Moon Loves Honey is a dream rock band from Aarhus, Denmark. On February 26th 2016 their debut EP ’Apart’ was released on Tapetown Records to great acclaim.Following the release of the EP the band toured Denmark and has since released two singles. One of which was ‘Before I Crash’ which was chosen by Danish national radio as a standout track and was subsequently aired as the band was interviewed by media from cities all over the world, such as NYC, London and Barcelona. Their debut album entitled ‘You Drift Away From Me’ will be released in April, the new material brings their music in a new direction, with the incorporation of electronics and synths, without losing the ethereal vibe. Jeppe Dengsø writes all of the music and records all instruments except for about half of the drum tracks in the studio along with guitars, bass, synths and vocals. Live the band takes on members Ludvig Kastberg on drums both in the studio and live, Albert Burchardt on synths and Johan Gudmandsen on bass. The band have just released their lead single ‘Lonely Day’ from their forthcoming debut album ‘You Drift Away From Me’.
‘Lonely Day’ is a swoony dreamy immensely mellow little gem that exudes chill vibes and lusciousness. With a buoyant elasticity on bass teamed with a soft light bounce on drums this track takes you to a groovy cloud of marsh mellowness. Twinkling synths caress the delicate soothing vocals while ethereal guitars lift the track into a hazy beautiful state of utopia. This magical track shimmers with an airy purity and joyous luminosity. The refined production and musicianship creates a track that is laid back- it takes its time giving the listener a smooth creamy angel delight to bop and dance to. Light and fluffy this track wisps around with happy little bursts between the silky scrumptious texture.
When asked about the track Jeppe Dengsø said: “It’s a groovy, chill and dreamy track about loneliness caused by the absence of someone special. About finding comforting happiness in the sadness of not being able to do anything but think of this person”
Dead Vibrations burst onto the booming Stockholm music scene in 2015 and have been flying the flag high for Scandinavian shoegaze ever since. Their dark and gloomy noise pop channelling a mix of visceral Mary Chain-esque guitars, droning psychedelia a la Spacemen 3 and even Seattle grunge at times – resulting in a reverb-drenched sound that manages to sound both unapologetically indebted to its influences yet completely modern. Having spent the last couple of years touring Europe, bringing their blistering live show to venues and psych fests across the mainland, and releasing just two releases – their debut 12″ EP ‘Reflections’ and 2017s 7″ single ‘Swirl/Sleeping In Silver Garden’ – Dead Vibrations have signed to London imprint Fuzz Club Records for the release of their self-titled debut album, due for release January 26th. To kick-start 2018 the band have released their crushing second single from the album, ‘On A Sunday Morning’.
‘On A Sunday Morning’ is a thunderous assault of dizzying noise pop concealed among a swirling intoxicating blur of shoegaze guitars and blinding psychedelia. Razor sharp guitars pierce through the track drenched in stinging acid as they scorch and blaze between pulverising drums. Its hazy delusional psychedelic soundscapes swivel and swirl like a hypnotic dazed invasion on your senses while lo-fi vocals echo throughout soothing the dazzling soundscapes. Using a sublime amount of shrilling distortion the band create a trippy relentlessly biting track wrapped in a frenzy coating of buzz fuelled darkness. With a gloomy moody tone propelling the track and forming its thick sulky fuzz tainted foundation it’s still surprisingly light and zesty. Dead Vibrations have found the perfect blend of dynamized, shrilling psychedelia and smooth hazy pop to create an invigorating kinetic track.
23-year-old pop-indie singer Zach Leon has recently released his full-length album entitled ‘Sail Away Heart’. Leon is an alternative artist originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years. Leon released his first solo EP ‘The Great And Terrible’ in 2016 which lead to music videos, local recognition and a growing fan base.
‘Sail Away Heart’ devotes itself to gloriously triumphant anthems like the richly textured ‘California (Girls Don’t Sing)’ with its lush rhythm, snappy catchy melody and superb sing along chorus. ‘The Villain’ follows this pattern with a jazzy vintage piano feature introducing the track before it blasts into a fiery anthem of crashing instrumentation and mighty vocals. Leon uses every weapon in his arsenal to offer up a wide assortment of genres from heavy alternative tunes to the sweet doo wop 50’s- esque romantic elegance of ‘A + K’ and the tipsy swayable ‘Drunk Eggs’ .The first half of the album glides and flows with delicacy and warmth with ‘Sad Tonight’ acting as the acoustic little charmer which displays Leon’s ability to hold your attention with a simple arrangement, beautiful melody and captivating lyrics. The sweet little jingle of ’Sailawayheart pt. 1’ marks the end of that delicate tone as ‘Pretentious Love’ shakes up the album with an alternative rock heaviness. Shouty vocals swear and scream with attitude while guitars crash and drums pound throughout. ‘Fight Me’ smashes through with punk attitude demanding attention with its infectious mosh ready bounce. These particular tracks add a rough and tumble edge to the album making for an invigorating listen. I love the short little interludes in the album ‘Sailawayheart Pt. 2’ and closing track ‘Sailawayheart pt. 3’ are just sweet little dittys you could put on a loop, they are peppy and refreshing.
‘Sailawayheart’ is a refreshing array of beautiful romantic tunes covered in a warm glow and tenderness with some feisty rock and punk whacks thrown in. Leon blends his multi genres well slipping and sliding between genres showing the highs and lows of life and the magical glimpses between. An impressive collection from this young singer songwriter.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Vaccines
The Vaccines have released their new single ‘I Can’t Quit’ from their upcoming album ‘Combat Sports’ which is their fourth record to date and is set for release March 30th. The album follows on from ‘What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?’ (2011), ‘Come of Age’ (2012) and ‘English Graffiti’ (2015).
‘I Can’t Quit’ is a morphine shot of the raw passionate youth-filled rock and roll that the Vaccines do so well. It’s a punchy blitz and relentless onslaught of luscious melodic adrenaline,driven by jagged rough and ready guitar riffs and an oh so catchy pop smacked melody. Hayward-Young’s raw dynamic vocals slap you in the face with firm lyrics that are sing along ready. It’s one to be played loud while you jump around brutishly bellowing out the lyrics. Though razor sharp and electrifying the five piece showcase their refined, ruggedly boisterous sound with snappy drums piercing guitars and a melody that grabs you by the ears, tackles you to the ground like a rock and roll immersed bear until you’re singing it in your sleep. They are back and if ‘I Can’t Quit’ is anything to go by its going to be one heck of an album.
Changing Gears are a five-piece pop rock band based in Dublin, who recently have released their new track ‘Hold On Tight’. Comprising of Eoin O’Donnell (guitars & vocals), Colin Reid (guitars & vocals), Steve Power (piano, keys & vocals), Danny Spelman (bass & vocals) and Morgan O’Brien (drums/percussion), ‘Hold On Tight’ was released as part of their upcoming studio album which will be out in early 2018. It is a laid back track that cruises in with sharp guitar jangles and a punchy beat. It’s mellow, sun kissed and hazy with a jazzy piano feature springing up where you least expect it. Smooth vocals and a dreamy atmosphere create an effortless easy-going track with zealous guitar stabs to keep it refreshing. Perfect for summer days.
Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Ragmans Daughter
Ragmans Daughter are an indie band from London who have released their debut single ‘Lazy’. This hazy sun sprinkled track is a crisp display from a band who are sure to go far. Vivid juicy guitar jangles weave playfully between the laid-back melody and punchy drums which bounce and hop with a contagious spring and elastic rebound. The track becomes more fuzzed and heavy as it progresses adding an effervescent buzz and gritty texture to their luscious mellow sound. The production is on point. The track is fun, fresh and appears unfussy until the psychedelic whirls and grungy flavours kick in and you realise this is a band with a difference. The melody is drenched in sugary melty syrup that seeps into your ear rendering you hooked to their delicious sound. This track announces Ragmans Daughter as an energetic and creative band with a lot of success ahead of them.
Bio: Alternative rock trio Dramalove, originally from Italy but now based in Canterbury have released their new single ‘Play With You’ It is the lead single off their first full-English EP titled “How To Wear A Broken Heart” and it includes 5 songs picked up from a selection of a 20 demo song package that the band managed to home-record during this first year and a half living in the U.K. It has been mastered in Ashford at the Anchor Baby Recording Company and is due to be released in early 2018, The trio have already achieved a certain level of stardom by reaching the semi-finals of the Italian version of X Factor of which the Italian version allowed bands to apply and team up with artists such Skin from Skunk Anansie and Mika. Dramalove fast gained a dedicated local following in Canterbury, and summer 2017 already saw them touring across the country with gigs in Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester and London.
Track: Play With You
Why We Like It: It’s a slick heavy dose of swagger soaked rock. This smooth criminal is sassy gritty and sensually steamy. With sticky eerie soundscapes smothered on vaporous sharp guitars lines and Matt Bellamy- esque falsetto vocals this track cruises in, in all its stuffy sizzling glory to take over your mind. It’s impressively commanding and luring.
You can follow Dramalove on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dramalove
Watch the video for ‘Play With You’ below
Bad Family
Genre: Alternative Rock
Bio: Brighton’s Bad Family formed in late 2016 and quickly released EP1 to critical acclaim. They return with EP2 and are ready to claim their place among the indie elite.
Track: ‘On Your Wall’
Frontman Dane Etteridge explains about the track:“Have you ever been with someone, it doesn’t work out and they start sleeping with someone new way too soon after the breakup? Well, thats what ‘On your Wall’ is about, the horrible anxiety and hatred it causes towards the person that you once cared so deeply about, The idea that you shadow is the last thing to leave a room, and your former lover is with their next one before your shadow has had the chance to get out.”
Why We Like It: It’s a stinging knife edged rock track blistering with fiery sharp guitars crashing against punchy drums which creates a thrilling wall of sound. With a catchy chorus and delicious melody this track is instantly likable and fiery. Swirling guitar whines teamed with rumbling drums and a dark chanting bridge create a wholly unique eerie spiky experience. It’s an attitude drenched anthem.
Bio: Zach Leon is an alternative artist based out of Nashville, Tennessee and originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years and is now currently pursuing a solo career.
Track: A + K from his ‘Sailawayheart’ album
Why We Like It: It’s a luscious sweet ditty. Creamy smooth and sugar coated this track is melty, heart shaped candied romance. A soft delicate acoustic guitar twinkles along a boppy doo-wop beat while sing along friendly backing vocals and clap along joyous chorus creates a light heart-warming dreamy blissful atmosphere. This track will put a smile on your face and have you swaying happily in no time. With velvety passionate vocals and feathery light skip along rhythm this track is the perfect pick me up.
You can follow Zach Leon on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/zachleonmusicstuff/
Stream ‘A + K’ below
Mellor
Genre: Indie
Bio: Reading Indie four-piece Mellor have had a whole host of national and regional media support from the likes of Absolute Radio, BBC6 Music, BBC Berkshire, BBC London, and BBC Introducing. Labelled by Alt Reading as “one of Reading’s most exciting acts”, they bring a live show packed with high energy, raucous vocals, big guitar riffs, and pounding drums. The bands dedicated following is steadily on the rise thanks to shows up and down the UK sharing stages with the likes of The Kooks, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Flyte, and The Milk.
Track: You Were Right
Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant track stamped with Mellor’s signature infectious blistering indie- so irrepressible and effervescent it bubbles and boils intense adrenaline through your veins. Sharp guitars sting and wail with a brazen zest teasing then gushing through you leaving you craving almost gagging for more. Punchy drums and dynamic vocals bring the track to anthemic heights. It’s one for large crowds bellowing out at the top of their lungs.
You can follow Mellor on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/melloruk/
Stream ‘You Were Right Below’
The Fontaines
Genre: new wave rock
Bio: The Fontaines are a new wave rock duo based in Los Angeles, California comprised of siblings Charlotte Fontaine (vocals) and Hank Fontaine (guitar). They are backed by Xrys Kaplan (drums) and Daniel Zuker (bass) both live and in the studio.They have released a series of singles and EPs while performing across the United States – including a sold-out headlining performance at legendary venue The Troubadour. It was recently announced that The Fontaines will be returning to SXSW in 2018 in support of their new EP ‘Playboys’ which was recorded at Big Bad Sound LA (Rancid) and mixed by Xrys Kaplan and legendary producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna).
Track: ‘Playboys’, the title track from The Fontaines new EP
Why We Like It: It’s blusterous, sassy, attitude driven rock. With a snappy beat and rowdy guitars blazing through a twist ready shimmy and shake groove. This track oozes enough energy to whip you into a frenzy of dancing. It’s raw and gritty with a timeless doo- wop-ness that has been distorted and corrupted adding an edgy aggressive coating. Charlotte’s vocals seamlessly flicker from a soft coo to powerful bellow as the track becomes more dynamic. It’s a razor sharp jubilant frenzy causing number and catchy as hell.
Kent based, RAFFER has released his new single ‘Together’ which was written, recorded and mastered all under one roof. RAFFER is only 19 years old and already producing pieces which simply wow listeners. RAFFER has returned from a short break, ready to make an impact with a selection of new music set to be released over the coming months. His entirely self produced, infectious indie-pop sound has already won him compliments from BBC Introducing and ‘Together’ is sure to follow this trend.
‘Together’ is a dewy luscious indie pop track so melodic and catchy it will be stuck in your head for days. Glowing in bright luminous vibes this track squirts, bursts and oozes energetic youthful vibrancy. Velvety vocals exude passion and dynamism while zesty zealous guitar stings inject instant vitality and vigor. Its deliciously sweet melody is like honey to the ears which induces a sugar rush of ecstasy from the first note leaving you craving more. The infectious hook teamed with a shredding electrifying lead guitar riff lifts the track to soaring anthemic indie pop heights. This track is doused in sunny vibes and one to dance around the room ridiculously to.
21-year-old Los Angeles Songwriter Mason Summit has finished his Homemade Fourth Album ‘Summer Cold’ which is set for release on January 19th, 2018. The lead single ‘Stick It Out’ has been released today. The album follows 2016’s acclaimed ‘Gunpowder Tracks’. In contrast with his previous efforts, which featured ensembles of some of LA’s finest musicians, Summit engineered, mixed, & performed most of Summer Cold himself at home.
‘Stick It Out’ is a light laid back track that oozes bright luminous tones. Summit’s smooth raspy vocals add warmth and a soothing quality. Golden zesty guitar lines sparkle throughout the track giving a sun kissed glow while the elastic bass injections teamed with the punchy drums add depth and flexibility. With swirling soundscapes between the melty melody and blissful instrumentation it’s a luscious slap of positivity and determination. The melody is hazy, dreamy and insanely catchy while the instrumentation floats and bounces around the striking lyrics. With 60’s psychedelic hints and a euphoric atmosphere this track is a charming little ditty that will give a boost on those tough days.
When asked about the track Summit said: “I wrote the oldest song on the record, ‘Stick It Out,’ in August of 2015, right before starting a gap year to apply to schools and finish my last album. The year off was a rough time, emotionally — I was going through a breakup and most of my friends were away at school. But it also turned out to be pretty productive from a creative standpoint.”
Summit is embarking on his first-ever tour of the California coast, along with fellow student and collaborator Irene Greene, in December you can catch him live at:
12/15 The Bistro – Hayward 12/16 Armadillo Music – Davis 12/17 Make-Out Room – San Francisco 12/18 Morro Bay Wine Seller – Morro Bay 12/19 Bang the Drum Brewery – San Luis Obispo
Manchester four piece Palava have released their new single ‘Sometimes (I Wonder)’.It’s a blistery biting indie rock track displaying a laid back frosty sound that grooves sways and cuts deep all at once. A dreamy hazy melody melts upon crashing sharp guitar stings and punchy drums creating the perfect enthralling contrast. With velvety smooth vocals and breezy aerial soundscapes it’s a refreshing nose cutting display. The piercing guitars cut through the track with a bitter jagged scintillation while the bouncy rhythm adds a vibrancy and light flutter to this atmospheric airy track. These guys have a tight sound and each track they wallop out confirms they are ones to keep an eye on.
Stream Sometimes (I Wonder)’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
