Category Archives: Smooth Rock

Feuds ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’

Wicklow band Feuds have released their new single ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’. The track was recorded in the Hot Spot, Greystones and recorded, mixed and mastered by Eoin Whitfield. A beautiful ethereal guitar melody introduces the track followed by gritty heavy crashing guitars and pounding drums. The track finds the perfect blend between sweet and sour as Feuds seamlessly flicker between  luscious delicate guitar melodies and heavy mosh worthy soundscapes. Light and twinkly they excel with intricate nimble blissful guitar lines and wispy dreamy soundscapes. You could relax safe and comfortable in the hazy sun kissed, honey coated guitar refrains. The rumble elastic rhythm gives the track a rippling quality and adds movement and body. The simple vocal melody lets the music speak for itself as it encapsulates and wraps you in its dreamy state. When it’s heavy it’s striking and powerful yet still maintains that hazy structure however a little more fuzzed and darker toned. An impressive track from the Wicklow lads.

Watch the video for ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’ below


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

Henry Chadwick ‘Guest at Home’ EP

Currently based in California, indie artist Henry Chadwick has been making waves with his new EP, ‘Guest at Home’. A singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, his self-produced EP showcases Chadwick’s skills, as he wrote, engineered and played most of the instruments on it. Chadwick’s music has charted on both the Hype Machine and Indie Shuffle Charts with #1 Spots and his single ‘Alright’ has just reached 100,000 streams on Spotify. Chadwick draws influences as much from music of the past (The Beatles, The kinks, T-Rex, Nirvana, David Bowie etc.,) as from  current artists who keep pushing forward stylistically and sonically. Henry makes catchy, thoughtful and usually energetic music with a unique perspective, edge and charm. Henry Chadwick was raised in a studio environment, his father being an engineer who worked out of Cherokee studios in Hollywood through the 1980’s and continued to record in his home studio in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
‘Guest at Home’ EP brings a sound that will transport you to back to the swinging 60s with flashes of current indie edge to pull you into a spiralling concoction of energetic charming delight. Title track ‘Guest At Home’ kicks things off with a ripe zealous guitar riff sugar coated in an infectious melody that swoons and floats with ecstasy. Peppy bouncy beat, clap along feature and smooth vocals make this track an instant hit. The witty lyrics and sweet shrill on guitar teamed with a slice of rock and roll Jerry Lee Lewis -esque piano this track will have you rocking around the clock. ‘Overtime’ slows the pace with strumming guitar and reverb psychedelic vocals. Its a prism of trippy sparkling hypnotic euphoria. Soft beats and spaced out vibes give the track a floating wispy daydream feel. ‘Alright’ is a hazy Californian driving track. Bursting with cool sun kissed vibes exuding effortless sleek swagger with a creamy fluid flow. Slick guitar adds a zest and a sensual smack of charm to the track. Its a groovy dexterous foxy strut of laid back smooth rock. ‘Something I Don’t Know’ showcases that superb rock with ear worm melody and infectious hair raising heart quickening guitar feature teamed with punchy drums that makes you dance around the room in a joyous frenzy. Its an uplifting radiant tune that appeals to every fibre of your being. Chadwick displays the high range in his vocals for the catchy lovable chorus. ‘The Two Of Us’ closes the EP with edgy guitar and eerie vocals. Perfect harmonies add a lush texture while the strong beat drives the track forward. Simple sway-like feel with darker undertones keeps the track fresh and makes it stand out from the others. With psychedelic twists towards the end Chadwick knows how to keep your attention throughout making you want to hear more.
Stream ‘Guest at Home’ EP below

Glass Caves ‘Do You Have A Name’

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Pontefract four-piece Glass Caves have released their new single ‘Do You Have a Name’. Consisting of band members Matthew Hallas, Elliott Fletcher, Will Groves and Connor Thorpe, Glass Caves have created a name for themselves from their tireless work ethic and seemingly limitless ambition teamed with carefully honed craftsmanship. This has seen them support Augustines, headline London’s Koko, and play a myriad of festivals including Isle of Wight and Reading/Leeds. Their self-funded debut album ‘Alive’ made Record Store Day’s Top 40 when it was released in 2014 and now the band are back with their new single ‘Do You Have A Name’.
‘Do You Have A Name’ displays Glass Caves knack for emotive atmospheric indie rock. Coated in nostalgic tones and smashing the rock anthem vibe this track is hard hitting heartfelt and effortlessly smooth. Creamy raspy vocals soothe and coo with sentimental yearning. Twinkling sting on guitars bring vibrancy to the track and teamed with the animated spring on drums build and lift into the elevated dynamic crescendo. Its got classic rock written all over it, polished and smoothed down to create a tender wistful driving track that has “open roads, heart on your sleeve, wind in your hair” goodness. The track has a wholesome full sound that is perfectly crafted leaving you feeling nourished and refreshed. With rich textures and cool tones this track gets better with each listen.
Watch the video for ‘Do You Have A Name’ below

Alexis Kings ‘Squire’

Alexis Kings have released their new single ‘Squire’. The single soared into the top 10 of the Spotify UK Viral Chart along with support from Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing Three Counties, Alex Rainbird & Indiemono. ‘Squire’ is a heart-stoppingly moving melodic track teamed with upbeat rhythms and smooth summer vibes. With a warm majestic guitar feature, an elevated bright atmosphere and breathtakingly sweet melody that is golden honey to the ears. Alexis Kings present us with a heavenly beautiful track that exudes effortless charm and elegance. Velvety soulful vocals give euphoric bliss coated in nostalgic tones. Alexis Kings show sublime musicianship with this captivating irresistible track.
Close you eyes and let ‘Squire’ take you on a journey of summer love with a melody and textures that seep into your soul.
Watch the video for ‘Squire’ below

Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band ‘Barely Holding On’

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Paul Dunbar, formerly of Liverpool 6-piece soul/rock/blues act The Midnight Ramble, has self released his debut single ‘Barely Holding On’. The single was created with producers Marc Joy (Oasis, Primal Scream) and Paul Thompson (Ellen & The Escapades). Dunbar is recording with the newly formed Black Winter Band, Tom Cowley (Drums,Percussion,Vocals) and Callum Williams (Bass,Keys,Vocals) complete the lineup.
‘Barely Holding On’ is a warm melodic track wrapped in charming country tones and drizzled with rock elements. The passionate raspy soulful vocals and catchy sway along melody teamed with soothing mellow guitar and a steady spongy beat gives the track a bright cosy yet nostalgic and emotional tone. This track is a sweet sounding tuneful bundle of passion with tender lyrics and a sweet reminiscent tone on guitar that is thought provoking like a fond distant memory that twinkles around your mind but to far to recall fully.
Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band have a London launch show on Fri 28 Oct at The Century Club, Soho with promoter Success Express Music.

Stream ‘Barely Holding On’ below

The Majorleans ‘Sunrise Mary’

Indie rock ‘n roll group, The Majorleans, have dropped their new video for ‘Sunrise Mary’ from their upcoming sophomore album, ‘Carouser’s End’. They produced it themselves and mixed it with Michael Tudor (The Stokes, Duncan Sheik) in Woodstock, NY. Already receiving critical acclaim from Interview Magazine, The Majorleans are continuing to make waves with their new material. ‘Sunrise Mary’ is a warm Utopian treasure with glowing guitar and a soothing melody. The velvety vocals and soft beat acts like a soft blanket it is comforting and easing to the mind. Its a bright relaxing summer jam coated in sentimental nostalgic tones. The syrupy dreamy texture swallows you up in a world of hazy sunshine and wistfulness. The guitar plays almost freely throughout the track like a ray of sunshine brightening up the tone and adding a zest and charm.
Check out the video for ‘Sunrise Mary’ below

Mayflower ‘I’m Not There’

Manchester’s smooth Rock & Roll band Mayflower have released their new single ‘I’m Not There’. Earlier this year we were impressed by  their beautiful track ‘Sienna’ resulting in a feature on it. The four piece have previously secured headline gigs at the iconic Night & Day Café, sold out a show at The Castle Hotel and had a string of shows around the Northwest and in the UK.
‘I’m Not There’ conveys the bands exquisite talent for combining soaring uplifting harmonies with a nostalgic melancholy melody that is so enticing you can loose yourself in it. The track is coated in soft beats and gentle tender instrumentation that gives a smokey, darkened, gloomy haze to the song. The reminiscent lyrics add to the nostalgic sombre tone while the guitar gives us a bright hopeful feel. It glistens and glitters throughout the track sparkling like sunlight on water catching your attention and making you feel that all is not lost.
Another fantastic and emotive track from Mayflower.
Stream ‘I’m Not There’ below

 

Delamere ‘Black & White Space’

Delamere are an alternative band from Stoke-on-Trent, band members James Fitchford (guitar, keys & vocals), Ashley Egerton (guitar), Richard Dawson (bass) and Will Mason (drums & electronics) signed to Scruff of the Neck Records in the Summer of 2014 after their first singles earned early airplay and acclaim from the likes of Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing in Stoke, with later releases ‘Bright Young Things’ and ‘Heart’ being aired on National Television on Channel 4’s Made in Chelsea and Sky Sports’ Soccer AM. The band have also supported acts such as Peace and Palma Violets. Last year saw the band play festivals such as Dot to Dot and Tramlines, while 2016 saw them make appearances at renowned industry showcase festivals The Great Escape, Live At Leeds and International Music Summit in Ibiza. The four piece are set to release their self-titled debut album which was recorded at Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios (Blossoms, The Coral) with producer Rich Turvey. Their lead single ‘Kill It’ was met with rapturous response from fans and critics alike and they have just released their second single from the album ‘Black & White Space’.
‘Black & White Space’ is a richly textured melodic track that acts as a labyrinth tightly layered and twisted in intricate instrumentation. Its soft percussion gives a steady foundation to the track while the sparkling swirling synths give us that circular aerial feel. Fitchford’s vocals are soft and velvety and add a delicate quality to the track while the guitars twinkle with a gentle melody that illuminates the track and lifts it into a new dimension.
You can catch Delamere on their third UK tour at

SAT 13/08/16 | THE BODEGA | NOTTINGHAM
FRI 19/08/16 | ALL SAINTS CHURCH | LEEK
TUE 23/08/16 | THE POLAR BEAR | HULL
FRI 26/08/16 | ALSO KNOWN AS | BANBURY
SAT 27/08/16 | ASHCOMBURY FESTIVAL
SUN 28/08/16 | ACTRESS & BISHOP | BIRMINGHAM
TUE 30/08/16 | SOFAR SOUNDS | LEEDS
WED 31/08/16 | OLD BLUE LAST | LONDON
FRI 02/09/16 | THE ANVIL | BOURNEMOUTH
THU 08/09/16 | BUSKERS | DUNDEE
FRI 09/09/16 | MASH HOUSE | EDINBURGH
SAT 10/09/16 | ACADEMY 3 | MANCHESTER
FRI 16/09/16 | THE UNDERGROUND | BRADFORD
SAT 17/09/16 | RAMSBOTTOM FESTIVAL
SAT 17/09/16 | EIGER STUDIOS | LEEDS
Stream ‘Black & White Space’ below

Endless Peaks ‘Staircase’

Endless Peaks

Endless Peaks are a 4-piece band that create Indie Rock music with a psychedelic twist.The band are based on the South Coast of England in Bournemouth and are here to make waves with their emphatic and uplifting music. Endless Peaks consists of 2 brothers Lloyd Allen (Vocals/Lead Guitar) and Luis Allen (Bass Guitar) from Buckinghamshire . Soon after the brothers moved south they teamed up with Chanelle Smith (drums) and Connor Dean (keyboard). Their debut single ‘Staircase’ is the first of 3 tracks to be released this year from the band.
‘Staircase’ is a track that will transport you to a world of exhilarating bright indie rock sprinkled with blissful psychedelia. It is bursting with a swoony dreamy vibe coated in energetic overtones. The keyboard gives us a smooth and uplifting atmosphere which adds an airy fresh tone while the zealous guitar riff is sharp and ripe giving a fantastic variety in texture to the song. The drums are steady and fluid adding strength and grounding depth to the track which is otherwise aerial and otherworldly. The vocals are confident adding swagger and attitude to the track.
A great debut track from Endless Peaks look forward to hearing more.

Stream ‘Staircase’ below