Category Archives: Blues Rock

Blues, Blues Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, Indie Blues, indie rock, New Music

Barefoot Magicians ‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’

Barefoot Magicians have released two new juicy singles ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ which were recorded in Hellfire studios. Forming in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios Barefoot Magicians comprise of Dave Greene (Vox/ Harmonica), Graham Stewart (Guitar), Fergal Mulligan (Bass), Brian Steemers (Drums/Percussion) and Hugh Caren (Piano/keys. The band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a high energy blues funk groove, or as producer Alwyn Walker formerly of Westland Studios called it, “A Post Blues Groove”.

‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’ are a dynamic funk/blues slapped duo made for wiggling and dancing to. These guys are instrumental pros as they blend out their delicious sounds to create a rich wholly satisfying listening experience

‘I’m Hooked’ brings a 70’s disco flavour to the bands groovy sound as the elastic bass wiggles and weaves its way through a feet shuffling foundation while jazz sprinkled piano and suave guitars slide and playfully dance between the strutting beat and swanky soundscape.It’s an animated rich track that showcase’s the meticulous instrumental refinement that goes into this bands tunes. This infectious track cools for a sultry guitar solo that builds the tempo for the hyper crescendo. With glorious harmonica injections and raspy vocals it’s one panache soaked, sing along ready tune.

‘It’s All Take’ is another groove infested number that bounces along sweet guitar melodies, rooted bass lines and an energetic rhythm. Catchy with a vibrant instrumental backdrop – this track travels with an energetic tempo. With elegant piano, delightful blasts of harmonica and expressive vocals it’s another swagger soaked track that is sure to have you strutting around like a dizzy peacock.

There are sublime guitar moments that weave an enticing golden thread of sweet delight through these tracks and that is the bait that gets you hooked on Barefoot Magicians tasty home brewed sound.

The band are set to release their new singles in Sin É on March 8th make sure to check them out

Stream ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Broozer ‘Son of Man

Wolverhampton based duo Broozer have released their new single ‘Son of Man’. This blistering track stomps about with meaty drums pounding through hefty riffs and attitude soaked vocals. Its swagger drenched persona struts in while the pulverizing wall of sound shatters through your ear drums with relentless energy and mighty stamina. Filled with gusto and rowdy power, the drums assault and throttle through the slinky blues-flavoured sharp guitars with a no nonsense attitude and charisma. With screaming vocals and rough rawness in tow- it’s a lean mean machine from Broozer.

Watch the video for  ‘Son of Man’ below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, indie rock, New Music

Poorxcuse ‘Miss You Babe’

Melbourne three piece Poorxcuse have released their new single  ‘Miss You Babe’. The song was taken from their latest album ‘Cutfingers Blues’ which is inspired by band member Chris Breen. His day job as a roofer means his fingers suffer many injuries therefore the album follows the journey of a tradesman who works all day and plays music all night.


‘Miss You Babe’ is a bluesy gritty number brimming with raw edgy riffs and a stomping beat. Dripping in swagger this groove infested ditty is catchy, punchy and sleek. With an elastic rumble on bass holding down the fluctuant foundation – this charming steamy track whines and pines with its sultry melody while a shredding guitar solo adds that final adrenaline inducing ingredient. With a funky foundation, blues guitars and rock elements ‘Miss You Babe’ is an impressive well crafted track.


You can catch Poorxcuse and their captivating live performance when they play their upcoming show at Sooki lounge Belgrave on 1st February 2019.


Stream ‘Miss You Babe’ below


Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Indie Buddie Introducing : LEONTAS

London based rock duo LEONTAS have released their new single ‘Rhythm  + Blues’ alongside co-single ‘Here Today’. The band revolves around singer and guitarist Alex Munteanu and drummer Scott Collier who met at an audition for a separate band in Camden. After the two bonded, realising their musical styles fitted perfectly together LEONTAS was born in Camden’s Creation Studios.

‘Rhythm + Blues’ is your foot stomping bluesy rock and roll banger. Drenched in strutting swagger this track slides in, cool and sassy with a raw punchy sound. Edgy guitar riffs shred through mighty drums and a sing along ready chorus. Filled with a prance inducing confidence and a smooth melody this charming number strides in on an infectious groove and sublime steamy guitar licks, oozing a bold prancing swankiness that is compelling.

‘Here Today’ takes a more chilled approach with a thumping beat setting the sturdy clap along camp fire back drop for the sprightly acoustic guitar strides and raspy vocals. Cruising on a feel good summer vibe this track glides along flooding with warmth and infectiousness. Its shaky rhythm and subtle groove infested approach will warm the cockles of your heart filling you with youthful nostalgia and chill mellow vibes. This track oozes emotion and passion in a laid back easy going manner that makes it instantly like-able and fun.

This duo have a tight sound that is brimming with swagger -their laid back approach adds a sublime relaxed vibe to the tracks while their refined musicianship and dash of sass makes for a captivating and enthralling listen.

Stream ‘Rhythm + Blues’ and ‘Here Today’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Van Bellman ‘I Hate To See You This Way’

Van Bellman has released his new single ‘I Hate To See You This Way’.Van Bellman is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Zac Taylor. You may have seen him playing guitar on TV with multi-platinum band American Authors, or perhaps carrying your luggage at the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Avenue a few years back. Taylor has been cultivating this new project and has now presented his brand of bluesy rock and indie pop.

‘I Hate To See You This Way’ is a gritty, crawling blast of bluesy rock at its most exciting and electrifying. Rough guitars shred and lacerate through a thick muggy drum whack while Taylor’s chilled vocals cruise in luring and creepy for the verses becoming more passionate and emotional for the meteoric chorus. Exploding in a barrel of spinning emotion this track throbs, stomps and screams with rock and roll swagger and slick panache. It’s sharp and brawny with a sensual sliver of finesse embossed on top. The whisky soaked melody wriggles its way into your brain while rough spiky guitars steam and evaporate over the kinetic riveting rock drenched soundscape.With heart-gripping pop speckled moments between the lusty growls and eerie tension this track is a sublime stalking number that drips and oozes sophistication and fine musicianship.

The theme of ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ focuses on the pain of watching someone you love go down a dark road, witnessing them self-destruct. Anyone can relate to this heartbreaking and helpless feeling, whether they have played the role of the nurse or the patient. “It means a lot to me as both a lyrical and sonic story,” said Taylor, who also produced the track at the legendary Mission Sound Studios in Brooklyn through some serious vintage equipment.

Stream ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Run Into The Night ‘The Devils Rhythm’

Run Into The Night are a female indie rock / noise pop duo from Glasgow, Scotland formed by Christina Cassette and Ellie May. After spending many late nights drinking and listening to their favourite records, from 60’s pop to 70’s punk, the friends began fusing genres and making music together. The band had success with the self-release of their first 7″ record ‘Turn To Static’ in mid 2017, which reached the Top 100 songs by unsigned bands in the UK with Salute Music and aired on many radio stations, most notably on Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6 Music radio show. Run Into The Night are a BBC Introducing artist and their sound has been compared to bands such as Queens of the Stone Age, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys and Blondie. Performing live is where Run Into The Night really come to life by delivering raw energetic shows and recreating the experimental sound captured on their records. Whilst touring, guitarist Christina Cassette picked up sponsorships from Eastwood Guitars and Honeyboy Amps. Since the band’s first release they have been touring the UK’s underground scene and have opened for international acts such as California’s Deap Vally and New York’s Twin Guns (ex The Cramps).The duo have now released their second single, ‘The Devils Rhythm’.

‘The Devils Rhythm’ is a sultry slap of bluesy tinged rock smeared in sassy eerie swagger. A stuffy beat provides the ominous groovy foundation for the steamy guitar to entwine while haunting backing vocals coo creating a mysterious chilling atmosphere. Its misty covered verses lure and tempt entrapping you in its darkly hued vapourous melody. The chorus explodes into a fiery angsty punk flavoured attitude while the guitars stride and crash between the ghostly backing vocals. This track creeps and entices before building to a mighty hefty crescendo as the razor sharp guitar wails and jabs between the rumbling drums. It’s thrilling and a sizzlingly dangerous track from the duo.

Watch the video for ‘The Devils Rhythm’

 


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Desert Rock, EP Review, Garage Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Johnny Yuma ‘Rest In Peace’ EP

Minneapolis, Minnesota rock trio Johnny Yuma have recently released their EP ‘Rest In Peace’. The band comprised of members Elliot Heerman on Bass and Lead Vocals, Patrick Irwin on Guitar and Jane “Damage” Halldorson on Drums have created their own brand of Dusty, Dirty, Rock’n Roll that makes for an engaging electrifying listen. From the get-go these guys blast straight into their no-nonsense raw neck snapping bluesy rock. ‘Alabama Woman’ sets the brisk tempo as crashing guitars and punchy drums whirlwind through a stop start pace while raspy vocals expel swagger soaked fiery attitude. It’s one for dizzying confusion of the sweaty mosh pits. The riff driven ‘Knock Knock’ brings us further into their blistering rock and roll as guitars jaggedly saw through pummeling drums while an elastic rumble on bass keeps the track running along. A scorching guitar solo shreds with a shrilling desert hot western vibe while the punchy rhythm trudges along keeping the rapid tempo. These guys exude a don’t mess with me attitude with slick swagger thrown on top. ‘Cellophane’ continues the relentless stamina of its predecessors while smudging a catchy 60’s- esque melody over their rambunctiously ruffled frenzy inducing garage backdrop. Razor sharp guitars once again blister and pierce throughout the track however in this track they have a slinky liquidity to their acidic sting. ’Mother’s And Sailors’ gives us a much needed breather from the heavy assault. This light county twanged ditty gives us another glimpse at Johnny Yuma’s talents. Still energetic this number is more buoyant, sweetly toned and infectiously peppy. Who can resist a cheeky little whistle along feature especially when it’s this catchy. Barn dance anyone?… don’t mind if I do. ‘Whisper’ brings us to a scuzzy end to the EP. It’s fuzzed up, lean and mean, ready for bar brawl rock and roll. It’s grungy rough and tumble with gritty guitars pulverising drums and sneering vocals that will make your blood coil and boil forcing you to mosh and jump about. Fueled by bad ass adrenaline from the deep dark depths of Minnesota these guys whack out one heck of a tune that will slap you in the face at lightning speeds.

‘Rest In Peace’ is an EP for blasting into your ears at worrying volumes while you headbang, dance and attempt air guitar like a boss. It’s a solid, swagger drenched, meaty display from the trio that will rattle your bones.

Stream ‘Rest In Peace’ below


Album Release, Album Review, Blues Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Soul

Maker ‘DEA’ Album

Kent four piece Maker will release their twelve track debut long-player, ‘DEA’, on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018. Made up of band members Alessandro Marinelli (vocals), brothers Andrew Donaldson (guitar) and Gavin Donaldson (drums) and John Austin (bass) Maker bring a sound brimming with psychedelic bluesy punch and stirred with a fist full of soul. The band have already picked-up fans in one of the world’s most acclaimed guitarists, Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes/Magpie Salute), as well as Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Tom Meighan (Kasabian). Their debut album ‘DEA’ was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales where artists such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, Queen, Black Sabbath, Kasabian plus many more have all recorded seminal albums. Produced by Nick Brine (The Stone Roses, Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, Imelda May), the album was recorded over just fourteen days and every track was recorded with the band all together playing in the same room.

‘DEA’ is a timeless swagger filled pure rock album with all the boozy soaked blues, fire loaded soul and leather dressed suave you’d expect from this four piece. From the first shredding riff of ‘Soul’ you know your in for one hell of an album. Its gritty, rough around the edges rock with enough sass and swagger thrown in to create a sleek steamy blazing rock track. With powerful vocals and strut ready atmosphere teamed with passion and soul, it’s an anthemic and fiery start. The debut album’s title, ‘DEA’, comes from the initials of the album track ‘Dead Ends & Avenues’, a track which is about triumph in the face of adversity, making your own luck and succeeding despite life’s hurdles.It’s a foot stomping infectious number that shuffles and prances with a rebellious two finger salute. These guys keep pelting out the sizzling licks brain crashing drums and rugged brawny riffs over infectious melodies and feel good blistering stamina to create an album that is wholly satisfying and invigorating. With shredding guitar solos and oodles of red hot energy this album is locked and loaded and set to scalding temperatures. The Lenny Kravitz– esque ‘Move Your Feet’, bluesy sensual ‘Quick Getaway’ and funky flavoured ‘Curtain Call’ all ooze trade mark shots of their raw, brawny, slick rock and roll. While the sultry ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ brings a slower tonality with its bluesy and soulful tone and sensual sway -like tempo. Featuring steamy guitar licks and a elegant piano feature before building to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals this track is passionate and powerfully sharp all while cruising on sultry and sensually smooth swagger. Maker use this album to showcase the versatility in their sound as they whack out the twanging glorious ‘John’s Pharmacy’. With its country- esque twangs and glowing warmth teamed with peppy piano, it’s a joyous little ditty.There is no end to their slick rock and roll, ‘Soaked Up’ floods through reinforcing their golden rock and roll drenched flamboyance that makes you want to dance. Each anthemic track is like an instant shot of confidence and a strut ready soundtrack to boost you with feel good vibes and make you feel like you’re the sh*t. While the smooth tender tracks like ‘Comin In From The Rain’ cools the tone and sets the perfect scene for summer evening chill time. It’s delicate and passionate without becoming sappy. It is tender and emotional in a raspy sweet rock and roll way. ‘She’s On A Replay’ is a sultry dark mysterious track that is worth the wait, slotting in second last on the album it’s a strident laid back swagger laden banger steeped in spine chilling blues that creeps in, all mysterious and eerie before the explosive chorus. The intensity of the verses tease the thrilling chorus to come while slick guitar licks slither around the brawny melody and blistering riffs.The sweet warm twangs of  ‘(Little Bit Of) Soul’ brings us to a calming mellow end to the album. It’s soulful and charming with glimmering guitars behind a melty passionate melody and punchy drums which then builds into a stomping anthem. It’s a euphoric sublime end to an album that packs some mighty beefy punches and swagger soaked kicks.

Maker have already headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues (including rocking London’s legendary 100 Club in March 2017 as part of the ‘Best Of British Blues Explosion’), played as special guests to some of the UK’s finest artists (including band hero Wilko Johnson) and shared bills with the likes of The Cribs, Dizzee Rascal and Mark Ronson, to name but a few. The band have a handful of brand new live shows just confirmed (with further dates to be added in the near future).

‘DEA’ is released on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018 for more information head to Makers Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/

 

Stream ‘Soul’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

We Were Glue

Genre: indie pop/rock,

Bio: Liverpool’s We Were Glue have released their new single ‘Stuck in Love’. The track was recorded with Mark Morrow (Vistas, Mt Doubt) and represents the first offering in 2018, the follow-up to last year’s singles ‘Birthday’ and ‘My Girl’.

Track: ‘Stuck in Love’

Why We Like It: It’s a tasty nibble of infectious indie. Sharp zesty guitars spiral around a dynamic vocal while punchy drums add a buoyant spring to this vibrant number. Luscious melodies playfully melt upon the busy instrumentation as We Were Glue perfectly blend biting razor sharp indie rock with delicious sun kissed indie pop.

You can follow We Were Glue on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wewereglue/

Stream ‘Stuck In Love’ below

Voyages

Genre: Indie pop

Bio: Bath family of five, Voyages have released their new single ‘New Year’s Day’. Voyages is the creation of singer/songwriter, Will Walter whose work began in Spring 2017 in his home studio in the West Country. Enriched by psychedelic sounds, Walter’s journey started to create a modern alternative production and a new sound from everything he loved about his record collection before adding a band of brothers together for the ride. The band, who now perform and record as a 5-piece, are twins, Will and Tim Walter on vocals/keys, their brother Ollie Walter on guitar, alongside another set of twins in James and Lewis Woods who take care of the rhythm section on bass and drums.Their debut EP entitled New Year’s Day has been recently released on newly pressed limited edition vinyl.

Track: Godspeed

Why We Like It: It’s a twinkling retro 60’s flavoured track doused in trippy blissed out psychedelia. A dreamy vocal glides upon the sweet melody while swirling synths and tapping rhythm create the perfect mellowed out state of euphoria. The track builds into a crescendo with 16 layers of vocal harmony over a 3 round vocal pass forming a lush rich texture to wrap your ears around.

You can follow Voyages on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/voyagesmusic/

Watch the video for ‘Godspeed’ below

Philip Morgan Lewis

Genre: alternative, blues,

Bio: UK based blues rocker Philip Morgan Lewis has released a music video for his single ‘Sinner’ taken from his ‘Grief Harbour’ album which is released via Moonalizer Records. The London East End singer, songwriter, producer Philip Morgan Lewis combines alternative, blues, rock and folk influences. Philip writes and produces his songs playing most of the instruments. A nominee at the British Blues Awards, Philip features as producer alongside Gordon Raphael (The Strokes) on Elêphant’s album (RYP recordings).

Track: ‘Sinner’

Why We Like It: With a stomping rhythm forming the back bone of this darkly hued track ‘Sinner’ instantly grabs the listener by the ears, slithers and hustles its way into your brain. Infectiously catchy with steamy wailing guitars and smokey raspy vocals smothered on top of a sultry bluesy outfit it’s a cool swagger soaked rough and ready number. With a sing along friendly chorus backed by gospel like soul, this track makes for some hefty listening.

You can follow Philip Morgan Lewis on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/philipmorganlewis/

Watch the video for ‘Sinner’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

We Three Kings ‘Fire’ EP

We Three Kings are a three piece blues-rock band based in Manchester UK, made up of Rich on vocals and guitar, Paul on bass and Pete on drums. Describing their sound as an original blend of rock, blues, fuzz and noise, they have been compared to bands including Rival Sons, Royal Blood and The Black Keys, with a riff-driven guitar-heavy sound reminiscent of Deap Vally, Wolfmother and The White Stripes. An experienced and high-energy live act with a massive sound. The trio have recently released their second five-track EP of new and original work titled ‘FIRE’.

‘Fire’ is a blazing five track EP asphyxiated in gritty meaty riffs and pummelling drums. Each track is a shamelessly melodic rock monster locked and loaded with enough angst, fury and infectious grooves to have you moshing and dancing in no time. ‘Sound Of The Radio’ kicks off the rough and tumble EP as their slick heavy sound stampedes in with frenzy inducing mania.‘The Barrel’ and ‘Bright Lights Of The City’ blast out heavy riffs which are laced in sensual grooves which hit through like a nail gun to the eardrum while ruthless drums savagely batter you around the head at neck snapping speeds. It’s a bloodthirsty assault and an invigorating listen. Swagger soaked vocals exude attitude into the tracks while the infectious choruses make sure these tunes aren’t leaving your head anytime soon. This trio don’t give you time to rest they whack out adrenaline surging energy track after track. ‘Uncontrollable Squeal’ continues this frenzy – bluesy and steamy with kick ass riffs that are sure to have a live audience in a dizzying moshing mess. It’s slick and cool with a bass line that holds a brawny yet elastic foundation for the hefty guitar to rebound off. ‘Invisible Man’ brings us to the end of the EP leaving you thirsty for more. It’s pumped, powerful yet extremely buoyant. The snappy rhythm is guaranteed to raise your blood pressure while a shredding guitar solo will have you on your knees doing air guitar.

‘Fire’ is a bold intensely sharp and rowdy EP from We Three Kings. It’s a speed shot of riff driven rock that is sure to be epic live.

Stream ‘Fire’ below