Grungy-disco four-piece MUNKY have released their new single ‘7am’. With an oh so smooth funky intro of soft taps and sweet backing vocal croons ‘7am’ glides in, swagger soaked locked and loaded to flood your ears with bluesy drenched bliss. With a moody bass line and mellow twinkles on guitar to start they ease you into the laid back sombre filled track. The song builds becoming more gritty and expressive as scratchy slivers of guitar wail and whine over an elastic rhythm. These guys know how to deliver a clean cut, crisp track while blurring it with wobbly psychedelia and adding a healthy dose of fuzz on top. Zachary Stephenson’s vocals agonise while slick grooves and sizzling riffs cruise in with bluesy sensuality and panache. The track builds to a massive instrumental crescendo that pierces through you with an intense jolt of electricity. Smothered in dark tones it’s a heavy hitter and who doesn’t love a good “do do do” lyric. These guys are maturing nicely if you thought their sound was good before check ‘7am’ out and be prepared to be blown away. Such refined production meticulous musicianship and intense sultry energy all packed into one perfectly timed brooding track. So good.
Juniper Nights are a four-piece alternative rock band that formed in Oxford at the start of 2017. Founded entirely online through a musician finding website, the band consists of James Gallagher (Vocals/Guitar), Zach Wilmott (Guitar), Rob Crussell (Bass), and Tom Lindsay (Drums).Their first single, `So So Kelly’ featured as a first play on BBC Introducing, Oxford, and has been played on the radio as far afield as Honolulu, Hawaii. The band will be releasing their debut EP, ‘Human Rush’, in February 2018, and will be supporting the release with a UK tour in January and February. ‘Human Rush’ blends heavy mosh ready guitar shredding tracks with subtle tender gems effortlessly, creating a seamless quilt of raw emotion and sweet moments that hold a brooding sombre silence among the beautiful melodies.‘All At Once’ kicks off the EP grabbing the bull by the horns. Jagged guitars roughly shred through the track while punchy rumbling drums belt and wallop creating the perfect mosh ready atmosphere. The melody and vocal line smoothly cruise through the verse with a hint of R.E.M blended with Radiohead vibes which creates a moody dark brooding atmosphere that seeps and creeps with gripping mystery. It’s ominous and haunting yet thrillingly sharp and powerful. The rest of the EP becomes soft and lamentably sweet. ‘Antidote’ twinkles with a frosty guitar accompaniment and melancholic piano feature. It’s a chilly sombre and honest display that fills you with bitter emotion. Juniper Nights showcase their beautiful melody skills within this EP and striking ability to cut deep with their tracks. ‘Bloodflow’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ feature some beautiful guitar moments that glow and add a tear jerking warmth to the tracks. The vocals are tender and passionate yet gentle and exuding emotion. Swirling gentle soundscapes rush through the tracks delicately as Juniper Night display a sophisticated sound- raw and powerful, intricate,nimble and extremely emotive.’ Lemonhead’ closes the EP with a charming guitar jingle to start interrupted with crashing instrumentation fragments between the delicate soundscapes. This track keeps you on your toes. It lulls you into a melancholic dreamy state before shocking you out with harsh shrilling jabs.
‘Human Rush’ is an impressively refined collection of tracks with lyrics that express the harsh raw open wounds of the themes backed by remarkable instrumentation and fine musicianship. It’s a grown-up EP -serious precise and well crafted.
Public Access T.V. have released another appetizer from their upcoming album ‘Street Safari’ which is set for release in February. ‘Lost In The Game’ is the second single teasing the glorious joys to come from the bands sophomore album. It’s a funky effortlessly smooth track that drifts in with swagger soaked vocals spread upon a sleek liquefying flaunty melody and buoyant rhythm. It’s stamped with the chicness and cruising swagger of this swanky four piece. With an elastic exuberant bass teamed with vibrant shimmers on guitar its a rich luscious display. The brass elements and jazzy keys add a sprightly lift and wiggle-ready dynamism. It is oh so cool with a soul tinged hue smothered in infectious melodies, steamy guitar licks and a laid back disco vibe. It hits all the right spots and will have you grooving and boogieing in no time. Refined and smooth this number is an ear worm that charms its way into your brain leaving you uncontrollably bopping and sliding along the dance floor.
Blackpool’s Boston Manor have released a video for their new single ‘Drowned in Gold’ which was produced by Mike Sapone (Taking Back Sunday, Mayday Parade, Public Enemy etc) at Barbershop Studios in New Jersey. The band formed in 2013 and, in two short years, worked their way to signing with renowned US indie label Pure Noise Records. They released their debut album ‘Be Nothing.’ in 2016 to widespread acclaim and the band have continued to tour the world since then, whipping up a frenzy in the US on tours with the likes of Moose Blood, Have Mercy and Can’t Swim, as well as completing their first full headline tour of the UK. 2017 also saw Boston Manor perform all summer on the penultimate Vans Warped Tour in the USA, play packed out rooms at Slam Dunk Festival and make their first appearances at Reading & Leeds Festivals.
‘Drowned in Gold’ is a fierce no nonsense relentless rush of gluttony inducing alternative rock. It’s a catchy, bold, brash incarnation brimming with snappy pulverising drums, crashing guitars and a mighty overload of instrumental bashing. With attitude driven vocals that scream and exude passion this track is an instant shot of fiery adrenaline. Toeing the line between chart fodder and alt-anthem this track is a smashing display from the five piece that is sure to have the Kerrang heads going crazy. It’s one for those manic sticky mosh pits. Warning whiplash guaranteed.
When asked about the track vocalist Henry Cox explained: “Drowned in Gold’ is about people being followers; people who never question anything & surround themselves with trivialities and mundanity, We had been writing for a while and wanted to put something out. We’re really proud of this one and so decided to release it ahead of the upcoming UK tour.”
Boston Manor are currently working on the follow-up to ‘Be Nothing.’, which is expected for release in 2018.
Changing Gears are a five-piece pop rock band based in Dublin, who recently have released their new track ‘Hold On Tight’. Comprising of Eoin O’Donnell (guitars & vocals), Colin Reid (guitars & vocals), Steve Power (piano, keys & vocals), Danny Spelman (bass & vocals) and Morgan O’Brien (drums/percussion), ‘Hold On Tight’ was released as part of their upcoming studio album which will be out in early 2018. It is a laid back track that cruises in with sharp guitar jangles and a punchy beat. It’s mellow, sun kissed and hazy with a jazzy piano feature springing up where you least expect it. Smooth vocals and a dreamy atmosphere create an effortless easy-going track with zealous guitar stabs to keep it refreshing. Perfect for summer days.
Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Ragmans Daughter
Ragmans Daughter are an indie band from London who have released their debut single ‘Lazy’. This hazy sun sprinkled track is a crisp display from a band who are sure to go far. Vivid juicy guitar jangles weave playfully between the laid-back melody and punchy drums which bounce and hop with a contagious spring and elastic rebound. The track becomes more fuzzed and heavy as it progresses adding an effervescent buzz and gritty texture to their luscious mellow sound. The production is on point. The track is fun, fresh and appears unfussy until the psychedelic whirls and grungy flavours kick in and you realise this is a band with a difference. The melody is drenched in sugary melty syrup that seeps into your ear rendering you hooked to their delicious sound. This track announces Ragmans Daughter as an energetic and creative band with a lot of success ahead of them.
Gallus are a Glasgow band comprised of members Barry Dolan (Vocals), Craig Duris (Bass), Eamon Ewins (Guitar) and Paul Ewins (Drums). They have released their debut self titled EP and played their first gig at the legendary King Tut’s. These fresh young lads have shown some serious potential within this EP. The rowdy ruckus causing wallops of ‘Weapons’ which features crashing guitar riffs against a jagged driving bassline and pummelling drums showcases a shrilling mighty display that I can imagine is insane live. That instrumental is so snappy, raw and elastic it’s sure to set the mosh pit alight. ‘Making Tracks’ introduces itself with a slick riff and rumble on drums. It’s bouncy, edgy and smothered in rock and roll. It’s my favourite track on the EP as it showcases some really striking nimble guitar work. The shouty vocals maintain the rawness and brawn of their sound while the instrumentation displays an organic whiff of finesse. ‘Maybe Next Time’ begins disguised as the delicate track on the EP. Twinkling guitars and soft vocals introduce the track before it explodes instrumentally into their brand of garage rock. It’s a bit Pixies- esque at times with vibrant golden guitar lines adding a sun kissed glow to the grungy attitude soaked track.
These guys have whacked out an impressive EP that showcases their talent and slick musicianship with tracks that exude energy, adrenaline and some exciting instrumentation. Gallus will be finishing of their year with a free show in Glasgow at Broadcast with 0141 and Heavy Rapids. Following this, they will be supporting Retro Video Club as part of Independent Venue Week so if your around make sure to check them out.
Bio: Alternative rock trio Dramalove, originally from Italy but now based in Canterbury have released their new single ‘Play With You’ It is the lead single off their first full-English EP titled “How To Wear A Broken Heart” and it includes 5 songs picked up from a selection of a 20 demo song package that the band managed to home-record during this first year and a half living in the U.K. It has been mastered in Ashford at the Anchor Baby Recording Company and is due to be released in early 2018, The trio have already achieved a certain level of stardom by reaching the semi-finals of the Italian version of X Factor of which the Italian version allowed bands to apply and team up with artists such Skin from Skunk Anansie and Mika. Dramalove fast gained a dedicated local following in Canterbury, and summer 2017 already saw them touring across the country with gigs in Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester and London.
Track: Play With You
Why We Like It: It’s a slick heavy dose of swagger soaked rock. This smooth criminal is sassy gritty and sensually steamy. With sticky eerie soundscapes smothered on vaporous sharp guitars lines and Matt Bellamy- esque falsetto vocals this track cruises in, in all its stuffy sizzling glory to take over your mind. It’s impressively commanding and luring.
You can follow Dramalove on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dramalove
Watch the video for ‘Play With You’ below
Bad Family
Genre: Alternative Rock
Bio: Brighton’s Bad Family formed in late 2016 and quickly released EP1 to critical acclaim. They return with EP2 and are ready to claim their place among the indie elite.
Track: ‘On Your Wall’
Frontman Dane Etteridge explains about the track:“Have you ever been with someone, it doesn’t work out and they start sleeping with someone new way too soon after the breakup? Well, thats what ‘On your Wall’ is about, the horrible anxiety and hatred it causes towards the person that you once cared so deeply about, The idea that you shadow is the last thing to leave a room, and your former lover is with their next one before your shadow has had the chance to get out.”
Why We Like It: It’s a stinging knife edged rock track blistering with fiery sharp guitars crashing against punchy drums which creates a thrilling wall of sound. With a catchy chorus and delicious melody this track is instantly likable and fiery. Swirling guitar whines teamed with rumbling drums and a dark chanting bridge create a wholly unique eerie spiky experience. It’s an attitude drenched anthem.
Bio: Zach Leon is an alternative artist based out of Nashville, Tennessee and originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years and is now currently pursuing a solo career.
Track: A + K from his ‘Sailawayheart’ album
Why We Like It: It’s a luscious sweet ditty. Creamy smooth and sugar coated this track is melty, heart shaped candied romance. A soft delicate acoustic guitar twinkles along a boppy doo-wop beat while sing along friendly backing vocals and clap along joyous chorus creates a light heart-warming dreamy blissful atmosphere. This track will put a smile on your face and have you swaying happily in no time. With velvety passionate vocals and feathery light skip along rhythm this track is the perfect pick me up.
You can follow Zach Leon on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/zachleonmusicstuff/
Stream ‘A + K’ below
Mellor
Genre: Indie
Bio: Reading Indie four-piece Mellor have had a whole host of national and regional media support from the likes of Absolute Radio, BBC6 Music, BBC Berkshire, BBC London, and BBC Introducing. Labelled by Alt Reading as “one of Reading’s most exciting acts”, they bring a live show packed with high energy, raucous vocals, big guitar riffs, and pounding drums. The bands dedicated following is steadily on the rise thanks to shows up and down the UK sharing stages with the likes of The Kooks, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Flyte, and The Milk.
Track: You Were Right
Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant track stamped with Mellor’s signature infectious blistering indie- so irrepressible and effervescent it bubbles and boils intense adrenaline through your veins. Sharp guitars sting and wail with a brazen zest teasing then gushing through you leaving you craving almost gagging for more. Punchy drums and dynamic vocals bring the track to anthemic heights. It’s one for large crowds bellowing out at the top of their lungs.
You can follow Mellor on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/melloruk/
Stream ‘You Were Right Below’
The Fontaines
Genre: new wave rock
Bio: The Fontaines are a new wave rock duo based in Los Angeles, California comprised of siblings Charlotte Fontaine (vocals) and Hank Fontaine (guitar). They are backed by Xrys Kaplan (drums) and Daniel Zuker (bass) both live and in the studio.They have released a series of singles and EPs while performing across the United States – including a sold-out headlining performance at legendary venue The Troubadour. It was recently announced that The Fontaines will be returning to SXSW in 2018 in support of their new EP ‘Playboys’ which was recorded at Big Bad Sound LA (Rancid) and mixed by Xrys Kaplan and legendary producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna).
Track: ‘Playboys’, the title track from The Fontaines new EP
Why We Like It: It’s blusterous, sassy, attitude driven rock. With a snappy beat and rowdy guitars blazing through a twist ready shimmy and shake groove. This track oozes enough energy to whip you into a frenzy of dancing. It’s raw and gritty with a timeless doo- wop-ness that has been distorted and corrupted adding an edgy aggressive coating. Charlotte’s vocals seamlessly flicker from a soft coo to powerful bellow as the track becomes more dynamic. It’s a razor sharp jubilant frenzy causing number and catchy as hell.
Merseyside’s Factory have released their new single ‘Violet Lips’. Factory have been shaking up venues all over the country supporting bands like SPACE, as well as selling out headline gigs in Manchester and Liverpool. In 2016 they were chosen by Alan McGee to open up for Primal Scream at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and 2017 saw the band kick things off with the sold-out release of single and music video for ‘Step a Little Closer’ which received radio play from Dave Monks at BBC Radio Merseyside. Factory also completed their first UK tour, with dates at Sound City ‘Suburbia’, TRAMLINES, Dot 2 Dot and even their first gig in the capital.
‘Violet Lips’ continues their quest for world domination. Its more shrilling fierce and savage than its predecessor. With funky guitar injected between slick basslines and punchy drums it’s a swagger soaked demand for attention. This track seeps chic rooted grooves from its very core, with a bass line so elastic beefy and slick it steam rolls through with relentless tyrant stamina. With steamy guitar wails and a refined shimmy ready rhythm these guys have what it takes. It’s a solid rough and tumble track, yet sensually smooth to make you dance effortlessly. With a raspy vocal adding raw rock and roll muscle teamed with a catchy melody and sweat and leather adrenaline pumping instrumentation, this track is a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out for Factory these dark horses have some serious talent and they have burst onto the music scene gung-ho and are ready to rock.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Wulfman Fury
Sheffield five-piece Wulfman Fury burst on to the scene with their debut single ‘Nightsweats’ this October, and have swiftly followed the release with another stellar new track ‘Draw The Line’ which was produced and mixed by George Moran, frontman of Wulfman Fury and an accomplished session player having toured extensively with Miles Kane and shared stages with Alex Turner and Paul Weller. ‘Draw The Line’ whizzes along at a breath-taking pace with a rush of intensity and an instant buzz of excitement. Where to start, this track exudes effortless confidence and swagger with all the component parts of a hit track. Dazzling sharp guitars whirl around an infectious vibrant melody lifting each chorus to soaring adrenaline rushing heights. Lush passionate vocals thrill with an energising stamina and power while punchy drums keep a flexible foundation for the instrumentation to rebound dynamically off. Just when you think this track can’t get any better they pelt you with a satisfying riveting riff before the swirling psychedelic tinged bridge. These guys know how to craft a relentless enthralling track to leave you craving for more. Its utterly absorbing with a crisp biting chorus and fresh breezy sound, it’s a mighty anthem. Wulfman Fury are a band to watch out for their sound is spellbinding and wholly captivating. These guys are a band to get excited about.
Watch the video for ‘Draw The Line’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
