Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

Dry Roasted Peanuts ‘Former Child Stars’ EP

Cork based Indie-pop four piece Dry Roasted Peanuts have released their second EP ‘Former Child Stars’. Following on from the success of their debut ‘Sometimes I’ll Stay In/Sometimes I’ll Go Out’ in May 2017, Dry Roasted Peanuts are back with another barn-storming effort. Marc O’Cearnaigh (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), JJ Lee (Bass), Robert McDonnell (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Chris O’Sullivan (Drums) have conjured up a two-track compilation of indie-pop bliss, tinged with punk-rock sensibilities.

One thing I have come to love about this band is their sound has begun to reach a maturity beyond their years and ‘Former Child Stars’ displays this perfectly. ‘Honey + Lemons’ with its depth and musical precision pierces like a proficient swordsman at an unsuspecting opponent. The track progresses slowly with sweet toned guitar and steady rhythm leaving the dramatic effect to the compelling vocals. The lyrics are striking and the bands ability to hold the listeners attention through the narration with subtle instrumentation is remarkable. When the track finally does reach its crescendo it is phenomenal. Warm hazed wobbly guitars stride through a buoyant punchy rhythm creating the ultimate dazed blissful peak to the track. Second track ‘Upstanding’ fleshes out their swagger-soaked strut worthy sound. Once again euphoric golden guitar lines flood the track with sparkling luminosity while a spongy beat cushions you in their dreamy tranquilising soundscapes. With its sweet, delicious tone, for me the guitar melody is the highlight of this track. It’s light, nimble, zesty and infectiously calming. This short little ditty is a gem for sure. I could listen to both these track all day on a loop. This four piece are getting better and better with each release. I’m looking forward to what they have planned next.

Stream ‘Former Child Stars’ below


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

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ EP

Gentlemen Jackals are set to release their debut EP titled ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ on Friday 2nd of February. Hailing from Kirkcaldy/Cowdenbeath, Scotland, Gentlemen Jackals includes Mark Wilson (vocals and guitar), Craig McMahon (guitar), Scott Thomson (bass and backing vocals) and Douglas Harden (drums). Since first coming together in summer 2015,the band have already had performing success, sharing the stage with bands such as Silver Coast, Clay, Lemon Haze, Pyro, Lost in Vancouver, and Dancing on Tables. The group’s success is greatly down to their DIY attitude; organising and promoting gigs, designing their own publicity materials and shooting their own music videos. In 2017, the band performed at numerous festivals, including Montrose Music Festival, Rockore and the Dunfermline ‘Fake Fest’. On February 10th, the band are scheduled to perform at the O2 ABC in Glasgow in the Scottish Final of the SoundWaves’ Music Competition. The quartet have recorded and released four independent singles ‘Hold My Body’, ‘Oh Tanya’, ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ and ‘Waiting for the Day’–all of which are produced by Mark MorrowAudio and their new EP, ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ will be released on Apple Music and Spotify as well as a limited run of physical copies which can be ordered through their Facebook page or at their live shows.

‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a five-track collection of hook filled indie anthems that glitter with sublime power pop melodies drizzled on top of a fire fuelled indie rock foundation. From the punchy opener of ‘Heathens + Broken Hymns’ these guys waste no time in displaying their versatility as a band. A rumbling driving bass line slaps and rebounds off a snappy hyper drum beat while crashing guitars shred through an infectious melody and powerful vocals. It’s difficult not to bop along to this catchy fiery track. Their tight dynamic rhythm and gritty guitars cut through the tracks creating a body moving groove and mosh ready heaviness which is displayed in tracks such as ‘Preacher’s Son’ and the light sprightly ‘Wisdom to the Wise’. Here, Gentlemen Jackals display a swagger soaked shredding sound that exudes sass and confidence with blazing instrumentation that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. I mean check out those scorching guitar solos they are electrifying. ‘Out of Reach’ slows the tone a little. With its sombre filled melody, it takes the role of a power ballad filled with Bon Jovi- esque passion and a fist pump your chest teary anthemic chorus. Final track ‘Waiting for the Day’ closes the EP with a glistening guitar creating a magical airy vibe before they blast into their anthemic sound. It’s somewhat U2 – esque blended with a bit of Bruce Springsteen vibrancy. Blissfully melodic and passionate it’s a heart warming end to the EP that fills you with sweet nostalgia.

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a sublime debut EP. Filled with sweet heavenly infectious melodies superb instrumentation and musicianship that makes you feel every note and lyric, it’s a strong foundation for this four piece. These tunes flood you with an instant surge of heart racing adrenaline that could move crowds of people. Music that makes people feel something is hard to create but when it’s achieved it’s golden and these guys have obtained this through each track. Not a bad start.

Stream ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Alfie Indra ‘Red Lights’

Alfie Indra has released his second track ‘Red Lights’ on Keep Me Young. Hailing from Suffolk (living in Manchester) the track comes after the success of Indra’s debut signed release ‘Hard To Cope’. The 21 year old has been releasing music unsigned for a number of years and his music has evolved from stripped back folk/acoustic to a more upbeat feel while still retaining the lyrical essence from his roots. ‘Red Lights’ has been released on all online platforms including Spotify and iTunes, along with a music video filmed in a night club in Manchester capturing those blurry nights, teamed with some bright red performance shots.

 ‘Red Lights’ fleshes out a sublime woozy example of Alfie Indra’s electronic pop with a mushy pliable beat giving a blissful sense of excitement and anticipation as it playfully slaps against hazy swirling electronic soundscapes. The melodies ooze heavenly ecstasy from every note while sonic flecks daydreamingly flash dazzling neon lights as if showing glimpses of a memory of a fun night out. This chilled laid-back track soothes with an unhurried sense of elation and wonder as Indra’s vocals whisper with sweet delicacy and passion. The guitars warmly glow through the hazy electronics giving a subtle glimpse of the thrilling solo to come for the magical joyous crescendo. It’s just a sublime subtle burst of heavenly mellowness that fills you with anticipation and youthful elation.

Watch the video for ‘Red Lights’ below

 


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

Amoeba Teen ‘(Coming On) Stronger’

Amoeba Teen are an indie rock four piece founded by critically acclaimed songwriting team, Mark Britton and Mike Turner. The band also features legendary bassist Simon Muttit and on drums Carl Baylis, whose percussive skills have found him featured on Steve Lamacq’s record of the week on BBC 6Music. During 2017 Amoeba Teen were invited to perform at the International Pop Overthrow festival, at the iconic Cavern in Liverpool.The band have now released their new single ‘(Coming On) Stronger’ today which is their first new track of 2018 before the highly-anticipated release of their new album due out later this year.

‘(Coming On) Stronger’ is a vibrant indie pop track complete with  a sweet aching Elvis Costello- esque melodic melody. Zesty guitar stings sprinkle golden sun kissed luminosity throughout the track with some luscious distorted shrills spritzed on top. Jazzy piano elements and a spongy beat keep the track bouncing along while the catchy chorus and peppy backing vocals make this song scrumptious to the ears. Flooded with a sense of nostalgia it’s an easy going radiant number with some fine musicianship behind it, creating a glorious track to listen to.

Amoeba Teen will be performing at The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham on 26 January to celebrate the single’s release. Additional dates across the West Midlands are planned throughout February and March. For latest gig dates visit https://www.amoebateen.com/shows

Stream ‘(Coming On) Stronger’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From FLING

Bradford wonky pop five piece FLING are back with their new single ‘Bad Day’. This gang first got together at a gig and they instantly found common ground to bond over with their shared love of T.Rex and David Bowie. This led them to waste no time setting up a basement studio and proceeding to write, record and perform their own brand of self-proclaimed ‘wonky pop’. Before long they had a dedicated fan base filling up venues who they affectionately refer to as ‘Flingers’. This has all combined to cultivate a world unique to them, a world which combines the inventive exploration of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour type wizardry with the youthful fun of the likes of The Magic Gang and Black Honey. In their short but eventful musical life FLING have picked up notable support across the airwaves with Steve Lamacq championing on 6 Music, John Kennedy spinning on Radio X, Matt Wilkinson being a fan over on Beats 1 and Radio 1’s very own Huw Stephens is another keen supporter.

‘Bad Day’ is a wavy shaky and slithering-ly slick pop track so infectious it burrows into your brain leaving you uncontrollably singing along and shimmying to its infectious groove. So cool and chic with swagger soaked raspy vocals fastened firmly on a steamy sleazy melody and thrilling guitar whines and strides. Lush backing vocals add a slap of sass and finesse while punchy drums and psychedelic tinges of swirling synths lure you into a wonky trip of delusion smothered in sugar pop. The desert spaghetti western harmonica intro announces this riveting track perfectly grabbing your attention ready to hook you into this electrifying track. It’s a shimmy ready, scruffy, fun number that has FLING’s stamp all over it. These guys are good and ones to keep an eye out for.

Stream ‘Bad Day’ below

https://soundcloud.com/dttrlabel/fling-bad-day-baaaad-day


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

Canto Falls ‘Tapestry’

Canto Falls are an explosive alternative indie-rock three piece based in London. Their new single ‘Tapestry’ will be released this Friday 26th. Having formed in 2016, founding members Mark Howarth and Adam Gillian quickly discovered a mutual appreciation of dense lyrics and careful musical arrangement combined with high-energy pop sensibilities and with the addition of James Thackeray’s shared eye for detail, the band’s unique and exciting sound began to take shape. Over the course of a year, the band have carefully crafted songs with exciting, high-energy compositions that demand your attention and blur the line between ‘pop’ and ‘indie-rock’. With their first single ‘Clarity’ released on the 2nd of October 2017 and the follow-up release ‘Tapestry’ set for release tomorrow, the three-piece have their sights set on making a fresh and explosive sonic impact.

‘Tapestry’ is a richly embellished über-catchy indie pop track brimming with sweet melody and vibrant colour. A lavish rumbling rhythm adds a nice whack of rough and tumble through the luscious pop speckled track. Jangly guitars glitter and sparkle throughout with delicate twinkles on keys flickering between smooth vocals and a dreamy positive melody. Its honey glazed and spongy, wrapped in candy coated refreshing pop. The sonic flecks add a shimmering magical quality while the zesty guitars provide enough sting to keep it breezy and invigorating. This sun kissed sweet little ditty will put a smile on your face and brighten any cloudy day.

For more follow Canto Falls here  https://www.facebook.com/cantofalls/

 


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

Smoking with the Bandit ‘Waiting on Your Call’ EP

Birmingham, alternative rock band Smoking with the Bandit have recently released their debut EP titled ‘Waiting on Your Call’. In early 2016, Colby Wilson (vocals), Garrett Payne (guitar), and Daryl McCarty (bass) were performing as an acoustic trio after a previous band had called it quits. Their sound quickly outgrew acoustic arrangements and percussionist Collin Payne joined the group to provide the depth and rhythmic nuance that the trio was seeking. This EP is the sublime result of this.

‘Waiting on Your Call’ is a fantastic debut EP from this four piece. The glorious ‘Peaches’ kicks off the EP. Warm guitar melodies flood the track in delightful glowing luminosity while soft cushioned drums fill the track with a gentle comforting bounce. The vocals are smooth and velvety as the band introduce their delicate lusciously melodic sound that is laid back and such a joy to listen to. The band add a touch of swagger with ’Undone’ which is introduced by a slick guitar riff and shimmy ready beat. This track glides in full of charm and panache effortlessly cruising on sun kissed vibes and oodles of swagger. With a guitar solo that scorches with steaming hot vapour it is groovy,infectious and oh so chic. Title track ‘Waiting On Your Call’ follows. Again this track is beaming with vibrant mellow golden guitar lines and a swaying swoony melody that melts over a delicate beat and spongy bass line. These tracks are made for summer evenings- relaxing as the gentle light of the sun setting shimmers and warms your face. The slick ‘The Cards’ re-announces their shimmy swanky sound. Wilsons vocals exude passion while slinky guitars add a sharp 60’s tinged wobble and dance. The elastic bass adds a sensual mysterious quality while the drums bounce along giving a light playful spring to track. The sweet  ‘Blood Red Eyes’ closes the EP gently with a luscious melancholic melody beautifully sung in a tender emotive manner while nimble jangly guitar once again floods the track with sublime bright vibrant tones. Its a captivating relaxing and utterly stunning track to finish the EP.

Smoking with the Bandit have created a marvelous treasure box of tracks that are so beautifully evocative and sublime you will want to put it on repeat. They have the ability to create songs with refined musicianship that stops time and creates a soothing calming state to fall into. Their subtly intricate instrumentation engulfs you in a world entirely created by Smoking with The Bandit.

Stream ‘Waiting on Your Call’ below


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

Mowbeck ‘Crawl’

Nottingham based Mowbeck have returned with their highly anticipated new single ‘Crawl’. The track was self recorded, produced and mixed by the band’s guitarist Phil Clark after the band had moved to London and run out of money to afford professional studio time. Sighting influences from the moody sway of the Cardigans to the arena rock vibe of Muse, the band decided to push themselves out of the exclusive rock/pop bubble that they’d previously fallen into.Their previous release ‘The Basement’ raised their profile significantly after being chosen by BBC Radio 1 as their ‘Introducing Track of the Week’ in June. A run of touring dates followed as the band continued to build their following on the unsigned scene selling out shows in London, Nottingham and Sheffield.

‘Crawl’ is a darkly hued indie rock track swirling in thick murky soundscapes and a light pop melody scattered on top. Wandering keys add a haunting elegance while punchy drums and deep mysterious vocals give a spine chilling eeriness. The chorus lightens the ominous atmosphere by drizzling a nice dose of catchy pop into the cryptic concoction. Strong shudders on bass build a multi-layer into the track while biting guitars and churning electronics flood the track with a chilling psychedelic haze of distortion and delusion. These guys have crafted this track meticulously building each layer with care to create a thrilling and eerie listen that still smacks with a decent amount of pop infectiousness.

Stream ‘Crawl’ below


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

Sea Girls ‘Heavenly War’

Arriving in London via Leicestershire and Kent alternative rock band Sea Girls have released their new single ‘Heavenly War’. Following quickly on the heels of the R1 approved (Annie Mac/Huw Stephens/BBC Introducing) ‘What For’, their new single ‘Heavenly War’ furthers the bold claim that Sea Girls are one of the most reliable new bands for penning these instant indie-disco, festival ready anthems. Written and fronted by Henry Camamile, ‘Heavenly War’ now follows ‘Call Me Out’, ‘Lost’, and ‘What For’ as another timely example of what this young British band are capable of.

‘Heavenly War’ is mouth watering indie pop at its best. This track bursts with juicy vibrant guitars jaggedly striding through a sticky elastic beat. The vibrant vocals and luscious melody are dripping in a sugary sweetness that will leave you craving for more. It’s sun kissed refreshing and vibrant. The flexible bassline slaps and rebounds through the infectious melody creating a rich luscious texture that is like honey to the ears. It’s a well-crafted, succulent track that rushes with youthful adrenaline and luminosity. It’s sing along ready and one for large crowds bellowing back at festivals. This four piece have crafted a sound that is heart racing, intoxicating, elevating and fist pump ready while flooding with a delicate sweet sense of nostalgia. Keep an eye out for these guys.

When asked about the track Henry Camamile said: “This song is about that weirdly exciting but quite difficult conflict of feelings and events that makes our lives worth living. Ultimately describing that moment when you feel the best about life. I think it’s a really positive message.”

Sea Girls return to the road in February 2018 for their first headline tour of the UK including an opening night at London’s Omeara on the 1st February. You can catch them live at:

1st February – Omeara, London

2nd February – Exchange, Bristol

3rd February – The Cookie, Leicester

8th February – Deaf Institute, Manchester

9th February – Community Room, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

10th February – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

Stream ‘Heavenly War’ below

https://soundcloud.com/sonicseagirls/heavenly-war

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Woodward ‘Higher’ EP

North-West singer-songwriter Jack Woodward has released his second EP ‘Higher’.  With his lead single ‘Higher’ receiving confident support from tastemaker radio stations such as Amazing Radio & BBC Introducing he follows through with his full EP demonstrating his electrifying sound to establish himself as one of the UK’s most promising new singer-songwriters. Like many great singer-songwriters, Woodward has been brought up on a strong musical diet. His musical palette has since developed to the likes of Newton Faulkner, Tom Odell, John Mayer and Foo Fighters, igniting his great passion for song writing.

‘Higher’ is a triple strike of what Woodward does so well. Title track ‘Higher’ is a strong example of his fine pop musicianship. The catchy chorus swooshes in with a surge of emotion exuding through Woodward’s passionate vocals and lush backing vocals. It’s a delicately paced track that spends time gently trickling emotion throughout the verses before building into the gushing chorus. Elegant piano accompaniment introduces the track while strong chords add stability. With stinging melancholic guitars lifting the crescendo, it’s an uplifting powerful piece that sets this EP off to a great start. Woodward is intent on showcasing his wide scope and multi genre style as each track shifts subtly between genres. ‘Pray’ displays the pop electronic flavour to this delicious Neapolitan ice cream -like EP. With a lighter bouncier feel, this snappy little ditty is fresh and crisp. Flashing electronics teamed with a sticky beat and luscious melody create a summer ready anthem. Woodward maintains his dark deeply emotional undertones; however, he wraps it in a pretty energetic little bow that charms and sparkles delicate bursts of luminosity. ‘Seven Seas’ is a little more alternative and definitely takes the darkest tone of the three tracks. This track marries the themes of both its predecessors and takes a fiery anthemic fist pump approach. Woodward’s vocals are deeper and dynamic as the shadowy instrumentation of bubbling basslines and jagged guitars add a conflicting vibe like a storm of uncertainty and agitation. It’s haunting and a little eerie but a mighty end to the EP.

Woodward has built a strong three point attack that displays his flexibility and versatility as an artist. His impressive depth and maturity teamed with refined prudent musicianship makes this singer songwriter stand out.

Stream ‘Higher’ below