true passion. ‘Less Than Enough’ was written over a couple of hours by Riff himself, and recorded in studio with producer Martin Daus, guitarist in several popular Danish pop rock bands. Inspired by a hilarious moment experienced in a restaurant with the restaurant owner and his wife, the track reminds us that life comes down to the moments that you won’t forget. For him, the song is an awakening.

‘Less Than Enough’ is a swagger soaked country drizzled rock track. Riff’s raspy vocals flood warmth into the song while a punchy drum beat, and golden guitar lines add a whack of rock and roll strutting grit. It’s a charming number with a sing along ready Bon Jovi- esque chorus that will have a live crowd bellowing from the top of their lungs. This bright peppy tune will fill you with that get up and go stamina as it exudes good heart warming vibes while packing in some mighty brawn to have you tapping your foot and dancing carelessly in no time. With an irresistible melody and tight production it’s infectious for sure.

Stream ‘Less Than Enough’ below


In The Cards ‘The Only Thing’

Stoke On Trent  quartet  In The Cards have released a video for their single ‘The Only Thing’ taken from their new EP  ‘Eyes  Beyond  Reflection’ set for release on  the  22nd  June  2018. The  EP  is  packed  full  of  soaring  melodies  and  powerful  choruses  that  all  have  a  strong  sense  of  empowerment.  In  their  early  years,  when  In The Cards were  finding  their  feet  musically,  their  admiration  for  bands  like  Paramore  and  Tonight  Alive  helped  them  to  write  songs  that  compliment  a  female  vocalist.  They  used  this  to  their  advantage  when  writing  this  new  EP,  carefully  building  and  crafting  their  own  particular  sound.  The  band  recorded  ‘Eyes  Beyond  Reflection’  with  Romesh  Dodangoda  at  Longwave  Studios  in  Cardiff. Having  played  shows  with  the  likes  of  Arcane  Roots,  Dream  State  and  Mallory  Knox,  as  well  as  achieving  airplay  on  BBC  Introducing  in  Stoke, In The Cards  sound  and  style  is  the  result  of  a  mix  of  individual  tastes  in  music,  which  collectively  produces  the  unique  sound  of  the  band;  successfully  combining  sections  that  are  both  delicate  and  atmospheric  as  well  as  hard  hitting  and  heavy.

‘The Only Thing’ is a darkly toned passionate number that seamlessly blends emotive tender vocals with an alternative meaty backdrop. Amy Colclough’s vocals are powerful and brimming with expression while vibrant guitars venture between jangly sweet melodies and crashing, mighty strides as they rebound and pummel against the punchy drums and elastic bass. These guys create an enthralling hefty sound that is smothered in dark hues with sweet golden glimmers flickering throughout. It’s catchy, anthemic and hard hitting as the chorus rushes in on an adrenaline surge of power and compelling vocals. The jagged instrumental lets their alternative rock shine through as they whack out a brawny mosh ready feature before Colclough’s vocals re-enter. It’s a compact song that contains all the component parts of a meaty alternative rock track.

Watch the video for ‘The Only Thing’ below

 

 


Delphina Kings ‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ EP

Following the release of their singles ‘Lovestruck’ and ‘Kid Calm Down’, Manchester-based indie rock band Delphina Kings have announced the release of new EP ‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ on 6th July. The release will coincide with an EP release party, which will see the band headline Gullivers NQ in their hometown of Manchester on Saturday 7th July. Support will come from fellow North West acts SUNGLO, RAVELLAS and FLANEUR.

‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ is an infectious collection of adrenaline pumping indie rock that sizzles and boils beneath your skin with thrilling instrumentation. ‘I’m Numb’ kicks off this scorching mania with shrilling distorted guitars over a punchy rhythmic backdrop of danceable groove infected bass lines and shaky percussion teamed with buoyant drums. These guys exude steamy swagger as effortless cool vocals glide over a frenzied strut worthy buzz of sublime instrumentation and dizzying acid soaked soundscapes. Their high voltage sound fills you with an effervescent whir of intensity as each track whacks out a kinetic energy with a sublime anthemic punch. ‘Electric’ is the perfect example of this. The shredding guitars teamed with spiraling vigorous soundscapes makes for an enthralling instantly electrifying listen. Each track surges with heart racing euphoria from the soaring ‘Like You’ with its slinky funk hued persona drizzled in psychedelia to the luring creepy final track ‘Delirious’, Delphina Kings showcase their slick swagger drenched style in all its glory. ‘Like You’ makes a shift in their sound as they hone in on the sultry psychedelic tones, building them meticulously to create a steamy 60’s -esque trippy number that renders you trapped in its sweet luscious delusions. The soothing gentle vocals coo and caress the melty melody while distorted guitars build for the dynamic chorus. ‘Delirious’ closes the EP continuing the psychedelic tones however taking them to darker more eerie depths. The steady beat and strumming guitar becomes the constant as the wispy melody slips between the sleepy hypnotic soundscapes. Their knack with melodies makes each track easy to sing along to with a delightful ear worm effect that will have them stuck in your head all day while the bands ability to blend genres seamlessly makes the experience instantly satisfying.

About the EP bassist/lyricist Andy Hoskinson said : “We’ve only released singles so far, and we wanted to give people something a little longer to get their teeth into, let them get to know us better”. “An EP isn’t necessarily the done thing any more, it feels rebellious”, adds frontman Chris Gibson.

For more you can follow Delphina Kings on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/delphinakings

 

 


Smash Boom Pow ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’.

Smash Boom Pow have just released a new single and b-side titled ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’. Offering a gritty Alt-Rock sound bursting with catchy hooks, Smash Boom Pow is blood brothers Ulysses [vocals/guitar] and Zane [drums] Coppard from the Westcoast of Canada. Their passion for their craft has attracted the attention of fans, musicians, and industry folk alike – earning them numerous opportunities for creative and career advancement. Among the most powerful and transformative were a top 12 spot in 2015’s Peak Performance BC project, and having been selected to partake in the Converse Rubber Tracks initiative. Smash Boom Pow has had the pleasure of sharing the stage and performing alongside: We Are The City, The Pack AD, Dralms, and The Velveteins, as well as a tour of Western Canada with Soft Alarm. A steady supply of quality media to an active and engaged audience has resulted in over 20k YouTube views, and song placements in the TV series ‘Motive’ and upcoming indie film ‘THE CANNON’ (directed by Marshall Axani).

‘Some People’ is a vibrant hook laden number driven with gritty guitars slicing through punchy drums and laid back vocals. The infectious melody floats upon this jagged backdrop creating a contrast of lush dreamy tones filled with hazy casualness and heavy edged indie rock. The jangly guitar injections flood the track with a vivid energy and zesty quality while the smooth vocals and delicious melody sweeten the choppy rough grunge flavoured foundation.

‘JD’ is an thrilling instrumental gem. Gritty, rough and rugged this burly number is laced with beefy guitar riffs- shredding and jaggedly sawing through mighty pummeling drums with red hot intensity you can almost feel the steam evaporating off each note and stride. It’s a sublime meaty display from the duo.

These two tracks show Smash Boom Pow’s refined diversity and slick musicianship. Their ability to tranquilize with hazy lazy vibes and indie rock bliss is divine in ‘Some People’ but they bring the hard core whack of b-side  ‘JD’ to roughen things up a bit and its just a magnificent combination.

Stream ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’ below


The Honeymoon Suite ‘Arcade’

The Honeymoon Suite are a 4 piece alt/indie pop band from Derby. Coming onto the scene in late 2017 with the debut track ‘Taste-Less’, the band received backing from the BBC Introducing and have seen themselves take their set around the country supporting a variety of big names including dream-pop leaders JAWS. The band are now set to release their new single ‘Arcade’ tomorrow which was recorded and produced by Alex Greaves at The Nave studios in Leeds.

‘Arcade’ is a breezy bubbly indie number that spreads dreamy soundscapes on top of hefty alternative rock blasts. A driving rumbly bass provides the wobbly elastic foundation for the jaunty guitars to crash and rebound off. The punchy drums and ethereal guitar heights contrast sublimely to create an energetic satisfying listen. With a pop sprinkled melody teamed with sun kissed hazy soundscapes this track showcases the diverse instrumentally rich sound that The Honeymoon Suite do so well.

For more follow The Honeymoon Suite  on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theh0neymoonsuite/