Founded in 2013, Brooklyn band OfClocks And Clouds are Joe Salgo ( vocals, guitar, electronics ) and Ross Procaccio (drums, vocals, electronics ). They combine classic and modern rock with a hint of electronic and psychedelic influences. They have released their new single ‘She Had To Go’ from their forthcoming, self-produced album, Better Off, due out July 15th. ‘She Had to Go’ is a heavy brawl like track full of intense festering emotion and dark, driving, electric guitar. The track begins with a strong infectious guitar hook that runs throughout the track. The husky smooth vocals adds a psychedelic trance feel to the song. The addition of a slick seductive guitar lick in parts reinforces a tone of conflicting emotions. The intensity of the song breaks briefly for the bridge into softer strumming on guitar with vocal harmony. This then builds into a massive mosh instrumentally into the verse that follows, which gives you a breather before the final chorus where the vocals intensify for the final chorus.
This is a huge rock track showcasing Of Clocks And Clouds talent for song writing. We are eagerly awaiting the release of their new album this summer.
Stream ‘She Had To Go’ below
Nashville, TN based “Theatrical-Scamp-Rock” band Fable Cry consist of Zach Ferrin ( vocals/guitar), Jo Cleary (violin/ vocals), Scott Fernandez (bass) and Rachel Gerlach (percussion). They draw their inspiration, musically and poetically, from all things imaginative, mythical, and spooky and their new song ‘Dead Or Alive’ is definitely an imaginative narrative of spooky supernatural happenings. ‘Dead Or Alive’ is a wild unique theatrical track that takes you on a journey of eerie entrapment. With its colourful haunting melody and menacing, yet cheery vocals definitely gives you those creepy ominous goosebumps while still maintaining a light hearted fun vibe. It has an elaborate tango style instrumental before the chorus that gives the image of a slick dark deceptive villain that can lure you into a trap. The bouncy percussion and strings add a humour to the story and give this song a dance like quality. The fast passed vocals in the second verse adds to the imagery of this song as it acts like a pulse or heartbeat that has quickened due to fear. The music slows down to a waltz like pace played on strings and then builds again to heighten the dramatic tension before we return to our tango like main melody. This song is definitely a unique experience and it showcases Fable Cry’s ability to not only tell a story through their music but also convey the emotions of the characters and in turn make you feel those emotions as if you are there.
This track is an unusual yet refreshing track and fun to listen to Look forward to hearing more from these guys!
Watch ‘Dead Or Alive’ below
La Bête Blooms are a Post-Punk band from Hull. The band consists of members Daniel Mawer (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Jack Gallagher (Bass) , John Copley (Vocals/Lead Guitar), Louisa Robinson (Keyboard) and James Coggin (Drums). Their song ‘SUMMER’ which is released on Adult Teeth Recordings is a track about unrequited love in the summer heat. ‘SUMMER’ bursts into a sunny grunge sound to start which softens to light guitar strums while we focus on the melancholy vocals of the verse that conveys a hopeless atmosphere. The interruption of angry heavy guitar strums and pounding drums displays the singers frustration of his love for someone who doesn’t love him back. The catchy chorus has a gritty sound with bright slick guitars which give us a sunny ” intense heat” vibe while the contrasting, irritated and almost enraged vocals give us that grunge punk feel. This track is full of conflicting emotions and depths which makes this a great diverse track to listen to and shows us another way you can write a summer song without it being all lollipops and rainbows.
Stream ‘SUMMER’ below
Our Worth A Listen track this week is Stevie Appleton’s ‘This Is America’
Stevie Appleton is a Twenty six year old multi-instrumentalist from London, his long awaited new single ‘This Is America’ which was released on the 6th of May via Stevie Appleton’s own label Lucky Busker, is a bright, catchy, feel good track full of hopeful vibes. Appletons tender voice with a slight rasp tells us a story of hope and gives a smooth feeling of optimism. With soft bouncy rhythm and beautiful piano feature this song gives you that lift you need when you feel all is lost. This song gives you a comforting support or assurance that maybe your dreams can come true. The added country twang in the middle gives a refreshing break in the song and enhances the bright vibe.
‘This Is America’ is a great introduction to Appletons style of music and we will look forward to hearing more.
You can catch Stevie Appleton on May 20 at The Mesmerist, Brighton.
Stream ‘This Is America’ below
5 Dollar Shakes are an alternative rock band from Gorey, Co. Wexford. The band consists of Jack McEvoy (Vocals), Colin Doran (Lead guitar), Caleb Dowdall (Rhythm guitar), Richard Deering (Bass guitar) and Ciaran O’Doherty (Drums). They have released their new single ‘Auxiliary Love’ from their recently released second EP ‘Come and See Enough To Stay’ ‘Auxiliary Love’ is a melodic track which starts off with a smooth slick guitar intro which is then joined by a light drum beat leaving the main focus on the lyrics and vocals. This is followed by a catchy anthem like chorus with pounding drums and a lustrous infectious guitar riff. McEvoy shows off his vocal skills in this track with the added falsetto at the end of the chorus accompanied by lush harmonies on backing vocals. The song builds to a powerful crescendo both instrumentally and vocally, with a break for a “hands in the air and clap” moment. This adds the anthem quality before the intense bridge that brings us a heavier sound and mosh effect, with pounding rhythm and dynamic guitars. The song slows down again and leaves us with a beautiful melancholy guitar feature to play the song out accompanied by a soft beat.
‘Auxiliary Love’ is a powerful compelling track that is well written and shows their song writing and musical skills. I can imagine this song is brilliant live as 5 Dollar Shakes have had a lot of experience doing live shows. They have supported The Riptide Movement, Hudson Taylor and Seasick Steve. In the Summer of 2015 they made their Festival Main Stage début at the Sea Sessions Music Festival. We will be on the look out for their next live show!
Look forward to more from these guys!
Stream ‘Auxiliary Love’ below
ISLE are Scottish electro-pop duo Liam Rutherford and Ben Singer. The have created a refreshing blend of electro pop and rock that is just infectious. Their track ‘Kid’ is an energetic explosion of dynamic synths winding guitar and snapping beats. With beautiful piano feature in the background and even a Celtic undertone this song has everything and more. From just seconds into the song you are blasted into a swarm of amazing sounds that blend remarkably well together. The animated spirited vocals adds an anthem-like quality to the song with fist pumping intensity that makes this song vibrant and enthusiastic. ‘Surrender’ is a melodic track with again a beautiful piano feature running throughout. Its upbeat positive tone is conveyed with clap along bridge, snapping snare and uplifting “oh wo-oh” backing vocals. Its a catchy rhythmic track that you can’t help but sing and clap along to.
Stream ‘Kid’ and ‘Surrender’ below
Social confusion are a four piece alternative rock band based in Shropshire, taking influence from The Verve, Ride, Oasis, members Mat Spence (guitar/vocal), Rob Flynn (guitar/vocals), Wil Blase (bass) and Chris Symonds (drums) have created a very tight polished sound that’s great to listen to. ‘You Give Me Everything’ is an upbeat bouncy track with catchy chorus and great guitar solo. Its a well thought out track with a professional sound. These guys know what their style and sound is and are going for it. The slick guitars and add a refreshing edge to the track. ‘Your Life Is Waiting Outside’ takes the tone down to a more melancholy Oasis vibe. With an airy light vibe and sombre vocals The sharp guitar drives the song with a steady rhythm on drums that keeps a sway pace. Its a melodic track especially in the chorus while the verses have a faster passed vocal.
These guys have a very polished sound and considering they began in the early days of 2012. They have a lot of experience under their belt and are definitely a band in the game for the long hall.
Stream ‘You Give Me Everything’ and ‘Your Life Is Waiting Outside’ below
Greywind are a two-piece alternative rock band from Killarney that formed in June 2014. The band consist of siblings Steph O’Sullivan and Paul O’Sullivan. In March this year they released their single ‘Forest Ablaze’ a powerful mighty track with pounding drums, punchy bass and vigorous guitars. Its a full, heavy robust track with strong vocals from Steph as she preforms in an intense almost grungy manner for the verse with heart beat pulsing drums. Then it kicks in to a high energy loud vocal chorus, accompanied by a full “Evanescence” style guitars and drums up to a bursting and booming crescendo.
A band Killarney can be proud of! I’ll look forward to more from these guys!
Watch ‘Forest Ablaze’ below
Manchester’s PALE WAVES are Heather, Ciara, Hugo and Charlie. They are making a name for themselves for their infectious indie pop sound. ‘The Tide’ Is a bright pop track with a daydream beach feel. The longing vocals give this track a sentimental tone while the guitar bursts give a hazy fantasy feel that you can lose yourself in. The smooth drum beats and slick lustrous guitar riff make this song easy to listen and enjoy every minute of it. It has a youthful “run away with me” freedom vibe. ‘Heavenly’ is a fantastic catchy melodic track. It radiates sunshine with gleaming, light airy vocals that is appealing to the ear. The glistening sun kissed guitar riffs are stunning yet subtle and give a free and easy vibe. This is a bright bouncy tune that you can get up and dance along to or sit back in the sun with a drink in you hand and let Pale Waves take your imagination on a shimmering sun lit journey
PALE WAVES have a bright future ahead of them!
Stream ‘The Tide’ and ‘Heavenly’ below
Washington, D.C. post-punk pop band Dot Dash are made up of members Terry Banks (guitar/vocal ), Steve Hansgen (guitar), Hunter Bennett (bass) and Danny Ingram (drums). Their single ‘Flowers’ is a light energetic blend of post punk and power pop. Its a short track coming in at only 2 minutes and 4 seconds but that doesn’t stop it from making an impact. The bouncy drums, infectious bass line and driving melody make this song very catchy. It has a sixties hop feel with references to the fifties and sixties dances in the lyrics ‘bunny hop’ and ‘mash potato’ only with cutting guitars. The versus and chorus are very melodic and Banks vocals have a warm depth to them which gives this song radiance. Its definitely a song to get you bopping and dancing
Watch ‘Flowers’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
