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.
In Association with Totally Irish on 98fm, The Sound Training College and The Button Factory.
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 | Doors 7.30pm
At The Button Factory
Free Admission
Featuring:CC Brez , Abbacaxi , Bajjna and Stomptown Brass
What Is Tilt :
‘TiLT’ is a free showcase event that takes place once a month in The Button Factory in Temple Bar, Dublin 2. The series aims to highlight some of the best musicians in the local music scene and offer music fans a chance to discover new acts and new music. Every month, 4 acts are invited to perform at TiLT in The Button Factory. Each of the acts receive pre-production a week before the event; a professional video of one of their songs from their performance on the night; a day’s recording in Sun Studios, Temple Bar; a live interview on Totally Irish on 98fm; and, of course, the opportunity to play at The Button Factory.
Why We Like The Line Up
CC Brez aka Cormac Breslin from Republic of Loose is a soul funk extravaganza. Having recently released his new EP ‘This Funk Is 4 You’ CC Brez is locked and loaded with some slick funk flexed tunes ready to ignite The Button Factory. His tracks are swanky chic and bursting from the seams with energy and vitality and boy can he deliver some shredding guitar moments. It’s a set not to be missed if you want to dance with as much careless fun as Prince’s 1999.
Check out ‘This Funk Is 4 You’ below
Abbacaxi is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Dublin. His effortlessly cool sound sweeps with rich soul and jazz elements to create something truly mesmerising . With sun sprinkled bliss weaved wonderfully through tight production, rich rhythms, sublime vocals and lush, dance-able grooves this is a set not to be missed.
Check out Abbacaxi’s new single ‘Snow Dance’ below
Bajjna are a Reggae band based in Dublin. These guys will bring the warm infectiousness of their sun soaked sound to The Button Factory and will definitely heat up the chilly December night. With tunes laced in vibrant hazy flavours and velvety tones their energetic and melodic live set is going to create a wonderful atmosphere for the night.
Check out Bajjna’s single ‘Time Machine’ below
Stomptown Brass has emerged as one of the most unique acts in Ireland in recent times. The band have an impressive line up of two Drummers, two Trombones, two Trumpets, one Saxophone and a Tuba, that alone is going to make for one massive live sound. They blend funk and blues to create an infectious energetic sound that is almost impossible to resist. With their brass blasts and charming vocals it’s sure to be one powerful steamy set to remember.
Check out Stomptown Brass’ track ‘One Last TIme’ below
Once again ‘TiLT present another night of vibrant talented artists sure to have the crowd dancing and bopping. Each band and artist bring fun radiant funky and groovy tunes that is going to illuminate The Button Factory on Tuesday December 10th. Make sure to head down and check it out.
Admission to TiLT in The Button Factory every month is free. Entry is for over 18s only. Doors are at 7.30pm and the first act will be on stage at 8pm.
The Sound Training College is located in Temple Bar, Dublin 2 and caters for students interested in music technology and sound engineering https://soundtraining.com/
Any acts interested in performing at TiLT can apply by emailing John Barker at john.barker@98fm.com
Following on from the recent success of ‘3 AM’ and ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’ Drogheda based Indie artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Bubble’. This sweet cosy lament, broods upon a swoony melody as Quinn strips back his sound to create a beautiful acoustic gem. Simple in its approach, the vocals drift on a beautiful melody weaving luscious tones throughout. There is sublime pacing in this track – the soft pauses and quicker “oh oh oh oh ohhh” to the drifting off vocals at the end of the verses create a romantic scene as the song trickles gently into the ears. With elegant keys twinkling behind the acoustic guitar ‘Bubble’ is a soft summer glow of soothing bliss as Quinn displays the more tender side to his musicianship. He shows that he can take his knack for composing melodious tunes and remove all the crisp electronics, dance soundscapes and indie blasts to create something truly special. Quinn’s music is blossoming wonderfully and this is perfectly displayed in new track ‘Bubble’.
Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin).
‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.
There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.
Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.
‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.
Dublin based innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Rise’ featuring Irish hip-hop artist Darce. Jack has so far released two singles; ‘Scarlet A’ and ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’. Both have collectively amassed over 50,000 streams on Spotify and received frequent airplay both at home and internationally. ‘Scarlet A’ lead Jack to being named Spin 1038’s “One To Watch”, and ‘Ego’ was played on RTE 2FM, Spin 1038, KCLR and BBC Introducing to name a few. Following the success of ‘Ego’, Jack and LOGUOS were invited by Tara Stewart to perform a live session in RTE 2FM’s iconic Studio 8. ‘Rise’ is the third instalment from a mini album which is scheduled for release in early 2020 and explores themes of self-love and sexual liberation. The song will be accompanied by an artistic and stylised music video directed by PureGrand that blurs the lines between gender, sexuality and spirituality.
‘Rise’ is a bubbling dance anthem brimming with Jack Rua’s glossy intense musicianship. The track fizzes and ferments as pulsing beats and accelerating electronics create a heart-racing soundscape. With an infectious pop drenched melody the track seduces its way into your ears while Jack’s vocals coo and entice beneath a building backdrop. With racy lyrics fleshing out this lusty steamy dance infused number, Jack leaves very little to the imagination. Hip hop artist Darce injects a dash of grit as he rapidly raps over the swirling electronics with a punchy quality providing some relief from the sultry suffocating backdrop. Jack blends the sensual flamboyance of Prince with a sassy Madonna- esque boldness while still creating something that summons your soul to the dancefloor with his infectious and lovable tones, beats and melodies. It’s a song that celebrates the healing powers of sex and love and both Jack and Darce infuse sensual swagger into this grooving chic and dazzling gem effortlessly. With crisp production, ‘Rise’ is a cool, confident display from Jack Rua. Keep an eye on him – Jack Rua is a dark horse for sure.
Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘some states’ via Scottish Fiction.. The single continues the bands fruitful working relationship with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert].The video for the single shot by Kris Boyle, sees the band expand on the darkly-comic theme of failure with a Nigel Mansell obsessed Killean trying, and failing, to emulate his hero’s exploits on the track. 2019 has seen wojtek the bear playing as part of Belle & Sebastian’s The Boaty Weekender, being play-listed twice by Radio X, and playing live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland. The band have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show
‘some states’ is a glorious melodic number that glissades effortlessly upon wojtek the bear’s majestic mellow sound with a dash of indie bite to keep things fresh. With elegant strings lifting the track to wonderful ethereal heights the band create a wholesome satisfying song that is so sweet and pure its almost immaculate. The warm jangle on guitar meanders and weaves a zesty flourishment of delight throughout and creates a radiant atmosphere with an indie undertone. These guys have a sublime knack with melodies and ‘some states’ follows this trend beautifully with a dreamy cushioning melody caressed charmingly by cosy velvety vocals. The track rests marvelously on the ears with a pacifying and soothing tone as the band blend and entwine sweet delicate tones with hues of nostalgia seamlessly to create a stunning piece of music to submerge yourself in.
Lead singer, and chief lyricist Tam Killean explains how the song came about,“it’s a song about that particularly painful end section of a failing relationship when it feels like all you’re doing is arguing with other person over the most ridiculous things, like who used the last of the toothpaste and didn’t replace it. The title comes from that old(ish) Scottish expression – “I’ve never been to America, but I’ve been in some states!” I just really liked the dark, self-deprecating humor of it. I think it’s that ability to see the humor in the darkest of times that allows us to get through things sometimes”.
Watch the video for ‘some states’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
