All posts by Indie Buddie

Charlie Millikin ‘All These Things’

Ohio soulful singer-songwriter Charlie Millikin has recently released his newest single ‘All These Things’. Being born into a family of musicians, singers and songwriters, it was only natural that Charlie grew a strong passion for music and after being inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Gavin DeGraw and Eminem, Charlie chose to put his focus on his songwriting talent. ‘All These Things’ is written about the feeling of waking up every day under the weight of a combination of these mental illnesses and continuing to live with it rather than working towards getting better because of becoming comfortable with the feeling in a paradoxical sense.

‘All These Things’ is a sweet feathery light little ditty. This easy listen track displays Millikin’s warm smooth soulful vocals which soothes and adds a tone of positivity to the lyrical theme of the perils of anxiety and depression. A bouncy beat, honey soaked melody, sing along infectious chorus and bright tones add a sun kissed vibrancy and heart-warming vibe. This heartfelt track reaches out and speaks to everyone, its deeply moving and honest but also hopeful and comforting. Millikin is a versatile artist and uses his sincere writing skills to approach a tender delicate emotional theme in a wholesome passionate yet peppy manner.

When asked about the track Millikin said “This song, to me, paints the picture that no matter what you’re dealing with, it will pass and you’re going to be alright.”

 

Stream ‘All These Things’ below


Blank Parody ‘A Tension’ EP

Birmingham rock band Blank Parody are set to release their debut EP ‘A Tension’ on the 18th August. The band comprised of members Joby Fitzgerald (Vocals), Liam Howard (Guitar), Connor Hodgkiss (Drums), and Freddie Shaw (Bass) are making a name for themselves with their monstrous guitars, heavy drums, gritty vocals and distorted poetry.

‘A Tension’ is a blistering fierce six track EP seamlessly blending gritty grunge with heavy rock and anthemic pop sprinkled melodies. The rip-roaring track ‘Dark Pretenders’ which we have previously featured on Indie Buddie kicks off the EP, thunderous and fiery this explosive track blasts straight into the no nonsense sound of Blank Parody. It’s a ballsy guitar shredding adrenaline pumping force to be reckoned with. Slick riffs and elastic bass slap against thrilling distortion and punchy drums while vocals growl with gritty hair-raising creepiness.It’s a blood pumping start to the EP. ’Still Stuck Here’ and ‘Thickened Pulse’ maintains this accelerated intense pace. Drenched in gritty sweaty mosh ready rhythms, passionate vocals, well-oiled slick guitar licks and shredding solos, they stomp through with a neck snapping ferocity. ‘Marching Through the Smoke’ follows. It’s an agitated bruising track featuring a sublime emotion filled instrumental that builds to an echoed abrupt sweet vocal end. Dramatic and spirited it’s a flaming raw track with jagged razor-sharp guitar cutting throughout, backed by an animated rhythm. ‘Underachiever’ relieves the tension of the EP a little. The track is much lighter and melodic, softer vocals ethereal guitars and rumbling bass add buoyancy and a lift to the song. However the instrumental break still packs a punch as guitars screech and sting with a rugged scratching shrill. The all-powerful ‘Snakes’ brings a rowdy, growly, bloodcurdling end to the EP. Aggressive, eerie and smothered in dark tones this savage track is a raging body pounding mammoth. With vicious strident guitars pulverizing drums and a mighty throbbing bass it packs a bruising frantic punch.

‘A Tension’ is an EP that showcases the relentless stamina Blank Parody have. Oozing chilling enraged energy with slick proficient musicianship they deliver a fantastic debut EP with raw catchy anthemic tracks that leave you imagining and anticipating a thrilling live show and wanting to hear more. Each track sets itself up to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys.

‘A Tension’ is set for release on the 18th August with the EP launch night held at The Asylum, Birmingham on 18th August also. You can buy tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blank-parody-ep-launch-tickets-35931608408?aff=ebopdstthelist

Stream ‘Dark Pretenders’ below


Leftover Crack and All Torn Up with support from The Dubtones, DEATHBUS and The Divils At The Bowery Dublin

Last  Saturday night I headed down to The Bowery Dublin to what I can honestly say was the most brutal savage show I have been to so far. U.S.A Punk giants Leftover Crack were headlining along with All Torn Up with support from The Dubtones, DEATHBUS and The Divils. I knew it was going to be crazy but this was insane. Firstly, a venue that looks like the inside of a ship…. epic idea, the stage was the bow, canons around the walls lanterns above your head and wood décor you couldn’t ask for a better venue. Feeling like a shifty pirate from Pirates Of The Caribbean I settled in nicely.

Dubliners The Divils warmed up the crowd with a reggae hint to their punk rock. Light and bouncy they have the crowd bopping to their tropical toned guitar riffs and moshing to the punkier tunes. They brought a danceable fun atmosphere with humorous banter and solid energetic catchy tracks. Each track takes a heavy aggressive turn adding a bit of grit to the set and giving the crowd something to mosh to. Acting as the calm before the storm they deceive us with sunny holiday vibes. That is until DEATHBUS swarm in playing “some really stupid music really f***ing fast”. It’s a fierce growling set of heavy ear bleeding metal. What the lyrics are I couldn’t tell you, but it set the crowd alight in an insane fury of headbanging. There was hair swishing everywhere one guy was so entranced and heavily moshing I thought he was going to bash his head off the stage. Shrilling guitars with a neck snapping speed their set was brutal, blood thirsty and adrenaline pumping lunacy. The Dubtones follow with an equally energetic but less slaughterous set. With rock and roll hints and groovy rhythm they bring back a taste of the boppy bubbly vibes causing a wiggle-like mosh dance among the crowd.Cracking pirate ship jokes and all “cos we arrr!” it’s an entertaining set. Brassy NYC punk band All Torn Up follow. Interacting directly with the crowd frontman Joey Steel jumps into the audience to mosh along with them before preaching about the wretched world and “backward pieces of sh*t”. His sweat flicking everywhere as the crowd laps up his enthusiasm. These guys have a demanding stage presence and relentless stamina as they jump shout and swear with compelling endurance. It’s a slick brisk set bursting with fiery attitude. The audience erupt into spasms of madness. Jumping pushing headbanging and just plain going crazy. Each track is a battering assault to the senses but an invigorating experience for sure. Punk mammoths Leftover Crack take over the stage like a kraken. With literally a bruising set, crowd members are bashing into each other throwing one another to the floor. There is a strange sense of  comradery amongst these heavy moshers once they fall down they get picked up to be bashed to the floor again. Their rapturous set drives the crowd wild. These guys provide one of the most involving satisfying raw live sets I’ve experienced. They are musically airtight and enraged with brutally efficient riffs, pummeling drums and dynamic vocals that alternate between raspy roars and croons. Unfortunately much to my frustration my battery died before their set so I couldn’t take any pictures, but these guys are larger than life and put on a fantastic show.

It was a night of beards,badges and denim with pulverizing music to batter your eardrums and slick grooves. Don’t you just love it when a bunch of fierce throttling mighty bands get together and put on a thrilling show- vocal growls, head-splitting tunes, sweat and all. Unforgettable.

 


Galapagos ‘Potential Space’ EP

Canadian band Galapagos have released their new EP ‘Potential Space’. Band members Adam Ferris (vocals/guitar), Jamie Orser (drums), Matthew Wood (lead guitar), and Gerardo Mantecon (bass) play gritty rock songs laced with Capital City strut and Midwest mosey mixing honest lyrics with jagged guitars and syrupy melodies.

Potential Space’ EP  is a lush bubbly collection of tracks laced in beautiful zealous guitar lines and heavenly melodies blended with some grittier elements at times that keeps the sound refreshing and radiant. ‘Bike’ kicks off the EP with bright sparkling indie soundscapes. Sharp guitar jingles playfully throughout with the sweetest tone and refreshing spurts of zest while the soft beat and honeyed melody glide with a daydream tempo and hazy atmosphere. It’s smooth and soothing while also packing a nice little punch between the dreamy wisps.‘What I Deserve’ bursts with oodles of catchy upbeat guitar lines while the track bounces with a peppy beat and lush melody soaked in a lazy day somber tone. It’s a bopping sway like delight packed with emotion and lush sweetness. Smooth vocals ooze passion while instrumentally this track places you in a mellow state of melancholic peace. ‘Again’ takes a heavier approach. Jagged guitars and punchy drums add a danceable quality and gritty texture. Snippets of distortion give a thrilling dramatic effect while the melody and candied guitar elements glimmer through with bright upbeat scintillation and sun kissed luminosity. A little more aggressive than its predecessors this mosh friendly track displays Galapagos heavier punk-like side with sprinkles of indie pop embroidered on top. ‘Lungs’ closes the EP with tender delicate guitar flickers between acoustic strums and sweet dainty vocals. It’s a twinkling beautiful and emotional track that pulls at the heart strings and places you on a soft fluffy cloud of euphoria. Cool breezy tones, sweet lush harmonies and call and response vocals create a floaty feathery light approach with very subtle hints of flower power psychedelia.

Galapagos ‘Potential Space’ EP takes you on an emotion journey while showcasing their knack for sweet delicious melodies nimble refined guitar work and slick musicianship. It’s a laid back beautiful EP that is perfect for summers evenings or that all important unwind time.

Stream ‘Potential Space’ on Bandcamp here https://galapagos613.bandcamp.com/releases

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Late Night Episode

New York alt-rock band, Late Night Episode have released a video for their single ‘Golden Age’. Signed to Dirty Canvas (American Authors, Young Rising Sons) the band have received previous acclaim from Billboard, Nylon and Pigeons and Planes. Their new single for this video is set to be added to Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist, as well as being on rotation on Sirius XM’s Alt-Nation. The band was formed in New York City’s East Village neighbourhood by lead singer Daniel Lonner and guitarist Eric Sherman. Brett Daniel (drums) and Giovanni Stockton-Rossini (bass) would later join to complete the band’s line-up of stellar musicians and songwriters. These guys are starting to prove their ability to attract audiences from all genres. In fact, in addition to producing their own music, Late Night Episode have also executive produced Topaz Jones’ critically acclaimed soul-funk record, Arcade.

‘Golden Age’ is a rush of anthemic indie with a healthy dose of pop slapped on top. Bursting with bright bubbly vibes and catchy melodies this rich intricately rhythm driven track explodes with sun soaked feel good upbeat vibes. It’s a slick swagger drenched refreshing bust of fruity indie pop – chilled, sweet and shaken to create the ultimate summer tune brimming with soaring buzz fueled elation. With dynamic rugged vocals and crowd friendly chorus it’s a lively animated ball of bliss. Cheeky lyrics and strut ready charisma make ‘Golden Age’ the instant pick me up and an infectious gem that blasts these guys into the ones to watch list.

Watch the video for ‘Golden Age’ below


Anna Tosh ‘Weightless’

London born and bred, Anna Tosh has released her new single ‘Weightless’ which was produced by Anna and bassist Herman Stephens, and recorded at Cafe Music Studio in Bow, East London, by Mark Sutherland. Tosh has been lending her considerable six-string skills to a varied roster of bands since she was a teenager, among them Wildhood, Love Nor Money, Hey Gravity and Shotgun Venus. But with her own collection of striking self-penned songs demanding attention, and the assistance of Herman Stephens (bass) and Jeremy JayJay (drums) she decided it was high time to make her mark as a solo artist.

‘Weightless’ is a strut like flexy groovy track that oozes cool swagger and seeps chilled chicness. With a sticky snappy beat and soul soaked sleek bass groove it’s skin tight hot and well-polished. Glossy as a waxed car this attention-grabbing fluid track boasts slick musicianship and competent construction. The pulsing rhythm infectiously worms its way into your head while Tosh’s emphatic vocals lull you into a stupor. Swirling in mystery and obscurity with melodic guitar embellishments playfully weaving in between a catchy pop chorus it’s a throbbing, sweetly sprinkled edgy indie rock delight.

Stream ‘Weightless’ below


ScttWlkr ‘Sleep Cycle Cyanide’

Alaska based singer-songwriter ScttWlkr has recently released his newest single ‘Sleep Cycle Cyanide’. As an artist, ScttWlkr is notorious for his use of soulful lyrics and his powerful raspy voice and although he’s experimented with different instruments, as every good artist does, he’s built a following around his bare bones acoustic music, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics that he pours his soul into.

‘Sleep Cycle Cyanide’ is a warm melodic treasure packed with passionate soulful vocals depicting heartfelt emotional lyrics. Sweet guitar twangs as ScttWlkr’s soothing raspy tone creates a beautiful tender scene and candle lit delicacy. With soft acoustic guitar strums throughout it’s cosy and intensely moving and captivating. With a stunning gentle melody and toasty mellow exterior wrapped in nostalgic tones its wholesome and pure. It’s simply presented but extremely effective.

Explaining the inspiration behind the release, ScttWlkr said,

“I wanted to capture the feeling of sadness, and write a song that could be felt and related to by anyone who has ever been through a rough patch in relationships. Whether it be family, friends or significant others.” 

The track was released in late June and is available to stream or purchase via all major media providers. For more information about ScttWlkr, his future releases and any upcoming live shows, follow him on his social media pages here https://www.facebook.com/scttwlkr

Stream ‘Sleep Cycle Cyanide’ below

 


Before The After ‘What If That’s It?’

Wicklow band Before The After have released their new single ‘What If That’s It?’ taken off their debut self titled E.P. The five piece consisting of members Skye Norton (vocals), Josh O’Reilly (Guitar),
James O’Connor (Bass), Peter Kavanagh (Drums) and Éanna Malone (Guitar) have been jamming and crafting heavy punchy rock music for nearly three years. Drawing inspiration from many 90’s and early 00’s bands such as ‘At The Drive’, ‘TOOL’, ‘Alice in Chains’ and ‘Queens of the Stone Age’.

‘What If That’s It?’ is a raw heavy belter with gritty slick instrumentation smothered in dark tones and a glossy polished finish.Mighty expressive vocals are the powerhouse to this track while razor sharp guitar riffs, punchy drums and elastic bass add a spine tingling sensual almost luring quality. It is mosh worthy with a richly textured rhythm adding a rumbling almost churning effect, this five piece have crafted this track well. Its slick swagger filled guitar licks slide against an intense lusty soundscape creating a biting strong layered track that is thrilling.

Stream ‘What If That’s It?’ below


 James Walker ‘Weathered’

British singer-songwriter James Walker has released  his new single ‘Weathered’. The track is taken from Walker’s forthcoming album ‘English Bones’ due for release later this year and is the follow-up to his recent single ‘Next To Me’. Originally a session musician, James Walker performed as a piano player for a number of touring artist’s, spending the past six years playing across the world.  Soon after, Walker developed a rare heart condition, which resulted in a year-long battle and major surgery to save his life. Earlier in 2016 he released his debut EP ‘Modern Medicine’ drawing on influences from the likes of Conor Oberst and The Weepies.  Following its launch, Walker announced a UK and US tour to support his debut EP, which was his first chance to play to an audience as a solo artist. The shows became a great success and enabled him to build up an international fan base.

‘Weathered’ is an emotional blow and hard hitting melodic track, with warm acoustic accompaniment and ethereal breezy soundscapes. Smothered in emotional depth and tender passionate vocals it’s sweet soul searchingly striking yet heartwarming and strongly moving. Sweet falsetto vocals pull at your heart strings while lush harmonies fill out the sound with warmth and compassion. A sway-like tempo and touching lyrics make this track instantly stand out. It stops you in your tracks, makes you listen and pulls every feeling out of your soul and lays it in front of you. Packed with simple raw emotion which Walker carefully portrays in a soothing tender manner. It’s a beautiful experience.

James Walker’s first full-length album ‘English Bones’ will be released via Wild Native Records and was produced by Sam Winfield (Amber Run, Bring Me The Horizon). ‘English Bones’ is a step away from Walker’s debut EP, both thematically and stylistically and for the first time will be accompanied by a full band. To support the release of his new album, Walker has announced a 35-date tour across the UK and Europe this year, kicking off in the Netherlands this August. More information and tour tickets can be found on his official website here http://jamesreklaw.wixsite.com/jameswalkermusic

 

Stream ‘Weathered’ below.