Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Courtship

Courtship have released their new single ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ taken from their soon to be released debut album ‘Denial in Paradise’. It’s a refreshing swig of juicy summer pop drenched in sparkling synths and vibrant jangly guitar. With a glorious melty melody immersed in lo-fi calming vocals and luminous instrumentation this track is delightful and vivacious. The production is tight and neat with slapping beats rebounding off the swirling breezy soundscapes creating a compact tropical number that is summer sun ready, light and euphoric. This track is melodic, stripped back and grandstanding at all the right moments to create a satisfying listen. The beat in particular pulses and adds a meaty yet fluctuant texture giving a joyous rush of adrenaline through the weaving beaming soundscapes and glistening guitar. It’s a feel good instantly likeable track that is sure to coax out the sun.

Courtship have also just released a video for the single which pays homage to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom and stars actor Jack Grazer from the film IT

Watch the video for ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ below


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

Cocoa Futures ‘Sink in the Water’

Cocoa Futures return after a year off with a very slick number ‘Sink in the Water’. The band teamed up with producer Brendan Willams who is the handyman behind bands such as Dutch Uncles and GoGo Penguin. It’s a groove driven slice of art funk laced in rich and diverse swirling synths. Maintaining a spacious format this tack takes its time building and increasing steadily to its crescendo. Rich rhythms are plentiful as Cocoa Futures make the most of the aerial space by filling it with luscious deep percussion pulses and gooey slaps. Twinkling guitar riffs saturate the track with a zealous refreshing zest while the electronic soundscapes glisten and wisp about in a tranquilizing yet groove infested danceable manner. It’s darkly hued and tightly bound to create a wholly mesmerising, compelling listen. The velvety vocals and mellow melody subdue you into an easy going state while the fluctuant wavy percussion gives a jittery foundation to create a joyously dance ready number. It’s an ambitious and impressive tune that contains all the blissful sweetness of synth pop in its purest concentration and combines this with a healthy dose of swagger sprinkled on top.

After several sold out shows in London last year and appearances at The Great Escape, Cocoa Futures is poised to take 2018 by storm with five more releases planned to be released before the year is out.

Stream ‘Sink in the Water’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Indie Buddie Introducing: The Indica Gallery

The Indica Gallery are a psychedelic quintet based in Liverpool comprised of members Joe Mansergh (Vocals + Guitar), Michael Spence (Keys + Vocals), Zack Smith (Drums + Percussion) , Finlay Lovett (Bass + Vocals) and Ryan Patterson (Lead Guitar). On 20th of April the band will be releasing their debut single ‘Forever Loving You’. It’s a lusciously melodic breezy number that floats in on a dreamboat of euphoric melancholic mellowness. Jangly guitars twinkle between a spongy beat, subtle swirling keys lavishly flood the track with tranquilising psychedelic tones while velvety vocals seep passion into this soothing song. With a 60’s -esque melody melting upon a slow jam indie rock backdrop with some power pop bursts thrown in – The Indica Gallery have created a wholly satisfying listen. Crooning in on a light fluffy cloud of delicate psychedelic wisps with a gentle edge pushing it through this track is a beautiful blend of The Beatles mixed with Oasis with a sprinkling of Miles Kane on top. It’s sharp, ethereal and well put together. A sublime debut from The Indica Gallery.

You can catch The Indica Gallery live at The Yellow Earl – Whitehaven on 20/04/18 (Supporting Twisted Wheel)

For more follow them on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theindicagallery/

 


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

Zkeletonz ‘Always’

Postpop trio Zkeletonz have released their new single ‘Always’ which was self-produced, self-mixed and self-mastered and the new single was the first ever postpop song Zkeletonz wrote together at Kafri Studios in London’s East End.The band have appeared at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho, Hoxton Sq Bar & Kitchen, Stockwell Festival, Fuse Festival, Peckham Festival, Well Street Against Racism street carnival and Plaza Latina, a huge outdoor celebration of London’s Latin American community. Their first video ‘Trouble’ was broadcast on Channel 4 with no music industry support. Celebrity fans include hip hop DJ Tim Westwood, the poet and podcaster Scroobius Pip and the Wasps rugby winger Josh Bassett. ‘Always’ is the third single from the trio . It builds on momentum from their first two releases ‘Trouble’ and ‘Don’t Cover It Up’, which received support from Sunday Brunch, BBC Introducing and the Birmingham Mail. This new release has already secured radio play from John Kennedy on Radio X.

‘Always’ is a sleek funky infectious gem. Slinky guitars hop and skip between a shuffling rhythm and infectious funky groove while lush vocals glissade upon a silky smooth melody. Their rhythms are luxurious as this track struts in announcing its sublime snazzy flamboyance backed by colourful splashy instrumentation that makes for a richly textured, vibrant listen. The twinkling guitar injections squirt a zesty sting into this body shaking, prismatic number leaving you mesmerised and uncontrollably dancing along. Zkeletonz have established a lovable infectious sound that is just beaming from every note and glorious in every way.

Stream ‘Always’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From April Towers

Nottingham duo April Towers have announced their long awaited debut album ‘Certified Freaky’ which will be released this spring through their own imprint Full Frequency Sounds/Republic of Music. To coincide with the announcement, April Towers have shared a new single ‘Tel Aviv’ which is taken from their debut. Having played together in other bands previously, the duo of Alex Noble (vocals, guitars & keyboards) and Charlie Burley (production, samples, guitars & keyboards) embarked on their latest project in August 2013 and April Towers were born. A series of 6 singles and EPs culminating in last summer’s ‘Takes One To Know One’ followed suit, one of which (2015’s ‘A Little Bit Of Fear’) earned them a place on the official FIFA 2016 soundtrack. Throughout their existence they’ve been building momentum and working towards ‘Certified Freaky’ . The single is the first song Alex and Charlie wrote together when they formed as a duo 4 years ago, ‘Tel Aviv’ is a two faced song in many ways: upbeat tempo and vocal highs are coupled with pretty dark lyrics. Recorded at Soho’s legendary Dean Street Studios (in the same room David Bowie recorded Diamond Dogs) over the course of last year, the album was co-produced by the band along with respected electronic artist/DJ Ben Pearce, mixed by Nathan Boddy (Gary Numan, Shame, James Blake) and mastered by Geoff Pesche (Gorillaz, Kylie Minogue, Pulp) at Abbey Road Studios. The whole album was crowd funded via Pledge Music and the band played a sold out show in their native city of Nottingham last September to commemorate this.

‘Tel Aviv’ is a shimmering, infectious slice of synthetic pop encased in luscious snappy soundscapes with a delicious melody iced on top. A sticky beat slaps and whacks between flashing synths and subtle swirling electronics creating a surge of adrenaline throughout the track. Smooth vocals caress this pop drizzled melody while lush backing vocals coo with an eerie haunting undertone filling out the sound. The snappy rhythm creates a dancable groove that is infectious and captivating as the ethereal soundscapes rush past giving a soaring aerial feel. It’s tightly bound to create a charming wall of sound that is captivating and utterly infectious.

April Towers’ live set has also developed over time to incorporate live bass, drums and percussion which gives it a more organic and less mechanistic feel while retaining the vibrant energy of a late night in clubland. Since forming, they’ve played numerous festivals both in the UK and Europe and this summer are already scheduled to play Y Not as well as their first ever headline slot at Deerstock in July.The duo have already confirmed a string of UK dates in April, with many more to be announced soon.

SATURDAY 7TH APRIL, FOX AND NEWT – LEEDS 
SATURDAY 14TH APRIL,WESTON HOMES COMMUNITY STADIUM COLCHESTER
THURSDAY 19TH APRIL, ARCHSPACE – LONDON w/ DISKOPUNK 

Stream ‘Tel Aviv’ below


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

Niki Kand ‘Bleeding Hearts’

Niki Kand is a musician and visual artist based in Liverpool. She is a DIY musician whose love of Kate Bush and The Beatles mixed with her drive that comes from an imaginary world, has given life to her music. Her tunes are self-produced and entirely her own creation. She has recently released her new single ‘Bleeding Hearts’ which is the first single off her debut extended play ‘Pinkish’ which is set for release August 29.

‘Bleeding Hearts’ is a sultry concoction of swirling electronics playfully weaving between twinkling keys and a snappy beat. Niki’s clean, crisp vocals lure and entice over the sticky muggy beat while the catchy melody hooks you into the tracks magnetising depths. The flickering, breezy soundscapes have a hypnotic effect with an eerie quality that is darkly luring yet cheery enough to coax you to dance and sway joyously. It’s light and dreamy with grooves that make you want to move and clap along. This track is superbly produced and crafted. Its sound is pristine and clean with simple little effects that make this an ear worm you wont be able to prise from your mind.A superb track from an outstanding DIY musician.

Stream ‘Bleeding Hearts’ below


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

Crome Yellow ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’

Waterford band Crome Yellow have released a new music video for their song ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’. The Video was released to announce their upcoming debut album ‘See Why’.The inspiration for their forthcoming album came off the back of playing live shows in Waterford and Dublin and trying recapture the atmosphere of the songs that were most fun to play.

‘Wash Basket Earpiece’ displays Crome Yellow’s progression from their moodier psych-based sounds found on their previous EP ‘Yellow Road’ into a more feel good and upbeat sound. It’s a light wisp of psych sprinkled synth pop. Guitars fluctuate between peppy jingles and luscious strums to create a blooming soundscape that soothes as well as invigorates your soul. It’s blissful to the ears and cheery as a buoyant beat and groovy bass line hops about the track with a delightful spring in its step.The melody is divine and sedating as creamy vocals simmer down each luxurious note. It’s tightly compact and crafted for chilled,ethereal listening on a lazy summers day, this tune is simply euphoric.

Watch the video for ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kios

Kios is an indie rock band based in Nashville, TN. The three piece is made up of Cole Suddarth (vocals/guitar), Aaron Krak (drums), and Mitch Wollenberg (bass). Cole and Aaron met through a previous band that formed at Belmont University – Aaron and Mitch grew up together in Newark, Ohio; all three moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue music. They have now released their debut single ‘Be Loved’ with an EP planed for the end of the summer.

‘Be Loved’ is a sugar rush of sweet luscious indie pop filled with infectious melodies glazed on top of vibrant sparkling instrumentation. Smooth laid back vocals glide upon the melty melody while a snappy clap along feature and buoyant drums add a peppy lift and energetic urgency to the track. Ethereal guitars swirl around flashing bright scintillation throughout the dreamy candied soundscapes. The bassline rumbles and slaps creating a fluctuant foundation to this wispy joyous tune while providing a hint of edgy grit. It’s a sublime refreshing, chilled, fruity cocktail on a hot day that is summer ready and an absolute joy to listen to.

Stream ‘Be Loved’ below


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

Mono Club ‘Sky High And Submarine’ Album

London six-piece, Mono Club have released their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Sky High And Submarine’ on LGM Records. The album was recorded and self-produced in their London studio and then mixed by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers).Featuring a stunning set of ten songs, including the current single ‘Best Laid Plans’, the new album will more than confirm their early promise as one of the most exciting new bands around right now. Formed just over two years ago after the break up of Goldheart Assembly, the Mono Club line up of John Herbert, Dan Bell, Jake Bowser, Nicky Francis and Kyle Hall have recently recruited singer / musician Lyla Foy (Sub Pop / Rough Trade Records). They released the aforementioned debut single ‘Sky High And Submarine’ last year and it quickly became a big favourite of Steve Lamacq’s and was subsequently play listed on BBC 6 Music.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a ten track collection of melodious, psychedelic swirled pop that is so soothing and luscious you will be craving for more. Each track brings a new level of mellowness while packing in delicious melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. ‘Sour Mash’ begins our journey into this beautiful honey caressed world created by Mono Club. Luscious velvety vocals serenade over twinkling, subtly psychedelic instrumentation while a steady soothing beat adds a flexible foundation for its euphoric soundscapes to rebound off. Their knack for mouthwatering melodies and tight blissful instrumentation creates the most glorious tunes and each track on this album is flooding with marvelous dreamy sounds. ‘Sky High And Submarine’ is angel delight wrapped in buoyant rhythms and golden guitar jingles. The harmonies are lush and teamed with the honey drizzled melody create the most tranquilizing atmosphere. The swirling trippy soundscapes never become overwhelming or too heavy they balance them sublimely with the laid back sun kissed vibes and vibrant guitars to create a wholly satisfying and mesmerising listen. ‘Memory Critical’ and ‘Place Called Home’ add a little more bounce and funk into the album. They are joyful with sweet, narcotic, dreamy tones. If you’ve ever wanted to lay back, relax and let the world go by ‘Memory Critical’ is the song for you. It will take every worry from you during the duration of the song and leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. I have fallen in love with Mono Club’s melodies – the sweetness and tender emotion in tracks such as ‘Other Peoples Worlds’ exude passion and beautiful delicacy while still packing in some hefty instrumentation. It’s anthemic and powerful yet elegant and emotional,the perfect blend to get hearts racing everywhere. The album is filled with soothing swoony moments between peppy pop sprinkled melodies with a delightful swoosh of dizzying psychedelia mixed in. It’s an impressive collection of tracks that calm and sedate with enough edge to keep you on your toes. From the catchy vibrant ‘Best Laid Plans’ to the brooding yearning ‘Over The Moon’ with its funky bassline and eerie piano feature which chills and cools the track down, creating a darker side to the wispy dreamy atmosphere, these guy blend their contrasting elements perfectly. The album winds down delicately. The twinkling ‘Venus Rising’ and warm cosy ‘Sleeping’ ease us to the end with the gritty ‘Heaven Was Her Heart’ resting between them.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a mesmerising listen. There is something special sprinkled on top that leaves you captivated and wanting to hear more. Listening to this album I yearned to sit back with sun on my face, a drink in my hand soaking up the good times. With those satisfying mouth-watering melodies teamed with zesty guitars and mystical, psychedelic soundscapes it’s a superbly crafted collection of tracks. The harmonies are heavenly, and each track brings something exciting and juicy to the table.

Stream ‘Sky High And Submarine’ below

 


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

Wolves of Youth ‘Start Again’

Donegal indie rock four piece Wolves of Youth have released their new single ‘Start Again’ – a vibrantly vivacious guzzle of indie rock that leaves you buzzing for more. Edgy guitar stings introduce the track with anticipation before it explodes into that radio ready infectious tune you expect from these guys. With punchy drums, strident guitars and rumble on bass it’s an anthemic belter. It’s flooding with nostalgic sweet tones embracing a luscious sun kissed sing along melody which is caressed by the warm raspy vocals. This track is another example of the fine infectious indie Wolves of Youth produce as they relentlessly steam roll through with an electrifying sound that stops you in your tracks. The song builds as guitars blaze and scorch into the mighty adrenaline rushing crescendo. It’s a soaring glistening number that grabs you right in the center of your chest makes you feel each and every passionate lyric, every intense golden note and every surge of emotion you have ever felt. It’s an impressive, heartfelt, dynamic track and one to put on repeat.

Watch the video for ‘Start Again’ below