Category Archives: New Whop

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, doo-Wop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Quick Picks, indie rock, New Music, New Whop

Indie Quick Picks

Dramalove

Genre: Alternative -rock

Bio: Alternative rock trio Dramalove, originally from Italy but now based in Canterbury have released their new single ‘Play With You’ It is the lead single off their first full-English EP titled “How To Wear A Broken Heart” and it includes 5 songs picked up from a selection of a 20 demo song package that the band managed to home-record during this first year and a half living in the U.K. It has been mastered in Ashford at the Anchor Baby Recording Company and is due to be released in early 2018, The trio have already achieved a certain level of stardom by reaching the semi-finals of the Italian version of X Factor of which the Italian version allowed bands to apply and team up with artists such Skin from Skunk Anansie and Mika. Dramalove fast gained a dedicated local following in Canterbury, and summer 2017 already saw them touring across the country with gigs in Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester and London.

Track: Play With You

Why We Like It: It’s a slick heavy dose of swagger soaked rock. This smooth criminal is sassy gritty and sensually steamy. With sticky eerie soundscapes smothered on vaporous sharp guitars lines and Matt Bellamy- esque falsetto vocals this track cruises in, in all its stuffy sizzling glory to take over your mind. It’s impressively commanding and luring.

You can follow Dramalove on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dramalove

Watch the video for ‘Play With You’ below

Bad Family

Genre: Alternative Rock

Bio: Brighton’s Bad Family formed in late 2016 and quickly released EP1 to critical acclaim. They return with EP2 and are ready to claim their place among the indie elite.

Track: ‘On Your Wall’

Frontman Dane Etteridge explains about the track: “Have you ever been with someone, it doesn’t work out and they start sleeping with someone new way too soon after the breakup? Well, thats what ‘On your Wall’ is about, the horrible anxiety and hatred it causes towards the person that you once cared so deeply about, The idea that you shadow is the last thing to leave a room, and your former lover is with their next one before your shadow has had the chance to get out.” 

Why We Like It: It’s a stinging knife edged rock track blistering with fiery sharp guitars crashing against punchy drums which creates a thrilling wall of sound. With a catchy chorus and delicious melody this track is instantly likable and fiery. Swirling guitar whines teamed with rumbling drums and a dark chanting bridge create a wholly unique eerie spiky experience. It’s an attitude drenched anthem.

You can follow Bad Family on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/badfamilyuk

Stream ‘On Your Wall’ below

 Zach Leon

Genre: Singer songwriter

Bio: Zach Leon is an alternative artist based out of Nashville, Tennessee and originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years and is now currently pursuing a solo career.

Track: A + K from his ‘Sailawayheart’ album

Why We Like It: It’s a luscious sweet ditty. Creamy smooth and sugar coated this track is melty, heart shaped candied romance. A soft delicate acoustic guitar twinkles along a boppy doo-wop beat while sing along friendly backing vocals and clap along joyous chorus creates a light heart-warming dreamy blissful atmosphere. This track will put a smile on your face and have you swaying happily in no time. With velvety passionate vocals and feathery light skip along rhythm this track is the perfect pick me up.

You can follow Zach Leon on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/zachleonmusicstuff/

Stream ‘A + K’ below

Mellor

Genre: Indie

Bio: Reading Indie four-piece Mellor have had a whole host of national and regional media support from the likes of Absolute Radio, BBC6 Music, BBC Berkshire, BBC London, and BBC Introducing. Labelled by Alt Reading as “one of Reading’s most exciting acts”, they bring a live show packed with high energy, raucous vocals, big guitar riffs, and pounding drums. The bands dedicated following is steadily on the rise thanks to shows up and down the UK sharing stages with the likes of The Kooks, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Flyte, and The Milk.

Track: You Were Right

Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant track stamped with Mellor’s signature infectious blistering indie- so irrepressible and effervescent it bubbles and boils intense adrenaline through your veins. Sharp guitars sting and wail with a brazen zest teasing then gushing through you leaving you craving almost gagging for more. Punchy drums and dynamic vocals bring the track to anthemic heights. It’s one for large crowds bellowing out at the top of their lungs.

You can follow Mellor on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/melloruk/

Stream ‘You Were Right Below’

The Fontaines

Genre: new wave rock

Bio: The Fontaines are a new wave rock duo based in Los Angeles, California comprised of siblings Charlotte Fontaine (vocals) and Hank Fontaine (guitar). They are backed by Xrys Kaplan (drums) and Daniel Zuker (bass) both live and in the studio.They have released a series of singles and EPs while performing across the United States – including a sold-out headlining performance at legendary venue The Troubadour. It was recently announced that The Fontaines will be returning to SXSW in 2018 in support of their new EP ‘Playboys’ which was recorded at Big Bad Sound LA (Rancid) and mixed by Xrys Kaplan and legendary producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna).

Track: ‘Playboys’, the title track from The Fontaines new EP

Why We Like It: It’s blusterous, sassy, attitude driven rock. With a snappy beat and rowdy guitars blazing through a twist ready shimmy and shake groove. This track oozes enough energy to whip you into a frenzy of dancing. It’s raw and gritty with a timeless doo- wop-ness that has been distorted and corrupted adding an edgy aggressive coating. Charlotte’s vocals seamlessly flicker from a soft coo to powerful bellow as the track becomes more dynamic. It’s a razor sharp jubilant frenzy causing number and catchy as hell.

You can follow The Fontaines on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thatfontainesound/

Watch the video for ‘Playboys’ below

Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify here

 


doo-Wop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, New Music, New Whop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Fontaines

Los Angeles based The Fontaines have released their video for their new track ‘Two Bodies’ due for release on 9th June. Continuing the rich lush sound of their previous releases this year ‘Vacant’ and ‘Evaporate’, ‘Two Bodies’ is a sultry silky track that glides with effortless smooth swagger. The silky melody is melty and creamy while Charlotte Fontaine’s vocals coo with a soft soul tinged entrapment. Smothered in a hazy dreamy vibe, it’s a sticky muggy bubble. The fuzzed sharp guitar injections add a zesty sting and almost tropical flavour to this sensual indulgent track. The elastic spring on bass and soft beat gives the track a limber pliable texture. It glides with a steamy heavenly grace that is simply splendid. The Fontaines never disappoint, their sound is so refined and sublime they really are first rate musicians.

Watch the video for ‘Two Bodies’ below


Doo- Wop, EP Review, Indie, New Music, New Whop

The Fontaines ‘ii’

The Fontaines are brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles. They  have just released their new EP ‘ ii ‘ which is a blend of their “New-Wop” sounds, jazz tones, smooth sweet vocals and some really cleverly and competent guitar features which give this EP a bite and an indie feel. The Fontaines are making their sound their own, they are fresh, original and know exactly what they are doing. Their ‘ii’ EP confirms this with four strong tracks that follow each other fluidly while remaining different and showcasing the many styles and talents of The Fontaines.
The EP begins with the electric and energetic ‘Cold’ which was released earlier this year and we previously wrote a feature on. Its a strong start to the EP as it brings energy and a mass of sounds that are refreshing and innovative. We see their sugar coated doo- wop style only this time they have added a refreshing bit of rock in the mix. Charlotte’s vocals begin soft, soothing and sweet for the verses with light beats behind and then they blast us into a heavy chorus instrumentally with more dynamic vocals. This track is toe tappingly good and infectious with an edgy guitar that gives a rock, almost psychedelic feel that just raises this track up.
‘Handstand’ follows in a swaying bop manner. Charlotte shows us her vocal skills as she begins in a lamenting tone and builds to her raspy high range with an almost growl at times. Hank displays some really slick sharp guitar playing as he takes command for the shredding bridge. The soft luscious backing vocals, which is a feature of The Fontaines music appears in this track and adds a longing tone. This track is infectiously catchy and deals with the theme of a love that has ultimately soured in a refreshing edgy way while remaining boppingly good.
‘Please, Say Something’ is the third track on the EP and it slows down the tone. It is stripped back and simple with a 1940’s feel. Charlotte’s beautiful gentle vocals take the limelight with only light delicate piano accompaniment. Her vocals are emotional and clear as she pleads with her lover. This track shows just how amazing The Fontaines are as they strip everything back and reveal true raw emotion which pulls on your heart strings.
‘I Love You,’ is the final track on the EP and it follows is predecessor smoothly keeping with the melancholy broken heart them but they oomph it up a bit with this track. This track tells us the character is leaving her lover but its full of positive tones as she appears to be fed up of her previous situation but is hopeful for the future “I hope I’ll come back to you.“ Again The Fontaines give us a 50’s 60’s bopping style but with a modern twist, with fuzzed guitar added in all the right places like a slice of lemon in a sweet drink giving us a refreshing edge. The smooth vocals and lush harmony in backing vocals make this track really attractive with catchy lyrics you wont be able to stop yourself from singing along.
‘ii’ as a whole has proved that The Fontaines are not afraid to take risks and shake things up. They have found their sound but that doesn’t tie them down. ‘ii’ is a collection of tracks that showcase both Charlotte and Hank’s skilled musicianship as they convey a story of love, heartbreak and everything between in just four tracks, in a modern fresh way while pulling in the much loved doo-wop style and making it their own.
A fantastic EP from the talented and gifted duo.
Stream ‘ii’ below

Alt Rock, Garage Rock, indie rock, Mod Revival, New Whop, Rock and Roll

The Chessmen ‘Gonzo’

The Chessmen are a 60’s inspired garage rock n roll band from Leeds. The band consists of Luke Holdsworth (Lead Guitar/Vocals ), Ryan Walker (Bass Guitar ) and Scott Parker (Drums). They formed in early 2016 and are already making their mark in the underground unsigned music scene landing themselves an endorsement from Hofner guitars. They are stamping out their authority on the touring circuit with dates booked across the UK.
Their new track ‘Gonzo’ is a modern yet retro track packed with 60s swagger. It takes you back in time to enjoy a much loved genre of music in a fresh way. With crunchy beat-stops which reference the mod generation combined with psychedelic guitars give a playful British Austin Powers vibe while showing some serious skilful musicianship. The vocals exude confidence and give a strut quality to the track. The song is a massive musical rush and frenzy throughout as the verses build to a rapid catchy chorus and end on a vocal howl leaving the listener exhausted from this energetic storm, however willing to press replay and listen to it again.
‘Gonzo’ is a fantastic burst of mania and frenzy and an absolute must listen!
You Can catch The Chessmen live at
Fri, Jun 10 Percy’s Coffee & Curios, Watergate Street, Shropshire
Fri, Jun 17 The Victoria, 48 John Bright Street, Birmingham
Sat, Jun 18 Salford Arms, Chapel Street, Manchester
Sat, Jun 25 Apollo Festival – Rick Witter’s Premier Stage, York
Sat, Jul 2 @ 8:00 PM Belgrave Music Hall, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds

Stream ‘Gonzo’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Whop, Rock, Rock and Roll

Beautiful Corruption ‘Orphic’

 

Beautiful Corruption are a four piece alt-rock band based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The band consists of Oisin Wolfe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, James Brown on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Simon Cooke on drums and Rory Cooper on bass. We reviewed their début EP ‘ Snakes & Ladders’ earlier this year which showcased their growing talents and potential. They have released their new single ‘Orphic’ which is a strong follow up.
‘Orphic’ is a competent proficient track full of shredding guitars, pounding drums and dynamic vocals. The intro sets the musical scene with a taste of the explosive sound to come .The verses are presented in a slick manner with a rock and roll vibe light beats and acute guitar that holds a bright infectious luring melody while the bass and drums keep us grounded. The vocals exude swagger while the backing vocals add a lush harmony which is refreshing. The chorus explodes into the mosh worthy frenzy that Beautiful Corruption are known for with thunderous drums , vigorous guitars, forceful bass and charismatic vocals making this song infectious. The mighty lusty guitar solo and instrumental break is effectively brawny and powerful and ends the song on a high leaving you wanting more.
Watch ‘Orphic’ below

electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Feel Good Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Whop

The Fontaines ‘Cold’

The Fontaines are brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles, their infectious ‘New Wop’ sound with swinging bopping 50s references has become a favourite of ours here at Indie Buddie. So we were delighted to hear they have released a new track for us to obsess over. ‘Cold’ was released today on soundcloud and remains true to their sugar coated doo wop style only this time they have added a refreshing bit of rock in the mix. They have proven that they are not afraid to take risks and it does seem to pay off for this duo.
‘Cold’ begins with a heavy electric instrumental which softens to a light drum beat as Charlotte’s vocals begin in a soft smooth tone until the chorus kicks in and both the instruments and vocals heighten keeping with a bopping 50s style. However, there is a heavier more modern guitar and drums feature which adds some grit and substance to the song. The verse again comes in gentle and soft before a huge instrumental bridge that is full of energy and almost mosh like which is a pleasant surprise and shows us you can do old school and make it fresh and new.
A really impressive and accomplished track from The Fontaines look forward to hearing more!
Stream ‘Cold’ below

EP Review, Indie, New Music, New Whop

The Fontaines

 

The Fontaines, consisting of brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles have created a sweet timeless ‘New Whop’ sound. With swinging bopping 50s references
Their debut EP ‘The Fontaines’ which was released in 2015, consists of 5 tracks some of which are cleverly named after 1950s and 1960s icons, the first being ‘Paul Newman’ which is a fun swinging track with all the traits of a 50s song with clever lyrics that keep you smiling and singing along throughout. Charlotte sings this track particularly sweetly and yet confidently giving a candy floss sound with some sass.
“Dusty Springfield,” named after the English pop singer of the same era is again a lovely track with a swoony melody, swing like beats and an insanely catchy chorus.” Charlotte Fontaine” follows in a rhythm and blues style with a steady beat and smooth vocal harmony as backing vocals sing the word “ahh” while Charlotte sings the chorus in a lower tone than we hear her sing in the other tracks. This contrast is very effective here and gives a sombre tone to the song.
The classic American Actor, “Dustin Hoffman,” follows next, this song shows us another side to The Fontaines with a fuller band and surf rock sound making good use of the drums and guitars. With humorous clever lyrics and catchy melody sung with a strong vocal Charlotte shows off the control she has over her voice as she varies from a soft vocal to more powerful with even a slight grit in her voice at times.
“Cate Blanchett’ named after the actress,is the final track on the EP. This song has perhaps the most variety instrumentally and vocally as it begins very stripped back with soft vocals and light simple accompaniment and builds into more prominent guitar and drums throughout the song. Its perfect to finish off their EP as it leaves you wanting more.
These tracks are easy to listen to, light, fluffy, cleverly written and composed songs with a dreamy swoon feel and a hint of sass I can’t wait to hear more from ‘The Fontaines’
Stream ” Dusty Springfield” and ” Paul Newman” below