Category Archives: Alt Rock

Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band ‘Made My Peace With You’ Album

Liverpool-born, Paul Dunbar is a soul, rock & blues singer-songwriter, playing live across the UK and Europe and has supported the likes of Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Big Country, James Taylor Quartet & Frank Turner. He has announced the release of his new album ‘Made My Peace With You’ which is set for release in May with a subsequent album launch scheduled for Monday 7th May at Liverpool Philharmonic. Dunbar is recording with the newly formed Black Winter Band, Tom Cowley (Drums,Percussion,Vocals) and Callum Williams (Bass,Keys,Vocals) complete the lineup.

‘Made My Peace With You’ is a healthy dose of soul flavoured classic rock with some folk and country seasoning sprinkled on top. Dunbar straddles multiple styles in a seriously balanced mature manner. The classic rock opener of ‘The Losing Game’ and dynamic funky groove of ‘Made My Peace With You’ feature jangly guitars and heartfelt melodies which flood the track with passion while slick shredding solos create a steamy vaporous texture.The tender power ballads of ‘Ballad of Four Eyes’, ‘Set Free To Emotion’ pull at the heart strings  while  the dark brooding ‘Hands Down’ throws a trudging heftiness and heavy emotion into the mix. Dunbar’s raspy warm vocals exude emotion and soothing tenderness for the sweet tunes and vibrate powerful dynamism for those rock tinged beauties. Soul is definitely his calling as each track oozes, bleeds and seeps soulful passion. Warm glorious melodies caress every track whether it be the infectious heart stopping chorus of ‘Barely Holding On’ with is soothing country elements, mellow guitar and a steady spongy beat, Dunbar provides a cosy yet nostalgic tone to each song. The tracks glide fluidly into each other making for a smooth mellow listen. ‘Friends’ and ‘Earth Sky Or The Raging Sea’ whack out the bluesy meaty side to the album with slick guitar between an elastic slapping bass and attitude soaked vocals. They are  strut ready and vibrant oozing panache and sultry blazing swagger while the stomping rhythm in ‘Earth Sky Or The Raging Sea’ is mighty and staggeringly powerful. The snappy grittier rock and roll tracks like ‘Contort Yourself’ sets the adrenaline a blaze with a danceable rhythm and scorching guitar lines. ‘Whos Gunna Love You’ closes the album with sweet somber tones drenched in luscious country drizzled melodies. It’s an emotional end to the album and evokes images of broken hearts, rain and painful emotion.

‘Made My Peace With You’ is a refined and energized product from Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band. It’s a dignified, well-written piece of work that is honest, mature and thought provoking. Housed within are arm-waving choruses, easy-on-the-ear melodies and modern country/ classic rock songs that are powerful and timeless.

Stream ‘Barely Holding On’ below

 


Alt Rock, Classic Rock, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bad Hombres

Glasgow classic rock band Bad Hombres have released their new single ‘Manuel!’. Bad Hombres formed in April 2017 and consist of Jack Conlon, Paul Duff and Innes McGarry. The band mix a blend of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand, and are firm favourites for fans of Kasabian and The Libertines. Having made their debut at the world-famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in August, 2017 proved to be a great introductory year for the band with the release of their first demo ‘Icarus’ being received greatly.

‘Manuel!’ is an exhilarating darkly smeared punchy track which displays that though Bad Hombres are a fresh young band they can flesh out a mature, confident sound with a chunky foundation. From angst riddled vocals to sharp strident guitars and a rooted relentless bass it’s a searing smack in the mouth of smog smothered classic rock. This track is swagger soaked and crisp, without being too slick, retaining enough of a raw edge to keep its classic rock n’ roll spirit intact. The stomping bridge shift is sublime and is a thrilling chant-able crowd ready feature that is sure to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys. I’m looking forward to what these guys do next.

Stream ‘Manuel!’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Novatines ‘Silver Screen’

Bath Based Alt-Rock 4 Piece, Novatines have released their new single/video ‘Silver Screen’. Released through Dirty 38 Records ahead of their UK tour in March, ‘Silver Screen’ is a statement of ethereal madness, beautifully seated in twisted, bitter-sweet detail. Following on from the group’s debut single ‘Medicine’, ‘Silver Screen’ which was recorded live and produced by the band, stretches out a vivid dream and showcases Novatines as something very real. The group have been tipped as one of the ‘hottest new UK guitar bands’ and will be touring throughout the UK this coming spring.

‘Silver Screen’ is a passionate track that builds into a powerful rock anthem. Beginning tender and sweet with twinkling guitars the four piece lull you into a melancholic dreamy state before blasting you back with their fiery instrumentation. Sharp guitars wail and sting over punchy drums while the sweet delicate melody broods throughout as if unaware of the surrounding instrumental turmoil. Shredding guitars shrill over the soft melody with a biting abrasiveness that wounds deep lacerating all in it path while pulverising drums and a hefty bass batters and bruises packing oodles of emotion and passion. It’s a sophisticated, mature offering that lays their heart on their sleeve in an exhilarating true rock and roll manner.

Watch the video for ‘Silver Screen’ Below

 


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

A Weekend Away ‘Irony’

A Weekend Away are a five piece blues/rock band from Limerick, Ireland. Initially formed in 2013, A Weekend Away have become a staple in the regions music scene. Following their win in the UL Battle of the Bands in 2016, They have gone on to record their own self-titled EP. In summer 2017, the band traveled across Ireland touring with their new EP to positive responses from attendees and reviewers alike, playing in such locations as Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Kerry and Waterford. Currently they are focusing on the production of their debut album pegged for release later this year. Starting with their new release ‘Irony’.

‘Irony’ is a striking harsh track delivered in a soaring infectious indie manner. Raspy vocals expel the honest lyrics while jangly guitar melodies and buoyant rhythm sweeten the sourness of the lyrics. Sharp guitar strides inject a refreshing touch of grit and add a rough texture to the song. It’s sublimely layered and intelligently crafted creating a ethereal melodic track that is raw and biting yet packed with glimmers of bright tones with subtle anthemic bursts before the crescendo. It’s a mature savvy track that is sing along ready, hard hitting yet blissfully melodic and refined. I’m liking the direction these guys are taking their sound- sophisticated, honest, animated indie that makes for a great listen. Keep an eye out for A Weekend Away.

Directed by Shane Vaughn (Stanzas) and starring Brian Russo Clancy (The Three Don’ts) the video for ‘Irony’ aims to match the themes of the track by taking advantage of its setting at the popular Limerick heritage centre, King Johns Castle. Bassist Peter Corbett says about the track:“We wrote this song about the conversation we seem to be having everyday about suicide, especially in Limerick. The fact is that our city has a suicide rate twice the national average. Therefore it’s easy to say everyone in this city has a direct or indirect history with mental health, suicide and self-harm”. “I noticed especially that a lot of males refuse to talk about their mental health problems. This seems to be due to the fact that they don’t want to seem ‘soft’ in front of their peers. This is ridiculous social norm considering one in three people have had mental health problems. That’s the equivalent of looking left and right in a lecture. This song explores the mind-set of these males with the hopeful end goal of spreading a small bit of awareness”.

Watch the Video for ‘Irony’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, Atmospheric Music, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Motions ‘The Late Night Calls’

Dublin’s alternative rock band Motions have released their new EP, ‘The Late Night Calls’ is a superb majestic EP to indulge in. Title track ‘Late Night Calls’ flows in with a beautiful melody on top of cool flicking electronics. With ethereal guitars providing a breezy sting, it’s an airy richly textured track that packs in oodles of passion into a fluttering danceable number. The snappy ‘Back & Forth’ follows. It’s a catchy track filled with buzz swirling electronics while a sputtering rhythm injects between lush backing vocals. This track is dipped in darker tones as harsher vocals exude swagger and attitude. My favourite track on the EP ‘Back & Forth’ showcases a rich depth and musical proficiency that keeps the listener hanging on to every gripping note. Its sway like tempo and jangly guitar are just the icing on this delicious cake. It’s the sublime little gem of the EP. A trickling ‘Interlude’ breaks up the sticky intensity before final track ‘Waiting To Tell You’ reintroduces their mellow fluid sound. A creamy melody glissades upon a fluctuant beat while aerial guitars twinkle around with a sweet blissful tone that holds a sense of mind relaxing freedom. Its dreamy and light yet Motions mix a bit of grit into the mix for the bridge.

Motions prove that they can create a passionate wholly satisfying collection of tracks that submerge you into a universe created completely by them. Each track is catchy, intricate and well layered while maintaining its own identity. ‘Late Night Calls’ is a sublime listen.

Stream ‘Late Night Calls’ EP below


Album Review, Alt Rock, Funk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock and Roll

Public Access T.V. ‘Street Safari’ Album

Public Access T.V. are back to provide some infectious tunes to wrap your ears around with their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Street Safari’. It’s an album that hones in on their sound, refines it, uncoils all the intricate details and arranges them in a neat matured compact production of finesse.

‘Safari (In My Head)’ brings on their chilled disco shift and introduces the album with a little touch of chicness. With its strut ready shuffle inducing rhythm and jungle like injection mixed with sharp jagged guitars subtly wailing and stinging behind the most mellow soundscapes this track introduces ‘Street Safari’ with class. Melodies are the secret ingredient in Public Access T.V.’s delicious brew and ‘Shell No. 2’ displays this perfectly. Luscious backing vocals coo the last word of each line while a catchy melody drifts upon vibrant guitars and an infectious buoyant rhythm. A fluttering keyboard feature hops along its merry way making this track instantly likeable and fun. With an intro that grabs you by the ears, fastens itself securely in your mind and entraps you, ‘Your God and Mine’ is the creme de le creme of the album. The intro alone has the aroma of Depeche Mode, New Order or INXS with a nice slap of Prince sass on top and that melty melody is just sublime. Their ability to surge swagger into a track without coming across over done is magnificent and they back this panache up with a healthy dose of slick laid back instrumentation which takes its time and glides with an unhurried sense of space. This album fleshes out the different groovy facets to this four piece. The funkadelic bravado of ‘MetroTech’, with its running elastic sensual bassline and rich jittery rhythm contrasts sharply to the brooding R&B- esque slow burner ‘Told You Too Much’ and displays the bands fine musicianship and rich musical depth.

From smooth melodies sliding and gliding on top of slicked back flaunty flamboyance to the exhilarating intensity and punchiness of ‘Rough Boy’, Public Access T.V. keep the album interesting. ‘Lost in the Game’ will lure you to the dancefloor for sure with its flaunty melody and buoyant rhythm. This shimmy ready number hits all the right spots. How can you refuse that funky guitar hook in ‘Wait it Out’? Each track whacks out another infectious melody, bass line or guitar hook for you to blissfully indulge in. ‘Meltdown’ has an 80’s power anthem feel to it while flooding you with youthful exuberance. With its thrilling driving bass line, breath-taking synth feature and golden guitar moments this is a powerful little gem. The band choose the dizzying electronic ‘The Quicksands’ which blinds with its hypnotic, revolving groove and spacy soundscapes to bring us to the end of the album and leave you craving more.

‘Street Safari’ is another smashing album from the four piece. The tracks are clearer, more crisp and confident. Public Access T.V. have defined their sound, its precise and is the soundtrack you need for strutting down the street.

Stream ‘Street Safari’ below

 

We had a chat with John Eatherly and Max Peebles about the ‘Street Safari’ album check out what they had to say below 

 


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Trance, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Strange Cages

Brighton trio Strange Cages have returned with a series of live dates and another dizzingly impressive new single ‘Hypothalamus Blues’, out now through Vallance Records.With a frenetic, snotty, psych-surf rock ‘n’ roll sound in the vein of The Cramps or Ty Segall, Strange Cages have already been making big strides in their short existence, quickly gaining support from the likes of Clash Magazine, NME, Q Magazine, The 405 and The Line of Best Fit, whilst tearing up stages in support of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Night Beats, and Boogarins. Having followed up their Theo Verney produced debut ‘Desert’ with the single ‘Pony’, Strange Cages went on to release their head-spinning EP ‘The Cracks’ last year, and now the trio return with ‘Hypothalamus Blues’.

‘Hypothalamus Blues’ is a feverous whack of dizzying psychedelia wrapped in a neatly bound concoction of krautrock and post-punk. This trippy mind melting number will lure you in with a smooth snappy effortless cool vocal line and western-esque twinkling guitar before submerging you in a swirling delusion inducing narcotic soundscape. The track begins dreamy and sweetly euphoric as a hazy melody melts upon soft laid back mellow soundscapes. It then builds into an electric shock of blinding shrilling distortion and heavy fuzzed psychedelia. Before settling again slowly easing the skull bashing mania only to build that frenzy back up again. This schizophrenic bewildering track is a thrilling and spine chilling experience which was carefully crafted for the perplexing trip of a life time.

Strange Cages will also head out to perform a series of UK live dates in support of the release catch them live at

22 Feb – CARDIFF – The Full Moon

23 Feb – BRIGHTON – Green Door Store

01 Mar – LONDON – The Lock Tavern

Stream ‘Hypothalamus Blues’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-848745196/strange-cages-hypothalamus-blues


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

We Were Glue

Genre: indie pop/rock,

Bio: Liverpool’s We Were Glue have released their new single ‘Stuck in Love’. The track was recorded with Mark Morrow (Vistas, Mt Doubt) and represents the first offering in 2018, the follow-up to last year’s singles ‘Birthday’ and ‘My Girl’.

Track: ‘Stuck in Love’

Why We Like It: It’s a tasty nibble of infectious indie. Sharp zesty guitars spiral around a dynamic vocal while punchy drums add a buoyant spring to this vibrant number. Luscious melodies playfully melt upon the busy instrumentation as We Were Glue perfectly blend biting razor sharp indie rock with delicious sun kissed indie pop.

You can follow We Were Glue on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wewereglue/

Stream ‘Stuck In Love’ below

Voyages

Genre: Indie pop

Bio: Bath family of five, Voyages have released their new single ‘New Year’s Day’. Voyages is the creation of singer/songwriter, Will Walter whose work began in Spring 2017 in his home studio in the West Country. Enriched by psychedelic sounds, Walter’s journey started to create a modern alternative production and a new sound from everything he loved about his record collection before adding a band of brothers together for the ride. The band, who now perform and record as a 5-piece, are twins, Will and Tim Walter on vocals/keys, their brother Ollie Walter on guitar, alongside another set of twins in James and Lewis Woods who take care of the rhythm section on bass and drums.Their debut EP entitled New Year’s Day has been recently released on newly pressed limited edition vinyl.

Track: Godspeed

Why We Like It: It’s a twinkling retro 60’s flavoured track doused in trippy blissed out psychedelia. A dreamy vocal glides upon the sweet melody while swirling synths and tapping rhythm create the perfect mellowed out state of euphoria. The track builds into a crescendo with 16 layers of vocal harmony over a 3 round vocal pass forming a lush rich texture to wrap your ears around.

You can follow Voyages on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/voyagesmusic/

Watch the video for ‘Godspeed’ below

Philip Morgan Lewis

Genre: alternative, blues,

Bio: UK based blues rocker Philip Morgan Lewis has released a music video for his single ‘Sinner’ taken from his ‘Grief Harbour’ album which is released via Moonalizer Records. The London East End singer, songwriter, producer Philip Morgan Lewis combines alternative, blues, rock and folk influences. Philip writes and produces his songs playing most of the instruments. A nominee at the British Blues Awards, Philip features as producer alongside Gordon Raphael (The Strokes) on Elêphant’s album (RYP recordings).

Track: ‘Sinner’

Why We Like It: With a stomping rhythm forming the back bone of this darkly hued track ‘Sinner’ instantly grabs the listener by the ears, slithers and hustles its way into your brain. Infectiously catchy with steamy wailing guitars and smokey raspy vocals smothered on top of a sultry bluesy outfit it’s a cool swagger soaked rough and ready number. With a sing along friendly chorus backed by gospel like soul, this track makes for some hefty listening.

You can follow Philip Morgan Lewis on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/philipmorganlewis/

Watch the video for ‘Sinner’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

We Three Kings ‘Fire’ EP

We Three Kings are a three piece blues-rock band based in Manchester UK, made up of Rich on vocals and guitar, Paul on bass and Pete on drums. Describing their sound as an original blend of rock, blues, fuzz and noise, they have been compared to bands including Rival Sons, Royal Blood and The Black Keys, with a riff-driven guitar-heavy sound reminiscent of Deap Vally, Wolfmother and The White Stripes. An experienced and high-energy live act with a massive sound. The trio have recently released their second five-track EP of new and original work titled ‘FIRE’.

‘Fire’ is a blazing five track EP asphyxiated in gritty meaty riffs and pummelling drums. Each track is a shamelessly melodic rock monster locked and loaded with enough angst, fury and infectious grooves to have you moshing and dancing in no time. ‘Sound Of The Radio’ kicks off the rough and tumble EP as their slick heavy sound stampedes in with frenzy inducing mania.‘The Barrel’ and ‘Bright Lights Of The City’ blast out heavy riffs which are laced in sensual grooves which hit through like a nail gun to the eardrum while ruthless drums savagely batter you around the head at neck snapping speeds. It’s a bloodthirsty assault and an invigorating listen. Swagger soaked vocals exude attitude into the tracks while the infectious choruses make sure these tunes aren’t leaving your head anytime soon. This trio don’t give you time to rest they whack out adrenaline surging energy track after track. ‘Uncontrollable Squeal’ continues this frenzy – bluesy and steamy with kick ass riffs that are sure to have a live audience in a dizzying moshing mess. It’s slick and cool with a bass line that holds a brawny yet elastic foundation for the hefty guitar to rebound off. ‘Invisible Man’ brings us to the end of the EP leaving you thirsty for more. It’s pumped, powerful yet extremely buoyant. The snappy rhythm is guaranteed to raise your blood pressure while a shredding guitar solo will have you on your knees doing air guitar.

‘Fire’ is a bold intensely sharp and rowdy EP from We Three Kings. It’s a speed shot of riff driven rock that is sure to be epic live.

Stream ‘Fire’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kingpins

Kingpins are a Brighton-based five-piece formed in May 2017. The band have already played a handful of gigs throughout Brighton including a sold out This Feeling night as well as featured on local radio stations. The band comprised of member Henry Foulkes on lead vocals, Chris Udell on lead guitar, Joe Simmonds on drums, Sam Glinsman on rhythm guitar and Hayden Prenter on bass have released their new single ‘Don’t Go’

‘Don’t Go’ is a blistering swagger soaked display from this quintet. With punchy drums and a boisterous bass laying down a rumbly elastic foundation for the crashing guitars to rebound off these guys have created an electrifying wall of sound that is both intricate and well layered. It’s catchy and explosive in all the right places with the fiery chorus erupting instrumentally while the cool vocals douse some effortless swagger on top. It’s a fine track from Kingpins and a confident panache driven offering. Keep an eye out for these chaps.

Stream ‘Don’t Go’ below