Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

Edits ‘Cold’

Manchester synth pop duo Edits have released their new single ‘Cold’. Formed in the legendary crumbling walls of Salford Uni’s Adelphi building, Liv Westhead (Vocals/Synths) and Chris Abbott (Guitars/Programming) provide their D.I.Y. aesthetic; producing everything themselves, including their music videos. Their latest single follows on from January’s ‘Re-Surface’ EP and the accompanying video takes the viewer on a journey through snow-covered mountains.

‘Cold’ is an endearing, breezy synth pop number that chills and swirls with kinetic icy adrenaline. Twinkling synths glitter and glisten through the brooding melody as Westhead coo’s over the spine tingling melody. Her vocal command is mesmerising as she sweetly and effortlessly shifts into her falsetto holding a soothing yet ominous tone. The track flurries and dances about dark soundscapes as it becomes heavier towards the crescendo. The slapping beat flashes dazzling trip hop hues throughout as Edits use their electronics to their full potential- creating a cinematic icy number to chill you to the core yet entice you into the track depths. It’s a mature, bold track that slides this duo’s charming glacial sound into your frostbitten ears with ease.

Stream ‘Cold’ below

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Jade Bird

London-based songwriter Jade Bird has made a blinding return with her new single ‘Love Has All Been Done Before’. Fast-becoming a household name with her beautifully distinctive voice and fiercely raw pop songs that tell unforgettable life-stories, Jade Bird is firmly in ascent. Her recent single ‘Uh Huh’ took up residency on the Radio 1 B-list as Bird toured America, playing sold out shows to doting crowds everywhere she went.The 20-year-old has toured profusely across the world with her band, performed her breakthrough single ‘Lottery’ on Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and the UK’s ‘Later…With Jools Holland’ too and most recently gone into session at Maida Vale with Annie Mac for Radio 1. This month, Bird will embark her biggest ever UK & Irish headline tour – an 11-stop run taking in all the major cities including a stop-off in Dublin, where she plays Whelan’s on November 30th .

‘Love Has All Been Done Before’ is a powerful splurge of alternative pop. Brimming with fiery attitude Bird’s raspy vocals coo and belt out with demanding charm and charisma as she calls for more respect and romance in a relationship that is becoming depressingly monotonous. Swept up in a whirl of crashing drums, vibrant guitars and exhilarating soundscapes this track rushes with high voltage adrenaline while a sweet cheery melody hops along with a peppy infectiousness to remain in your head for days. The verses skip around her commanding bright vocals with an innocent cheeky bop before the chorus explodes into a mighty intense outburst. It’s an electrifying track that oozes passion and vigor with a dynamic rich instrumental backing to have you instantly hooked on Jade Birds irresistible sound.

You can catch Jade Bird live at:

20/11 The Globe – Cardiff

21/11 Electric Brixton – London

22/11 The Haunt – Brighton

24/11 O2 Institute3 Birmingham – Birmingham

25/11 Deaf Institute – Manchester

26/11 Rescue Rooms – Nottingham

28/11 The Wardrobe – Leeds

29/11 King Tuts Wah Wah Hut – Glasgow

30/11 Whelan’s – Dublin

08/12 Southampton Engine Rooms – Southampton

09/12 The Cavern – Exeter

Stream ‘Love Has All Been Done Before’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

RAFFER ‘Can’t Resist It’

Clean-cut, indie/pop artist RAFFER is back with yet another dazzling independent release -the self-produced single ‘Can’t Resist It’.This tutti- frutti gem floats upon a sweet nostalgic soundscape as rich rhythms slap and groove between swirling electronics.It’s a tight number that glows glorious radiant vibes as zesty guitar melodies entwine the luscious backdrop adding a refreshing burst of vitality while Raffer’s velvety vocals glide effortlessly and tenderly over the candy coated melody. It’s a compact, danceable indie pop delight that wraps your ears in luxurious sweet tones and delicious melodies.

Stream ‘Can’t Resist it’ below


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

whenyoung ‘Given Up’ EP

Limerick’s finest indie-poppers whenyoung have released their new EP ‘Given Up’ released through Virgin EMI. This follows  their recent singles ‘Heaven on Earth’ and their cover of the Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’. The trio also recently released a stunning video for the title track, filmed in London’s iconic Peckham Liberals Club and directed by, Dazed editorial director, Bunny Kinney. It shows the band as a conduit for escape from banal, suburban living.The band have performed in Dublin as part of Shane Mcgowan’s 60th birthday celebration alongside the likes of Nick Cave and Sinead O’Connor. They’ve also supported the likes of Dream Wife, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Peace.Having already played storming sets at this year’s Electric Picnic, All Together Now Festival, Great Escape, Latitude, Kendal Calling and Bestival the band are also supporting Blossoms on a nationwide tour in December.

‘Given Up’ is a perfectly balanced EP showcasing the refined and mature musicianship of whenyoung. They jump straight into their bubbly infectious indie with title track ‘Given Up’. Stinging guitars jaggedly slice their way through this Pixies-esque number as the entire track revolves around a driving drum and bass groove with the honey drizzled melody gliding above like a soothing blanket from heaven.The harmonies in this track are just so luscious. ‘Heaven on Earth’ follows. It’s another tasty indie banger filled with vibrancy, shedding guitar lines and the perfect sing along anthemic chorus. Having featured both of these tracks on Indie Buddie this year I have come to appreciate the intricacy within this trios musicianship. Aoife Power’s vocals are immaculate throughout the EP her voice filled with sweet coos, luscious tones and yet she holds a powerful and demanding air that is mesmerising. However it is their ability to create an upbeat tune with darker underlying tones adding depth that sets these guys apart. The sweet ethereal cover of The Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’ lies comfortably nestled in the middle of the EP. Passionate, pristine and touching whenyoung present the track exquisitely- balancing the tender delicacy with edgy rawness seamlessly. It stops time. ‘Sleeper’ brings us to the end of the EP – flawless, sweet and emotional, this track shows us the sombre, majestic side to whenyoung. Reaching into the depths of your mind they find the tender moments, gently draw them out and sweetly lament them back to you. A soft guitar melody mournfully pines behind Power’s beautiful crisp vocals while a delicate tapping beat sets a steady thud and mournful tone to this magical number.

whenyoung didn’t disappoint they lived up to the hype of their singles and even threw in a blinder in the form of the enchanting heavy-hearted ‘Sleeper’.

Stream ‘Given Up’ below





 


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

Delights ‘Sun Visor’ and ‘Sun Lounger’

Following the release of their previous singles ‘Naked Heart’ and ‘Jungle’, Manchester indie rock band Delights have now released their new single, ‘Sun Visor’, and its B-side, ‘Sun Lounger’. These heavenly tracks glow with the glorious sprinkling of yumminess that this four piece do so well. ‘Sun Visor’ kick starts the sun-kissed dreamy tones with a delicious melody spread delicately upon jangly guitars and soft spongy beats. Velvety vocals coo over the upbeat, psychedelic soundscapes as this ethereal number bounces and floats along creating the perfect zesty chill-time atmosphere. It’s the satisfying bite of angel cake to get your mouth watering for ‘Sun Lounger’- a surf tinged gem that calls the summer back with sweet jingles and beachy breezy tones. Catchy and tranquilizing these tracks will give you a subtle sun tan while caressing your ears with the most luscious soothing melodies. I just love the laid back radiant tunes these guys produce.

Delights are also starting their second mini UK tour in 2 days, which has been organised by the band themselves without any manager, funding or record label check out the dates below

November 11th Mayfare at The Cluny Newcastle

November 15th Somedays at 93 Feet East London

November 23rd Delights at Sound Basement Liverpool

November 29th Delights at Castle & Falcon Birmingham

December 1st Delights at Breadshed Manchester

 

Stream ‘Sun Visor’, and its B-side, ‘Sun Lounger’ below

 


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

KAVES ‘Serotonin’

Norwich four piece alternative rock band KAVES have released their new single ‘Serotonin’. KAVES were formed in Norwich in June 2017 after attending a Black Peaks and YONAKA show. Their debut single ’27’ was released on 24th November 2017. The band’s debut live show at The Waterfront in Norwich on 7th December 2017 was a sell out. The tongue in cheek video for the single received 2500 views via Facebook in 2 days, and the song itself got played 2 weeks running on BBC Introducing in Norfolk.

‘Serotonin’ is a catchy shuffle and bounce of indie rock filled with intricate guitar twinkles and punchy funk flavoured rhythms. Caitlin Mapes’ charming vocals ooze charisma and warm tones which melt upon the vibrant melody. It’s a buoyant gem that flickers light springy vibes between slinky guitar lines and a sublime bass groove. Lush backing vocals and perfectly placed instrumentation provides glorious little bursts that keep this song refreshing. This track is a compact tasty number from this four piece.

Stream ‘Serotonin’ below

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From White Room

Brighton indie risers White Room have released ‘Shoot’, their first release of 2018 and follow-up to 2017’s double EP ‘Eight’, co-produced by frontman Jake  Smallwood and Theo Verney (Fake Laugh, TRAAMS, FUR).Having spent 2017 conquering the festival circuit and receiving widespread acclaim throughout the tastemaker community and radio airwaves (BBC 6 Music, Radio X), the quintet played their biggest headline shows to date in London (Moth Club) and Brighton (Patterns) this spring, cementing their reputation for visceral, energetic and captivating  live performances. After a summer immersed in writing and developing new material, the five-piece are ready to hit the road again supporting The Blinders on an extensive UK tour alongside the release of ‘Shoot’.

‘Shoot’ is a lavish and exhilarating whir of indie pop bound in a mouthwatering concoction that is too hot to handle. It’s eclectic and edgy with a thick rhythmic bounce adding that chic cool foundation for this track to ricochet off. These guys showcase their ability to tie captivating and seemingly disjointed elements together to create a head spinning wholly satisfying and rich sound. Quirky vocals whisper, wail and entice through a luring bass rumble, steamy guitar interplay and dense textures. Each part is ingeniously cultivated for maximum explosive impact as the verses build the intensity for the blistering chorus. Filled with stomping adrenaline as chaotic soundscapes hurry around the dynamic vocals, haunting backing vocals and glorious melody ‘Shoot’ has everything you could need. Holding a refined stance this track floats on an air of elegance while only just about holding back the manic instrumental frenzy in the backdrop. White Room are fast becoming one of my favourite new finds.

Stream ‘Shoot’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Synth-pop

Kidsmoke ‘Rising Sun’

Welsh dream-pop outfit Kidsmoke have released their new single ‘Rising Sun’,the first from  their upcoming album expected next year. With a sync-feature on Charlie Brooker’s Netflix series  Black Mirror, they burst into 2018 with single ‘Sister Sadness’ (named one of Steve Lamacq’s 6 Music Recommend’s tracks of the year), were featured as The Sunday Times Breaking Act, supported Gaz Coombes and were invited by Robert Smith to play his Meltdown Festival in support of The Joy Formidable.

‘Rising Sun’ is a sizzling, swirling spin of psychedelic pop wrapped in a blistering indie coating of bliss. Pulsating beats slap and whack a gooey beat of delight behind spiraling soundscapes and zesty guitars creating a dizzying hyper trip which encapsulates your ears in a shimmering sweet energetic sound of euphoria. Its pop melody melts upon this jagged indie backdrop as the smooth vocals disperse vibrant blasts of velvety goodness. With luscious harmonies and pristine guitar melodies radiating lustrous bursts of scintillation throughout – this track is simply glorious.

Stream ‘Rising Sun’ below

 


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

The Flavians ‘Non Stop Fun (All I Wanted)’

The Flavians have released their new single called ‘Non Stop Fun (All I Wanted)’. The track was recorded over the span of a year in various spaces around Berlin, Germany and in Nässjö, Sweden using a mix of analogue and digital gear with instruments from the 60s and 70s. The track was finally mixed by Fabio Buemi in TRIXX Studios, Berlin and then mastered by Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound, NY. The single will be the second release from The Flavians’ first album ‘Ordinary People in an Ordinary World’. The band has been playing support shows across Germany and The Czech Republic while filling out venues such as Cassiopeia and Badehaus in their adoptive hometown. Furthermore, they have built up a strong following through social media and their last single ‘On the Radio’, has racked up over 150,000 streams and been played on over 50 radio stations worldwide.  

‘Non Stop Fun (All I Wanted)’ is an easy going pop sprinkled gem that bounces along in a dreamy soft 60’s-eque soundscape while intelligent witty lyrics glide upon the sugar coated melody. These guys tell a story perfectly as lush backing vocals lull in the background while jangly keys twinkle around laid back guitar strides and punchy drums. It’s candied exterior makes this track so easy on the ears as The Flavians flesh out their catchy melodies and infectious bopping light instrumentation. This track is sure to put a smile on your face as it bops its glorious way into your head until you are blissfully singing along.

Watch the video ‘Non Stop Fun (All I Wanted)’ below

 

 

 


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

All Tvvins ‘Infinite Swim’

Electronic duo All Tvvins have released their new single ‘Infinite Swim’ from their second album ‘Just To Exist’ which is due for release early 2019 and produced by James Vincent McMorrow. All Tvvins enjoyed a phenomenal start to their career. Their debut album ‘IIVV’ shot into the Irish charts at #2, earned a Choice Music Prize nomination for Irish Album of the Year and smashed the 15 million streams landmark. Meanwhile, gigs in the UK and Ireland included a life-affirming sold-out show at Dublin’s historic Olympia Theatre as well as a tour as guests to Metric. All Tvvins, who consist of Conor Adams (The Cast Of Cheers) and Lar Kaye (Adebisi Shank) spent January and February of this year recording the new album and the album’s title ‘Just To Exist’ comes from a line in their new single ‘Infinite Swim’.

‘Infinite Swim’ is a funky flex of rich textures weaved through luscious melodies and pristine production. It’s swagger soaked panache strides and glides upon slinky guitars, groove infested bass and dazzling electronic whirls while it’s chic exterior smoothly drifts along with an effortless chilled tone and laid back vibe. The sweet creamy vocals caress and float upon the infectious velvety melody as it magnificently swoons it way comfortably into your mind.The track is rooted with a meaty funk foundation that adds a strut ready danceable shuffle while the electronics slide and glissade with an ethereal soul tinged elegance. A vapourous guitar solo brings this 80’s disco tinged  track to slick glorious heights, All Tvvins present us with a first rate glossy number to sink our teeth into.

To celebrate the album’s release, the duo have announced their biggest Dublin headline show to date at The National Stadium on April 13th 2019.

Stream  ‘Infinite Swim’ below