Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

The Kooks ‘No Pressure’ and ‘All The Time’

The Kooks have returned with two new songs in the form of ‘No Pressure’ and ‘All The Time’. The tracks are taken from their forthcoming fifth studio album ‘Let’s Go Sunshine’ which is out August 31st via Lonely Cat/AWAL Recordings. These two new tracks announce the return of The Kooks’ timeless indie sound- there is no fluff just pure sweet melodic indie.

‘No Pressure’ glows with warm golden melodies draped over glorious guitar flourishes and a peppy punchy beat. This laid back little gem swoons and sways with clap along beats, lush backing vocals and vibrant tones. The catchy chorus is ready for soothing sing alongs while Luke Pritchard’s velvety vocals croon along adding a pacifying sweetness to the bouncy all round blissful mellowness. These guys have always had a knack for injecting some flawless ethereal guitar moments and this song is no different,those euphoric sun setting guitars are plentiful and just sublime.

‘All The Time’ adds a dash of funky zest into their infectious indie with a stomping beat creating a sturdy foundation for the strut seasoning to playfully rebound off. A little more dance-able than ‘No Pressure’ this track shakes things up a bit showcasing their more rhythmic groovy side. With an elastic bassline that ripples between jangly guitars and adrenaline rushing soundscapes – this, teamed with dynamic vocals packs the song with oodles of passion. The anthmic chorus soars to heart stopping dramatics while the gripping melody is cinematic and divine. The use of strings throughout adds an elegance, romantic texture and feathery lightness to their infectious indie.

The Kooks have returned with two sublime appetisers that deliver shifts of versatility from swoony sweetness to strutting finesse drenched in swagger and passion. They have honed in on the timeless sound of their previous albums and blended them together superbly. It’s looking like the perfect blend so far. If these two tracks are anything to go by ‘Let’s Go Sunshine’ is sure to be a satisfying album.

Stream ‘No Pressure’ and ‘All The Time’ below


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

Five Days North ‘Stranger Signs’

Winners of the 2017 Best Unsigned Band at the Best of British Unsigned Music Awards, Five Days North are set to release their new single ‘Stranger Signs’ in June. In the summer of 2016, they released their debut EP ‘Past Times’. It contained the single ‘Won’t Stop for Nothing’ which has featured on ITV’s This Morning and was released with an accompanying music video. Their second single in April 2017 ‘Shapeshifters’ and third single ‘City of Wonder’ in September 2017 have both featured on BBC Introducing. The five piece have played a multitude of live events around the UK, from great venues such as the Deaf Institute and a headline performance at Gorilla in Manchester, to festivals such as Dot to Dot 2017 and Warrington festival 2016.

‘Stranger Signs’ is a light, dazzling whack of indie pop delight. Shimmering synths flood the track with an effervescent fizz of sugar while the luscious melody flows on top with a glucose creamy texture. The twinkling guitars add flickers of scintillation to the floaty ethereal atmosphere and inject a dash of zealous edge while the danceable infectious rhythm rebounds with an energetic spring creating a dynamic rich number that is anthemic and vibrant.Darryl Messer’s vocals surge with passion and emotion as the bright lustrous soundscapes rush about with a sublime breezy  cool sun kissed vibe. ‘Stranger Signs’ is another charming gem that glitters with rich instrumentation and a meticulously layered production.

Stream ‘Stranger Signs’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From 10 O’Clock Chemical

Having met through Stoke On Trent’s local music scene, 10 O’Clock Chemical was formed in 2016 between four friends discovering a shared love for rock and electronica: songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist Rhys, drummer Danny, bassist Josh and guitarist Jack. An enigmatic group with a penchant for sci-fi imagery and witty, observational songwriting, they were quickly voted ‘Best New Artist’ by six hundred of their peers at the Staffordshire and Cheshire Music Awards in Spring 2017. Their debut single ‘Babylon is Fallen’ was released to critical acclaim in February 2018 via their own GRITPOP label, and the group plan to release their debut EP this June. The band have now released a video for their recent single ‘We Are Digital’.

‘We Are Digital’ is a flaunty, sublime strut of electronica that exudes the sass and sultriness of INXS with a Depeche Mode foundation. This catchy gem showcases the band’s opulent production, slithery grooves, and captivating allure.With a thick rhythmic base and light funk embellishment, this song fits all the needs of 1980s pop radio while maintaining a modern edge. The glossy infectious melody glides over a rippling guitar line and snappy skittering beat creating an infectious dancable number. The sumptuous production makes for a wholly satisfying listen –  tightly layered and darkly hued the song lures you into its infectious depths. The vibrant chorus is ridiculously buoyant as attitude soaked vocals rebound of its fluctuant, dizzying soundscapes while falsetto vocals sweeten the deal providing a lush melody to cling to. 10 O’Clock Chemical have created a hook laden intoxicating pop number to drool over.

The video for ‘We Are Digital’ was Co-directed by Will Hutchinson and band member Rhys Oakes – watch it below


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

Bastille ‘Quarter Past Midnight’

Bastille have released their new single ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ which is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming third album, the follow-up to 2016’s UK No. 1 album ‘Wild World’. The past half-decade has certainly been a whirlwind for the four-piece, who comprise frontman Dan Smith (who is the sole songwriter, and co-produces all the tracks alongside Mark Crew), keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris Wood. They’ve played over 500 shows across six continents, including their recent, critically acclaimed ReOrchestrated tour, and have amassed 15 million single sales and 6 million album sales globally. Both ‘Bad Blood’ and its follow-up, ‘Wild World’, reached No.1 in the UK and the top 10 in the US, and their music has been streamed a staggering 3.3 billion times. They’ve not gone without awards recognition either: after winning British Breakthrough Act at the BRITs, they’ve earned Grammy, AMA and MTV Europe Awards nominations. The new single which was recorded and self-produced in the band’s newly built studio which also houses Smith’s record label Best Laid Plans (Rag N’Bone Man, Rationale), is set to follow their upward trend.

‘Quarter Past Midnight’ is a surging rush of the anthemic bliss Bastille do so well. Driven by a snapping breakbeat and adrenaline flooding drums which fill the track with a shot of exhilaration that dashes through your veins while the infectious melody melts on top of kinetic electronic soundscapes. Oozing tones of excitement and elation this track whizzes with an effervescence that grabs you and makes you want to let loose, dance, sing and just expel all your stress and worries. Sweet toned guitar jangles weave coolly between this delicious explosion of sounds creating a warm delicate braid –  tying all the luscious component parts together while injecting a little stream of zest throughout track. Smiths smooth vocals seamlessly flow between his velvety baritone and sweet falsetto making for a dynamic listen. It’s vivid cinematic chorus provides that final burst of ecstasy that will have you hooked and craving more. Bastille never disappoint.

About the track frontman Dan Smith says: “It’s just about trying to capture that Sliding Doors moment on a night out. Some people are gonna go home; for some this is just the beginning. It became about being in someone’s car, driving through the city, and I wanted to try and capture that sense of excitement, and that rush.”

Stream ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ below

 


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

Bend Sinister ‘Show Me How To Love’

Bend Sinister of Vancouver have released their new single ‘Show Me How To Love’ featuring Danny Vacon from The Dudes. The track is taken from their upcoming album ‘Foolish Games’ which is set for release later this month. The perky radiant track hops long in a fun playful manner that is sure to put a smile on your face. Jazzy piano bounces about vibrant guitars and buoyant rhythm while the animated melody adds a healthy slap of merriness and animation into the track. It’s a tight joyous number that oozes beaming energy and sun soaked luminosity. This get up and dance track is infectious as it bounces in and takes all the stress and tension away with its ray of sunshine, catchy chorus  and vivid instrumentation. It’s a light-hearted pop sprinkled little gem that surges with adrenaline, good times and positivity.

‘Show Me How To Love’ is an enjoyable song with a simple message.” Sometimes we forget what’s important and we always need to remember how to love and live life”

Stream ‘Show Me How To Love’ below

https://soundcloud.com/bend-sinister-new-ep/show-me-how-to-love


Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Video Premiere

Sydney Wright ‘Seiche’ Video Premiere

Austin-based loop-pedal pop musician Sydney Wright has released the video for her new single ‘Seiche’. Wright has been penning songs for over a decade, and while her huge voice often gets her compared to Florence and the Machine and Sara Bareilles, there’s a darker, more experimental edge to her work. Drawing heavily from hip-hop rhythms, with loops of piano, guitar, beatbox and doo-wops, Wright creates a sonically complex, live-looping, one-woman show.

‘Seiche’ is an enchanting track filled with magical melodies wrapped in a dark cloak of haunting soundscapes. Wright’s vocals are crisp and captivating as she coats the luscious melody with sweet passion. Breezy soundscapes wisp around warm elegant piano creating an ethereal heart stopping atmosphere while strings flicker in between.  The track progresses building into an anthemic power crescendo. As the track lifts to this soaring fist pumping climax Wright injects a surge of adrenaline into the song filling you with positivity and energy. She slowly crafts this track taking time to layer it meticulously, having you held in a motionless suspense feeling every note and flicker in a gripping intense manner before the great mighty release. This is a track that captures emotion and feeling perfectly and holds it, slowly dispensing it. It’s a sublime piece of work.

About the track Wright says, “The song is about hearing myself and following my own feelings and intuition, a cleansing sort of transcendence. We’re constantly bombarded with others’ projections, opinions and expectations of us. It’s easy to start believing and adopting these notions ourselves. ‘Seiche’ is about rejecting the influences that are reflections of others, and regaining freedom in our own choices and identity.”

Watch the video for ‘Seiche’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Kios ‘Right Now’

Nashville indie rock band Kios have released their new single ‘Right Now’. The three piece which is made up of Cole Suddarth (vocals/guitar), Aaron Krak (drums), and Mitch Wollenberg (bass) have created a clean crisp sound that gushes with luscious indie pop and vibrant instrumentation. ‘Right Now’ hops along at a steady pace as zesty guitars swirl about the sweet delicious melody while cool vocals chill the tone in a laid back effortless manner making the track a sweet freeze pop of delight.Though it flurries along with a sugar coated spring in its step the song builds becoming more fiery and edgy as punchy drums stomp while guitars shred with a razor sharp sting making for an intense sublime crescendo. It’s another well layered vivid, sun kissed track from the trio.

Stream ‘Right Now’ below


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

The RPMs ‘Let Things Happen’

The RPMs are set to release their new single ‘Let Things Happen’ via Xtra Mile Recordings on June 29 across all digital formats. The band was formed in Dorset by childhood friends Jack Valero (lead vocals, guitar) and Callum James, (drums and backing vocals). Following a move to Brighton they were joined by Miguel Cosme on bass and gained early momentum in 2016 for their debut EP, ‘Digital Disobedience, followed by their second EP in 2017, ‘Agents of Change’ released via Xtra Mile Recordings. Inspired by the support of singles ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Things I Forgot To Do’, The RPM’s expanded to a five piece, adding in Chris Bowden on keyboards and Ollie Summer on lead guitar to create a larger live sound and carve out a more ambitious sonic direction.The RPMs are set to tour extensively throughout Spring and Summer in support of ‘Let Things Happen’ and their upcoming third single for 2018, ‘Gotta Let Go’ is set for release in September via Xtra Mile Recordings.

‘Let Things Happen’ raises the bar for The RPMs to glorious new heights. This catchy track is the skittles packet of indie tunes, it’s brimming with sweet luscious melodies and juicy little glimmers on guitar to create a colourful vibrant indie track. Delicate keys flutter about the song adding shimmers of scintillation while a buoyant beat keeps the song hopping along with a joyous spring and bounce that is sublime and infectious. It’s sun kissed and chilled as the chiming guitars weave between the keys playfully- adding a chipper lustrous atmosphere. Well crafted the layers are tight and heavenly giving a rich, melodic, dreamy rush of sugar coated indie pop that is perfect for your summer playlists.

Speaking of the new single, singer Jack Valero said, “It’s written about how sometimes in life you just have to sit back and go with the flow and is very much based on where we are as a band right now. You face many difficult obstacles in life especially when you’re in a band and it’s all about how you overcome them and carry on, just like it says in the chorus ‘Pick up and start again’. It’s a positive message to not allow yourself to be defeated and also to remember sometimes to let go and live in the moment instead of trying to control it.”

You can catch The RPMs live at :

MAY 12 – Southend Chinnerys ‘Lost Minutes’ w. Sean McGowan and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly pre ‘Lost Evenings’
MAY 14 – Frank Turner Lost Evenings Festival Xtra Mile Label Night, The Roundhouse
MAY 19 – Brighton Shortts Bar – Alternative Escape – Roger Kent for Kick Out The Jams
MAY 27 – Bearded Theory Festival
JUNE 22 – Isle of Wight Festival
JULY 22 – Stockport Blackthorn Fest
AUGUST 3 – Kent, Edenbridge – LeeFest Neverworld
AUGUST 4 – Kent Edenbridge – LeeFest BBC Intro Kent Stage (Abbie McCarthy and Casey Heyburn)
AUGUST 10 – Peterborough – Green Meadows Festival
AUGUST 12 – Cornwall Boardmasters
AUGUST 26 – Warwickshire Camper Calling

Stream ‘Let Things Happen’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Graces

Graces are a Cumbrian quartet who are now based in and around Sheffield.Breaking out of the four walls of their post-industrial rehearsal space in Sheffield, the band took their gripping live show around the country in 2017, playing sold out venues in Sheffield, London and Manchester on word of mouth alone. Whilst sharing stages with Feeder, Fickle Friends and The Amazons, they worked on a series of singles with producer Phil Gornell (Bring Me The Horizon, All Time Low) and were lauded by the mainstream music press. After a busy festival season which included performances at Tramlines Festival and Kendal Calling, the band rounded off last year with a sold-out show in front of 700 people supporting Bruce Foxton from The Jam. They have now released their new single ‘Hotel’.

‘Hotel’ is a blistering blast of indie that rushes through on a wave of youthful exhilaration and chilled euphoria. The verses glide with a breezy laid back vibe as velvety vocals brood through a churning backdrop of biting ethereal guitars and punchy drums. This track builds in intensity becoming more gripping and heart stopping as it reaches its breathtaking crescendo. The melancholic pop-sprinkled dreamy melody floats between a sublime intoxicating wall of sound that soars and cuts sharp with thrilling distortion. It’s a cool crisp display from Graces that packs oodles of emotion and shredding aerial instrumentation into one gripping cinematic track.

Watch the video for ‘Hotel’ here


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

Indie Buddie Introducing: iisolate

iisolate are an indie/alternative duo consisting of Siobhan Taggart Vocals and Jamie Dumas Guitar/Production. The origin of the band began after a chance meeting in Galway when they were 15, After 5 years of waiting Siobhan moved from Derry to Limerick to pursue Art College and iisoalte came to be. The group is now located in Limerick. Siobhan’s dark lyrical content is often contrasted by Jamie’s 80s indie pop influences via the music creating this juxtaposition between the visual and auditory elements.As a band they have adapted to the ever changing music industry adopting the DIY approach, making records on a laptop in bedrooms. All production elements are performed within the group.The duo have now released their debut single ‘Encapsulate’ with an EP tipped for a mid summer release.

‘Encapsulate’ is a captivating, ambient track that crystallises on a darkened noir pop setting. This duo provide a glossy trip-hop sound that echoes and gleams with a mirror-like sheen as dark soundscapes wisp about like haunting ghosts whispering ominously in your ear. Siobhan Taggart’s vocals are ethereal and eerie as they lure you into the depths of this enchanting number. iisolate take their time slowly brooding and fermenting, ever so coolly progressing the track gradually to create a mesmerising enticing piece of work. A twinkling guitar feature glimmers through the floaty dreamy soundscape with a sweet lamenting melody that delicately warms the track. It’s spaced perfectly with a clicking rhythm steadying your mind to keep you sedated and trapped in their enthralling sound. This duo have created a mature track that announces them as ones to watch.

Stream ‘Encapsulate’ below