Tag Archives: alt rock

Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music

Dirty Orange ‘X.X.X’. EP

South West London three-piece rock band Dirty Orange have released their scorching new EP ‘X.X.X’. The band comprised of members George Wilkins (guitar/ lead vox), Scott Thompson (bass), and Connor O’Shea (drums & BV) have created a collection of tracks that are so fiery, raw and gritty it demolishes all in its path. The staggeringly swagger soaked ‘Time And Again’ kicks off the EP with its driving guitar strikes and gripping scuzzy attitude. Its rock and roll stained infectious melody is so catchy and slick it slithers its way into your brain refusing to leave. Featuring a steamy guitar solo this track steamrolls in in a true grimy rock and roll kick ass fashion. ‘Dancing With The Gypsy’ follows with an Arctic Monkeys ‘Teddy Picker’- esque riff and punchy drums belting throughout pounding your skull and forcing you to mosh. With gravelly vocals and a catchy chorus, it’s another infectious fierce assault of Dirty Orange’s strut worthy panache driven rock. ‘I Don’t Mind’ follows. Another slick killer that exudes effortlessly cool sweat and leather swagger. Final track ‘Council Estate’ is a neck snapping tune, rapid lyrics glide along instrumental jabbing and a razor sharp jaunty riff. Another attitude drenched track that ensures the EP goes out as rapid, boisterous and accelerated as possible.

Keep and eye out for Dirty Orange these guys ooze swagger and attitude with tunes that seep slick fierce vapour so hot it will scald you.

Steam ‘X.X.X’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Franklys ‘Keeper’

The Franklys have released their new single ‘Keeper’. Comprised of two members from Sweden and two from England, The Franklys have created something unique, commonly described by themselves as “frenetic garage rock with heavy and psychedelic overtones”. The band have built a reputation for themselves as one of the most exciting live bands on the London circuit and beyond with relentless touring across the UK, Europe and America the past couple of years. They are best known for being a band that can’t be pigeonholed, and have proved that by making festival appearances at both Isle of Wight 2015, Download Festival 2016 and Rebellion Festival 2017.The latest single to be released off their debut album ‘Are You Listening?’ is the fourth track ‘Keeper’. It’s a dark gritty number consumed in a dominating drum and bass combo that is chilling, haunting and enticing. This lures you ominously into the mysterious shadowed verse. Jennifer Ahlkvist’s vocals begin with an eerie whisper and build to spine chilling howls. The track progresses slowly creeping from crawly darkened rock to an upbeat indie chorus. Brawny guitar riffs hook you in while the crashing cymbals teamed with the psychedelic swirling melody traps you in the mesmerising chorus – mind boggled and entranced. It’s a sinister hair raising thick concoction of dire seduction and a thrilling listen.

Watch the video for ‘Keeper’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, indie rock, New Music

Look to the Lady ‘Delirium’ EP

Wicklow’s, Look to the Lady will be releasing their new EP ‘Delirium’ this Wednesday 22nd of November along with a launch show in The Workman’s Club, Dublin​. Look to the Lady are a hard-hitting Alternative Rock/Indie band with powerful female vocals at the forefront of their guitar driven sound. Formed in 2012,  they have graced many stages including the Button Factory, the Workmans Club and most recently Whelans for Whelans’ Ones to Watch Festival. The band have achieved success with their 2014 EP ‘Mechanical Lights’ as well as with their two most recent singles ‘My Name’ and ‘Distant Waves’. The EP was recorded on a week long escape to Portlaoise in 2016.

‘Delirium’ is an ambitious smashing blast of moody alternative rock complete with powerful vocals and crashing instrumentation. ‘Sixteen’ kicks off the EP with gritty guitars slamming against punchy drums while Kelly Bolger’s hearty vocals exude potency and might. It’s catchy and powerful with a shredding guitar solo and rock and roll swagger. ‘My Name’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie follows. This track is highly passionate and emotive as Bolger’s vocals soar with an angelic tone through the darkly hued instrumentation. Crunching guitars stride through the track with a heavy thick rhythm and dynamic bass slaps. This haunting song is both chilling and exciting as it propels into the powerful chorus. It’s tightly crafted and impressively arranged.  ‘Halo Halo’ follows taking on the role of the tender ballad. A lighter blend of twinkling guitars and a soft beat accompanies the verses while the chorus takes on a heavier anguish fueled instrumentation. ‘Fantasy’ shows off some slick sharp guitar work flickering between pummeling soundscapes while harsher vocals scream and wail between dizzying guitars. Though not as catchy as the other tracks on the EP it’s feisty and fierce and a force to be reckoned with. At times these guys have a Linkin Park- esque vibe to them as they play around with a similar style of anguish pop. ‘Take Me Somewhere’ brings us to the end of the EP, with its sway like tempo and jangly guitar the track flurries  and swooshes beneath a dark mysterious atmosphere. This is the lightest track on the EP. It showcases a more mature elegant and graceful display from the band. With an Evanescence feel and slick musicianship the track builds a little to a melodic guitar solo which has an anthemic fist pump ready vibe. Once again Bolger’s vocals are sublime as she delivers a knock out performance full of emotion and depth.

‘Delirium’ is a sophisticated collection of tracks scrupulously crafted and tightly bound creating the perfect blend of elegance almost theatrical indie meets ominously dark rock. The instrumental drama is high key and the melodies are catchy, its heavy and energetic all the way through creating the perfect headbanging moments. Another mighty step in the bands progression.

Watch the video for ‘My Name’ 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


Alt Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Public Access T.V. ‘MetroTech’

The boys are back, rejoice, New York’s finest Public Access T.V. have followed their stunning debut album, ‘Never Enough’, with their new release ‘MetroTech’. It’s the first single from the quartets upcoming sophomore album ‘Street Safari’ which is due for release February 2018. This effortlessly cool track seeps and oozes swagger, drenched in funkadelic bravado. It’s a chilled shuffle and strut of infectious funk. With a running elastic sensual bassline that pulls you to the dance floor and rich jittery rhythm this track cruises with finger clicking panache. So danceable, prance worthy and strut ready it’s the definition of slicked back flaunty flamboyance. Smooth sliding lyrics glide and lure while jagged sharp guitar injects a gritty, warm burst into the steamy track. Dripping in finesse it sizzles and burns hot vapor off every note while glissading on a mellow laid-back coolness. An exciting new track from the four-piece, can’t wait for the album.

 

Stream ‘MetroTech’ below

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Anna-Liese ‘Stand On My Own’ EP

Waterford-based Anna-Liese have released their new EP ‘Stand On My Own’. The four piece which consists of members Emmet Conefery (vocals, guitar), Mark Walsh (vocals,guitar), Eddy Blake (drums) and Sean Carey (bass guitar) have fabricated a collection of tracks that takes their sound to a new level. The ‘Stand On My Own’ EP marks a serious more sophisticated and refined venture into their alternative rock. ‘Standing By The Riverbed’ is the first track on the EP and it screams their new tighter more competent sound. With a Green Day-esque feel mixed with a massive anthemic chorus, crashing guitars and punchy drums, it’s one hell of an introduction to the EP. Showcasing a substantial growth since their previous EP ‘Chasing and Fading’ it’s crisp compact and oh so catchy. This quartet have learned to take their time pacing each track out building and brooding with the verses with little chorus bursts teasing and leaving space for the crescendo’s to soar and excite. ’Oh Me Oh My’ is perhaps my favourite track on the EP. It jingles and sways with sweet sharp guitar melodies while a soft punch on drums adds a shot of grit. The vocal melody glides with bright melty smoothness while lush backing vocals coo with tender delicacy. It’s melancholic and gentle but those guitar lines are sublime- sharp and zealous adding splinters to the breezy sombre track. ‘Scrappy Boy’ adds a bit of heaviness to the EP. It’s slick swagger soaked and gritty. Once again shredding guitar lines lift the track into legendary status while a driving rumble on bass adds a ripply foundation and flexibility to the track. The vocals are strong and expressive. ‘First In Line’ lightens the tone of the EP, again it’s energetic and instrumentally snug. The tracks run along balancing heavier soundscapes with light airy indie seamlessly. Now ‘Stand On My Own’ brings us to the end of the EP with a cocktail of sounds and tempos. Beginning jangly and almost tropical before the vocal line brings a slower cruising tempo, with twinkles of warm guitar. The feisty chorus is catchy and assertive. The track returns to the brisk peppy tropical tone before resting on a swayable weaving hazy crescendo.

Anna-Liese ‘Stand On My Own’ EP exudes passion. It feels like they let go and poured themselves into this EP wholeheartedly and it pays off. They have grown up and with that have taken a strong command, honed in and refined their sound. It’s a joy to listen to. They flicker and fluctuate between different musical styles seamlessly creating their own unique style which is hard to do without sounding choppy and rough. There is something for everyone. It’s so melodic, luscious and well crafted. Anna-Liese are coming into their own.

Stream ‘Stand On My Own’ EP below


Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Atlanta House ‘Home’ EP

Leeds five-piece Indie Rock band Atlanta House have released their debut EP entitled ‘Home’. Which was produced by Roni Szpakowski of Peak Studios. The band have supported Circa Waves, Marsicans King No-One and Space, as well as performed at Tramlines and the inaugural Kazoopa Festival in November 2016. ’Home’ splashes out Atlanta Houses’ infectious blend of indie rock in all its blazing glory. ‘House’ kicks off the EP with mystery smothered in darkness. Spoken vocals narrate the harrowing lyrics to a simple accompaniment and steady beat. The track explodes into a mighty almost punk/grunge-esque shouting with screeching, crashing and fierce punch on drums. Just over a minute and a half it wakes you up and grabs your attention for the rest of the EP. The slick, polished snappy ‘Last Card’ follows. Sharp guitars stride and soar over the catchy melody piercing through the punchy drums and rumble on bass. Smooth vocals exude passion and become the softener throughout the breezy aerial track. ‘Casa (En Llamas)’ ah the gentle slow burner, sweet and delicate with a melty dreamy melody that could have fallen from heaven. Passionate and expressive the track builds becoming a little more powerful for the chorus without ruining the tender beautiful sway-like tempo. It’s the slow dance of the EP and it’s not half arsed either these lads pack a lot of emotion in this track. This little sweetheart is tender and affectionate and quite enchanting, a bit of a tear jerker. ‘Cold Love’ which we recently featured on Indie Buddie follows easing us out of the feathery lightness of its predecessor. It’s darker though, with an elastic bass and sliding guitars adding a blustery gust to the pop sprinkled track. ‘Home’ brings the EP to a blistering end. Rumbling drums bubble and boil while dark toned vocals add a chilling mystery and danger for the verses. The chorus explodes into an anthemic youthful burst of crashing guitars and punchy drums. Sharp stings on guitar flicker in and out of the verses creating flashes of bright scintillation through the thick murky atmosphere.

Atlanta House ‘Home’ is a fine debut EP. The hooks are plentiful, the energy is explosive and the melodies are sublime, sure some tracks are a bit Catfish and The Bottlemen- esque, but they do it their way. This five-piece have packed a lot of diversity into this EP and show a strong competence, refinement and understanding of what sounds good. Each track hits the spot and is exuberant and glowing with life and energy. The tunes are slick and bound to be epic live.

Stream ‘Home’ EP here


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, psychedelic, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Swedish Death Candy

Psychedelic, experimental rock band Swedish Death Candy have released their new single ‘Last Dream’ taken from the self-titled debut album, due to be released on 10th November. This acute splintery track slashes with razor sharp screeching guitar between a meaty kick ass riff. Shrilling and screeching with tantalizing noise surrounded by psychedelic narcotically trippy soundscapes it’s a bewildering mind-boggling assault of turmoil. Smooth velvety vocals soothe with a melty sweet melody. Strong drums pummel your skull as the track swirls and winds in a hypnotic bliss while heavy instrumentation blasts with raw piercing rock. It’s frenzy causing and chaotic yet well-structured and crafted to lure you into a fuzzed distortion of delusion. These guys know how to place you in a musical dizzy spin of thrilling psychedelic rock.

The video has been constructed from publically available found footage from 1968-1978 and follows a Clockwork Orange-style narrative interpretation of a ‘Last Dream’, using startling imagery and editing techniques to disorientate as well as enthral.

Frontman Louis Perry describes: “The track is about trying to move on/move away from stuff that’s negative/toxic. But it’s also about the alluring nature of these things. It’s also about how time fades when you’re stuck in a particular mindset or relationship or state. Lastly, it’s obviously about dreams; recurring dreams, and dreams that remind you of the past. It’s not all negative though, it’s also about how these experiences can be fun in the moment”.

You can catch Swedish Death Candy live at

27 Oct LEEDS Belgrave Music Hall

16 Nov 2017 LONDON The Black Heart

21 Nov 2017 BRISTOL The Crofters Rights

28 Nov 2017 BRIGHTON Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar

29 Nov 2017 ST. ALBANS The Horn

30 Nov 2017 LEICESTER The Cookie

08 Dec RENNES Trans Musicales Festival

13 Dec MANCHESTER The Castle

Watch the video for ‘Last Dream’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Dear Thieves ‘P.Y.M.’ EP

Melbourne alternative rock two piece Dear Thieves are set to release their Sophomore EP ‘P.Y.M.’ on October 13th. Since their debut EP ‘Bad Habits’ was released late March of this year the pair went straight back to the studio, honing their unique brand of hard hitting alternative rock, resulting in their most refined and honest release to date. Hitting the Melbourne music scene early 2013 Dear Thieves have been prolifically writing music and making a name for themselves by gigging persistently throughout the city. The duo have embarked on multiple east coast tours in support of their debut single ‘My Street’ and the ‘Bad Habits’ EP, and have graced the stage with the likes of Sydney’s Strangers and fellow Two-piece heavy hitters King Of The North.

‘P.Y.M’ or Punch Your Mates (if you’re into that kind of thing) is 5 tracks of gritty, versatile unapologetic rock music that is catchy as hell. ‘Bruce Willis’ kicks of the EP, slick moody and attitude soaked with punchy drums adding a relentless rebound effect while crashing guitars and swagger soaked almost eerie raspy vocals add a gritty brawn to the track. Instantly catchy and wrapped in heavy mosh ready instrumentation it’s a pretty slick vigorous start to the EP. The EP continues to travel at a constant high energy and bulky pace. ‘Used To Be Dead’ brings a creepy darkness into the mixture of pounding rock. Once again rich flickering rhythm gives a sensual flexibility as the track teases and builds tension for the massive frenzy causing headbanging crescendo. ‘Kids’ takes the persona of the dark smoky sultry track. Doused in hair raising chilling tones teamed with powerful vocals and mighty robust drums it seeps and weeps danger and haunting vibes. Razor sharp bass strikes and slaps with lusty dynamism creating a thrilling experience. Title track ‘P.Y.M’ is a hardy raw track oozing aggression and demanding attention. It’s sleek yet booming with rugged drums and boisterous guitars. Swagger soaked and catchy this track is a severe bashing to the skull with intense energy and passion. ‘Alone’ closes the EP as mighty and fierce as its predecessors. Dear Thieves finish the album on a high dose of battering piercing rock.

‘P.Y.M’ displays Dear Thieves knack for bloodthirsty bruising rock. Rich intricate grooving rhythms and catchy hooks blend together to create a infectious barbed selection of tracks smothered in dark tones and chilling eerie atmospheres. Well-crafted and layered it’s a dynamic EP well worth putting on repeat blasting it out as loud as you can and rocking out to.

Dear Thieves are set to launch their sophomore EP on the 13th of October At Melbourne’s iconic Cherry Bar and follow it with a string of shows through Victoria and up the East Coast.

Listen to the ‘P.Y.M’ single on YouTube here


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

Atlanta House ‘Cold Love’

Leeds indie rock five-piece Atlanta House have released their new single ‘Cold Love’ which is taken from their upcoming ‘Home’ EP due for release September 29th.The band who have receive slots supporting Circa Waves, Marsicans and King No One, as well as performing Tramlines 2016 and the inaugural Kazoopa Festival in November 2016 have built a reputation in the local music scene through energetic shows and memorable hooks. Consisting of members Matt Hirst (Lead Vocals), Jake Ingleson (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals),Luke Williams (Lead Guitar), Nigel Ngwenya (Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals), Connor Carbutt  (Drums & percussion) the band have also released a video to accompany the new single.

‘Cold Love’ is a dark throbbing breezy indie rock track. Thudding drums back a luring eerie verse while guitars glisten and flicker in-between. The chorus blasts in with a catching pop drizzled melody while blistering guitars stride, piercing against rich textured percussion and smooth swagger filled vocals. It’s anthemic and mighty with sharp injections of breezy stinging soundscapes. Passionate and melodic it strikes you with a melancholic melody and powerful intricate instrumentation. The rumbling elastic bass and sliding guitars brings the shadowy bridge to life creating a hair raising effect. The track builds to a massive crescendo featuring soaring instrumentation with crashing guitars and meaty drums. Atlanta House have created a track that is immensely emotive and explosive yet chilling and eerie. Slick and radio friendly it’s polished but maintains enough rawness to keep it sharp and thrilling.

Watch the video for ‘Cold Love’ below