All posts by Indie Buddie

Indie Buddie Introducing : Bon Villan

Bon Villan is a three piece electro pop band from Toronto preparing for the release of their first single ‘Outta Cash’. The band’s three members, multi-instrumentalist/Vocalist Jared Parker, multi-instrumentalists Julian Powell and Alex Hanes are all seasoned members of the Toronto music scene. Collaboration between the three began back in the spring of 2016 and the project has been picking up steam since.
‘Outta Cash’ is a fizzing bubbly can of electronic pop. Deliciously sweet and juicy with simmering electronics darting between sticky sugary beats. The candied lush vibrant melody exudes swagger and instant likeability. With raspy vocals adding a touch of grit this track oozes oodles of rich luxurious textures. It’s energetic and refreshing with snappy beats and a blissful rush of exhilarating soundscapes. This track takes you on a floaty nectarous journey of ecstasy. It’s a slick swagger infused effortlessly cool blend of electro mouth watering pop. A sublime debut from Bon Villan.

Stream ‘Outta Cash’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-999043742/outta-cash


Mura Masa ‘Blu’ and ‘Second 2 None’

Mura Masa the Guernsey-born producer, whose debut album assimilates an impressively diverse array of genres and guests including the likes of Charli XCX, A$AP Rocky, A.K Paul, and affiliates of Alex’s own Anchor Point family like Nao, Bonzai and Tom Tripp). He has unveiled ‘Blu’ (featuring Damon Albarn) and ‘Second 2 None’ (featuring Christine & The Queens), taken from his much-anticipated, self-titled debut album. With the former premiering as Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 World Record and the latter Radio 1’s Hottest Record In The World, ‘Mura Masa’ will be released on July 14th on Anchor Point/Polydor Records.
‘Blu’ is a dense heavy emotional track. Layered vocals delicately painted upon intricate lush arrangements create a passionate sonically profound track that boasts Mura Masa’s refined craft. This slow burner cruises and glides with soul and passion while filling out the sound with rich nature-like sounds. The track takes you into an earthy natural state of paradise that is instantly relaxing and time stopping.
‘Second 2 None’ brings us zesty ethereal twists with interweaving beats tooting synths and breezy flute sounds. This sweet little ditty stutters and bleeps with thrilling euphoria. The infectious slap beats groove with a body moving sway while Christine and The Queens’ vocals add passion and heartfelt pure emotion. Its luscious celestial soundscape transports you to another beautiful world that’s fresh and crisp with sublime production that is simply masterful.
Mura Masa is bending and warping genre lines and completely altering the way music is enjoyed. With Mura Masa it feels like an experience- an entrancing, beautiful, compelling experience.

Stream ‘Second 2 None’ and ‘Blu’ below


Indigo Husk ‘Goes Around Comes Around’

Indigo Husk are a four piece alternative band from London that combine the energy of punk and the lo-fi sound and high volume of garage rock.  Having sold out their headline show at Camden Assembly at the end of May 2017, and with previous sold out headline shows at Kamio, Borderline and Islington Academy 2, they have released their new single ‘Goes Around Comes Around’ via Atomiser Records. Joe Hamm,Joe Taylor ,Joe Maclaren and Flynn Allott are known for their high-energy sets, and have already supported Rat Boy, Declan Mckenna and High Tyde.

‘Goes Around Comes Around’ is a blazing indie track packing plenty sharp intricate guitar licks and dynamic energy. It’s punchy fierce and blisteringly fiery. This track radiates sizzling heat with piercing distortion and dazzling hooks. A triumphant instrumental feature leads into a dizzying byzantine crescendo filled with thrilling blasts of frenzy. Slurred vocals add a drunken stagger and messy blur to this blinding track. It’s striking with a luminous glow and infectious groove that leaves you mind boggled but intrigued to have another listen. These guys are ones to watch for sure. Love it.

Stream ‘Goes Around Comes Around’ below


Sukh ‘Flight’

Following up with his first collection of material since 2015, songwriter Sukh has announced the release of his brand new single ‘Flight’, taken from the forthcoming album ‘Galactic Love Machine’. The new single follows his previous hit single’s ‘Kings’ and ‘Something Good’ which received critical acclaim from fans and media alike. On this single Sukh has teamed up with a list of notable names including John Simm (Cleft) and the Manchester String Quartet. ‘Flight’ is due for release July 7th and will be available on all major media providers with the album ‘Galactic Love Machine’ expected to drop later this year.
‘Flight’ is a stunning graceful track that exudes passion and emotion from every note. From the delicate piano intro to the twinkling zealous guitars this track glitters and sparkles delicate bright beauty. Feather-like and enchanting with elegant strings it flows with sweet lush finesse. The introduction of the spongy elastic beat helps build to the sublime crescendo. With a delightful creamy melody this track its velvety smooth and a heavenly treasure.
Sukh is scheduled to perform at this years Kendal Calling on July 28th with further gigs due to be announced. Further details can be found on Sukh’s official website here http://www.iamsukh.com/

Stream ‘Flight’ below

https://soundcloud.com/sukhsmusic/flight


Brass Phantoms ‘City Of Wolves’

Dublin four-piece, indie rock band Brass Phantoms have announced the release of a new version of their track ‘City Of Wolves ‘ due for release July 21st. In February, the band released their well received single ‘Waiting Up’, which we featured here on Indie Buddie and garnered airplay both nationally as well as being featured on BBC Radio 6 and on Spotify Discover Weekly. Their music has been featured by the likes of Nialler9, Hot Press Magazine, JOE.ie, The Last Mixed Tape & Golden Plec. The quartet have headlined their own shows throughout the country. They have been part of major festivals such as Other Voices and will be taking to the Cork stage at this year’s Indiependence Festival on the August Bank Holiday.
‘City Of Wolves’ is a sprightly energetic track multi layered and agile with rich intertwining soundscapes that seep into your brain numbing it to everything around you except the tracks weaving melodies. Sharp zesty guitar briskfully and playfully wind and bend around the drum fuelled track. The intricate guitar work creates a swirling twinkling hint of psychedelia as it hooks you in luring you deeper and deeper into the melody. Soft lulling backing vocals add a haunting quality while the warm track bursts into a luscious instrumentally opulent chorus. It’s tight production and neatly bound together creating a slick proficient track that boasts strong musicianship from Brass Phantoms.
Brass Phantoms have a busy summer ahead with some Irish shows throughout the coming months and a follow-up single due for release in September. The foursome will also embark on their first UK tour later in the year. So keep an eye out for those.

You can follow  Brass Phantoms on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/BPdublin/

 


Delta Howl ‘Mary’

Folk-Rock / Americana duo Delta Howl have released their second single ‘Mary’. Grant Ashman and Mark Neat both grew up in the small town of Dudley, in the heart of The Black Country, England. Both experienced musicians they first met during a live music showcase in the West Midlands over 8 years ago and since then worked diligently on various music projects including various shows in the States and tours with the likes of Simple Minds & Blackberry Smoke. During late 2016 the duo re-united and spent the rest of that year writing and recording the material that has become Delta Howl. ‘Mary’ was recorded, mixed and mastered by the duo in their own studio. It’s the second single off a four track EP which is due to be released in late August of 2017.
‘Mary’ is a toasty track that sounds like summer. Drenched in youthful free vibes with slide guitars adding a wind in your hair carelessness and bongo drums giving a bounce and dance quality it’s instantly likeable. Sweet elegant piano introduces the song until it erupts into a breezy warm heartland county rock track. The big chorus featuring “hey” lyrics on backing vocals gives life and comradeship to the track filling you with oodles of daydreaming emotion.
When asked about the track vocalist Grant said:
“It’s a song that sounds like the summer, it describes a crazy relationship but the best kind of crazy, we hope it transports the listener to a past, present & future time. One that looks happy and fun and that’s what the song is all about, making people have a good time”


Olly Flavell ‘Caged’

Olly Flavell a Manchester-based singer-songwriter currently studying at British and Irish Modern Music (BIMM) Institute, has released his new single ‘Caged’. Olly has obtained slots at festivals such as 2000 trees and has played iconic venues such as Birmingham’s Genting Arena and the ICC Symphony Hall. Olly’s skillfully crafted songs have earned him the opportunity to write toplines for Swedish dance music and also write for the likes of Little Mix. Collaborations with Tim Lord and Ben Newbury, stylist and video director to artists such as James Bay, also feature on his list.
‘Caged’ is a sweet melodic emotion- filled track that just warms the cockles of the heart. Candied mellow toned guitar twinkles throughout adding vibrant bursts of light to the cosy track. Soft drums wrap the song in a comforting blanket while adding a strong rumble -like beat. Olly’s passionate vocals display tender raw emotion as he wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s filled with hope and bright scintillation soaked in longing wistful tones. This track is bouncy light and passionate with a catchy chorus – its a sweet little ditty.

Stream ‘Caged’ below

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Dull Blue Lights

The Dull Blue Lights are a band in between. Drawing from influences as varied as Motown soul, Nuggets psychedelia and Jamaican rocksteady, the Philadelphia-based group’s definitive blend of cascading harmonies, screaming guitars and relentlessly grooving rhythms lives somewhere between each one. The band calls this in-between sound Basement Soul. Their new single ‘Press Play’ is the latest single from The Dull Blue Lights’ upcoming self-titled debut album, due out July 13th which was produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, Clear Plastic Masks).
‘Press Play’ is a juicy fruity blend of slick rock and roll. Sharp nimble guitar teamed with relentlessly shimmying rhythms, this track is a massive explosion of feel good bright rock and roll. It’s cool with smooth vocals and a swagger infused cruising glide that creates an impulsive strut and prance. Exuding flamboyance and panache this track is the slick back charmer that will have girls swooning from the first note. It’s a track reminiscent of 50’s rock and roll mania. Once that rich rhythm section kicks in you won’t be able to stop yourself from dancing. With quirky organ chords thrown in and a melty infectious melody, it’s a swanky stride of explosive energy and slick musicianship. Oozing soul and passion this track is vintage cool and sublime while also remaining current. A must listen.

Stream ‘Press Play’ below


Motions Two Track EP Featuring ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’ Premiere

Motions are an alternative rock band formed in Dublin, in 2016 by Dave Nulty and Tom Daly. Following an impressive 2016 with their debut single ‘Back to Where I Begun’ and ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ earlier this year, Motions now approach the release of a two track EP featuring ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’.

‘Coincide’ is filled with breezy soundscapes that are coated in dark eerie tones. It’s a haunting striking track that is goose-bump inducing. Raspy vocals lure through the verse with a warning, haunting, spooky tone they become more dynamic as the chorus blasts in. The verses are mysterious as creepy synths wisp in the background while sticky slapping beats keep a steady grounding. The explosive chorus erupts with pounding drums, shredding guitars and spiraling frenzied soundscapes that, like a rush of blood to the head gush with enraged frenzy. This track is a hair raising steady surge of chilling soundscapes and raw emotion.

‘Say Goodbye’ displays Motions gritty side. It’s dark and mysterious smothered in sultry steamy tones. Each note evaporates off the track  with a misty humidity. Muggy slapping beats and a sensual bass groove give the track a stirring flexibility while slick guitars subtly seduce with devilish enticement. It’s seductively dark and enticing while packing a catchy hypnotic chorus. It’s brawny and shadowy tightly packed together and layered creating a slick track.

Motions have stepped things up a notch with this EP showing their heavier darker side without compromising on emotion and passion. They are showing diversity within their musicianship using their knack for melody, rich layering and tight production to create two sublime knock out tracks.

Stream ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’ below


Cornerstone ‘Reflections’ Album

Austria’s rock band Cornerstone have released their new album ‘Reflections’. The band composed of Alina Peter (Vocals, Guitars), Michael Wachelhofer (Bass, Keyboard, Vocals), Steve Wachelhofer (Guitar, Vocals) and Christoph Karas (Drums, Percussion), was signed by the US- label ATOM Records and is successfully representing Melodic-Rock: a US-tour, eight tours in the UK, a number of concerts at famous European festivals, airplay, TV-appearances on stations like BBC and much more. Additionally, they took part in the soundtrack of the film Little Alien, and in the beginning of 2012 their song “Right or Wrong” was awarded by the British ROCK REALMS Magazine as “Ballad of the Year 2011”. In 2013 the band released their version of the eighties-hit “Smalltown Boy” (by Bronski Beat), that appeared in the charts. All of the revenues from this success were donated to the “Room to Breathe”-campaign and to the charity organisation for the research and treatment of the immunodeficiency disease cystic fibrosis at the Nottingham City Hospital. In 2016, the bands third studio-album ‘Reflections’ was produced in Canada in cooperation with producer Harry Hess (Billy Talent, Muse, Harem Scare).
‘Reflection’ is an album with an interesting mix of sounds from the rock anthem tinged ‘Nothing To Loose’ with shredding riffs punchy drums and massive chorus to the slightly more pop-like nostalgic sweet melody of ‘Last Night’ which has a horn feature and ABBA influence. Big chorus’ seem to be a theme with these guys. ‘Heart On Fire’ gives an 80’s classic rock anthem vibe with brawny strides on guitar and melancholic sharp licks. Alina Peter’s vocals soar with a powerful emotion- filled range. These tracks are packed with dramatic explosions and slick guitar solos that are air guitar worthy and fist pump ready. ‘Whatever’ takes the croony ballad, it’s soft and wispy with an elegant piano feature and delicate beat. The funky bass driven ‘True Confessions’ gives us a Disco Stu vibe with glittering guitars – it’s disco balls and flashy dance floors oozing swanky swagger. The album continues the seamless blend of alternative rock with 80’s rock and pop creating a 10 track accumulation of classic anthems. Featuring some really intricate guitar work weaving in and out adding a nice refreshing zest and vibrancy to the album. ‘Believe In Me’ screams out a jazzy piano feature and perfect 80’s pop melody- you almost forget it’s a modern track.
‘Reflection’ takes you on a time travel journey with bitter sweet nostalgia while Cornorstone put their own spin slightly warping classic 80’s rock. Each track sounds familiar yet takes a unique turn as they take these genres and make them their own.

Stream ‘Reflection’ below