Category Archives: Grunge

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Get Inuit

Kent four piece Get Inuit released their new single ‘Barbiturates’ earlier this year. Band members Jamie, Ollie, James and Rob have been fine-tuning their fuzzed-out live show and have supported the likes of VANT, Spring King, The Magic Gang, PUP, Slaves and DZ Deathrays.
‘Barbiturates’ is dynamite of insanely infectious fuzzed up jagged guitar rock, coated with sublime melodic bubbliness. This snappy tense explosive track is bursting with bloodcurdling thrilling screams and frenzy drenched episodes, coupled with razor-sharp shrilling guitar, punchy drums and driving roll on bass. This is almost theatrically contrasted with brief silences and afflicted whispers creating a breathtaking manic conflict. One minute Get Inuit are screaming at you with pulling your hair out frenzy the next calming with gentle eerie whispers and coos. All hysteria and mania aside this dynamic four piece pull out some glorious sweet Vampire Weekend-esque melodies that create a blissful ear-worm effect surrounded by ferocious guitars and robust drums. The vocals on this track are amazing with such height, powerful range and control that will have you in awe. The track finishes delicately with a trembling almost spoken vocal like tidying yourself up after a psychotic enraged episode, all is normal again. These guys are too good.
Stream ‘Barbiturates’ below

The Hubbards ‘Just Touch’

The Hull-born Leeds-based four-piece The Hubbards will release their new single ‘Just Touch’ on March 31st in association with Scruff of the Neck Records. The band consists of members Reuben Driver (Vocals and Bass), Alex Green (Guitar and vocals), Ronan Burns (Guitar) and Joe Orlowski (Drums). A smattering of single releases have earned the band crucial early and continued support from BBC Radio 1 and 6Music, while support slots for the likes of Augustines and The Pigeon Detectives has seen the buzz that surrounds the band grow to an almost deafening level.
‘Just Touch’ is woozy hazy infectious fizzing indie. With shrilling guitar bliss, rooted driving bassline and fresh breezy vocals its blistering and sizzling with strutting swagger. Fiery drums pound while the track explodes instrumentally with piercing razor sharp guitar and ear-piercing ecstasy. Effortless cool and dreamy with red hot intensity this track is mighty and honey to the ears, you wont be able to get enough of it. Its flickering fever-causing bliss that is oh so catchy. The Hubbards have managed to encapsulate a vibe that feels both of the moment, yet ultimately timeless and riveting by blending polished pop with gritty grunge. These guys are amazing and a must listen they will fast become your favourite band.
Watch the video for ‘Just Touch’ below

La Bête Blooms ‘Low Hummer’

Hull post-punk five piece La Bête Blooms have released their new track ‘ Low Hummer’. This rip-roaring fuzzed up anthem fizzes and spits with sharp riffs and distortion spewing from is very core. Its gritty raw and thrilling mosh worthy grunge.Hazy lo-fi vocals cool the track while the shrill on guitar adds a buzzing scorching blurry summer vibe. Pummelling drums tirelessly batter with brute force as the track explodes with anarchy while the nimble bass adds flexibility and elasticity to the track. This animated vigorous track displays La Bête Blooms knack for smooth slick melodies backed by lacerating guitar lines and aggressive instrumentation. Its no – nonsense attitude that warms with blistering sunny vibes.

Stream ‘Low Hummer’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bright Young People

North Wales guitar band Bright Young People have released their new single ‘Suppress Happiness’. The Rhyl 3-piece made such an overwhelming first impression on Gary Powell of The Libertines that he signed them up to his label 25 Hour Convenience Store on the spot after witnessing their near-riotous show at London’s Shacklewell Arms last year. Despite only forming a couple of years ago, rock and roll royalty such as Iggy Pop, Duff McKagan and Glen Matlock have already been singing the band’s praises. Echo & The Bunnymen’s Ian McCulloch loved the band so much he produced and even played on the band’s debut single ‘Liberties’. Bright Young People have also had Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and Radio X’s John Kennedy all playing multiple tracks from the band’s most recent release ‘Sunshine Town EP’. They’ve also previously shared a stage with the likes of The Libertines, The OffSpring and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
This new single ‘Suppress Happiness‘ was recorded and produced by former Vibrators guitarist Pat Collier. Its full throttle rock introduced by the thrilling shrill of distorted guitars. Darkened steamy verses bleed along a woozy hazy rumbling bass. As the brooding vocals add a chilling spine-tingling eerie effect. The seductive guitar lines lure you with a brazen sultry sway-like wispy quality. The track blasts into a ruckus causing frenzied chorus that screams for heavy moshing in a sticky mosh pit. ‘Suppress Happiness’ is a powerful catchy moody explosion of passion and intense emotion with a Nirvana- esque vibe. Its dirty gritty rock that will have a live audience going wild.
You can catch Bright Young People live here
18th February 2017 – Night & Day, Manchester
24th February 2017 – Zanzibar, Liverpool
16th March 2017 – The Monarch, London
Watch the video for ‘Suppress Happiness’ below

Live Music Review of Fangclub Supported By Vulpynes and Long Tail at Whelan’s Dublin

Offering ear-bleeding rock, raw and unprecedented talent Fangclub descend on Whelan’s Dublin with support from Vulpynes and Long Tail.The garage rock trio assured us last time we met them that their live shows were epic and so naturally we had to check this bold claim out for ourselves.
Vulpynes kicked things off to a fiery start with ‘Sublingual’ they blast the timid crowd with bloodthirsty blustery rock. This duo take no prisoners as Kaz’s drumming ruthlessly pummels through each track while Maeve’s strong fierce vocals resounds over the ruckus like a powerhouse. The beefy depth on guitar and shattering distortion adds a dark lusty gritty texture. They roared through the set with tracks like ‘Bitches are like Waves’ and ‘Break off the Legs’ Vulpynes are not ones to be messed with. This is music for bruised, battered moshing unfortunately a lot of the audience were too timid for the mania however they warmed up as the set progressed. Belting out the single ‘Terry Said’ Vulpynes take the track to a red blooded hair flying all over the place mania. But it was new track ‘Can’t Sit Still’ that showed that this band is destined for big things and are more than capable of holding their own. The track gave me a Jack White ‘Lazaretto’ vibe with an awesome bridge change up. Its one to look out for. Finishing their set with ‘OCD’ Vulpynes rattled the bones off the bashful crowd, warming them up and filling them with dynamic maniacal energy for the acts to come.
An utterly absorbing set follows from Long Tail as they draw the crowd nearer with ‘Waiting’. Displaying a heavier sound live and some snazzy guitar changes. The bright bubbly tracks smothered in positive upbeat tones take a punchy more aggressive role instrumentally while Ed’s vocals and lyrics still flood with dreamy cool motivational vibes. Filling the crowd with go for it attitude the band are met with a comical stage invasion as a member of the crowd jumps on stage and wiggles around like a dizzy lone ranger only to fail in attempt to crowd surf but that didn’t stop him from trying again. Long Tail display a slick tight performance and exude a comfortable swagger on stage that draws the crowd in. ‘Our Star’ and ‘Better Way’ displays glossy melodious riffs with Steve’s elastic bass teamed with Ronan’s punchy drums these guys make performing look easy. The crowd reacts well to each track as Ed banters back and forth a little and seems to sweet talk the crowd into bopping along. Even Indie Buddie gets a nice shout out. Their set finished with the single ‘Your Time’ this peppy anthem sums up the radiant glow and vibrant burst of energy all the tracks on their set possess.
Fangclub take to the stage with an undeniable confidence and breakneck momentum. Swarming into tracks like ‘Psycho’ and the feverish ‘Dreamcatcher’ they leave the crowd in awe and eager to engage in neck snapping frenzy. Steven, Kevin and Dara display electrifying energy that had every one engaged jumping and moshing as they unleashed their explosive sound completed with flashing lights. The rapid pacing percussion is frenzied and boisterous as frontman Steven, croons with raspy gritty intensity giving tracks like ‘Loner’ and ‘Coma Happy’ an eerie spine chilling quality. These guys can put on a show with vigour and roaring enthusiasm getting the crowd jumping and moshing with raging mania. The entire set is professional, slick, fun and compelling to watch as distorted shrill on guitars add a thrilling deafening elation of ear splitting satisfaction. Finishing with an epic crowd surf as Steven jumps into the crowd and they lift him like a heroic champion. What a kick ass performance. Whelan’s was left  more than satisfied with the level of enthralling noise created by all three bands. Who said rock n roll is dead?

Lumer ‘Futile’

Hull’s scuzz punks Lumer have released their new track ‘Futile’. Alex Evans (bass/vocals), Benjamin Jackson (Guitar), Jacob Wardle (drums) and Thom Foster (synth/guitar) have unleashed a storm of ferocity, beaten and pummelled with pulverising drums and shrilling razor sharp riffs. The splintering guitars sting with knife edged slashes as the track races into a bloodthirsty frenzy of venom induced intense passion and mania. Strong vocals brood to start developing into a hurricane of screaming howling roars exuding fiery aggression. This track is a brawl of bustling gravelly grit mixed with explosive punk topped with fury and turmoil. Its pure unadulterated bedlam that is headbangingly good and mosh pit frenzy ready.
Stream ‘Futile’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Honey Lung

 

Honey Lung are an alternative band from London. They have released their debut EP ‘Kind Of Alone’. Which has already captured the interest of the likes of Radio X and BBC Introducing. We have chosen their single ‘End Of Time’ from the EP as our worth a listen track this week. ‘End Of Time’ instantly blasts you with fierce 90’s grunge. Shredding guitars rip through the track with raw razor sharp grit and relentless aggression while the drums pound and pummel giving rough and tumble grainy textures that is absolutely thrilling. Soaked in an infectious pop melody that contrasts the dark moody tone, its a sulky sweet juicy track to sink your teeth into. Monotonic, droning brooding vocals fester and wallow in the downcast tone giving a nostalgic nod to the moody bands of 90’s youth. This track bursts with energy and vibrancy in-between the gloom. The zesty riff slaps you in the face and throws you head first into their ebullient sound, leaving you craving more and more for this sun soaked vitalising unique moping sound. The track summarises youth- hood’s conflicting feelings and emotions perfectly, pouty gloomy yet epic. Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘End Of Time’ below

Bad Mood ‘Grungeblues’

Bad Mood is a proud Liverpool band having roots deep to the socially conscious city although none of its members are from there they consider the town their home. Singer Liam Devall previously honed his songwriting and performing on the London underground music scene and bass guitarist Tom Carrol since moving to the city has worked with both Pete Wiley and Ian Prowse. Bad Mood’s sound is difficult to categorise but clear post-punk influences can be heard in their songs. This angsty four piece have released their second single ‘Grungeblues’ today. The dark and brooding new single reflects the bands agitated melodic style.
‘Grungeblues’ is a punch of gritty grunge soaked in mysterious darkened sulky tones. Brooding vocals agonise and mope over punchy drums and riot causing strident guitars. The vocals bleed the moody lyrics for the verse while the drums bubble and boil conveying the churning emotions. The track is overflowing with intense shadowy sullen vibes. It will attract all your frustration and anguish drag them to the surface for you to wallow and slosh around in. Fantastic enraged and fierce instrumentation takes this track to a dramatic climax while still managing to maintain that gloomy atmosphere. Its definitely one for repeated listens.
Stream ‘Grungeblues’ below

The Grey Merchant ‘Spotless’

the-grey-merchant

The Grey Merchant are an alternative indie band from Cork. Their debut single ‘Spotless’ is set for release via Demeanour Records on November 8th. The Grey Merchant introduce us to their swirling concoction of psychedelic experimental rock that will blow your mind. Its a labyrinth of pulsating bass and distorted guitars swirling in an intoxicating brew of hallucinatory narcotic rock. This thick ecstasy of eye- popping exhilarating psychedelia resounds and winds around a vocal line sampled from Charlie Chaplin’s speech from ‘The Great Dictator’. With rapid punch and repetitive striking drums ‘Spotless’ lures you into a darkened  hair- raisingly thrilling atmosphere where there is no returning. Once you let yourself succumb to the crisp edgy sting and moody undertone you become swallowed and consumed in the tireless relentless onslaught of the meandering entwining coil of The Grey Merchant’s unique and fantastic masterpiece. These guys are ones to watch.
Stream ‘Spotless’ below

 

Neon Dolls ‘Step Out Of The Dark’

Leeds grit-rock four-piece Neon Dolls have released their new single ‘Step Out Of The Dark’ which is taken from their upcoming second album ‘When It Strikes’. Since forming two years ago, band members Tom Axe (vocals), Sean Hatherley (guitar/Vocals),Michael Jarvis (drums) and Fernando Manresa(bass) have been busy perfecting their hybrid of muscular Britpop and shoutalong punk vocals. They have been blowing away audiences on the buzzing Leeds music scene. With a growing fanbase affectionately dubbed the Neon Army behind them, tracks from their debut album ‘Imperial’ which was released last year were playlisted on BBC Introducing and their sold out live shows led to Fred Perry Subculture hailing them as one of the best new bands in the country.
‘Step Out Of The Dark’ is a gigantic hefty powerful track booming with earthquake causing mighty pounding drums and kick ass shredding rock riffs and licks. The dominant rooted bass gives the track a powerhouse brawn and depth. The anthem like chorus steamrolls in with fist pumping energy and frenzy. Its headbanging ferocity is neck-breakingly good as the track pounds through you with brute force. Raspy aggressive vocals keeps the intensity of this rapid brawl. ‘Step Out Of The Dark’ is an onslaught of manic vigorous energy and slashing dynamic guitar.
Watch the video for ‘Step Out Of The Dark’ below