Category Archives: Psych-Pop

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Rock, Synth Rock

Mini Mansions ‘Works Every Time’ EP

Mini Mansions have released their highly anticipated EP ‘Works Every Time’. Singer/guitarist Michael Shuman, singer/keyboardist Tyler Parkford, and bassist Zach Dawes are the glorious trinity of Mini Mansions, a band who push boundaries and overwhelm our minds with psychedelic encryption and delicious tunes. The band have played in some of the world’s biggest rock bands, Queens of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and The Last Shadow Puppets these guys have been flourishing right at the roots of the rock genre readying themselves and fermenting their sound.This new release arrives three years after their second record, ‘The Great Pretenders’, which received critical praise and featured guest appearances from Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and ‘Flashbacks’ a collection  of B-side tracks which was released in 2016. Mini Mansions sound is unique and stirring all at once and places them firmly on par if not above their comrades in intricate obscurity and just plain genius. ‘Works Every Time’ is only a glimpse of what these guys are capable of.

‘Works Every Time’ is a concise, flavoursome collection of juicy tracks to re-introduce us to the mouth watering home cooking of Mini Mansions. Title track ‘Works Every Time’ reels us in with a soft beat bouncing off a swoon worthy melody and glistening keys.Filled with wistful tones Parkford takes the vocals on this track, his sweet falsetto cooing over the breathtaking soundscapes as this song floats around a dreamy ethereal atmosphere while the zesty sting on guitars give a lamenting bite and sharpness to the track. ‘Midnight in Tokyo’ rumbles through with Dawes’ elastic bass line teamed with the sticky slapping beats setting the groove infested foundation as the track spirals into a sleazy swagger smacked number. With Prince like Bowie -esque hued verses and a triumphant catchy chorus this track struts in, slicked back, funk fueled and glossy. Shuman’s vocals take the lime light here drenched in panache and gritty rough flamboyance as flashing disco hued electronics dazzle the background while Parkford provides lush tight harmonies. The rich meaty sound is filled gloriously with zingy guitars weaving their way, flickering little bursts of spice throughout. Parkford takes vocals once again on ’This Bullet’ a psychedelic whirl of utter mind melting mania. He ventures to his ominous lower range while Dawes’ throbbing bass and meandering soundscapes rush you with a sinister sense of danger. This track has a residue of Mister Goodnite’s ‘One Against Five’ with a little more darkness and obscurity smeared on top as alien- esque electronics wail about eerie tones and snappy driving beats. There is something magnetic and hypnotic about this track as Mini Mansions distort and dissolve your entire grip of reality with one catchy dizzying tune. It’s dark and creepy especially when Parkford orders “take off your vest“ however it’s difficult to prise yourself away from its chilling charm. Of course the band offer up another stirring cover for us to devour. Having previously embellished our ears with Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ and Sparks ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Mini Mansions dissect and dismember a thrillingly dark rendition of Edwyn Collins‘ ‘A Girl Like You’, dousing it in the gritty sleazy and intoxicating tones we love from this trio. It’s dark as Shuman howls, screams and deeply haunts over whining guitars and flashing electronics. Filled with infectious shimmy grooves this track will make your skin crawl and tantalize all your senses while creeping into your mind where it will firmly reside for days. They did a cover the only way Mini Mansions can … better than the original.

The talent of this band is immense. Each track was meticulously cultivated – simmering and ripening slowly in Mini Mansions pressure cooker until the band were ready to delight and shatter our ears all at once. It’s exciting to see what each release will bring. They never compromise their sound yet push boundaries and provide an enthralling full bodied sound with every release. There is no one else like Mini Mansions out there at the moment. We need this trio to keep music fresh.

Stream ‘Works Every Time’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Singer/Songwriter

Lana Del Rey ‘Venice Bitch’

Following on from last week’s release of ‘Mariners Apartment Complex’, Lana Del Rey has now released another new track ‘Venice Bitch’. The track which is expected to appear on her next album, ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell’ premiered as World Record on Apple Music’s Beats 1 with Zane Lowe” yesterday and is available to stream and download now. Lana Del Rey is currently in the studio working with Jack Antonoff. A full-length record won’t be due for release until 2019 but Lana is excited to preview some early material from the sessions for fans.

‘Venice Bitch’ is a 10-minute span of dreamy floaty ballad -esque tones wrapped in a psychedelic prismatic  blanket. Del Rey drapes her sultry vocals over a tender first half of the track as subtle guitars twinkle about swoony strings while a sweet calming melody caresses your ears gently and delicately seeping into your mind. Del Rey’s vocals disarm and subdue with her honeyed tone lulling and cooing gracefully. This sublimely tranquilizing gem is easy on the ears as it subtly builds becoming a little more obscure with the psychedelic tones steering the track into a kaleidoscopic daze. Just as you are melting into its soothing moody hazy vibe the track slides into a falling hallucinogenic bottomless dream of weaving almost dizzying soundscapes and distorted lingering guitar fuzz while Del Rey laments above this woozy backdrop. It’s a gripping unique number from Lana Del Rey.

Watch the video for ‘Venice Bitch’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Eldren

Denver-based psych-rock group Eldren have returned with their new single, ‘Still Want More’ which is off upcoming album, ‘Miss Information Aged’, which is set to be released September 21 via Needlejuice Records and follows a climatic two year run for the band as they shared the stage with the likes of Gomez, Cold War Kids, The Black Angels, Imagine Dragons and Dr. Dog while also experienced the loss of their founding bassist, Steve Holloway at age 25.

‘Still Want More’ is a juicy glistening number that struts and flexes with prismatic colour and swagger dripping from every glorious note. Velvety vocals glide upon a delicious honey drizzled melody and vibrant backdrop of shimmering synths, tantalizing beats and flamboyant pizzazz. Zealous guitars inject a dash of zest and vibrancy while the glistening synths dazzle and swoon around the dreamy melody. Eldren flood the track with rich doses of swanky panache as a funky bass line weaves between the psychedelic hues and euphoric heavenly synth-pop tones while the guitars provide punchy rock jabs through this angel delight filled tune. It’s so luscious, creamy and rich with chilled vibes consuming the track in a charismatic sun soaked bubble of joy. This is a charming glistening gem that will brighten up your day and have you strutting down the street like a boss- sweet talking your way out of every situation. It’s that good.

 

Stream ‘Still Want More’ below


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

Sun Mahshene ‘Tales of Fiction’

Fresh off their slot at Vantastival, Dublin Indie Psychgazers Sun Mahshene are set to release their new single ‘Tales of Fiction’ on the 28th of July. The track was recorded and co-produced by Dan Doherty in Darklands Audio. This is the first single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions & Tales of Fiction’ which is due for release in October 2018. Sun Mahshene started off as a solo project by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Nathan Henderson and soon turned into a collective of talented musicians, bringing Dave Murray on board for drumming duty and Ian McGinn on rhythm and lead guitar. With a mutual ambition to create something special they decided to merge their wide range of influences and joined forces with Darren Hughes on Bass and Ryan Daffy as third guitarist.

These guys know how to make mind melting tunes and ‘Tales of Fiction’ is no different. Filled with shrilling guitars and floor shaking punchy drums and bass combination, the monstrous wall of sound this track brings is something to behold. Swirling soundscapes mystify with wispy dreamy kaleidoscopic hues while the crashing biting guitars soar, wail and glide with a relentless onslaught into your ears in the most captivating and thrilling manner that leaves you in a blissful haze of euphoria. The adrenaline rush that exudes from this track is sublime while the smooth honey drizzled melody flows in on a laid-back cloud of sweet sedation. Henderson’s vocals weave between powerfully dynamic and velvety smooth tones while oozing a fiery passion. It’s a big tune camouflaged as a sweet psych trip. Once this track kicks in it goes full throttle – psychedelic indie rock at its shoegazing fueled best.  Once again Sun Mahshene produce a fresh mouth-watering slice of captivating infectiousness to sink our teeth into.

Stream ‘Tales of Fiction’ below


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Tempesst ‘Doomsday’

London-based psych-pop quintet Tempesst have released their latest single ‘Doomsday’, the title track from their forthcoming EP.  The band first originated in Queensland, Australia on the Sunshine Coast, based around twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums). After a move across the globe, the outfit — rounded out by Eric Weber (guitars), Kane Reynolds (keys), and Blake Misipeka (bass) — made their raucous debut with the 2017 EP ‘Adult Wonderland,’ earning widespread praise in the U.K., which led to dates supporting the likes of Temper Trap and Albert Hammond Jr., and showcases at The Great Escape, NME Awards, and Live At Leeds. The new track is in part a reflection on how our addition to social media and the internet have turned us into mindless creatures, and part a commentary on the current state of the world.

‘Doomsday’ is a mysterious swirling brew of classic ’60s and ’70s influenced psychedelic rock and delicious pop that leaves you in a mind melting daze of delight. Tasty guitar whines weave between dizzying hazy electronics while the smooth melody cruises in to soothe the mind and sugar coat the woozy psychedelic swoons. It’s deliciously creamy with an underling fuzzed sting as the guitars whip a dash of zest into this enthralling liquefying mixture. The luring vocals tease and tempt throughout the eerie verses as lush backing vocals coo and haunt the background leading you deeper and deeper into the consuming trippy abyss of the track. Filled with creepy tones under a captivating cinematic soundscape this earworm has all the component parts to draw the listener in and trap them in its honey drizzled magnetising sound. Its infectious and a truly satisfying listen.

“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve felt so aware of my mortality and it probably doesn’t help that the Facebook and Netflix algorithms have cottoned on and keep feeding me shit on the topic,” Toma says about the track. “‘Doomsday’ is the start of what will probably be a long running theme.”

Stream ‘Doomsday’ below


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Trance

Lucille Furs ‘Another Land’

Lucille Furs are a Chicago-based 4-piece psychedelic rock/baroque pop band who take inspiration from not only 60¹s trailblazers The Beatles, The Kinks and Love but from contemporary acts such as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Temples and The Horrors. The band have released their new single ‘Another Land’ by Treehouse Records. After a successful run of showcases at SXSW and a show at Elsewhere in Brooklyn recently, Lucille Furs are looking forward to several shows/festival performances this summer, including sets at the Summer Camp Music Festival and SummerFest in Milwaukee.The band comprised of members Patrick Tsotsos (bass, vocals), Nick Dehmlow (guitar), Brendan Peleo (Lazar-drums, percussion) and Trevor Newton Pritchett (vocals, guitar) have also released a video for ‘Another Land’ which was directed by Celia Marie Peterson and shot on location in Paris, France.

‘Another Land’ is a sheer psychedelic marvel. Doused in a dreamy mirage of glittering guitars between swirling trippy soundscapes this track is a kaleidoscopic curling mind melting surge of utopia. The guitars venture from an Oriental guitar style to spaghetti western -esque seamlessly while a bopping beat hops along the molten melody. It’s hazy, blissfully dazing obscurity that soothes and tranquillises your mind melting it into a slushy of creamy fluffy bliss. The deeply hallucinating instrumental firmly grips you into the wispy clutches of the track while velvety vocals coo and pacify leaving you in a lush liquefying state of ecstasy. It’s pretty chill and mellow-taking all your moods and feelings away leaving you mindlessly wallowing in this trippy lush daydream.

Watch the video for ‘Another Land’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing: The Indica Gallery

The Indica Gallery are a psychedelic quintet based in Liverpool comprised of members Joe Mansergh (Vocals + Guitar), Michael Spence (Keys + Vocals), Zack Smith (Drums + Percussion) , Finlay Lovett (Bass + Vocals) and Ryan Patterson (Lead Guitar). On 20th of April the band will be releasing their debut single ‘Forever Loving You’. It’s a lusciously melodic breezy number that floats in on a dreamboat of euphoric melancholic mellowness. Jangly guitars twinkle between a spongy beat, subtle swirling keys lavishly flood the track with tranquilising psychedelic tones while velvety vocals seep passion into this soothing song. With a 60’s -esque melody melting upon a slow jam indie rock backdrop with some power pop bursts thrown in – The Indica Gallery have created a wholly satisfying listen. Crooning in on a light fluffy cloud of delicate psychedelic wisps with a gentle edge pushing it through this track is a beautiful blend of The Beatles mixed with Oasis with a sprinkling of Miles Kane on top. It’s sharp, ethereal and well put together. A sublime debut from The Indica Gallery.

You can catch The Indica Gallery live at The Yellow Earl – Whitehaven on 20/04/18 (Supporting Twisted Wheel)

For more follow them on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theindicagallery/

 


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Synth-pop

Crome Yellow ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’

Waterford band Crome Yellow have released a new music video for their song ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’. The Video was released to announce their upcoming debut album ‘See Why’.The inspiration for their forthcoming album came off the back of playing live shows in Waterford and Dublin and trying recapture the atmosphere of the songs that were most fun to play.

‘Wash Basket Earpiece’ displays Crome Yellow’s progression from their moodier psych-based sounds found on their previous EP ‘Yellow Road’ into a more feel good and upbeat sound. It’s a light wisp of psych sprinkled synth pop. Guitars fluctuate between peppy jingles and luscious strums to create a blooming soundscape that soothes as well as invigorates your soul. It’s blissful to the ears and cheery as a buoyant beat and groovy bass line hops about the track with a delightful spring in its step.The melody is divine and sedating as creamy vocals simmer down each luxurious note. It’s tightly compact and crafted for chilled,ethereal listening on a lazy summers day, this tune is simply euphoric.

Watch the video for ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Mono Club ‘Sky High And Submarine’ Album

London six-piece, Mono Club have released their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Sky High And Submarine’ on LGM Records. The album was recorded and self-produced in their London studio and then mixed by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers).Featuring a stunning set of ten songs, including the current single ‘Best Laid Plans’, the new album will more than confirm their early promise as one of the most exciting new bands around right now. Formed just over two years ago after the break up of Goldheart Assembly, the Mono Club line up of John Herbert, Dan Bell, Jake Bowser, Nicky Francis and Kyle Hall have recently recruited singer / musician Lyla Foy (Sub Pop / Rough Trade Records). They released the aforementioned debut single ‘Sky High And Submarine’ last year and it quickly became a big favourite of Steve Lamacq’s and was subsequently play listed on BBC 6 Music.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a ten track collection of melodious, psychedelic swirled pop that is so soothing and luscious you will be craving for more. Each track brings a new level of mellowness while packing in delicious melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. ‘Sour Mash’ begins our journey into this beautiful honey caressed world created by Mono Club. Luscious velvety vocals serenade over twinkling, subtly psychedelic instrumentation while a steady soothing beat adds a flexible foundation for its euphoric soundscapes to rebound off. Their knack for mouthwatering melodies and tight blissful instrumentation creates the most glorious tunes and each track on this album is flooding with marvelous dreamy sounds. ‘Sky High And Submarine’ is angel delight wrapped in buoyant rhythms and golden guitar jingles. The harmonies are lush and teamed with the honey drizzled melody create the most tranquilizing atmosphere. The swirling trippy soundscapes never become overwhelming or too heavy they balance them sublimely with the laid back sun kissed vibes and vibrant guitars to create a wholly satisfying and mesmerising listen. ‘Memory Critical’ and ‘Place Called Home’ add a little more bounce and funk into the album. They are joyful with sweet, narcotic, dreamy tones. If you’ve ever wanted to lay back, relax and let the world go by ‘Memory Critical’ is the song for you. It will take every worry from you during the duration of the song and leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. I have fallen in love with Mono Club’s melodies – the sweetness and tender emotion in tracks such as ‘Other Peoples Worlds’ exude passion and beautiful delicacy while still packing in some hefty instrumentation. It’s anthemic and powerful yet elegant and emotional,the perfect blend to get hearts racing everywhere. The album is filled with soothing swoony moments between peppy pop sprinkled melodies with a delightful swoosh of dizzying psychedelia mixed in. It’s an impressive collection of tracks that calm and sedate with enough edge to keep you on your toes. From the catchy vibrant ‘Best Laid Plans’ to the brooding yearning ‘Over The Moon’ with its funky bassline and eerie piano feature which chills and cools the track down, creating a darker side to the wispy dreamy atmosphere, these guy blend their contrasting elements perfectly. The album winds down delicately. The twinkling ‘Venus Rising’ and warm cosy ‘Sleeping’ ease us to the end with the gritty ‘Heaven Was Her Heart’ resting between them.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a mesmerising listen. There is something special sprinkled on top that leaves you captivated and wanting to hear more. Listening to this album I yearned to sit back with sun on my face, a drink in my hand soaking up the good times. With those satisfying mouth-watering melodies teamed with zesty guitars and mystical, psychedelic soundscapes it’s a superbly crafted collection of tracks. The harmonies are heavenly, and each track brings something exciting and juicy to the table.

Stream ‘Sky High And Submarine’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

TV ME ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’

Liverpool based three-piece pop project TV ME have recently dropped their newest EP ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’, a four-track experimental fusion of psych, art pop and dream pop. Led by Thomas McConnell, the songwriter of the band – who toured as a solo artist supporting Mercury-nominee, C Duncan, before taking time to hone his writing skills and further explore the incorporation of psych and electronica into a new project.TV ME formed in early 2017 with their debut single gaining instant airplay with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, and a signing with Deltasonic Records for their early releases. Offering harmonic vocals teamed with classic song-writing and engaging textures, the newest release from the trio – their first self released project, presents an EP ranging in style from psych-folk to cinematic instrumentals and dance pop whilst still retaining a fresh sound. Since their formation last year, the trio have landed some notable support slots with the likes of Cat’s Eyes, Flyte and Childhood and have recently completed their first UK headline tour in support of their EP release, with plans to release their debut album later in 2018.

The lead single ‘Stitches’ kicks off the EP. The track was written in sections by Tom himself over the duration of 15 years, with the beginning piano piece written at the age of 14, the ending written age 10 and middle section ‘stitching’ the piece together two years ago in 2016. Taking inspiration from old videos of Laurel & Hardy, Pinky & Perky and A Hard Day’s Night for sound and lyrics, 60’s and 70’s influences can be clearly heard in both the vocals and guitar. Twinkling guitars and jazzy piano accompaniment instantly shoot you back to a flower power 60’s -esque time. While lush vocals coo with a soothing quality. It’s dreamy and airy swirling with gentle sweet psychedelic soundscapes which create a sublime euphoric atmosphere. ‘Mountain Biplane’ follows – a little more electronic with bouncy synths creating a whirlwind of trippy soundscapes while a sticky beat flickers between the catchy melody. It’s vibrant psychedelia wrapped up in a luscious candy floss dose of pop. They whack in a nice shot of obscurity too as spacey wobbly synths introduce ‘Day’ followed by a beautiful elegant piano feature. This sway like instrumental number glides with grandeur as the piano provides a touch of romantic cinematic class and finesse while a soft tapping drum beat gives a steady foundation. Gently backing vocals whisper “ooh ahh” creating a tender oh so delicate effect. ‘Opal Fruits’ closes the album with funky guitar jingles between swirling trippy soundscapes. Once again velvety vocals glissade upon a melty instantly likeable melody while sublime obscure soundscapes rush around.

‘A Broadcast From TV ME’ is an outstanding cocktail of psychedelic, art pop and dream pop blended and fermented perfectly to create a wholly unique and satisfying listen.

You can catch TV ME live at

Stoke – 30th March – Your City Festival

Chester -26th April – Alexanders

Stream  ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’ below