The Pretty Visitors have released their new single ‘High Sailing Blues’. Previously supporting artists such as Circa Waves, Jaws, Billy Lunn (The Subways), The Family Rain and more recently, Sisteray, The Pretty Visitors showcase an energetic, eclectic live sound. In 2019 The Pretty Visitors released their demo ‘Its Not Easy’ and have featured multiple times on BBC Introducing shows.
‘High Sailing Blues’ is a gritty raw rock track as The Pretty Visitors flesh out their swagger-dipped sound. Steamy guitar riffs carve into the pounding drums while a slick bass wiggles and coils throughout. This robust powerhouse is a sleek battering of the band’s energetic sound with a steamy sensual backbone. The raspy vocals add a rough quality while the vaporous guitar licks and sharp flirtations give a refined and majestic element to this hungry mammoth. The Pretty Visitors knock it outta the park with ‘High Sailing Blues’
Jointpop have released their new album ‘FROM Trinidad …with Love’. Jointpop is a Rock ‘n’ Roll band from Trinidad and Tobago led by Gary Hector. They have had continued support from Tom Robinson (BBC Introducing) and Jim Gellatly (XFM Scotland/ Amazing Radio).
‘FROM Trinidad …with Love’ is a vibrant fun album brimming with Jointpop’s rich and energetic musicianship. ‘The World’s Most Interesting Man’ opens the album with a dramatic showman persona. Bopping percussion keeps the track buoyant and light while the epic guitar blasts and jaunty soundscape keep this charming track running in your head all day. The band venture from gritty powerful rock ‘n’ roll in ‘Amplify’, ‘Give Me Life ( Give Me Love )’ and ‘Rear – View Mirror Love’ to a groove jam in ‘Beauty On A Budget’. There is a bluesy vibe to ‘The Misunderstood’ and sway-able shimmy in ‘Berlin Belle’ all while maintaining a reggae undertone throughout. The jazzy keys, punchy drums and shredding guitars lace each track in swagger and strut quality. The band showcase their ballad – esque side with the warm ‘The Blessed Ones’ as golden guitar laments against a steady beat backdrop.The melodies throughout slide effortlessly into your ears until you are singing uncontrollably along while the raspy vocals coo and swagger adding character and charm. There are wonderful guitar moments in each track. Especially in the jazz flavoured ‘Vienna Moon’ as the guitar weaves steamy melodies through the jazzy keys and steady beat. The track has an epic classic-rock anthemic chorus while the verses have a lounge bar chilled groovy vibe. The band close the album with the acoustic whiskey-drizzled ballad ‘I Miss Me’. With lush backing vocals and a buoyant guitar strum this track has a sweet bar sing-along vibe that warms the cockles of your heart and fills you with sweet nostalgia.
Jointpop have created a charming album filled with their rich and diverse musicianship that is sure to have something for everyone.
Swedish singer/songwriter Ruborg has released his new album ‘In It For The Long Haul’. This is his first project for 2019, preceded by the promotional singles ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’, released in July and August respectively.
‘In It For The Long Haul’ finely blends tender acoustic ballads and blues rock with Ruborg’s passionate musicianship to create a wholesome and warm album. ‘Glory Of The Wild Days’ kicks the album into motion with vibrant light guitar, stomping beat and a nostalgic wild melody that is sure to put a smile on your face. ‘Damaged Goods’ is a gritty, adrenaline-pumped track as slicing jagged guitar lacerates through the stomping rhythm while Ruborg swaggers through this slick rock number. With delicate acoustic guitar gracing and driving tracks like ‘ Traces’ Ruborg creates soft and emotional scenes to sway to as his rich deep vocals caress the tender melodies. The album shifts seamlessly into meatier blues rock with tracks like ‘Road To Exile’ and ‘On The Breadline’ where the punchy drums fill out the backdrop while the guitars flurry through steamy riffs and light mellow jingles in tracks like ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’. There isn’t a shortage of powerful classic rock choruses however ‘Black Dog Calls‘ displays Ruborgs’s versatility perfectly as it broods to start before belting into a mighty chorus filled with passion and oomph. An enjoyable album from start to finish.
Northern Ireland two Piece Fagash McCann have released their new single ‘Black Lipstick Kiss’. A slinky ambitious track ,‘Black Lipstick Kiss’ is a riff driven lusty mammoth that showcases Fagash McCann’s ability to create a satisfying powerful number. The duo rein in their wild wall of sound binding it with tight muscular bass riffs and punchy drums. The bass weaves steamy elastic melodies through the drum beat while attitude soaked vocals exude swagger. The track boils and burns beneath the robust blues-hued rock instrumentation while the sleek melody seeps into the ears with ease creating the perfect balance between sensually smooth and razor sharp.This rough and tumble gem has a Royal Blood vibe without leaning too heavily on the comparison. There is a lot blistering and sizzling beneath the depths of this track and as a drum and bass duo these guys create and layer their sound superbly.
Dublin Band The Thrash Blues have released their new single ‘Halo’ via Tailbone Music.With its suave retro punk coating The Thrash Blues present their raw energy and dynamic musicianship through the cool breezy medium of ‘Halo’. The infectious riff rumble and punchy drums set the foundation for this enticing track as the sweet vocals coo and effortlessly float over the gritty backdrop. The track builds seamlessly into a rolling rock infused blast as the guitar becomes heavier leading into a shredding solo. ‘Halo’ both scorches and cools with effortless swagger as The Thrash Blues display their groove infested slick sound.
We Three Kings have released their new single ‘Do It’. We Three Kings are a no-nonsense three piece rock ’n’ roll band from Manchester, UK. The band’s previous single ‘Give It To Me, GO!’ achieved widespread critical acclaim, including radio airplay on BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and XS Manchester.
‘Do It’ is a blazing force to be reckoned with as We Three Kings slash through their fierce bluesy rock with relentless stamina. With powerful vocals and a slick meaty bass running rampant through the pummeling drums this track stomps around demanding attention. Its catchy with some slinky swagger dipped guitar riffs set at a brisk pace that is sure to ignite frenzy in a mosh pit. Doused in a fuzzed wall of sound these guys pack adrenaline into the track by the bucket load insuring a blistering high powered listening experience. We Three Kings top all this manic instrumentation off with a sing along ready chorus and gritty verses. These guys write tracks that are scorching hot, fiery to the core and coated in gasoline ready to explode.
Dublin’s grunge disco band Munky have released their debut EP ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’. This poignant precise collection of tracks displays Munky in their grunge drenched, attitude slapped habitat. The tracks flesh out the bands groove infested backbone however, the lyrical content sees our cheeky chappies take a social stance on real hard hitting topics such a victim blaming. These mature themes are devoured in blistering instrumentation and slick refined musicianship.
The razor sharp funky sting of ‘Zordon’ kicks off the EP with sweltering guitar whines and jagged riffs. Zachary Stephenson’s vocals prance and pine through the catchy melody with intriguing whoops and wails while the slick bass groove buoyantly hops and springs between the rich drums and intricate guitars. Thrilling psychedelia dissolves the gritty backdrop in a dizzying acid of fizz while this splintery dark number introduces the band with grandeur, exposing their debut EP in all its exhilarating glory. Just when you think Munky can’t surprise you any more than they already have, Stephenson’s splintery tongue fluidly rolls out a rap lyric for the acute ’Cuck Rock’. With a funky elastic and somewhat elegant display on bass and guitar the track smoothly flurries behind his narration.The instrumentation is tight and pretty slick as the slinky guitar weaves superbly between the elastic rhythm before the track explodes into a bloodthirsty assault of aggro that is destined to be epic live. Bassist Niall Donnelly brings the track to an end as he takes his “moment to shine”. ’Cuck Rock’ leads magnificently into the effervescent ‘You’ve Got Male’.
Track after track these guys create one hell raising EP filled with sizzling grooves, biting guitars, psych, raw grunge and battering rock with just the right dosage of flamboyance and panache drizzled on top. However it’s that sweet hair raising intro to ‘Ms. Communication’ that shows just how far these guys have come. I’ve heard this track live before and in a more raw format but the meticulous attention to detail and subtle changes the band have made to polish this gem up has to be a pinnacle moment within the EP. The soft female backing vocals blending and beautifully harmonising with Stephenson’s emotional, suffering vocals is immaculate. His vocals have improved and this track shows this perfectly. The passionate turmoil is bubbled and boiled in a fiery brew of funk with a bluesy aftertaste. This concoction creates a bracing sense of urgency and agony. The dark verse kicks off the track swallowed up in a funky slick bass line and eerie guitar twinkles which builds the cold icy tension. The track becomes more dynamic and mosh ready before an epic catchy chorus and crescendo-blast which screams attitude and rebellion. The sweet lamenting and lonely guitar melodies are perfectly placed throughout the song and that shredding solo is the final dramatic kick in the ass. This gripping track exudes class, finesse and the true skill of Munky. Finally the striking well placed ‘One in Five’ brings the EP to a powerful end. This barbed fiery track is about victim blaming culture and Munky provide a passionate heartbreaking narrative over a swirling backdrop of rumbling, agitated rhythms and sharp guitar pines. The guitar weeps, stings and shrills through Stephenson’s distressed vocals while the drums bubble and boil over to the mighty expressive crescendo. It’s a track that grabs your attention and is superbly written.
Munky pulled out all the stops with ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’. It’s an impressive EP, containing cheeky funk, smothered in an honest and mature shell that showcases the majestic and proficient side to Munky’s musicianship.
Cork singer songwriter Eoin has released his new single ‘Chalk & Cheese’.The track is the first single off his upcoming album, ‘Reverie’.He has played headline slots in venues like DeBarra’s Folk Club and The Poor Relation as well as support slots in the Crane Lane and Roisin Dubh.
‘Chalk & Cheese’ is a smoky glide of blues rock that boasts the slick clean musicianship of Eoin. The verses smoulder with simmering twinkles on guitar and a foot tapping beat while Eoin’s raspy warm vocals exude passion and soul in every note. The track erupts into the fiery chorus which sees the guitars become more dominant and sharp as the drums pummel and pound. Eoin builds this track perfectly as he teases through the verses creating intensity with each section before the massive crescendo. It’s a refined, thrilling number that scalds and burns with exhilarating passion and charm.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Black Keys
The Black Keys are back with their new single ‘Lo/Hi’. This bluesy garage rock number continues the duo’s infectious thumping sound in all its glory. Dripping in swagger and strut ready quality the track kicks off with a joyous wail from Dan Auerbach as he slices through with slick fuzz filled guitar lines while Patrick Carney sets that oh so groovy stomping foundation. The verses sizzle and bubble fermenting through the grit smacked guitar and shimmy ready beat while the chorus explodes with The Black Keys blistering anthemic might. Auerbach’s vocals coo and glide effortlessly over the infectious chilled melody while the soulful female backing vocals add a dash of spice and richness to the track. Pounding drums slap, whack and stride through the thrilling guitar whines and scorching solo. Brimming with glossy panache and sweltering musicianship and a trippy 60’s vibe, it’s a fantastic return. The drought is finally over.
Rock duo Bite the Buffalo have released their 3rd studio album ‘Bad Habits’. A band of brothers hailing originally from Scotland Bite the Buffalo are a garage rock band with an edge that derives from their rich cultural background. In their career thus far, they have held the support slot for many major bands Fat White Family, Happy Mondays, The Growlers and Skindred to name a few. They have also graced the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury 2013 which in turn drew the attention from Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant who invited the band to join him at a sold out Manchester Apollo gig.The BBC support has continued into 2019 with their latest release ‘Get Back Up’ receiving radio play. The band have also secured a number of media partnerships already, including the likes of Channel 4 Motorsports, Go Pro Highlight Reel, Formula 1 Highlights and Tattoo Fixers.
‘Bad Habits’ is a swagger dripping, brawny yet slick collection of garage rock that frazzles through steam scorched riffs and pummeling rhythms. These guys slap on some bluesy soaked suaveness through the short intro ‘The Man’ as a dragged beat thuds through a vaporous guitar refrain. The tracks that follow this introduction are brimming with anthemic beefy rawness in a The Black Keys- esque style with a Bite the Buffalo’s stomp. ‘Get Back Up’, ‘Dee Zeez’ and ‘Game On’ keep the energy of the album at a maximum while they flesh out their abrasive garage rock sound. While ‘Deja Voodoo’ dissolves in a haze of dreamy psychedelic bliss, cooling the tone of the album as acoustic guitars strum through a steady beat while the warm vocals coo through the sweet melody. Here this duo prove not only can they whack out cracking heavy tunes they can chill and mellow things out, refining and cooling their sound into a dazed sway-able groove. The fuzz-filled gritty ‘Shoot Shoot’ has an air of Royal Blood wafting through the edgy guitar riff. The track sizzles with a funk hue, shuffling rhythm and catchy as hell chorus. Bite the Buffalo simmer things down with the slick ‘Reverend Revolver’ and its sensual groove, vaporous guitar lines and infectious backing vocals (which remind me of The Good The Bad and The Ugly theme tune). Their vigorous sharp edged musicianship continues with ‘I Wanna CU Again’ and ‘Recent Times’. However ‘All Them Guns’ brings a freeing 60/70’s hippie vibe to the album with twanging guitars, soft vocals and lush harmonies. It feels like this duo transport you back in time with their psychedelic tinged soundscapes and smooth instrumentation behind quite striking lyrics. Bonus tracks ‘Lucky Roller’ and ‘Fire Dance’ are contrasting pieces of finesse. The former, features shredding guitars crashing and weaving nimbly between punchy drums and Mark Bolan- esque vocals while the latter jingles along with a mysterious eerie tone, elegant piano feature and a graceful tempo that gives us a glimpse of the grander side to Bite the Buffalo.
Bite the Buffalo showcase some varied tunes throughout their ‘Bad Habits’ album. Garage, stoner rock, punk and some psychedelic flavours are drizzled throughout but all this hangs together beautifully with the sleek musculature and acrobatic riffs weaving a firm thread through the album – its impressively crafted.
Stream ‘Bad Habits’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
