Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

Fast Trains ‘Measure by Measure’ EP

Following on from debut track ‘Measure by Measure’, Tom Wells has released the ‘Measure by Measure’ EP ,further building on his Fast Trains solo project. Comprised of two additional tracks,again written and recorded by Wells primarily in his home studio,the EP continues the exclusive relationship between Fast Trains and YouTube.

‘Measure by Measure’ EP is a beautifully melodic three track treasure filled with rich instrumentation, lush production and crisp musicianship. The pop sprinkled melodies caress the ethereal, joyous and gripping instrumentation superbly, creating a wholly satisfying listening experience.

Title track ‘Measure by Measure’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie sets the EP up with lush melodies,flashing electronics and velvety vocals creating a  sweet joyful tone and easy listening atmosphere for the tracks to follow. With twinkling guitars warming the cockles of your soul the soothing and melodically beautiful ‘Higher than Everyone’ follows. The song is an uplifting ode to new beginnings that begins simple as a soft guitar and drum pattern coax the track into your ears before it builds into a cheery ditty. ‘This Wondrous Foe’ brings an emotional end to the EP. With its slower tempo, brooding delicate groove and touching lyrical content – it is a soothing gem to ease the EP out. With a lamenting pine on guitar, ethereal soundscape and cosy vocals this track is a comforting lush number to wrap your ears in instrumental, dreamy bliss. The song builds to a rich chorus that holds a charming tone of hope. The lyrics tackle depression and emotional distress but the chorus offers a helping hand to those who may be struggling. It’s a sublime way to end the EP.

Stream ‘Measure by Measure’ EP below


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

Le Boom ‘Just Want To’

photo credit :Peter Fleming

Dublin-based electronic-pop duo, Le Boom (who can count Christine of Christine and the Queens as a fan),comprised of producer, Christy Leech, and vocalist, Aimie Mallon have released the video for their new single, ‘Just Want To’ taken from the forthcoming EP, ‘All Of My Highs’ out May 3. Directed by Alina Maria Rancier on Long Island, NY ‘Just Want To’ thematically picks apart social insecurities. Le Boom had a thrilling 2018, performing across some of Europe’s largest festivals – Primavera, Body & Soul and Electric Picnic to-boot – whilst also taking their eccentric live show to Reykjavik, New York and Bilbao. The duo continued by selling out an Irish headline tour – including a stop at Dublin’s 1000-capacity District 8 venue – and achieving playlist success at Spotify, attaining spots on ’New Music Friday’ & ‘Hot New Bands’ amongst others.

‘Just Want To’ is a dazzling electronic gem consumed in flashing soundscapes with an infectious groove providing that buoyant backbone.The hypnotising beat flutters and slaps behind the shimmering synths creating a compelling prismatic effect that sparkles and summons you to the dance floor. With soft vocals cooing over the melty melody with a delicate sweetness this shuffle-ready shimmy number is a mesmerising electronic ditty filled with rich layering and tangible textures.The keys hop and flutter about the ethereal atmosphere adding to the buoyancy and likeability of the track. Le Boom have created an enthralling infectious number to lose yourself in.

Watch ‘Just Want To’ below


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

Lord Baltimore ’Antiheroes’

Lord Baltimore has released his new single ’Antiheroes’. Lord Baltimore (Jack Doyle) is a Maryland-born, Brooklyn-based bass player and producer. He was recently tapped to be a featured artist on Bonaventure’s 88.3 WSBU,the highest-rated college radio station in the nation; additionally, his track ‘Antiheroes’ is the lead single off of his first E.P., ‘Duende, the first of a series of three E.P.s inspired by the artistic theories of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca.

‘Antiheroes’ is a dark smokey concoction shimmering through sticky beats and swirling electronics. The beat bubbles and boils behind Doyle’s passionate vocals while the fuzz-fueled electronics build the track to its most fermented brew. It’s tantalizing, dramatic with enough eerier haunting mystery and sultry atmospheric twists to keep it on repeat. This late-night wanderer twinkles through the verses as Doyle narrates the shady goings on while delicate hair-raising guitars glisten through the mournful yet darkly luring melody. It’s a gripping, cinematic and fascinating track from Lord Baltimore.

Watch the video for ‘Antiheroes’ below


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

Kios ‘Asleep’

Kios have released their new single ‘Asleep’. Kios is an indie rock band out of Nashville, TN. The three piece is made up of Cole (vocals/guitar), Aaron (drums), and Mitch (bass).

With its delightful vitality and tight musicianship ‘Asleep’ is a refreshing sun soaked indie gem from Kios. Zest filled guitars playfully meander throughout the track injecting tasty fruity bursts while the punchy drums and elastic bass set that shimmy-ready, groovy foundation. It’s an infectious uplifting track that radiates sunshine and good times from every note while Kios showcase their slick fun sound. With smooth vocals gliding effortlessly on the melty honey drizzled melody this catchy radiant number is instantly like-able and another euphoric tune from Kios.

Stream ‘Asleep’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From whenyoung

London’s (via Limerick) whenyoung have announced they will be releasing their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Reasons to Dream’, through Virgin EMI on the 24th May. In anticipation of the album release the band have released their new single, ‘Future’ which tells the story of a close friend who sadly took their own life, while also striving to find a message of hope in the darkness.

‘Future’ is sweet fizzy indie rock at its most exhilarating and refreshing. whenyoung present a tender wholesome number bursting to the seams with vibrant delicious instrumentation while tackling a striking and emotional theme. Filled with elegance and ethereal innocence, this driving track soars and chimes with glorious guitar moments sparkling gracefully between a peppy beat and passionate vocals. These guys pay attention to detail – from the short clap clap moments to haunting backing vocals, lush harmonies and refined, dignified guitars this track has everything to charm the hearts and minds of the nation. The melody, coated in Aoife Power’s heavenly vocals is infectious and warm. These guys can write a tune that will have you singing along, dancing in seconds and with a strong meaningful lyrical content they are the band to watch.

The video was directed by award winning short film maker Michael Baldwin and stars young actor Badger Skelton, who featured in Tom Beards critically acclaimed ‘Two for Joy.’ It takes inspiration from Wim Wenders’ New German Cinema classic, ‘Wings of Desire’, showing the trials of suburban youth in stark monochrome.

Watch the video for ‘Future’ below


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

Mini Mansions ‘Hey Lover’

Mini Mansions have shared a video for their new song ‘Hey Lover’, starring The Kills’ Alison Mosshart. The song follows their recent single ‘Gummy Bear’, which was released earlier this year and both tracks will feature on the trio’ s upcoming third album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’

‘Hey Lover’ is a bittersweet libation for indie and psych lovers alike. It is as beautiful and delicate as it is raw and sharp. This guzzle of pop shimmered delight is that breathtaking slow burner that glimmers with emotion and pristine melodies on a sizable instrumental backdrop. A 60’s pop melody floats and swoons over a buoyant beat and twinkling synths while Michael Shuman’s smoky whispers caress the lyrics with steamy seduction as he coos and blends perfectly with Alison Mosshart’s sultry tone. The elegant guitar weaves majestically through the rich rhythms while the jangly keys playfully bounce about the track creating a sugar sweet quality and wonderfully light texture to the song. The band meander from a graceful innocence to lustful messy arrangement with grace and refinement as the track progresses to a psych-blasted crescendo of distortion and intensity. The track flows with a twinkling fluidity that is masterful, each component part adds a new dimension to the track making each subsequent listen just as exhilarating as the first. With a sweet melodic bridge leading to the final chorus-explosion Mini Mansions tease their upcoming album with another mouth watering tune.

Mini Mansions are set to release ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ on July 26 via Fiction Records. Ahead of its release, they will embark on a UK headline and festival tour. Shuman’s Queens Of The Stone Age bandmate Jon Theodore will be joining them on drums for the live dates.

You can catch Mini Mansions Live at :

May 2019

4 – Leeds, Live At Leeds Festival

5 – Newcastle, Hit The North Festival

6 – Glasgow, King Tuts

8 – Dublin, Whelans

9 – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds

11 – Brighton, The Great Escape Festival

12 – Southampton, Joiners

13 – Exeter, The Cavern

14 – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach

16 – Bedford, Esquires

17 – Cambridge, Portland Arms

18 – Norwich, Waterfront Studio

20 – Sheffield, Picturehouse Social

21 – Tunbridge Wells, The Forum

22 – London, Islington Assembly Hall

23 – Liverpool, District

24 – Manchester, Dot To Dot Festival

25 – Bristol, Dot To Dot Festival

26 – Nottingham, Dot To Dot Festival

Watch the video for ‘Hey Lover’ below


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

James Burke ‘Less Than Binding’

Boston self produced indie artist James Burke has released his new single ‘Less Than Binding’ from his upcoming album ‘Future Eye’. He creates interesting, adhesive tracks that submerge you entirely in a unique and tantalizing world created by Burke. ‘Less Than Binding’ fleshes out his sound with its beautiful and elegant composition, precise spacing and luscious electronics. It’s an experience through beat taps, organ- esque keys and reverb. There is an R&B feel to the track with a pop drizzled melody as the laid back vocals drown you in the chilled vibe of this dreamy song. With its aerial approach and ethereal crisp production  ‘Less Than Binding’ builds…broods and bubbles into a moody mesmerising beauty.

Stream ‘Less Than Binding’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

The ÆTHER ‘ÆTHEREAL’ Album

Promising Singer/Songwriter hailing from North East England, The ÆTHER, aka David has released his second studio album ‘ÆTHEREAL’. Written during the British heatwave of 2018,  the album is a collection of optimistic tracks, underscored with hope, resilience and a love of life.

‘ÆTHEREAL’ is a richly diverse and perfectly blended collection of electronic, dance, indie, funk and pop. The ÆTHER delivers a tasty nine track assortment that is the perfect summer soundtrack. His luscious pop melodies saturate each track in deliciousness while his soulful vocals are full of emotional tenderness that holds everything together. From the electronic ‘Im So Sorry’ and ‘Urgh’ with their chicness and 70’s funk flecked choruses the album is doused in suave romantic tones. Tracks like ‘Miracle’, ‘Deep In Love’ bring that dance laced summer vibe and free “caution to the wind “ atmosphere while packing in deep lyric content between the flashing electronics, swirling dazed soundscapes and funky guitar. The falsetto vocals are particularly sweet and showcase Davids’ warm range. ‘Sun & Moon’, ‘Like No Other Can’ takes us from the dance party to a chilled soul / R&B hued slow mover. It’s a slick romantic number to dim the light to and swoon over. ‘I Can’t Take This Feeling’ is the emotional sorrow filled track of the album that brings stormy clouds and rain filled with turmoil with contrasting electronics and dark beats.  The ÆTHER brings the album to a close with two tender heartfelt numbers ‘I Think Im Falling Going Nowhere’ and ‘Let Me Adorn You’.

‘ÆTHEREAL’ is filled with delicate tones, chilled vibes and oodles of soul which contrast beautifully against the albums dynamic electronics and funky guitar injections. Each song flows into the next with zealous finesse while the smooth vocals caress and glide over the melty melodies. It’s a charming album.

You can catch The ÆTHER live at:

13th April Tynemouth Surfcafe – Newcastle

9th June Chapel Arts Centre – Bath

Stream ‘ÆTHEREAL’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Extons

Four piece Indie rock band The Extons have released their new single ‘No Hope’. Based in Kings Lynn the band is comprised of Adam Garwood ( Lead Guitar), Will barnes (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar)  Peter Catlin (Drums) and Ciaran Liam (bass)


‘No Hope’ is a shimmering blast of indie bliss. With glistening zesty guitars spinning ethereal whirs of delight over the punchy backdrop The Extons capture youthful adrenaline through this dynamic track. Smooth vocals melt over the sweet passionate melody while the snappy drums bounce through the rooted bass groove. It’s a heart gripping energising number that showcases this bands refined spirited musicianship. Warm rapid verses lead effortlessly into a crowd ready sing along chorus filled with explosive vigor and dynamism creating the perfect summer anthemic tune. The guitars shrill and pierce through this bubbly indie gem with finesse and grandeur making it one instant rush to the head. Keep an eye on these guys. 

Stream ‘No Hope’ below


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

Third Smoke ‘We Run In Bare Feet’

Irish Alternative-Indie collective Third Smoke have released their new single ‘We Run In Bare Feet’. The band have been making their mark with wild, energetic performances in national slots supporting Glen Hansard, Le Galaxie and Delorentos as well as their own UK tour and headline appearances at Whelan’s, the Roisin Dubh and the Spirit Store. Last year also saw the collective perform for the first time at Ireland’s leading live music series Other Voices as well as appearing at a range of notable festivals including Longitude, Electric Picnic and Sea Sessions. Their releases have garnered support from Today FM, Spin 103.8, BBC Northern Island, RTE Radio 1 and RTE2FM.

‘We Run In Bare Feet’ is a biting anthemic number that floods with adrenaline and intensity from the get go. These guys kick the emotion lever up to maximum with a pounding drum progression which pulses and throbs a heart racing rush through your veins while jangly guitars soar, sting and shrill through the all consuming soundscape. Not only is this track breathtaking, Hugh Donlon’s vocals pack one hell of a punch. His powerful wails, deep passionate tones and mighty exclaims are filled with such gusto its captivating as he surges emotion into the track leaving you hanging on the edge of your seat. The song is a dance friendly ethereal tune overflowing with energy as airy guitars inject sweet blasts and breezy stings into a razor sharp melody which slices and shreds through the shaky soundscape. Third Smoke have created a powerful melody-driven track that is punchy, crisp and a griping thrill ride.

You can catch Third Smoke live at :

26TH April – The Sound House | Dublin

Stream ‘We Run In Bare Feet’ below