Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

Flatlands ‘Friday Night’

Flatlands are an indie pop four piece from Oxford. They combine the melodic world of modern British indie with the dance punk vibes of West Coast USA. The bands first foray onto the UK music scene in 2016 saw the band achieve support slots for Yonaka, Redfaces, Rhys Lewis, Rews and Neon Waltz. Early 2017 saw the release of their debut E.P, with support from BBC Introducing followed by a sold-out headline show. Having signed to New Level Management, Flatlands have been invited to play for Sofar Sounds Winchester and Oxford, played festival slots at, amongst others, Cornbury and Riverside. The  band have now released their new single ‘Friday Night’ today. This indie pop banger is catchy, vibrant and bursting with good vibes. Bright sharp guitars playfully entwines with the infectious melody and snappy punchy drums. Featuring thrilling guitar wails and smooth sometimes screaming vocals, it’s a scorching blistering indie track. This song exudes oodles of fiery energy and charisma with rapid lyrics it’s a buzzing rush of adrenaline. It’s one for the lively mania of the mosh pit while the crowd bellow out the infectious lyrics joyously. Well crafted it’s crisp, edgy and meticulously layered creating a wholly satisfying listen. Perfect for Friday night antics.

Watch the video for ‘Friday Night’ below


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

Cider Wasps ’Ethereal’ EP

Cider Wasps are a four-piece alternative rock band from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland. The band consists of brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford, Stephen Keating and Colin Drummey. Formed in early 2013 the quartet have been gigging in various venues across the country but as of late have started hitting the Irish festival scene with an appearance at Indiependence 2016. The band launched their debut EP entitled ‘HERE’ in the autumn of 2015 which featured their single Lúnasa. Many radio stations and DJ’s picked up on the EP immediately and it began to hit the Irish airwaves on stations such as WLR-FM, Beat 102-103, CRY104FM, and 98FM to name a few. Their most recent ’Ethereal’ is the second EP release from the band which was launched alongside an independent tour of Ireland starting in Whelans and finishing in Waterford.

’Ethereal’ is an impressively smooth EP packed with passion and sublime melodies. Each track glides smoothly into the next. The tempos are easy-going with dramatic crescendos and with sleek production it’s radio ready. The dreamy delicate ‘80beatspersecond’ kicks off the EP. Silky smooth vocals caress a sweet luscious melody while a throbbing beat sets up the tension for the explosive chorus. These guys write tracks from the heart, every song evokes a rush of urgency and intense emotion while soaring backing vocals and aerial breezy soundscapes lift the tracks to skyscraper heights.’Hummingbird’ trots in with a lively bounce and jangly melodic distorted guitar. The heavy rapid drums and resounding pulse on bass adds a lively energy to the track and danceable foundation. ‘Home’ slows the tone again to start. It’s a heavenly delicate romantic track that builds into a mammothly anthemic explosion. Elevated backing vocals and a heart wrenching rush of blood to the head chorus displays just how good these guys are at making you feel every heavy towering note. ‘Magic Beans’ is simply beautiful and graceful with heavenly soundscapes to start. The track once again erupts for this striking mind-blowing crescendo as Danny Dunford slips into his sweet falsetto range while hefty drums pound and crashing guitars blister and burst through the colossal soundscape. The divine ‘Ethereal’ finishes the EP with warm mellow guitar plucks and tender glowing tones. It’s candy coated purity and tear jerkingly delicate. A sublime melody and sharp guitar stings create a hazy sombre feathery lightness that is just heavenly. When the beat kicks in it’s soft and spongy adding a soothing cushion and bounce. It’s just sublime, a song to treasure.

The ‘Ethereal’ EP is a luscious highly emotive and passionate collection of tracks that touch on all aspects of modern pop/pop-rock without losing cohesion. Silky smooth with the right amount of punch and heaviness throughout. Dunford uses his velvety vocals to inject the right combination of sincerity, drama and emotion into all five tracks creating a satisfying beautiful listen.

You can catch Cider Wasps at their next live show on 23rd November at Fibber Magees, Dublin make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Ethereal’ below


Alt- Pop, Caribbean, Caribbean Fusion Music, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie

Cassia ‘Out of Her Mind’

Macclesfield trio Cassia have released their new single ‘Out of Her Mind’. Following on from their most recent single ‘Sink’, ‘Out of Her Mind’ is the second track to be taken from their forthcoming Movers and Shapers EP. The band which consists of members Rob Ellis (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Lou Cotterill (Bass, Vocals) and Jacob Leff (Drums, Vocals) have enjoyed a summer which saw the band play to crowds up and down the country and as far afield as Germany and the Netherlands while taking in festivals such as Y-Not, The Great Escape and Reading & Leeds.

‘Out of Her Mind’ is a tropical luscious burst of fine musicianship. There is no denying these are talented chaps. Laid back sunny vibes ooze through the track- so smooth and effortlessly it’s all sunshine and good times. With a sprightly fruity hop on bass, hazy zesty squirts of guitar and a rich textured shuffle and shaky rhythm it’s the perfect refreshing tropical cocktail. It is instantly catchy with a calypso- esque reggae hue melted on their irresistibly delicious indie pop melody. Cassia have their sound pinned down and boy is it sublime. Ellis’ vocals glide from a velvety coo to a cheery and catchy falsetto wail effortlessly while the intricate guitar lines weave a path of delight in your brain. It doesn’t matter if it’s dull and raining Cassia bring the sweltering sun and exotic tropical good times with every danceable tune. It’s well-crafted and so good. This trio are definitely one of my favourite bands at the moment.

Stream ‘Out of Her Mind’ below

https://soundcloud.com/wearecassia/little-miss-revealer

 


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

Edits ‘Don’t Speak’

Edits are a Girl/Boy Duo from Manchester that create “electronic other world-ness”. Sandwiched somewhere between synth pop and post-rock the band consists of members Liv Westhead (Vocals/Synths) and Chris Abbott (Guitars/Programming). Edits take pride in their D.I.Y. aesthetic; producing everything they make themselves, even their music videos. The pair recently self-recorded a video series live to tape called ‘The Tape Sessions’ showcasing their creativity and recording skills. The duo have released their new single ‘Don’t Speak’ which is a synth pop anthem reminiscent of Chvrches, The XX and Everything Everything.

‘Don’t Speak’ is an atmospheric synth pop dazzler oozing anthemic fist pump power teamed with darker indie soundscapes. Flickering synths create a fluctuating bedazzlement while swirling synths and Westhead’s vocals add passion and tension. The sharp guitar and punchy drums build the track up creating a gritty rock heaviness and rough texture to the otherwise sugary pop sound. The verses brood with a darkened undertone while the anthemic chorus bursts with mini instrumental explosions. Its charming and endearing and immensely catchy.

Stream ‘Don’t Speak’ below

 

 


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

Indie Buddie Introducing: Letters to Lions

Letters to Lions are an indie rock band from Sydney, Australia. The band consists of Curt (drums), Joel (Guitar/vox), Jackson (bass) and Adam (guitar/vox). They recently released their single ‘Come Around’ via Code One Recordings. This sizzling breezy indie track bursts with slick aerial soundscapes and meticulous refined musicianship. It’s tightly crafted with razor sharp guitars piercing throughout and gashes of vibrancy cutting slices through the airy instrumentation. Punchy drums and elastic rumble on bass add a bouncy flexibility to the track while velvety expressive vocals add a slap of passion. The anthemic chorus is expressed by a swarming dynamic explosion of crashing guitars and bruising rhythm. Joel’s vocals maintain a cool laid-back vibe that glides upon the compelling instrumentation, creating a seamless blend of hazy mellowness and stinging splintery indie. It’s well-crafted and expressive yet dreamy and luscious. These guys have developed and layered this track perfectly. Its flawless, dynamic and a breath of fresh air.

The track is taken from their second EP ‘Grays Point’ which is set for release tomorrow 10 November, make sure to check it out.

Stream ‘Come Around’ below


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

Nightshifts ‘Karma’

Toronto based producer Nightshifts has released his new single ‘Karma’. Having had past musical successes in other Toronto bands and produced an official remix of “Michicant” for Bon Iver,  Nightshifts is gearing up to release his debut LP this November. ‘Karma’ is a soulful blast into Nightshifts sonic universe. Its smooth cool and ridiculously groovy. With a finger clicking beat and groovy swagger soaked guitar melodies it’s a silky little number. Velvety vocals coo and charm while sonic flecks dazzle and flicker between shimmering synths. This laid-back track is polished and creamy and effortlessly cool. With a relaxing sway like tempo and clap along feature it an infectious funky pop sprinkled ear worm.

When asked about the track Nightshifts said “Karma was written at a time when all my friends and I were very unsure about what we wanted to do with our lives. I wrote the song to try and calm my own nerves; to say it’s ok not to know, let’s just enjoy the ride. Matthew Vlahovich of Young Empires co-produced this track at his Trinity Bellwoods Studio”

Stream ‘Karma’ below


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

0141 ‘Born To Sing’

Glasgow rock band 0141 have released their new single ‘Born To Sing’ which was produced by Rod Jones of Idlewild. The quartet have played in some of Scotlands most notable venues including King Tut’s, 02 ABC and have previously ventured around Scotland, Manchester, Liverpool and Holland electrifying audiences with their bold, funky and rhythmic sound. They have also made a TV appearance on STV Glasgow in 2015.

‘Born To Sing’ is an infectious smack of indie rock. With an anthemic fist pump ready chorus, battering drums and blistering guitars it’s a feisty unleashed beast disguised in a smooth pop tune. With sharp stings on guitar scorching through the golden inspiring atmosphere it’s an adrenaline surge, highly energetic track that is sure to be epic live. Few bands sound as brazenly ambitious as this four piece, their sound is charming catchy and arena ready. This track is razor sharp and piercing in all the right places while still maintaining a radio friendly smoothness and polished exterior that will have you hooked and singing along from the first note. Keep an eye out for 0141.

The release of ‘Born To Sing’ coincides with their BBC Introducing show at King Tuts on the 9th of November so make sure to check that out if your around.

Stream ‘Born to Sing’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie, Tropical Soul

The Curious Incident ‘Got Ya’

The Curious Incident have released their new single . It is the second single from the duo’s upcoming EP “Conjugate” which is set for a January 2018 release. It follows the first single “Get What You Give” which has been nominated for Best Song at the Vocalzone Best of British Unsigned Music Awards. The band has had a busy year (both in the UK and abroad) and since playing their first show in The Netherlands in October 2016 the band have now been chosen as KX Radio’s ‘KX Talent’ in The Netherlands and have also been booked for 17 shows so far in the country’s largest travelling music festival – Popronde. “Honey Hunger”, another of the band’s singles has climbed passed the 100,000 streams mark on Spotify and their ‘Indie with a Caribbean Twist’ has been played on BBC2 and 3FM (NL), been featured on BBC Introducing and had spot plays on XFM, Absolute Radio, Wizard Radio and Amazing Radio. The boys have also gone the extra nautical mile to bring their summer vibes to the masses by teaming up with The Ice Cream Union to create the band’s very own ice cream flavour; It’s passionfruit & coconut.

‘Got Ya’ is a wiggle ready track oozing oodles of those good times and summer vibes this duo do so well. Starting simply with an acoustic guitar and smooth vocals the track unravels gently into their tropical kissed sound. The bouncy peppy beat rebounds off the sweet tender melody while the zesty sting of guitar adds a refreshing burst of vibrancy. The duo take their time with this track, with breezy soundscapes wisping into a sombre hued melody, it’s a slower deeper dose of heaven. Still remaining lively instrumentally it’s a bop and a half bursting with energy. The lush backing vocals and chilled bridge showcases their skill with adding emotion and depth to their tracks. They are blossoming nicely.

Stream ‘Got Ya’ below


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

Gundogs ‘Monsters’

Gundogs have released their debut single ‘Monsters’. Formed from 3 national touring bands, the members of Gundogs donned the masks to bring some mystery and danger back to rock music. Their first release ‘Monsters’, a sing-along desert rock jam, featuring the smoky vocals of up-and-coming starlet Cloe Corpse, a BBC Introducing favourite who has turned industry heads, even working with Avicii. ‘Monsters’ is a catchy snappy indie rock track smothered in spooky vibes its perfect for your Halloween party playlist. Punchy drums pound, shredding guitars crash while haunting backing vocals add a chilling sense of a fun fright night. Well layered with gritty rock elements and a pop smattered melody it’s a catchy little ditty. With dark undertones infectious shaky rhythm and slick guitar work it’s a fun bouncy portrayal of a darker theme.

When asked about the track the band said “Monsters was written about our reaction to terrorism and the changing face of the modern world, and finding our place within it”

Stream ‘Monsters’ below


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

Fond Of Rudy ‘To Be Mine’

Brighton’s Fond Of Rudy have released their new single ‘To Be Mine’. This shimmering indie track glistens with an electronic pop luster. It’s peppy and bright with breezy synths and ripply jagged guitar lines that add a zesty zing to the sugar-coated track. With an invigorating catchy chorus and danceable tropical hued groove this track is instantly likable and infectious. Effortlessly cool and smooth with soulful vibrant vocals wrapped in hazy ethereal soundscapes it’s a captivating dazzler. This four piece have a knack for melty melodies and ‘To Be Mine’ glistens with ear worm candied melodies and honey drenched instrumentation that leaves you craving for more.

Stream ‘To Be Mine’ below