Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Soheill ‘Supernatural’

Nashville-based Soheill, just released ‘Supernatural’,the personal first single from his upcoming EP Somewhere Between Love & War, which is set for release October 12.  Soheill is an Iranian-American singer-songwriter and producer based in Nashville, Tennessee.  His musical influences have blended over time to produce a rich musical landscape consisting of ethereal synths and beats, electric guitars, and live drums.’Supernatural’ is an elastic track dipped in sweet melodies and compelling electronics. The track floats along on buoyant snappy beats glooping and slapping through a dreamy melody and delicate haunting soundscapes. The track touches upon Soheill’s  experience immigrating from Iran to the U.S. as a child and the strength his mother exhibited during their family’s journey. With swirling haunting electronics around stinging guitar injections ‘Supernatural’ is a mystical whirl of gripping musicianship wrapped in compact production to create a catchy number with a meaty sincere backing.

Stream ‘Supernatural’ below

https://soundcloud.com/samhalemusic/supernatural


Galants ‘Follow’

Dublin indiegazers, Galants have released, ‘Follow’, the second single to be taken from their forthcoming sophomore EP via Zen Ten Records. ‘Follow’ heralds a change of pace from the band’s previous offering ‘In Vain’ and is prefaced with thundering drums and a sense of melodic urgency that is unrelenting throughout. Reflecting on the psyche of the crowd and pressure to use the decisions of others as a mental shortcut to navigate life, the track represents the race towards escapism. Gritty guitar riffs slice their way through the  relentless drum rumble as laid back reverb laden vocals soothe the blistering instrumental backdrop with a dreamy haze and lush melodic refrain. This fiery track rushes through with high voltage adrenaline as a powerful chorus erupts with pop – esque infectiousness-  richly flooding your ears with delicious bliss while a riotous backdrop keeps the edgy mosh ready inferno ablaze. 

Stream ‘Follow’ below

 


Mini Mansions ‘Works Every Time’ EP

Mini Mansions have released their highly anticipated EP ‘Works Every Time’. Singer/guitarist Michael Shuman, singer/keyboardist Tyler Parkford, and bassist Zach Dawes are the glorious trinity of Mini Mansions, a band who push boundaries and overwhelm our minds with psychedelic encryption and delicious tunes. The band have played in some of the world’s biggest rock bands, Queens of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and The Last Shadow Puppets these guys have been flourishing right at the roots of the rock genre readying themselves and fermenting their sound.This new release arrives three years after their second record, ‘The Great Pretenders’, which received critical praise and featured guest appearances from Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and ‘Flashbacks’ a collection  of B-side tracks which was released in 2016. Mini Mansions sound is unique and stirring all at once and places them firmly on par if not above their comrades in intricate obscurity and just plain genius. ‘Works Every Time’ is only a glimpse of what these guys are capable of.

‘Works Every Time’ is a concise, flavoursome collection of juicy tracks to re-introduce us to the mouth watering home cooking of Mini Mansions. Title track ‘Works Every Time’ reels us in with a soft beat bouncing off a swoon worthy melody and glistening keys.Filled with wistful tones Parkford takes the vocals on this track, his sweet falsetto cooing over the breathtaking soundscapes as this song floats around a dreamy ethereal atmosphere while the zesty sting on guitars give a lamenting bite and sharpness to the track. ‘Midnight in Tokyo’ rumbles through with Dawes’ elastic bass line teamed with the sticky slapping beats setting the groove infested foundation as the track spirals into a sleazy swagger smacked number. With Prince like Bowie -esque hued verses and a triumphant catchy chorus this track struts in, slicked back, funk fueled and glossy. Shuman’s vocals take the lime light here drenched in panache and gritty rough flamboyance as flashing disco hued electronics dazzle the background while Parkford provides lush tight harmonies. The rich meaty sound is filled gloriously with zingy guitars weaving their way, flickering little bursts of spice throughout. Parkford takes vocals once again on ’This Bullet’ a psychedelic whirl of utter mind melting mania. He ventures to his ominous lower range while Dawes’ throbbing bass and meandering soundscapes rush you with a sinister sense of danger. This track has a residue of Mister Goodnite’s ‘One Against Five’ with a little more darkness and obscurity smeared on top as alien- esque electronics wail about eerie tones and snappy driving beats. There is something magnetic and hypnotic about this track as Mini Mansions distort and dissolve your entire grip of reality with one catchy dizzying tune. It’s dark and creepy especially when Parkford orders take off your vest“ however it’s difficult to prise yourself away from its chilling charm. Of course the band offer up another stirring cover for us to devour. Having previously embellished our ears with Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ and Sparks ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Mini Mansions dissect and dismember a thrillingly dark rendition of Edwyn Collins‘ ‘A Girl Like You’, dousing it in the gritty sleazy and intoxicating tones we love from this trio. It’s dark as Shuman howls, screams and deeply haunts over whining guitars and flashing electronics. Filled with infectious shimmy grooves this track will make your skin crawl and tantalize all your senses while creeping into your mind where it will firmly reside for days. They did a cover the only way Mini Mansions can … better than the original.

The talent of this band is immense. Each track was meticulously cultivated – simmering and ripening slowly in Mini Mansions pressure cooker until the band were ready to delight and shatter our ears all at once. It’s exciting to see what each release will bring. They never compromise their sound yet push boundaries and provide an enthralling full bodied sound with every release. There is no one else like Mini Mansions out there at the moment. We need this trio to keep music fresh.

Stream ‘Works Every Time’ below

 


The Word UK ‘Fish In The Sea’ EP

 

The Word UK have released their new EP ‘Fish In The Sea’. The Word (UK) are a Pop Rock band from Medway, Kent. They first got together in 2017 due to their mutual love for The Beatles (the name was taken from a Beatles song), which sums up the band well – these four lads aspire to write and perform music to the same standard as the biggest bands around, past and present.In search of the ‘old-school sound’ of their idols from the 1960s and 70s, the band headed to Ranscombe Studios, Rochester, famed locally for its analogue equipment and back-to-basics approach to recording. Most of what you hear was laid down live in a single room, with the band playing all at once – and all without a computer in sight. The result? A group of songs that capture a snapshot of the energy of their live performances, and a nod to the classic way of doing things.’Fish In The Sea’ is the band’s first EP. It’s a cluster of five tracks showcasing some of the original tunes the band have been pumping out live all over the UK for the last year; in pubs, clubs and even busking on the streets.

Swirled in luscious 60’s -esque melodies with a tight wall of sound driving this peppy collection of tracks ‘Fish In The Sea’ is a wholly satisfying  uplifting EP. Glorious honey drenched melodies caressed by warm sweet harmonies are the pinnacle point of this EP. Brother,Brother’ and title track ‘Fish In The Sea’ swoon with these delicious melodies, shredding guitar licks and a driving rhythm section that evokes images of surf waves and good times. With a shimmy ready lightness and compact Beatles – esque approach the track glides into your ears with effortless sun kissed charm. Intricate guitars weave and wander their way through each track with a golden, glorious toned thread of delight. The tongue twister ‘Lemonella Citronella’ is a darling little gem that sits comfortably in the middle of the EP. The enchanting guitar once again entwines and illuminates this balmy gem. The Word UK shake things up a little with the Bo Diddley rhythmic intro of  ‘Captain Pine’ teamed with a rooted bass rumble. This track brings a slightly darker tone to the EP as the guitars whine over the stormy instrumentation. The melody however, remains peppy and bright. These are catchy tunes that will put a smile on your face and have you singing along and clapping in no time. Closing track ‘The Hillbilly Song’ is the perfect example of this, bringing a 60’s swing into the mix that is sure to have a live audience dancing and bopping along.With a shredding guitar solo and harmonica injection this vibrant track is a blistering highly energetic number to bring the EP to an end.

‘Fish In The Sea’ is a playful charming collection of tracks that exude swagger and easy going fun to keep your hearts light and joyful. These guys have showcased their proficient musicianship through some highly enjoyable tunes.

Stream ‘Fish In The sea’ below

 

 

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Saults

After one year of gigs across the UK (30 in London’s clubs, Love Supreme Festival, Minehead Festival in 2018…), french pop-rock band Saults have released their new single ‘Kelly Ride’. The track which was recorded  in Abbey Road Studio, last February and has already got a massive reception among professionals (BBC, London Live TV…). Saults is comprised of brothers Antoine Saults (lead guitar / vocals), Greg Saults (drums / vocals) and Axel Castets (bass / choirs). In the beginning of 2016, they decided to record an EP and shot the video of its main title, ‘I Wanna Jam’, with the help of Sam de Salvador. They sold over 1.500 copies and ‘I Wanna Jam’ was viewed more than 15.000 times on YouTube.

‘Kelly Ride’ is a funky sweep of indie rock that struts in dripping in swagger as slinky guitar licks stride over a foot tapping beat and groove infested bass line.Jagged guitar riffs slice and dice with steamy vigor as the danceable bass groove and punchy drum whacks lay an elastic foundation,  building the tension gradually and suavely for the meaty mosh ready rock n’ roll crescendo. This track has everything to coax you to the dance floor with panache driven vocals cruising over the vivid backdrop- its crisp clean and swanky.

Watch the video for ‘Kelly Ride’ below


Color Palette ‘Sunburn’

Color Palette have released their new single ‘Sunburn’. Color Palette – comprised of Jay Nemeyer, Joshua Hunter, Matt Hartenau, Rogerio Naressi, and Maryjo Mattea – are an Indie Electro Rock band from Washington, DC. Since their first release, Color Palette have garnered hundreds of press hits worldwide. The band released their debut full-length album, ‘Vaporwave’, in 2016 and  have shared bills with the following notable artists: Charli XCX, The Naked and Famous, Mother Mother, Day Wave, Yumi Zouma, Mr Little Jeans, The Kickback, and Spirit Animal. The band are set to release their second full-length album in 2019.

‘Sunburn’ is a soft marshmallow of swirling sweetness caressing your ears with glorious smooth textures which wrap a zingy indie interior in silken coated bliss. Ethereal and dreamy, this track pirouettes in, on a spongy buoyant rhythmic foundation while jangly guitars slice through with zealous vigor and sun kissed radiance. The subtle hazy vocals layer the track in dreamy vibes as shimmering whirling electronics set a Utopian atmosphere to lose yourself in. These guys blend the delicate electronic tones with blistering indie seamlessly to create a gripping enthralling listening experience that transports you to that euphoric sun soaked land, dreams are made of.

Stream ‘Sunburn’ below

 


La Dharma ‘Sirens’

Birmingham based indie four piece La Dharma have released their new single  ‘Sirens’. The indie pop foursome La Dharma formed in the West Midlands in early 2017 with founding member Chris Leedham’s passion for writing slick meaningful stories embedded within 80’s pop sounds. La Dharma’s signature sound was born after further experimentation with guitarist and old friend Daniel ‘Jonah’ Jones’s indie background. However, the pair were missing the driving force behind the music and were joined by bassist Mick Madera and drummer James Morris to finish the line up with a tight funky rhythm section and after a successful first year of gigging,the band  have had success with BBC WM introducing plays for their debut single ‘Devil in a Tight Dress’ and now after having a change of singer their next single ‘Sirens’ was debuted on BBC WM introducing.

‘Sirens’ is an effortless soothing creamy delight that floods with 80’s hued nostalgia upon a glorious indie speckled backdrop. The soft vocals coo and swoon over this glorious honey drizzled melody as a zesty zing on guitar laments and stings throughout. These guitar injections add an edge and ethereal  quality to the track as they pine over the elastic bass and punchy drum foundation creating a heart gripping track with a luscious dreamy atmosphere. It’s sweet and light yet filled with rich textures and subtle intricate rhythms to make you feel every strike and woozy strum. With a catchy chorus and compact production this tune is easy to listen to and sweet like taffy.  Their is something very special about this track – La Dharma are writing tunes to make you feel each delicate moment  and that emotional attachment is something to treasure.

Stream ‘Sirens’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-61616756/sirens/s-hOGK7

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From whenyoung

Following their recent singles ‘Heaven on Earth’ and their cover of the Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’, Limerick’s finest indie-poppers whenyoung have announced their new EP ‘Given Up’ to be released through Virgin EMI on the 9th November with new single and title track ‘Given Up’. 2018 has already been 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’ve also supported the likes of Dream Wife, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Peace.Having already played storming sets at this year’s Great Escape, Latitude, Kendal Calling, Bestival, All Together Now and Electric Picnic, they are playing headline shows in October supporting both The Vaccines and Blossoms on their upcoming tours along with their own headline shows in Dublin, Limerick and Cork this coming November.

‘Given Up’ is a catchy indie pop number driven by a meaty backdrop, forming the perfect blend of gritty alternative rock. This trio weave between shimmering luscious pop and razor raw indie rock seamlessly to create a satisfying and hair raising listening experience. Dynamic drums and elastic rumbling bass create the resilient foundation while refined guitars meander from sweetly chiming to blistering stings as this track builds from its Pixies-esque style into the rich wholly consuming sound that is whenyoung. Aoife Power’s vocals sweetly coo with attitude hued undercurrents as she lulls the glorious melty melody. This track is well crafted each element bringing something delightful to the table. The infectious chorus, jangly guitar elements and honey drizzled vocal bridges make this track just sublime and pretty impressive.

About the track the band said “Given Up was written after a series of late nights and self-inflicted misdirection. The central message is to take your life by the reins and create your own future.”

You Can Catch whenyoung live at:

21st September – Reeperbahn Festival (Molotow) – Hamburg

26th September – The Key Club – Leeds

27th September –The Shipping Forecast – Liverpool

28th September – Think Tank? – Newcastle

29th September – Tenement Trail Festival – Glasgow

3rd October – The Boiler Room – Guildford

4th October – The Purple Turtle – Reading

5th October – The Cookie – Leicester

6th October – Neighbourhood Festival – Manchester

10th October – Komedia Studio – Brighton

11th October – Boston Music Rooms – London

12th October – Kasbah – Coventry

20th October – Ancienne Belgique – Belgium (Supporting The Vaccines)

21st October – Luxor – Cologne (Supporting The Vaccines)

22nd October – Gruenspan – Hamburg (Supporting The Vaccines)

24th October – Alhambra – Paris (Supporting The Vaccines)

25th October – Melkweg – Amsterdam (Supporting The Vaccines)

26th October – Festaal Kreuzberg – Berlin (Supporting The Vaccines)

28th October – Vega Small Hall – Copenhagen (Supporting The Vaccines)

29th October – Pustervik – Gothenburg (Supporting The Vaccines)

30th October – Nalen – Stockholm (Supporting The Vaccines)

13th October – Heartbreakers – Southampton

2nd November – The Workman’s Club – Dublin

3rd November – Dolan’s – Limerick

4th November – Cyprus Avenue – Cork

4th December – O2 Academy 1 – Sheffield (Supporting Blossoms)

5th December – Rock City – Nottingham (Supporting Blossoms)

7th December – O2 Academy 1 – Birmingham (Supporting Blossoms)

8th December  – Victoria Warehouse – Manchester (Supporting Blossoms)

9th December – Victoria Warehouse – Manchester (Supporting Blossoms)

11th December – O2 Guildhall – Southampton (Supporting Blossoms)

12th December – O2 Academy 1 – Bristol (Supporting Blossoms)

 

Stream ‘Given Up’ below

 


Lana Del Rey ‘Venice Bitch’

Following on from last week’s release of ‘Mariners Apartment Complex’, Lana Del Rey has now released another new track ‘Venice Bitch’. The track which is expected to appear on her next album, ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell’ premiered as World Record on Apple Music’s Beats 1 with Zane Lowe” yesterday and is available to stream and download now. Lana Del Rey is currently in the studio working with Jack Antonoff. A full-length record won’t be due for release until 2019 but Lana is excited to preview some early material from the sessions for fans.

‘Venice Bitch’ is a 10-minute span of dreamy floaty ballad -esque tones wrapped in a psychedelic prismatic  blanket. Del Rey drapes her sultry vocals over a tender first half of the track as subtle guitars twinkle about swoony strings while a sweet calming melody caresses your ears gently and delicately seeping into your mind. Del Rey’s vocals disarm and subdue with her honeyed tone lulling and cooing gracefully. This sublimely tranquilizing gem is easy on the ears as it subtly builds becoming a little more obscure with the psychedelic tones steering the track into a kaleidoscopic daze. Just as you are melting into its soothing moody hazy vibe the track slides into a falling hallucinogenic bottomless dream of weaving almost dizzying soundscapes and distorted lingering guitar fuzz while Del Rey laments above this woozy backdrop. It’s a gripping unique number from Lana Del Rey.

Watch the video for ‘Venice Bitch’ below


Arcade Hearts ‘Bleach’

Arcade Hearts have released their new single single ‘Bleach’, the second to be taken from their debut self-titled EP out this Friday 21st September on Republic of Music. After releasing their debut single in late 2017 the band have not stopped, taking the hard graft attitude of their day jobs into the music and applying a hunger only a few bands possess to make this work. This has led them to earn a loyal following and the booking of their largest headline show to date at Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms. The band have gathered support from Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing, Spotify and Born Music alongside supporting some of the biggest new bands including Sports Team, Orchards, Wild Front, Jerry Williams, Swimming Girls and Fickle Friends.

‘Bleach’ is a sweet sugarplum swirl of 80’s fused indie pop that gets your heart racing with each delicious tender moment. Lush synths shimmer around the rich rhythmic ripples while the  delicate melody drips and seeps like honey over this glorious tuneful soundscape. The velvety vocals surge with passion while zesty guitars inject vibrant glimmers of scintillation throughout. These guys write heart moving tunes wrapped in romance and tight angel delight doused instrumentation with a nice little underline sting to keep the edgy indie element. With a sound that evokes quivering emotion delicately and blissfully these guys are ones to keep an eye on.

Describing the single frontman Dan Surridge-Smith said: “Bleach is trying to tell a story of acute late night romance and the degradation of a mental-well being in a social age. Not in a pretentious way, just a blend or being delicate and obvious with the subject”

Stream ‘Bleach’ below