All posts by Indie Buddie

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Island Apollo ‘Hold it Down’

Indie rock band Island Apollo established themselves as one of LA’s hottest bands to watch. Combining a classic surf vibe with funky urban grooves, Island Apollo captures the spirit of a West Coast daydream come to life. With members from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, Island Apollo is authentically Southern Californian and isn’t afraid to show it. After being named Orange County’s “Best Pop Artist” from the OC Music Awards, Island Apollo has had songs appear on FOX Sports, CBS, PBS, TeenNick, VH1, USA Network, and has even had a song appear in a commercial with 2017 Sports Illustrated cover model Kate Upton. Island Apollo have now released their new single ‘Hold it Down’ which was produced by Eric Lilavois (Saint Motel, Atlas Genius).

‘Hold it Down’ is a mighty blow to the head of richly textured full bodied indie pop. Smothered  in darker undertones this track gives us eerie spine chilling soundscapes cloaked in a bouncy pop exterior. Featuring upbeat funky strutting guitars, this track is sleek and groovy and infectiously catchy. Driving drumbeats and synth bass riffs add that spooky thrilling vibe while smooth layered vocals add a multi texture and delirious quality. Island Apollo demonstrate their unique thrilling sound all wrapped up in fine musicianship. These are ones to watch.

Stream ‘Hold it Down’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Fears Chella ‘Girlfriend’

Fears Chella are an evocative Stoke/Manchester based band who cheekily blur elements of grunge and pop with sparkles of dreamy and chaotic 90s indie-rock,Having finished 2016 with support from Huw Stephens on Radio 1, Shell Zenner for Amazing Radio, The Unsigned Guide’s ‘Artist Spotlight’ and BBC Introducing along with playing a string of shows, which included support slots for All Tvvins, Honeyblood and PINS, band members Andy Gannon, Dylan Mellor, Tom O’Neill and Ben Tansey have released their infectious new single ‘ Girlfriend.’ The single follows up on the  huge buzz from the bands debut single ‘Cool’.

‘Girlfriend’ is sun soaked blazing indie  dream pop, edgy and punchy yet polished and sleek in all the right places. Bursting with energy and vitality this track is brimming and gleaming with bright hazy luminosity that evokes images of sun and good times. This track is ablaze with zealous fiery guitars that smoulder through the verses exploding with zest and dynamism for the chorus. With a punchy bounce on drums teamed with a spring-like lively bass its a buoyant refreshing blast of indie pop. Infectious sweet melody and smooth vocals are the icing on this delicious cake as Fears Chella prove they have talent to deliver rich mouth watering tunes that you will want to put on repeat. These guys have a bright future ahead.

Stream ‘Girlfriend’ below

https://soundcloud.com/fearschella/girlfriend

Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Tooth & Nail

Genre: Grunge rock/Blues/Soul

Bio: Formed in late 2016 when singer/guitarist Daniel Pearson (a prolific singer-songwriter with three quietly acclaimed albums behind him) joined forces with metal-loving drummer Mike Neilson, the band soon amassed a set of visceral, exciting & adventurous rock n’ roll songs that join the dots between vintage soul and the 90’s grunge explosion. Cryin’ For You is the first of three 2017 single releases, with new songs also arriving in late May and October.

Track: Cryin’ For You

When asked about the track Pearson said:
“It’s one of life’s truths that love hurts, and that’s what Cryin’ For You is all about, I love a lot of old blues & soul records when you can really hear the pain and experience in the voices, and that’s what we were aiming for here – as well as laying down some big riffs and grungy fuzz. That’s pretty much the mission statement of Tooth & Nail – soul songs played loud and heavy.”

Why we Like It: Its a fiery expressive heavy hitting soulful track packed with passion and tender moments with slick bluesy elements and wallops of gritty rock. Killer riffs add a beefy brawn and gravelly texture to the burning longing track.
You can follow Tooth & Nail on

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/toothandnailuk

Twitter https://twitter.com/toothandnailuk
Stream ‘Cryin’ For You’ below

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/tooth-nail-cryin-for-you/s-lpmCR

Tom Ryder

Genre: Indie folk-pop singer-songwriter

Bio: Essex-based singer-songwriter Tom Ryder has enjoyed a stellar start to his career as a solo artist. With his debut EP Strings Attached receiving airplay across 39 BBC radio stations and repeated support from BBC Introducing, his brand of acoustic pop is proving to be tailor made for radio. Influenced by Tracy Chapman and Damien Rice, Tom’s timeless songwriting has been described as “nuanced & beautiful” (BBC Introducing), “full of passion, promise and pedigree”

Track: Here We Go Again

Why we Like It: Its that radio-friendly, infectious folk-pop that will put a smile on your face. With bright sweet melodies and soaring vocals its spirited warm wholesome music that will have your foot tapping and bopping in no time.
Follow Tom Ryder on
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tomryderofficial
Twitter https://twitter.com/songryder
Watch the video for Here We Go Again below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify here

Glam Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The VEX ‘Living In The’

Rock band The VEX have released their new single ‘Living In The’. The VEX came into being while on tour in Moscow with a previous band, the schisms in the group were made apparent by an offer of management from one Adam Ant. The faction that opposed the deal broke away to form The VEX, playing their debut gig at Moscow’s BlastFest, where the only thing that wasn’t ice-cold was, typically, the band’s beer rider. Josh (guitar/vox), Jacko (guitar/vox), Andrew (bass) and Joshua (drums) soon honed a sound inspired by the classic roots and rock of both Kingston, Jamaica, and London, England. Dealing in dirty guitars and big beats, played with passion and precision, the quartet’s heavy rocksteady sonics became a draw on both sides of the Thames, their ferocious shows earning them a rep as one of the best live bands on the circuit. The new single ‘Living In The’ is the lead track from the bands eponymous self titled third EP set for release April 21st.
‘Living In The’ is a boisterous rough and tumble punch of mighty rock smothered with strut worthy swagger and flamboyance. Right from the start The VEX blast us with their blend of ska-punk. Razor sharp jagged guitar pierces through the track while the elastic stretchy bass gives the track a wobbly flexibility that will have hips moving and grooving in no time. The track leads to a shredding stinging guitar solo that is thrilling and wild. The robust kick drum pounds with a mighty brawn while it prances with panache and slick attitude. Insanely catchy this mighty track steam rolls in with glam rock charisma and charm while slapping you in the face with their riotous attitude. The VEX hit hard and they cut deep.
When asked about the track The VEX frontman Jacko explains:
“Inspired by the wonderful words of English philosopher Alan Watts, who has become a huge influence of mine, ‘Living In The’ is about existing in an eternal NOW. It’s all there ever has been and all there ever will be. With today’s mobile phone culture, it sadly seems more important to photograph or record an event than to be totally present and take it all in. As the song’s title suggests, we play and feel the NOW.”
Stream Living In The’ below

Cinamatic, Indie, New Music, Theatrical

Calista Kazuko ‘Daddy Issues’

London based singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist, Calista Kazuko is set to release the second single from her eagerly awaited ‘Project: Love Me’ EP on iChi Ni Records. Following the success of her recent single ‘Poison’, Calista will unveil ‘Daddy Issues’ together with a beautiful accompanying music video directed by Philip Reinking on the 31st of March. The ‘Project: Love Me’ EP was recorded in London at The Smokehouse in Tower Bridge with award winning film composer Guy Dagul and features five brilliant new tracks. A cinematic soundscape filled with intensity and drama, the music is dark, twisted yet strangely uplifting.
‘Daddy Issues’ is a dark smokey eerie number, theatrically dramatic and haunting yet devilishly thrilling. Feathery light gentle piano twinkles with a spooky elegance while haunting chilling strings add a creepy sway- like floaty feel. With cinematic menacing instrumentation this track creeps with spine tingling eeriness while maintaining a seductive alarming quality. With strong dominant vocals and soft ghostly backing vocals this track hovers over brewing bratty peril and desire. ‘Daddy Issues’ is chilling and thrilling cant wait for the EP.
You can follow Calista Kazuko and have a sneak peek at the ‘Daddy Issues’ video on
Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/CalistaKazuko/
Twitter here https://twitter.com/CalistaKazuko

Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Fuzz Rock, Garage Blues, Garage Rock, Indie, indie rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Crushed Out

Crushed Out is husband-and-wife team Frankie Sunswept on guitar and Moselle Spiller on drums. Crushed Out’s songs have been featured in VICELAND’s King of the Road, MTV’s Finding Carter, web clips by Clifbar, ESPN, Big Star Jeans, and heard in skateboard videos by Thrasher Magazine, The Berrics, Element Skateboards, and Nike. They’ve toured with Shakey Graves, Band of Skulls, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Social Distortion and Joan Jett. We have chosen their single ‘Love Howl’ from the album ‘Alien Ocean’ released last year, as our worth a listen track this week.
‘Love Howl’ is a riff driven weighty track that roars bluesy gritty rock with a curvy sensual sleekness that is alluring. Fuzzed guitars and thumping almost primal beat gives the track brawny hefty power and muscle. With funky tactile elements that add a steamy gliding slither, its a carnal silky track that glissades with hair-raising swagger backed with mighty thrusting force. Crushed Out manage to blend rough garage rock with slinky seductive bluesy narcotic psychedelia. With smooth luring vocals that develop into yelping and howling its a wild feverous taste of what Crusted Out can do.
Crushed Out are embarking on a UK/European tour you can catch them live at:
Wed 19 Apr Sebright Arms, London, UK
Thu 20 Apr The Shed,Leicester, UK
Fri 21 Apr Box Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
Sat 22 Apr The Grand Social,Dublin, Ireland
Sun 23 Apr Crane Lane Theatre, Cork, Ireland
Mon 24 Apr Bannerman’s,Edinburgh, UK
Wed 26 Apr The Monarch, London, UK
Wed 26 Apr The Thunderbolt Bristol, UK
Thu 27 Apr Maguire’s Pizza Bar, Liverpool, UK
Sat 29 Apr The Full Moon, Cardiff, UK
Watch the video for Love Howl’ below

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Charlotte Eriksson ‘Black Rose’

Charlotte Eriksson, is a singer, songwriter and author from Sweden. When she was 17 she moved to London to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her music. Since then she has started her own record label ‘Broken Glass Records’, released 3 LPs, 5 EPs, had her single ‘I Will Lead You Home’ reach #2 on the Swedish iTunes chart and toured all over Europe. Eriksson has been played on major radios such as BBC6 (UK), Sveriges Radio (Sweden) and 3FM (Netherlands). She’s published three books, telling stories about her wandering ways, life as an artist and travel essays about love and loss. Following the release of her 3rd full-length album ‘Under Northern Skies’ last year she has now released a new single called ‘Black Rose’. This is the second single released from her forthcoming new EP ‘This Silence Now’, which is due out April 21st.
‘Black Rose’ is sublime smokey poetry set to delicate refined music. Emotionally charged this track bleeds tender tones and raw emotion. Light piano accompanies with elegance and beautiful fragile twinkles. Eriksson’s passionate vocals are moving and expressive teamed with heavenly harmony on backing vocals its tear wrenching yet graceful and eloquent. Building with warm tones on acoustic guitar the track is extremely expressive yet simple. With a melancholic sweet melody its compelling. A stunning treasure.
Stream ‘Black Rose’ below

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Heir ‘I’ll Pick You Up’

Heir are an alt-pop band based in Leeds. The band consists of members Tom Hammond, Sam Luca, Harry Vernon, Ste Fisher and Samuel Newham. The indie pop quintet have been selling out venues in their hometown.They have also enjoyed support from the BBC, and completed a European tour following the release of their debut EP last year. They have also supported the likes of Honne, The Dunwells and Karima Francis and have now released their new single ‘I’ll Pick You Up’.
‘I’ll Pick You Up’ is an ebullient zippy track that bursts with refreshing zesty vibes, cooled with smooth vocals and shimmering synths. Funky buoyant riffs give the track an infectious groove and bounce. Smothered in effortlessly cool swagger and a strut-like glide the track is chilled yet packed with upbeat feel good vibes. The punchy ductile bass adds animation and spring while the subtle twinkling synths add a laid back drift and cruise mellowing out the effulgent boppy track. Sweet lush harmonies glide along adding a delicate silky texture to the track. ‘I’ll Pick You Up’ is a catchy clap along refreshing glass of indie pop sprinkled with funky zealous blends and radiant vibes chilled with cool tones.
Stream ‘I’ll Pick You Up’ below

https://soundcloud.com/heirtheband/ill-pick-you-up-private/s-8eK9C?in=heirtheband/sets/ill-pick-you-up-single-1/s-L6nZX

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Video Premiere

Harrison Rimmer ‘Veins’ Video Premier

Hailing from Blackpool, Harrison Rimmer has released his new video for the single ‘Veins’. His gruff, passionate sounds have resonated with many over the years and the passionate emotional hard hitting single ‘Veins’ follows this legacy. The track deals with personal themes and ideas that many can relate too, whatever their career, including depression and battling against self-doubt. This anthem-like track is coated in fiery gritty rock and motivating tones. Mighty punchy drums and blistering razor sharp guitar add electrifying energy and sizzling heat to this dynamic track. Soothing raspy vocals cool the track and add grit and texture.

The video displays Rimmer singing next to a frustrated artist while he tries to create his masterpiece growing increasingly frustrated with his attempts to achieve his desired painting. As he tears sheet after sheet of paper off he turns to Rimmer to shout about his dissatisfaction. Finally the artist looses it and begins to punch his canvas and throw it around in anger.

When asked about the track Rimmer said

“Following the release of my third EP, ‘C’ and the tour that followed, I found myself in a place I haven’t been before; the tour was so much fun and a great experience but I was burnt out from playing so many shows in a year and among other things going on I ended up getting writer’s block. It was my first battle with it and it nearly drove me to quit music because it wasn’t fun anymore.I felt that what I was doing with my music was hurting people I really loved and cared about. I kept battling through it and I ended up with this song, This song is for anyone who feels trapped, feels like they can’t do anything or keep getting put down.”

Watch the video for ‘Veins’ below