Category Archives: Alt- Pop

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

Young Earth ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP

Dublin Indie-Pop/Rock band Young Earth have announced the release of their debut EP, ‘Frequency Illusion’ on Tuesday 7th November along with their biggest headline show to date in The Academy 2, Dublin to mark it’s release. The five track EP will include previous singles ‘Worth It’ and ‘Got A Secret, the latter having amassed over 100,000 Spotify Streams and was previously featured on Indie Buddie. The band have earned critical acclaim from blogs and music tastemakers both internationally and in Ireland, leading to a busy summer of festivals, a co-headline tour and regular local and national radio play, including being included on RTE 2fm’s Rising Playlist.

The ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP is an oh so sweet collection of infectious indie bangers. Every track is short,snappy and feverishly good, they will give you stuck song syndrome. The warm vibes kick in from the first track which is title track ‘Frequency Illusion’. Featuring some golden guitar lines that twinkle throughout it’s indie at its best. With running elastic basslines and a punchy beat teamed with velvety soothing vocals, it’s a balmy soothing track soaked in sweet nostalgia. Honey drizzled summer pop melodies add a swoony hazy tone while the sharp zesty spurts of guitar give a nice edge and sting to the track. This ear worm dreamy haze continues with ‘Worth It’ however, it takes a heavier raw approach to the verse. These guys have a knack with melody and this is visible in every single smashing delicious chorus. Though the lyrics can portray a sombre or longing theme they balance this with a boppy contagious sound that fluctuates between sugar pop and heavier indie rock. ‘Got a Secret’ displays their grittier side. Blistering guitars, striking rhythm and fiery drums- it’s a tight display of their refined musicianship. It features finger clicking swing-like panache soaked verses, zesty sprightly choppy guitar strums and a vibrant bounce on drums teamed with breezy cool vocals. The song oozes oodles of competence and swagger. The powerful instrumental break adds a heavy mosh ready neck snapping might to the track displaying Young Earths diversity and seamless blend between luscious pop and heavy rock. ‘Under Cover’ cruises in, smooth and sleek with an enticing luring verse and glossy exterior. It’s just too cool and suave. The track builds becoming more dynamic for the anthemic chorus and shrilling guitar solo. Catchy as hell and razor sharp yet oh so smooth, it just screams panache. ‘Let Go’ brings us to the end of the EP on a high. Melty bright melody, creamy vocals and luminous tones bring that state of euphoria and elation that Young Earth do so well. Warm mellow guitar lines playfully entwine between the delectable melody while a throbbing rhythm adds a flexible groove and danceable quality. It’s uplifting and motivating with hints of sentimentality creating a richly emotive track that grabs you and makes you want to listen to it over and over again.

Young Earth ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP is a refined well crafted EP brimming with killer melodies and smashing instrumentation. These guys blister and bubble in all the right places while also wrapping you in a luscious layer of sun kissed dreamy pop. The tracks are like smarties, smooth creamy heavenly inside with a harder shell coating. They balance summer pop anthems and sweet melodies with heavier, fuzzier sounds seamlessly. An impressive EP from the Dublin four piece.

Lead Single, ‘Let Go’ will be released on the 31st October. Tickets for their EP launch will be available through Ticketmaster Ireland in association with MCD productions here – http://Bit.do/YOUNGEARTHTICKETS It’s one not to be missed.

Stream ‘Got a Secret’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Fling ‘That’s Nice’

Bradford five piece Fling have released their new single ‘That’s Nice’ by revered independent label Dance To The Radio. The track has recently clocked up radio plays with Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq & Zane Lowe. The band were described as ‘off kilter pop-perfection’ by Wonderland and have been garnering critical praise from all areas of the indie world with Steve Lamacq playing the band numerous times on BBC 6 Music alongside extensive spins from Radio X and even Beats 1 jumping on board. New single ‘That’s Nice’ is a sugar coated indie pop tune, smooth and sleek this quintet have created a laid-back indie pop dazzler that celebrates the natural things in life. A smooth hazy track about having sex, it’s blatant, exuberant and insanely catchy. The sultry guitar licks weave between a honey drizzled melody and spongy beat they cruise in with laid back verses and sizzling instrumentation. Its warm tones wrapped in cosy fuzzy joyous vibes and good times. From the opening catchy keys riff to the scorching guitar and velvety raspy vocals its instantly likeable. It’s a natural  floral and wreaths, irresistible homage to the finer things in life put to dreamy sweet music.

Not one to mince his words, Fling’s frontman Charles McSorley explains ”A lot of people write songs that talk about sex or wanting to have it, but not about doing it. So we did one about doing it because it’s nice doing it.”  …….. fair enough

Stream ‘That’s Nice’ below

https://soundcloud.com/dttrlabel/fling-thats-nice/s-X1kTx


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

Hayes & Y ‘Always So Simple, Always So Cold’

With band members that hail from as far afield as Bulgaria and Finland, indie-pop four-piece Hayes & Y harbour a somewhat continental feel that immediately sets them apart from their quintessentially British contemporaries. Having moved to the UK just a couple of years ago, the four-piece have assimilated quickly, becoming a part of their new country’s scene and taking shows at some of Britain’s best-loved venues in their stride, including the likes of London’s Dublin Castle, and Manchester’s iconic Night & Day Cafe, as well as a notable slot on the Spirit of Burgas festival in Bulgaria supporting Kasabian. With three EPs already under their belt the band have now released their latest single ‘Always So Simple, Always So Cold’. This cruising 80’s electronica flavoured track glides with effortlessly cool swagger and slicked back groovy vibes. Rolling bass lines teamed with frenetic winding guitar licks add an elastic sensual chilled back allurement while also creating a brooding moody foundation for the electronic wavy soundscapes to bounce off. The 80’s infused synths add a shimmering sparkle, breezy freshness and infectious disco dance vibe.  Oh, so smooth and creamy the melody fluidly coats the rippled soundscapes while a slapping sticky beat adds a steamy sultry quality. Hayes & Y present the track in a seemingly effortless way creating a laid back hazy tune thats irresistible from the start. The vocals are sweet and luscious and oozing passion and emotion. It’s a delicious can of sugary smooth pop with a dash of zest provided by the sting on guitars – its refreshing, lush and chilled.

The accompanying video sees Hayes & Y using grainy, black & white film clips in order to reinforce the sombre tone watch it below.


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

Brass Phantoms ‘Indigo’

              (Picture: Olga Kuzmenko)

In support of their single ‘Indigo’ Dublin fourpiece Brass Phantoms will be playing upstairs in Whelan’s on Friday October 27th. The single is the follow-up to recent single ‘City Of Wolves’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie. The band have garnered airplay all over Irish radio, as well as being featured on BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq, Spotify Discover Weekly, and Amazing Radio. Earlier this year they were listed as The Metro’s ‘Artist Of The Week’. They have headlined shows throughout Ireland, as well as New York this month for their first US dates which will be followed by a UK and Irish tour.

‘Indigo’ is a euphoric indie gem, smothered in areal breezy tones and oozing oodles of passion. Biting blustery guitars swirl and soar crashing into a galloping rumbling beat while Ryan Cashell’s unique powerful vocals add potency and might. It’s passionate and intense with little anthemic bursts that are blissfully aerial and refreshing. These guys have a knack for packing a lot into their tracks and ‘Indigo’ is no different. It’s brimming with luscious indie pop melodies consumed in a whirlpool of rich ethereal soundscapes creating a kinetic catchy tune that shows their refined musicianship and is sure to be amazing live.

The video for ‘Indigo’ was produced by Alan McCarthy. It shows a dancer performing a routine in a hall alongside a live performance by the band, which builds in intensity with the song. 13-year-old Alicia Premkumar stars as the dancer in the video.

Brass Phantoms are playing upstairs in Whelan’s on Friday October 27th make sure to head down and  check them out.

Watch the video for ‘Indigo’ below


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

The Assist ‘Give It To Me’

Indie four piece The Assist have released their new single ‘Give It To Me’. These guys have had a massive impact on 2017 since their debut EP, ‘Trouble’ was released. Their recent single, ‘Wonderful’, made the Spotify Viral 50 and they’ve played sets at Isle of Wight, Reading + TRNSNT (Jack Rocks/This Feeling) as well as support slots with Blossoms, Rat Boy and The Twang. ‘Give It To Me’ fleshes out their infectious blend of indie rock sprayed with danceable grooves and enough energy to have a live audience going crazy. Infectious melodies are coated in biting guitars and rich shakeable rhythm. Drenched in attitude it’s a no-nonsense belter that is insanely catchy. Just that “do do do” backing lyric will have you hooked – you will have to prise it from you brain. Upbeat immensely energetic and fresh these guys shake thing up with a simple tune that radiates bright scintillation while also packing a nice bit of grit and punch to keep it interesting. Slick guitar lines and groovy bass add a touch of swagger and greasy slickness while the spoken lyrics add a smack of Brummy attitude.  Fine track from the four piece.

Watch the video for ‘Give It To Me’ below


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

The Curious ‘Gentleman’

The Curious are an Indie/Alternative band from London. The five piece consists of members Dominic Smith (Lead Vocals), Sam Roberts (Drums), Lewy Rutherford (Guitar and Vocals), James Cooper (Guitar and Vocals) and Alexander Nuti (Bass). They have released a video for their track ‘Gentleman’ taken off their ‘Electric Sheep’ EP. This infectious snappy ditty bops, hops and shakes with refreshing zing and swagger oozing indie. It’s an intoxicating guitar driven slice of slick, musicianship from the shredding razor-sharp guitar solos and jagged stinging riffs to the sticky elastic rhythm that rebounds and springs with a glutinous vitality. With a melty delicious melody and slick panache drenched vocals, its sure to get those feet tapping and body grooving in no time. Animated, extremely energetic and likable its one to put on repeat, let everything go and dance around the room to. These guys have a tight refined sound that is so cool, slick and fun all while packing some luscious melodies with sophisticated snazzy instrumentation. Keep an eye out for these guys.

 

Watch the video for ‘Gentleman’ 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 Enola Fall

Enola Fall are an Australian indie rock, pop band formed in Tasmania in 2001, now currently based in Portland, USA. They have released their new single ‘London’ from their upcoming album ‘Bloodhound’ which is being released next year. The album was recorded with Lachlan Mitchell who produces the Jezabels. This striking slow-jam boasts Muse-esque flavours wrapped in subtle elements of mystique. It creeps in with a catchy jingly hook that sends chills up your spine. Joe Nuttalls cold and expressive vocals exude intense passion and repressed agony. He simmers between his sweet falsetto and deep eerie range creating a mysterious and emotionally tearing atmosphere. The soundscapes are light and breezy with haunting ghostly backing vocals and flickering soundscapes. It’s well-crafted as the track slithers in gently building to the extremely emotive anthemic chorus. These guys make the most of the instruments at their disposal creating a track that is icy, captivating and emotionally charged. With crisp freshness created by guitar whines swirling around the biting raw soundscapes and melty melody, its cleverly thought out. All of this backed by a punchy durability on drums Enola Fall’s ‘London’ gradually and meticulously wriggles and bleeds right up to the massive powerhouse chorus. It’s a little gem.

Watch the video for ‘London’ 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 The Hubbards

Riding high on a wave of praise following their most recent single ‘Just Touch’, Hull-born Leeds-based four-piece The Hubbards have already notched up support slots for the likes of stadium stars Foals and The 1975, not to mention a coveted slot at this year’s Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Their material has aired on both Radio One and 6Music, while previous single ‘Cold Cut’ was used on ‘Made In Chelsea’. The quartet have now released their new single ‘Body Confident’. This laid-back indie bopper cruises against a backdrop of crunching sharp guitars and punchy drums. The dazed hazy melody drifts with a woozy dreamy loftiness and ear worm infectiousness. With an air of casual easy going almost “meh” nonchalance to take the edge off the piercing dynamic soundscape it’s effortlessly cool and breezy. Elastic bass and bouncy drums give a gyrating swagger and enthralling allurement to the track. It’s smooth with a groovy mellow backbone and one for lazy hazy days.

You can catch The Hubbards Live at

7th October: Sebright Arms, London

13th October: Fruit, Hull

21st October: – The Shed, Leicester

22nd October:- The Brunswick, Brighton

Watch the video for ‘Body Confident’ below


Album Release, Album Review, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

Deep City Diver Self-Titled Debut Album

Hackney indie rock band Deep City Diver will release their self-titled debut album on the 6th October. This trio have crafted an album with tracks anthemic in every way with their brand of guitar pop stamped all over it. Doused in synth soundscapes they bring each track to life and evoke every fiber of emotion in the listener. Their sound is ambitious and exciting fully polished and meticulously formulated, it doesn’t feel like a debut album it feels like the fourth or fifth album of a well-established  band. They know their sound and it’s so familiar and comfortable it’s like they have been around for years, yet fresh and new. ‘Easy Prey’ kicks off the album smothered in 80’s synth pop shimmer and sparkle. The melody is sombre and sway-like and Nico’s vocals coo and brood for the verses before becoming dynamic for the anthemic chorus. Running basslines and a snappy beat adds a dance-like shuffle while jingley guitars flicker and stride with swagger and panache. It’s an infectious 80’s flashback. This trio do exuberant fist pump anthems well and ‘Everyone Is Alone’ and ‘Another World’ display this perfectly. With Bon Jovi-esque fiery choruses, powerful vocals and that adrenaline pumping get up and dance your worries away vibe. They bring the rock and roll nostalgia to the album with melty ear worm melodies and some sharp guitar injections adding a bit of edge and rawness to their sound. ‘As the Crow Flies’ is a beautiful melodic tune. Wandering soundscapes wisp around strident guitars. It’s pretty sweet and tender however the musical background adds a film like dramatic sorrow and breezy sharpness. ‘Down On Wreckyn Street, I’m Ruined’ is another indie rock thumper. Energetic, boppy and vibrant smothered in vitality with a dash of airy synths filling out the sound and giving a refreshing little multi dimension to the track. ‘Nothing Hurts’ is an elastic guitar driven tune. A rebounding spring on guitars adds buoyancy before the shredding air guitar worthy solo. ‘Honeyeater’ another slow burner with a strong thumping beat and elegant honey drizzled melody gives a 60’s feel mixed with a bit of the The Smiths. Probably my favourite track on the album for its depth and sweet sorrow filled guitar feature. It’s richly emotive and Nico’s vocals are immensely passionate and divine. It’s a tearjerker for sure utterly romantic and raw, just sublime to listen to.‘Living In The Hyphen’ and album closer ‘Youth’ are the delicate ballads. Beautiful melodies and smouldering synths create a dark sorrowful atmosphere swirling around Nico’s compelling emotion-filled vocals. ‘Youth’ displays Nico’s vocal depth.It’s a little organ-y which adds warmth to the track and once again this track is very passionate and heart wrenching. It’s a short track, just over two minutes bringing a nice end to the album. With simple accompaniment it leaves space for contemplation.

Deep City Diver have compiled a collection of tracks that speak to the heart, live in the moment whatever that moment is and makes you feel something. It’s an emotional journey of highs and lows dramatic anthemic tracks that are massive and fiery to slow tender pure passion and raw emotion. It’s epic guitar pop at its best.

You can catch Deep City Diver at their Vinyl Launch Gigs at

20th October 2017 – The Underground, Stoke-on-Trent (w/ DIVENIRE)

21st October 2017 – Blondies, London (w/ Bear Muda)

Stream ‘Another World’  below

 

 


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

The Skullers ‘Meet Me In Memphis’

The Skullers are a rock and roll trio from New Jersey. Band members Jack Skuller (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Gabriel Scholis-Fernandez (drums) and Luigi Sardi (bass) play their blues-soaked brand of modern rock and roll with a down-to-the-bone rockabilly soul.They have released their debut EP ‘Meet The Skullers’ which features the infectious lead track ‘Meet Me In Memphis’. This swagger soaked catchy ditty is the kind of energetic bluesy rock that would have even the most timid person busting a move. It’s oh so slick, effortlessly cool and strut ready. With sharp crashing guitars and punchy drums it’s an adrenaline rush to the head of panache drenched rock. Shimmy ready, sleek and oozing that swoon worthy rock and roll of the 60’s greats these young lads have knocked it out of the park. That harmonica solo shrill and high-powered energy teamed with smooth croony vocals add a fiery hot smoulder to their modern rock and roll. Another mesmerising track from The Skullers, they have a bright future ahead.

Stream ‘‘Meet Me In Memphis’ below