Monthly Archives: June 2018

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

Smash Boom Pow ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’.

Smash Boom Pow have just released a new single and b-side titled ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’. Offering a gritty Alt-Rock sound bursting with catchy hooks, Smash Boom Pow is blood brothers Ulysses [vocals/guitar] and Zane [drums] Coppard from the Westcoast of Canada. Their passion for their craft has attracted the attention of fans, musicians, and industry folk alike – earning them numerous opportunities for creative and career advancement. Among the most powerful and transformative were a top 12 spot in 2015’s Peak Performance BC project, and having been selected to partake in the Converse Rubber Tracks initiative. Smash Boom Pow has had the pleasure of sharing the stage and performing alongside: We Are The City, The Pack AD, Dralms, and The Velveteins, as well as a tour of Western Canada with Soft Alarm. A steady supply of quality media to an active and engaged audience has resulted in over 20k YouTube views, and song placements in the TV series ‘Motive’ and upcoming indie film ‘THE CANNON’ (directed by Marshall Axani).

‘Some People’ is a vibrant hook laden number driven with gritty guitars slicing through punchy drums and laid back vocals. The infectious melody floats upon this jagged backdrop creating a contrast of lush dreamy tones filled with hazy casualness and heavy edged indie rock. The jangly guitar injections flood the track with a vivid energy and zesty quality while the smooth vocals and delicious melody sweeten the choppy rough grunge flavoured foundation.

‘JD’ is an thrilling instrumental gem. Gritty, rough and rugged this burly number is laced with beefy guitar riffs- shredding and jaggedly sawing through mighty pummeling drums with red hot intensity you can almost feel the steam evaporating off each note and stride. It’s a sublime meaty display from the duo.

These two tracks show Smash Boom Pow’s refined diversity and slick musicianship. Their ability to tranquilize with hazy lazy vibes and indie rock bliss is divine in ‘Some People’ but they bring the hard core whack of b-side  ‘JD’ to roughen things up a bit and its just a magnificent combination.

Stream ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’ below


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

The Honeymoon Suite ‘Arcade’

The Honeymoon Suite are a 4 piece alt/indie pop band from Derby. Coming onto the scene in late 2017 with the debut track ‘Taste-Less’, the band received backing from the BBC Introducing and have seen themselves take their set around the country supporting a variety of big names including dream-pop leaders JAWS. The band are now set to release their new single ‘Arcade’ tomorrow which was recorded and produced by Alex Greaves at The Nave studios in Leeds.

‘Arcade’ is a breezy bubbly indie number that spreads dreamy soundscapes on top of hefty alternative rock blasts. A driving rumbly bass provides the wobbly elastic foundation for the jaunty guitars to crash and rebound off. The punchy drums and ethereal guitar heights contrast sublimely to create an energetic satisfying listen. With a pop sprinkled melody teamed with sun kissed hazy soundscapes this track showcases the diverse instrumentally rich sound that The Honeymoon Suite do so well.

For more follow The Honeymoon Suite  on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theh0neymoonsuite/

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Skullers ‘I’m Your Man’

New Jersey’s The Skullers have returned with a jaunty new summer single, a cover of Richard Hell’s ‘I’m Your Man’. The band is donating the proceeds and raising awareness for a non-profit called Career Gear that helps men in need enter or re-renter the workforce. The band deliver a pristine and respectful cover of ‘I’m Your man’ which was an outtake from Richard Hell & the Voidoids’ 1977 debut album Blank Generation. It’s an undiluted rendition brimming with swagger and class. Jangly guitars stride and breeze through this exhilarating number with steamy effervescence while the smooth vocals caress the carefree irresistible melody with charisma and charm. The guitar solo is crisp and thrilling and the drums punch and pound throughout. It’s a magnificent track to cover filled with buoyancy and bright scintillation teamed with a catchy as hell melody and these guys did a superb job fleshing out the refined unadulterated stomping rock that fills you with good vibes.

The Skullers will perform at Johnny Thunders Birthday Bash on July 15 – a prestigious annual event that takes place at the Bowery Electric in New York.

Stream ‘I’m Your Man’ below


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

Saltwater Sun ‘Hot  Mess’

                                           Photo  credit:  Rosie  Florence

Reading’s guitar pop maestros Saltwater Sun have released their  exhilarating  new single ‘Hot  Mess ‘. The track is  produced  by  Alex  Loring and released via Hand In Hive (Dama  Scout,  Swimming  Tapes,  Zuzu). The band comprised of Jen Stearnes (vocals), Joel  Neale (guitar),  Dan Kingham (guitar),  Rob  Carter (bass) and Ben  Chandler (drums) returned with tenacious offering ‘The  Wire’  earlier this year which attracted widespread press coverage and  radio play on the BBC Radio 1 and Radio  X airwaves (Huw  Stephens,  John  Kennedy) . Thriving on their return to the live  circuit with capacity shows at The Great Escape and Are You  Listening? last  month, the band will be heading out on a UK tour in September.

‘Hot Mess’ is a sultry, retro hued shimmering indie anthem that steams and seeps with stuffy verses before exploding into a fiery infectious chorus. Stearnes’ vocals lure and coo through the dreamy hazy verses as a gently tapping rhythm section softly accompanies jangly zesty guitars weaving between a delicate drum beat. The lush backing vocals add a haunting sweet texture while the twinkling instrumentation soothe and tranquilise you into a euphoric state of bliss. The chorus blasts out a rock hued hefty crash of instrumentation as Stearnes charismatically wails over the psychedelic tinged distorted guitars and punchy drums. Saltwater Sun blend dreamy narcotic bliss with punchy indie rock perfectly to create a wholly enthralling, seriously engulfing number that is just divine.

You can catch Saltwater Sun Live  at  :

13  Sept  –  Heartbreakers,  Southampton

14  Sept  –  Sticky  Mike’s  Frog  Bar,  Brighton

20  Sept  –  Purple  Turtle,  Reading

22Sept  –  EBGBs,  Liverpool

27  Sept  –  Sebright  Arms,  London

 

Stream ‘Hot Mess’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Funk, Indie, Indie Disco, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Miles Kane

Miles Kane has released the new single and title track of his anticipated third album ‘Coup De Grace’. It is the second taste of the album following the release of the Jamie T and Lana Del Rey collaboration ‘Loaded‘ earlier this year. The album which follows predecessor ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ from 2013 is set for release on August 10.

‘Coup De Grace’ is a snazzy, disco hued dazzling glam rock display from Kane that is sure to have you shaking and grooving mindlessly. The stomping beat slaps and rebounds off fluctuant jangly glitter-soaked guitars while Kane’s vocals glissade upon the infectious melody with swagger and charisma. It’s 70’s esque foot tapping frenzy as the verses cruise and slide with a luring quality right up to the bursting sing along ready chorus. Doused in funky vibes this track steam rolls in with all its flamboyant trance inducing glory to wrestle your mind with its swanky chicness sprawled on top of glam rock finesse. From the first vocal wail this track has you hooked and transported to a groovy timeless world of dance and fun and lets not forget the fluidity in the lyrics, they flow with such rapidity and molten smoothness – its captivating.  The deeply weaved elastic bass adds a thrilling rooted quivering foundation for this track to elevate off. The blending of slinky rock attitude driven guitars with disco soundscapes creates a crisp pristine little world of endless dancing and prancing. It’s very slick indeed.

 

Stream ‘Coup De Grace’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Van Bellman ‘I Hate To See You This Way’

Van Bellman has released his new single ‘I Hate To See You This Way’.Van Bellman is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Zac Taylor. You may have seen him playing guitar on TV with multi-platinum band American Authors, or perhaps carrying your luggage at the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Avenue a few years back. Taylor has been cultivating this new project and has now presented his brand of bluesy rock and indie pop.

‘I Hate To See You This Way’ is a gritty, crawling blast of bluesy rock at its most exciting and electrifying. Rough guitars shred and lacerate through a thick muggy drum whack while Taylor’s chilled vocals cruise in luring and creepy for the verses becoming more passionate and emotional for the meteoric chorus. Exploding in a barrel of spinning emotion this track throbs, stomps and screams with rock and roll swagger and slick panache. It’s sharp and brawny with a sensual sliver of finesse embossed on top. The whisky soaked melody wriggles its way into your brain while rough spiky guitars steam and evaporate over the kinetic riveting rock drenched soundscape.With heart-gripping pop speckled moments between the lusty growls and eerie tension this track is a sublime stalking number that drips and oozes sophistication and fine musicianship.

The theme of ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ focuses on the pain of watching someone you love go down a dark road, witnessing them self-destruct. Anyone can relate to this heartbreaking and helpless feeling, whether they have played the role of the nurse or the patient. “It means a lot to me as both a lyrical and sonic story,” said Taylor, who also produced the track at the legendary Mission Sound Studios in Brooklyn through some serious vintage equipment.

Stream ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Changing Gears ‘Leave’

Dublin five-piece pop rock band Changing Gears are set to release their new single ‘Leave’ on 22nd June. This peppy energetic number rides in on a wave of vibrant guitar melodies and velvety vocal lines over an elastic rhythmic backdrop. It’s sun kissed irresistible melody floods the track in sweet honey soaked vibes and the guitar injections are just sublime. They playfully weave silky golden strands of bliss between the buoyant foundation and surf-like breezy atmosphere. It’s a glorious glossy number that is infectious and delightful to listen to.

In support of ‘Leave’ Changing Gears will play BelloBar on 22 June make sure to check them out

Stream ‘Leave’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth-pop

LOLA ‘Against the Tide’

LOLA are an upcoming indie rock band from the Liverpool music scene. Consisting of front-man Matthew Walker, the lead guitarist Sam Meredith, Bassist Jack Hughes and percussionist Paul “Pablo” Robinson. The four have music influences ranging from classic rock, indie rock, hard-hitting metal, soul, rhythm and blues and hip-hop, incorporating all these styles together to create the concocted indie sound that they have become associated with.Forming in April of 2017, It only took LOLA a few months to come charging onto social media and music streaming platforms, building themselves a dedicated local fan base with their first singles “Won’t You Just” and “Who Do You Love?”, to form their debut EP, “These Words Mean Nothing”. Both tracks have received strong support from Merseyside BBC introducing, being played numerous times and receiving thousands of listens within their first few weeks of being released on Spotify. LOLA have embarked on supporting already established names in the music industry, such as “Bloc Party” frontman Kele Okereke and Superfood, as well as performing in front of thousands of people at prestigious events such as the premier league side Everton FCs 2017 kit launch.The band have now released their new single ‘Against the Tide’.

‘Against the Tide’ is a soaring blistering whack of heart racing vibrant indie. Warm lamenting guitars weave a sweet melody between a flexible rooted bass line and punchy drum combo that packs a hefty stomping wallop. The honey coated melody caresses the mighty enthralling synth driven backdrop with a sugar sweetness and youthful blast of longing. The production is tight as swirling guitars douse the track in ethereal, breezy soundscapes while flickering through with glorious speckles of scintillation. It’s anthemic and gripping as raspy vocals exude emotion into every note. With a catchy clap along feature thrown into the mix LOLA have created a catchy little gem that has all the ingredients to make these guys very popular.

Stream  ‘Against the Tide’ below

 

 


Event News

Event News :  THE FEIS LIVERPOOL

The Major New Irish Music Festival in Liverpool on Saturday 7th July 2018

 

The Feis, the Irish music festival, from the founder of the world famous Fleadh, is coming to Liverpool this summer. Featuring some of the biggest names in Irish music, both contemporary and traditional, The Feis Liverpool will be the biggest celebration of Irish culture the city has seen. The festival is taking place on Liverpool’s World Heritage Waterfront on Saturday 7th July and Van Morrison will headline the festival. Also on the line-up are Shane MacGowan, Chieftains, Imelda May, The Hothouse Flowers, Foy Vance, The Coronas, Aslan, Finbar Furey, Hudson Taylor, The Stunning, Nathan Carter, Damien Dempsey, Dublin Legends (The Dubliners), Therapy?, Sharon Shannon, Mary Coughlan, Jack L & Mundy.

The Feis forms part of the Liverpool 2018 events programme which marks the tenth anniversary of European Capital of Culture and will celebrate Liverpool’s unique Irish heritage. Often referred to as the ‘real capital of Ireland’ and ‘Dublin’s backyard’, over 75% of Liverpool’s population is of Irish descent. It is being organised by music promoter Vince Power, the founder of the famous Mean Fiddler who was behind festivals such as Glastonbury, Leeds/ Reading, Tribal Gathering, Homelands, the Hop Farm; as well as the world famous Fleadh Festival. Power’s Fleadh/Feis festivals ran for over fifteen years in London, Glasgow, New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco with the most recent by Bob Dylan.

Liverpool was named UNESCO City of Music in 2015 and has recently announced an exciting programme of events to mark the tenth anniversary of its appointment as European Capital of Culture. The Feis Liverpool will add to the existing celebration of Irish culture that is already well served by The Liverpool Irish Festival, the Irish Centre & Comhaltas.

Tickets now on sale and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or directly from The Feis website.


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

Fake Shark ‘Wake Up’

Canadian chart-topping indie-pop trio Fake Shark have released a synergistic new video for their single ‘Wake Up’ feat. Fionn via Live In Limbo. Previously operating under Fake Shark – Real Zombie!, the band has cultivated a dedicated fanbase with their art-punk inspired sound. The release of their widely accessible full-length ‘Faux Real’ (Light Organ Records) in May 2017 saw the band charting on Canadian commercial formats and garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Since the release of their album, the band has been honing their signature sound and have emerged with “Wake Up” – their most collaborative and harmonious recording to date. The members of Fake Shark have long been known for their singular style and feverish, wide-eyed abandon. Their songs emphasize unforgettable hooks, drawing on frontman Kevvy Mental’s experience as a pop producer working with Carly Rae Jepsen, Kat Von D and many others.

‘Wake Up’ is a flashy, glamorously infectious disco flavoured number that lasso’s you onto the dance floor. Shimmering synths glissade down vibrant guitar hooks and buoyant peppy rhythm creating a lush energetic and dance-able soundscape. Smooth velvety vocals coo over the melty, dreamy melody while dazzling soundscapes inject a hefty dose of sparkle and glitter into this swagger filled gem. It’s instantly peppy and pop smothered with a driving rooted bass line to keep a strut ready bounce and lift in the song. The vocals sail between male and female vocals keeping the track refreshing and enticing at all times. These guys have created an instant pick me up shot of vitality with this groovy dynamic number.

About the track the band said: “Wake Up  is about dreaming of someone or something you had no special feelings for, but when you wake up, you’re in love with them. The single is definitely a new direction for us, and it’s the result of our musical chemistry coming together the best it’s ever been.”

Watch the video for ‘Wake Up’ below