Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

LISHI ‘Our Hearts’

Sydney based musician LISHI, AKA Eleanor Dunlop, has released her new single ‘Our Hearts’. The track is the follow up to last year’s debut  ‘Dropping Back’ and was recorded recently with producer Xavier Dunn in his studio during a couple of really productive days.  Subsequently mixed by Phil Threlfall and then mastered by Ben Feggans, this is the first track to be lifted from the Australian singer’s forthcoming double A side single which is due in the Spring. Taking inspiration from artists such as Air, Roy Orbison, Lorde, Nina Simone, Nirvana, Grimes and Chopin, the multi talented LISHI released the aforementioned ‘Dropping Back’ single nearly twelve months ago and it has now had over 250,000 streams on Spotify. Since then, she has gone on to produce a set of truly uplifting tunes that blend Classical, Electronic and the National Geographic and the result is an almost perfect, future pop dream musical.

‘Our Hearts’ is lush cinematic pop smothered in an opaque electronic blanket. With dark soundscapes swirling around a sticky beat this track begins brooding and curdling before developing into an electronic anthem. The chorus surges through with breezy kinetic  soundscapes which burst creating a vibrantly lavish almost choppy texture. Both intimate and otherworldly, ‘Our Hearts’ effortlessly collates sounds such as a child’s voice, the crack of a whip and a running man from LISHI’s favourite childhood films and video game soundtracks. With haunting, eerie tones in places this track pulses and slaps as the delicate keys and electronics wisp around in a feathery light aerial motion creating a thrilling display from LISHI and a satisfying listen.

Stream ‘Our Hearts’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Garage Pop, Garage Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Feuds Self-titled Debut EP

Wicklow indie, garage rock band Feuds have released their debut self-titled EP which was recorded in the Hive Studio, Kilcoole with Eoin Whitfield. This five track EP is a balanced collection of lushly melodic indie and hefty garage with some sunny vibes sprinkled on top. Each track is carefully layered with adequate spacing between intricate lavish guitar lines and meaty rhythms to create an easy going mellow listen with some roughness to keep it interesting. ‘Longer Days’ jump starts the EP. Laid back and smothered in a hazy sun kissed vibe with silky zesty guitars interweaving between a rapid flexible rhythmic foundation – this track springs from subtly sweet to a light moshing banger. Feuds have a knack for tight peppy guitar lines which illuminate each and every track sweeping elegantly with peppy elasticity and glorious scintillation. ‘Nothing to Happen Next’ and ‘Late Forties, Early Fifties’ continue this sublime trait with the majestic guitar melodies playfully intertwining the punchy drums and vibrant bass line. They don’t overdo anything, it’s the perfect blend of everything, exquisite pop speckled melodies doused in a sweet nonchalance with a garage backdrop that kicks things up a little without becoming overpowering. The Lo fi vocals teamed with the utter blissfully dreamy soundscapes this four piece create make their tracks such a joy to listen to while their rumbly elastic rhythm gives the tracks a rippling quality and adds movement and body. ‘When is October 6th?’ is my favourite track on the EP. It’s flooded in subtle tropical tones with a sweet melancholic vocal melody surging emotion throughout. The track unfolds gently into heavier grittier rock seamlessly. The instrumentation is the main focus of this track as it jingles and flutters along joyously before the brawny crashing chorus shakes things up a bit. ‘Left Behind’ brings us to the end of our day dream with Feuds. The twinkling guitar peeping behind snappy drums give the verses a fluid relaxing flow while the tempo change for the chorus makes sure its not too lulling on the ears. It’s slightly more brooding and moody but still packs in some sparkling vibrancy and feathery lightness in the instrumentation to not put a downer on what is a sublime EP.

Impressively crafted Feuds have created a wholly satisfying EP that shows some serious promise from this band. Their tunes are sweetly melodic, woozy, beautifully formed and pack a healthy dose of rawness behind them.

Feuds are launching their EP in the Workman’s Thursday March 22nd make sure to check them out

Stream Feuds EP here


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

Piperline ‘Scarecrow’

Alternative pop duo and brothers Rami and Rafa Muniz formed their band Piperline in 2017 and are already releasing their 4th single ‘Scarecrow’ today. Rami and Rafa have been in bands together for the past 7 years but finally decided to move to London and start their very own project with Rami producing and playing keys and Rafa on drums and percussion. A DIY band since conception, the duo record and create their music in their own home studio, and have previously self-released their last singles ‘Dopamine’ and ‘Aluminium’. Their newest single ‘Scarecrow’ will also be supported by a music video release.

‘Scarecrow’ is a catchy, chilled number bound with tight knit grooves squelched into a pop drenched backdrop. Rami croons over the breezy keys as light electronic swirls fill the track with an aerial floaty atmosphere. The sonic soundscapes flicker and weave around a sticky beat which slaps and gloops between the velvety passionate vocals.It’s a hook filled, darkly hued track that shows some tight instrumentation from Piperline.
Piperline will be taking to the road in the summer to promote their brand new tune as well as their previous releases. Check out their website and social media to keep up to date. https://www.facebook.com/PiperlineMusic/

Watch the video for ‘Scarecrow’ below

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Folk, Indie Pop, indie rock, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music

Giant Rooks ‘New Estate’ EP

Hailing from Hamm in North West Germany, Giant Rooks are an art-pop five-piece who’ve been turning heads since their inception. Releasing their debut EP back in 2015, the quintet garnered fans quickly, and soon began to emerge as one of the most promising acts in their native Germany.It was this first EP release that saw the groundwork laid for the band to win the popNRW Prize for newcomers in 2016, as well as two consecutive summers of festivals, which saw the band play over 80 festival shows including Reeperbahn, Eurosonic and The Great Escape. In addition to this, the band have also supported Kraftklub and The Temper Trap, not to mention a 29-date, nine country tour with Mighty Oaks throughout November and December 2017.

‘New Estate’ is an EP bursting with luscious flavours and depths that hold a richness so pure and mature it’s majestic and powerfully melodic. From the stomping intro of opener, title track ‘New Estates’ it’s apparent this EP is infectious indie at its best. With a peppy beat bouncing through melancholic jangly guitar and darkly tinged keys, this five piece take a sombre tone to a bright indie format.Their tracks seem to strike you right in the center of your chest and make you feel every warm, tender, catchy note. With a folky hue to the tunes there is an instant soothing glow and cosy feel to even the chillier tracks such as the haunting soul – filled ‘Bright Lies ‘. The melodies are sweet and delicate ‘Chapels’ once again trickles along with a sway-like tempo and calming atmosphere. The steady beat and soaring keys create an aerial breeziness that cuts deep along with the tender lyrics. The unique vocals add dynamic passion and intensity to each track and make the sound of Giant Rooks instantly recognisable. ‘Mia & Ciara (Days To Come)’ emphasises the nostalgic tone of the EP. Its golden mellowness is just simply divine and heavenly to the ears. Glittering guitars sprinkle bright rays of scintillation throughout the track while a buoyant rhythm keeps an optimistic playful feel. ‘Slow’ closes the EP. It is soft and sweetly comforting as intricate guitar lines flood the track with warmth while the instrumentation builds to an anthemic mighty crescendo.

‘New Estate’ is a moving EP laced with emotion, deft guitar licks and swirling subtle electronics. Opulent percussion and brooding vocals create a sophisticated breath-taking collection of tracks that have a purity and refinement without overcrowding each track.

2018 will see the band embark on their second major tour, with the 23 dates taking in shows in both The Netherlands, and the UK for their first official run of English dates

Mar 20: The Hope & Ruin, Brighton

Mar 21: Old Blue Last, London

Mar 22: The Lending Room, Leeds

Mar 23: The Night & Day Cafe, Manchester

Mar 24: Cafe Totem, Sheffield

Giant Rooks are also on tour throughout Europe in 2018. Please check here for more information http://www.giant-rooks.com/

Stream ‘New Estate’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From FLING

Psych-pop glam-rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Banjo Billy’ a bonkers three minute  glam-pop stomp that leads the way for the release of ‘The Legend of Banjo Billy’ EP out April 13th on Dance to the Radio. The release comes off the back of a 2017 that included sold-out hometown shows, playing to a packed Festival Republic tent at Leeds Festival and enjoying Radio support from the likes of Steve Lamacq (6Music), Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Radio X and Beats 1. Describing themselves as ‘Wonky Pop’ the 5 piece from Bradford comprise of Charles McSorley (Vocals), Jack Winn (Guitar), Billy Fielding (Drums), Jake Lees (Bass) and Sam Malynowsky (Keyboards) met at a gig and instantly bonded over T.Rex and David Bowie. FLING moved out of their basement studio to work with Lee Smith at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs / Pulled Apart By Horses).

‘Banjo Billy’ is the perfect blend of shimmering pop with the zesty fizz of indie rock. Laid back and sun kissed this track was made for summer days, sweltering heat and a cold one. With an infectious pop melody melted on top of sharp zealous guitars and rich buoyant rhythm it’s instantly likeable and fun. Raspy vocals glaze over the vibrant melody with a soothing easy going charisma while lush backing vocals fill out the sound creating the perfect sing along feature. It’s a jingly, infectious gleaming number that is smooth to start with stinging undertones. Well layered this track is a refreshing guzzle of zesty indie pop that leaves you craving for lazy summer days.

Stream ‘Banjo Billy’ below

 

 


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

VOID ‘Awaken’ EP

VOID have released their new EP ‘Awaken’. VOID’s music has received suitable comparisons to the likes of James Blake and London Grammar because of their adventurous style of pop-song, utilising their influences of ex-rockers who have swanned into the electronic-pop genre such as Coldplay.

‘Awaken’ is an EP with tracks carefully crafted and built to raise lighters all over the world. ‘Wait’ seeps, bleeds and exudes sweet delicate emotion. Tender vocals coo through the verses while swirling and flickering soundscapes flood the track with heart racing adrenaline. VOID display their knack for choruses that are charmingly harmonious, gripping and emotive. Passionate vocals make the anthemic chorus powerful and hard hitting while the flashing soundscapes add a touch of bedazzlement. ‘How We Made It’ is filled with breezy aerial electronics and beautiful vocals caressing a sweet melody that only the hardest of hearts could resist. ‘These Words’ closes the EP. Mackenzie’s vocals are rich, powerful and immaculate adding a soulful touch to an EP that wears its R&B embroidered pop on its sleeve. ‘Awaken’ is a refreshing honest wholesome display from VOID with truly pure and exquisite musicianship.

Stream ‘Awaken’ below

 

 


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

The Covasettes ‘Wondering Why’

 

Promising Manchester indie-rock band The Covasettes have released their second single ‘Wondering Why’.Following the success of their debut single, ‘This Feeling’, which we featured as Indie Buddie Introducing the exuberant four-piece have worked tirelessly over the last six months to bring their distinctive, catchy sound to music lovers across the country. Formed in mid 2016, the quartet have gone from strength to strength impressing music lovers and promoters alike with their energetic, anthemic live set.  In 2018 alone they have played sold out shows in Manchester, Derby and London.

‘Wondering Why’ is vivid infectious indie. Tightly weaved ethereal guitars swirl between jagged guitar riffs creating an intense bubbling and boiling effect within the track while punchy drums and nimble bass set an elastic fluctuant foundation for them to rebound off. Instantly catchy and dynamic this track surges youthful adrenaline through your veins while the luscious melody smothers the track in sweet pop wrapped goodies. The soaring breezy instrumentation packs some serious punch and the shredding guitar solo brings a slick swagger soaked quality to the track. It’s a well crafted golden number brimming with blistering instrumentation and some catchy, luxurious, anthemic melodies.

Commenting on the track, the band said: “We are so excited to announce our second single Wondering Why. It is one of the first songs we ever wrote as a band so it is a great feeling to finally be able to share it with the world. We have been working hard in the studio for the last few months creating a song that we are really proud of. To us it has everything that a good song should have, electrifying choruses, huge indie riffs and driving rhythms. Wondering Why is a song that we love to play live and always gets a crowd jumping. We are eager to share it and we hope everyone loves it as much as we do!”

 

Stream ‘Wondering Why’ below


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

The Half Light ‘8th May’

The Half Light are a four piece indie band from London who are returning to the scene in 2018 with new material and a new line up. ‘8th May’ is the first track from their forthcoming EP, Night On My Mind. Since forming in 2011, the band have self-released three records, ‘Friday Night’ EP (2011), ‘Clapham’ EP (2012) and ‘Moscow’ (2015), which will be followed by ‘Night On My Mind’ EP later this year. Their music has featured on radio stations across the country, including BBC 6 Music, BBC London and Amazing Radio and the band were nominated for Best UK Act at the 2015 Pure M Awards. Following these earlier releases, vocalist James Rogers and guitarist Guy Chapman were joined by a refreshed rhythm section, Mike Taylor and Martin Sherbish, to complete the line up and the band entered the studio in late 2017. Influenced by the best of indie rock across the decades, the band has drawn parallels with The Smiths, Interpol and REM. ‘8th May’ will be released on 5th March and was recorded at Musicland Studios, Haggerston and produced by Ian Flynn of Werkhouse. The track will be followed up in 2018 by subsequent releases ‘Night On My Mind’ and ‘Seven Summers’.

‘8th May’ is vibrantly charming punchy pop encased in delicately chiming guitars on top of a catchy shimmy ready rhythm and is likely to win over any listener with ease. It is utterly alluring and infectious with a ravishingly fetching rhythm that would coax you to the dance floor and command your feet to shuffle and bop joyously. Sweet toned guitar takes a tropical warm tone and wisps you into a sway like salsa dance. It’s smooth and delightful with some nice jagged guitar injections to create a slap of roughness through the chorus. Richly layered and sublimely crafted The Half Light have created a catchy gem, brimming with delightful ear worm melodies and glorious instrumentation. A sublime listen.

The Half Light will play The Water Rats, London on Saturday 10th March to mark the launch of 8th May. A series of further gigs and festival appearances will be announced on the band’s website in the coming weeks (www.thehalflight.com).

Stream ‘8th May’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Scenic Route to Alaska ‘Ghost of Love’

The easy-going Edmonton-based trio Scenic Route to Alaska have released their new single ‘Ghost of Love’. Comprised of members Trevor Mann on lead vocals and guitar, Shea Connor on drums and Murray Wood on bass this trio weave catchy vocals and memorable melodies through rich arrangements. ‘Ghost of Love’ is taken from the band’s upcoming LP Tough Luck which is a collection of 10 tracks that were recorded with famed producer Howard Redekopp (Tegan & Sara, The New Pornographers) and is set for release March 9th. Following the band’s last release ‘How It Feels’, Scenic Route to Alaska has amassed an impressive pile of achievements and accolades. The band’s catchy vocals, memorable melodies, and rich arrangements have led to label signings, number ones on CBC Radio, and award nods.

‘Ghost of Love’ is a warm glowingly infectious indie track that bops along. It is laid back, gloriously melodic and sweet to the ears. It’s uplifting melty melody seeps into your brain and comfortably embraces your mind rendering you hooked and sedated. Punchy buoyant drums and jangly vibrant guitars teamed with velvety charming vocals create a joyous little pop smothered ditty. Summer ready and radio friendly this light little number will charm and snuggle its way into your mind leaving you craving more.

Stream ‘Ghost of Love’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

TV ME ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’

Liverpool based three-piece pop project TV ME have recently dropped their newest EP ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’, a four-track experimental fusion of psych, art pop and dream pop. Led by Thomas McConnell, the songwriter of the band – who toured as a solo artist supporting Mercury-nominee, C Duncan, before taking time to hone his writing skills and further explore the incorporation of psych and electronica into a new project.TV ME formed in early 2017 with their debut single gaining instant airplay with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, and a signing with Deltasonic Records for their early releases. Offering harmonic vocals teamed with classic song-writing and engaging textures, the newest release from the trio – their first self released project, presents an EP ranging in style from psych-folk to cinematic instrumentals and dance pop whilst still retaining a fresh sound. Since their formation last year, the trio have landed some notable support slots with the likes of Cat’s Eyes, Flyte and Childhood and have recently completed their first UK headline tour in support of their EP release, with plans to release their debut album later in 2018.

The lead single ‘Stitches’ kicks off the EP. The track was written in sections by Tom himself over the duration of 15 years, with the beginning piano piece written at the age of 14, the ending written age 10 and middle section ‘stitching’ the piece together two years ago in 2016. Taking inspiration from old videos of Laurel & Hardy, Pinky & Perky and A Hard Day’s Night for sound and lyrics, 60’s and 70’s influences can be clearly heard in both the vocals and guitar. Twinkling guitars and jazzy piano accompaniment instantly shoot you back to a flower power 60’s -esque time. While lush vocals coo with a soothing quality. It’s dreamy and airy swirling with gentle sweet psychedelic soundscapes which create a sublime euphoric atmosphere. ‘Mountain Biplane’ follows – a little more electronic with bouncy synths creating a whirlwind of trippy soundscapes while a sticky beat flickers between the catchy melody. It’s vibrant psychedelia wrapped up in a luscious candy floss dose of pop. They whack in a nice shot of obscurity too as spacey wobbly synths introduce ‘Day’ followed by a beautiful elegant piano feature. This sway like instrumental number glides with grandeur as the piano provides a touch of romantic cinematic class and finesse while a soft tapping drum beat gives a steady foundation. Gently backing vocals whisper “ooh ahh” creating a tender oh so delicate effect. ‘Opal Fruits’ closes the album with funky guitar jingles between swirling trippy soundscapes. Once again velvety vocals glissade upon a melty instantly likeable melody while sublime obscure soundscapes rush around.

‘A Broadcast From TV ME’ is an outstanding cocktail of psychedelic, art pop and dream pop blended and fermented perfectly to create a wholly unique and satisfying listen.

You can catch TV ME live at

Stoke – 30th March – Your City Festival

Chester -26th April – Alexanders

Stream  ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’ below

https://soundcloud.com/tvmeband/sets/a-broadcast-from-tv-me/s-51nIT