Tag Archives: indie rock

We Three Kings ‘Do It’

We Three Kings have released their new single ‘Do It’. We Three Kings are a no-nonsense three piece rock ’n’ roll band from Manchester, UK. The band’s previous single ‘Give It To Me, GO!’ achieved widespread critical acclaim, including radio airplay on BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and XS Manchester.

‘Do It’ is a blazing force to be reckoned with as We Three Kings slash through their fierce bluesy rock with relentless stamina. With powerful vocals and a  slick meaty bass running rampant through the pummeling drums this track stomps around demanding attention. Its catchy with some slinky swagger dipped guitar riffs set at a brisk pace that is sure to ignite frenzy in a mosh pit. Doused in a fuzzed wall of sound these guys pack adrenaline into the track by the bucket load insuring a blistering high powered listening experience. We Three Kings top all this manic instrumentation off with a sing along ready chorus and gritty verses. These guys write tracks that are scorching hot, fiery to the core and coated in gasoline ready to explode.

Stream ‘Do It’ below


Sun Mahshene ‘This Girl I Know’

After the success of their last single ‘Leave This City’, and a busy summer of festival appearances ahead. Dublin’s Sun Mahshene have released their powerful and poignant new single ‘This Girl I Know’. This is the band’s third single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. It was recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty.

‘This Girl I Know’ wraps your ears in Sun Mahshene’s melodically rich musicianship. A psych hued shoegaze wall of sound delicately caresses the soft verses while Nathan Henderson’s vocals melt upon the sweet nostalgic melody. This track seeps deep into the brain with a fuzzy dreamy atmosphere as ethereal guitar distortion and soft rhythms whirl with heart stopping vigor while creating a marshmallow comforting effect. The melancholic tone sweetly wisps about the track as Sun Mahshene display their musical finesse effortlessly. These guys have some serious talent. Their ability to create a wholly invigorating track while showcasing tender emotion as well as  building and layering their music in intricate instrumentation is mesmerising and oh so lush on the ears. The shrills and pines on guitar are majestic as graceful keys, warm bass and subtle percussion jingles all create the intricate and utterly profound sound that is the glorious delight of Sun Mahshene’s tunes.

Stream ‘This Girl I Know’ below


Lost Boys ‘Sleeping Alone’

Limerick’s emerging indie band, Lost Boys have released their new single ‘Sleeping Alone’. The band consists of Peadar Storey on Vocalist/Rhythm Guitar, Michael Meleady on Backup Vocals/Guitar, Patrick O’Donnell on Drums and Peter Corbett on Bass. Since the groups formation in November, Lost Boys have made a name for themselves across Limerick for the production quality of their tracks and their live performances.

‘Sleeping Alone’ is an ethereal, gripping number from Lost Boys that displays their mature and cultured sound beautifully. With majestic, graceful guitar lines weaving gloriously throughout,  this track has a dreamy yet chilling icy quality. The emotional vocals ooze passion and soul, filling the track with depth while lush backing harmonies and innocent sweet soundscapes create a haunting and moving quality. These guys have crafted this track superbly. The song builds with luscious, tender, waves of chiming guitar and a backbone of meaty pulsing rhythms creating tension for the hair raising crescendo. Deftly constructed and subtly embellished, Lost Boys blend rich musicianship and emotional contact meticulously to create a wholly invigorating and satisfying listen. ‘Sleeping Alone’ is an accomplished and emotive track. It is cinematic in scope showcasing Lost Boys melodic prowess.

About the track the band said : “Sleeping Alone is our attempt at describing absence after loss, paired with an overwhelming need to explain yourself. Its like a journey of self destruction you go on in order to get to the place that you need to be to accept how things are and move on.”

Stream ‘Sleeping Alone’ below


Dakota Avenue ‘The Island’

Manchester based Dakota Avenue have released their new single ‘The Island’. Often championed for their explosive and dynamic stage show, the trio sold over 150 tickets for their headline show at Manchester’s Night People in February following a sold-out Eagle Inn show.

‘The Island’ is a sturdy dynamic track that seeps,creeps and tingles with Dakota Avenue’s passionate musicianship. Catchy and brimming with stunning instrumentation these guys present a track that is both eerie and energetic. The verses slither in with a hypnotic guitar twinkle haunting behind Jacob Greenhalgh-Lee’s striking accented vocals while a steady beat thuds gently. The track builds to a massive expressive chorus as the guitar crashes against the buoyant, brawny rhythmic foundation. As the track reaches its crescendo it becomes slimy and creepy again as that hypnotic guitar refrain chills and slinks into the back of your mind. It’s a magnificently crafted track with the perfect push and pull effect as the lyrics complain about the corporate giants “You gotta let the bigwigs play”. through an infectious melody. There is something special about this band – keep an eye on Dakota Avenue.

Stream ‘The Island’ below  


Think Sanity’s Debut Self- Titled Album

Alternative rock group Think Sanity have released their debut, self-titled album.Think Sanity began as a side project, thought up by original members Trent and Andie Johnson after their previous work with Daniel Brasher in band ‘Ink Mind’. Since then, Think Sanity have grown into a solid five piece which includes the talented, Breihan (Bob) Dryden who currently drums for 80’s themed alt-rock group ‘The Sunsets’ and is former vocalist of metal band, ‘Escapist.’ Newest member Jack Vermuth joins as guitarist and bassist to complete the team. Mental Health is a topic close to their hearts, so with careful lyricism and powerful rhythm the band deliver their sound as a route to escape.

With tracks laced in powerful alternative rock Think Sanity’s debut self titled album is a mature and well crafted collection. Crashing guitars, pulverising drums and a harsh brawny wall of sound create the fundamentals for opening track ‘Mothra’ as well as throughout ‘Sad Kaiju’, ‘Surgery’, ‘Automotan’  and ‘Breaking The Panorama’ with the more emotional delicate ‘Blood Thinners & Aspirin’ creating a sublime balance. The album features refined, epic guitar moments as they pine, whine or sultry soar throughout the tracks flooding them with character. Think Sanity flesh out their neck breaking speed with the fierce ‘I’m A Liar’ as the powerful vocals blend perfectly with screaming backing vocals and a mammoth instrumental backdrop. The band present their stomping ferocity in the disco hued ‘Sludge’ while ‘Questions’ sprinkles a dash of attitude onto a metal – esque backdrop. The band pack in layers of rich musicianship through their pummeling sound while lyrically dealing with relatable, emotional and powerful themes. Each track boasts the mighty, well crafted instrumental prowess of the band without compromising on quality. ‘I’m Real, I Think’ closes the album as the band began it, dynamic and vigorous as mighty drums and bass create a mosh worthy foundation for the slick guitars to crash and ricochet off while the vocals pine and exclaim over the catchy melody. The infectious riffage through this album is an admirable quality which Think Sanity have mastered along with a tight shredding wall of sound.

Think Sanity’s debut album is impressive with layers of creativity and intelligent musicianship.

Stream Think Sanity below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From  Y!KES 

Birmingham alternative four-piece Y!KES have released their new single ‘Visceral’ which was produced by singer Joby Fitzgerald and recorded at Magic Garden Studio. Laced in the frenzied sharp guitar lines we have come to know Y!KES for, ‘Visceral’ is another blistering frantic anthem from the four piece. Pulverizing drums, rooted bass grooves and gritty vocals announce this scorching ferocious number as the band build and flesh out their mammoth sound. With a catchy melody, cutting lyricism and grunge filled energy- this brawny whack of alternative rock is perfect for blasting as loud as possible.Sharp flirtations on guitar entwine cheekily between the powerhouse wall of sound, showcasing the bands majestic musicianship and ability to add depth and maturity to their sound. ‘Visceral’ is another frenzied swagger steeped number from Y!KES. 

Watch the video for ‘Visceral’ below


Indie Quick Picks

Pelicandy

Photo credit: Nona Duch

Genre: alt-pop

Bio: Pelicandy are a London alt-pop duo who shared their first release of 2019 ‘Silent Treatment’ earlier this spring, the two-piece have already received widespread acclaim throughout the tastemaker community and across the airwaves (BBC Radio 1, Virgin),

Track: White Sky

About the track vocalist TC stated: “White Sky is about realising the ability to focus and reframe your own thoughts and perception of reality. Choosing what world you want to live in depending more on your mind-set than your surrounding environment, it’s like a superpower that anyone can learn. Depending on how we direct our thoughts we can even change our body’s own biology. It sounds like science fiction or new-age spirituality but it’s legit psychology and neuroscience”!

Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering funk flavoured synth driven track that glides upon cool chilled tones and a laid back atmosphere. With refreshing crisp synths glistening through snappy drums and breezy soundscapes this electronic number is brimming with swagger and summer vibes. Featuring a zesty stinging guitar solo and an infectious melody this velvety gem is instantly likeable.

You can follow Pelicandy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pelicandyband

Stream ‘White Sky’ below

Michael Jablonka

Photo credit :Lennon Gregory

Genre: Alternative Indie

Bio: Michael Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. His skills have been utilised by some of the country’s major rock and pop acts, and this summer Jablonka continues his tour of arenas and festivals worldwide with fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka

Track: ‘Go- Go’

Why We Like It:  It’s a haunting number that broods Jablonka’s refined thrilling musicianship. A steady drum beat sets a hypnotic tone for this thrilling track to flourish off while the sweet lamenting guitar chimes between this eerie sulky backdrop. The song builds becoming more passionate as distorted guitar pines and shrills flesh out Jablonka’s raw edgy sound. The song progresses beautifully from its laid back beginnings, gradually building to a soul infused rock crescendo brimming with intensity as the gritty guitar solo taking the track to spine chilling heights.

You can follow Michael Jablonka on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljablonkaofficial/

Stream ‘Go- Go’ below

Sea Girls

Genre: Indie

Bio: Following a whirlwind start to the year, which saw them being named as the only band on the BBC’s Sound of 2019 list and playing their biggest ever sold out live show at London’s Heaven, Sea Girls are excited to share the news that they have signed a record deal with Polydor Records (Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, The 1975). Earlier this month, the band announced their biggest UK shows for this autumn, kicking off in Nottingham on 2nd October

Track:  Damage Done

Vocalist and songwriter Henry Camamile explains the track: “Damage Done is about young love and moving on. The night before the song was written I recognised that a part of my past was amazing, a bit flawed and broken all at the same time. I wanted to try to be at peace with it, and to realise that better things are to come rather than holding onto the past. I sort of told myself I’m singing to no one if I’m not thinking of the future.”

Why We Like It:  It’s another passionate compelling track from Sea Girls that sweeps you up into a clenching surge of adrenaline. The sweet toned guitar twinkles between a snappy pulsing beat creating the tense and suspenseful verses that tease the anthemic chorus to come. These guys have an insane ability to create gripping, youthful tunes that rush into your veins with the expectation, kinetic energy and flutter of a first kiss while packing in some impressive indie backing to keep everything invigorating and refreshing. With an infectious melody, energetic bass, passionate warm vocals and precise exhilarating musicianship- it’s one sublime whoosh of indie to have you hooked in seconds.

You can follow Sea Girls on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sonicseagirls/

Stream ‘Damage Done’ below

Llovers

Genre: Indie Pop

Bio: Fast establishing themselves as one of the North East’s finest emerging acts,Teesside quintet Llovers have released their debut EP ‘Things That I Don’t Understand’, preceded by sparkling lead single ‘Coming Loose’ out via Think Tank? Drawing widespread acclaim across the airwaves (BBC Radio, 1, BBC 6 Music) over the last 18 months with a series of early releases, the band have already demonstrated their buoyant live potential supporting acts including Sundara Karma, Dream Wife and VANT.

Track: Coming Loose

About the track co frontman Jack Brooks stated : “Coming Loose deals with the anxieties that can come from being in a relationship, specifically one in which there’s little affection given from a paramour on the surface. It describes these feelings while also establishing which is used as a form of comfort within the narrative of the track”.

Why We Like It:  It’s a sparkling indie pop delight that swoons and floats around a delicious melody, shimmering synths and warm velvety vocals. A lustrous soundscape floods the track in dazzling scintillation while glittering guitars and a steady beat provide a wispy dreamy quality making this track so easy on the ears. The bitter sweet melody contrasts sublimely with the vibrant instrumental backdrop as the song soaks in summer vibes, psychedelic pop embellishments and rich textures.

You can follow Llovers on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wearellovers

Stream ‘Coming Loose’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


 

Rain ‘Volume 1’ EP

Rain have released their debut EP ‘Volume 1’. The band which is a three piece from Sunderland in the north east of England is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Patrick Ashurst, Alex Liddle on bass and Ben Mitchell on drums and backing vocals.

‘Volume 1’ is a compact EP brimming with Rain’s engaging indie rock. ‘You Used To Say’ sets the EP in motion with the sweet chime and jingle of indie soaked guitar with punchy drums and a rooted bass. Rain present a chilled summer drenched sound that hooks you from the start as laid back vocals mope over the vibrant instrumentation. Their sound is tight and brimming with zesty engaging guitar lines that are intoxicating to the ears. ‘Let Me Free’ brings a rock n ‘roll shimmy to their sound with swagger drizzled on top of gritty sharp guitar and buoyant rhythms. A little darker than its predecessor this track has a smoky more abrasive vibe. ‘Across the Dim Line’ closes the EP with light jangly guitar and indie rock soundscapes. The nonchalant vocals add a moody quality to the verses before the track bursts into its catchy chorus.

Rain are crafting their sound and fleshing out their indie alternative flavours. ‘Volume 1’ is a tight well formed EP that showcases a promising band finding their brand and style while creating some enjoyable tunes.

Stream ‘Volume 1’ below


Otherkin ‘On & On’

Carrying on swiftly from the buzz of their previous single ‘All That Remains Won’t Be The Same’, Irish alternative rock band Otherkin continue in fine form with the release of their latest single ‘On & On’, coming alongside the announcement of UK tour dates this Autumn. The band have enjoyed significant success in recent times, with airplay support from BBC RADIO 1 as well as radio play back in Ireland and playlist support on all the main streaming platforms.

‘On & On’ is a swagger dripping gem as Otherkin flourish the glimmering electronic facet to their sound. Featuring a kick ass guitar riff, groove infested rhythm and darkly-smothered wall of sound this dazzling number swarms in, swanky, chic and engulfed in attitude. The raspy vocals pour over the infectious melody while the frazzling backdrop, elastic bass and shrilling guitars create the most breathtaking, adrenaline inducing listening experience. With a catchy chorus, peppy key jingles, rich production and mind melting dance-floor vibes this exhilarating new track is another gush of Otherkin’s outstanding sound. These guys are on a roll.


Speaking on their inspiration, the band say: ‘’We were listening to a ton of French House before making ‘On & On’ and felt inspired to make a song for the dance floor. As we were approaching it from the context of being a guitar band, we thought it would be cool to break the song up with a huge riff, bringing the two worlds together. We paired it with a story of a guy we know who’s a conniving, scheming weasel that’ll never change his ways, regardless of what happens to him.This song is like one fist in the air and one middle finger in the air to him.’’


Following an exciting Electrowerkz show in London, Otherkin will be heading back out on the road across the UK this September. Tickets will go on sale on Friday 24th May. Catch them live at the following venues:

19th – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds

20th – The Basement, York21st – Think Tank? Underground, Newcastle

22nd – Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow

23rd – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

24th – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff26th – Face Bar, Reading

27th – Camden Assembly, London

Stream ‘On & On’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From INHALER

Dublin’s INHALER have released their new double A-side ‘My Honest Face’. Comprising of Robert Keating on bass, Ryan McMahon on drums, Josh Jenkinson on lead and Elijah Hewson on vocals and rhythm, INHALER have already gained support from Radio 1, Radio X and BBC Radio 6 Music as well as earning a coveted placement in the New Music Friday US playlist with 2019’s first offering ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ and playlists across the globe.

‘My Honest Face’ is an exhilarating rush of indie rock that puts INHALER on the map. The rugged sound of driving bass lines and punchy drums create the gripping foundation while sweet lamenting shimmers of guitar lift the track to majestic and ethereal heights. It’s a gripping and powerful number as the band flesh out their big and lofty sound with weighty instrumentation and honest lyricism. Filling you with that sudden rush of heart stopping emotion, the band exude swagger through their magnificent guitar work. They weave and pine through the darkened soundscapes which coil and curdle between tension and conflicting bitter sweet tones. There’s beauty in this bands musicianship. They shape the moving lyrics around heart stopping instrumentation. With passionate vocals, this track steamrolls into your head with relentless stamina and oodles of gusto. INHALER are ones to keep an eye on.

INHALER are currently on a UK tour with Stockport’s rising stars Fuzzy Sun, before joining Blossoms & Courteeners on their festival warm up dates this summer. In between these dates, you can catch INHALER at festivals across the UK and Ireland including Neighbourhood Weekender, TRNSMT, Truck Festival and Boardmasters. They have also been added to the bill at Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ show at Dublin’s Malahide Castle.

INHALER – 2019 Live Irish Dates

June
Sun 16th – Co. Dublin, Malahide Castle* (with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds)

Mon 17th – Belfast, Limelight (with DMAs)

Sat 22nd – Bundoran, Sea Sessions

August

Sun 4th – Cork, Indiependence Festival

Stream ‘My Honest Face’ below