Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

DAN FRESHER

Genre: Electronic indie 

Bio: DAN FRESHER is a rapper based in Easton, Bristol however his new single ‘Follow Me, Run’ takes a more electronic pop sound. 

Track: ‘Follow Me, Run’

Why We Like It:  It’s a lushly layered, pop-sprinkled ditty that floats freely on an electronic cloud of bliss while the smooth vocals caress the melty melody. The track is laid back and fresh as the chiming electronics create a wispy ethereal vibe. The sticky slapping beat creates a humid atmosphere as the audio clips add a unique quality making this track instantly likeable and summer ready. It’s a chilled well crafted track from this young artist. 

You can follow DAN FRESHER on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dancaresb1tch/

Stream ‘Follow Me, Run’ below 

The Hideaways

Genre: Alternative 

Bio: Bristol band The Hideaways is comprised of Danny Pugh (Vocals, Guitar, Synth), Tim Burden (Guitar, Synth), Sam Bendall-Weeks (Bass) and Jack Ford (Drums). In the last year they received their debut play on BBC Radio 6 Music, embarked on a 2 week UK tour and played to sold out crowds in Bristol and beyond. The band have recently returned to Monnow Valley Studio with producer Matt Glasbey (Editors, Marmozets) to record new music.

Track: Stop Disappearing

About the track frontman Danny Pugh said :  “Stop Disappearing never really made sense as standard verse-chorus type of song.When I first wrote it it was a pretty straight indie tune but as we started playing it together as a band it just felt right to keep getting heavier and scattier the longer it went. That’s how we ended up with an outro that sounds like Joy Division in a K-hole.”

Why We Like It:  It’s a cutting slice of jangly alternative rock as the band sweetly introduce the track with a soft indie soundscape before belting into a dramatic expressive number. The delicate sweet melody coos and drifts along an indie pop speckled backdrop of zesty strums and golden guitar lines while a punchy drum and bass combination maintains a buoyant foundation. The track builds superbly as the instrumentation becomes more acute and harsh. The guitars crash into a rapid meaty drum foundation as the vocals become more shouty. The Hideaways display their more frantic and dramatic musicianship as they present a hair raising outro of epic proportions. 

You can follow The Hideaways on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thehideawayshq/

Stream ‘Stop Disappearing’ below 

Meyru

Genre: Indie

Bio: New York City based Meyru have played a series of sold out shows throughout downtown Manhattan, including landmark venues like Mercury Lounge, Pianos, The Bitter End. Their 10 song LP, ‘Good to See You’ was mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Dan Millice (A$AP Rocky, Al Green, 50 Cent).

Track: Wasted Days

About the track the band said: “Wasted Days started in rehearsal one day when Steven brought a guitar riff that he had been working on for a while. The song is definitively very different from our usual stuff. Funky, poppy and out there compared to our normal indie rock tunes. I think that’s what most people like about it though. It allows us to step into a different territory of music and genre. Lyrically its all about the time that you’ve consciously wasted doing nothing but living in the moment and would happily waste again.”

Why We Like It: It’s a strut-soaked funky number dripping in swagger and passion while also oozing fun musical prowess. With slinky guitar lines weaving steamy vapor through a steady beat and lush backing vocals it’s a charming track sure to have you wiggling those hips in no time. With raspy soul drizzled vocals spread on a honeyed melody it’s the perfect ear worm. The track builds to a sing along ready crescendo while the vibrant warm guitar melody playfully wiggles throughout. Its one groove infested charmer for sure. 

You can follow Meyru on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/meyrumusic/

Stream ‘Wasted Days’ below 

Honey Lung

Photo credit: Timothy Casten

Genre: Alternative Rock

Bio: Fresh from touring alongside Brummie garage-pop stalwarts JAWS, and embarking on their first trip stateside for SXSW earlier this year, London’s Honey Lung certainly ramped up activity on the live front, with August dates supporting Basement lined up and their first ever UK headline tour kicking off in November.

Track: Nothing

Why We Like It: It’s a smooth yet sharp blast of euphoric shoegaze. These guys blend laid back velvety melodies and soft vocals with crashing blistering instrumentation seamlessly to create a wholly invigorating listening experience. The delicate twinkling verses contrast the raucous instrumental breaks as crashing guitars ricochet off pounding drums while a dreamy melody cools and tranquilizes the mania with its nonchalant tone. This sun spiked gem is a summers day filled with blustery sweltering chaos and a lazy relaxed daydream all at once. Pretty impressive and very infectious. 

You can Follow Honey Lung on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/honeylungband

Stream ‘Nothing’ below 

BARE ROOTS

Genre:  Alternative Rock

Bio:  Hailing from the working-class suburbs of Newcastle upon Tyne (UK), BARE ROOTS combine 80s soundscapes with 90s soulful rock and roll. The band was formed by school mates Anthony Francis (vocals, guitar), Joe Anderson (bass) and Martin Corkhill (drums) who later joined forces with Ollie Petrie (guitar).

Track: ‘Always’

Why We Like It:  Its a smooth alternative track brimming with passion as BARE ROOTS douse their sound in country rock tones while maintaining their alternative roots. With jangly guitar pining occasionally through the punchy drums and solid backdrop it’s a classic ear worm. With a shredding solo and warm tones BARE ROOTS create another charming track to put on repeat. 

You can follow BARE ROOTS on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/barerootsuk

Stream ‘Always’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/barerootsband/always-1

The Standing Man

Genre: Alternative 

Bio: Glasgow based musician The Standing Man has released his new single ‘Cos I Feel You!’

Track: Cos I Feel You!

Why We Like It:  It’s a swagger dripping rock ‘n’ roll track with a slinky guitar feature that mirrors Soft Cell’s ‘Tainted Love’. The snappy beat and sweltering instrumental backdrop sets the track alight while the reverb raspy vocals prance through with panache and energy. Its a catchy swanky track that boasts confidence and sultry qualities.

You can follow The Standing Man on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thestandingman/

Stream ‘Cos I Feel You!’ Below 

Otherkin

Photo Credit : Wolf James Photography

Genre: Alternative indie

Bio: Irish alternative rock band Otherkin have released their new single ‘True Believer’. The band have enjoyed significant success in recent times, with airplay support from BBC RADIO 1 as well as radio play back in Ireland and playlist support on all the main streaming platforms.Following an exciting Electrowerkz show in London, Otherkin will be heading back out on the road across the UK this September.

Track: ‘True Believer’

Why We Like It: This dark 80’s synth, disco banger strides on a glossy electronic background while the raspy vocals of Luke Reilly and indie rock foundation on drums and bass keep the track in alternative territory. Dramatic in its approach with jarring keys and ominous backing vocals this galloping slinky number has everything to keep you engaged. With an epic ‘The Final Countdown’ -esque synth melody leading the way to the creeping verses – it’s an anthemic and edgy addition to the band’s catalogue. Otherkin layer this track superbly weaving modern aspects with shiny 80’s quirk seamlessly. Light twinkles on keys contrast the crashing guitars, thrilling distortion and playful electronics making ‘True Believer’ one heck of a head rush. 

You can follow Otherkin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/otherkinOK/

Stream ‘True Believer’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Sleater-Kinney ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ Album

Sleater-Kinney are set to release their tenth album, ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ on 16th August. The iconic trio is comprised of Carrie Brownstein (guitar/vocals), Corin Tucker (guitar/vocals) and, now former drummer, Janet Weiss (drums). The album was produced by St. Vincent and is released through Mom + Pop. Tickets are on sale to the general public for the band’s extensive North American tour kicking off in Spokane, WA on the 9th October with a full run of European dates announced for next year including a show at Dublin’s Vicar Street on March 1st.

‘The Center Won’t Hold’ shows a sparkling deeply smoldering new facet to Sleater-Kinney’s sound as they swirl and layer sultry synths and slinky guitar lines into their indie aesthetic. It’s a lush album – rich in sound, vibrant in its construction and smoking hot all the way to its core. From the enticing build of title track ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ right through to the fleshy raw ‘Ruins’ and steamy dance infested ‘Hurry On Home’,  Sleater-Kinney present their unique sound blending boisterous noise- rock mania with brooding thuds, experimental moments, electronic swirls and all out smothering indie. ‘Reach Out’ is one sublime indie track with mesmerising guitar moments and infectious emotive melodies while ‘Can I Go On’ swirls a quirky quality into the mix as Sleater-Kinney flesh out their infectious melodies coating them with a sweet candied tone and sun kissed vibe. This album is full to brim with pulsing synths and sensual wobbly guitar, psychedelic soundscapes and powerful vocals. The synths and electronics ooze and seep from the tracks like liquid nitrogen creating a smokey haunting atmosphere of euphoria and mystery while the catchy melty melodies tease and entice. There is a Fleetwood Mac hue lingering over ‘A Restless Life’ and the darkly coated ‘The Future Is Here’ as the guitar jingles and strides with a laid back tone allowing the warm honest vocals take the attention. 

‘Love’  bounces with an 80’s slapped pop melody and infectious groove while the adrenaline rush on guitars are reinforced by the lush harmonies and vibrant atmosphere. The rock ‘n’ roll foot shuffling ‘Bad Dance’ drips swagger into the album with every slinky guitar line, panache-saturated vocal and drum thud. Sleater-Kinney display their emotional power ballad-esque style with ‘The Dog The Body’. With lamenting sting on guitar, anthemic chorus, punchy drums and compelling vocals its one for fist pumping the air to. ‘Broken’ brings a graceful close to the album. Elegant piano accompaniment and emotional vocals serenade distant guitar pines in the background creating the most moving and heartbreaking listening experience. 

‘The Center Won’t Hold’ is a thrilling album that walks a fine line between sensual electronic and indie rock. Sleater-Kinney blend all these elements superbly to create a impressive body of work that you can dance, sing and rock out to. Its quirky, crazy and absolutely brilliant. 

About the album  Brownstein explains, “We’re always mixing the personal and the political but on this record, despite obviously thinking so much about politics, we were really thinking about the person — ourselves or versions of ourselves…. — in the middle of the chaos.”   Weiss adds, “I think for Carrie and Corin it was liberating to explore a different sound palette. Annie (St. Vincent) has a lot of experience building her own music with keyboards and synthesizers so she could be our guide to help us make sense of this new landscape and still sound like us.” Tucker says, “The Center Won’t Hold drops you into the world of catastrophe that touches on the election. And almost like a mission statement, at the end of that song, it’s like the band is finding its way out of that space by becoming a rock band.” 

‘The Center Won’t Hold’ will be released on 16th August 

Until then you can stream the title track ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ below :


Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Angel Olsen

Angel Olsen has released her new single ‘All Mirrors’, the title track of her upcoming fourth album out October 4th via Jagjaguwar Records.

This mesmerising track takes Olsen’s heart moving signature sound and lifts it into an ethereal atmosphere as her smokey vocal-lulls hold your attention. She glides and drifts through a melancholic silken melody while the brooding soundscapes ripple beneath. With a lush string arrangement creating a dark and ominous atmosphere the track majestically glides and swirls with grandeur as it intensifies to a captivating crescendo. A sense of restrained turmoil is expressed through the quivering synths as Olsen sweeps you up in her poetic passionate musicianship. The track is coated in delicate shimmers of magic and wonder with darker tones consuming the sweet and painful innocence. It’s a sublime and intricate track that flows on a lush cinematic soundscape to create a wholly consuming and chilling listening experience.

Watch the video for ‘All Mirrors’ below 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Harper James AKA Middle Youth ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ EP

Middle Youth is the project of Harper James. He has released his Lo Fi solo EP ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’. Harper James is a producer, mixer and writer working out of Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, NY. He and his brother Abner James front the band Eighty Ninety. Harper’s productions, mixes and songs have over 20 million streams on Spotify and have been featured on numerous Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, Pop Rising, Fresh Finds to name a few.

‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ EP is a luscious can of indie pop laced in sweet electronics, delicious melodies and Harper James’ emotive songwriting. James achieves an easy listening experience with some effervescent bits throughout with his diverse and rich musicianship. Opening track ‘Black Square’ is a delicate ditty that floats around brooding guitar accompaniment and whispered vocals. It’s a twinkling intro that begins the EP in a low key ethereal tone and an air of mystery. The hushed beginning swiftly changes as the electronic soaked 80’s synth pop number ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ kicks in. With glistening electronics, foot tapping beat and candied 80’s sheen it’s instantly likable and fresh. With striking honest lyrics and a dazzling soundscape James uses the sparkling pop backdrop and darker lyrics to create a sublime contrast and give depth to this tune. It’s buoyant and vibrant with intricate weaving soundscapes and glittering guitar while the smooth vocals coo over the melty melody. This EP presents us with sublime melodies from the peppy  title track to the more melancholic ‘ Open Your Eyes’ and ‘Sublight’ . With gritty guitar moments and a thudding beat in the former and stripped back acoustic accompaniment for ‘Sublight’ James sets a sombre lamenting tone. ‘Wanna Be True’ is the tender ballad-esque tune that warms the cockles of your heart with its sweet lyrics and warm guitar accompaniment. ‘My Phone’ brings the EP to a close with a biting ethereal atmosphere sticky beat and lonely lyrical content. 

Throughout the EP Harper James showcases his ability to create sublime stripped back tracks, lo -fi tunes drizzled in wispy soundscapes as well as a full throttle electronic number. With modern themes of technology, loneliness and love it is a relatable and chilled EP. 

About the EP Harper James said : “These are songs about growing up, trying to be true to the people you love, becoming disenchanted with some things you used to believe in, and seeing the magic in other things; feeling old, hating my phone, getting it wrong, getting it right, becoming acquainted with mortality and experiencing love in many forms. The project is called @middle.youth — I realize my friends and artists I’ve worked with have maybe heard my music in other contexts but never as a platform for me to say my thing.”

Stream  ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ below 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Clear Vinyl ‘Foolish’

Coming hot off the heels of wild festival performances across the UK and Germany, including spots at Liverpool Sound City, Hit The North and Schlossgrabenfest, Derbyshire dwelling alternative pop outfit Clear Vinyl are back with anthemic pop infused banger ‘Foolish’. The band comprised of Joshua Feeley (Vocals), Sam Hutchinson (Lead Guitar), Jonjo Caton ( Rhythm Guitar),Jack Carver (Bass) and James Umney ( Drums) have received support from BBC Introducing nationwide, as well as amassing over 20,000 streams on their debut single ‘That Feeling’, 

‘Foolish’ presents Clear Vinyl’s infectious indie in a clean pop sprinkled package of fizzy delight. With a driving bass line weaving sweet grooves between the exhilarating sound while punchy drums whack out that all important foundation these guys flood their track with character and emotion. The velvety vocals caress the youth filled sprightly melody while the zesty guitar entwines the alternative pop sound with classic rock finesse and grandeur adding speckles of sun kissed scintillation throughout. With a shredding solo and catchy lyrics ‘Foolish’ is a blistering energetic indie banger. 

The video sees the five lads working in their local newsagents, with it being left in the delicate hands of guitarist Jonjo Caton, who seems to take his job far too seriously, eventually leading to some frustration from his colleagues and ultimately, his demise.

You can catch the band live at :

25th July – The Hawley Arms, London 

10th August – Dronfest, Dronfield 

16th August – Peakender, Bakewell

29th August – Lending Room, Leeds

Full tour to follow in November.

Stream ‘Foolish’ below 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Spitfires ‘Enough Is Enough’

The Spitfires have released their new single ‘Enough Is Enough’.The band have had a #1 album in the UK Independent Chart and have supported the likes of Paul Weller. 2019 saw the band relentlessly tour across the UK and Europe.

‘Enough Is Enough’ is a vibrant indie number that showcases The Spitfires sophisticated and diverse musicianship. With funky rhythms bouncing through light guitar flurries while triumphant horn elements blast through the catchy melodies and soft vocals this track is energetic and brimming with passion. The rich percussion creates a dance along bop and shimmy as the emotive lyrics and radiant textures create a smooth easy listen effect while the zest filled guitars add a dash of edginess to the song. This breezy, lush track is a sublime new addition to The Spitfires repertoire.

The band have also announced a coinciding ‘Enough Is Enough’ tour for October, so there’s plenty going on! They’ll be heading to:

4th Oct – Bootleg Social / Blackpool

5th Oct – The Grand / Clitheroe

10th Oct – The Forum / Tunbridge Wells

12th Oct – Chinnerys / Southend

18th Oct – Moles / Bath

24th Oct – Old Courts / Wigan

26th Oct – Polar Bear / Hull

21st Dec – 229 / London

Stream ‘Enough Is Enough’ below


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Covasettes ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ EP

The Covasettes have released their debut EP ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’. Catching the summer sun and bottling it in this glorious four track EP The Covasettes have captured summer and made it bite-size and ready to unleash anytime of the year for nostalgic daydreaming or for enjoying as you create those summer memories. Brimming with zesty radiant guitar and catchy melodies each track is a lustrous gem. From the energetic  ‘Twit Twoo’ with its rooted groove, jagged guitar and carefree atmosphere to ‘You & I’ an energetic love smothered sprightly number,this four piece present us with a youthful burst of exhilarating indie. They layer their tracks superbly with a heavier crashing instrumental backdrop for the crescendos while remaining buoyant and sun kissed. Each track is a delight on the ears. Delicious melodies grace the jaunty backdrop for the sing along friendly ‘Let’s Go’ while the warm and easy on the ears vocals from Chris Buxton adds a charming quality to the songs. With elastic bass lines running riot around the punchy buoyant drums, these guys set a strong, dance floor coaxing foundation to their sound. The EP’s  beach time, adrenaline inducing pace is relentless right up to the final track ‘Fine Lines’. Golden guitar jingles flood the track with glimmers of scintillation while the breezy jaunty backdrop keeps you craving more. 

‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ encapsulates summer as The Covasettes flesh out their tight fun indie pop through glorious infectious melodies, big choruses and sublime instrumentation. A fantastic feel good debut EP from this young four piece. 

Commenting on the EP , frontman Chris Buxton said: “To me, it’s the best piece of work we’ve ever done, each track gives you something different from the last, but they all come together to paint part of a bigger picture. It’s something we were really keen to achieve, we didn’t want to put four ‘random’ songs together and call it an EP, we wanted to create a journey that people can jump into and I really do feel we’ve achieved that. We’ve been consumed by this EP for the last 6 months, and we’ve been speaking about it for 6 months before that, so it feels so good to be finally putting it out. Every time we’ve had a spare few minutes we’ve been sat recording, tweaking and slaving over this EP and we couldn’t be more proud of it. It really feels like the next chapter for us, we’ve had an incredible start to 2019 and now we have this to propel us to the next level; I just can’t wait to see what everyone thinks to it… I’d be telling a lie if I said we weren’t all a little bit nervous.”

Stream ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ below 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Jack Rua and LOGUOS ‘Ego’

Dublin based innovative pop artist Jack Rua and producer LOGUOS  have released their new collaboration ‘Ego’. Written and produced by Jack Rua & LOGUOS, ‘Ego’ combines the performative talents of Jack Rua with the slick electronic production of LOGUOS to create an incredibly infectious summer dance floor filler. With its catchy melody swirling electronics and snappy rhythm this dazzling glitter ball is radio ready and brimming with adrenaline. The smooth and dynamic vocals glide effortlessly upon the velvety melody as the crisp and glossy production adds a pearly luster and silky sheen to the track. With a jazzy piano feature and flashing soundscapes laced in richly layered electronics and refined musicianship  ‘Ego’ is one dance infused banger. 

Watch the video for ‘Ego’ below 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Gin Palace Self -Titled EP

Northern Irish band Gin Palace have released their debut self-titled EP. The band have created a three track EP brimming with sun sprinkled indie and sublime melodies. With intricate jangly guitar weaving beautiful zest drizzled melodies throughout each track the EP is a delight and easy on the ears. ‘Sophia Loren’ sets the EP in motion allowing the wonderful guitar lines to flourish through a buoyant rhythm and groove infested bass. ‘Passing By’ follows with evening sun set tones and sombre hues while ‘Mondegreen’ closes the EP with a slow dance croon. Delicate and moonlit the track drifts on a steady beat and passionate melody while the brass element pines and laments through the swoony soundscape.

Gin Palace take us from scorching summers days to chill evenings with this sublime three track EP. Their use of brass floods each track with warmth and rich textures however its those golden intricate guitar melodies that lifts the tracks and makes them so charming and captivating. It’s a sublime debut EP from Gin Palace as they showcase their precise and compelling musicianship.

Stream ‘Gin Palace’ below 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Sheratons ‘Part of a Picture’

Leeds indie rock band The Sheratons have released their new single ‘Part of a Picture’.The band is fronted by singer and lead guitarist Kane Bulleyment with Caty Labbett playing bass, Finley Ryan on guitar and the secret weapon powering the band, Emma Liu on drums. Since their formation they have caught the ears of BBC 6 DJ Steve Lamacq and BBC Introducing DJ Alan Raw.

‘Part of a Picture’ is a fluttering swoon of nostalgic indie at its most invigorating. Zest filled jangly guitar weaves radiant golden sunshine through the punchy drums and groove laced bass to create a youthful rush of adrenaline. The laid back vocals drift effortlessly over the melty melody while the vivid instrumentation floods the track in suspenseful bliss and kinetic energy.Its a catchy and instantly likeable number from The Sheratons.

Watch the video for ‘Part of a Picture’ below