The Restless Venture are a rock band from Manchester/Liverpool. The band took a hiatus for a little while but are now back with their strongest lineup to date which consists of Tom Mann (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Andy Pilkington (Lead Guitar/Vocal Harmonies), Davy Taff (Bass) and Lee Gee (Drums). They have previously played shows all across the North West mainly in Liverpool and Manchester, even supporting Gordon Gano and The Ryans (lead singer of The Violent Femmes) in Manchester’s Ruby Lounge. Their witty cheeky characters add a charming smugness to the band as they claim their lead guitarist Andy Pilkington’s “masculine charm leaves women wanting him and men wanting to be him”, while drummer Lee Gee is “the bands prominent sex God and legend”.
All humour aside these guys do deliver soaring, anthem- like songs with richly textured melodies that stick in your head. They swivel from massive foot stomping anthems with irresistible energy to tender uplifting and emotional tracks with ease taking you on a fantastic journey packed with a roller coaster of emotions that leaves you rejuvenated and renewed.
The track that introduced me to The Restless Venture was ‘Bring On The Furnace‘. A gritty rock track full of fiery attitude. This track is punchy and rebellious while still maintaining the bands sensual swagger. Mann’s vocals are gravelly and raspy yet velvety and smooth for the verses. Like all their tracks The Restless Venture present us with a warm american desert-like atmosphere which brightens up the tracks and makes them instantly likeable. This track gives an old school rock feel with a slight country jingle on guitar.
‘Both Barrels’ is my favourite of their tracks so far as its a bluesy dark whiskey soaked track full of shadowy burning emotions. It has bitter tones contrasting with a longing heated atmosphere. With again dynamic vocals that become almost theatrical adding an eerie mysterious atmosphere to the track. The stirring guitar is intense and passionate while the bass and drums add that flexible sensual tempting and enticing quality.
The Restless Venture are definitely a band to watch and with live shows that promise “there won’t be a dry armpit in the room by the end of the set” what other assurance do you need.
Stream ‘Bring On The Furnace’ and ‘Both Barrels’ below
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The Barmines ‘Reliance’
The Barmines are an Indie Rock band from Leeds.The band consists of members Rob Burton (Singer/Guitarist), Liam Lockey (Drums/Backing Vocals), Leam Hayes (Guitarist) and James May (Bassist). The four piece have been causing a buzz across the festival circuit this summer with slots at festivals such as Isle Of Wight and Down To The Woods, Party In The Pines and Blackthorn Festival. They have released a video for their new single ‘Reliance’ and they will be heading out on tour around the UK this year starting off in Leeds for a two date single launch at Headrow House in September.
‘Reliance’ raises the bar with its strong hefty blow to the head explosive sound. The rapid nature of this track causes a frenzy effect for the chorus. The Barmines cleverly hold this back for the verse leaving you in anticipation. The vocals are intense and filled with emotion while the entire character of the track is displayed as dark and eerie. The strident bursts of guitar add energy and vibrancy while the slapping elastic bass adds agility and bounce. The punchy drums maintains a momentum throughout the track giving a solid foundation and muscular power to the song. Another fantastic track from The Barmines.
The Barmines are known for their energetic explosive live shows so make sure you catch them at one of their shows below
9th Sept Headrow House Leeds (SOLDOUT)
10th Sept Headrow House Leeds
16th Sept Hoodoo’s Croydon
17th Sept Pi Bar Leicester
24th Sept O2 Institute Birmingham
7th Oct The Underground Bradford – Live Music Venue Bradford
8th Oct The Rocking Chair Sheffield
14th Oct The Aerodrome Music Club Stockton-on-tees
15th Oct The Fleece INN North Allerton
22nd Oct Dublin Castle, Camden London
29th Oct The Buff Club Glasgow
19th Nov Gullivers NQ Manchester
26th Nov Kazoopa Festival Leeds
Watch the video for ‘Reliance’ below
Mayflower ‘I’m Not There’
Manchester’s smooth Rock & Roll band Mayflower have released their new single ‘I’m Not There’. Earlier this year we were impressed by their beautiful track ‘Sienna’ resulting in a feature on it. The four piece have previously secured headline gigs at the iconic Night & Day Café, sold out a show at The Castle Hotel and had a string of shows around the Northwest and in the UK.
‘I’m Not There’ conveys the bands exquisite talent for combining soaring uplifting harmonies with a nostalgic melancholy melody that is so enticing you can loose yourself in it. The track is coated in soft beats and gentle tender instrumentation that gives a smokey, darkened, gloomy haze to the song. The reminiscent lyrics add to the nostalgic sombre tone while the guitar gives us a bright hopeful feel. It glistens and glitters throughout the track sparkling like sunlight on water catching your attention and making you feel that all is not lost.
Another fantastic and emotive track from Mayflower.
Stream ‘I’m Not There’ below
Worth A Listen
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Sensational Earl
Alaska born singer and songwriter Earl has released the video for her new single ‘I Love You’. The video ’ was shot in our very own beautiful surroundings of Careville Castle, in Tullamore. Born in the remote town of Anchorage, Earl grew up singing gospel in her local church choir and then moved to Los Angeles aged 18 to develop her sound, Earl currently resides in London pursuing her musical ambitions. She has already been championed by the BBC Introducing and her first independent release has been playlisted at Radio 2. Earl has signed a record deal with BMG record label and is now currently working on her debut album which is set for release in early 2017. We have chosen ‘I Love You’ to be our Worth A Listen Track this week.
‘I Love You’ glows with a sweet smooth melody and sway – like quality that is uplifting and radiant. This track is beaming with glittering guitar and a bouncing bubbly beat that you can’t help but groove to. Earl’s vocals are warm and soulful with a slight rasp at times adding depth and texture to the track. With its infectious chorus and feel good vibes this song wraps you in a marshmallow of sweet honest goodness that is just blissful. ‘I Love You’ gives a summers evening “al fresco” feel, glass of wine in hand laid back and relaxed while also giving a 60’s slow swing atmosphere that will give you the urge to grab someone and dance. Earl exudes charm and swagger with a charisma that is gentle and magnetic. The light percussion adds bounce while the guitar illuminates the track before finishing with a “cha cha cha”
Watch the video for ‘I Love You’ below
The Only Ocean ‘CUL-DE-SAC’
Lompoc, California born four-piece, The Only Ocean, bring a fresh new edge to indie rock. Band members Wesley Hill (Vocals, Guitar), Dustin Whalen (Guitar), Alex Burdess (Bass) and Shae Kakos-(Drums) are childhood friends who have pulled together a wide range of sub-genres from Psych-Pop and Post-Punk to Acid Rock to create their unique sound.
‘CUL-DE-SAC’ is the first single off their soon to be released EP, ‘TOO’ which was produced by Graham Ginsburg and Rick Mabery of The Barn Music Studio, and Jonathan DeBaun (The Mars Volta, Le Butcherettes, Antemasque). The track begins with a dark aggressive tone blasting us with heavy flashing vigorous guitars and a psychedelic delirious vibe. The verse cools things down with light beats and cool sedated vocals. The track is drenched in reverb adding to the psychedelic vibe. With swirling melodies that hypnotise and pull you into the intensity of the track teamed with cynical snarky lyrics that adequately portray that this track is an “anthem for anyone who has ever tasted the sweet angst in desolation”. The churning surge of instrumentation is enticing and leads the listener into the acid trip explosive crescendo.
‘CUL-DE-SAC’ is a well written and crafted track full of dark tones and confusing mystery that is perfectly conveyed through a blend of Psych/Acid Rock.
Stream ‘CUL-DE-SAC’ below
Harbouring Oceans ‘Enso’
Harbouring Oceans are an alternative Pop, Art Rock band from Kilkenny. The band consist of Dan Pearson (Guitar/Lead Vocals), Geoff Warner-Clayton (Keys/Vocals), Benedict Warner-Clayton (Drums), Ken Farrell (Bass) and Thomas Donoghue (Lead Guitar). The five-piece released their debut single, ‘Enso’ in May this year. It is the first release from a band who’s members have been playing together in different projects for over a decade and finally after years of experimenting with their sound across Ireland in some of the country’s biggest venues and festivals, Harbouring Oceans was born in December 2015.
‘Enso’ is a tender emotive track tightly packed in a soulful stirring melody and bound with deep rhythmic grooves. Pearson’s vocals are clear and exude raw passionate emotion with lush close harmony in backing vocals that adds a delicate and dainty quality to the track. ‘Enso’ begins in a soft ambient manner that builds as the song progresses. The light piano feature adds grace and elegance to this beautiful track. The guitars interweave through the music and teamed with the groove of the bass give elasticity to track which adds a flexible sway -like quality. Harbouring Oceans have found a blend of soulful, sensual, raw emotional music that evokes your senses and touches your soul.
Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Enso’ below
Delamere ‘Black & White Space’
Delamere are an alternative band from Stoke-on-Trent, band members James Fitchford (guitar, keys & vocals), Ashley Egerton (guitar), Richard Dawson (bass) and Will Mason (drums & electronics) signed to Scruff of the Neck Records in the Summer of 2014 after their first singles earned early airplay and acclaim from the likes of Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing in Stoke, with later releases ‘Bright Young Things’ and ‘Heart’ being aired on National Television on Channel 4’s Made in Chelsea and Sky Sports’ Soccer AM. The band have also supported acts such as Peace and Palma Violets. Last year saw the band play festivals such as Dot to Dot and Tramlines, while 2016 saw them make appearances at renowned industry showcase festivals The Great Escape, Live At Leeds and International Music Summit in Ibiza. The four piece are set to release their self-titled debut album which was recorded at Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios (Blossoms, The Coral) with producer Rich Turvey. Their lead single ‘Kill It’ was met with rapturous response from fans and critics alike and they have just released their second single from the album ‘Black & White Space’.
‘Black & White Space’ is a richly textured melodic track that acts as a labyrinth tightly layered and twisted in intricate instrumentation. Its soft percussion gives a steady foundation to the track while the sparkling swirling synths give us that circular aerial feel. Fitchford’s vocals are soft and velvety and add a delicate quality to the track while the guitars twinkle with a gentle melody that illuminates the track and lifts it into a new dimension.
You can catch Delamere on their third UK tour at
SAT 13/08/16 | THE BODEGA | NOTTINGHAM
FRI 19/08/16 | ALL SAINTS CHURCH | LEEK
TUE 23/08/16 | THE POLAR BEAR | HULL
FRI 26/08/16 | ALSO KNOWN AS | BANBURY
SAT 27/08/16 | ASHCOMBURY FESTIVAL
SUN 28/08/16 | ACTRESS & BISHOP | BIRMINGHAM
TUE 30/08/16 | SOFAR SOUNDS | LEEDS
WED 31/08/16 | OLD BLUE LAST | LONDON
FRI 02/09/16 | THE ANVIL | BOURNEMOUTH
THU 08/09/16 | BUSKERS | DUNDEE
FRI 09/09/16 | MASH HOUSE | EDINBURGH
SAT 10/09/16 | ACADEMY 3 | MANCHESTER
FRI 16/09/16 | THE UNDERGROUND | BRADFORD
SAT 17/09/16 | RAMSBOTTOM FESTIVAL
SAT 17/09/16 | EIGER STUDIOS | LEEDS
Stream ‘Black & White Space’ below
Money For My Teeth ‘Komodo’
Money For My Teeth is an alternative rock, indie pop British/American Songwriter. He released his debut track ‘Komodo’ this summer which introduces us to a blissful psychedelic indie trip glowing in sunny vibes and cool tones. ‘Komodo’ is a dreamy, summer-scented track with soft swooning melody and delicate harmony in backing vocals teamed with soft spongy beats and tightly marshalled bursts of guitar which adds a refreshing edge to the track. The vocals are dreamy and give a heat-filled haze to the song resulting in a delirious heat-stroke feel that is disrupted by the refreshing drench of zesty guitar. ‘Komodo’ is a dazzling track soaked in psychedelic vibes. We are looking forward to hearing more from Money For My Teeth.
Stream ‘Komodo’ below
https://soundcloud.com/moneyformyteeth/komodo
Worth A Listen
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes In The Form Of Áine Cahill’s ‘Black Dahlia’
Cavan singer-songwriter Áine Cahill has received fantastic exposure recently for having taken part in the 2fm/Oxfam ‘Play The Picnic’ competition. She managed to reach the top 10 for the national contest, which secured her a slot on the Oxjam Stage at this year’s Electric Picnic. Cahill has already released a 5-track EP called ‘Paper Crown,’ which came out shortly before Christmas 2014 and was named the #1 unsigned Irish EP of 2014 by Unsigned and Independent Magazine. She’s also hugely influenced by the jazz of the ’40s and ’50s, and has only recently started working with a band, made up of four musicians, Louise Johnston (piano), Paul McCann (double bass), Sam Geraghty (guitar) and Paul ‘Foxy’ Cox (drums).
‘Black Dahlia’ is the start of a new project Cahill is currently working on with producer Martin Quinn from Jam Studios. The song tells the tragic true story of an unsolved murder in 1940s Hollywood. Cahill portrays this theme to us perfectly, she creates an eerie mysterious atmosphere that calls you as a witness to a tragic scene. With touching imagery conveyed through the lyrics teamed with crisp melancholy vocals that add to this nostalgic haunting tone. The track is narrated to us in a sway -like theatrical manner that touches your soul and pulls you in to this painful grievous tale. The light instrumentation to start adds a delicate quality to the track with the soft beats and gentle piano conveying the soft, innocent and hopeful young star. While the guitar seems to lament the death of this young woman the strings add a sense of danger lurking in the back ready to pounce. The backing vocals lull the listener as if trying to ease their mind of the harrowing scene and give comfort to a distressed soul.
A fantastic track from Áine Cahill look forward to hearing more.
You can catch Áine Cahill live at The Grand Social – Friday September 9th
Stream ‘Black Dahlia’ below
https://soundcloud.com/ainecahill/aine-cahill-black-dahlia-original
Live Music Review Of New Valley Wolves supported by Ghost Robots
As a music venue Cork’s Crane Lane has a lot to offer, its fantastic decor and laid back atmosphere has everything you need to enjoy a night out with live music. We made our way through the crowds to the room set towards the back of the lane where New Valley Wolves were due to perform with Ghost Robots as support. One look at the bustling cheery crowd tells you that they are rockers which puts me at ease as I find rock crowds are the best to get along with, they are there for the music and to enjoy themselves.
Ghost Robots begin with their utterly absorbing set full of catchy riffs, flexible rhythms and smooth vocals. The alternative rock band from Waterford lead you gently through their psych trip setlist starting with ‘Richer Than kings’ they pull you in to a mysterious swirl, driven by punchy drums and dynamic guitars while Doyle’s vocals keep things fresh and edgy. Ghost Robots keep the tracks flowing fluently as they belt out tune after tune oiling up the rusty hips of the crowd as they sway and mosh to each track. Drummer Dael O’Brien is especially enthusiastic and stands out with his energetic mesmerising drumming. They ease us into their insanely catchy ‘Under Fire’ which recently featured as one of our Worth A Listen tracks. This luring song goes down well with the entranced crowd as they move to the beat while the tracks effortless cool tone has a dazed effect while still packing a punch. Ghost Robots finish on ‘Bad Habbit‘ leaving the stunned crowd wanting more.
New Valley Wolves take the stage and spark pandemonium and chaos with their opening track ‘Shake Your Bones’ as they blast us with track after track of brawl-like powerful drums and gritty kick ass riffs. With instrumental tracks like ‘Acid Ocean’ showcasing their monstrous frenzy-causing sound that will rock you to your core and persuade even the most timid person to rebel and headbang. New Valley Wolves as promised give us an energetic and memorable show as they dominate Crane Lane with the forceful and staggering ‘This Bad City’ and ‘Shark’. They exude swagger and fiery attitude in ‘Athens’ as they give us a smooth sensual almost funky track that builds into a moshing riot. The rock duo confirm they are a force to be reckoned with, when they pull out the masterstroke that is new soon to be released single ‘Silver Tongue’ knocking us back and demanding the attention that these guys deserve. Lucey coaxes the crowd forward and they begin a frenzy of moshing to the powerful bluesy ‘Eyes On Me’. Members of the crowd shout out the fast passed rap-like swagger-filled lyrics accompanied by the slick fiery riffs teamed with pounding soul shaking drums. They finish strong with ‘Fire In The Blood’ followed by new single ‘Trouble’ two hefty, mean tracks bursting with attitude. While ‘Fire In The Blood’ had a rapid tempo that raced through the crowd causing a chaotic mix of moshing and hopping, ‘Trouble’ took on a destructive persona keeping the crowd headbanging and going crazy in its high energy body pounding sound leaving the crowd thirsty for more.
New Valley Wolves are getting bigger and better, a force of nature coming into their prime.
Watch Our Interview With New Valley Wolves below