Category Archives: Indie – Surfer

Indie, Indie - Surfer, indie rock, New Music, Surf Rock

Blue River ‘Sugar White Sand’

Indie surf-rock band Blue River are set to release their new single ‘Sugar White Sand’ on the 27th September.  After bursting onto the scene, Cornwall’s Blue River are now two albums deep and have firmly won their place amongst some of the most exciting up and coming groups around. Made up of Perran Nicholls (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Marc Willoughby (lead guitar/vocals), Adam Knuckey (bass guitar/vocals), and Brett Buddy (drums/percussion), Blue River have carefully crafted a formula that has won over the ears and hearts of fans all over the country.

This shimmy-grooved, sun-soaked, surf rock number drifts effortlessly on a smooth laid back melody and warm vocals while the jagged guitars and punchy rhythm create a gritty, rock-infused backdrop. With equal doses of mellow bliss and swagger-dipped indie rock ‘Sugar White Sand’ is locked and loaded for live show sing-along’s and easy listening lazy days in the sun. The melty melody and spaghetti western guitar injections make this track charming and liquid euphoria ready to brighten any day. A perfect new addition to Blue River’s sound.

On producing the track, the band said:“Sugar White Sand’ came from a bad night’s party, where one person became everything I hate and was the loudest person in the room! So, I started a chant with a group of lads, the famous ‘Oggi oggi oggi’ chant (being from Cornwall everyone instantly joined in)-it seemed to shut this person up for a bit. Then I wrote this tune! “I don’t wanna be like you” is a powerful line I think. As well as Cornwall vernacular, ‘Oggi Oggi Oggi’ is also a very well-known Welsh chant, used at international rugby matches to rouse the Welsh team forward and popularised by folk singer Max Boyce.”

 ‘Sugar White Sand’ will be released on September 27th for more you can follow Blue River on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/blueriverofficial


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Delights ‘Sun Visor’ and ‘Sun Lounger’

Following the release of their previous singles ‘Naked Heart’ and ‘Jungle’, Manchester indie rock band Delights have now released their new single, ‘Sun Visor’, and its B-side, ‘Sun Lounger’. These heavenly tracks glow with the glorious sprinkling of yumminess that this four piece do so well. ‘Sun Visor’ kick starts the sun-kissed dreamy tones with a delicious melody spread delicately upon jangly guitars and soft spongy beats. Velvety vocals coo over the upbeat, psychedelic soundscapes as this ethereal number bounces and floats along creating the perfect zesty chill-time atmosphere. It’s the satisfying bite of angel cake to get your mouth watering for ‘Sun Lounger’- a surf tinged gem that calls the summer back with sweet jingles and beachy breezy tones. Catchy and tranquilizing these tracks will give you a subtle sun tan while caressing your ears with the most luscious soothing melodies. I just love the laid back radiant tunes these guys produce.

Delights are also starting their second mini UK tour in 2 days, which has been organised by the band themselves without any manager, funding or record label check out the dates below

November 11th Mayfare at The Cluny Newcastle

November 15th Somedays at 93 Feet East London

November 23rd Delights at Sound Basement Liverpool

November 29th Delights at Castle & Falcon Birmingham

December 1st Delights at Breadshed Manchester

 

Stream ‘Sun Visor’, and its B-side, ‘Sun Lounger’ below

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Bikini Trill ‘Wassup, We Good?’ EP

Los Angeles based, surf pop trio, Bikini Trill have released their new EP, ‘Wassup, We Good?’. The band combine trap / hip-hop beats, surf guitar and bass, with powerful pop vocals to create a fresh sound and feel-good vibe. This female-fronted group draw inspiration from a variety of genres including punk, reggae, and hip-hop. Formed in 2016 by vocalist Frex (Lauren Johnson), bassist Kourosh Poursalehi, and guitarist Tony Stern, Bikini Trill is a nod to the various musicians and genres from which they draw inspiration- combining the Riot Grrrl punk mentality of Bikini Kill with current urban and trap influences. Currently, the band is celebrating their second mini tour at SXSW in Austin, Texas and are gearing up to tour with Coast Modern and Mikey Mike- playing the House of Blues San Diego, The Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, Arizona, and The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

‘Wassup, We Good?’ is a blissfully melodic collection of tracks that fill your soul with golden luminosity, laid back vibes and euphoric mellowness with an underlying punchy kick to add a bit of spice. Each track fluidly flows into the next from the trippy ‘Napster and Acid (INTRO)’ right through to the seductively slinky ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’– Bikini Trill sandwich in a sweet collection of velvety smooth raspberry ripple tunes to have your mind in a sedative state of creamy groove filled bliss. ‘Chapo Howl’ firmly envelopes you in Bikini Trill’s swirling exhilarating world as vibrant guitars meander through captivating vocals while a subtle drift of sweet psychedelic hued soundscapes wisp like a refreshing breeze over the sugary pop melody. The tracks are addictive and radiate sunny, easy going vibes ‘Smoke A Jay and Watch Yourself Dance’ adds a body moving bouncy rhythm into the mix coaxing your body to sway and bop along while ‘Need Me’ throws in a dash of gritty guitar jingles. Johnson’s vocals are simply captivating and nectarous as she floods each track with a honey steeped sprinkling of sweetness that is delicious to the ears and when teamed with the catchy mouth-watering pop melodies it’s a deadly concoction that leaves you craving more. Bikini Trill manage to balance and blend this sugar rush with some hip-hop beats and biting guitars to add a healthy dose of edge and gritty texture to the tunes. ‘KUT U UP (INTERLUDE)’ and ‘Scarlet’ stride in on a cool swagger driven reggae-esque beat and rich weaving soundscapes that add some attitude and bite while the glistening guitar moments elevate and give a vivid golden lustre to the tracks. The lyrics are honest and rugged and don’t gloss over the themes whereas the instrumental backdrop covers the lyrics with a  hazy dreamy camouflage. In ‘2:25 am’ Johnson’s vocals really hypnotise as she coos and sweetly pines through a sticky beat and lamenting soundscapes- its quite touching and beautiful and the perfect lead in to the closing track ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’, a spaghetti western -esque ditty filled with psychedelic tones and desert like vibes.

‘Wassup, We Good?’ is an absorbing collection of tracks perfect for sweltering hot days as the sun glares and distorts your view allowing Bikini Trill to create sublime delusions with scorching guitars and gloopy beats between luscious melodies and captivating vocals.

Stream ‘Wassup, We Good?’ EP below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, New Music, Surf Rock

Johnny Kills ‘Who’s Counting?’

Following on from last summer’s series of acclaimed surf-rock  singles Johnny Kills emerge for the first time in 2018 with new tune  ‘Who’s Counting?’ Out via Killing Moon (Annabel Allum, Beach Riot). The band have earned champions including  BBC Introducing, The  Line of Best Fit, DORK, Indie Shuffle and The Metroplus dozens  more tastemaker radio stations and blogs with their flair for  delivering scuzzy pop off-cuts. The trio are made up of Tim,  biological  brother Lewis Lloyd-Kinnings and spiritual  brother  Cameron Gipp and aiding them in bringing their tracks to an  acceptable auditory standard is Leeds based producer and Forever  Cult bassist Alex Greaves (TRASH,  PLAZA,  Seeing Hands) on  production and  mixing duties,  with  Pete Maher (Pixies,  Lana  Del  Rey,  Scisso Sisters) on mastering.

‘Who’s  Counting?’ is a glittering glam dazzling indie pop anthem laced with flashing sonic slaps over a sticky beat and fuzzed guitar jingles. Johnny Kills blast out an infectious danceable number that surges with youthful adrenaline doused in an 80’s -esque sparkle of glitter and glam all while packing in a healthy dose of punch. Glorious whines on guitar add a lamenting sharp sting to this vivid stomping track while wonky vocal hooks give a unique sing along friendly quality. It’s scuzzy in all the right places with dark sonic flecks swirling murky tones into the verses before the dynamic pop sprinkled chorus lifts the track into a feathery light bouncy anthem. This track is well crafted as each element brings a new rich texture and vibrancy – the guitars bring us the indie, moody, lamenting vibes with a shrilling spikiness while the buoyant beat, luscious melody and sonic swirls add a tasty blend of sugar sweet pop into the mix, and those vocals, just sublime and refreshing. It’s an adrenaline rush and such a thrill to listen to.

“It’s  about  meeting  a  great  new  person  and  ridiculously  overthinking  every  aspect  that  this  entails,  internally  focusing  on  this  quasi-freak-out  rather  than  enjoying  and  appreciating  the  new  relationship  for  what  it  is”  claims  vocalist  and  songwriter  Tim Lloyd-Kinnings,  “Thinking  ‘oh  bloody  hell,  what’s  happening  here?  –this can’t  be  good’  rather  than  ‘oh,  isn’t  this  great?”

Stream ‘Who’s  Counting?’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Changing Gears ‘Leave’

Dublin five-piece pop rock band Changing Gears are set to release their new single ‘Leave’ on 22nd June. This peppy energetic number rides in on a wave of vibrant guitar melodies and velvety vocal lines over an elastic rhythmic backdrop. It’s sun kissed irresistible melody floods the track in sweet honey soaked vibes and the guitar injections are just sublime. They playfully weave silky golden strands of bliss between the buoyant foundation and surf-like breezy atmosphere. It’s a glorious glossy number that is infectious and delightful to listen to.

In support of ‘Leave’ Changing Gears will play BelloBar on 22 June make sure to check them out

Stream ‘Leave’ below


Indie - Surfer, Indie Dream Rock, New Music, Surf Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Velveteins

Canadian trio The Velveteins have released their new track ‘Midnight Surf’ which is taken off their upcoming debut full length ‘Slow Wave’ which will be released this May 12th. ‘Midnight Surf’ is a glazed over crooning slow jam that has a simple approach but cuts deep. Like a wave the track swooshes in and out with gentle delicacy. Soft instrumentation with cushioned beats accompanies the emotionally raw expressive vocals as the beautiful sway-like honey coated melody floats by in soothing clouds and tugs hard on the heart strings. The sharp sting on guitar freshens the track up adding slashes to the soft bouncy sombre song. Smothered in melancholic tones and hazy daydream vibes The Velveteins give us a track that oozes bleeding emotion while lulling you into a daze.
Stream ‘Midnight Surf’ below

 


Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, New Music, Rock and Roll

Indie Buddie Introducing : The Skullers

The Skullers are a rock and roll trio from New Jersey. Band members Jack Skuller (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Gabriel Scholis-Fernandez (drums) and Luigi Sardi (bass) play their blues-soaked brand of modern rock and roll with a down-to-the-bone rockabilly soul. Their live shows prove the band is just as comfortable covering a Little Walters blues swamp as they are playing classic punk from Richard Hell. Frontman Jack Skuller’s songwriting and musicianship was recognised by the Songwriters Hall of Fame who awarded him the 2014 Holly Prize in tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly. The trio have released their debut single ‘Can We Do That Again’ which you can download free on the band’s band camp page here https://theskullers.bandcamp.com/track/can-we-do-that-again

‘Can We Do That Again’ is a lime soda indie pop track, refreshingly smooth with zesty spritz of guitar. Elastic rumbling bass drives the track while soft punchy drums and clap along feature keep this track bouncy and animated. Creamy effortlessly cool vocals glide through the surf friendly catchy track. With waves of melancholic tones against bright luminous instrumentation its a snappy infectious spindrift of slick timeless rock and roll that will have you shimmying and bopping.
The Skullers head back into the studio this spring with four time Grammy nominated producer Joel Hamilton (Black Keys, Highly Suspect, Pretty Lights and Tom Waits) to record a debut EP planned for release on indie label Mint 400 Records in September 2017. So keep an eye out for that.
You can catch The Skullers live at
APRIL 21 CATHEDRAL HALL, JERSEY CITY, NJ
JUNE 7 WORLD CAFE LIVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA
Stream ‘Can We Do That Again’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie - Surfer, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

PALMAS ‘Floating In The Dark’

PALMAS have released their new single ‘Floating In The Dark’. The track is the second single from their upcoming debut album due for release this year, it follows their captivating 2015 debut EP ‘To The Valley’. Band members Kurt Cain-Walther (vocals, organ), Matthew Young (guitar), Adam Cantiello (guitar), Eric Camarota (bass), and Pat Degan (drums) take their sweet indie surf sound to darker depths with this new single. ‘Floating In The Dark’ is a scorching desert western-like tune complete with a pistols and dawn scene and a tumble weed sweeping across a dusty road as the horns introduce the track with a sombre and almost seductive motif. The distant warm melody on guitar glistens with sweet melancholic tones giving a solitary atmosphere. The trumpet melody runs throughout the track teamed with galloping percussion like a horseback chase. Showing fine musician skills PALMAS arrange their track with delicate instrumentation that is layered with tight precision and care creating subtle multi textures. Crooning vocals sweeten the song while flooding it with sorrowful tones and a sway like fluidity. ‘Floating In The Dark’ oozes sweltering delusions of desert heat cooled by the creamy coo on vocals. It is definitely a darker shift away from the blissful sunny vibes of their ‘To The Valley’ EP looking forward to what their debut album will bring.
Stream ‘Floating In The Dark’ below.

Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Desert Fevers ‘Raindrops’

Desert Fevers are Jake Rutter, Zac Blow, Joe Roberts, and Sam Roberts. They play a unique blend of raw, soul flavoured surf tinged garage. This new unique band have released this sweet little track ‘Raindrops’. Its an old school reverb drenched jangle of utter bliss mixed with lo-fi psych pop. Its the perfect recipe for success. The sweet honeyed melody glides with effortless flow creating a sound that is pure delight. A strut worthy jangle on guitar adds a swanky prance and flamboyance to the oh so sleek track. The hip shaking groovy beat coaxes you to move with a funky bounce and vitality. This track exudes swagger and panache from it very core spreading syrupy pop mixed with psychedelic euphoria like sticky sap oozing from every note. It gentle delicate mind numbing psychedelic vibes contrast with the sunny energetic upbeat spring creating a sublime bubble of heavenly elation. The vocals soothe, coated in reverb alongside the instrumentation but not as the main focus they act more like an accompaniment to the rippling elastic oh so cool instrumentation.
Stream ‘Raindrops’ below

Feel Good Music, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Pop Rock

RIP Viola Beach

 

This for me is the saddest blog I have done but I felt I must, as the only reason I started Indie Buddie was because one day in the summer on 2015 I stumbled upon a fantastic band on soundcloud. They had only one song on soundcloud at the time and from the first note I was hooked, the sunny vibes clever lyrics smooth beat and catchy riffs made this song my favourite that summer. It was the upbeat vibrant song that makes everything better. That song was of course ‘ Swings and Waterslides’ by Viola Beach.
Viola Beach were an emerging British indie rock group, formed in Warrington in 2013. The band’s final lineup consisted of Kris Leonard (guitar and vocals), River Reeves (guitar), Tomas Lowe (bass), and Jack Dakin (drums). I was so impressed with these guys and hoped they would do well as it was obvious to me they deserved it. I began telling everyone I knew about them. I watched the youtube videos from BBCs Maida Vale sessions and it was confirmed that these guys had serious talent and were going to be very big. Their performance was very professional but still their humour and fun came through. I found that my favourite song they performed was ‘Get to Dancing’. It’s a cheeky lively track which of course makes you want to dance. The song has a really catchy guitar riff and also shows Jack’s skills as a drummer, it’s light but very effective.
Their second released single came to us in early 2016 ‘Boys That Sing’ this is a bright and cheery song with an infectious melody and again their slick guitar and drums give a Californian surf sound. It definitely brightened up our winter days and made us smile with their cheeky mischief lyrics.
I decided in December of 2015 to message them and ask them to come to Ireland as I couldn’t wait to hear them live and they told me they were going to support Blossoms in the Academy in Dublin in February. Naturally I went, I couldn’t miss that! Their live performance was brilliant. You could see their love for music and every beat, strum and note oozed energy.They were having fun and loving every moment of it and so was the audience.
We spoke to them afterwards and they were the most lovely people you could meet they discussed their passion for music and they promised us they would play ‘Get To Dancing’ when they returned to Dublin as it wasn’t on their set list this time. Of the bands I have met they really stood out. They were genuine lovely guys doing what they loved and sharing it with whoever would listen.
Since then, I have found other songs that they have done on youtube and found their track “Daisies” which was featured on Bandcamp’s The Indie Cassette Player’s (now known as ” The Mill Records”) second compilation album, with “Love My Love” being featured on the website’s third compilation album. Both these tracks are lovely well written songs and show us a deeper side to the band. I was looking forward to what kind of album they were going to release.
I decided to write this blog about one of the best bands I have been lucky to see live because they were amazingly talented and right now they should be taking the music industry by storm. But their career was cruelly cut short. I don’t want to dwell on the details of their passing as it’s their memory I want to preserve.
A celebratory tribute gig will take place at Warrington Parr Hall on April 2 to pay tribute to the band and their manager, Craig Tarry.The sold-out show will feature The Coral and Courteeners frontman Liam Fray as well as an acoustic set by The Kooks. Viola Beach supported Courteeners on tour and were due to open for Blossoms, who also feature on the bill. The packed bill is finished off by Eliza and the Bear, Hidden Charms, The Vryll Society, The Strawberries and Psyblings. All proceeds from the show will go to the families of Viola Beach and Craig Tarry.
Viola Beach a really lovely 4 piece indie pop band from Warrington whose Infectious anthems and sunny bright feel good melodies will not be forgotten here at Indie Buddie.
RIP Viola Beach