Category Archives: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Vrillon ‘Find You’

Four piece alternative rock band Vrillon  have released their highly anticipated single ‘Find You’. The Bath-based lads have built up a solid reputation and a cult following in their local area playing sold out shows on a regular basis and their debut EP is set for release later this year with fans already eagerly awaiting its release.

‘Find You’ is a cruising indie track steeped in melancholic tones and a swayable wholesome groove. The track progresses steadily and fluidly as raspy vocals glide over a sweet luscious melody and sublimely subtle jangly guitar. The real thrill of the track is the emotional content and ethereal guitar moments. They touch the soul with a moody darkness yet soothe it sweetly and delicately. This track is focused and well thought out creating a slow jam that speaks to and can relate to everyone.  A mellow warm guitar solo radiates glowing illumination into the track while adding a hazy tender glare over the cushioned beat. These guys have developed a mature sound that has ability to evoke the emotional life beneath their melodies.

Stream ‘Find You’ below


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

Galapagos ‘Even This Glow’ EP

Galapagos are a four piece indie band from Ottawa. With the release of the debut Potential Space EP in June 2017,  Galapagos continue to create a presence in the Ottawa musical landscape. Their debut charted highly on Ottawa’s CKCU and CHUO stations and topped the CHUO charts in the fall. Ottawa Showbox, APT 613 and PhotogMusic all placed Potential Space on their lists of top local releases in 2017. The band have now released their second EP ‘Even This Glow’ to a sold out show at Pressed.

‘Even This Glow’ is a laid back thoroughly satisfying EP drenched in mellowed out sweet nostalgia. With a retro indie rock feel opening track ‘Wall’ struts in with thrilling sharp guitars laced upon an infectious bright melody and peppy animated drums. These guys deliver a quality sound, richly packed with sublime luscious layers that bring sun kissed vibes to their pure heartfelt tunes. ‘Lungs’ and ‘Jersey’ add a grittier texture into the mix with distorted guitar crashing for the pounding chorus and zealous illumination for the latter track. These tracks evoke a 90’s vibe as sweet melodies and velvety vocals soothe a wistful longing tone. The songs feature some golden guitar moments so mouth-watering and sweet they are like honey to the ears leaving you craving more. ‘Coffee’ takes a darker tone with acoustic accompaniment twinkling between sombre vocals. It showcases a diverse melancholic side to their easy going sound. It’s a soothing track one which takes its time caressing your soul. Gentle and beautiful on the ears it’s truly immaculate and tender. Though their sound is mellow and laid back it is by no means simple, intricate guitar lines weave between passionate vocals creating music that really makes you feel every note, every beat and guitar quiver. ‘Decide’ closes the EP with beaming sweet marsh-mellowness. It’s melodic, utterly emotive and richly nostalgic. Zesty vibrant guitar lines dazzle through a charming delicate melody while a running bass line wanders adding a lavish texture and meaty depth to this superb track.

‘Even This Glow’ is an EP to relax and watch the sun set to. Each track is refined and precisely layered to create a beautifully nostalgic experience that is heart-warming and wholly satisfying.

Stream ‘Even This Glow’ below

 


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

Twist Helix ‘Ouseburn’

Alt-Pop three piece Twist Helix have a lot to owe the valley of Ouseburn, and they intend to repay the area where they honed their craft with their appropriately named forthcoming euphoric track ‘Ouseburn’ which was released on the 9th February, at a sold out single launch gig at “The high place above the river” – the Cumberland Arms venue. With adopted Geordie and lead vocalist, Bea Garcia, reigning from Spain, radio play spanning more than 7 countries and having recently signed for Madrid based record company Paul Back Music, the band is an internationally acclaimed affair. Taking influences from the likes of White Lies, Depeche Mode and M83, the three piece present a synth-pop sound that demands you have a good time. With their 2017 shows spanning across Europe, from Glasgow, to Cumbria’s Solfest festival, and having the opportunity to be introduced by Radio3’s Julio Ruiz as finalists at the Madrid Bdcoder Festival, the three piece have achieved some great success since forming.

‘Ouseburn’ is a dynamic track that explodes with a bedazzlement of flashing electronics swirling between a snappy kinetic beat and powerful vocals. This track is pumped with adrenaline and vigorous energy as whirling soundscapes fill the song with a breezy spacey atmosphere while the catchy melody and power chorus lift the track to anthemic heights. It’s mighty frenzy inducing alternative power pop.

Named as one of the North Easts must see bands for 2018 by NE Volume, Spotlight Music and Spark FM Twist Helix have a list of upcoming live dates to look out for -see below

London – 20th Feb – The Dublin Castle

Sheffield – 21st Feb – The Washington

Bristol – 22nd Feb – The Old England

Worcester – 23rd Feb – Mars Bar

Manchester – 24th Feb – The Castle Hotel

Barnsley – 28th Feb – One Over The Eight

Sunderland – 03rd Feb – The Independent

Darlington – 3rd March – Noisy Daughters Event

Stockton – 31st March – Stockton Calling Festival

Stream ‘Ouseburn’ below

 


Alt Rock, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Public Access T.V. At The Academy Dublin With Support From MUNKY

Public Access T.V. kick started their tour with their debut Dublin show in the Academy. “It’s a ballsy move” I was told when I asked an individual before the show what they thought of Public Access T.V. playing their first gig in Dublin. Yes, perhaps a “ballsy move” but isn’t that what we have come to learn about this four piece? They make “ballsy moves”, they do what they want and I suppose you don’t receive a frenzy of press hype, label bidding wars, a critically-acclaimed debut album and sold-out tours without a “ballsy” attitude. I, for one have waited 4 years to see these guys. My expectations were quite high and boy! – they did not disappoint.

Our home-grown Dublin four piece MUNKY were a more-than-adequate warm-up to Tuesday nights main act. The talented bunch who can even play the tune to their tracks on empty beer bottles were in no way fatigued from their back to back weekend shows. Not letting a few stolen pedals get them down they belted straight into their organic disco grunge with all the fire and attitude this band do so well. From the get go the band were keen to get the crowd engaged. Frontman Zachary Stephenson steps off the stage and beckons the shy audience closer while Niall Donnelly bellows “I can see you, come the f*ck up”. It’s a little different performing as a support act but they take it in their stride packing oodles of energy into their set. These guys move around and create an engaging show and are a must see.

Public Access T.V. had no set list, the plan was to wing it and play what they felt like. With a chilled effortless cool stance on stage the four-piece let the tunes do all the talking. Their swagger soaked ‘Evil Disco’ kicks off their set, instantly oozing sunny glowing warmth into the room. Zippy riffs over punchy drums and elastic bass lines give the perfect atmosphere for carefree dancing and wiggling. With their precision sharp instrumentation and infectious choruses, tracks from their first album ‘Never Enough’ go down well as dancer’s groove and bounce to their zealous hooks and fetching delicious melodies. Frontman John Eatherly nonchalantly sways back and forward in a sort of casual almost wiggle as he charms his way through the set, he beckons the crowd closer “Maybe you guys can come a bit closer don’t be shy”. The quartet once again do another “ballsy move”, they play a decent amount of new unheard tracks giving the audience a sneaky preview of what’s to come on the ‘Street Safari’ album. The lights turn blue as they begin their first new track the oh so disco funky flavoured ‘Wait It Out’. With its sublime rumble bass line and melty melody this track is glitter ball disco ready. A brief band meeting on stage decided the next track while bassist Max Peebles tells us about his joy at seeing the Phil Lynott statue “I’m glad they brought it back out of storage or wherever it was… thank you”.

Their tracks take a new dimension live, a little edgier the live scenario lets them take their tunes to a rougher more gritty outfit.’Lost In The Game’ live really allows you to appreciate the sublime jangle guitar lines in all their glory and that solo is just incredible. The new tracks continue with ‘Shell No. 2’ which reintroduces their relaxed slinky sound with its infectious chorus and lush backing vocal injection. While ‘Meltdown’ is the perfect theme tune to freedom with its windows down cruising in the sunshine guitar lines and rumbling drums. This track is the soundtrack for youthful summer bliss. The boys kept our favourite track until last leaving us in suspense as to whether or not it would be played. ‘Patti Peru’ from its guitar whining intro announces itself with such magnificence. Eatherly exasperates over screechy guitars and punchy drums. Xan Aird shakes up the solo adding extra little flickers and whines into a solo I know so well I probably could sing along to, making it refreshing and almost new. With their set finished as the audience call for “one more tune” the band thank the crowd, smile, wave and take their leave.

Public Access T.V. do their thing, its good honest kick ass rock and roll with some funk and disco flavours mixed in. No messing about, no pomp and ceremony just good solid tunes. Their charming laid back stage presence is refreshing and easy to enjoy and their suave, glitter-ball rock and roll is one to be admired.

 

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From 0141

0141 have released their new single ‘Stay True’. Comprised of members John Neil-Rce, Nicky Ferguson, Ross Watters and Mark Mcghee 0141 are a four-piece rock band from Glasgow, formed in 2017 who have played in some of Glasgow’s most notable venues including King Tuts for BBC Introducing. Their new single ‘Stay True’ which was produced by Rod Jones of Idlewild barges in whisked in a whirl of adrenaline. With crashing guitars and punchy drums belting at turbo fire speeds this track feels like an instant shot of hyper active alternative rock that relentlessly blasts through in a blood rushing frenzy. The melody however, is sweet and creamy as smooth vocals coo over shouting backing vocals and riotous instrumentation. It’s vibrant with rumbling elastic bass lines and shredding guitars which add a whack of grit into the luscious peppy mix.

Stream ‘Stay True’ below

https://soundcloud.com/justhope_music/stay-true

 


Alt Rock

Ape Rising ‘The Model Prime’

Ape Rising have released the video for their latest single ‘The Model Prime’.‘The Model Prime’ is taken from the bands debut 12 track album, which was released in September last year and  is a mix of melodic space rock with a synth, math rock feel. Using their love of videogames as inspiration for their song writing, the band hid themselves away for nearly 18 months to produce and record the album themselves, releasing their first single ’‘King Of The Universe’ from the album in 2016. Using the critical acclaim for ’King Of The Universe’ as a teaser for their album, the band then returned to the studio to put the final touches on what would eventually become their 12 track debut. One of the tenets of Ape Rising is their need for creative control on all aspects of their music, not only producing and recording their own music but also creating all their own music videos, as is the case with ‘The Model Prime’. A level of creativity that they fell in love with when their first band The Radioactive Grandma were a regular fixture on the Dublin music scene. The video was created and edited by Ape Rising’s bass player Jimmy who has his own production company ‘Defaced Productions.

The sweet melodies in ‘The Model Prime’ are aptly displayed in the video through a sublime use of colour. Each band member is a colourful silhouette as they play their instruments through swirling, flashing lights. There is a nice bit of dramatic dancing too. As the track reaches its crescendo so does the video with exploding colours like fireworks. Clearly a lot of work went into this video and it pays off it’s a professional clean crisp piece of work that is entertaining to watch.

Ape Rising will support Bitch Falcon at their first Irish show of 2018 at The Bowery ON 15TH March you can get tickets here http://thebowery.ie/calander/

Watch the video for ‘The Model Prime’ below

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music

MOTHER ‘Remnants Of A Wasted Dream’ EP

Oxford based indie rock four-piece MOTHER have released their debut EP ‘Remnants Of A Wasted Dream’ after the successful release of their debut single ‘Petrichor’ back in January receiving support from BBC Introducing Oxford, and leading to their first hometown sell-out show. Comprising of Josh Alden (guitar/vocals), Sam Alden (drums), Danny Fisher (guitar) and Everton Barbato (bass), the foursome have played together for the past 3 years in various projects. As their newest project, MOTHER represents everything the boys have always wanted to create musically. Taking influence from an eclectic range of artists, such as Radiohead, Bob Dylan and Foals, MOTHER is the incarnation of years of musical attributes.Their debut EP ‘Remnants Of A Wasted Dream’ was a talking point on their BBC Introducing interview, where the boys discuss how the title was chosen as it can be interpreted in a number of ways. Lending itself to the sensation of waking up from a dream with a vague memory of its content and a feeling of missing out lingering all day. ‘Remnants Of A Wasted Dream’ refers to the awareness that your dream could have provided a useful subconscious insight into your state of mind.

‘Petrichor’ kicks starts the EP with a catchy melody swallowed up in an infectious groove infested rhythm and jagged guitars oozing gob smacking adrenaline. Their sound is edgy, rugged yet insanely catchy. ‘Potent Prophecy’ exudes darkened swagger as the peppy beat bounces along eerie vocals and rugged guitars that creep in with a hair-raising attention-grabbing melody. While ‘The Saboteur’ takes their eerie sound to a haunting new level. A sway-like Radiohead-esque melody laments along mournful twinkling guitars while a steady beat pushes through with a heavy dampening effect. The despair filled vocals flood the track with mournful rainy-day melancholy as the song builds to a dramatic crescendo. These guys have created an EP that packs some serious punches with the gritty mosh ready fierceness of ‘Make Money, Be Happy’ maintaining a rich buoyant rhythm throughout the thick rough soundscapes. There is a sublime rumbly bass line in this track that is just thrillingly electrifying. It introduces the shift in the track as the song becomes darker and ominously intense with shrilling guitars and chilling vocals. ‘Descend Into Madness’ brings us to the end of the EP. Beginning delicate and soft its starts like a mournful ballad and then like the shock from a bolt of lightning blasts into a full out rocking danceable banger. Speedy instrumentation creates a mighty wall of sound while a playful elastic bass rebounds of running sharp guitars and snappy drums. The vocals remain somewhat eerie and crawly until the snappy groovy bridge.

MOTHER have created a compact EP of instantly likeable tracks that creep, crawl, haunt and explode into indie rock bangers all while holding a firm grip on your mind with compelling lyrics and dynamic expressive vocals. Its an impressive collection and a must listen.

For more details follow MOTHER on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MotherOX4/

 

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, Mathy Alt-Rock, New Music

Old News ‘Castro’ EP

Indie-rock/alternative group, Old News have released their new EP ‘Castro’ which was mastered by TJ Lipple, who has worked with American Football, Fugazi, Look Mexico, and others. Old News is an indie-rock band based out of Kansas. Inspired heavily by math-rock, emo revival, and jazz harmony, the group combines these influences into a genre defying mix of sounds. Their new EP, ‘Castro’, is full to the brim with off-the-wall grooves, wailing trumpet, and spiraling, slinky guitar passages. Old News is comprised of current and former WSU/Friends University jazz alumni and oddball music fanatics, Beau Harris, Max Abood , Blaine Martin, and Sutton Wilson.

‘Castro’ is a rowdy collection of gnarly rock with some slickness in the form of jazzy elements and the odd trumpet bellow. With the twinkly guitar intro of ‘Everyone’s A Minimalist’ these guys display a knack for intricate instrumentation arrangements weaving fluidly between boisterous drums and grainy vocals. They balance the sweet and soothing with the fiery and powerful seamlessly. The trumpet injections add a touch of vibrancy to the turbulent tracks. When you think they couldn’t get more diverse Old News break into a subtle jingly instrumental that is like a sweet melodic elevator tune before fading out. ‘Disappointed But Not Surprised’ is brimming with energy and golden guitar moments. Crashing instrumentation slams into your eardrums like a cannonball before the lushest slinky guitar melodies and warm trumpet jingles iron out the sound creating an instantly chill dreamy haze. They shift between melty sweet and boisterous so rapidly and fluidly its amazing. ‘Spring Sensibility’ is the instrumental intermission packing a lot of gumption. Delicate soothing trumpet melodies lament with sweet nostalgia before the pounding drums and crashing guitars are introduced. This track slowly creeps into its thrilling crescendo, displaying a band that can keep you blissfully intrigued in their tunes even without vocals. Those guitar quivers and flickers are just sublime and take you to a beautiful scenic state of euphoria. ‘1917 Cherry St.’ is the final track on the EP and returns to the bands math rock heaviness. Sweeter vocals caress the verses while honey melodies on guitar and trumpet twinkle around with an airy feel. The verses then become more aggressive and ferocious.

An impressive EP from Old News. It’s well thought out and meticulously crafted as each detail, melody and flicker adds a new dimension and richness to the tracks. What appears to be a meaty skull bashing math rock EP blossoms into a pure richly layered experience that is pretty special and at times sweetly delicate.

Stream ‘Castro’ below

https://soundcloud.com/oldnewsict/sets/castro

 


Alt Rock

Liberty Lies Begin Celebrating Their 10th Birthday With Re-Release ‘Day In The Sun’

Alternative rock band Liberty Lies are celebrating their 10th birthday this year and to celebrate they’re reissuing a three track retrospective of previously released tunes and it all kicks off today with ‘Day in the Sun’. Liberty Lies have achieved so much on their own merit, without contacts, without money or any helping hands. Tours with the likes of Shinedown, Soil, Halestorm, Magnum, Heaven’s Basement have all come and gone so a nice trip down sweet nostalgic memory lane is well due. This year will see a follow up to the 2013 album ‘Reflections’. It promises to be the album that smashes the glass ceiling for the band and see them draw the attention they have worked for over the years. In preparation for the future, Liberty Lies are shining a light on the best of their past by re-releasing three tracks, from their three previous releases.

In 2010 Liberty Lies released their debut EP ‘New Addiction’ which was a low budget affair recorded in a studio near enough to be dropped off by their parents with money they saved from playing covers in local boozers. The jewel in the crown of this EP was its final track ‘Day In The Sun’. This power ballad displays oodles of passion, fire and potent musicianship. The lyrics tell the story of someone who has given everything they possibly can in a relationship. The character is holding their hands up saying I have tried my best and if that’s not enough, then I have nothing else to give. It’s hard hitting stuff with sweet melancholic sharp guitars lamenting over punchy drums and an emotional vocal display that pulls hard at the heart strings without becoming soppy. It’s raw true and pure rock and roll emotion. These guys put forward heart on your sleeve emotion but kick-ass doing it. Pretty impressive for a band starting off. With their mature sound sparkling through with anthemic power this track marked a band that had massive potential. Just listen to that guitar melody its pure warm mellow gold. The track was produced by Mark Stuart who has previously worked with the likes of Magnum and Phil Lynott. Like the rest of the EP, ‘Day In The Sun’ was never put forward to the press. It never gained any radio play or notable coverage at all. It merely exists as the beginning of Liberty Lies that was able to win them any support slots, garnering fans along the way.

During February, March and April, the band will be celebrating their releases by unveiling a whole host of content based around each specific track. Themed pod-casts, guitar play throughs, redux’s, new artwork, acoustic covers, and much more so keep an eye out for that.

Stream ‘Day In The Sun’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Blank Parody ‘Underachiever’

Formed in 2015 Blank Parody, a bunch of noisy lads from Birmingham, began with a year of songwriting and recording. After a year of gigging up and down the country they have supported the likes of Vukovi, Seprona, Tigercub and Electric Six! and played slots at festivals such as London’s Camden Rocks, Sheffield’s Tramlines and Birmingham’s ValeFest. Following the recent release of their highly well received debut EP ‘A Tension’, which featured tracks such as ‘Dark Pretenders’ and ‘Marching Through The Smoke’, the band now present their biggest offering from the record yet ‘Underachiever’, before playing a string of dates across the country.

‘Underachiever’ with its subtle explosive bursts is an indie anthem all rolled up in a tight little package ready for live show sing-alongs. These guys are no strangers to meaty hefty instrumentation that bashes with thrilling adrenaline and this track is no different. However ‘Underachiever’ does offer a little more emotionally. This track wallops out a melancholic melody drenched in enough nostalgia to hit you right in the chest and force out that little tear you’ve hidden for years. This is a track for the down trodden, displayed through ethereal guitars and a rumbling bass. Its one everyone can relate to and sway along mournfully to, but these guys let you have that tear then whack you through it with some shredding rugged guitars and punchy drums filled with hopefulness and powerful fist pump indie rock. These guys are relentless in showcasing their versatility as a band and ‘Underachiever’ displays this perfectly- they can be melodic and sentimental yet still pack a mighty meaty punch.

You can catch Blank Parody live at:

11th February – The Black Heart, London

22nd February – The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton

8th March – The Shed, Leicester

30th March-1st April – Your City Festival, Stoke On Trent

Check out the video for ‘Underachiever’ below