Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop

The Gallerys ‘Lucid Trail’ EP

Kent alternative rock band The Gallerys have released their new EP ‘Lucid Trail’. The band comprised of James Wood (Vocals / Guitar / Percussion), Craig Barden (Vocals / Bass / Piano) and Dan Mags (Backing vocals / Drums / Percussion) have performed at Isle of Wight Festival,  supported Louis Berry, Madness, The Sherlocks, The Blinders, The King Blues, The Skints, The Rifles and The Bluetones (national tours) as well as headline shows in their own right along with over 120,000 Spotify streams and features from BBC Introducing and Fred Perry Subculture.The new EP ‘Lucid Trail’ was recorded at Squarehead Studios in Sittingbourne, Kent. It was mixed and produced by Dave Young and it was mastered by James Simpson. The EP artwork is by Estudio and the photography is by Pete Ray.

‘Lucid Trail’ blends dreamy delicate 60’s pop flavours with indie, britpop and new wave hues.There is plenty of sweet tones and ethereal vibes fluttering through this EP. Title track ‘Lucid Trail’ is a beautifully tender acoustic track which glides and wisps gently around a steady beat, warm vocals and soothing acoustic guitar. The heartwarming wholesome tones flood through each track on the EP and make it such a glorious easy listen.Each song overflows with sparkling melodies as the arrangements sustain a balance between sweet simplicity and rich intricacy.The gloomy Smiths- esque ‘Shadow Street’ showcases the trios tight harmonies and catchy melodic flow as they venture into their heavier more alternative rock side. The rhythms throughout the EP supply a steady foundation for the luscious melodies to playfully wander around while adding a joyful bounce and meaty punch at times. ‘Steady Beat’ in particular fleshes out the weighty side to their sound. It is a little punk- like as jagged guitars slice through the hefty drum whacks while the vocals become a dash more aggressive.The band bring the EP to a close with the heavenly ‘Silver Lining’. Another blast of lush harmonies, glorious melodies and a 60’s pop vibe.

The Gallerys provide something for everyone with this enthralling EP. Shredding guitar solos, cosy luscious melodies and tender emotional tones all seamlessly blended into a short four track spin.

Stream ‘Lucid Trail’ below


Alt- Pop, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, New Music, Soul

Gold Complex ‘Driver’

Toronto’s dynamic 8-piece band Gold Complex have released their new single ‘Driver’.Having regularly sold out renowned venues such as Lee’s Palace, The Horseshoe Tavern and the MOD Club as well as having back-to-back sold out showcases at Canadian Music Week, Gold Complex is grounded in their love for energetic live performance. Following the release of their self-titled EP (currently available worldwide), Gold Complex performed on camera and had their music licensed on the television series Open Heart, currently on Netflix. They have been in regular rotation on CBC Radio One, CUIT FM and college/community radio nationwide. The band is set to release their debut full-length album ‘New Soul’ on February 22nd.

‘Driver’ is a slinky slice of funk flavoured pop rock. Richly garnished this spicy number groves and glides with swagger swept through a three-piece horn section and smooth vocal harmonies. Very classy and chic these guys roll out a velvet carpet of suave instrumentation with a delicate melty melody caressed with soft passionate vocals and a steady beat. The steamy romantic horn section lifts and adds a vaporous quality to the tropical shuffling rhythm while the vibrant chorus twinkles with panache and vibrancy. With funky elements weaving between smooth sultry tones this full bodied number charms and teases its way through a sweet blend of genres. It’s modern, crisp and refined as Gold Complex pack this track to the brim with soul and zest.

Stream ‘Driver’ below


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

Ten Fé ‘Coasting’

Ten Fé have released their new single ‘Coasting’ taken from their upcoming sophomore record ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ due for release March 8th via Some Kinda Love/PIAS. This beautiful number drifts along a majestic charming melody while elegant keys flutter between a steady peppy beat and warm toned guitars. Ten Fé write music for the soul each note floods with richness and heartwarming cosiness as they blend cold fresh tones with warm glows and exquisite melodies. A little woozy, tender and dreamy -this crisp number is tight, rhythmically rich and fluid as it cruises in sweet tones and earthy flutters reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac with the glorious Ten Fé stamp driving it into its most graceful and lovable state – another heavenly track from Ten Fé.

The band have just announced their biggest-yet tour of the UK, Europe & US in Spring 2019 to promote ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ check out the dates here https://www.tenfemusic.co.uk/

Stream ‘Coasting’ below


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

whenyoung ‘Never Let Go’

Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut EP, ‘Given Up’, whenyoung are back with their dazzling new single, ‘Never Let Go’, released through Virgin EMI. 2018 was a landmark year for the young band. It’s seen them perform in Dublin as part of Shane Mcgowan’s 60th birthday celebration alongside the likes of Nick Cave and Sinead O’Connor. They played a stunning set at the Other Voices festival and they’ve also supported the likes of Dream Wife, The Vaccines and Blossoms. The band are kicking off 2019 with a UK tour in February, including their biggest headline show in London to date at the Electrowerkz in Angel. Not to mention they’ll be heading out to the states to play the iconic South by South West Festival in Austin,Texas

‘Never Let Go’ is a lustrous slice of guitar driven indie pop bursting from the seams with whenyoung’s glossy musicianship, raw refined instrumentation and exhilarating soundscapes. Aoife Power’s angelic vocals caress the dreamy melody as she sweetly purrs with a soft tone of hopefulness through a steady drum foundation. Beautiful biting guitar lines are always a glorious feature in this trios songs and ‘Never Let Go’ follows this superb trend. The glistening, ethereal guitars sprinkle warm golden tones while plucking sweetly at the heartstrings with a melty tender melody. The track slowly floats and flutters around your ears delicately however the layers of chiming guitars and rich rhythm create a gripping edginess that strikes hard. Another swirling richly textured tune of bliss from whenyoung.

About the track Aoife Power explains “It’s a song about mental health and hope.It’s a message to let people know that you can share your pain with others. It’s a reminder that someone is always there for you even in the darkest times. There is always a reason to not let go.”

Watch the video for ‘Never Let Go’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Saytr Play ‘Bang Average’

Manchester Indie Pop outfit Saytr Play are back with their energetic new single ‘Bang Average’, This follows the release of ‘Fragile’, their catchy dance inspired hit with a strong message about mental health. ‘Bang Average’ is also produced by Courteeners Bass Player and long-time collaborator Joe Cross and is to be released on his own ‘Lovers Music’ label. Over the past few years the band have sold-out several headline shows at some of Manchester’s most iconic music venues as well as appearing at Brighton’s The Great Escape Festival. Last year they played Tramlines in Sheffield and Kendal Calling.

‘Bang Average’ is that catchy ear-worm that wriggles its way into your brain. It all starts  with that Pulp flavoured guitar jingle travelling suavely all the way to the punchy drum beat making your foot tap uncontrollably, then you’re singing the oh so smooth melody and before you know it the elastic bass groove is leaving you frothing at the mouth for more of Saytr Play’sjuicy blissful sound. It’s snappy and buoyant as it charmingly glissades into the intoxicating danceable chorus.Dramatic and brimming with oodles of energy these guys have provided an adrenaline rush and exhilarating number to dance, bop and sing along to.

Saytr Play headline Gorilla in Manchester on Feburary 22nd.

Stream ‘Bang Average’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Perx self titled EP

The Perx have released their debut self titled EP. The duo formed of Ryan ( who has played in Decibel Project, Quiet the Pilot, El Robo) and Jeremy (who has played in I Hate Kate and Space Camp Stowaways} have written, recorded and produced everything on the EP themselves.

This EP struts, seeps and steams swagger with kinetic tunes laced in vibrant melodies, infectious grooves and a slicked back suaveness to make you swoon. There is something for everyone in this luscious collection, ‘California Kids’ is a delicious sun kissed edgy electronic rock flavour for our taste buds while ‘Summertime Lovely’ slaps on a cheeky attitude and spicy sass leaving you craving more.Both these tracks rush with adrenaline pumping grooves, sharp slinky guitar embellishment and a catchy melody that charms it’s pop sprinkled bliss into your head for days. With strut quality, dazzling soundscapes and clean, crisp production The Perx set this EP up to be one that leaves you drooling. That bass in ‘Summertime Lovely’ is just too good. ‘The City’s Kiss’ changes the tone a little with a heavy wall of sound holding a meaty feverous backdrop for the delicate lonely melody. Swirling electronics whirl around fuzzed guitars and punchy drums as the reverb laced vocals coo through this intense sound. It’s sweltering, edgy, sticky and brimming with red hot emotion. ‘The Dreamer’ is a soft little ditty that sits snugly between the dynamic electricity of the EP. It’s a swayable catchy gem that floats on fluffy clouds, acoustic guitar bliss and wispy ethereal soundscapes. This is the stuff of soothing dreams as the tender vocals glide upon a heavenly delicate backdrop.The duo decide to close the album on the funky flex of ‘For The 49th Time’ as a shimmy ready groove bounces and hops around zesty guitar jabs and syrupy electronics. The guitar melody is divine in this track as it glimmers scintillation throughout creating the perfect summer chilling tune.

Each track on this EP is lovable, refined and catchy as hell. The Perx EP is meticulously crafted and finely layered creating a satisfying joyful listen. Everyone needs to know these guys. They are one heck of a dynamic duo.

Stream The Perx EP below



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

doops ‘Tall Whites’

Reading based alternative three piece doops have released their new single ‘Tall Whites’.The band have already supported the likes of ‘Touts’, ‘King Nun’ & ‘Bloody Knees’ off the back of a BBC Introducing played  DIY home demo.With packed out local shows including Are You Listening Festival? & Readipop, they have built a strong following on the promising Reading scene and are starting to extend this grip through the South following a handful of out of town shows earlier last year.

‘Tall Whites’ broods and eerily spirals into a darker more deeply atmospheric side to doops. Twinkling light guitars ache and pierce through the throbbing snappy beat as the soft vocals coo through the suspenseful verses. This track wriggles, creeps and seeps into your mind and scratches at your musical membrane, awakening all the senses. With a whistling feature adding a dash of cheer into the stewing dark concoction this track is mesmerising and thrilling to the core. Flickering rhythms build the tension as the vocals slither into the kinetic chorus. doops build the track masterfully layering each element meticulously as guitars flash like lightning through the thick mesmeric soundscapes before the mind crushing crescendo. Another fascinating track from doops.

Stream ‘Tall Whites’ below


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

Mikey Mike ‘Life on Earth’ EP

Music industry enigma and Rick Rubin-produced songwriter Mikey Mike has released his first EP  ‘Life on Earth’. With singles twice premiered as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record, this three-song project is the precursor to ‘Mikey Mike’s Life on Earth,’ a singular album release that will be his sole body of work for his entire lifetime, released in volumes and complete only upon his death. To ensure the listeners had the full experience with the Life on Earth EP, Mikey teamed up with cannabis brand Califari to create custom pre-rolls that are one-of-a-kind, being one of the only CBD pre-rolls available.


‘Life on Earth’ is a tasty swirl of alternative indie pop with some trippy blissed out moments making this flavourful EP oh so satisfying. The feel good ‘Cooler’ struts in as the first, laid back track on the EP. Doused in chilled fun vibes with zesty guitar jangles through a danceable groove and breezy soundscape this delicious fruity track glides in, suave and ready to make your day that bit brighter. Mikey swaggers through the track with smooth vocals steeped in attitude as the vibrant backdrop slithers its way into your ears until you are hooked. It’s a charming EP that fleshes out the variety in Mikey’s musicianship. ‘Strange Times’ brings a darker side to the EP as Mikey raps over haunting backing vocals and warm guitar whines. It’s a striking number well crafted for an enjoyable listen. With a hint of soul blended throughout there is something for everyone here. Final track ‘Cut My Hair’ returns to the laid back energetic atmosphere as a clap along rhythm slaps between a delicious infectious melody. The swirling soundscapes add a dreamy quality to the track as it wisps and dances around the sun kissed guitar twinkles and vibrant vocals. 


Mikey Mike has created the perfect breezy EP that is short, sweet and trippy with the perfect blends of indie, rock, rap and pop. It’s endearing, easy on the ears and lusciously crafted. 
Stream ‘Life on Earth’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Ten Fé


London’s Ten Fé have released their new single ‘Echo Park’ taken from their upcoming sophomore album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’, due for release on Some Kinda Love/PIAS on March 8th. This dreamy laid back track glides upon a sultry bass groove as luscious guitar sweeps fill the track with an easy going vibe. The smooth melody melts upon the breezy backdrop as the warm vocals coo and soothe throughout. This mellow tune is effortlessly suave with deep lush musicianship, elastic bass and a relaxed light beat. It’s heart-felt and sweet as Ten Fé create a soft summers day tune to cruise along to.

About the track the band said: “It was written shortly after getting back from our tour of the States last year. We’d spent the last few days staying in an apartment in Echo Park, and hanging out in different places around the city, always driving around with the radio on. Our heads were still very much in that place when we returned home, and the more sultry feel of this song was evocative of that time. It’s a conversation between two friends, one offering his advice to the other – it’s in the spirit of being a band out in L.A, loved up, blissed out, getting each other’s backs “. 


The band have just announced their biggest-yet tour of the UK, Europe & US in Spring 2019 to promote ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’, and have just added new dates in Manchester UK, Washington DC, Ottowa and Montreal .Check out their facebook page for the dates here https://www.facebook.com/tenfemusic/


Stream ‘Echo Park’ below


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

musicsleepsinvanity ‘Making Waves’

musicsleepsinvanity is the latest project brought to us by Melbourne based artist, Peter Gilbert who has now released his new single ‘Making Waves’.


‘Making Waves’ drifts and flows delicately along snapping electronics which swirl and flutter creating an ethereal atmosphere while the flickering beat slaps brood and surge the track with depth. The soft melody cruises along the tender emotional tones as Gilbert’s velvety sweet vocals coo through the gripping backdrop. The synth embellishments mangled between the heavy beat and guitar distortion creates an innocent flow to the track as it both gently twinkles and stomps. Moving and sweetly presented this well crafted track is easy on the ears and deeply emotive with a hefty substance driving it forward.


Stream ‘Making Waves’ below