Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Gavin Glass

The National Treasure that is Gavin Glass has just released a live video for the track ‘Horseshoe Tattoo’. The track, taken from his critically acclaimed 5th album, ‘Opus Pocus’ and is the follow up to the singles ‘Break Your Daddy’s Heart’, and ‘Thirty Somethings’.

‘Horseshoe Tattoo’ is a heartfelt, magical radio ready number that floods, swirls and gracefully swoons over a pristine rock pop backdrop. Glass knows how to grasp the heart of his listeners with every note and strum filled flutter while those relatable lyrics bring it all home. A steady beat maintains a strong foundation as guitars fill the track with nuanced soul and lamenting bluesy tones while Glass’ swagger and emotion filled vocals caress the melody. This smooth, passionate ditty makes time stand still as western-esque country hues swirl into the mix before the anthemic arena ready crescendo that sparks images of massive crowds swaying and singing along with the most passionate expressions on their faces as Glass narrates their lives back to them in the most gripping bittersweet melody ever to grace their ears. It’s a rich and beautifully cultivated track from Gavin Glass.

Watch the live video for ‘Horseshoe Tattoo’ below

 


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

The Ting Tings ‘The Black Light’ Album

The Ting Tings are back with their fourth studio album ‘The Black Light’. Best known for their massively successful 2009 debut album ‘We Started Nothing’ which boasted the hit singles ‘That’s Not My Name’ and ‘Shut Up & Let Me Go’ the duo have been on a rollercoaster 10-year journey gaining their desired independence. Releasing a further 2 studio albums after their successful debut and adapting their sound to reflect their experiences, the pair were led to their latest work The Black Light, which holds a noticeably darker edge with a mix of Manchester inspired guitar patterns and captivating vocal phrases melded with harsh beats, synths and bass. 

‘The Black Light’ is a dark concoction that wriggles and wraps around swirling electronics and alternative pop experimentation. The shadowy riff of  ‘Estranged’ twinkles the album into motion. The Ting Tings present their delicate emotional side. Layering their brooding electronics over a melancholic melody this duo build an atmosphere of tension and unease. The haunting dark quality continues with  the chilling ‘Earthquake’ and smokey toned ‘Fine & Dandy’.The band shake the album up a bit with ‘Basement’ and ‘Word For This’ which are reminiscent of The Ting Tings debut album- driving through with buoyant rhythms and exuberant energy to have your feet tapping and head bopping. Filled with attitude and swagger with catchy lyrics and jagged guitars these tracks give a danceable quality to the album and lighten the cloudy atmosphere of the previous tracks.. ‘A & E’ and ‘Blacklight’ push through with an almost trip hop beat slapping against frenzied electronics giving a dazzling club night vibe making for a smooth transition into the upbeat ‘Good Grief’ which features a vibrant guitar riff and shuffle ready beat taking the album to a danceable fun finale.

The Ting Tings ‘The Black Light’ has a decent mix of everything from electronic to attitude soaked alternative rock and punk to bouncy infectious pop. The tracks smoothly flow from one to another making for a satisfying listen.

Stream ‘The Black Light’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Crome Yellow ‘Lately’

Waterford band Crome Yellow have released their new single ‘Lately’. Combining a modern sound with that of the 60s and 70s, the band create a vibrant, guitar and synth-driven texture.
The band launched their latest EP ‘Yellow Road’ in June of 2017 after settling on their current lineup. Having grown a massive loyal fanbase in Waterford, they have been expanding their operations into Dublin and Cork with an eye to accomplishing the same there.

‘Lately’ is a sun kissed melodically rich number that lifts you in a glorious swoosh of the psychedelic hued indie pop Crome Yellow do superbly. With buoyant rhythms playfully bouncing between vibrant guitar jangles and alien-esque synth features, which entwine their blissful obscurity around the euphoric upbeat backdrop while smooth velvety vocals coo over a honey drenched infectious melody- this track is one dreamy radiant number that is sure to put a smile on your face. It’s soft floaty exterior charms and coils its way effortlessly into your brain while the tightly layered funk flavoured danceable interior insures Crome Yellow’s grasp on your mind. This track is just too good.

Stream ‘Lately’ below

 


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

Little Grace ‘My Bed’

Contemporary R&B three piece Little Grace have recently released their third single ‘My Bed’. Taking inspiration from Tracey Emin’s art installation, the single proves how connected all art forms are whilst also exploring themes of mental health. With a percentage of all earnings from the single going towards men’s mental health charity CALM, the boys become transparent through their music and hope to encourage the removal of the stigma. Based in North West England, Little Grace have worked with some notable names, including Bristol based drum & bass producer TC, German producer and DJ Robin Schulz (James Blunt, Nick Jonas) and Liverpool based XamVolo. My Bed was written in a day after a surge of inspiration after visiting The Tate Museum, written about the peril of getting lost in your own worries and struggles the track explores daily battles. The accompanying video, created by Spanish animators Eira Ramos and Guillem Guarro, reverses half way through, representing the vicious cycle sufferers of mental health can get caught up in.

‘My Bed’ is a rich full bodied number that sweetly blends electronic and R&B through gripping soundscapes and moving lyrics. Smooth vocals caress the catchy riveting melody with a delicate tenderness while swirling electronics whirl and sweep in the background churning with hair raising emotion and subtle little burst of adrenaline throughout. A sticky gloopy beat slaps and crawls its way around delicate twinkling synths for the verses building the track to its infectious magnetic chorus. This richly produced track glides and simmers around dark tones and eerie soundscapes while the synth pop flavours and velvety vocals sweeten the track and make for a captivating listen.

Watch the video for ‘My Bed’ below

 

 

 


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

Ned Dylan ‘Life’s a Rave’

17-year-old original artist and songwriter, Ned Dylan has released his first single ‘Life’s a Rave’ from his debut album. The track is produced by Gordon Raphael (the Strokes’ first three albums/Regina Spektor’s ‘Soviet Kitsch’/Hinds), Wizard (M.IA./Chemical Brothers/Chase & Status/Wiley) and Freear (Slamboree).In the past Dylan has played festivals such as Glastonbury, Bestival, Secret Garden Party and Beautiful Days among others, leaving lasting impressions with his high-energy performances.He has also received coverage, airplay and praise from the likes of BBC Radio 2, Sir Tim Rice, American Songwriter, Amazing Radio and BBC News among others.

‘Life’s a Rave’ showcases Dylan’s sublime musicianship that encapsulates its theme perfectly through darkly coated soundscapes and catchy melodies. This cinematic number wavers between indie pop and symphonic rock to create a wholly enchanting goosebump inducing listen. Driving rhythms and sticky beats slap between an ominous piano feature while sinister strings elegantly lament in the chilling background. His vocals are filled with anguish and a sense of hurried danger and drama while lush backing vocals add a dash of soul into this adrenaline inducing banger. It’s intense, utterly mesmerising and well crafted with tight production teamed with the perfect and diverse use of instrumentation to slither and glide between genres seamlessly. Dylan oozes effortless swagger yet his delivery of the track seeps a sense of mystery and confusion through the vivid instrumentation.

About the track Dylan said “Life’s a Rave, is about ‘social media, isolation, escapism and how we connect with each other”

Watch the video for ‘Life’s A Rave’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Lycio

Birmingham Alternative Electronic band Lycio have released their new single ‘Up Down’.Lycio are a contemporary 3-piece bringing a uniquely authentic take on electronic/hybrid music. Having started in 2016, the band have supported notable acts such as Rae Morris, Yonaka, Gurr, Low Island and Stevie Parker on their headline tours. Live highlights have also included a Richer Unsigned session, Chris Evans’ Carfest for BBC Children in Need 2017 & 2018, BBC Introducing acoustic session, Project Soundlounge at Birmingham Town Hall, and an exclusive in store Selfridges ‘Live + Loud’ session.Mastered at Metropolis Studios by Stuart Hawkes (Ed Sheeran, Lorde, Fickle Friends, Rudimental, Amy Winehouse), Lycio’s fourth offering ‘Up Down’ continues the up-beat momentum gathered by their previous release ‘Evil People’.

‘Up Down’ is a richly textured electronic composition of elation. Infectious rhythms whack and weave their groovy way throughout this gripping gem as a smooth vibrant melody ensures the band have a firm grip on your ears. Staccato synths surge the track with little kinetic bursts of vitality which pulse and divulge darkly hued energy into every flicker and hop while Genie Mendez’s vocals float and glide with lush soulful tones over the sublime melody. Elegant piano twinkles throughout creating glorious magical qualities through the enchanting swirls of electronics. This dynamic buoyant gem surges with energy, sultriness and danceable bliss. It’s intense and animated with a slapping beat driving through the smoggy mystery filled, dark soundscapes and lyrical theme as Lycio present a wholly satisfying intoxicating number.

On the subject of the track, front woman Genie Mendez explains “Up Down is loosely based around my fluctuation in mood and emotions; hence the title and lyrics ’Up Down’. The chorus is a cry for help, and an expression of the loneliness that comes with mental illness”.

Stream ‘Up Down’ below


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

Color Palette ‘Chelsea’

Washington, DC. indie electronic band Color Palette have released their new single ‘Chelsea’, another gripping ethereal number filled with rich instrumentation creating the perfect aerial backdrop to the pop sprinkled sombre melody. Icy electronics swirl and consume the smooth chilled melody with flashing scintillation and enthralling cinematic soundscapes as lush harmonies, riveting darkly hued key progressions and weaving guitars create the most bewitching, majestic foundation for this captivating lush tune. The chorus develops and grows steadily becoming more intense and magnified until it finally blossoms into an epic almost anthemic outburst. This striking track is a refined piece of work that showcases Color Palette’s fine crafted musicianship with grace. elegance and captivating splendor.

Stream ‘Chelsea’ below


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, New Music

Voice of Aiko ‘Prescription Dream’

In collaboration with Voice of Aiko, Arts Council England, and charities REST, MIND & APRIL, Enya Belak Gupta unveils a powerful new film to help tackle the global prescription drug crisis. ‘Prescription Dream’ is a slick and stylish documentary that illustrates with chilling insight the terrible impact prescription drugs can have. The tense, unnerving tone employed throughout represents the helplessness and confusion of dependency sufferers. The film was released with the aim of generating cultural discourse around this pressing issue.Voice of Aiko is a creative collective of musicians, filmmakers and artists joining forces to campaign for real societal change. Aiko’s first project Prescription Dream sees founder Calista Kazuko collaborate with fellow musicians Samim, Miguel Toro and Jack Brown and filmmaker Enya Belak Gupta to spotlight an ongoing global prescription drug epidemic. 

‘Prescription Dream’ is a luring seductive number saturated in dark tones and eerie instrumentation. With sultry cooing vocals melting upon the sweet buoyant melody, this track charms its way into your mind effortlessly. The weaving mysterious instrumentation unfolds upon the rich bouncy rhythm as this track entices and sedates you with its chic suaveness, glossy exterior, and jazzy elements. Muted brass features and shimmy ready flirtations create an infectious number that superbly expresses its theme. It’s crisp production and enchanting qualities mixed with a 60’s- esque mystery movie vibe make for one mesmerising listen.

Watch the video for ‘Prescription Dream’ below

 


90's Grunge, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Violet ‘Heaven Adores You’

Midlands five piece Violet have released their new single ‘Heaven Adores You’ out on ‘HolyHowl’ Records, following on from their debut singles ‘Feel’ and ‘Jaded’ which was rotated on Steve Lamacq’s 6music show.This new psych hued number floats in with marshmallow softness filled with sugary sweet pop melodies over graceful elegant instrumentation. Lush smooth vocals bounce along the creamy melody while delicate guitars twinkle throughout this ethereal gem. The track builds becoming more heavy and mind crushing as the guitars waver into a stinging weave of distortion over punchy drums and a grunge tinged soundscape that renders this tranquilizing number a little harsh. Driving on a powerful bass line with glorious sun kissed guitar entwining blissfully and playfully around the sedating melody- this track lifts you into an aerial state of euphoria before spiraling into a climatic whirl of psychedelic pop. Blending the soft pop tones and heavier 90’s  grunge seamlessly this band have produced one heck of a track to calm and expand your mind.

About the track Luke Brickett Haycock said “This song is one we all hold a little closer to our hearts and we spent so long drifting in and out of the studio to make it sound perfectly like it did in our heads. The song is a kind of retrospective view of an entity that you admire that isn’t on this big floating ball we call earth anymore, how they perceived themselves whilst affecting the world around them, and for us that was a message to Elliott Smith.”

Stream ‘Heaven Adores You’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Jack Perrett

Newport newcomer Jack Perrett has released his new single ‘Like A Fever’. Ahead of its release the track had already been played by Janice Long on BBC Radio Wales and Charlie Ashcroft on Amazing Radio.Set in the his hometown Newport, Jack Perrett’s previous single was a parody based on Blur’s Parklife. ‘Portlife’ went viral, reaching more than 100,000 views.Since then Jack has been busy recording his latest bombastic indie anthem at Rat Trap Studios in Cardiff with producer Steffan Pringle.

‘Like A Fever’ is a scalding invigorating indie anthem that steam rolls straight in, taking no prisoners as it obliterates your mind with blistering guitar, punchy drums and fiery adrenaline. It’s an energetic number that relentlessly slices through at a brisk exhilarating pace while a catchy pop sprinkled melody takes its infectious hold, rendering you powerless to its fiery seduction. The snappy rhythm creates a buoyant foundation for the shrilling guitar riffs and intoxicating soundscape to spring and ricochet off. This is a well crafted intense song that is sure to have a live audience going crazy. With swagger soaked vocals, stomping attitude and panache sprinkled all over the catchy lyrics while the instrumental assault batters your skull with feverous mania this track makes Jack Perrett one to keep an eye on.

About the track Perrett explains “The song started off with a guitar riff that I had. Then I had a couple of verses with lyrics based around chord progression. Lyrically, the song is about the people who go out in their own city centers every Saturday night and get into trouble after not handling their drink. It is sort of me saying ‘Why waste your money every weekend on drinking in the same nightclub surrounded by the same people who you don’t even like?’ After a few practices in the studio I started playing it live with the band and people watching us were loving it so it had to be the next single.”    

You can catch Jack Perrett live at:

20th October – Pen And Wig, Cardiff

4th November – Tiny Rebel, Newport

9th November – 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff

15th November – The Assembly, Leamington Spa (From The Jam Support)

16th November – Clwb Ifor Bach

17th November – Pen And Wig, Cardiff

18th January – Cheltenham Town Hall (From The Jam Support)

19th January – Cheese and Grain, Frome (From The Jam Support)

23rd March – Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry (From The Jam Support)  

Stream ‘Like A Fever’ below