Category Archives: Alt Rock

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

Dry Roasted Peanuts ‘Former Child Stars’ EP

Cork based Indie-pop four piece Dry Roasted Peanuts have released their second EP ‘Former Child Stars’. Following on from the success of their debut ‘Sometimes I’ll Stay In/Sometimes I’ll Go Out’ in May 2017, Dry Roasted Peanuts are back with another barn-storming effort. Marc O’Cearnaigh (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), JJ Lee (Bass), Robert McDonnell (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Chris O’Sullivan (Drums) have conjured up a two-track compilation of indie-pop bliss, tinged with punk-rock sensibilities.

One thing I have come to love about this band is their sound has begun to reach a maturity beyond their years and ‘Former Child Stars’ displays this perfectly. ‘Honey + Lemons’ with its depth and musical precision pierces like a proficient swordsman at an unsuspecting opponent. The track progresses slowly with sweet toned guitar and steady rhythm leaving the dramatic effect to the compelling vocals. The lyrics are striking and the bands ability to hold the listeners attention through the narration with subtle instrumentation is remarkable. When the track finally does reach its crescendo it is phenomenal. Warm hazed wobbly guitars stride through a buoyant punchy rhythm creating the ultimate dazed blissful peak to the track. Second track ‘Upstanding’ fleshes out their swagger-soaked strut worthy sound. Once again euphoric golden guitar lines flood the track with sparkling luminosity while a spongy beat cushions you in their dreamy tranquilising soundscapes. With its sweet, delicious tone, for me the guitar melody is the highlight of this track. It’s light, nimble, zesty and infectiously calming. This short little ditty is a gem for sure. I could listen to both these track all day on a loop. This four piece are getting better and better with each release. I’m looking forward to what they have planned next.

Stream ‘Former Child Stars’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This week Comes from Vundabar

Boston duo Vundabar have announced a UK and EU tour throughout April and May and shared the official video for their addictive single ‘Acetone’. The sludge-indie band have built a massive following through non-stop touring and their signature brand of jittery, rambunctious post-punk, yet much of their music hints at something darker beneath the surface. Having just wrapped up a two month Autumn/Winter US tour with The Frights and Hockey Dad, Vundabar are about to embark on their Spring North American headline tour with support from Ratboys, which includes a stop through SXSW, before heading over to Europe and the UK. The duo are set to release their brand new album ‘Smell Smoke’ on February 23rd.

‘Acetone’ is a clenching intense grip of post punk. With jittery guitars swirling and crashing into punchy drums this track is filled with frustration and angst as the busy instrumentation rushes around at dizzying speeds. The catchy melody flickers around – doused in melancholic tones accompanied by an almost pizzicato jerky vocal bridge. These guys display a raw vulnerability with gripping lyrics and blistering shredding instrumentation that is thrilling and extremely emotive. It’s unique composure with stops and starts and agitated guitar shrills over choppy vocal lines is somewhat nerve wrecking yet ridiculously infectious and compelling.

You can catch Vundabar live at their  UK / EU tour here

25 April – Jena – Glashaus

26 April – Berlin – ACUD

27 April – Copenhagen – Loppen

28 April – Hamburg – Goldener Salon

30 April – Brighton – The Hope & Ruin

02 May – London – The Lexington

03 May – Birmingham – The Sunflower Lounge

04 May – Manchester – Castle Hotel

07 May – Glasgow – The Hug and Pint

08 May – Edinburgh – Sneaky Pete’s

09 May – Sheffield – Picture House Social

11 May – Cambridge – The Portland Arms

14 May – Barcelona – Meteoro

 For the North American tour dates go to their Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Vundabar/

Watch the video for ‘Acetone’ below

 


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

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ EP

Gentlemen Jackals are set to release their debut EP titled ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ on Friday 2nd of February. Hailing from Kirkcaldy/Cowdenbeath, Scotland, Gentlemen Jackals includes Mark Wilson (vocals and guitar), Craig McMahon (guitar), Scott Thomson (bass and backing vocals) and Douglas Harden (drums). Since first coming together in summer 2015,the band have already had performing success, sharing the stage with bands such as Silver Coast, Clay, Lemon Haze, Pyro, Lost in Vancouver, and Dancing on Tables. The group’s success is greatly down to their DIY attitude; organising and promoting gigs, designing their own publicity materials and shooting their own music videos. In 2017, the band performed at numerous festivals, including Montrose Music Festival, Rockore and the Dunfermline ‘Fake Fest’. On February 10th, the band are scheduled to perform at the O2 ABC in Glasgow in the Scottish Final of the SoundWaves’ Music Competition. The quartet have recorded and released four independent singles ‘Hold My Body’, ‘Oh Tanya’, ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ and ‘Waiting for the Day’–all of which are produced by Mark MorrowAudio and their new EP, ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ will be released on Apple Music and Spotify as well as a limited run of physical copies which can be ordered through their Facebook page or at their live shows.

‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a five-track collection of hook filled indie anthems that glitter with sublime power pop melodies drizzled on top of a fire fuelled indie rock foundation. From the punchy opener of ‘Heathens + Broken Hymns’ these guys waste no time in displaying their versatility as a band. A rumbling driving bass line slaps and rebounds off a snappy hyper drum beat while crashing guitars shred through an infectious melody and powerful vocals. It’s difficult not to bop along to this catchy fiery track. Their tight dynamic rhythm and gritty guitars cut through the tracks creating a body moving groove and mosh ready heaviness which is displayed in tracks such as ‘Preacher’s Son’ and the light sprightly ‘Wisdom to the Wise’. Here, Gentlemen Jackals display a swagger soaked shredding sound that exudes sass and confidence with blazing instrumentation that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. I mean check out those scorching guitar solos they are electrifying. ‘Out of Reach’ slows the tone a little. With its sombre filled melody, it takes the role of a power ballad filled with Bon Jovi- esque passion and a fist pump your chest teary anthemic chorus. Final track ‘Waiting for the Day’ closes the EP with a glistening guitar creating a magical airy vibe before they blast into their anthemic sound. It’s somewhat U2 – esque blended with a bit of Bruce Springsteen vibrancy. Blissfully melodic and passionate it’s a heart warming end to the EP that fills you with sweet nostalgia.

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a sublime debut EP. Filled with sweet heavenly infectious melodies superb instrumentation and musicianship that makes you feel every note and lyric, it’s a strong foundation for this four piece. These tunes flood you with an instant surge of heart racing adrenaline that could move crowds of people. Music that makes people feel something is hard to create but when it’s achieved it’s golden and these guys have obtained this through each track. Not a bad start.

Stream ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ below

 

 


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

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir ‘Stop Shakin’

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir have released their new single ‘Stop Shakin’. Blake Brown is an American singer-songwriter from Denver, Colorado. After participating in many collaborative projects, he started Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir in 2013. The idea was to have the flexibility of playing solo, but to also include a revolving cast of musician friends when they were able to join him. Part of the cast includes close friends and musicians of groups, The Fray, The Films, and Tennis. After 3 EP’s, countless shows, and a debut full length, ‘Long Way Home’, to be released in March 2018, Brown has found mainstay players. His wife, Tiffany Brown and long time friends Jason Legler, Adam Blake and Trent Nelson make up The American Dust Choir, creating a blend of indie-rock and Americana. Brown’s music is rooted in acoustic sounds, and characterized by his seemingly simple, yet complex melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

‘Stop Shakin’ displays their meticulously created indie Americana simply and sweetly portrayed as a infectious tune. This foot tapping gloriously twangy little ditty is a radiant ball of vitality. Sharp golden guitars illuminate the track with an instant shot of pizzazz and stinging zest while a buoyant beat and raspy warm vocals create a laid-back fun danceable vibe. This track radiates sun kissed tones and easy-going attitude. It’s definitely one to get you up shimmying and shaking. It is well layered with each intricate guitar melody adding a fantastic new dimension and sparkling facet to the track while the rich rhythm livens up the song adding a meaty groovy texture. The luscious honey drizzled melody in so catchy and vibrant it’s a joy to listen to and will be stuck in your head all day.

Stream ‘Stop Shakin’ below

 


Album Review, Alt Rock, indie rock, Punk Rock

Cross Wires ‘Living In A Radio City’ Album

Cross Wires are an East London/Essex based four piece consisting of Jonathan Chapman (Vocals) Peter Muller (Guitar) Pete Letch (Bass) and Ian Clarke (Drums). The band have built up a great live reputation playing at some of the best venues across London including The Old Blue Last, BIRTHDAYS, The Victoria Dalston, Camden Barfly, Sebright Arms, The Garage, Islington Academy, Queen of Hoxton, 93 Feet East, The Dublin Castle, Notting Hill Arts Club, The George Tavern, The Half Moon Putney and Tooting Tram & Social. They have recently released their mini album ‘Living In A Radio City’ which was recorded at Lightship 95 in East London and produced by Rory Attwell (The Vaccines, Telegram, Palma Violets). Many of the tracks from the album have been given radio plays and gained support from the likes of Gary Crowley at BBC Introducing, Georgie Rodgers at Virgin Radio, Charlie Ashcroft and Shell Zenner at Amazing Radio and Tom Robinsons Fresh On The Net.

‘Living In A Radio City’ is an exhilarating album jam-packed with enough quick jabs of feisty ballsy punk to cause a riot. From the scrappy fierceness of opening track ‘We Call The Shots’ these guys demand attention and announce their raw punchy sound brimming with crashing guitars, pummelling drums and attitude driven vocals. The boisterous ‘Walking Wounded’ and the Kasabian- esque  ‘Machine 7’ displays their anarchy soaked melodies slapped on top of jagged razor sharp trigger-happy guitars and neck snapping bass lines. While  ‘I Want Radio’ shakes things up a bit disguised at the beginning  as a 60’s rock and roll tune with foot stomping drums and bright jangly guitars before exploding into a true raw punk rock anthem. This track was made for the sticky blood thirsty mosh pits. ‘Slow Waves’ features a slick bass line acting as the sublime rampant rhythmic backbone of the song while this snappy track shouts and punches with harsh edgy riotous punk rock. The album is a relentless assault of punk fury. The tracks are quick, snappy and rowdy yet completely consuming and energising. This four piece have compiled eight tracks that inject adrenaline into your veins boosting you with brawling stamina. So much energy surges from this album you will want to run around the room for hours just to burn it off. ‘Fanzines’ is the perfect example of their mania causing sound while ‘Modern Art’ cools the tone slightly giving a little breather to the madness. With funky guitars and a rich rhythm it’s shimmy ready and a glimpse at the cooler, swagger soaked side to Cross Wires. ‘Pink Dogs’ closes the album a little chilled with spacey guitars and an aerial tone scattered on top of a melancholic melody.

Cross Wires know how to write some intense tracks that pack a mighty punch while displaying raw energy and charisma through feisty instrumentation and sublime catchy melodies. They blend seamlessly between strong assertive soundscapes with meaty drums, crashing guitars and fiery vocals to lightly breezy soundscapes with some rock and roll hints. They don’t just make punk music they create the Cross Wires experience of kick ass frantic tunes and slick innovative musicianship.

Stream ‘Living In A Radio City’ 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 FLING

Bradford wonky pop five piece FLING are back with their new single ‘Bad Day’. This gang first got together at a gig and they instantly found common ground to bond over with their shared love of T.Rex and David Bowie. This led them to waste no time setting up a basement studio and proceeding to write, record and perform their own brand of self-proclaimed ‘wonky pop’. Before long they had a dedicated fan base filling up venues who they affectionately refer to as ‘Flingers’. This has all combined to cultivate a world unique to them, a world which combines the inventive exploration of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour type wizardry with the youthful fun of the likes of The Magic Gang and Black Honey. In their short but eventful musical life FLING have picked up notable support across the airwaves with Steve Lamacq championing on 6 Music, John Kennedy spinning on Radio X, Matt Wilkinson being a fan over on Beats 1 and Radio 1’s very own Huw Stephens is another keen supporter.

‘Bad Day’ is a wavy shaky and slithering-ly slick pop track so infectious it burrows into your brain leaving you uncontrollably singing along and shimmying to its infectious groove. So cool and chic with swagger soaked raspy vocals fastened firmly on a steamy sleazy melody and thrilling guitar whines and strides. Lush backing vocals add a slap of sass and finesse while punchy drums and psychedelic tinges of swirling synths lure you into a wonky trip of delusion smothered in sugar pop. The desert spaghetti western harmonica intro announces this riveting track perfectly grabbing your attention ready to hook you into this electrifying track. It’s a shimmy ready, scruffy, fun number that has FLING’s stamp all over it. These guys are good and ones to keep an eye out for.

Stream ‘Bad Day’ below

https://soundcloud.com/dttrlabel/fling-bad-day-baaaad-day


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

Smoking with the Bandit ‘Waiting on Your Call’ EP

Birmingham, alternative rock band Smoking with the Bandit have recently released their debut EP titled ‘Waiting on Your Call’. In early 2016, Colby Wilson (vocals), Garrett Payne (guitar), and Daryl McCarty (bass) were performing as an acoustic trio after a previous band had called it quits. Their sound quickly outgrew acoustic arrangements and percussionist Collin Payne joined the group to provide the depth and rhythmic nuance that the trio was seeking. This EP is the sublime result of this.

‘Waiting on Your Call’ is a fantastic debut EP from this four piece. The glorious ‘Peaches’ kicks off the EP. Warm guitar melodies flood the track in delightful glowing luminosity while soft cushioned drums fill the track with a gentle comforting bounce. The vocals are smooth and velvety as the band introduce their delicate lusciously melodic sound that is laid back and such a joy to listen to. The band add a touch of swagger with ’Undone’ which is introduced by a slick guitar riff and shimmy ready beat. This track glides in full of charm and panache effortlessly cruising on sun kissed vibes and oodles of swagger. With a guitar solo that scorches with steaming hot vapour it is groovy,infectious and oh so chic. Title track ‘Waiting On Your Call’ follows. Again this track is beaming with vibrant mellow golden guitar lines and a swaying swoony melody that melts over a delicate beat and spongy bass line. These tracks are made for summer evenings- relaxing as the gentle light of the sun setting shimmers and warms your face. The slick ‘The Cards’ re-announces their shimmy swanky sound. Wilsons vocals exude passion while slinky guitars add a sharp 60’s tinged wobble and dance. The elastic bass adds a sensual mysterious quality while the drums bounce along giving a light playful spring to track. The sweet  ‘Blood Red Eyes’ closes the EP gently with a luscious melancholic melody beautifully sung in a tender emotive manner while nimble jangly guitar once again floods the track with sublime bright vibrant tones. Its a captivating relaxing and utterly stunning track to finish the EP.

Smoking with the Bandit have created a marvelous treasure box of tracks that are so beautifully evocative and sublime you will want to put it on repeat. They have the ability to create songs with refined musicianship that stops time and creates a soothing calming state to fall into. Their subtly intricate instrumentation engulfs you in a world entirely created by Smoking with The Bandit.

Stream ‘Waiting on Your Call’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing: The Ringards

The Ringards are a newly formed band based in London made up of four members, Freddie (lead guitar), Gary (bass), Koby (drums) and Enzo (lead vocal and rhythm guitar).Since forming a few months ago they have been busy self-producing their songs in a small shed in one of the member’s flat. The band have played a warm up gig in France with members of the French band Papooz, where they received positive feedback and were offered a potential support slot with them for their second album. The band have also had a slot on a local radio, the Boogaloo radio, where they played The Ringards track, ‘Stay Where You Stand’. The four piece have now released their new single ‘CPS’.

‘CPS’ is honest pure vintage British indie with a rawness that evokes a cold bitter chill on your shoulders. It’s melodic with sluggishly laid-back verses that make you just want to lie there and listen, soaking up the nonchalant melancholic vibe. The chorus however explodes with shredding razor-sharp guitars that wound with a jagged shrilling sting while punchy drums erupt into spirited intense dynamism. The guitars sweet melodic melody comforts and soothes through the crisp blunt icy verses. These guys deliver an intoxicating sound that swallows you up and consumes you in the emotion of the track then whacks you back with a vibrant instrumental bashing. It’s an impressive sound from this newly formed band.

Stream ‘CPS’ below

https://soundcloud.com/wearetheringards/cps-master-1


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bad Lungs.

Bad Lungs are a garage/punk band from North London. The band comprised of members Tom Rowlett(vox/ Guitar), Frank Lada (Guitar), Dominic Sennet (Bass), Winfred Kent (Keys) and Chris Britain (Drums) have released their debut single ‘The DT’s’ which the five piece self released and pressed themselves.

‘DT’S’ is a vicious bombardment of garage punk, relentlessly wacked out at a neck breaking pace creating the ultimate dizzying hyper assault to the senses. With vocal howls that spit and snear, shrilling guitars that whine pierce screech and wail teamed with pummelling drums it’s a mammoth cyclone ready for those sticky blood thirsty mosh pits. Its fast-heavy garage rock played dexterously and ferociously by this quintet. Ghostly keyboards eerily creep while meaty guitars stride and stomp with raging hysteria. It’s a force to be reckoned with topped off with thrilling distortion bashed along with mighty powerful drumming. This beast of a track shoots you with such a high voltage it will take days to recover.

 

Stream ‘DT’s’ below


Acid Rock, Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Fuzz Rock, Garage Pop, Garage Rock, Garage-Psych, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Dead Vibrations ‘On A Sunday Morning’

Dead Vibrations burst onto the booming Stockholm music scene in 2015 and have been flying the flag high for Scandinavian shoegaze ever since. Their dark and gloomy noise pop channelling a mix of visceral Mary Chain-esque guitars, droning psychedelia a la Spacemen 3 and even Seattle grunge at times – resulting in a reverb-drenched sound that manages to sound both unapologetically indebted to its influences yet completely modern. Having spent the last couple of years touring Europe, bringing their blistering live show to venues and psych fests across the mainland, and releasing just two releases – their debut 12″ EP ‘Reflections’ and 2017s 7″ single ‘Swirl/Sleeping In Silver Garden’ – Dead Vibrations have signed to London imprint Fuzz Club Records for the release of their self-titled debut album, due for release January 26th. To kick-start 2018 the band have released their crushing second single from the album, ‘On A Sunday Morning’.

‘On A Sunday Morning’ is a thunderous assault of dizzying noise pop concealed among a swirling intoxicating blur of shoegaze guitars and blinding psychedelia. Razor sharp guitars pierce through the track drenched in stinging acid as they scorch and blaze between pulverising drums. Its hazy delusional psychedelic soundscapes swivel and swirl like a hypnotic dazed invasion on your senses while lo-fi vocals echo throughout soothing the dazzling soundscapes. Using a sublime amount of shrilling distortion the band create a trippy relentlessly biting track wrapped in a frenzy coating of buzz fuelled darkness. With a gloomy moody tone propelling the track and forming its thick sulky fuzz tainted foundation it’s still surprisingly light and zesty. Dead Vibrations have found the perfect blend of dynamized, shrilling psychedelia and smooth hazy pop to create an invigorating kinetic track.

Stream ‘On A Sunday Morning’ below