Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Funk, Indie, Indie Disco, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Miles Kane

Miles Kane has released the new single and title track of his anticipated third album ‘Coup De Grace’. It is the second taste of the album following the release of the Jamie T and Lana Del Rey collaboration ‘Loaded‘ earlier this year. The album which follows predecessor ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ from 2013 is set for release on August 10.

‘Coup De Grace’ is a snazzy, disco hued dazzling glam rock display from Kane that is sure to have you shaking and grooving mindlessly. The stomping beat slaps and rebounds off fluctuant jangly glitter-soaked guitars while Kane’s vocals glissade upon the infectious melody with swagger and charisma. It’s 70’s esque foot tapping frenzy as the verses cruise and slide with a luring quality right up to the bursting sing along ready chorus. Doused in funky vibes this track steam rolls in with all its flamboyant trance inducing glory to wrestle your mind with its swanky chicness sprawled on top of glam rock finesse. From the first vocal wail this track has you hooked and transported to a groovy timeless world of dance and fun and lets not forget the fluidity in the lyrics, they flow with such rapidity and molten smoothness – its captivating.  The deeply weaved elastic bass adds a thrilling rooted quivering foundation for this track to elevate off. The blending of slinky rock attitude driven guitars with disco soundscapes creates a crisp pristine little world of endless dancing and prancing. It’s very slick indeed.

 

Stream ‘Coup De Grace’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Van Bellman ‘I Hate To See You This Way’

Van Bellman has released his new single ‘I Hate To See You This Way’.Van Bellman is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Zac Taylor. You may have seen him playing guitar on TV with multi-platinum band American Authors, or perhaps carrying your luggage at the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Avenue a few years back. Taylor has been cultivating this new project and has now presented his brand of bluesy rock and indie pop.

‘I Hate To See You This Way’ is a gritty, crawling blast of bluesy rock at its most exciting and electrifying. Rough guitars shred and lacerate through a thick muggy drum whack while Taylor’s chilled vocals cruise in luring and creepy for the verses becoming more passionate and emotional for the meteoric chorus. Exploding in a barrel of spinning emotion this track throbs, stomps and screams with rock and roll swagger and slick panache. It’s sharp and brawny with a sensual sliver of finesse embossed on top. The whisky soaked melody wriggles its way into your brain while rough spiky guitars steam and evaporate over the kinetic riveting rock drenched soundscape.With heart-gripping pop speckled moments between the lusty growls and eerie tension this track is a sublime stalking number that drips and oozes sophistication and fine musicianship.

The theme of ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ focuses on the pain of watching someone you love go down a dark road, witnessing them self-destruct. Anyone can relate to this heartbreaking and helpless feeling, whether they have played the role of the nurse or the patient. “It means a lot to me as both a lyrical and sonic story,” said Taylor, who also produced the track at the legendary Mission Sound Studios in Brooklyn through some serious vintage equipment.

Stream ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ below


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

Changing Gears ‘Leave’

Dublin five-piece pop rock band Changing Gears are set to release their new single ‘Leave’ on 22nd June. This peppy energetic number rides in on a wave of vibrant guitar melodies and velvety vocal lines over an elastic rhythmic backdrop. It’s sun kissed irresistible melody floods the track in sweet honey soaked vibes and the guitar injections are just sublime. They playfully weave silky golden strands of bliss between the buoyant foundation and surf-like breezy atmosphere. It’s a glorious glossy number that is infectious and delightful to listen to.

In support of ‘Leave’ Changing Gears will play BelloBar on 22 June make sure to check them out

Stream ‘Leave’ below


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

LOLA ‘Against the Tide’

LOLA are an upcoming indie rock band from the Liverpool music scene. Consisting of front-man Matthew Walker, the lead guitarist Sam Meredith, Bassist Jack Hughes and percussionist Paul “Pablo” Robinson. The four have music influences ranging from classic rock, indie rock, hard-hitting metal, soul, rhythm and blues and hip-hop, incorporating all these styles together to create the concocted indie sound that they have become associated with.Forming in April of 2017, It only took LOLA a few months to come charging onto social media and music streaming platforms, building themselves a dedicated local fan base with their first singles “Won’t You Just” and “Who Do You Love?”, to form their debut EP, “These Words Mean Nothing”. Both tracks have received strong support from Merseyside BBC introducing, being played numerous times and receiving thousands of listens within their first few weeks of being released on Spotify. LOLA have embarked on supporting already established names in the music industry, such as “Bloc Party” frontman Kele Okereke and Superfood, as well as performing in front of thousands of people at prestigious events such as the premier league side Everton FCs 2017 kit launch.The band have now released their new single ‘Against the Tide’.

‘Against the Tide’ is a soaring blistering whack of heart racing vibrant indie. Warm lamenting guitars weave a sweet melody between a flexible rooted bass line and punchy drum combo that packs a hefty stomping wallop. The honey coated melody caresses the mighty enthralling synth driven backdrop with a sugar sweetness and youthful blast of longing. The production is tight as swirling guitars douse the track in ethereal, breezy soundscapes while flickering through with glorious speckles of scintillation. It’s anthemic and gripping as raspy vocals exude emotion into every note. With a catchy clap along feature thrown into the mix LOLA have created a catchy little gem that has all the ingredients to make these guys very popular.

Stream  ‘Against the Tide’ below

 

 


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

Fake Shark ‘Wake Up’

Canadian chart-topping indie-pop trio Fake Shark have released a synergistic new video for their single ‘Wake Up’ feat. Fionn via Live In Limbo. Previously operating under Fake Shark – Real Zombie!, the band has cultivated a dedicated fanbase with their art-punk inspired sound. The release of their widely accessible full-length ‘Faux Real’ (Light Organ Records) in May 2017 saw the band charting on Canadian commercial formats and garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Since the release of their album, the band has been honing their signature sound and have emerged with “Wake Up” – their most collaborative and harmonious recording to date. The members of Fake Shark have long been known for their singular style and feverish, wide-eyed abandon. Their songs emphasize unforgettable hooks, drawing on frontman Kevvy Mental’s experience as a pop producer working with Carly Rae Jepsen, Kat Von D and many others.

‘Wake Up’ is a flashy, glamorously infectious disco flavoured number that lasso’s you onto the dance floor. Shimmering synths glissade down vibrant guitar hooks and buoyant peppy rhythm creating a lush energetic and dance-able soundscape. Smooth velvety vocals coo over the melty, dreamy melody while dazzling soundscapes inject a hefty dose of sparkle and glitter into this swagger filled gem. It’s instantly peppy and pop smothered with a driving rooted bass line to keep a strut ready bounce and lift in the song. The vocals sail between male and female vocals keeping the track refreshing and enticing at all times. These guys have created an instant pick me up shot of vitality with this groovy dynamic number.

About the track the band said: “Wake Up  is about dreaming of someone or something you had no special feelings for, but when you wake up, you’re in love with them. The single is definitely a new direction for us, and it’s the result of our musical chemistry coming together the best it’s ever been.”

Watch the video for ‘Wake Up’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From BØRNS 

 

BØRNS is the stage name of American singer songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Garrett Borns. Borns released his second album ‘Blue Madonna’ earlier this year and I have been obsessed with the track ‘We Don’t Care’ ever since. Joined once again by producer Tommy English, Borns takes the delicious indie synth pop from his ‘Dopamine’ debut and fleshes it out blending in some dreamy, psychedelic, electric pop flavours along with a dash of glam sprinkled rock and roll which we see in ‘We Don’t Care’.  Its walloping Bo Diddley rhythm drives the infectious groove creating a Will Young ‘Switch It On’ – esque danceable foundation while jangly guitars slide and glide upon this sublime jittery backdrop. Borns’ nectarous vocals slither between a whisper for the enticing verses and lush falsetto for the infectious chorus. The melody is juicy and sweet honey to the ears. The sugary electronics swirl and seep between the clap along beat and fuzz filled guitar spreading a candied lusciousness throughout this electrifying gem. The layering is sublime and the track slowly builds in intensity to a dynamic feverous crescendo. It’s a slick swagger soaked display that struts with smooth precision in every note making for a consuming, enthralling and enjoyable experience. ‘We Don’t Care’ is an ear-worm you won’t be able to prise out of your mind as you dance and flop around the room.

Watch the video for ‘We Don’t Care’ below


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

Punketronic ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’

Indie Rock 4-Piece Punketronic have released their debut single ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’, a tribute to the late David Bowie as a thank you for giving us inspiring and uplifting music. Based in Bristol, Punketronic was formed by songwriter and multi instrumentalist Paul Tronic. Made up of band mates of 20 years from covers bands, the four piece present a fusion of new wave, synth pop and power pop with a hint of modern indie rock, giving them an edge whilst still remaining current.

Their debut single ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ is a punchy 3 minute track, written by Paul himself. Taking influence from the likes of Blondie, Talking Heads and David Bowie, with a brit pop energy. It’s a sweetly nostalgic synth pop number driven by edgy jangly guitars and a snappy beat. The melody flows upon a groovy danceable backdrop while the synth laced soundscapes wisp and swirl about creating a spacey vibrant breath of fresh air. This radio friendly ditty floods with a catchy chorus and luscious melodies wrapped in a swoosh of shimmering electronics. The dazzling soundscapes encase the track in a delightful nostalgic euphoria while the zesty guitar injects a healthy dose of indie rock. Recorded in Paul’s home studio, ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ was written in around an hour and self-recorded. The track is accompanied by an interesting video, recorded by George Elliott, a hotly tipped film student from Bristol.

Watch the video for ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ below


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

Galants ‘In Vain’

Dublin shoegaze band, Galants have released their new single ‘In Vain’ via Zen Ten Records . The track is the first to be taken from forthcoming EP ‘Follow’, set for release in the Autumn. It was partly self-recorded in an attic on the northside of Dublin City and subsequently produced by Dan Doherty of Darklands Audio. The song takes a sonic cue from Ride and The Jesus & Mary Chain and is informed by themes of social contradiction, disparity and introspection, musing on the importance of remembering what really matters; family, friends and the people we love.

‘In Vain’ is a refreshing whoosh of hazy laid back indie dream pop. Ethereal guitars soar and stride with sublime distortion above a pulsing beat and elastic bass backdrop. The lush melody disperses on the enthralling soundscapes adding a sweet delicacy while David Kennedy ‘s reverb laden vocals coo with tender emotion. It’s a breezy aerial number that builds into a subtly explosive crescendo. This song is a dreamy, euphoric and uncluttered track that oozes oodles of energy and gusto but within an elegant delightfully mellow setting. The distortion and guitar lines make for a biting razor sharp sting throughout the track and adds some rawness and edge that hits you like a youthful shot of adrenaline while the steady rhythm and easygoing vocals smoothen and soothe the track creating a pocket of mind melting bliss. ‘In Vain’ is a sublime new single from Galants filled with pure untarnished shoegaze and marshmallow softness.

You can catch Galants live at:
29 June 2018 – The Underground, Dublin
21 July 2018 – Metalman Bar, Waterford

Stream ‘In Vain’ below


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

Dead Royalties ‘Phantom Hearts’

Dead Royalties have released their new single ‘Phantom Hearts’. They are an energetic Post-Punk/Art-Rock trio with a sound that takes influence from Queens of the Stone Age, Royal Blood and flavours of 90’s Alt-Rock / Brit-Pop. Their heavy yet accessible riffs conceal a hefty dose of unexpected complexity, opening new dimensions and making them appeal to both mainstream listeners and those who like to get their intellectual curiosity tickled. With their well received debut E.P. ‘Hormones’ (released through Secret Chord Records), as well as three other singles, they have rapidly gained momentum in the Bristol music scene and with BBC Introducing, resulting in sell-out home shows, a back catalogue of future releases and a unique sound that makes this trio such an exciting and hard hitting act.

‘Phantom Hearts’ is a slinky, strut ready number ravaged with groovy rhythms and heavy mosh ready rawness. The sleek pop flavoured melody slithers upon a rough cutting riff driven backdrop and gritty soundscape while smooth swagger soaked vocals caress the melody provocatively. Its heavy headbanging-ly frantic instrumentation contrasts magnificently with the sensual persona of the track making for a wholly enthralling listen. It’s infectious and will get everyone up dancing. Once that thudding beat kicks in this track has you grooving and bopping as it seeps cool flamboyance and prance quality from every note. Those guitar licks and elastic bass meanders inject panache and an irresistible strut element while the flickering soundscapes drizzle the track with a dizzying dose of acid. It’s a “slightly prudish and clinical love song about fornication and misguided lovers” produced in the most thrilling manner.

Stream ‘Phantom Hearts’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Magic Lotus

The Magic Lotus is a garage rock band based in London whose 60s influenced pop melodicism comes with a minimalist grunge attack.The origins of the band, much like the origins of Western Civilization, are in Athens, Greece, where the guys started many moons ago.Moving to London in 2015, The Magic Lotus wasted no time hitting the capital’s club circuit. The Unsigned Guide picked up on the band, championing them in their mail outs. Local radio and arty blogs alike reacted to their psychedelic punk singalongs.The band have released their debut single ‘Feel Your Love’ by the independent label The Animal Farm records.

‘Feel Your Love’ is a sweeping surge of shredding rock and roll that smacks you in the face and wrestles you to the ground in the most slick, swagger drenched manner. The shredding guitar riff scorches through the track with red hot intensity while the dynamic rhythm punches with a hefty potency. It’s a highly energetic blistering track that rushes through your veins with that get up and go adrenaline. Sing along ready with its catchy chorus and attitude swagger riddled vocals, this track is a mighty infectious, sizzling mammoth that will be running riot in your mind all day.

Stream ‘Feel Your Love’ below