Monthly Archives: June 2018

Alt- Pop, Glam Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Tropical Indie

FLING ‘Extra Special’

Bradford’s resident psychedelic rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Extra Special’ which was produced by Lee Smith and Jamie Lockhart at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs, Pulled Apart By Horses, Submotion Orchestra, Snarky Puppy). Known for their wildly eccentric live shows, the burgeoning quintet have already built up quite the following, with their playful personalities seeing them well-received on the festival circuit so far this summer and have earned plaudits from the likes of Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1) and Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music).

‘Extra Special’ is a delicious mouth watering glam pop number brimming with oodles of luscious melodies and fruity components to make for a satisfying listen. This track will have you drooling over its subtle gush of juicy guitar injections and sugar saturated shimmering keys. The laid back almost whispered vocals lure and entice you into this tropical bliss as Charles McSorley sprawls upon the melty melody with irresistible panache and charm while a rich rhythm shimmies and shakes creating a captivating fluctuant foundation for this delectable track. The wandering keys playfully weave between the mesmerising melodies while a glorious stinging guitar glimmers a blazing solo to create a dreamy psyche hued haze over this infatuating tune. This track is well crafted to alert all the senses and surge a sublime wave of tantalising sounds into your ears.

Discussing the single, the band stated: “It’s about that private time of solitude in between the chaos where you choose whatever it is you want to do, whether it be smoking or something else. The moment where you empty your mind from all thoughts and just experience coexisting with someone or something that gets your vibe”.

Stream ‘Extra Special’ below

 

 


New Music

Eldafyre ‘Death Of The Surrenders’ Album

Eldafyre has released his newest album ‘Death Of The Surrenders’, a poetic and endearing fusion of punk, funk, rock and blues.Originating from Victoria, Australia, Eldafyre had his first opportunity to play with a band after a jam night at a music store nearby. Spending a couple of hours jamming with rock artists from around the area, Eldafyre felt that he’d found his place within the industry singing with the support of a full band. Soon after, he put an advertisement out to try to get in touch with the artists he’d played with that night, and once they all got in contact they got together to record the album. Eventually, all members followed their own paths and left the band, nicknaming them ‘the surrenders’ Eldafyre decided to name the album after them, symbolising the birth of a new life and the start of something better. Upon the band leaving, Eldafyre wanted to record the album professionally, so with the recordings he already had, he collaborated with his producer to recreate the essence and basics of the song, whilst transforming them into something new. With most songs being recorded and completed on the first take, the 9-track album holds original and raw live energy.

‘Death Of The Surrenders’ is a calming collection of tracks that captivate and enthrall with mystical depth and gentle tones blended with some grittier elements and breezy soundscapes drizzled on top.  Eldafyre’s captivating sound becomes apparent from the opening track ‘Down Floor’ as it begins wispy and mysterious before building into a guitar whipping rock and roll number with punchy drums and crashing strikes on guitars between a powerful vocal delivery. He manages to wholly engage the listener with his endearing tunes smothered in raw passion and honest lyrics. There are some ethnic twangs through ‘Naturally Provided’ while ‘Slip Stream’ takes a more delicate guitar style that glides with elegance and calming refinement. Though the album has an evening chill time aura about it there are some swagger gems thrown in ‘Surrender’ fleshes out a funky drizzled strut ready beat with some gritty guitar grating through organ-esque keys and sassy soundscapes. ‘My Pain Is Juice’ and ‘Against The River’ follow this funky panache driven persona while ‘Heavens In The Earth’ returns us to the tranquility and earthy soundscapes of the first half of the album. ‘Satisfied’ closes the album with a waltz-like slow dance jam filled with twinkling romantic guitar and a steady, sway ready beat. This is a sublime and sweet end to an album which takes you on a flickering journey of multi genre discovery.

Stream ‘Death Of The Surrenders’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie

Ben Browning ‘Even Though’

Australian producer and songwriter Ben Browning has released his sophomore album ‘Even Though’. A long-time member of the band Cut Copy, Browning’s solo project sees him defining his personal musical identity pulling melodic inspiration from Brian Wilson, XTC and Paul McCartney. Ben’s 12-track sophomore album ‘Even Though’ follows his debut 2015 full-length ‘Turns’ and is a retrospective of Browning’s journey as a musician; from playing in high school and college bands to Cut Copy, to moving to the States from Australia. The first glimpse we got of this album was the kaleidoscopic swirl of ‘Sunshine Baby’ but the track we are loving is one of the first songs he wrote for the upcoming album and also its title track, ‘Even Though’.

‘Even Though’ is a chilled shimmy soaked large guzzle of sweet tropical bliss. With shimmering electronics sparkling between peppy bright guitar jingles and buoyant rhythmic grooves this track is instantly refreshing and likeable. Browning’s vocals soothe with a laid back vibe over a delicious velvety melody and tranquilising tones while the swirling juicy soundscapes flicker and bounce about creating the perfect sun kissed glorious atmosphere. This track is one for sweltering hot summer days, cocktails and colourful shirts.

Stream ‘Even Though’ below

 

 


Americana, Bluesy Americana rock, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Biilmann ‘The Hills Have Eyes’

One of Australia’s rising blues and roots musicians Jack Biilmann has released his new single ‘The Hills Have Eyes’. The Canberra based songwriter has established a formidable reputation for himself amongst local and national touring circles, having shared stages with the likes of Tash Sultana, Bobby Alu, Ian Moss, Bootleg Rascal and more over the last few years. A tenacious guitarist with a charming performance style to boot, Biilmann has struck a positive chord within the scene.

‘The Hills Have Eyes’ is a golden, passionate display that blends alternative indie with some warm country twangs. Biilmann nails balance in this track as it cruises in, coming across as unhurried and cool-headed with a peppy spring in each step to deflect any notion of the track succumbing to monotony.His buttery-smooth vocal delivery and velvety melody will ease your blood pressure and radiate sun kissed glows into your day. With energetic twangs, a steady beat and glorious guitar feature this track is an instant pick me up shot. The wispy background vocals trailing in the distance create an airy atmosphere to this glorious satisfying track. From the get go this song enters like a sublime sprightly breeze to refresh your cluttered mind. It’s a beautiful listen spiked with muted touches of bluesy rock, country and pop elements to make for a wholesome absorbing experience.

About the track Biilmann said : “The Hills Have Eyes is a kick in a new direction from me, I wanted to do something that had the elements with what make me who I am as an artist with a new twist. It’s sure to come as a bit of a surprise, but is still a very ‘Jack Biilmann’ sounding song. The production from Kojo Ansah has really given this song exactly what I am after and I am so excited to release it and see its response..”

Stream ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Mellor

Reading quartet Mellor​ are set to release their new single ‘Safe Word​’ on August 17​ via self release. The Mellor name has been around for about 5 years, but this current line up with Gary Kingham on vocals, Sam Igoe on drums, Kristian Bell on guitar, and Josh Woodward on bass has been together for around eighteen months. The lads took the moniker in homage to a certain Joe Strummer aka John Mellor! It’s this current line up that the band have felt comfortable with the music and sound they’re producing. Kristian, Gary, and Josh have known each other since college, and Sam joined the band thereafter. Last year was the first year of releases with the current lineup, they released four singles ‘Fire on Fire’, ‘Bone Idle’, ‘You Were Right’ and ‘Arms Length’ culminating in an EP at the end of the year. With airplay supports from Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music; John Kennedy, Radio X; Charlie Ashcroft, Elise Cobain, Amazing Radio; Tim Cocker, Virgin Radio; Frank Skinner, Absolute Radio; Linda Serck, BBC Intro Berks the lads are making a name for themselves for sure.

‘Safe Word’ is a strident, scorching example of the refined airtight indie rock this four piece do so well. Raucous guitars grate, shrill and pierce throughout blasting out some slick licks, shredding riffs and thrilling solos that will have you in a kinetic frenzy of awe. The punchy drums batter, bash and rumble out a bounce-able rhythm to make you jump up and down in a state of ecstasy. The groove infested bass weaves an elastic, sensual foundation through this exhilarating piece of gritty indie perfection. The pop drizzled melody is doused in melodious goodness that is sweet nectar to our honey bee ears as it smoothly flows upon the blistering backdrop cooling the mania with its delicious flow and catchiness. The vocal delivery from Kingham once again exudes swagger and passion wrapped in a raspy dynamic coating. Another magnetic and invigorating track from the Reading lads. These guys are travelling  full steam ahead and have a bright future.

 ‘Safe Word​’ touches on the aspect of everyone having a comfort zone in their life and how many of us often go through life regretting that we didn’t do certain things. Speaking of the track the band said, “People get very comfy doing the same thing day in day out. We think it’s an interesting thought that can applied to many aspects in life, whether it be work, personal, or social.”

You can catch Mellor Live at :

30th June – Texfest, Leicester

20th July – Actress and Bishop, Birmingham

22nd July – Tramlines Fringe, Sheffield (Record Junkie)

25th July – Lock Tavern, Camden

27th July – Bute Festival, Bute – Scotland

7th August – The Horn, St Albans

10th August – The Soundhouse, Leicester

16th August – Gwdihw Cafe Bar, Cardiff

17th August – Oakford Social Club, Reading

Stream ‘Safe Word’ below


Alt Rock, Americana, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Bane Riff ‘Less Than Enough’

Pop rock artist Bane Riff has released his debut single ‘Less Than Enough’, a catchy rock track written to inspire his listeners to pursue those unforgettable moments that we sometimes forget about in the madness of every day life. Fairly new to the industry, Bane Riff came from a background in finance industry. Although running his own successful insurance business, Riff realised that he wasn’t happy and felt that something was missing in his life, from then he decided to act quickly and pursue his true passion. ‘Less Than Enough’ was written over a couple of hours by Riff himself, and recorded in studio with producer Martin Daus, guitarist in several popular Danish pop rock bands. Inspired by a hilarious moment experienced in a restaurant with the restaurant owner and his wife, the track reminds us that life comes down to the moments that you won’t forget. For him, the song is an awakening.

‘Less Than Enough’ is a swagger soaked country drizzled rock track. Riff’s raspy vocals flood warmth into the song while a punchy drum beat, and golden guitar lines add a whack of rock and roll strutting grit. It’s a charming number with a sing along ready Bon Jovi- esque chorus that will have a live crowd bellowing from the top of their lungs. This bright peppy tune will fill you with that get up and go stamina as it exudes good heart warming vibes while packing in some mighty brawn to have you tapping your foot and dancing carelessly in no time. With an irresistible melody and tight production it’s infectious for sure.

Stream ‘Less Than Enough’ below


Ambient Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cascadia Fault Line ‘Grace’

Cascadia Fault Line are an indie three piece located in Liverpool.The band have recently released their debut album ‘Told A Thousand Times’ along with the release of their latest single ‘Grace’. This smooth gentle number glistens with delicate guitar and soothing vocals to start before building into a vibrant bursting chorus. It’s a heartwarming listen that has a golden hue like a sunflower flowing in a summers breeze.The tapping beat unfolds into a punchy dynamic bounce and the guitars become more aggressive and sharp as the track progresses. Rachael Dunn’s vocals remain sweet and graceful throughout as this dreamy floaty number evolves becoming more hefty and edgy instrumentally. It’s a dainty little ditty that packs in a heavy dose of emotion. This subtle yet hard hitting, sun speckled number will have you in a haze of sweet melancholic nostalgia.

Stream ‘Grace’ below

https://soundcloud.com/faultcascadia/grace


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Marc Baker ‘Common People’

Electro pop singer Marc Baker has released his new single ‘Common People’ via Tragic Fashion. Taken from his forthcoming EP ‘Marc Baker’, the single is the follow up to Marc’s 2017 hit single ‘No Place I’d Rather Be’. Originally from Melbourne, Baker currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he has spent the past three years recording and touring across North America. During the past nine years, the Aussie born has collaborated and performed alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, including the likes of The Big Pink, Miami Horror and Big Black Delta. Having performed to thousand’s of people across the US, Baker has built a loyal fan base that is now yearning for more new music. Named by the critic’s as one of the most exciting emerging artists, he has finally announced the release of his debut self-titled EP, which was produced by Miami Horror frontman Ben Plant. The four song EP includes the debut single ‘No Place I’d Rather Be’, which became an instant hit for Baker and received critical acclaim from media and fans alike upon release.

‘Common People’ embraces bedazzling flashing electronics while conjuring the kind of synth washes and sweet melodies reminiscent of the luscious heart racing pulses of the mid 80’s. Baker’s velvety vocals coo over dazzling soundscapes and sticky beat slaps to create a nostalgic dream soaked gem. It’s subtly anthemic as the chorus bursts with emotion and vibrancy while the “do do” intro makes this catchy number easy on the ears. It’s soothing as jangly, vivid guitar injections add a breezy vibrancy to the wistfully melancholic pop tune. ‘Common People’ is a slick, slightly chilly and majestic slice of electro pop that will revolve around in your mind for days.

Stream ‘Common People’ below

 


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

In The Cards ‘The Only Thing’

Stoke On Trent  quartet  In The Cards have released a video for their single ‘The Only Thing’ taken from their new EP  ‘Eyes  Beyond  Reflection’ set for release on  the  22nd  June  2018. The  EP  is  packed  full  of  soaring  melodies  and  powerful  choruses  that  all  have  a  strong  sense  of  empowerment.  In  their  early  years,  when  In The Cards were  finding  their  feet  musically,  their  admiration  for  bands  like  Paramore  and  Tonight  Alive  helped  them  to  write  songs  that  compliment  a  female  vocalist.  They  used  this  to  their  advantage  when  writing  this  new  EP,  carefully  building  and  crafting  their  own  particular  sound.  The  band  recorded  ‘Eyes  Beyond  Reflection’  with  Romesh  Dodangoda  at  Longwave  Studios  in  Cardiff. Having  played  shows  with  the  likes  of  Arcane  Roots,  Dream  State  and  Mallory  Knox,  as  well  as  achieving  airplay  on  BBC  Introducing  in  Stoke, In The Cards  sound  and  style  is  the  result  of  a  mix  of  individual  tastes  in  music,  which  collectively  produces  the  unique  sound  of  the  band;  successfully  combining  sections  that  are  both  delicate  and  atmospheric  as  well  as  hard  hitting  and  heavy.

‘The Only Thing’ is a darkly toned passionate number that seamlessly blends emotive tender vocals with an alternative meaty backdrop. Amy Colclough’s vocals are powerful and brimming with expression while vibrant guitars venture between jangly sweet melodies and crashing, mighty strides as they rebound and pummel against the punchy drums and elastic bass. These guys create an enthralling hefty sound that is smothered in dark hues with sweet golden glimmers flickering throughout. It’s catchy, anthemic and hard hitting as the chorus rushes in on an adrenaline surge of power and compelling vocals. The jagged instrumental lets their alternative rock shine through as they whack out a brawny mosh ready feature before Colclough’s vocals re-enter. It’s a compact song that contains all the component parts of a meaty alternative rock track.

Watch the video for ‘The Only Thing’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Delphina Kings ‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ EP

Following the release of their singles ‘Lovestruck’ and ‘Kid Calm Down’, Manchester-based indie rock band Delphina Kings have announced the release of new EP ‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ on 6th July. The release will coincide with an EP release party, which will see the band headline Gullivers NQ in their hometown of Manchester on Saturday 7th July. Support will come from fellow North West acts SUNGLO, RAVELLAS and FLANEUR.

‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ is an infectious collection of adrenaline pumping indie rock that sizzles and boils beneath your skin with thrilling instrumentation. ‘I’m Numb’ kicks off this scorching mania with shrilling distorted guitars over a punchy rhythmic backdrop of danceable groove infected bass lines and shaky percussion teamed with buoyant drums. These guys exude steamy swagger as effortless cool vocals glide over a frenzied strut worthy buzz of sublime instrumentation and dizzying acid soaked soundscapes. Their high voltage sound fills you with an effervescent whir of intensity as each track whacks out a kinetic energy with a sublime anthemic punch. ‘Electric’ is the perfect example of this. The shredding guitars teamed with spiraling vigorous soundscapes makes for an enthralling instantly electrifying listen. Each track surges with heart racing euphoria from the soaring ‘Like You’ with its slinky funk hued persona drizzled in psychedelia to the luring creepy final track ‘Delirious’, Delphina Kings showcase their slick swagger drenched style in all its glory. ‘Like You’ makes a shift in their sound as they hone in on the sultry psychedelic tones, building them meticulously to create a steamy 60’s -esque trippy number that renders you trapped in its sweet luscious delusions. The soothing gentle vocals coo and caress the melty melody while distorted guitars build for the dynamic chorus. ‘Delirious’ closes the EP continuing the psychedelic tones however taking them to darker more eerie depths. The steady beat and strumming guitar becomes the constant as the wispy melody slips between the sleepy hypnotic soundscapes. Their knack with melodies makes each track easy to sing along to with a delightful ear worm effect that will have them stuck in your head all day while the bands ability to blend genres seamlessly makes the experience instantly satisfying.

About the EP bassist/lyricist Andy Hoskinson said : “We’ve only released singles so far, and we wanted to give people something a little longer to get their teeth into, let them get to know us better”. “An EP isn’t necessarily the done thing any more, it feels rebellious”, adds frontman Chris Gibson.

For more you can follow Delphina Kings on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/delphinakings