Category Archives: Indie Pop

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Bugles ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP

The Bugles have released their new EP ‘What A Time To Be Alive’. The Bugles are a funk punk band consisting of Blade brothers; Jack and Tom, Matt Newell, Mohsin Abbas and Siony Williams.

‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP present The Bugles’ jubilantly cheeky sound in all its infectious and juicy glory. These guys write tunes to keep you singing and dancing for days as their explosive vibrant energy and enthusiasm radiates from every track on the EP. The listener is hooked from opening track ‘Give up’ with its instant buoyancy, wiggle-ready bass line and jaunty guitar. There is no shortage of refined guitar lines or sprightly bass and rhythm as the band flesh out their fun sound with each engaging, invigorating tune. Title track ‘What a Time to Be Alive’ encapsulates the vibrancy of this band perfectly from slinky guitar flirtations to the party ready sing along chorus the band lay down the track perfectly to keep you bopping and dancing all the way through. Though the bands songs are fun and playful they showcase refined and sophisticated musicianship and instrumental prowess. ‘Fat Cats’ thrives wonderfully on vibrant and zesty guitar flourishes while the lyrical content adds depth and social commentary to their infectious sun sprinkled sound. There is reggae peppering all over the EP through the bass line and drums while the guitar weaves a tropical, indie blend into the mix creating a glorious refreshing sound. ‘Kings and Queens’ bring us to the end of the EP, slowing the tone as The Bugles try their hand at a ballad- esque slow jam. It’s a slow shuffle to start with a sweet pop sprinkled melody and harmony before the band begin the second verse introducing their signature guitar and jaunty rhythm. 

‘What A Time To Be Alive’ is a flavoursome EP brimming with danceable party tones, rich rhythms and sublime guitar work as The Bugles blend their luscious indie pop with punk elements to create a punchy, thoughtful and enjoyable collection of songs. 

Stream ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Brand New Friend ‘The Letter A’

After their stellar performance at the 2000trees Xtra Mile Recordings takeover in July, Northern Irish five-piece Brand New Friend have released their new single, ‘The Letter A’. They have played shows throughout the UK and Ireland, both headlining and with veterans or peers like Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan – plus a host of festival slots at Reading and Leeds, 2000trees and others.Their debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, spawned several singles all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq as well as sessions and interviews on the Across The Line show on BBC Ulster.

‘The Letter A’ is a punchy track with a smooth melody wrapped in a biting indie rock soundscape as Brand New Friend blister and swarm through the track with relentless stamina and infectious vigor. With jagged striking guitars slicing through the bouncy bass line and snappy drums this track has an infectious energetic buoyancy that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. The pop smacked melody and 50’s-60’s classic melodic hue gives a sentimental familiarity and charm to the song. The vocals exude confidence with a youthful sense of urgency as the band flesh out their tight and dynamic sound. With an explosive chorus, The Strokes- esque verses, sharp instrumental backdrop and gritty crunchy element presented beautifully on guitars, this adrenaline-inducing number is sure to have you singing along in no time. 

Watch the video for ‘The Letter A’ below 


Author : Danu

Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Night Hikes ‘Avila’

Seattle dream pop duo Night Hikes are embarking on a West Coast tour to promote their forthcoming debut studio album, ‘Chalice’, due out later this year. The lead single ‘Avila’ has been released to tease what is to come from the album.

 ‘Avila’ is a dreamy track laced in hazy euphoric vibes as Night Hikes pay tribute to the glory found in mundane acts of love. With a delicate, soft melody caressed by Olivia Godby’s lush vocals this song drifts along gently and tenderly creating a daydream of sweet nostalgia.The jangly guitar adds a biting zest and refreshing juicy sting to this breezy gem as the subtle swirling synths wisp about the track almost carefree and joyous. It’s a graceful track sure to warm your soul and put a smile on your face.

You can catch Night Hike live at : 

9/12 – Olympia, Octapas Cafe

9/15 – Portland, Bit House Saloon

9/16 – Chico, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches

9/19 – Sacramento, The Starlet Room

9/20 – San Francisco, Hotel Utah

9/21 – Davis, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

9/25 – San Luis Obispo, A Satellite of Love

9/26 – Santa Barbara, *Secret Location*

9/27 – Santa Barbara, TBA

9/28 – Los Angeles, Silverlake Lounge

Stream ‘Avila’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Provocateurs ’90’s Girl’

Manchester indie band Provocateurs have released their new single ’90’s Girl’. Provocateurs formed in August 2015, Duffy and Fitch formed the band on a night out in Manchester. After building their own rehearsal room, along came James Allen and Marco on lead guitar and bass.

’90’s Girl’ is a belting indie track with a scream out loud chorus sure to exhaust your lungs while Provocateurs flesh out their ethereal musicianship. With zest-filled airy guitars biting and glistening through the punchy drums and breezy backdrop the track instantly cuts into your ears with relentless stamina. The attitude soaked vocals bellow out the catchy chorus as the sharp riffs and anthemic melodies keep the track raw and ready for the mosh pit of a live show.  ’90’s Girl’ is another outstanding track from Provocateurs.

Watch the video for ’90’s Girl’ below 


Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Father! ‘Desire Lines’

Dublin based Jangle Pop outfit Father! have released their new single ‘Desire Lines’. Taking its name from the famous Douglas Reynholm quote; ‘Father!’ and beginning as the solo bedroom project of multi-instrumentalist Sean Brunswick – Father! became an outlet of creativity for Brunswick and an escape from the high intensity of Architecture School. The release of ‘Beach Cloud Daze’ (2018) marked the transition of ‘Father!’ from bedroom project to live band recruiting fellow architecture student Stephen Allen on bass and drummer Declan Behan. The upcoming sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’ (which is mixed and mastered by Mark Chester of Autre Monde, Ginnels, No Monster Club) is set for release this September.

‘Desire Lines’ is a lo fi dreamy haze of reverb swirling electronics and chiming guitars as Father! present their tight and intricate musicianship through a kaleidoscopic prism of psych hued indie. Well layered and crafted this track weaves glistening guitars into a labyrinth of electronic indie to create a piece of work that is both chilled and mind crushing. The track builds from its luscious pop tinged beginnings to a heavier crescendo as the instruments progress becoming more raw and frenzied adding layers of distortion into the dazzling soundscape. The sweet melody delicately coos throughout as the reverb laden vocals murmur and soothe throughout. This hypnotic treasure is filled with wonderful glistening facets of alternative psychedelic pop that create one superb gem. 

‘Father!’ make their Workman’s Club debut with a launch show for the upcoming sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’. Tickets priced €5 went on sale Wednesday 14th August. Support on the night from ‘The Elephant Room’ and ‘Civic Party’.

Stream ‘Desire Lines’ below 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Ivory Wave ‘Uptown’

Birmingham indie/dance band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Uptown’. The song was produced by Matt Terry (Prodigy/Enemy/YouMeAtSix) & mixed by Grammy award winning producer, Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, U2). Ivory Wave have landed main support slots with DMA’S, The Twang, Superfood and played festivals such as Isle Of Wight, Truck, Y Not, Shiine On to name a few

‘Uptown’ is an infectious track filled with shimmering synths and rich rhythms. The track shimmy’s in, cool yet dynamic in its floor filling approach. Ivory Wave have a knack for creating carefree tunes as they add a pop polished sheen to their raw indie to create something truly enjoyable. Honest lyrics, brummie vocals and a smooth melody pepper the track in a catchy atmosphere while the swirling synths, jangly guitars and snappy beat make the track anthemic and ready for festival sing alongs. ‘Uptown’ is a fine display from Ivory Wave.

About the track George Johnson said “Uptown is about a binge of going out drinking. The fact that all week you’ll be texting your mates, planning those big nights out, to just wake up with a hangover, all your wages spent and 20 missed calls off your girlfriend. It just stopped appealing to me.”

Stream ‘Uptown’ below 


Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Margot Polo ‘Let’s Get Out’

Indie pop artist Margot Polo has released his new single, ‘Let’s Get Out’. This is Margot Polo’s (the solo project of David Provenzano) first release of 2019, and is being released in advance of a 5 song EP set to be released this Autumn. 

‘Let’s Get Out’ is a sun drenched laid back indie gem as Margot Polo dips the track in glorious jangly guitar and a hazy sweltering atmosphere. With dynamic electronics flurrying around a deep groovy bass line and buoyant beat this track is instantly likeable. Chilled with a refreshing backdrop this tutti frutti track has a zesty guitar line and peppy rhythmic bounce while the smooth melody and velvety vocals add a dash of sugary sweetness. The electronics flutter through the verses while the youthful adrenaline and vibrant instrumentation make this track one fresh guzzle of indie pop at its finest.

Stream ‘Let’s Get Out’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Indigo ‘Guadeloupe’

London four piece alternative band Indigo have released their new single ‘Guadeloupe’. The band consists of Arran Birks, Matt Dell’Unto, Tom Horton and Johann Meux. After the well-received and sensationally titled ‘Please Sign Us To Your Label EP’ was released in March, they are ready to present their newest offering to the world,‘Guadeloupe’.Indigo will be celebrating this release with a headline show at seminal music venue The Victoria on Tuesday 13th August as well as three more shows lined up: The Finsbury on 14th September, Nambucca on October 3rd and The Dublin Castle on November 14th with more shows and release dates being announced in the coming months.

‘Guadeloupe’ is a twinkling melodic track filled with rich grooves and sweet tones as Indigo weave vibrant guitar lines into their infectious sound. The laid back atmosphere is created by the dreamy glistening guitar and soft rhythmic bounce as each glorious guitar line weaves golden speckles of sunlight into the track. With smooth vocals floating into your ears on a nectarous melody while lush backing vocals coo through wispy soundscapes, Indigo create and meticulously layer the track perfectly. The song builds to a dazzling synth-infused crescendo while the swayable melody cruises through this flashing manic backdrop. This sublime frantic soundscape contrasts the daydream bliss superbly and adds a refreshing bite and edge to this sweet sun kissed number. An engaging listen from Indigo.

Stream ‘Guadeloupe’ below 


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Rowlette ‘Footprints On The Moon’

Irish, indie-artist Rowlette has released her second single ‘Footprints on the Moon’. Rowlette is well known on the Dublin live scene, with performances this summer in Workman’s, The Grand Social, The Wiley Fox and providing support to Jack L.

‘Footprints On The Moon’ is a beautifully crafted number that floats effortlessly on warm guitar and twinkling piano while Rowlette’s charming vocals coo and melt upon the catchy melody. With a dark percussion progression, lush harmonies and a chilled ethereal tone this pop sprinkled track is a motivational gem. There is power throughout from the strong vocals to thumping beat and striding guitar – the track layers and develops adding depth and new strength with each section. The piano adds elegance and grandeur while the haunting backing vocals provide an eerie quality, reinforcing the shadowy percussion. Its an empowering, well crafted track from Rowlette.

Talking about the inspiration for the song Rowlette explains; “For some reason, we are all accustomed to believing we have to live our lives a certain way and write so much off as impossible. When you think about the fact we are a tiny little planet in an infinite universe, and all that mankind has done, your dreams suddenly seem somehow achievable”

Stream ‘Footprints on the Moon’ below 


Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Mini Mansions ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ Album

Mini Mansions are set to release their third studio album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ on July 26th on Fiction Records. Each Album, EP and track this trio have released has been more tantalizing, juicy and infectious than the last.Their quirky elements and mind frazzling instrumentation makes them a unique treasure and ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ takes this wonderful trait, ferments it, curdles and blends it as we see the band produce their most thrilling and perhaps honest piece of work to date. 

‘Should Be Dancing’ sets the experience in motion with a funfair carousel atmosphere. It sounds like it could be David Bowie and Marc Bolan’s love child.The track chugs along with that fun happy vibe while the undertone reeks of eerie clowns and danger.Michael Shuman takes his frontman role by the horns.His deep eccentric vocals flaunt with a flamboyant air and ring leader suaveness as he hyperboles, haunts and wails through the spine chilling backdrop.The jangly keys, funk flexed striking guitar and sublime bass weave and entice with an ominous yet peppy tone through the driving beat.The adrenaline heart racing ‘Bad Things (That Make You Feel Good)’ surges with rock ‘n’ roll swagger, slick guitar, an infectious clap along feature and a driving rhythm.

The first half of this album is a flurry of adrenaline and exhilarating emotions expressing one’s feelings of falling in love and all the cheeky bits in between. ‘Don’t Even Know You’ sees Tyler Parkford take the lead. His signature chord progressions on keys glitter and apply the perfect quirky quality to the melty wistful melody and sweet as taffy vocals. Zack Dawes’ bass weaves threads of delight throughout this dreamy candy-floss track. It’s a sun hazed dream-boat that cruises and bops along ready to be the soundtrack when you meet your next crush. It’s a gem to listen to. Parkford snaps out of his lovesick daze with the flurrying more confident ‘Forgot Your Name’. He swaggers over humorous lyrics as this shuffling dance evoking tune whisks you away into a rock ‘n’ roll carefree stupor. A thumping beat and riveting bass create that dance floor summoning foundation. Sharp guitar lines playfully wander and frolic between the buoyant keys and sprightly melody while Z Berg (former singer in The Like) provides the backing vocals. The album gallops straight into the heart racing ‘I’m In Love’. Jazzy keys and intricate guitar lines pepper the track in spice and rich flirtations while the electrifying wall of sound and distorted fluctuations ensure repeat plays. ‘Time Machine’ continues the loved up dreamy tone with hazy vocals, twinkling soundscapes and lush melodies.The sticky beat, zest filled guitar, echoed vocals and sweet harmonies create a delicate tender number with a pop sprinkling.The wistful swoony title track from the EP released last year  ‘Works Every Time’ takes a seat on the album with its sublime lamenting guitar lines, elastic bass and Parkfords velvety vocals reinforcing the ethereal and floaty atmosphere of Time Machine.‘Living InThe Future’ re-introduces backing vocals from Z Berg as the track swirls through dazzling electronics, glam rock guitar lines and groove infested rhythm. 

Suddenly things start to turn sour as the tone of the album changes and the strutting ‘GummyBear’ follows.Though a sweet pop-coated number the track lyrically takes us down a darker path “No, I got love for you no more ”. With a disco- esque undertone,the song is brimming with infectious grooves and funky bass line while buoyant drums fluctuate through the euphoric soundscape creating a rich elastic foundation. Shuman duets with The Kills’ front woman Alison Mosshart on the bittersweet ‘Hey Lover’. It’s a heartbreaking parting of ways however the band deliver this with elegance and dignity. Shuman’s smoky whispers caress the lyrics with steamy seduction as he coos and blends perfectly with Alison Mosshart’s sultry tone.The moving melody drifts along as jangly keys peep between the sombre tone, lamenting guitar and steady beat while the bass broods throughout. All that’s left is for the passionate electronically dazzling ‘Tears In Her Eyes’ to bring the album to a close the best way Mini Mansions can – leaving you wanting to take the entire emotional roller-coaster again.This smoky track simmers beneath dark daze-filled electronics while sultry guitar stings contrast the bubbling and festering bass.The verses are ominous however the chorus lightens a little with twinkling keys echoing naive innocence.The track builds and ignites into a harsh crashing crescendo. It’s an extremely expressive track while the invigorating and smothering instrumentation wrestles and tussles creating a beautiful contrast.

‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ is a whirlwind of emotions heightened through sublime musicianship and production.The refined glorious melodies and masterful instrumentation portray the themes perfectly. Mini Mansions are exquisite musicians. These guys are diamonds in the rough. 

‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ will be released on July 26th until then you can check out their newest single ‘I’m In Love’ below