Upcoming indie-pop band, Lady Landscape released their third EP, ‘3’ on June 26th.Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece ( Jamie Reynolds (Drums), Tiernan Buckley (Bass) and (Lead Guitar)Adam Ollin ), Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals.
‘3’ is a laid back collection of tracks which showcase Lady Landscape’s earnest and melodic musicianship. Previously released singles ‘Versailles’, ‘25’ and ‘Apartment Song’ ease the EP into motion with glistening guitar, supple soundscapes and dreamy tones. The band use soft, delicate melodies with powerful lyrics to express the melancholic and irritating themes of self disappointment and normal life occurrences. With deep baritone vocals cruising through the hazy melodies and buoyant rhythm each track flows fluidly into the next making for a soothing listening experience.
I particularly enjoyed the use of acoustic guitar in tracks ‘Ghost Story’ and ‘WWII’. Theacoustic guitar chugs along sluggishly between the lulling elements with a nonchalant aesthetic. The band seep wispy synths and airy soundscapes into the tracks background making each song drift into the aerosphere allowing the deep vocals, steady beat and striking lyrics ground the track. ’2001’ brings the EP to an end with a bitter sweet melody and continuing the chilled out vibe of the EP.
‘3’ is an EP of moody, glum tones mangled between ethereal and dreamy soundscapes. The band discuss themes of growing older and the mundanity and disappointment of life through hazy calm tunes that drone as well as twinkle beneath the lo fi indie pop canvas. Lady Landscape’s soft and melancholic tones are filled with intricate moments and lush instrumentation. ‘3’ is a fantastic display of this. Lady landscape’s third EP is a smooth and satisfying listening experience.
BECAH has released her new single ‘Forget’. BECAH is a 25 year old singer/songwriter from Lurgan, Northern Ireland.Having cultivated her art playing the local scene for the last number of years, BECAH is proving herself to be quite the emerging artist of note. Within that time she has secured support slots for renowned acts including that of Aslan, The Four of Us, and Brian Kennedy, and most recently played on the same bill as Brian Houston, Sam Wickens and Amy Montgomery. To date BECAH has recorded an EP ‘At Ease’ (2018) with the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast, along with two singles ‘Butterflies’ (2018), and ‘Yours’ (2019), both recorded by producer Matthew Greene in Greene Noise Audio, Lurgan. Her music releases have led to an array of significant competitive successes behind her – a finalist in both the Panarts Young Songwriter of the Year and the AER Solo Artist Award, as well as finishing 3rd place in the Dawson’s Singer/Songwriter Competition. Her upcoming single release ‘Forget’ was recorded with producer Michael Mormecha.
Stunningly moving and powerful BECAH takes a simple approach with ‘Forget’. With innocent twinkling on piano wandering through a pulsing beat backdrop the track presents an intimate and passionate account of a messy break-up. The song unfolds delicately adding lush backing harmonies and warm glimmers on guitar as it fleshes out its ethereal soundscapes. BECAH has a diverse and talented voice as she drifts into R&B elements at times while her warm rasp and velvety manner captures a pure sense of sorrow. There is a sweet innocence and heartbreaking undertone throughout the song. BECAH has an ability to capture emotions in a time loop allowing the listener to ruminate on her lyrics providing a slow motion impact of bitter/sweet pain. ‘Forget’ is an emotive and heart breaking track that displays BECAH’s rich, vulnerable and compelling musicianship.
About the track BECAH said : “Using my lyrics almost in a diary-like fashion as ever, Forget tells the story of a messy break-up. It reflects on how one person in the relationship can be left still loving the other, whilst having to accept it’s bitter end and making that difficult return back to the strangers you once were. Like all my songs, it speaks of very personal things, and it’s my hope in that brutal honesty with Forget that the listeners find they can relate and recognise they are not alone in these complicated matters we can find ourselves stuck in.”
Bio : Bristol-based, Drowzy Rock and Roll, quartet Hush Mozey have released their new single ‘Sailing (Drenched to the Bone)’.Last year the band released their second EP, “Pretty Little Seance”, with a sold out release show at Rough Trade Bristol, leading to multiple Glastonbury appearances, performing at O2 Academy Bristol and being featured on Steve Lamacq’s “Recommends” show on BBC 6 Music.
Track: Sailing(Drenched to the Bone)
Why We Like It: With warm harmonica, light floaty soundscapes and a buoyant spacious construction, Sailing(Drenched to the Bone) is a charming sun kissed ditty. The track drifts through subtle intricacies as the band weave nimble guitar lines, infectious rhythms and mellow textures to create a soft vibrant listening experience. There is a retro 60’s vibe about the song filtered through the bands own unique engaging indie sound. With vocals that whisper and coo through the carefree backdrop, ‘Sailing(Drenched to the Bone)’ is a thoroughly enjoyable foot tapping gem.
Bio : 2020 is all about brand new music for Demons Of Ruby Mae. Having already released the singles ‘This Is Your Time’ and ‘Live For Today’, the band continue to show an incredible creative output. After releasing their self-titled debut in 2018 and signing to North American and European labels Anti Fragile Records and Long Branch Records respectively in 2019, the Manchester indie duo ended the year on a career high, headlining the prestigious BBC Introducing Festival at De Montfort Hall. Having now consolidated support from early fans across BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Wales, Manchester, Leicester, Nottingham, East Midlands and Amazing Radio the band are set for new heights in 2020.
Track: Questions
Why We Like It: ‘Questions’ takes the band’s sound to a new ethereal dimension. With airy soundscapes encapsulating twinkling innocent keys, the track drifts with a breezy sense of melancholy. It’s a soft and delicate song that builds becoming more atmospheric as the band create a striking emotive track through fluctuating and malleable musicianship. The pulsing beat and swirling electronics intensify the backdrop while the warm vocals and sweet backing harmonies depict the song’s lyrical theme of acceptance and understanding that something may never be the same. The band provide clear, lonely and breathtaking soundscapes to portray a sombre and relatable theme. ‘Questions’ is an impressive new addition to Demons Of Ruby Mae’s music catalogue.
Bio : Theatrical Rock Band Fable Cry have released the official music video for their newest single, “Here Comes Trouble”, a rambunctious introduction to the antagonist of their upcoming concept rock opera. ‘Here Comes Trouble’ is the official “villain song” in a 1930s-era concept album full of vengeful vamps and vixens.What started in 2010 as a humble duo project between current frontman Zach Ferrin (vocals, guitar) and his sister (former member Kirstie Ferrin) has grown across the decade into a darker, fuller and more mature five-piece outfit showcasing the talents and passions of an eclectic group of musicians – Jo Cleary (violin, vocals), Scott Fernandez (bass), Andrew Core (drums), and Jillian LaFave (vocals, keys) – whose backgrounds range from pirate shanties to the folk sounds of downtown Nashville, from hard rock to heavy metal, and even a touch of modern classical.
Track: Here Comes Trouble
Why We Like It: It’s a dramatic dark thrill of the refined meticulously crafted and invigorating sound Fable Cry do so well. With ominous string, deep bass rumbles and punchy rhythmic pulses the track builds superbly creating cinematic tension throughout. The chorus takes a breather from the sinister with a radiant almost heroic melody as the band tell their story through energetic instrumentation and production. In true Fable Cry manner the track ventures into a heavy soundscape as the song reaches its dynamic crescendo. With expressive vocals, carnival horror theatrics and a full bodied wall of sound, Fable Cry announce their return with another chilling goosebump-inducing gem.
About the track frontman Zach Ferrin said :“In the song, we’re introduced to Harold “The Diamond” Helsinger, who relishes in his dominion over his past partners in crime while dancing his way through celebrations of his own shining ego. They may think he’s been got, but he knows who’s really got who.”
Bio : Fur Echo is the musical project of East London-based singer songwriter Marcus Pike.Though its roots are planted firmly in indie rock, dream pop and post-Britpop, with melody as a guiding force, Fur Echo’s sound draws from an eclectic range of influences, taking the listener on a passionate journey through minimalist delay guitar, shimmering keys, downbeat acoustic refrains and jarring electronic beats.These varying shades of sound are set to be revealed over the course of 2020-21 in the ‘Dark Colours’ series of EPs. ‘Dark Colours’ is based loosely on a condition known as synesthesia, the phenomenon of seeing sound as colour. Each EP will explore a different colour theme, with the music orchestrated to reflect that colour and the mood it evokes
Track: Idle Threats
Why We Like It: It’s a kinetic indie number, rhythmically rich and laced in zesty ethereal guitar lines as Pike utilizes vibrant grooves and smooth melodies to create a lush ear worm. The track builds and unfolds beautifully as twinkling guitars and punchy drums interplay creating airy pockets of spacious scintillation. An indie coating envelopes the snappy drums and radiant bursts on guitar which provide a rich splattering of colour through the tracks elastic dynamics. With a 90’s alternative vibe blended between mellow melodies ‘Idle Threats’ is a well crafted satisfying listening experience.
Bio : Alexandra Savior has released her acoustic cover of ‘But You’, along with a video. Proceeds will go to The Loveland Foundation.The album version of ‘But You’ currently has more than 877K streams on Spotify alone
Track: But You Acoustic
Why We Like It: For this acoustic version, Alexandra Savior reworked the song on guitar with Mel Guerison, who is the violinist and producer. The violin seeps character into the track as it laments between soft melancholic guitar twinkles. Savior’s vocals coo over this airy sparse rendition with a nonchalant lulling quality. The track takes a mellow downcast tone as Savior showcases another superb and haunting way to enjoy this tune.
Since forming in 2015 Liverpool’s POLAR STATES have had strong support from Radio 1 including a feature on the best of BBC introducing playlist, entered Spotify’s Viral 50 Chart, and have played a number of major UK festivals, supporting Wolf Alice, The Japanese House, and Clean Cut Kid. The band have an anthemic sound of vibrant indie rock that is sure to make for an amazing show
Miles Graham is set to release his new EP ‘All The Right Things’ via Peer Music on the 10th July. Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing. It accelerated a fresh stage in the Irish singer-songwriter’s career, having previously scored international dance hits alongside Don Diablo and L’Tric, as well as being playlisted on BBC Radio 2 for his breakthrough moment ‘I Can’t Love You Again’.The ‘All The Right Things’ EP was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman(Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae), with string arrangements from renowned Sally Herbert (Plan B, Usher, Duffy,Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine).
‘All The Right Things’ is a pop and retro-soul filled EP boasting Graham’s refined and passionate musicianship. Miles Graham uses deep grooves, intricate soundscapes and mellow guitar lines to create a unique collection of tracks. From title track ‘All The Right Things’ to the vibrant ‘Don’t Change’ through to the lush coos of the velvety ‘Sunbeam’,Graham adorns each track with warm hooks and peppy twinkles on keys while sprinkling R&B elements on top.
The arrangements throughout are simply outstanding; he delicately blends bubbling rhythms with subtle explosions of melodic counterpoints to create a cohesive and charming body of work. The musical components slowly build upon this and meld into an intricately textured soundscape as Graham utilizes vaporous guitar and laid back tones to add richness to his tracks. This is most evident in the heart-melting tribute to his young daughter, ‘Sunbeam’. Graham soulfully croons in spectacular fashion – while slipping into his sweet falsetto, his velvety tones drift over the sweet melodies with passion and tenderness.
Lyrically ‘All The Right Things’ EP is powerful, profound and deeply personal as Graham ruminates on past experience of the turmoils of a breakup. However Graham is breaking free from the turmoil that comes with hostility on the piano ballad, ‘Give It Up’. Through conversational lyrics which gives a fly on the wall insight to break-up he provides a motivational tune with oodles of passion and gusto.
The softer moments within the EP is where Graham excels, his delicate and emotive vocals, lush harmonies and raw tender moments build in to the tracks groove infested underbelly making each song an engaging and spell-binding listening experience. This is a rare talent and not easy to achieve consistently yet this technique flows effortlessly through Graham’s work marking him as quite the master songwriter. Miles Graham and his intriguing take of music is getting better and better with each release, keep an eye on this artist.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From THUMPER
Dublin noise-pop sextet THUMPER have recently released their brand new single, ‘Topher Grace’. With a raw flaky rhythm battering through distorted guitars the track kicks off with abrasive sonics while THUMPER mangle acute post punk into a psychedelic rock mirage to create a confused and intense atmosphere. Oisín Leahy-Furlong spits a mostly spoken monologue which highlights themes of self-destruction. Sonically the track whirlwinds through the lyrics with manic tendencies while the rampant yet steady bass, drums and guitars hold a constant anchor of sanity throughout the chaos.
The scrupulous layering of this track displays THUMPERS adept ability to create controlled chaos while venturing out of their comfort zone. The usual bubble pop melodic flurries we are used to from THUMPER are absent as the band delve into lyricist territory replacing vocal melody with venom-filled words and yelps in between breathy exclaims. It is only when the song fades at the end that we get a glimmer of a gentle melody as Leahy-Furlong sings a bittersweet lament “I hide in bars. I drown in words. It seems absurd that I’m lonely. Make a safe bet – If I left, this party continues without me”.
What makes THUMPER great is their deep, intelligent grasp of style and genre. ‘Topher Grace’ is an erosive, acid soaked frenzy smushed into a thrilling six and a half minute track. It is a fantastic, bold and daring display of musicianship from the band.
When I spoke to Oisín Leahy-Furlong about the track he said : “It was written over the course of a couple of months which is sort of different for me, normally these things are written in bursts. I suppose the song makes several allusions to a culture which is fairly present, in Ireland anyway of airing your problems in public with a pint in your hand rather than in a friend’s sitting room. I guess it’s about the idea that maybe you are going through destruction or by unraveling yourself you will find some sort of ultimate truth or something. Which of course is bullshit but I suppose the deeper you are into that lifestyle the easier it is to convince yourself that it’s the way for you.”
The Rezner are set to release their new single ‘The Jive’ on 3rd of July. Conquering just about every corner of the UK, The Rezner have already become stalwarts of the Festival Scene impressing crowds across the nation. Playing the likes of The Isle of Wight, Leopallooza, Port Eliot & Beautiful Days following 2018’s main stage slots at Boardmasters and The Great Estate as well as support slots with VANT, SUM 41 and King Nun.The bands previous releases ‘Micky’ and ‘Wouldn’t You Like To Know?’ have proven popular building up over 10,000 Spotify streams on each track as well as gaining traction from ‘Huw Stephens’ at Radio 1 and Sarah Gosling over at BBC Introducing.
With all its blustery riffs, rock and roll sleekness and adrenaline fueled gusto ‘The Jive’ is a swagger slapped indie anthem that travels full throttle with The Rezner’s explosive sound. Surrounded in a whirring flurry of sharp guitars, dynamic bass and pummeling drums the track erupts into the bands vivid and full bodied sound without any hesitation. The sleek verses buoyantly triumph through an elastic display on bass as the band flesh out their rock n roll panache.The Rezner meander between the polished and the crazed as they blast out a manic raw indie rock track with confident control and maturity. This quarter remain as dedicated as ever in their mission to serve us an earworm of exhilarating musicianship as the kinetic chorus and vibrant instrumentation keep the song traveling at neck snapping speeds. With a ruckus wall of sound, catchy chorus and exuberant vocals, ‘The Jive’ is another smashing indie anthem from The Rezner.
Speaking about the track, frontman for the band ‘Sam Stone’ said :’’We like it because whilst it smacks you in the face from the get go. ‘The Jive’ is also a song that you can dance to. Now that might not sound like much but the thing about dancing is that when you’re doing it, you’re completely in your own little world and right now I think people need that little world. Because right now we are surrounded by so much anxiety and fear, it’s nice to be able to give people at least 2 minutes to forget about that. Maybe have a jive, who knows…”
Liverpool’s POLAR STATES are set to release their new single ‘2020’ on July 3rd. The band recorded the song remotely during lockdown, working from their bedrooms.Since forming in 2015 the band have had strong support from Radio 1 including a feature on the best of BBC introducing playlist, entered Spotify’s Viral 50 Chart, and have played a number of major UK festivals, supporting Wolf Alice, The Japanese House, and Clean Cut Kid.
‘2020’ is an anthemic whirl of the vibrant, passionate and refined indie rock POLAR STATES do so well. The invigorating riff sends adrenaline through the body as the band adorn this track in jagged running riffs and soaring guitar lines set to ignite a live audience. Bursting with more energy than a can of Red Bull, the chorus erupts into an arena-ready anthemic vocal line evoking images of bellowing crowds. With a rooted bass line and punchy drums creating the buoyant foundation POLAR STATES present one intense indie banger, however, the band smooth the track in cool ethereal tones and chilled crisp production. With guitar refrains chiming over the hearty crescendo and infectious melody POLAR STATES present a tight, well crafted slice of indie rock.
On the song, and the experience of recording remotely vocalist Paul Tong commented: ‘’The experience of recording a song when we can’t be in a studio together has been weird, but ultimately, the message of the song hasn’t changed, and we wrote it together in a room, so it’s still us. The message of a song always matters more than how it’s recorded anyway. We actually wrote 2020 before our tour, back in October. We wanted to document how we felt about going into a new decade. It was written in about 15 minutes and came from a really introverted moment. The world was overwhelming, and it felt impossible to appreciate what really mattered. The last few months have given the song a life of its own, taking on a new relevance that nobody could’ve seen coming. At the start of the lockdown we setup a Discord group where we could chat to fans, and give our community a place to connect from a distance. By being able to speak to our fans on such a personal level, and also give them a space to be themselves made us realise why this song was so important to so many of them. It was at that point we knew we had to release the song no matter how we recorded it.’’
Omar Addis has released his new single ‘Easy’. Addis is a 21-year-old artist from Cardiff, Wales, who has been making music for almost 10 years and has collaborated with artists such as Julian Lamadrid and Heavy Pulse. Addis produces, mixes and masters his tracks so he has complete creative control. He has released two singles and one EP since 2018 as a solo artist, with plans to release more in the near future.
‘Easy’ is a melding of psychedelic and electronic indie as Omar Addis presents his lush intricate and refined musicianship through a thrilling labyrinth of weaving soundscapes. The track has an instant easy listening vibe exuding an effervescent psych hued backdrop as the jaunty guitar line interjects between swirling electronic melodies and gloopy electronic beats. Addis finds a wonderful medium between the harsh and supple elements of his song. With velvety vocals and a radiant atmosphere this lo fi bubbling gem is well crafted and set for repeat listens on a lazy sunny day.
Indie / Folk singer-songwriter Joe T. Johnson has released his debut single ‘10 Pounds’. In the past, Joe performed multiple times at Glastonbury Festival in 2019, made his first international TV appearance on ‘Made in Bristol TV’ and recently performed at the O2 Academy Bristol with his band Hush Mozey. Steve Lamacq also “Recommended” his band Hush Mozey on his BBC 6 Music show.
Draped in vintage pop, ‘10 Pounds’ presents Joe T. Johnson’s laid back sound through melodic and soft instrumentation. The song bounces delicately upon jangly guitar, a soft beat and whispered mellow vocals as Johnson floods the track with sweet notions, simple arrangements and stories of life in England. Warm indie elements chime through the twinkling guitar as the vocal melody becomes the track’s main charming center point. There are hues of The Beatles wisping through the lush dreamy soundscapes and smooth vocals while the striking lyrics contrast the hazy soundscape. ‘10 Pounds’ is a well crafted absorbing ditty exuding hefty lyrical content and sweet retro pop with a modern twist.
Stream ‘10 Pounds’ below
Author ; Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
