Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

Pixi Ink ‘Blue Ink’ EP

UK based Irish Singer-Songwriter/Producer Pixi Ink has released her debut EP ‘Blue Ink’ through independent label Audio Assassins Records.This darkly coated dreamy collection of tracks gloop and slop in a brooding eerie concoction of finely blended indie and trip hop. Each track slowly creeps and crawls into the next building the intense hazy atmosphere as Pixi coos lushly over noir pop melodies. Her spine tingling sultry sound chills you to your very core. ‘Leave The Door Ajar’ kicks the EP into motion. It’s menacing and thrilling as Pixi’s drowsy vocals caress the sinister lethargic melody while guitar whines and dark electronics create a mysterious backdrop. Pixi sprinkles a softer almost angelic atmosphere into the first half of ‘Old Friend’ with glistening light soundscapes between lush vocals and peppy beats before damping all the fluttering freshness for the second half of the track where sombre keys and melancholic vocals mourn. It’s a little choppy as she fluctuates between textures, sounds and atmospheres however this never seems out of place everything still flows gloriously together. ‘Paper Dreams’ is indeed dreamy and floaty as Pixi’s sultry coo’s mirror a Lana Del Rey vibe as a sticky beat, glistening keys and ethereal soundscapes float and glide around the gentle melody.It’s tranquilizing and soothing. Each track takes its time, paced perfectly creating a wholly satisfying world that consumes you entirely in Pixi’s extraordinary sound. ‘Tragic Tale’ adds a dash of edgy sass to the EP. A little 60’s-esque with the melty melody and sway like flow. This luring track is a cheeky ditty that hops along a fidgeting beat. ‘Sunrise‘ flickers and dazzles with flashing electronics, skittish beats and lush vocal lulls. Its delicate yet fierce all at once with seriously haunting tones swirling through a refreshing light atmosphere. The EP comes to a  moody close with ‘How Evergreen’. Pixi languishes in dark guitar twinkles and trip hop skips as the R&B hued melody showcases a new tonality to her beautiful vocals.

‘Blue Ink’ is a captivating collection of tracks meandering elegantly from dark sinister indie tones to light refreshing sprinkles of pop with some sublime trip hop providing that meaty backbone. Pixi Ink is one to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Blue Ink’ below 


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

Kohla ‘S/he’

Edinburgh Electronic/Alt. R&B artist Rachel Johnson has released her debut single  ‘S/he’ under the moniker Kohla . A fine arts graduate Kohla was writing rock music until last year where she suffered a vocal injury and in turn listened to a lot of hip hop, alt R&B and rap while she was recovering. ‘Kohla’ is a debut of alternative R&B, influenced by Banks, FKA Twigs and James Blake among others, with ‘S/he’ being thematically about jealously, disdain and pride. The artwork was also drawn by Kohla.

‘S/he’ is a molten R&B hued number laced with tension as Kohla unfolds her carefully crafted fierce yet vulnerable sound over a gripping backdrop. Her gentle voice coos through the soft melody with her warm lower range or sweet frail and breathy falsetto creating a delicate easy on the ears seduction . The steady sticky beat is constant through the fluid haunting backing vocals and all round eerie dreamy atmosphere. It’s elegant, sassy and filled with refined class as Kohla announces herself with this steamy darkly coated track.

Stream S/he’ below


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

Juniper Nights ‘Future Spring’

Oxford four piece rock band Juniper Nights have released their new single ‘Future Spring’. The band consisting of James Gallagher (Vocals/Guitar), Zach Wilmott (Guitar), Marty Melvin (Bass), and Tom Lindsay (Drums) create contrasting atmospheric soundscapes with aggressive guitar-rock.

‘Future Spring’ is a tasty melodic number that bounces along a jagged guitar hook, buoyant rhythmic section and ethereal soundscape. The laid back melody tips away at the verses building steadily into the mighty chorus and dynamic crescendo. It’s easy going with glorious little bass grooves that weave a sublime meaty yet elastic foundation while the sparkling and thrilling guitar lines glisten over this gripping backdrop before shredding through the chorus. Juniper Nights ability to blend the easy-going sweet and razor-sharp bitterness seamlessly is powerful and pretty impressive adding vibrancy and rich depth to the track. Future Spring is well crafted with melodies that tickle the ear, swell the heart, moisten the tear ducts all while filling you with that ” fist-pump might” to have you swaying and singing powerfully along. The refined production reveals sublime new facets upon each listen as meticulous guitar injections, slithering licks and vivid strikes create the ultimate tasty backing for this mellow potent number.

Stream ‘Future Spring’ below



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

Farebrother ‘I’d Be the Worst’

Bath-born alternative rock outfit Farebrother have released their new single  ‘I’d Be the Worst’.After releasing roaring singles ‘A Little Late’ and ‘Rewind’ in 2017, which have a collective 140,000+ streams on Spotify, Farebrother have been developing their sound at legendary Rockfield Studios and ‘I’d Be the Worst’ is the glorious result.

This swagger steeped delight announces Farebrother’s triumphant return with slicked back confidence and a dazzlingly infectious glossy pop exterior. With punchy drums, jangly guitar and strut ready panache this track swarms in – animated, catchy and filled with charm and charisma. Those jagged riffs slicing through the funk flavoured bass grooves and danceable beat takes this bands sound to another glistening suave level. Blending the rugged raw rock with silky disco hues, steamy guitar licks and lustrous indie elements Farebrother pull another doozy out of the bag.

Stream ‘I’d Be the Worst’ below


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

Last One Home ‘Give You The World’

Pop Rock trio Last One Home have released their new single ‘Give You The World’. The band consists of singer-songwriter Tom Westlake, bassist Harry Lowndes and drummer Phil Horler. ‘Give You The World’ was written by frontman Tom Westlake. Last One Home released their self-titled EP, from which the single ‘Bring Down The Storm’ won the band the ‘Music Expo’ prize at the ‘Glastonbury FM Songwriting Competition 2018. Their most recent single ‘Land of Immortality’ made it to the semi-finals of the UK Songwriting contest. They have supported internationally famous bands such as ‘Crazy Town’, ‘Courage My Love’ and ‘Halflives’ at shows on their UK tours.

Last One Home blast out their melodic pop rock with oodles of energy against a rugged backdrop with ‘Give You The World’. Blistering guitars weave between punchy drums and elastic bass grooves creating a satisfying layered foundation. The smooth melody glides over the blustery wall of sound with effortless grandeur as Westlake slips seamless up to his falsetto range. Its catchy vibrant with just enough grit and edginess to have you jumping and moshing along. The guitars venture between a crashing vigorous assault and sweet jangles fluently, filling the track with rich textures and enough gusto to ignite a live audience. It’s a cracking pop rock number.

You can catch Last One Home live when they play The King Arthur – Glastonbury, Somerset on 22nd December 2018.

Stream ‘Give You The World’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Video Premiere

No Alarms ‘Find Me’ Video Premiere

No Alarms have released the video for their new single ‘Find Me’. No Alarms was born in Texas as the solo passion project of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Boles, and has since bloomed into a Detroit-based, fully-fledged, five-piece. No Alarms is blending the lines between modern indie pop and new wave revival, and building an engrossing live show from the ground up. Their debut single “Right is What’s Left” was featured in an episode of ABC’s “Kevin Probably Saves the World” originally airing on February 6th, 2018. ‘No Alarms’ EP was the 13th most added record on NACC college charts its debut week, and has since peaked at #132 on the NACC 200.

‘Find Me’ is an entrancing smooth indie pop track that swirls and floats elegantly upon No Alarms’ infectious melty melody. It’s a sleek glossy number as their rooted grooves set a fluctuant foundation for the flashing electronics to rebound and playfully ricochet off while velvety vocals coo and caress the tasty melody. With a sticky summer sun vibe this dance-filled song is uplifting and ethereal as it bounces along energetic drums and dazzling synths making for a wholly satisfying listening experience. With rich textures wrapped delicately in a multi coloured prism ‘Find Me’ showcases No Alarms ability to create  a full bodied delightful tune that tantalizes all the senses.

Watch the video for ‘Find Me’ below

 

 

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Matt Portland ‘Secondary’

London singer songwriter Matt Portland has released his new single ‘Secondary’.Portland is a solo artist who writes, produces and plays every instrument on his songs, recorded in his small home studio.The new track draws inspiration from the ballads of the late 60’s and 70’s and soundtracks from that era, attempting a modern take on the Wall of Sound.

‘Secondary’ encapsulates beautifully Portland’s wholly absorbing and carefully crafted sound. With delicate finger picked guitar and lonely guitar slide intro the track croons in with tender solitary tones and a swoony sweet 60’s melody. Building the track into a passionate ballad Portland fleshes out his lonesome Spaghetti-western sound with a steady drum thud and graceful piano element. It’s a weepy delicate number that gradually builds in emotion as more instruments are introduced to fill out the track. The guitar laments behind a rich percussive foundation while elegant strings flutter around the teary fist pump passion. Each part of the track builds upon the brooding theme as the melancholic tones flicker between a powerful tear jerking chorus. The guitar solo wails and whines with a bittersweet tone while Portland’s velvety vocals coo over this timeless wishful backdrop. It’s a well crafted track that packs one heck of an emotional punch.

Stream  ‘Secondary’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Brass Phantoms ‘In Sight’

Dublin’s indie rock band Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘In Sight’. Their single ‘Waiting Up’ garnered widespread airplay across Irish Radio on RTE 2FM, 98FM, SPIN, Today FM, and Radio Nova, as well as prestigious international features on BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq and Spotify-curated playlists. The five piece consisting of  Ryan Cashell (vocals & bass), Greg Whelan (guitar & backing vocals), James Geraghty (guitar), Adam McCabe (drums & backing vocals), and Colleen Heavey (keys & backing vocals) have headlined shows all over Dublin, performed at major festivals including Other Voices and Indiependence Festival, and were the main support for Delorentos on their sold-out tour. The group has toured through the UK and have performed twice at MONDO Festival in New York, having been listed as one of the festival’s top acts to see.This year has seen Brass Phantoms sign a worldwide distribution deal with Believe Digital. Their single ‘City Of Wolves’ was used to promote television coverage of the UEFA Champions League this year, as well as being added to Spotify’s editorial Hot New Bands playlist .The band follow this success with their brand spanking new slice of indie rock ‘In Sight’.

‘In Sight’ has all the meaty enticing components true Brass Phantoms tracks possess. The ethereal glorious guitars reach piercing thrilling heights as they playfully soar, weave and sparkle over the punchy groove and weighty rhythmic foundation. The guitars in this track are particularly mesmerising as the sweet biting tones slice and sting over the aerial atmosphere with a superb finesse and grandeur that is awe inspiring. This cutting track strides along cool as a cucumber as Ryan Cashell passionately sings over the smooth melody while shimmering icy keys and elastic bass build the track to its massive intense crescendo. These guys create emotive tracks that pack oodles of gusto and rich instrumentation. Each track adds a new and exciting dimension to their sound and ‘In Sight’ is the perfect shiny new addition to their crisp refreshing collection.

About the track, frontman Ryan Cashell says: “In Sight delves into overcoming personal battles and letting go of bitterness. It’s how you treat yourself and deal with these obstacles that will make you stronger.”

Stream ‘In Sight’ below

 


Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

The Rupees ‘Terror Lover’

Bristol garage rock band The Rupees have released their new single ‘Terror Lover’. Ryan Tucker (Vocals, Guitar) ,Seamus Daley Dee (Drums),  Jacob Chambers (Synths) and Tom Phillips (Bass) make up the four piece and their music has already been showcased on BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens), BBC Radio 6 (Steve Lamacq), and Sky TV and have played Reading Festival, supporting bands such as Blossoms and The Growlers and selling out their own headline shows.

‘Terror Lover’ displays The Rupees blustery synth driven sound at its dazzling grizzly best. With distortion galore and a punchy backdrop immersed in searing guitars this track is mighty and mesmerising. The all encompassing light flashy synths weave their mind dissolving soundscapes around this animated number. Its catchy and dance floor ready as disco vibes swarm the track in glistening bedazzlement while snarling vocals snap out the infectious lyrics. Brimming in intense rock energy these guys blend their blinding synth rock meticulously to have you compelled to dance mindlessly to its thundering upbeat thrill.

Stream ‘Terror Lover’ below



 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

The Misty ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’

London based multi-instrumentalist ‘The Misty’ has released his new single ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’.  The track was recorded in his own home, as well as enlisting the help of La Frette Studios in Paris, the same studio chosen by rock band Arctic Monkeys for their latest LP release. Alongside the single release The Misty produced a music video, with the help of China Town Studios, featuring a French model to help put together the visual.

‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’ is a fluctuating flutter of delight as The Misty croons over a dreamy melody while vaporous guitars whine and sting between ethereal soundscapes. Filled with a rich and intense depth this track grooves and sensually sways with psychedelic hues through a delicate melodic flow. The swirling bubble of electronics set the romantic tone as the brooding vocals and sultry guitar injections add a stirring quality and meaty grit. Perfectly crafted this luscious tantalizing track transports you to a soothing dreamy state that captivates with a 70’s psychedelic rock vibe softened by whirls of jazz flickering through a pop lush melody. It’s soft and aerial with a vibrant mouth watering backdrop to tease all the senses.

Watch the video for  ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’ below