Category Archives: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, Garage Rock, indie rock, New Music

Bullet Girl ‘Panic 2020’

Dublin based noise punks Bullet Girl delve into new musical territory with the release of their garage rock inspired new single ‘Panic 2020’. Bullet Girl are guitarist Dylan Keenan, singer Aaron Doyle, bassist Tony Keyes and drummer Noel Dempsey.Like many bands this year, they had high hopes for 2020, especially with regards to live shows. An all Ireland tour was booked, a slot at Aiken’s Eastbound had been secured, their debut performance at Electric Picnic and they were on course to sell out their first headline show at Thomas House. While all of this was evidently cancelled, Bullet Girl still managed to put out four singles, a handful of live performances and three music videos. In January, they begin work on their debut album and plan to tour a live show around Ireland and the UK. One that they’ve been working on since early this year.

‘Panic 2020’ is a swaggering track which slips from chic, cruising rock n roll to anarchy-driven garage rock while maintaining the powerful and refined musicianship of Bullet Girl. The track creeps in on a laid back shimmy rhythm with an elastic bass groove weaving playfully between a buoyant drum progression as the band ease you into a false sense of charm, security and boppy lightness. The sense of breezy, sunny day fun twists, changes and becomes muggy and asphyxiating for the chorus. The song unravels becoming more harsh and frenzied as the crashing guitars explode into the pummeling drums to create a chaotic wall of sound. The prance on vocals ventures from a swaggered charm to screams and gravely exclaims as the track reaches it’s frenzied crescendo. The skillful shift from cool nonchalance to utter turmoil is masterful as the band present their most engaging and thrilling song to date. Love it.

The song’s mantra “We’re just sensitive people after all..” has now taken on a new meaning for the year that 2020 represents. Here’s what the band have to say about it: “This song has been around exactly a year now, we were reflecting on the year that was ahead and predicting what the new decade might hold. We recorded this song live in our studio on one of the hottest day’s of the year – we literally couldn’t breathe in that room. That claustrophobic, sweaty effect definitely seeped into the final recording – unintentional but fitting.”

Stream ‘Panic 2020’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Echoviolet ‘City Of Impunity’

Bradford based alternative indie rock band Echoviolet are set to release their new single ‘City Of Impunity’ on 18th of December. Comprised of James, Rowan, Charlotte and George, the band are currently in the MASrecords program and will be releasing four new tracks over the next few months.  

Dark, gritty and steeped in chilling instrumentation, ‘City Of Impunity’ displays Echoviolet’s refined and thrilling musicianship in all its glory. The track has an epic 80’s rock hue with soaring guitars and dark wild undertones. Ominous vocals whisper and haunt through a punchy drum foundation as the track relentlessly maintains an enticing driving force throughout. As the sharp guitar slices through the thick muggy soundscape the song builds becoming more dynamic and animated for the catchy chorus. The quartet craft this track wonderfully as they create frantic moments of alternative rock between creeping haunting elements to provide an utterly thrilling and intoxicating new single to indulge in.

‘City Of Impunity’ is set for release on December 18th for more you can follow Echoviolet on Facebook here 

https://www.facebook.com/echovioletuk/


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

MAUVE ‘Branches‘

London/Cambridge rock band MAUVE have released their new single ‘Branches‘ which is taken from their recently released EP of the same name.The band comprised of Steve Campbell (Guitar/Vox), Leuan Smith (Bass/Vox), Ben Smith (Drums) formed through Gumtree in 2018 and have 2 EP’s to their name, countless shows and sessions/features on Punktastic, BBC Introducing and disorder TV.

‘Branches‘ is a powerful display of alternative rock as MAUVE deliver their exhilarating wall of sound through an explosive and passionate number. The track travels on a jogging bass line as the band create tension for the verses before unleashing a lightning strike of a chorus. Capturing the frustrations of being a band during the pandemic, lyrically it tackles inner struggles but also wider subjects such as climate change through adrenaline inducing soundscapes and tight instrumentation. The soaring guitars swarm around punchy drums and a kinetic bass foundation while Campbell’s warm expressive vocals carry the catchy vocal line with confidence and emotive strength. Well crafted and refined ‘Branches’ is an expressive force to be reckoned with.

Watch the video for ‘Branches’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Pilots ‘We Shall Overcome’

Alt-rock band Pilots have released their debut single ‘We Shall Overcome’.A song for the times, the message within this release is that ‘we shall overcome’ despite the current uncertainty. Written before the pandemic however, this track is strangely prophetic.

Uplifting and anthemic ‘We Shall Overcome’ is a dynamic debut single from Pilots. Laced in sharp nimble guitar work the track has an epic soundscape driven by ominous undertones and deep vocals. The band builds the track superbly creating an intense and muggy atmosphere while the bright catchy chorus exudes fist pumping energy. The track has a classic 80’s rock vibe and boasts a catchy shredding guitar solo and driving rhythmic section. ‘We Shall Overcome’ is a raw, well crafted track oozing refined musicianship. Looking forward to hearing more from Pilots.

Watch the video for ‘We Shall Overcome’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, New Music

FIRES. ‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’ EP

Dublin-based band FIRES. have released their highly anticipated debut EP ‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’. The EP is a six song collection, and the culmination of three years of writing, demoing and recording. The project contains previous singles ‘Forgotten Sons’, ‘All For This’, and ‘Dream’ along with three brand new tracks.FIRES. were formed in 2017 by Michael and Alecksyy. Previously in a band together, the pair have spent three years relentlessly writing songs to hone in on their sound.

Dripping in raw alternative rock ‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’ is an instant shot of adrenaline as FIRES. pack the EP with heavy instrumentation and acute songwriting. Coarse guitar riffs slice through each track while the battering drums lay down a thunderous foundation. The ground shaking wall of sound in ‘Change Your Mind’ and ‘A Life Worth Living’ could summon the dead as the band flesh out their passionate and powerful musicianship. Utilizing jabbing riffs, frantic synths and a tight rhythm the EP is a satisfying listening experience. Though the songs pack a punch the band’s lyrical content contains emotive and tender nuances as they deal with themes such as loss, grief, and self-esteem while curdling crescendos convey the conflicting despair and emotion through frantic spirals on guitars; ‘Dream’ is a prime example of this.

‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’ is a cohesive collection of tracks brimming with blistering instrumentation ready for the bloodthirsty mosh pits. 

Stream ‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’ EP below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Pop Punk

Quiet Like A Thief ‘LAK’

Boston and Long Island based pop punk duo Quiet Like A Thief have released the video for their latest single ‘LAK’.An incredible tribute to lead singer Alex Kouvaris’ father who passed away from Covid-19 this year, the single and video feature heartfelt lyrics and an incredibly impassioned performance.

‘LAK’ is a passionate alternative rock number saturated in crashing instrumentation and Quiet Like A Thief’s emotive musicianship. The track pulses with pummeling drums and a buoyant rhythmic foundation while the majestic, coarse guitars batter and clash into the blazing alternative rock backdrop. The band douse the melancholic melody in uplifting tones while the emotive vocals express the longing and shattering impact of loss within the lyrics. Quiet Like A Thief display their powerful pop punk through heartfelt lyrics and surging emotion to create a dynamic and wholly consuming track.

“Due to COVID-19, my father was unable to have a proper wake or funeral. We were forced to host a service via Zoom, and there was absolutely no closure. I wrote this song for him, and my band has shot an incredible music video as a tribute to honor the kind of man he was.” explains Alex.  “Ryan and I found beauty in this disaster, taking advantage of our time during COVID to create a positive outlet and to finally write music together again. It’s a tribute my father deserves.”

Watch the video for ‘LAK’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, New Music

Stupid Son ‘Heat Death’

 Following up from their 2019 debut ‘Bread’, Dublin-based punks Stupid Son return with their new single ‘Heat Death’. Accompanying the single release is a self-produced music video shot on a 90’s Panasonic VHS video camera. Directed throughout pockets of lighter restrictions with a low budget, it serves to visually aid the song’s narrative and further the band’s visual DIY ethos.The single was recorded, engineered and mixed in February 2020 at Oisín Walsh’s home studio in Trim, County Meath. After a scary summer that forced the band to scrap their existing plans and start from the drawing board, Stupid Son are now set to release a slew of new audio/visual content for 2020/21.

‘Heat Death’ is an intense blast of alternative rock as Stupid Son create a unique and frenzied wall of sound. The band use soothing melodies to ease the tracks obscure tendency while the pull and tug of clamorous guitars provide mind bending harsh elements between sweet moments of relief to create a dazed rampant soundscape. The song feels like it has no structure other than letting the instrumentation run riot – the result is a glorious assault on the senses.The track seems the flicker between crazed manic episodes and dreamy calm lulls making ‘Heat Death’ a dramatic and thrilling shock to the system. 

Stream ‘Heat Death’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music

Dukkha ‘Feed Me Roadkill’

Dukkha have released their third single ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ from their upcoming album. Dukkha are a grunge and alt-rock band featuring Eoin O’Neill (vocals & guitar), Brian Casey (lead guitar, keys), Peter O’Sullivan (drums) and a shape-shifting bassist.

Lathered in dark smothering grunge, ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ is an utterly thrilling and sinister new single from Dukkha. The song haunts through the verses with subdued instrumentation allowing O’Neill’s creeping vocals murmur between light strokes and creaking chills on guitar. The track explodes into its alternative rock chorus as crashing guitars collide with pummeling drums and raw unbridled bass attacks. Wonderfully eerie and expressive, the vocals wail and whisper with intensity, it’s difficult not to become completely entranced by the dark atmosphere and exceptional delivery by the band. Sonically the track is tight and impressive as the band ferment and curdle their sound while displaying refined musical prowess through scorching slick solos, precise jabs of distortion and glimpses of rock swagger beneath the brooding moody aesthetic. What a track. 

Stream ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, New Music

Basilisk ‘Medusa’ EP

Texas hardcore rock band Basilisk have released their debut EP ‘Medusa’. Basilisk started in spring of 2019 as a multi-ethnic All-American beat down hardcore project compiled of Jimmy MF Bones hailing from Dallas, Texas, Chris Edwards, Jonathon Baker from Fort Worth, Sam Boatner from Kansas creating dark and yet catchy tunes.Tackling big and difficult themes in their lyrics, Basilisk are unafraid to ruffle feathers and use the opportunity to write about suicide, recidivism, institutionalization, politics and overcoming anger and hatred.

 ‘Medusa’ is a frantic assault of hard core rock as Basilisk whack blood thirsty riffs over a ground shaking rhythmic section to create an intense EP that is not for the faint hearted. The EP thunders in on ‘Snakebite Understanding’ with intense rumbles on bass and a relentless drum battering. The tracks on Medusa have a mighty mosh ready sound with the band fusing elements of punk rock and metal to create their raw heavy sound while lyrics are spit and growled out through sharp guitars to create a tight and deafening soundscape. The pummeling rhythm and crashing guitars frantically run riot through each track on the EP evoking images of a crazy mosh pit at live gigs. Continuing the dark and aggressive tone ‘Dominant Species’ and ‘Beyonder’ bring the EP to a close just as manic and dynamic as their predecessors,

‘Medusa’ is a robust, powerful hard core rock EP that bruises and slashes with potent riffs and masterfully fierce rhythms. Basilisk present an EP that maintains an aggressive and forceful pace throughout. A sublime debut from Basilisk.

Stream ‘Medusa’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Edith Lane ‘Eden on the Park’ Album

‘Eden on the Park’ is the brand new album from Australian Alt-rock band Edith Lane. The album is almost a coming of age for Edith Lane, who have been around the local Melbourne scene for the last 8 years, performing with different bands and groups. Inspired by lead singer Victor’s own life experiences, the idea of ‘Eden on the Park’ was largely informed by the poetry of Peter Porter and the works of bands such as Radiohead and Sonic Youth. The album was recorded in a small home studio in Footscray called Love Shack Studios, owned and run by bandmate Jessicca. This isolated setting gave way to intimate performances recorded without any sense of pressure.

 ‘Eden on the Park’ is a mesmerising and expressive album that broods with emotion and erupts with crashing instrumentation. Throughout the album Edith Lane expertly build and release tension through sublime musicianship. Venturing between soft ethereal moments in tracks ‘B(I’m Glad We Talked’ and ‘32&’ to raw unadulterated grunge rock in ‘A Conversation With The Devil’, the band craft their songs superbly. Of particular interest is the 90’s grunge elements and haunting vocals which exude mournful tones in ‘Quite Observation’ and ‘Frame by Frame’ – tracks such as these are joy to the ears. The band swirl crashing ( and at times psychedelic ) guitar riffs and refrains through dreamy or raw backdrops creating a varied, multi-textured wall of sound. However the fluctuating, ominous bass and drums provide the brawn and foundation for this magnificent guitar work to ricochet off. 

There is abyssal darkness within the album. At times, it’s harrowing, painful and heart-rending as a powerful vocal delivery accompanied by emotive piano moments express innocence and vulnerability.

This introspective album takes you on an emotional journey of bittersweetness. ‘Eden on the Park’ is a wonderful display of musical prowess. Edith Lane majestically blend genres to create a wholly consuming album brimming with energy, sulky moments and aggression.

Speaking to the emotional state behind the album, Victor explains “It’s emotional, and there’s a lot of vulnerability in it, but we don’t want to portray it as a sad album, nor do we want to come across as having a sense of self-importance. I guess the feelings would be honest, self-aware, something along those lines.” 

Stream ‘Eden on the Park’ below

Author : Danu