Category Archives: Surf Rock

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Surf Rock

Wave Chase ‘Sit by the Sea’

Wave Chase have released their new single ‘Sit by the Sea’. Wave Chase are an indie/surf rock band from Bournemouth (now Brighton based).The band formed in early 2018 by college friends George Kingman (lead vocals/guitar), Tim Baldwin (bass guitar), Mickey Golicher (Lead Guitar)and Charlie Cane (drums). The song was recorded at Brighton Electric Studios where bands such as Fur, Royal Blood and The Cure have previously recorded.

Fun, fresh and doused in magnificent surf rock, Wave Chase’s ‘Sit by the Sea’ is a cracker. The song is a slice of surf rock delight with sharp zesty swirls on guitar, adding a dash of fuzz and radiance into the tracks soundscape while the buoyant drums and elastic bass lay down the bubbling foundation. Well crafted and beautifully arranged, ‘Sit by the Sea’ gives us a keyhole glimpse into this band’s immense talent as they provide us with a compelling and catchy new tune to indulge in. Layered guitars move from jagged strikes to biting riffs and shredding solo’s as Kingman’s smooth vocals caress the dreamy melody while cooing, “I wanna walk wanna walk along the shore don’t wanna have anyone to answer for”. This wistful light ditty bounces with jangly indie and surf rock bravado to create a catchy anthem sure to be epic live. Keep an eye on Wave Chase. These guys are a talented bunch.

Stream ‘Sit by the Sea’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, New Music, Surf Rock

Big Sleep ‘Tall Stories’

Big Sleep have released their new single ‘Tall Stories.’ Big Sleep are a Dublin-based indie-alternative band who have spent the last two years playing to packed out rooms of an ever-growing fanbase until lockdown came along. The four-piece formed when frontman, Rónán, entered a Battle of the Bands as a singer-songwriter. He reconnected with some old bandmates and was introduced to some new ones to form the current lineup: Matteo Poli on percussion, Evin O’Connor on lead guitar, Rónán Connolly on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Dougie Sealy on bass.

‘Tall Stories’ is a mellow groove-driven gem. Big Sleep spread a warm, dreamy melody over a soft bubbling backdrop to create the ultimate hazy day-dream escape. Soothing vocals drift sweetly over the velvety melody, while a groovy bassline and playful drum combination drive the track’s funky foundation. With lush surf-rock guitar adding a dash of zest into the mix, this warm refreshing tune is euphoria to the ears. Big Sleep have created a sunkissed treasure for the listener to enjoy with ‘Tall Stories.’

Stream ‘Tall Stories’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Surf Rock

Chappaqua Wrestling ‘Early’

Chappaqua Wrestling return with their new single ‘Early’. Chappaqua Wrestling are long-term writing partners Jake Mac and Charlie Woods, both 24, from Brighton via Manchester.The band have gained support from BBC Radio aficionados Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Jack Saunders and Annie Mac as well as supported Sports Team and Black Honey. The band have also performed at the Green Man and Latitude Festivals, before travelling to the US for their first stateside show at 4XFAR in California last month. Chappaqua Wrestling are set to release a new EP this spring.

With sweet melodies, hazy tones and lush delicate intricacies ‘Early’ continues Chappaqua Wrestling’s sublime musicianship. The band smooth a grunge hue over their irresistible sound to create a sublime edge. Twinkling guitars create a dreamy refrain with a sun speckled radiance as the velvety vocals caress the melty melody with a laid back tone. The duo unravel the track beautifully, building to a heavier chorus with a gritty tonality of raw guitars and heavy beat. The narcotic tranquilizing verses disperse elegantly into the ears with a butter on toast warmth and melting quality while the crashing chorus showcases Chappaqua Wrestling’s fine ability to blend genres seamlessly. These guys are talented for sure. The lushness and deft musicianship is presented in such a wonderful and subtle way it’s an utter delight to the ears. 

About the track the duo explain :  “Early is the resurrection of a group of parts and a chorus written a while back. It’s something of a time traveller but has only recently been put together as a live song. The earliest notions of it date back to 2014 when we were in college, but the intro came as recently as a few weeks ago when we were in California.It chronicles the early stages of a relationship and the late nights/early mornings that came with it, dipped in layered guitars and harmony riffs. It’s a helluva fun song to play, so we are hugely excited to release it.”

Stream ‘Early’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie - Surfer, indie rock, New Music, Surf Rock

Blue River ‘Sugar White Sand’

Indie surf-rock band Blue River are set to release their new single ‘Sugar White Sand’ on the 27th September.  After bursting onto the scene, Cornwall’s Blue River are now two albums deep and have firmly won their place amongst some of the most exciting up and coming groups around. Made up of Perran Nicholls (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Marc Willoughby (lead guitar/vocals), Adam Knuckey (bass guitar/vocals), and Brett Buddy (drums/percussion), Blue River have carefully crafted a formula that has won over the ears and hearts of fans all over the country.

This shimmy-grooved, sun-soaked, surf rock number drifts effortlessly on a smooth laid back melody and warm vocals while the jagged guitars and punchy rhythm create a gritty, rock-infused backdrop. With equal doses of mellow bliss and swagger-dipped indie rock ‘Sugar White Sand’ is locked and loaded for live show sing-along’s and easy listening lazy days in the sun. The melty melody and spaghetti western guitar injections make this track charming and liquid euphoria ready to brighten any day. A perfect new addition to Blue River’s sound.

On producing the track, the band said:“Sugar White Sand’ came from a bad night’s party, where one person became everything I hate and was the loudest person in the room! So, I started a chant with a group of lads, the famous ‘Oggi oggi oggi’ chant (being from Cornwall everyone instantly joined in)-it seemed to shut this person up for a bit. Then I wrote this tune! “I don’t wanna be like you” is a powerful line I think. As well as Cornwall vernacular, ‘Oggi Oggi Oggi’ is also a very well-known Welsh chant, used at international rugby matches to rouse the Welsh team forward and popularised by folk singer Max Boyce.”

 ‘Sugar White Sand’ will be released on September 27th for more you can follow Blue River on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/blueriverofficial


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Funk, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Surf Rock

BENJAMYN ‘Every Night’

BENJAMYN has released his new track ‘Every Night’ from his recently released debut EP  ‘TwentyThree’. BENJAMYN is the moniker chosen by Dublin musician Ben Hogan, as a singer/songwriter, guitarist and electronic producer – his style draws from Disco, Funk, Surf-Rock, Jazz, and House music. He calls his sound ‘Surf-House’.

‘Every Night’ is a floating breezy number with sun scorched undertones that drift through the track providing a glorious summer glow. With funky guitar flecks glimmering through a sticky beat, this track is laid back bliss in one mellow disco-speckled tune. Easy going vocals delicately flow over the melting ice cream melody and groove infested foundation.Tasty zest-filled guitar injections add a refreshing dash of vibrancy as BENJAMYN brings the lustrous summer into your ears for those sweet holiday daydreams.

Stream Every Night’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, New Music, Surf Rock

Johnny Kills ‘Who’s Counting?’

Following on from last summer’s series of acclaimed surf-rock  singles Johnny Kills emerge for the first time in 2018 with new tune  ‘Who’s Counting?’ Out via Killing Moon (Annabel Allum, Beach Riot). The band have earned champions including  BBC Introducing, The  Line of Best Fit, DORK, Indie Shuffle and The Metroplus dozens  more tastemaker radio stations and blogs with their flair for  delivering scuzzy pop off-cuts. The trio are made up of Tim,  biological  brother Lewis Lloyd-Kinnings and spiritual  brother  Cameron Gipp and aiding them in bringing their tracks to an  acceptable auditory standard is Leeds based producer and Forever  Cult bassist Alex Greaves (TRASH,  PLAZA,  Seeing Hands) on  production and  mixing duties,  with  Pete Maher (Pixies,  Lana  Del  Rey,  Scisso Sisters) on mastering.

‘Who’s  Counting?’ is a glittering glam dazzling indie pop anthem laced with flashing sonic slaps over a sticky beat and fuzzed guitar jingles. Johnny Kills blast out an infectious danceable number that surges with youthful adrenaline doused in an 80’s -esque sparkle of glitter and glam all while packing in a healthy dose of punch. Glorious whines on guitar add a lamenting sharp sting to this vivid stomping track while wonky vocal hooks give a unique sing along friendly quality. It’s scuzzy in all the right places with dark sonic flecks swirling murky tones into the verses before the dynamic pop sprinkled chorus lifts the track into a feathery light bouncy anthem. This track is well crafted as each element brings a new rich texture and vibrancy – the guitars bring us the indie, moody, lamenting vibes with a shrilling spikiness while the buoyant beat, luscious melody and sonic swirls add a tasty blend of sugar sweet pop into the mix, and those vocals, just sublime and refreshing. It’s an adrenaline rush and such a thrill to listen to.

“It’s  about  meeting  a  great  new  person  and  ridiculously  overthinking  every  aspect  that  this  entails,  internally  focusing  on  this  quasi-freak-out  rather  than  enjoying  and  appreciating  the  new  relationship  for  what  it  is”  claims  vocalist  and  songwriter  Tim Lloyd-Kinnings,  “Thinking  ‘oh  bloody  hell,  what’s  happening  here?  –this can’t  be  good’  rather  than  ‘oh,  isn’t  this  great?”

Stream ‘Who’s  Counting?’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Surf Rock

The Helters ‘Afghani Super Smack’ EP

Five piece alt/indie band from Wellington Somerset, The Helters have released their new EP ‘Afghani Super Smack’. The band comprised of members Mark Owen (vocals), Davey Roberts (guitar) , Charlie last (drums), Conor Dolan (bass) and Alex Canham (guitar) have been together for two years and have already been featured on BBC Introducing as well as selling out local venues and getting regular plays on local stations over the country.

‘Afghani Super Smack’ is a euphoric collection of tracks that flood with that youthful hazy longing and adrenaline of the Pixies. The Helters’ sun kissed dreamy indie becomes apparent from the twinkling intro of ‘Salt’. They don’t dwell in this delirious haze for long when the track kicks in, it’s edgy and raw as dizzying guitars whirr around punchy drums and attitude driven vocals. The band slap on a breezy biting atmosphere to accompany the pop drizzled melty melody adding bite to the smooth sun-kissed atmosphere. Each track displays new fragments to their melodic guitar elements which at times soars to ethereal heights in tracks such as the blissful exhilarating ‘Four Aces’. The bass in ‘Afterglow’ provides a muscular foundation for the golden guitar moments and showcases the meticulous layering and polished production of the tracks as it contrasts perfectly yet, alone, holds its own captivating elements. The melodies are just sublime as they surge with sugar sprinkled longing and melancholy with an adrenaline heart gripping rush driving it through. ‘Killing Joke’ is another example of the superb bass work as shrilling guitars and rumble on bass create a tense start to the song. It’s catchy and filled with a touch more attitude than its predecessors. This soaring, anthemic, edgy number is the perfect way to end the EP as it is biting, thrilling and dreamy all at once.

‘Afghani Super Smack’ is a fresh breezy effort from The Helters. It’s sweetly melodic, euphoric and anthemic with a crashing blustery instrumental backdrop that is heart pumping and balmy while their surf-rock elements are tight and simply sublime. All the component parts are filled with the classic 90’s era indie that will make you sweetly nostalgic. A majestic EP for sure and one for those lazy summer days.

Stream ‘Afghani Super Smack’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Surf Rock

The Strypes ‘Almost True’ EP

Cavan rock and roll band The Strypes have released a new EP ‘Almost True’ to ease the withdrawal symptoms of those eager fans craving some more music from the four piece. ‘Almost True’ follows the rooted rock and roll sound of their outstanding album ‘Spitting Image’ which was released in the summer. ‘How Could I Forget’ propels the EP into motion with it’s sun kissed laid back hazy vibes, glorious guitars and snappy punchy drums. Catchy and vibrant it’s dance around the room in your PJs bliss. The song is sweetly nostalgic and easy-going, romantic yet sombre but still hard-driving. It’s the kind of track that hits your bloodstream with the urgency of one’s first kiss and one’s first heartbreak all at once.‘Heavenly Soul’ is a banger. That gritty darkly hued T-REX- esque riff to start followed by a foot tapping beat sets the track up for big things. With shaky percussion building tension and an infectiously catchy chorus, it’s a triumphant blast of euphoric adrenaline. With blistering guitars, rumble on drums and a sharp harmonica injection smothered in dark tones it’s chilling yet fiery. Intricately layered and tightly bound it’s one for the sticky mosh pits. ‘Freckle And Burn’ brings us the four piece’s swagger drenched shimmy ready 60’s tinged rock and roll. Trying not to wiggle and dance to this song is impossible. It’s so infectious and groovy and that bassline, elastic, sensual and slick. The track builds to a mammoth crescendo of screaming vocals and frenzied instrumentation it’s so cool and sleek. The guitars stride and jab with a feverish charisma creating  a strut worthy swanky prance of summery delight. The final track on the EP is a live cover of ‘Summertime Blues’. This feisty accelerated version showcases some shredding guitar work, neck snapping drumming and attitude driven panache. Razor sharp and laced in distortion these guys have whacked out a smashing cover. I’m a fan of the original Eddie Cochran version but who can resist a rough and tumble pumped up rock and roll cover.

Stream ‘Almost True’ below


Indie - Surfer, Indie Dream Rock, New Music, Surf Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Velveteins

Canadian trio The Velveteins have released their new track ‘Midnight Surf’ which is taken off their upcoming debut full length ‘Slow Wave’ which will be released this May 12th. ‘Midnight Surf’ is a glazed over crooning slow jam that has a simple approach but cuts deep. Like a wave the track swooshes in and out with gentle delicacy. Soft instrumentation with cushioned beats accompanies the emotionally raw expressive vocals as the beautiful sway-like honey coated melody floats by in soothing clouds and tugs hard on the heart strings. The sharp sting on guitar freshens the track up adding slashes to the soft bouncy sombre song. Smothered in melancholic tones and hazy daydream vibes The Velveteins give us a track that oozes bleeding emotion while lulling you into a daze.
Stream ‘Midnight Surf’ below