Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue have returned with their scorching new single ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. Steamrolling in, swagger drenched and rearing to go, the band present one hell of a belter with ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. With sharp blistering guitar riffs ricocheting off the battering drum and steamy bass grooves the track is a hefty onslaught of rock. The song has a strutting yet raucous quality as bluesy licks weave between a raw alternative wall of sound. With clever lyrics, slick vocals and infectious melody teamed with crashing chorus explosions and dynamic crescendo, there is no denying the talent and kinetic energy this band possess. ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’ is a glorious alternative rock mammoth ready to blow your mind.
Guy Wynn Davies (vocals), Cameron Tetlow (drums), Ben Dodson (bass) Jack Taylor and Jim Ker (guitars) comprise Manchester five-piece Circus Wolves. They have released their new EP ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’. Circus Wolves have shared the stage with the likes of The Slow Readers Club, and The Amazons. Their EP ‘Annie Baby’ (2013) was followed up with fan favourite ‘Tourist’ in March 2017. ‘Judas’ (2017) received high praise from both BBC Introducing in Manchester and Radio XS. 2018 saw the introduction of Ben Dodson on bass and the band continuing their working relationship with Bob Cooper with ‘Infamy’ (released February 2018).
Boasting untamed, dynamic instrumentation ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’ is a tight collection of tracks which displays Circus Wolves’ raw unbridled rock in all its glory. With an ominous and suspenseful ‘Intro’ the EP kicks into motion. Exuding sharp guitar riffs, pummeling drums and rampant bass grooves the track sets the EP’s tone, wonderfully paving the way for the ferocious ‘Hunt You Down’ and ‘The Taste’ which oozes light guitar refrains weaving between the band’s punchy rhythmic backdrop. With soaring indie guitar punctuating the elastic bass rumbles and buoyant drum whacks, ‘Clarity’ continues the EP’s instrumentally wild sound.
A lamenting guitar echoes, through the airy soundscape of ‘Pulling Teeth’. This building track is passionate, electrifying and cinematic in scope. ‘Pulling Teeth’ emits an icy tone as the listener is invited to indulge in the songs intricate layers of weaving and twinkling guitars, wriggling bass and steady drums while the haunting emotive vocals and melancholic melody provide the ultimate end for the EP.
Circus Wolves have created a mature and well crafted EP with ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’. They are cultivating their sound superbly to create music which chills and thrills all at once. Each track on the EP is an impressive expression of the bands musical prowess and deft musicianship.
Stream ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’ below
Tasmanian rockers Meres have released their latest single ‘Finally’.Conceived in the perfect echo chambers of Canada’s cheap motel bathrooms, Meres is the solo writing project of Mary Shannon. With her band she is working on a new Meres album, produced by Australian Anna Laverty which is due for release later this year. Following on from the success of their previous singles, Meres have been Tasmanian nominees for the National Live Music Awards “Live Voice of the Year” award category for 3 years consecutively, and have this year been nominated for live act of the year.
A gritty and energetic grunge track, ‘Finally’ displays Meres’ ability to create blazing angsty tunes brimming with shredding musicianship. Raw guitar riffs pirouette into a shrilling stride of fury between light sun kissed soundscapes while pounding drums and simmering bass lines create the brawny riddled backbone. The band balance edgy grunge with explosive rock to create a catchy and compelling number. With powerful vocals driving the uplifting melody while the lyrics ruminate on finding yourself in the mess of someone else, this dynamic track is an instant shot of adrenaline.
Front woman Mary explains that some of the lyrics were “inspired by a person in my life who at the time I thought was worthy of dulling my own light to support them further.”
This serious subject matter is lightened with the fun filled video featuring two of the band’s dogs. Recorded at Audrey Studios in Melbourne with renowned Australian Producer, Anna Laverty, this was Meres’ first professional studio experience and it’s safe to say they knocked it out of the park.
Bitch Falcon have released ‘Martyr’, the 3rd single taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Staring At Clocks’, set for release 6th November 2020. The band have played with Girl Band, Fontaines DC, Torche, Black Peaks and Pussy Riot.
‘Martyr’ is a decisive onslaught of bittersweet chaos as Bitch Falcon take their grunge sound to a thrilling and haunting dimension. From the relentless bass rumble start, the track wriggles its way into your head grasping your mind with strident razor sharp guitar riffs. The track has a residue of Korn as the sweet pines on guitar contrasts the rumbling rhythmic flow. It’s eerie and ominous with lighter elements flickering beneath the asphyxiating bass assault. As the song builds into its tantalizing chorus the track becomes thick and darkly intoxicating as it oozes distortion and punk elements while the rippling bass coils around the rampant drums to create an airtight wall of sound. Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s mesmerising vocals haunt, bellow and scream over this frantic wall of sound. She is by no means drowned beneath the grungy rock mayhem. Holding her own, she exudes an icy, luring tone for the verses before the vocal shrill entraps the listener within the deep weaving instrumental chaos.
Bitch Falon’s skill to both haunt, chill to the core and blister with intense fury is awe inspiring. They posses the rare ability to capture and express beauty within chaotic musical composition. Their sound is glorious and majestic to say the least.
About the track frontwoman Lizzie Fitzpatrick said: “When writing this song, we wanted to achieve a post-punk vibe to it, but with modern influences. Nigel’s drumming reminds me of Warpaint in this, it has such a bounce to it. I tried to span my vocals from soft to cord ripping, a bid to show the aggression in the song.’
Harley & The Wolf have recently released their new single ‘For What It’s Worth’. Harley & The Wolf are an alternative rock band from Northern Ireland who create powerful and fiery tunes. With a heartfelt melody encased in a swarming wall of sound Harley & The Wolf present a dynamic new single ready to blast from your speakers. With a raw jagged guitar riff slicing through the pounding bass and explosive drums the track has that instantly kinetic rock anthem gusto. The rasped vocals surge passion into this alternative mammoth, building on the song’s adrenaline and heart racing pulse. Rich melodies weave a thread of earworm delight while the raw and energetic backdrop builds in intensity, ‘For What It’s Worth’ is a fantastic ballsy alternative rock number from Harley & The Wolf.
Madison Front have released their new single ‘Otherside’. Madison Front are an Indie/Alternative rock band who formed in 2015, with Luke O’Connor on Vocals, Patrick Murphy on Lead Guitar, Gary Murphy on Drums, Jack Shakespeare on Bass, and Conor Cullen on Rhythm Guitar. The group gained some notoriety during their first year, performing at Ireland’s well-renowned Longitude Festival, featuring alongside acts such as Hozier, Alt-J, and The Chemical Brothers. Following this, the band also appeared on Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ. They spent the next couple of years playing in well-known music venues across Dublin, including Whelan’s, The Academy, The Workman’s Club, and The Grand Social, establishing themselves within the local music scene. The band released their debut single, ‘Sleep Off’, and subsequent music video, in February of 2020, in-line with a single-launch gig in the same month in one of Dublin’s fastest growing venues, LoSt LaNe.
‘Otherside’ is a punchy energetic track dripping in alternative rock prowess and Madison Front’s expressive musicianship. The track chills with an eerie tone and sinister guitar refrain while the pulsing percussion, rumbling drums and creeping verses surround the track in an enticing atmosphere of haunting suspense. With smooth vocals, catchy melody and a building wall of sound, the band cultivate and simmer their sound superbly while embellishing the song with steamy guitar licks, icy refrains and slick licks. ‘Otherside’ is a well crafted new single which boasts the refinement and sublime songwriting of Madison Front.
Dublin band Emily 7 are set to release their debut single ‘Stay’ on October 9th.Hailing from the streets of Tallaght, brothers Kyle and Scott Bellew have been making waves on the Irish music industry as Emily 7 for over 2 years now. While only being 21 and 18 respectively, they have shared the stage with acts like U2, Glen Hansard and Imelda Mayat the Christmas Eve Busk, as well as supporting UK acts like Twisted Wheel in Whelans. Their 90’s image and sound even landed them a brand deal and interview with Fred Perry.The two brothers are also known from a viral video that went around the internet,where they met Liam Gallagher in Dublin, and he brought them to his show in The Olympia. This was one of the moments that influenced them to make the band a full time job.Emily 7 also headline Whelans (upstairs) on April 16th 2021. Tickets are available fromTicketmaster.ie and more info can be found frommcd.ie/artists/emily-7
‘Stay’ is a blazing debut from Emily 7. While telling a story of the trials and tribulations of falling in love, the duo create a ferocious, heavy, rock track swamped in the bands brawny, crashing wall of sound. With just a guitar and drums, the band manage to whack out a full-bodied, and all consuming sound sure to have a live audience moshing in no time. A guitar blitz soars through a rapid drum onslaught creating a thrilling sound of alternative rock with punk elements. Gravelly vocals contrast heartfelt, emotional lyrics which express sweetness and carry an undertone of vulnerability, displaying the bands ability to create diversity and depth within their tracks. ‘Stay’ is energetic, raw, and infectious – an impressive debut from a promising and talented duo.
New Jersey rockers Summit have released their debut single ‘Silent Sanity’.A family band made up of a father and four sons, Summit used the lockdown period to their advantage, taking the time to practice together and start to write and record their own music. Developing from a covers band to a fully fledged rock band with original material, they draw from a wealth of experience and influences ranging from alternative rock to classical music.
‘Silent Sanity’ is a blazing whack of alternative rock as Summit spread an emotional smooth melody over a bubbling angsty backdrop. The track exudes punchy drums, rumbling bass lines and raw gritty guitar riffage which drives the tracks brisk Blink-182 -esque wall of sound. With a moody vocal melody and tight harmony this track is a refined, full bodied taste of explosive rock which contemplates the intricacies of relationships.
Dublin alternative rock band Kyro Jones have released their new single ‘Walk With Me’. Established in the summer of 2017, Kyro Jones have been working tirelessly on the Dublin live circuit refining their songs and perfecting their unique brand of fast, energetic music.Having shook the ground at headline gigs in The Workmans, The Underground, Whelan’s and Fibber Magees, the five piece are going from strength to strength.
‘Walk With Me’ is a blistering alternative rock track as Kyro Jones create a bone shaking, brain melting number designed for blasting from your speakers. It’s a dark rumbling concoction as the band blend raw basslines with pounding drums to create a curdling sharp wall of sound. With slinky guitars soaring and ricocheting off the brawny foundation ‘Walk With Me’ is a force to be reckoned with. The charismatic vocals cut through the tension and aggressive instrumental battering while the shredding solo saturates the song in a haze of vapour. With funky flirtations emerging between the pounding rock bravado, this attitude-driven track explores a war of words between two young lovers. It’s one whirlwind of fine musicianship.
Rising newcomer Kynsy has released her new single ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’. Kynsy, is the solo project of rising 23 year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey.Tipped in 2FM’s Rising 2020 list, Kynsy’s single ‘Cold Blue Light’ picked up plays on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music with Kynsy also featuring on the cover of Spotify playlists including Fresh Finds Rock and An Alternative Eire as well as on the cover of Indie Britain on Tidal. The track was also included in Spotify’s New Music Friday UK, Badass Women, Et Alt and New Alt playlists.
‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ is a sublime example of Kynsy’s tight, refined songcraft as she swaggers her way through sharp guitar and jolting indie rock to create a raw number that is to die for. A catchy guitar riff reminiscent of The Strokes introduces a lonely, almost spaghetti western vibe while the stomping beat and moody delivery sets the tracks gritty undertone.It’s a punchy, matter of fact tune with both sweetness and attitude oozing through Kynsy’s vocals. The zest-stricken sharp guitar refrains and light buoyant rhythmic foundation create a mesmerising contrast while at the same time blending the light indie tones with sulky, moody moments. There’s striking cinematic beauty to ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ as Kynsy paints a mixture of emotions on an almost Tarantino- movie desert backdrop, however she reins it in, not fully committing to the gritty genre and instead introduces and allows the indie pop elements to flourish and thrive. Kynsy is an exciting and talented artist and one to keep an eye on.
Written and co-produced by Kynsy, she enlisted mixer Claudius Mittendorfer (Interpol / Sorry / Parquet Courts) to buff the finished work. About the track, Kynsy said: “It’s a tug of war between the positive and negative thought processes that occur when a relationship ends. It’s about accepting the fact that sometimes you have to laugh the pain away or look at negativity head on in order to feel positive emotions and have positive thoughts again.”
The track comes with an accompanying self-directed video, filmed in Dublin by Tim Shearwood and featuring Kynsy and her friends. Talking about the video, she explained “I wanted to try and create the same sort of balance of ideas, it needed to be fun and playful but with moments of emotional vulnerability in there too, a sort of yin and yang of simple fun against complex emotions.”
Watch the video for ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
