Category Archives: Psych-Pop

The Elephant Room ‘Naive Green’

Dublin-based trio The Elephant Room released their debut album Body in 2014, followed by the EP ‘Blotch’ last summer. They have now released their new single ‘Naive Green’. This psychedelic tinged track is sun kissed lazy days bliss. With smooth laid-back vocals and soft bouncy percussion all wrapped in a breezy mellowness it’s an instant tranquilising shot of ecstasy. With diluted guitar lines paving the path to the dreamy wobbly promised land this track is that subtle gesture and nudge that takes you to your mind-numbing state of bliss. With simple hypnotising “do do do” lyrics and fluffy comfy swirling soundscapes it’s the most luscious melty track that calms, sedates and fills you with hazy summer joy. This track is well crafted as The Elephant Room lull and coo with sublime weaving instrumentation as the perfect backing. Slightly trippy and sweet and oh so smooth these guys are ones to keep an eye on.

Watch the video for ‘Naive Green’ below


The Only Ocean ‘Fake Sunflowers’

The Only Ocean are a four -piece atmospheric rock band from Lompoc, CA — a town most notable for its high security prison and its annual Flower Festival. Friends since junior high, the band taps into a level of unity that is typically only achieved by sibling groups, like the Beach Boys or the Jonases, their tight modern grooves locking together to support a soft bed of crackling guitars and soaring vocals. In 2015, they released their self-titled debut album, a polished collection of dreamy psych-rock bangers, produced by Jonathan DeBaun (The Mars Volta, Omar Rodríguez-López). After a year of supporting the record with energetic shows spanning the California coast, they returned to studio to record a 5-track follow up EP, titled ‘TOO’; a denser and more aggressive effort, with lead single ‘Cul-De-Sac’ approaching hardcore and punk rock in its ferocity. Tracks like ‘So Shy So High’ hinted at a more ornate and melodic direction to come. With the recent addition of guitarist Mic Singh, The Only Ocean’s sound has expanded to even grander proportions. Their recent release, ‘Good Morning’, is a confident and deliberate side-step into the festival rock arena, with producer DeBaun again returning to put his signature flair on things, dutifully guiding the band into new territory. The Only Ocean have now released their new single ‘Fake Sunflowers’ which follows the new solid sound of ‘Good Morning’ .

‘Fake Sunflowers’ flickers and bleeps with flashing sonic soundscapes against strident sharp guitars and an infectious beat. The soaring chorus adds an ethereal quality to the track while the lush sweet melody glides along smooth and creamy like honey to the ears. Tight harmonies add a multi dimension and rich texture to the track while the electronic soundscape adds a psychedelic dreamy vibe. It’s displayed simply but backed by richly layered intricate instrumentation. Another sublime track from The Only Ocean.

Stream ‘Fake Sunflowers’ below

 


Swedish Death Candy ‘Oh My’

Swedish Death Candy have released their blistering new single ‘Oh My’.Band members Louis Perry (Vocals / Guitar),Francesco Codardo (Guitar / Backing Vocals), Jiwoon Whang (Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals) and Marco Ninni (Drums) are a clashing combination of cultures, boasting members from Italy, South Korea and Britain but they call London their base. The four piece create a heavy blues sound dowsed in heavier psych and its ridiculously good.
‘Oh My’ is a cut throat blast of thrilling psych-pop. It creeps in like an assassin with an innocent organ jangle only to blast you with the most lush rich riveting burst of gritty bluesy riffs distorted over punchy drums and spaced out trippy soundscapes. With a sweet delicate melody, velvety Tame Impala- esque vocals and dense psychedelic swirls it’s a brutal bash of hair raising noise that is euphoric and a mind bending electrifying experience. These guys know what they are doing- slick, tight, red hot sounds smothered with enough distortion and sultry guitar riffs chilled with psychedelic bliss, it’s a crafted work of genius. These guys are fast becoming one of my favourite bands out there at the moment.

Stream ‘Oh My’ below


Watercolours ‘Feel Tomorrow’

Watercolours are a Cheltenham based indie trio. Band members Conal Kelly, Matt Sharlot and Hamish Woolley have just released their debut single ‘Feel Tomorrow’. This sparkling indie pop track glides in on a sticky beat and breezy sunny soundscapes. Smooth cruising vocals and shimmering synths create a laid back dreamy vibe of bubbliness. It’s a shimmering gleaming bright track with sombre raw undertones. With silky zealous guitar features and wispy hypnotic psychedelic elements it’s instantly likeable and enchanting. Lush backing vocals and sweet sugar-coated melody create a glistening little gem that is succulent and rich. A strong debut from Watercolours as they display a tight well rooted sound and fine musicianship.

 

Watch the video for ‘Feel Tomorrow’ below


Crome Yellow ‘Yellow Road’ EP

Waterford’s alternative rock/ synth pop band Crome Yellow have released their debut EP ‘Yellow Road’. The band have created a 5 track collection of liquefying mind melting tunes that are just sublime.
The sweet dazed ‘My Chateau’ kicks off the EP doused in narcotic psychedelia and ridiculously chill tones. Sharp guitar adds a wobbly sting to the hazy mirage while gentle vocals soothe you into a calming state of hypnosis. ‘Cordial People’ takes you on a funky tinged journey with spacey hints and darker tones of dreamy delusions. Whispered almost eerie vocals and the zesty guitar jingle create a dull shot of acid-fried absurdity. ‘You Never Ask Me If I’m Happy’ is a peppy clap along friendly track with a western desert feel. Psychedelic guitar adds scorching heat to the optical illusion. A sway like melody and peppy beat adds a shimmy wavy danceable element to the EP. ‘Grey Cords’ once again lulls you into Crome Yellow’s tranquillised state of opiate ecstasy. With lush backing vocals and trippy synths they take you further and further down the rabbit hole. ‘Jean’ brings us to the end of our journey with Crome Yellow with sonic pulses twinkling guitars and warm toned keys. It’s a swoony slow-moving track that is mind numbing and dreamy with space-age like psychedelia.
Crome Yellow’s ‘Yellow Road’ EP is a sophisticated deeply dreamy collection of tracks that drown you in a synth pop trippy illusion filled pool of euphoria. Its rich in intricately layered synths blended with hypnotic chimes and spacey psychedelia. Funky guitar elements and pop melodies create lush texture and deliver the bands distinctive sound. A strong debut EP from the four piece. Its a relaxing mind dissolving treasure.

Watch the video for ‘Jean’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From thanks.

Psych pop/acid folk band thanks. have released their latest single ‘Your World’. thanks. is Steve Pagano and Mario Borgatta. They combine psychedelic pop, cinematic vibes and electronically influenced beats and melodies to create catchy indie pop with an edge. The duo emerged after meeting at Berklee College of Music in 2009. It was then that Pagano and Borgatta realized they shared the same sentiment for music and how aligned their goal really was. Their highly anticipated debut album ‘Colfax’, named after the location of their recording studio and where the majority of the album was conceived, is the result of the pair uniting and a culmination of their mutual thoughts and beliefs. Pagano and Borgatta have seen previous success with numerous TV placements on major networks including MTV, ABC and Netflix, as well as having engineered on records from world renown, critically acclaimed artists such as Muse, Death Cab For Cutie, Foster The People and many more.
‘Your World’ is a vibrant burst of luscious psych pop with refreshing sweet juicy melodies and revitalised spurts of thirst-quenching synths. Climatic choruses and sticky upbeat funky rhythms give the track a bright summer sunshine feel. Soaked in groovy danceable beats with sun kissed rich textures drizzled on top in rich honey coated layers this track is instantly likeable, upbeat and strut worthy.

Stream ‘Your World’ below

 


Ivory Wave ‘Separate Beat’

Birmingham’s Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Separate Beat’. The new track which the band have been debuting live at gigs across the midlands, is produced by Matt Terry and recorded at Warwickshire’s Vada Studios.

‘Separate Beat’ is a psychedelic trip swirling with narcotic dizzying soundscapes. Sparkling zealous guitars  and mind expanding synths swirl with euphoric bliss while lush lulling backing vocals take the track to a hazy dreamy state. The commanding vocals and heavy beat becomes the steady anchor to hold on to while the track attempts to sweep you up into its woozy hypnotic  electronics. Its a track for relentless dancing.

You can catch Ivory Wave live at

May 20th The Sunflower Lounge (single Launch) The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

June 9th Record Junkee, Sheffield

June 10th Verve Bar, Leeds

Stream ‘ Separate Beat’ below


The Revellions ‘False Hope’

The Revellions are a six piece band of misfits based in Dublin city that play a mixed sound of Garage Surf Rock with a side order of psychedelic music. Band members James Lister (Lead Vocals & Guitar) . Sean Adderley (Guitar). Edward Ãspel (Guitar & Backing Vocals). Juan Castilla ( Bass Guitar). Anna Mulhbach (Keys & Backing Vocals) and Mick Smith (Drums) have been taking their sound to the next level following their two well known albums “The Revellions” and “Give it Time”, being promoted by several successful tours in Germany, France, United Kingdom, Norway and Spain. The band is currently working on the final stages of their forthcoming 3rd album. Courtesy of Mersol Music Label The Revellions are also releasing a New Single for Record Store Day on April 22nd 2017 and will be having a launch party for that in the Grand Social. The Single is called ‘False Hope’ and will be released on 7″ vinyl in a textured card sleeve with superb artwork done by Blanca Fons. We had a listen to the track along with its b side ‘Carrie Ann’ to get a taste of what’s to come from the third album.
‘False Hope’ is a trippy moment into luscious floaty soundscapes with almost triumphant little bursts throughout. Its a groove-based shimmy flooded with an overwhelming exhalation of cool sensual swagger and euphoric bliss. Its mind numbing psychedelia which crashes over you in waves of sound, pulling back and pushing forward, becoming stronger as the track progresses. Wobbly guitars create a prism of thrilling distortion while punchy drums and elastic bass lure you into the inner depths of the track. Peppy and full of sultry tones its a steamy boogie that is insanely catchy and compelling while intense raspy vocals add grit and fight to the swirling enigma. The track builds to an intense dizzying crescendo bursting with life and energy before the final mighty chorus. ‘False Hope’ is tightly bound and well crafted creating a trippy bubble and a staggeringly good display from The Revellions.
‘Carrie Ann’ is a vibrant swagger filled strut of joy. Its a confidence-building ball of fire. Nimble slick guitar adds elation and oomph while the rapid spring of percussion lifts the track into a state of buzz filled exhilaration. Raspy vocals give us a rough and tumble quality while exceptional keys bring us depth and rich textures. Its an all round pleaser. ‘Carrie Ann’ is superbly layered and soaked in panache with a strut- like prance, its a blistering charmer. Soft lull of backing vocals adds an elevated feel to the track while instrumentally the track explodes with an illustrious blase.
The Revellions new album will see the light at the end of 2017 as the band has already started to showcase the new songs across the core venues of garage rock music in Dublin city and a tour over in Spain. These guys are ones to keep and eye out for.
You can catch them live at The Grand Social, Dublin 22nd April we’ll be there and it promises to be one hell of a show.
Follow The Revellions on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/therevellions/

 


Ten Fé ‘Hit The Light’

London-based duo Ten Fé have released their much anticipated debut album ‘Hit The Light’.Recorded in Berlin, Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan’s stunning debut is an album to get lost in. The duo effortlessly blend blissful soft rock with psychedelic electronic rock ’n’ roll creating an album where each track warrants its place and has its own identity on the album while gliding fluidly into the next track.
‘Overflow’ kicks the album off with sweet nostalgia. Moorhouse’s warm mellow baritone soothes and cushions the listener from the bittersweet sentimental drenched track. It becomes instantly obvious these guys have a  knack for irresistible melodies that lull in the back of your mind portraying perhaps harsh sombre tones but with a grace and a delicacy that is just beautiful. With longing tapping synths, lush harmonies and rich layered echo textures Ten Fé begin to introduce us to their enthralling sound that will transport you to a mind numbing journey into a swirling world of emotions.
‘Turn’ follows dripping in sonic 80’s infused soft rock, Duncan mourns a strained relationship.Its wistful with an afflicted tone but by no means doleful. Psychedelic “wah wah” on guitar ripples through the track like a wobbly warping mirage while the soft beat peps the track up adding a lively bouncy effect. Lush harmonies are what these guy do effortlessly and it adds such a rich elegance to the track especially when teamed with a mind melting melody.
Moorhouse takes on lead vocals on the dreamy ‘Elodie’. I must confess my favourite track on the album, ‘Elodie’ is the kind of track that you fall in love with. It reduces you to a liquid substance and really shows off the duos fine musicianship. The rich, daydream tone on vocals coo and lull with lavish qualities. Its heart on your sleeve raw emotion, tender and sweet yet radiating bright vibes. With yearning lyrics and lamenting “sigh-like” backing vocals, it swoons you into a bubble of nostalgic dreaminess. The rolling piano refrain creates a swan-like elegance while the steady tempo, warm feelings and heavenly melody make this track a perfect treasure.
‘Twist Your Arm’ flurries with loose floaty ecstasy featuring a propulsive strong beat and elastic bass teamed with a stinging slide guitar. The swirling electronics chilled with breezy natural tones add a psychedelic feel. The track builds into a massive full bodied chorus with hand clapping, swaying and almost Gospel- like crescendo. With smooth vocals reaching to a dynamic falsetto this track is dynamite.
‘Another Way’ is summer in a bottle. Open roads sunshine relax and chill. Limber dainty guitar adds to the bright luminous vibe while the washed-out keys flood the track with cool relaxed tones. Its mind easing bliss with falsetto vocals and rich harmonies creating the perfect backdrop to just let everything go.
‘In The Air’ jogs along again displaying Ten Fé’s knack for ear-worm indie pop. Zesty bright guitars interplay with a steady consistent beat while Moorhouse  and Duncan’s  vocal harmonies intertwine. Its effortless cool melody and vocals give the track a mellow bright free vibe.
‘Don’t Forget’ brings us a beat driven track with a darker tone. Flashes of sharp guitar add piercing scintillation to the track while soft backing vocals echo. The track becomes more electronically heavy as it progresses building to almost an 80’s rock balled classic. Its all fist pumping vibes by the shredding guitar solo.
‘Follow’ another delightful melodic banger. Smothered in uplifting vibes with nostalgic undertones and gentle vocals. With wistful synth swirls, its tear jerking stuff that still makes you feel good.
‘Make Me Better’ blast us with strings, sticky snappy beats and a The Verve vibe mixed with  Roy Orbison-esque elements. Its dark dramatic and fantastically sharp.Its a rush of blood churning with bubbling emotions and flashes of blazing synths.Epic orchestral peaks create an anthemic explosion while a calm steady bassline grounds the track adding depth. Its larger than life and immense yet majestic. You will have stuck song syndrome with that hook on strings it will be in your head all day.
‘Burst’ bops with hopeful vitality. The use of reverb changes the track that would perhaps have been more country into a fusion with psychedelic trippy electronics. Its catchy fun and lively and twangs in all the right places.
Our journey with Ten Fé comes to and end with the tender emotional ‘July Rain’. Rich percussion perfectly placed throbs and kicks with a stomping beat.Light pitter patter adds a rain like quality while a beautiful piano feature adds grace and elegance to this emotional track. This duo are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve and its beautiful aching tracks like ‘July Rain’ that come to fruition because of this. Delicate backing vocals heighten the emotional vocals and raw lyrics. This stunning track brings the album to a heart wrenching yet satisfying end.
Ten Fé compiled a combination of impeccable songs that are a treasure. Each track flows perfectly into the next. Its an emotional journey that the band take you on with them. Giving a personal experience to every listener that makes you hold the album close to your heart. As expected Ten Fé knocked it out of the park with catchy melodies and well crafted musicianship, ‘Hit The Light’ is what we expected and more, majestic personal and larger than life.
Stream ‘Hit The Light’ below

Flashes ‘The Upset’

Hailing from the deepest darkest Cornwall, UK band Flashes have released their new single ‘The Upset’. Consisting of members Jim (vocals/guitar), Peasy (guitar/laptop), Dan (guitar) and Graham (bass), Flashes have released 2 albums (Latency and Flashes) and a handful of one-off singles, receiving coverage from Consequence of Sound, Thought Catalog, Amazing Radio and BBC Radio 1.
New single ‘The Upset’ is a hypnotic psyched-out tale of perceived reality recorded in a run-down 19th century chapel where some of the band live. Its woozy dark pop at its best with a thick sticky beat the track oozes and glops surrounded by hazy dizzy psychedelia. Saturated in eerie shadowy tones teamed with haunting whispered vocals the track lures you into a wispy swirling dark abyss. The elastic luring bass adds a sensual quality to the trippy opaque track. The guitar glistens with sharp sparkles through the murky exterior of the track as it churns and sways around revealing light little melodic guitar glimmers. ‘The Upset’ is spine chilling and hair raisingly superb, a must listen.
Stream ‘The Upset’ below