40 Shillings on the Drum have released their new single ‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’. Having kickstarted 2018 with a well-received live album and short UK tour (their first), the band were quickly snapped up for an appearance at Beautiful Days festival alongside the likes of Manic Street Preachers and The Hives. During this festival, the band became friends with Skinny Lister and Tom Gleeson of Slaves to Gravity and Feeder, the latter has now completed mixing duties on the brand new single.The single shows a huge departure from their traditional folk-punk roots, with the band taking a more contemporary, punk-rock sound to new heights. The band’s debut album, also produced by Tommy Gleeson, is due for release in late 2019.
‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’ is a swift slap of alternative rock smothered in dark riffs and a theatrical rawness. Eerie guitars jaggedly slice and shred through the track with relentless stamina while a punchy rhythm creates a buoyant meaty foundation for them to ricochet and soar off. The track is a robust brawny effort from 40 Shillings on the Drum with a substantial rock backbone that will have a mosh pit going wild. The raspy vocals spit out the lyrics in a dramatic fashion creating a spooky quality to this blistering track.Its a dynamic infectious and exhilarating number from 40 Shillings on the Drum.
Stream ‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’ below
Four piece rock band The Rah’s have recently released their new single ‘Land of the Dreamers’. This biting track presents The Rah’s precise anthemic sound in all its fiery and powerful splendor. The shredding guitars sharply pierce through the punchy drum foundation with slick refinement and majesty while the sublime rooted bass line punctures through your brain with its infectious darkly coated groove. This track lures and entices through the verses before exploding into a crowd friendly boisterous chorus. With slinky, raw guitar licks and sweltering whines seeping swagger and finesse into the track – this high energy, adrenaline pumping number is instantly like-able.
The band have started on their eagerly anticipated EP and details will follow soon via The Rah’s social media
Alternative Band Northern National have released their new single ‘Not All Family Is Blood’. The Dallas, TX based 4 piece have toured with acts such as Blue October, The Unlikely Candidates and The Band Camino and shared the stage with more. Their track ‘Love is Fire’ was featured on Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist and charted on Spotify’s Viral 50 worldwide. Music curators such as Topsify, Filtr, and even Coca-Cola, have also featured the song on their playlists.
‘Not All Family Is Blood’ is a subtle anthemic number as Northern National steadily progress the track with intricate melodies weaving through throbbing rhythms and passionate vocals. The track wisps about ethereal soundscapes as chiming keys twinkle between the aerial guitars and swirling electronics. The band present a passionate, well crafted number that rushes on a powerful instrumental progression while the meticulous musicianship and cleverly placed instruments (such as the strings ) flutter before the mighty crescendo.
About the track the band said:“Sometime’s when we’re writing music comes first, melodies come first, but in this case that line came first. Some of us are lucky enough to be born into a family, but no matter the circumstances regarding that family, good or bad, you get to also choose the family you surround yourself with as you grow up. You get to pick who you tackle life with on the daily basis and this song is about that. It’s dedicated to those rebels, those rag-tag groups of friends who take on challenges and grow closer together in the hard times. For us, it’s our brothers in this band, the people we meet on the road who give us places to sleep when we can’t afford hotels, the loved one’s who support us pursuing a crazy passion called music, and so many others. Those people are our family as much as the family we were born into. This song was inspired by them.”
HAVVK return with their latest brooding cut, ‘If I Don’t Tell You’ via Veta Records. This single is the third release from their upcoming debut album, Cause & Effect, out on 22nd November 2019. HAVVK originally formed in London in 2015, and have since split their time between London, Dublin and Berlin. They have collaborated with Belfast based producer Rocky O’Reilly (And So I Watch You From Afar, Touts, Brand New Friend) for the last two years to help develop their unique sound. In addition to their musical endeavours, Front woman Julie Hawk has also co-founded SelfMade – a platform to explore DIY music in Ireland through performance, discussion, and art, and last year launched Female Fronted Drawn Together – a project through which she has created a playlist of admirable female bands musicians and created an illustration to accompany each song. HAVVK have been praised by the likes of BBC 6Music’s Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson and Chris Hawkins, as well BBC Radio London and Radio X. Their previous single ”Always the Same” also featured on Spotify’s official Alternative Generation and Feelgood Indie playlists.
‘If I Don’t Tell You’ is a powerful luring track brimming with a polished rawness that is masterful. Julie Hawk’s vocals venture from sweetly lulling to searing while the chiming backdrop creates a prismatic glimmering soundscape. The sweet melody melts upon the edgy backdrop cooling and smoothing the biting instrumentation with a honeyed ear-worm deliciousness and a dark mysterious tone while the ethereal guitars lace the track in a stinging airy vibe. The punchy drums create a buoyant foundation as this trio weave luscious textures through their grunge infused sound seamlessly creating a rich wholly-invigorating listening experience. A little harsh and thrilling – this compelling number will sparkle and pierce its way into your brain demanding repeat plays.
The single tackles the very real and current issue of social media and how we can become lost between a genuine version of ourselves and the one that we feel pressured to present online. Julie elaborates, “If I Don’t Tell You” deals with our experience of trying to engage on a social and political level, in a space that often seems so preoccupied with extremes that there appears to be little room for genuine discussion and a lot of voices and lived experiences get lost in the noise.”
Indie Rock’n’rollers King Kartel have released their new single ‘Lock & Load’. This slinky infectious number stomps in swagger soaked and steaming in exhilarating instrumentation, ready to revolve around in your head for days. With a driving punch on drums pounding through your very core and velvety panache-dripping vocals gliding over the sweet melody this vaporous tune is one sleek charmer. It’s catchy with tasty guitar lines weaving their nimble way through the drum thuds with glossy sharp finesse. The song oozes a rock n roll persona as the track builds tension up to the guitar solo. This solo is the delicious icing on the cake as it shreds and shrills creating that sublime crescendo.Another dazzling hook filled anthem from King Kartel.
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.
Shropshire alternative rock band Social Confusion have released their new track ‘Come Outside’. This ethereal number floats and soars on airy soundscapes, breezy guitars and punchy drums. The band have created a dreamy soft track with glorious sharp stings on guitar breaking up the laid back flow and smooth melody. The track blends their mighty rock punch and sweet crisp indie effortlessly to create a passionate catchy number. The guitars inject golden sun kissed rays which illuminate the melancholic tone. ‘Come Outside’ is another engaging track from Social Confusion.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Extons
Four piece Indie rock band The Extons have released their new single ‘No Hope’. Based in Kings Lynn the band is comprised of Adam Garwood ( Lead Guitar), Will barnes (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar) Peter Catlin (Drums) and Ciaran Liam (bass)
‘No Hope’ is a shimmering blast of indie bliss. With glistening zesty guitars spinning ethereal whirs of delight over the punchy backdrop The Extons capture youthful adrenaline through this dynamic track. Smooth vocals melt over the sweet passionate melody while the snappy drums bounce through the rooted bass groove. It’s a heart gripping energising number that showcases this bands refined spirited musicianship. Warm rapid verses lead effortlessly into a crowd ready sing along chorus filled with explosive vigor and dynamism creating the perfect summer anthemic tune. The guitars shrill and pierce through this bubbly indie gem with finesse and grandeur making it one instant rush to the head. Keep an eye on these guys.
Irish Alternative-Indie collective Third Smoke have released their new single ‘We Run In Bare Feet’. The band have been making their mark with wild, energetic performances in national slots supporting Glen Hansard, Le Galaxie and Delorentos as well as their own UK tour and headline appearances at Whelan’s, the Roisin Dubh and the Spirit Store. Last year also saw the collective perform for the first time at Ireland’s leading live music series Other Voices as well as appearing at a range of notable festivals including Longitude, Electric Picnic and Sea Sessions. Their releases have garnered support from Today FM, Spin 103.8, BBC Northern Island, RTE Radio 1 and RTE2FM.
‘We Run In Bare Feet’ is a biting anthemic number that floods with adrenaline and intensity from the get go. These guys kick the emotion lever up to maximum with a pounding drum progression which pulses and throbs a heart racing rush through your veins while jangly guitars soar, sting and shrill through the all consuming soundscape. Not only is this track breathtaking, Hugh Donlon’s vocals pack one hell of a punch. His powerful wails, deep passionate tones and mighty exclaims are filled with such gusto its captivating as he surges emotion into the track leaving you hanging on the edge of your seat. The song is a dance friendly ethereal tune overflowing with energy as airy guitars inject sweet blasts and breezy stings into a razor sharp melody which slices and shreds through the shaky soundscape. Third Smoke have created a powerful melody-driven track that is punchy, crisp and a griping thrill ride.
Dublin based The Elephant Room have released their new single ‘Bad News (For Good People)’which was recorded with Joe Mulcahy in Open Door Studios in Limerick city. Formed in 2017, The Elephant Room is a Lo-Fi, Indie-noise band composed of Frank, Shane and Ian. Their DIY approach to their music bleeds through to their art work and videos also, with everything being done in-house to create the bizarre, noir world that is The Elephant Room.
‘Bad News (For Good People)’ is a blissful swirl of melodic, intricate indie pop. With it’s sweet like honey melody floating delicately on an intoxicating bed of crashing sharp guitars and punchy rhythms this track is a tasty delight to tantalize the ears. Smooth vocals caress the melody with a moody laid back tone while the tasty guitars weave and wonder about the verses with a daydream stroll before blasting into the crashing rush of the chorus. The track has a grungy vibe while flurrying gracefully upon a delectable indie backdrop. It’s one for those lazy too hot to move days in the summer. The refined tight rhythms hold this fantastic track together with a binding of meaty grooves and punchy drum whacks as the guitars fester into a wailing wall of distortion. With its addictive melody, tight musicianship and thought provoking lyrical content ‘Bad News (For Good People)’ is another impressive, well crafted track from The Elephant Room.
You can catch The Elephant Room live at :
6th April – Wexford Art Centre, Wexford w/ The Motives
20th April – The Thomas House, Dublin 8 w/ Easy Tide and Father!
26th April – Odd Mollies, Drogheda w/ Hatchlings
Watch the video for ‘Bad News (For Good People)’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
