Category Archives: electro- pop

Night Hikes ‘Vera’

Dream pop two-piece Night Hikes have released their new single, ‘Vera’. This dreamy shoegaze track drifts beautifully between a pulsing beat and dizzying distorted guitars as Night Hikes create a psychedelic hued dream world. Shimmering synths wisp about the track with an ethereal sparkly sheen while the sweet vocals softly coo the delicate pop sprinkled melody. The duo create a blissful haze, glazed with sunshine and radiance however the synths and zest on guitar leave a bitter sweet after taste. As always with Night Hikes the track is precise and meticulously crafted with intricate interweaving elements presented in a laid back manner for easy listening. The band create and blend edgy indie elements into their Utopian sound making the track satisfying and utterly charming. Another beautiful track from Night Hikes.

About the track the band said: “Vera is a persona we created to reflect the commodification of the “wild-woman” archetype. Vera exists only in how she comes across, and it is impossible for anyone, including her, to tell who she is as a person. She is beautiful and carefree. She walks barefoot and loses herself in the pulsing crowd at music festivals, but she is curated. She is wistful to a fault, choosing happy slogans over a real, authentic understanding of the world around her and the work it takes to make it a better place.”

Stream  ‘Vera’ below 


Author : Danu

Fí ‘Call Me Out’

Photo credit : Ciaran O’Brien.

has released her new single ‘Call Me Out’. Fí is a Dublin based electro-pop artist hailing from Mullingar. She’s a self taught musician who started writing after buying her first guitar in college and has spent the last few years crafting songs from her bedroom. Her second single, ‘Feel Better’ was released to rapturous reviews and radio play and Fí has been honing her skills collaborating, writing and working with different producers in London,Dublin and LA. Fí was selected as a shortlist for ‘Play The Picnic’ by RTE2FM in June 2018. She has done many festivals and acoustic gigs playing Electric Picnic, Vantastival and supporting acts like The Academic and Aine Cahill.

‘Call Me Out’  is a tropical swirl of luscious pop as Fí fleshes out her vibrant and charming musicianship. Wispy electronics whirl around creating an ethereal magical atmosphere while the infectious beat and fruity tropical sounds create a summer sunshine number to brighten any day. Fí’s warm expressive vocals coat the track in cosy tones while the bitter/sweet melody creates that sublime catchy hook. It’s a confident powerful track doused in fun energetic tones and energising electronics.

About the track Fí says  “It’s a straightforward confrontational song about calling out someone who tries to come back in your life. It’s all about female assertion and confidence. “ 

Stream ‘Call Me Out’  below 


Author : Danu

Harper James AKA Middle Youth ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ EP

Middle Youth is the project of Harper James. He has released his Lo Fi solo EP ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’. Harper James is a producer, mixer and writer working out of Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, NY. He and his brother Abner James front the band Eighty Ninety. Harper’s productions, mixes and songs have over 20 million streams on Spotify and have been featured on numerous Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, Pop Rising, Fresh Finds to name a few.

‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ EP is a luscious can of indie pop laced in sweet electronics, delicious melodies and Harper James’ emotive songwriting. James achieves an easy listening experience with some effervescent bits throughout with his diverse and rich musicianship. Opening track ‘Black Square’ is a delicate ditty that floats around brooding guitar accompaniment and whispered vocals. It’s a twinkling intro that begins the EP in a low key ethereal tone and an air of mystery. The hushed beginning swiftly changes as the electronic soaked 80’s synth pop number ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ kicks in. With glistening electronics, foot tapping beat and candied 80’s sheen it’s instantly likable and fresh. With striking honest lyrics and a dazzling soundscape James uses the sparkling pop backdrop and darker lyrics to create a sublime contrast and give depth to this tune. It’s buoyant and vibrant with intricate weaving soundscapes and glittering guitar while the smooth vocals coo over the melty melody. This EP presents us with sublime melodies from the peppy  title track to the more melancholic ‘ Open Your Eyes’ and ‘Sublight’ . With gritty guitar moments and a thudding beat in the former and stripped back acoustic accompaniment for ‘Sublight’ James sets a sombre lamenting tone. ‘Wanna Be True’ is the tender ballad-esque tune that warms the cockles of your heart with its sweet lyrics and warm guitar accompaniment. ‘My Phone’ brings the EP to a close with a biting ethereal atmosphere sticky beat and lonely lyrical content. 

Throughout the EP Harper James showcases his ability to create sublime stripped back tracks, lo -fi tunes drizzled in wispy soundscapes as well as a full throttle electronic number. With modern themes of technology, loneliness and love it is a relatable and chilled EP. 

About the EP Harper James said : “These are songs about growing up, trying to be true to the people you love, becoming disenchanted with some things you used to believe in, and seeing the magic in other things; feeling old, hating my phone, getting it wrong, getting it right, becoming acquainted with mortality and experiencing love in many forms. The project is called @middle.youth — I realize my friends and artists I’ve worked with have maybe heard my music in other contexts but never as a platform for me to say my thing.”

Stream  ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ below 


Manyana ‘Voyager’

Dublin Ambient-Electro two piece Manyana have released their new single ‘Voyager’. The track  is part of the bands upcoming debut album. Their previous releases ‘1ofmy’ and the two part epic ‘There’s Glasses Need Collecting the Wide World Over’ have both been very well received, with ‘1ofmy’ having over 10,000 plays on Spotify, as well as being played on local and national radio.

‘Voyager’ is a pristine ethereal number that drifts delicately upon the crisp and emotive creative prowess that is Manyana. Sweet elegant keys twinkle between wispy aerial electronics and deep tones while the beat-flashes and beat-pulses create a fluctuant foundation. The melancholic melody is caressed by warm soothing vocals while the glistening soundscapes wrap your ears in feathery light elegance and blissful textures. With darker elements  running through the track as it becomes more chilling yet calming Manyana create a sedating track that is utterly mesmerising. The electronics wisp and entwine the melody with a silky sand-like texture that you try to hold but keeps slipping through your fingers. There is depth and substance to this sublime track you can almost feel every flicker, movement and pulse as if it was tangible. An enjoyable listen.

Stream  ‘Voyager’ below 


Jack Rua and LOGUOS ‘Ego’

Dublin based innovative pop artist Jack Rua and producer LOGUOS  have released their new collaboration ‘Ego’. Written and produced by Jack Rua & LOGUOS, ‘Ego’ combines the performative talents of Jack Rua with the slick electronic production of LOGUOS to create an incredibly infectious summer dance floor filler. With its catchy melody swirling electronics and snappy rhythm this dazzling glitter ball is radio ready and brimming with adrenaline. The smooth and dynamic vocals glide effortlessly upon the velvety melody as the crisp and glossy production adds a pearly luster and silky sheen to the track. With a jazzy piano feature and flashing soundscapes laced in richly layered electronics and refined musicianship  ‘Ego’ is one dance infused banger. 

Watch the video for ‘Ego’ below 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Metronomy

Metronomy’s much anticipated return continues to gain momentum. Their sublime single ‘Lately’ premiered on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show. Metronomy have now shared their new single and video for ‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream’ as well as announcing the September 13th release of their eagerly anticipated sixth album ‘Metronomy Forever’, with confirmed details of a major European tour.

‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream’ is a smooth yet effervescent electronic bopper that floods with tight production, deliciously sweet melodies and a laid back danceable backdrop. With dynamic bloops and rhythmic blops teamed with funky grooves this sultry summer track drifts effortlessly into the ears with a creamy floaty atmosphere. Its invigorating electronic pop at its finest as shimmering keys weave between glistening guitars and blissful bursts of electronics to create a delightful rush of adrenaline. The sweet melody floats gloriously upon the nectarous yet zesty backdrop with a delicate grandeur as the track bounces and unravels beautifully into a mesmerising dance floor charmer with some tranquil soothing tones sprinkled on top. Its utter uncontrollable jubilation in one infectious tune.

You can catch Metronomy live at :

OCTOBER

9th – France, Bordeaux, Rocher de Palmer

10th – France, Nantes, Stereolux

11th – France, Lyon, Amphitheatre 3

12th – France, Toulouse, Le Bikini

15th – France, Paris, Olympia

18th – France, Nancy, Jazz Pulsations

19th – Belgium, Antwerp, De Roma

21st – Germany, Munich, Tonhalle

22nd – Germany, Cologne, Carlswerk

23rd – Germany, Hamburg, Docks

24th – Germany, Berlin, Columbiahalle

26th – Germany, Offenbach am Main, Capitol

28th – The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Melkweg

29th – Denmark, Copenhagen, Vega

NOVEMBER

6th – UK, Southampton, Guildhall                              

8th – UK, London, The Roundhouse

9th – UK, Manchester, Academy

11th – UK, Leeds, 02 Academy

13th – UK, Glasgow, SWG3

14th – UK, Bristol, O2 Academy

15th – UK, Nottingham, Rock City

16th – UK, Birmingham, The O2 Institute

Metronomy are also confirmed to play numerous European festival dates this summer, including Electric Fields (July 4th), Electric Picnic (August 31st) and End of the Road (September 1st).

Watch the video for ‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream’ below


Corolla ‘Yoga Burgers’

Following a two year hiatus, Watford based band Corolla are back with the video release for their latest single ‘Yoga Burgers’.

‘Yoga Burgers’ is a sweet dreamy number filled with delicate instrumentation as Corolla spread gentle guitar jingles over a floaty backdrop and ethereal soundscapes. Lush vocals coo and soothe, caressing the soft creamy melody with tenderness as the track drifts peacefully into the ears with a pacifying and comforting effect. The production is sublime, crisp and immaculate as the reverb hued vocals lavishly exude goodness and sweet tones. ‘Yoga Burgers’ appears simple in its arrangement however is filled with rich subtle intricacies to create a charming and compelling track.

You can catch Corolla in their summer warm up gig at:

Cassiobury Park, Watford on June 22nd 2019.

The visuals encompass the bands hazy aesthetic with rich purples, bright pinks and twinkling lights layered on top of dark shadows. Together with the smooth, life-like animation they create a 4 minute dreamscape, the ideal backdrop for ‘Yoga Burgers’.

Watch the video below


STK Sound ‘Reincarnation’ Album

Electro Pop artist STK Sound has released his debut album ‘Reincarnation’. The creative mind of STK Sound ties together the world of audio with visual representation, and this debut record is the perfect example of how he manages to shape perceptions through his art.

‘Reincarnation’ is an ambient collection of tracks that submerge you completely into the luxurious electronic fusions of STK Sound.Its a mellowed out experience as ‘Intro’ , ‘Awakening’ ‘Only One’ and ‘Death And Reincarnation’ begin the dreamy journey into STK Sound’s world of tranquil magic. The electronic elements are subtle and sweet as they flurry, wisp and twinkle between the sticky fluctuant beats. With warm vocals cooing over this floaty soundscape STK Sound transforms the listening experience with cosy textures. He blends some darker tones into his album with eerie subtly haunting atmospheres through tracks like ‘ Darkness Of The Magic’ without shocking the listener out of their dreamy haze. As the glistening soundscapes dazzle and delicately sparkle the track builds behind creating an ominous atmosphere with deep vocal samples and conflicted electronics, this provides a beautiful contrast through STK Sound’s creations. The raw and at times jittery percussion adds a rich and vibrant texture to the more melancholic tracks like ‘Do You Feel My Love’, the dazzling ‘Never Stop’ and skittish ‘Mirrors’. While ‘Atlas Love’ and ‘Life’ cool the sticky sultry vibes of those tracks with gentle ethereal tones, piano elements, and wispy soundscapes. However these tracks maintain a mystical and almost eerie atmosphere with some fuzzed elements and deep beat thuds. ‘Dark Sun’ brings the album to a close with a surge of peaceful vibes and glorious textures and tones. The sweet electronics flicker between quivering soundscapes and whispered vocals before becoming a little more obscure as gloopy sounds blop through the dreamy electronic whines. It’s a unique and intriguing track to close the album.

STK Sound takes the listener on a mystical journey of rich multi texture sounds through his refined ‘Reincarnation’ album as his blend of relaxing tunes and frazzling electronics both soothe and invigorate the mind.

Stream ‘Reincarnation’ below


Indie Quick Picks

Pelicandy

Photo credit: Nona Duch

Genre: alt-pop

Bio: Pelicandy are a London alt-pop duo who shared their first release of 2019 ‘Silent Treatment’ earlier this spring, the two-piece have already received widespread acclaim throughout the tastemaker community and across the airwaves (BBC Radio 1, Virgin),

Track: White Sky

About the track vocalist TC stated: “White Sky is about realising the ability to focus and reframe your own thoughts and perception of reality. Choosing what world you want to live in depending more on your mind-set than your surrounding environment, it’s like a superpower that anyone can learn. Depending on how we direct our thoughts we can even change our body’s own biology. It sounds like science fiction or new-age spirituality but it’s legit psychology and neuroscience”!

Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering funk flavoured synth driven track that glides upon cool chilled tones and a laid back atmosphere. With refreshing crisp synths glistening through snappy drums and breezy soundscapes this electronic number is brimming with swagger and summer vibes. Featuring a zesty stinging guitar solo and an infectious melody this velvety gem is instantly likeable.

You can follow Pelicandy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pelicandyband

Stream ‘White Sky’ below

Michael Jablonka

Photo credit :Lennon Gregory

Genre: Alternative Indie

Bio: Michael Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. His skills have been utilised by some of the country’s major rock and pop acts, and this summer Jablonka continues his tour of arenas and festivals worldwide with fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka

Track: ‘Go- Go’

Why We Like It:  It’s a haunting number that broods Jablonka’s refined thrilling musicianship. A steady drum beat sets a hypnotic tone for this thrilling track to flourish off while the sweet lamenting guitar chimes between this eerie sulky backdrop. The song builds becoming more passionate as distorted guitar pines and shrills flesh out Jablonka’s raw edgy sound. The song progresses beautifully from its laid back beginnings, gradually building to a soul infused rock crescendo brimming with intensity as the gritty guitar solo taking the track to spine chilling heights.

You can follow Michael Jablonka on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljablonkaofficial/

Stream ‘Go- Go’ below

Sea Girls

Genre: Indie

Bio: Following a whirlwind start to the year, which saw them being named as the only band on the BBC’s Sound of 2019 list and playing their biggest ever sold out live show at London’s Heaven, Sea Girls are excited to share the news that they have signed a record deal with Polydor Records (Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, The 1975). Earlier this month, the band announced their biggest UK shows for this autumn, kicking off in Nottingham on 2nd October

Track:  Damage Done

Vocalist and songwriter Henry Camamile explains the track: “Damage Done is about young love and moving on. The night before the song was written I recognised that a part of my past was amazing, a bit flawed and broken all at the same time. I wanted to try to be at peace with it, and to realise that better things are to come rather than holding onto the past. I sort of told myself I’m singing to no one if I’m not thinking of the future.”

Why We Like It:  It’s another passionate compelling track from Sea Girls that sweeps you up into a clenching surge of adrenaline. The sweet toned guitar twinkles between a snappy pulsing beat creating the tense and suspenseful verses that tease the anthemic chorus to come. These guys have an insane ability to create gripping, youthful tunes that rush into your veins with the expectation, kinetic energy and flutter of a first kiss while packing in some impressive indie backing to keep everything invigorating and refreshing. With an infectious melody, energetic bass, passionate warm vocals and precise exhilarating musicianship- it’s one sublime whoosh of indie to have you hooked in seconds.

You can follow Sea Girls on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sonicseagirls/

Stream ‘Damage Done’ below

Llovers

Genre: Indie Pop

Bio: Fast establishing themselves as one of the North East’s finest emerging acts,Teesside quintet Llovers have released their debut EP ‘Things That I Don’t Understand’, preceded by sparkling lead single ‘Coming Loose’ out via Think Tank? Drawing widespread acclaim across the airwaves (BBC Radio, 1, BBC 6 Music) over the last 18 months with a series of early releases, the band have already demonstrated their buoyant live potential supporting acts including Sundara Karma, Dream Wife and VANT.

Track: Coming Loose

About the track co frontman Jack Brooks stated : “Coming Loose deals with the anxieties that can come from being in a relationship, specifically one in which there’s little affection given from a paramour on the surface. It describes these feelings while also establishing which is used as a form of comfort within the narrative of the track”.

Why We Like It:  It’s a sparkling indie pop delight that swoons and floats around a delicious melody, shimmering synths and warm velvety vocals. A lustrous soundscape floods the track in dazzling scintillation while glittering guitars and a steady beat provide a wispy dreamy quality making this track so easy on the ears. The bitter sweet melody contrasts sublimely with the vibrant instrumental backdrop as the song soaks in summer vibes, psychedelic pop embellishments and rich textures.

You can follow Llovers on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wearellovers

Stream ‘Coming Loose’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


 

Ink Pix ‘How R U?’

Independent, synth pop artist ‘Ink Pix’ is releasing his next new single on the 31st of May, entitled ‘How R U?’.A preview in the form of a lyric video will also be available on the 28th of May. The song will be the first in a continuous run of singles Ink Pix will be releasing every 3 weeks.

‘How R U?’ is a catchy synth pop flutter as Ink Pix presents an intricately crafted number with playful instrumentation and rich rhythms. The synths glimmer and bloop behind the  rapid vocal coos. It is tightly layered with a sticky beat holding the infectious buoyant foundation while the crisp production polishes off the song with a glossy sheen. Catchy with a sugar coated melody and relatable lyrics Ink Pix has crafted his own tasty brand of synth pop.

For more you can follow Ink Pix on Facebook below https://www.facebook.com/inkpixmusic