Independent, Reading based four piece roves have released their new single ‘i’m on your side’.The track is the first single from their upcoming EP ‘they fall down to earth’ due for release summer 2020.The band comprised of Ethan Morgan (Vocals/Guitar), Connor Coutts (Guitar), Ellis Morgan (Bass/Vocals) and Matt Jamieson (Drums) have enjoyed many opportunities since releasing their debut single ‘Always’ in February 2018, from packed headline BBC Introducing gigs at the Purple Turtle in Reading and Guildford’s Boileroom with bands such as VALERAS, Ivory Wave, China Bears and The Tin Pigeons in cities including London, Oxford and Cardiff. The band had their first festival slot this summer at 110 Above in Leicestershire. roves have also been featured on BBC Radio 6 and had consistent radio play across their local BBC Introducing, recently recording a live session at the legendary Maida Vale studios.
‘i’m on your side’ is a glistening sweet indie pop delight as roves coat their lush laid back sound in dreamy nostalgic tones and progressive passion-filled instrumentation. With a soft melty melody caressed by soothing velvety vocals, this track is a cosy heartwarming indie ditty that provides a breath and space to relax and daydream in. The track holds a dreamy, beach-style, summer sunset vibe with effortless charm as warm twinkling guitar weaves golden threads of scintillation throughout while the buoyant beat and absorbing bass create a dance-able, rhythmic bounce. With it’s upbeat laid back presentation and subtly rich, intricate backdrop – rove have created a wonderful listening experience with ‘i’m on your side’.
Bio: Alternative singer/songwriter Josh Vine has been steadily gaining attention and a following with his captivating performances and stunning vocals. Vine has also received great support from his local BBC Radio Introducing who have made every one of his releases so far, their ‘track of the week’.
Track: Alright
Why We Like It: It’s a punchy gritty gem as jagged guitars slice and drive the track while pounding drums create tension and dark buoyancy throughout. Vine’s striking vocals fuel the intensity and pulsing soundscape as he haunts with sweet falsetto and powerful rasps. With a shredding guitar solo and swirling ethereal yet kinetic soundscape, it’s an exhilarating and haunting radio friendly number .
About the track Vine explains : “ The song is about how your own emotions can leave you feeling isolated from the world, as though you are not really a part of it. It makes you question if you are ok but also wondering if you are alone, or if others are just like you, feeling the same way”
Bio: Luke Hyland is a Dublin based singer songwriter. He has released his third single ‘The Perfect Storm’. Hyland comes from a pop/folk background and has been streamed over 70,000 times on Spotify.
Track: The Perfect Storm
Why We Like It: It’s a warm passionate track with subtle blustery soundscapes. Amidst strident guitars, strong piano and gusty drums the track pounds and batters with emotional bursts of intensity while the innocent tender melody glides sweetly upon this strong backdrop. Hyland’s sweet and passionate vocals coo the melody as he presents a well crafted and tight number filled with singer songwriter intensity and contemporary pop charm.
Bio: Atticus are a four piece alt rock band from Dublin, comprised of Dan Wigglesworth, Steph Comiskey, Daragh O’Connor, and Paul Gleeson. They strive to take the best aspects of pop, rock, metal and rap to create an energetic and intriguing sound that is brought to life with riveting live shows. They have released 2 EPs to date: “Coherence” and “Deadlines”, both of which were self produced and recorded by the band themselves.
Track: 47
Why We Like It: This blistering force of Alternative rock punctures with vigor as the band create a rich biting number with a slithering groove and sublime guitar work. The twinkling guitar create a sweet sense of innocence through the verses before becoming more powerful for the all consuming chorus. Atticus tease and entice creating tension for the brooding verses as the vocals coo and caress the light melody with a tender delicacy. The band flesh out their shredding swagger and raw sound for the dynamic mammoth chorus as the pulverising drums pummel through with a blistering bass flirtation while the guitars slice and dice with relentless stamina and vigor right up to the scorching solo. With grit-slapped vocals and well crafted musicianship the band have created a thrilling and absorbing number.
About the track the band said : “The song was written about our guitarist, Steph, coming to terms with her Father’s deteriorating health in later life. Steph’s Father, Ray Comiskey, was a writer and Jazz critic for the Irish Times, has recently passed away and we have decided to dedicate the music video to him as a thank you for his support for us since day one.”
Bio: Off the back of a blistering tour including a headline performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, four-piece The Riptide Movement are flying high on the success of their latest EP ‘Something Special’, with current hits ‘I’ll Be There’ & ‘Something Special’ blasting out across national radio it’s a triumphant return to form for the Dublin Rockers, to date the EP has over 200,000 streams on Spotify.
Track: All I Ever Wanted
Why We Like It: This sweet, tender, not “in your face” Christmas tune floats delicately into the ears with a simple yet striking arrangement that stops you in your tracks. Elegant piano accompaniment drifts beautifully around the passionate vocals as the band allow the emotional lyrics and sweet melody take the lime light.The band have created that Christmas tune with substance and nostalgic charm. The video for the song is a touching visual – written, directed, produced and edited by singer Malachy Tuohy and it focuses on the human side of the tragedy that is homelessness.
Bio: Captivating audiences from the get-go, Manchester’s Saytr Play have been turning heads since their birth in 2017. Known for their explosive live sets around, the five-piece are quickly being acknowledged as one of the must-see, up and coming groups on the music scene.
Track: Honest Man
Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant indie anthem filled with the rushing, invigorating melodies that Saytr Play do so well. With bubbling verses the track swirls and whirlwinds to its infectious effervescent chorus. The Strokes-esque jangly guitars stride effortlessly with an ethereal jubilant buoyancy while the punchy drums and elastic bass create the fluctuant foundation that is sure to have a live audience dancing along. With a dreamy sun kissed melody and vibrant vocals this charming indie banger is a satisfying warm shot of zest and euphoria filled passion.
About the track frontman Fred Farrell said:“Honest Man’ is a raucous heartfelt garage indie song that explores the idea of being happy in a bad relationship for the sake of easy love. It’s the idea of settling down out of fear of being alone. I’ve seen too many friends try to “make this work” on false promises and I too have lost years of my life on the wrong people before. This ones’s for us.”
Bio: VELVET are an up and coming five piece indie band from County Durham.The quintet have a unique electric pop sound which takes you on a floaty psychedelic adventure with their summer haze, early 80’s rock vibes and light rich melodies.
Track: Brother
Why We Like It: Its a sublime dreamy track that drifts delicately upon a honeyed melody while the hazy guitars create dazing prisms of sparkling light and luminosity throughout. The track drives effortlessly on a punchy drum and bass groove while the raspy vocals coo and float through the feathery light soundscape. With classic rock elements glimmering throughout in the form of shredding guitar solos and edged instrumental moments the band create a well layered intriguing track with rich instrumentation and a laid back presentation.
About the track Drummer Josh Westsaid :“It feels as though we’ve really progressed as a band with this single Brother in terms of experimenting with our sound. I think our earlier singles have been what we call ‘dreamy brit-pop’ where as this one is probably not as dreamy and more in your face. Really looking forward to getting the rest of this EP out now in the new year, there’s a real variety on it.” Singer Jack Rasmussen explained : “This song means a lot to us as a band, I think we all connected it with it instantly. It was always stuck in our head. It’s about one of my closest friends who really struggled earlier this year due to certain situations. It’s a really emotional and moving song I think so we wanted to make sure that the video did it justice. We worked with a guy called Peter Storrie on it and loved what he did with it.
We sat down to have a chat with Julie Hough, Matthew Harris and Sam Campbell from HAVVK in Bello Bar Dublin before their Cause & Effect album launch. With the Christmas atmosphere in tow, hot whiskeys in hand and a brief intermission for a beer mat game the band discuss how they form their magnificent and rich music, Julie’s amazing voice and VETA, the artist-led music group the band set up to help artists.
Dublin-based band Arcwords have released their new single ‘Hyperlinking’. It is the second of three singles to come out of an intense three day recording session with producer Joseph Padfield, formerly of Galway alternative rock outfit Race the Flux, and now of Bannered Mare. After meeting as students in BIMM Dublin, Arcwords have spent the last three years drawing upon post-punk and math rock styles to create a guitar-driven, hook filled sound.The 17th of December will see Arcwords bring their energetic, guitar-driven sound to the Sound House, for a headline show in support of the release of ‘Hyperlinking’.
‘Hyperlinking’ is a dreamy indie delight which twinkles and glistens through a sweet fluctuation of delicate yet sharp instrumentation as Arcwords build and cultivate the track into its sublime crescendo. The song gently coos and wisps gracefully on warm glimmering guitar while a steady beat and groove-laced bass create a funk element before the honeyed pop-sprinkled melody absorbs the track in a spongy ethereal cushion of comfort. The track builds sublimely to a more psych filled crashing crescendo that dazzles in dizzying distortion. It’s a fantastic release from the candied aerial progression as the track soars to a dramatic finale. ‘Hyperlinking’ is a wonderful and intricate track from Arcwords.
Walsall band The Assist are back with their new single ‘I Don’t Care’. Formed in 2014, The Assist have sold out venues across Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield as well as shared the stage with the likes of Happy Mondays and Blossoms. They have played in Paris with Black Honey and played UK’s famed O2 Academy with The Twang. Most recently, the five-piece completed a six-date tour across Russia, headlining Boris Yeltsin Open Air at the Ural Night Music Festival, performing in front of over 12,000 people.
Filled with dizzying soundscapes and kinetic energy ‘I Don’t Care’ is another infectious indie banger from The Assist. With fizzing riffs weaving fruity squirts of vitality into the luscious dynamic wall of sound this track instantly bursts with youthful adrenaline. The track is a vibrant sun saturated gem with a funk element entwining the bass and rich rhythm in shuffling grooves that wrestle you to the dance floor. The confident attitude soaked vocals resound over the glistening guitars and punchy backdrop. With a catchy soaring melody and light summer atmosphere ‘I Don’t Care’ is a raw pulsing rush of sublime, fresh musicianship from The Assist.
Speaking of the new song, the band said, “There’s plenty of new music on the way but this track is one we are mega proud of. There are always so many opinions and outlooks on life, what’s right or wrong so that’s what this new track is about. It’s about doing what you want to do no matter what anyone says”
Following the release of previous single ‘Sometimes, Lately’, Manchester indie band Delights have released their new single ‘Paradise’. This sun speckled gem sparkles and gleams with Delights’ infectious and fruity indie pop as they create a sweet refreshing number filled with rich luscious tones and 80’s -esque elements. A wiggling elastic bass groove creates a dance-able funky flex to the track while the vibrant beat and beach-like percussion creates a summertime careless atmosphere. With zest-filled intricate guitar lines, the track swoons and sweeps beautifully into the ears with ease. Warm velvety vocals caress the dreamy sweet melody as the band present another marvelous sun saturated track to get us through the cold winter months.
You can catch Delights live at Manchester’s Deaf Institute on Friday 24th January, with support from Monks and Manifesto
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Gallerys
Photo Credit : Briony Graham-Rudd
Kent alternative rock band The Gallerys have released their new single ‘On the Other Side’. The song was written by Craig Barden, arranged by The Gallerys, recorded at Squarehead Studios in Sittingbourne, Kent. It was engineered and mixed by James Simpson, and mastered by Kristofer Harris.
‘On the Other Side’ is a sweet slice of indie rock with 60’s elements and luscious sounds. The soft melody melts beautifully on a blustery backdrop of blistering guitars and punchy drums as The Gallerys weave edged raw indie rock into their exquisite melodious musicianship. With delicate harmonies creating a doo-wop candy floss texture the track creates a rose-tinted glow and cheery effect. With lyrics about forgetting your problems by having a good time ‘On the Other Side’ is a dreamy number filled with the illusion of hope and optimism. With a shredding rock ‘n‘ roll solo and edged harsh undertone The Gallerys keep the track fresh and instantly likeable.
About the track the band said “ ‘On the Other Side’ is an alternative indie rock track written about forgetting your problems by having a good time. the ‘Other Side’ is that place we all know and feel when we’ve had a few drinks and feel invincible. When we’re in that good place we have a ‘rosy gaze’ on and forget about all the problems and issues of our everyday lives but we’re actually just ‘living in the land of lies.’’
Reading quartet Mellor are set to release their new EP ‘Dive into the strange’ on December 6th. The current line up with Gary Kingham on vocals, Sam Igoe on drums, Kristian Bell on guitar, and Josh Woodward on bass formed in 2017. The band have received radio support from Abbie McCarthy, Radio 1; Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music; John Kennedy, Radio X; Charlie Ashcroft, Elise Cobain, Frankie Francis, Jim Gellatly and Scott McGerty from Amazing Radio to name a few. The band have also featured on Spotify’s Hot New Bands, Indie List and Transistor playlists as well as Amazons Best New Bands playlist, and Apple Music’s Breaking Rock & The A-List.
After a busy summer of festivals packing out tents at Isle of Wight, Truck, and Camden Rocks just to name a few, Mellor decided to build a home studio to self record a five track EP.
‘Dive into the strange’ wraps Mellor’s blistering, guitar-heavy sound into a tight and satisfying body of work. Following the high intensity and energetic blasts of previous releases this year ‘I Don’t Know Where You’re Sleeping Tonight’ and ‘Helsinki’, Mellor present an EP equally as energetic and brimming with the scorching instrumentation this band do superbly. Each track flows seamlessly into the next with ease. From opener ‘Control’ the band execute their refined ability to create sweet majestic guitar melodies and express them to its fullest potential.
The guitar work for me is the highlight of the EP. The band create golden, light and ethereal moments within each track through the clean and precise guitar elements as they venture between harsh sharp strides and shredding nimble solo’s with sweet piercing capacities. The melodies are catchy and powerful ( as is always the case with Mellor ) however with this EP the band carefully create a wonderful sonic soundscape that ventures between dreamy aerial atmospherics and deft heavy magnitude. Title track ‘Dive into the strange’ has a quirky obscurity lying beneath its eerie undertone. With a sublime haunting bass groove and obscure guitar progression the band present a sinister fun-house with danger around every corner while a smooth, vulnerable and naive melody innocently wanders into this instrumental entrapment – consumed by the end of the song by the harsh devouring backdrop.
Punchy drums and playful bass lines are another wonderful element to this bands sound that automatically hook you in – ‘Delicate’ and ‘Hey now, sister’ are prime examples of this. Mellor have clearly spent time carefully layering and placing each component part of their tracks to create a wholly invigorating sound. Gary Kingham’s vocals make Mellor’s tracks instantly recognisable. His warm rasp and dynamic tone emblazon a Mellor stamp on their blistering tracks. When they travel into psych hued territory like with ‘Hey now, sister’ ( which again features magnificent guitar work) his vocals carry this frenzied track wonderfully and maintain the smooth and polished stance while the instruments swirl frantically and chaotically around Kinghams’s steady pace creating a sublime contrast. ‘What if there’s love’ is a spinning concoction which brings us to the end of the EP. It’s a jittery itchy number of abrasive guitars, dizzying bass and manic drums as Kingham screams and wails for the chorus. The track continuously builds in intensity to its expressive crescendo. Mellor end the EP with one blazing track.
‘Dive into the strange’ is a blazing and solid EP as Mellor flesh out their catchy sound adding more substance and intricate elements to create something to be proud of.
You can catch Mellor live at :
11th December – Purple Turtle, Reading (BBC Introducing)
12th December – The Monarch, London (This Feeling)
‘Dive into the strange’ is out on 6th December you can pre order the EP here
Passionate, time stopping performances of a wholesome nature is the perfect recipe for a chilly December night. Belgian singer Tamino along with Kitt Philippa as support thawed our iced souls with warm dark toned, balmy tunes. The mesmerised audience were in good hands last night, as The Button Factory was shielded from the icy cold and wrapped in the comfort and emotive daze of singer songwriter bliss
Belfast singer Kitt Philippa began the defrost. Their quirky yet shy and sweet persona charmed all within the venue. Philippa’s voice drifts between captivating tones and hair-raising richness as they pour themselves into the songs, leaving the audience stunned. The crowd cheer and encourage Philippa , shouting “that was unreal”. Philippa sits at the keys swaying back and forth while the graceful melodies and elegant, raw musicianship blends with their superb vocals. There is a vulnerability to Philippa’s set and an innocence through the tracks that they rein and bridle with awe-inspiring confidence.
Philippa ventures from the keys to guitar. Playing mostly tracks from their newly released album ‘Human’ Philippa warmed our hearts with a spine-tingling voice and intensely rich musicianship. A cover of Jeff Buckleys ‘So Real‘ is a hit with the crowd as they encourage Philippa -whooping from the first gentle strum. An anecdote about Philippa’s brand of tea ‘Humanitea’ ( which actually sounds lovely and soothing) and the random sighting of a button on stage at The Button Factory before title track ‘Human’ brought a light-hearted end to Kitt Philippa’s wonderful set.
Philippa left the crowd touched and enthralled by their beautiful blend of melancholic depth and sweet optimism. It was quite a special performance.
Tamino takes a very casual approach to his set. Perhaps it’s the laid back banter from the crowd or maybe the chilled and relaxed vibes from Kitt Philippa’s set but he chats and jokes with the crowd between his performance. He stands simply with his guitar, a 6 foot something, slim young man adorned in dark attire. He wows everyone in the room with his maturity, rich vocals and the dreamy haze of his tunes. From a first listen you would be forgiven to describe Tamino’s sound as dark and sombre however like all good things, there is much more beneath the surface. There is something special about this young performer. His sound is unique and completely his own, in every way passionate, immense and naive all at once. He is becoming somewhat of a “ rock-star “. Much to his surprise members of the crowd are shouting “ I love you Mr. Tamino” – to which he just smiles replying “ I love you too, we just met though but I like your straightforwardness” while others are throwing roses on-stage and someone even threw their knickers.
Within the live setting Tamino’s tracks take on a richer more tantalising dimension. Even without his band at his side he confidently plays straight into ‘Persephone’ – just him and his guitar as he holds everyone’s hearts within his grasp. His rich velvety vocals slip between sweet falsetto and creamy depths that summon silence in the room allowing the beauty of his voice to lull and enchant at will. The crowd adore him singing every line to ‘Cigar’, ‘Tummy’ and ‘Sun May Shine’. Tamino stands, basked in warm golden or red lightning which ventures into blue tones as the dry ice creates a celestial quality to his silhouette. Not even a broken guitar string’s intrusive demand for attention hinders the show. Tamino simply explains that the string is broken, that he needs a moment to re-tune and the crowd wait patiently.
There are people from all over the world at this show as they take the opportunity between songs to ask him to do a gig in their country. The crowd remain silent as he begins to sing again. His deft, crisp… yet warm voice and sweet falsetto caress the atmosphere with tones of longing and tales of life. Tamino depicts romance, love, vulnerability and strength throughout his tracks and it’s his sublime timeless and unique delivery of these themes that grip the audience and submerges them in a magical dreamy haze. ‘Indigo Night’ in particular was outstanding live and ‘Habibi’ couldn’t have been more perfect. The crowd stood in suspense for that acrobatic falsetto. Tamino finished his set with an impeccable cover of Mac DeMarco’s ‘My Kind Of Woman’.
Tamino is in a league of his own. There is no denying his talent and vivid, poetic musicianship. His ability to create and weave fantastic melodies with rich exotic undertones shimmering throughout is outstanding. Tamino’s composition’s possess the potential to stir something within your very soul and in a live setting this ability is even more raw and potent. There were members of the crowd weeping from the emotion within his music. Tamino is an artist not to be missed.
Drop The Shadow have released their second single ‘Other Voices’. The track was recorded with James Darkin at Black Mountain Studios in July 2019 along with the final touches of their third single ‘Cross To Bear’.The music video was produced by Mike and his comedy sketch group Castlewood Tales; all of whom feature in the video, along with friends from the acting industry.
‘Other Voices’ stomps in with slick precision as Drop The Shadow bury and intensify their roots in their funk flavoured indie rock. A tight and infectious groove is something this band create wonderfully as they use their ductile bass and intricate swanky buoyant drum progression to create beautiful tones and add panache to their sound. Bursting with oodles of swagger the track wriggles and weaves sublimely with strut quality and vibrancy as the blazing guitar provides a vaporous quality and zealous sting. With raspy, soul-hued vocals drifting expressively over the intoxicating wall of sound it’s difficult not to instantly love this track. It’s a polished clean slice of indie rock with enough rough edge to entice your ears for more. With gritty riffs, catchy melody and adrenaline induced dizzying wall of sound the band create a track that is both refined and exhilarating. ‘Other Voices’ is a sleek and strong second single that confirms Drop The Shadow are a band to get excited about.
Watch the video for ‘Other Voices’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
