Following the release of enthralling single ‘Plastic’, Lacuna Bloome return with new single ‘My Girl Is A Supernova’. The single is the second installment to the band’s forthcoming EP, due early next year. The reveal of the single also comes with the announcement of the band’s biggest headline show to date, and their first in over a year, in their hometown of Brighton at Komedia on 24th February 2020 with Lout Promotions.
Utterly absorbing and sweet ‘My Girl Is A Supernova’ showcases Lacuna Bloome’s ability to create blossoming indie gems wrapped in tender moments and rich lush textures. The delicate twinkling intro builds softly as the band gently craft the song, allowing it to cultivate into an invigorating indie number. With a dreamy melody caressed by warm sweet vocals the track drifts beautifully into the ears with a feathery, romantic elegance. The jangly guitars weave and glisten throughout as the punchy drums maintain the buoyant foundation. With a shredding guitar solo and soaring anthemic crescendo Lacuna Bloome have created a refined and ethereal track with an indie bite.
Evoking feelings of euphoria in their love confessing anthem, the band reveal that in actual fact, the real nature of the song didn’t go all to plan. Written about his girlfriend at the time, Niall jests “I ended up showing her the song the day before she left me. Not being one to usually write such intimate songs, it might be a while before I try that one again.”
Dublin based three piece noisy post pop band Nerves have released their new single ‘Glasshouse’. This biting track showcases the bands adept ability to create tense explosive soundscapes with frenetic destructive undertones. The refined competence to which Nerves’ display this skill is something to be admired. Sharp raw guitars relentlessly rip and slice through the thick agitated atmosphere while the bass chaotically slaps and rumbles with fiery endurance throughout. Building to a massive chorus and frenzied crescendo aggressive vocals spit venom and disgust against a harsh, dizzying soundscape dripping in distortion and acid. It’s complete anarchy crammed into a rapid four minute track. Utterly savage and thrilling this dark fizzing concoction is a sublime assault on the senses by Nerves.
About the track the band said : “Lyrically the song is an outcry against toxic masculinity and its effects on young Irish men and brings up various themes such as fatherhood, Irish education, our drinking culture and religion.”
Bio: Suave Martyrs are a Manchester indie-psych band with a funk twist. They have supported the likes of Alan McGee’s Alias Kid and played in venues such as Leeds’ Headrow House and Sheffield’s O2 Academy. Their first headline show sold out in less than 24-hours before the band moved on to bigger venues such as Night People and now Academy 3.
Track: Gimme a Reason
Why We Like It: It’s a funky strutting number drenched in swagger and rock ‘n’ roll panache. An infectious stomping rhythm, slinky guitars and driving bass create a catchy track that fizzes and erupts with psych hues and indie charm. With charismatic vocals and a powerful dizzying wall of sound ‘Gimme a Reason’ is an exhilarating blast of Suave Martyrs cool swanky musicianship.
Bio: Founded in Reading, England, Handstand Parade are an exciting Alt/Indie-Pop Band.Their debut EP “Mourning Youth” which was recorded by producer Michael Smith (Wolf Alice, Honey Lung, Third Lung, Faers) garnered support from BBC Introducing leading to multiple BBC Introducing interviews and slots at BBC Events. Following this success the band released their single “Beloved” and have had the privilege of having all their tracks played by BBC Introducing.They also have had air time on Radio X and BBC Radio 6.
Track: Pushing Up The Daisies
Why We Like It: It’s a jangly surge of indie pop with an effervescent backdrop and lovable infectious melody that will revolve in your head for days. With a buoyant beat, radiant buzzing guitars and vibrant bass, the track bounces along with a refreshing zing and fruity sweetness. Smooth vocals caress the melty candy floss melody while the sprightly soundscape wisps and swooshes around. ‘Pushing Up The Daisies’ is a power shot of youthful adrenaline from Handstand Parade.
Bio: Birmingham artist Rookes is known for her charismatic and commanding stage presence. New Lovers is taken from her EP ‘The Liminal’ which is flooded with the tension and ecstasy of Rookes’ own love stories, spreading across a two-year period.
Track: New Lovers
Why We Like It: It’s a tightly weaved track. Intense in its delivery the track asphyxiates with thick pulsing beats and smoky electronics while rooted guitar entwines and compresses throughout. Rookes’ vocals are the ethereal, refreshing breath of air in the track as she coos with rich depths and sweet tones. She creates a feathery lightness through her clean and mesmerising vocals as the track meanders through tender emotions and sultry undertones. ‘New Lovers’ is a powerful display from Rookes.
Bio: Canadian 19 year old Johnny Brousseau has released a new rock and roll album under the band name “the coywolves”
Track: See The Way
Why We Like It: With sleek guitar melodies exuding steamy vapour this track showcases Brousseau’s gritty rock ‘n’ roll musicianship. The drums and raspy vocals coat the track in a rough punchy dynamic as Brousseau allows his refined guitar prowess bend and mold the track into a raw, rock-filled delight. With an attitude- driven persona ‘See The Way’ is a fantastic display from Brousseau.
Bio: London band Ten Fé have released their new single ‘Candidate’ the track follows on from their sophomore album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’, which was released earlier this year.
Track: Candidate
Why We Like It: It’s a glorious easy listening number filled with the passionate heartfelt musicianship we have come to love from Ten Fé. The infectious rhythmic bounce and sweet dreamy melody drifts and elegantly floats into the ears with ease as the velvety warm vocals soothe and caress with a charming tranquil tone. With sublime zest-stricken guitar melodies the band illuminate and radiate this hazy song with sun kissed scintillation.These guys have a knack for creating beautiful wholesome melodies and undertones throughout their tracks and ‘Candidate’ is a wonderful example of this. Once again Ten Fé warm the cockles of our hearts with another charming beauty.
Devoted fans is something every band and artist dreams of. The sort of fans that have tattoos of the band’s logo, know every word to their songs, discuss who their favourite band member is before the show and queue in the cold to see them. This is the devotion that Dublin’s Fangclub have garnered. I heard compelling arguments for why Steven King, Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman are the best as the eager fans stood waiting to enter the Button Factory on Friday night for Fangclub’s headline show. The fans dissected their favourite tracks from the bands EP’s and albums while discussing the amount of times they have seen the trio. The crowd were sure the show was going to be one to remember….. it was.
Derry three piece pop rock band Cherym kick started the night. A feisty trio the band blast out their fierce tunes with relentless stamina. With a crashing wall of sound saturated in gritty riffs, fiery bass lines and pounding drums provided by Alannagh Doherty – it’s a speedy neck snapping set. Hannah Richardson howls and spits out the lyrics with attitude as she struts back and forth on stage. There isn’t a lot of banter from this trio they allow their brawling riffs and pulverising lean mean wall of sound do the talking for them. The pop sensibilities smoothen the razor sharp assault the trio execute so precisely. Members of the crowd mosh and jump to each tune while others are singing along to the lyrics.A threat to do an Irish dance on stage and a “wee prayer” causes cheers from the crowd while a witty asthma quip and “wake the f*ck up do we look like we do Irish dancing” remark creates a humorous tune-up distraction before the band speedball into new single ‘Abigail’. There is something compelling about this trio. Their tunes exude gut-punching punk rock with a pop smattering melody that drifts effortlessly into the ears. Bassist Nyree Porter is extremely charismatic on stage as she engages playfully with the crowd sparking clap-alongs and even jumps off the stage to allow the audience to strum the bass. They made quite an impression.
With Led Zeppelin’s ‘Immigrant Song’ blasting through the speakers while a smoky red hue glows onstage Fangclub triumphantly stroll on stage to a mass of cheering. A band who are honest, raw and incredibly talented these guys don’t hold anything back. The setlist travels at full speed as the band pack in as many tracks as they can with high fives, fist bumps and hand shakes from the crowd in between. “Go on Stevo” members of the crowd shout as Steven King (his face buried in a mass of hair) explodes into ‘Vulture Culture’. The pit erupts immediately, as the crowd once again fall under the bands spell. ‘All Fall Down’ truly grabbed the crowd by the throat as a riot of drums, bass and shrilling roar on guitars thrill the moshing fans to the core. Kevin Keane swishes, jumps and executes his raging bass lines with rampant vigor. There is one track in particular where his finesse excels, ‘ Hesitations ‘. The demon summoning bass rumble resounds throughout the venue as King’s spine chilling vocals entice and seduce against this riveting wall of sound. Dara Coleman resides on a raised platform, shrouded in an enigmatic cloud of dry ice. He pummels through the crunching, ferocious and downright dominant drum rolls and rhythms with precision and relentless stamina while members of the crowd try to air drum along . The trio are joined onstage by guitarist Ed Scanlan who provided those slick licks, riffs and rich guitar melodies that pepper the bands tracks in swagger and spice.He has his own fans in the crowd who shout “go on Ed” and “love you Ed”.
“Everyone ready for Christmas?” King asks before he introduces the blistering ‘Kingdumb’. Members of the crowd reply with a half cheer/half moan while another shouts “Hail Satan!”
The show is a special moment for both the band and their fans. An almost solo performance of the note to King’s girlfriend ‘Last Time’ leaves King in tears as he tries to finish the song. His fingers shake as he forms the chords on the fret-board. He coo’s the tender lyrics with nothing but guitar accompaniment. The crowd cheer in support as Coleman and Keane return to the stage embracing him before the expressive and emotional crescendo. It’s a striking reminder of all this band have been through, almost calling it a day before the ‘Vulture Culture’ album and the stress and emotional turmoil they have been through. It made me realise just how lucky we were to be there that night watching them perform their largest Dublin headline to date. King thanks his family, friends and fans for helping him get through everything. Most people don’t think of the person beneath the larger than life rock-star persona but that glimmer into frontman King’s emotional mindset at the time made all the difference and earned more respect and love from adoring fans. Refusing to allow that tender moment define the night King turns to face the drums, wipes his eye and rebounds with the searing ‘Bad Words’…. the crowd goes insane. The band leave the stage as King lip sinks to Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ while the crowd bellow back the lyrics dramatically sprawling their arms out to him before Coleman, Keane and Scanlan carry King off stage to the resounding sound of the crowd’s cheering.
It was a fantastic show of sweat, adrenaline, massive tunes and tears as Fangclub were welcomed home by their adoring, never faltering fans. Fangclub are getting bigger and better. They have grown into accomplished proficient musicians. They shattered through The Button Factory in style with unbridled energy, graciousness and a performance that their fans will never forget. Their riot-inducing sound is hypnotic and encourages anyone within ear shot to begin head banging and moshing. I believe one fan from the crowd summed up the nights antics well – as he left the venue he said to his friend ” my neck is fucked”.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bright Orange Spectacle
Bright Orange Spectacle have released their new single ‘I Struggle to Communicate’. The north-London four piece comprised of Charlie Sinclair, George LePage, Kyle Torode and Darcy Calton, burst onto the scene early 2019 with their first single ‘She Could Do Better’. They have have two successful sold out London shows with fans and taste-makers alike eagerly awaiting new material. The self-proclaimed ‘millennium glam’ rockers have been self-producing their tracks since the get-go – taking their DIY ethos from the bedroom to the stage.
‘I Struggle to Communicate’ is a light stomping of precise indie as Bright Orange Spectacle smear a dash of glam rock into their swagger steeped sound. With confident gritty guitar riffs the band announce the track with a raw edge and charming flamboyance. The punchy rhythm shuffles its way through with foot tapping relentless stamina while the smooth catchy melody and charismatic vocals buoyantly dance and cruise along the bubbling backdrop. The band layer the track superbly to create joyful cheery moments of shimmering key hops and pop sensibilities with a Bright Orange Spectacle twist to create a satisfying finger-clicking good number to immerse yourself in.
On creating the track Charlie added: “We live in a time where everyone has to be a social commentator. It’s not necessarily a bad thing but it leads to a certain amount of pressure for bands to make very grand political statements from day one. I kept sitting down to write that song and eventually this came out.It’s just a lot of honesty about my own lack of understanding towards our correct cultural climate. We live in a time where information is so readily available, yet I still feel like I know nothing. Things are bad, obviously things are bad, but that’s about all I know-and that’s fucking depressing. So ‘I Struggle To Communicate’ is just a reaction to my own ignorance and a personal call to arms for me to better facilitate myself with knowledge.”
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”
Stream ‘I Don’t Care’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
