Category Archives: Alt Rock

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

ZEALS ‘Ready To Fly’ EP

Somerset based three-piece, ZEALS have released their second EP ‘Ready To Fly’. The EP was recorded over the last few months at Longwave Studios in Cardiff with producer Romesh Dodangoda who’s best known for his work with the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Motorhead, Funeral For A Friend, Lower Than Atlantis and Twin Atlantic. The follow up to their ‘Playing Games’ EP, the new collection features five pop flavoured and addictive indie – rock tracks and includes live favourite and lead single ‘Feel It’ which is accompanied by a stunning video. ZEALS current line-up of Harrisen Larner (Vocals & Guitar), Rob Whelan (Drums)and Toby Andrews (Lead Guitar & Vocals) formed eighteen months ago in Weston-Super-Mare after taking inspiration from and sharing a mutual love of acts such as The 1975, Fickle Friends, Prides and One Republic to heavier bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Don Broco, Lower Than Atlantis and Fatherson. Since then the band have developed a truly exciting and powerful live set that sees them play to ever growing and excitable audiences from around the Bristol area to as far afield as Austria and Hungary. This new found fanbase ensured that the aforementioned eight track long ‘Playing Games’ EP peaked at number 59 in the iTunes Rock Album Charts on its release last year.

‘Ready To Fly’ is a blood pumping rush to the head of indie rock that makes you feel every note from delicate tender to ballsy energetic anthems. It’s a youth filled five track collection to enjoy and hold dear. Lead single ‘Feel It’ kicks off the EP with bright bubbly vibes surrounded by squirts of zesty guitar and hip shaking rhythm. It’s light warm and sun kissed with a catchy chorus that displays a grittier sharp side without becoming overpowering. The sweet honey drizzled melody is so infectious and dreamy and with Larner’s velvety smooth soul infused vocals, it’s the perfect start to the EP. ’Do You Really Care’  is a massive passionate track brimming with punchy drums, razor sharp guitar and adrenaline pumping energy. It’s mosh pit, crazy jumping ready with feathery light blissful guitar and a hefty meaty rhythm. Dancing embarrassingly around the room is guaranteed with this emotionally and instrumentally explosive track. ‘Paddles’ is oh so slick. This track really shows off the sensual bluesy tinged sound of ZEALS. Swagger soaked and fiery with shredding guitars crashing against pummeling drums and a groovy hip shakingly smooth bass line. It’s a scorching, blistering Lower Than Atlantis- esque sizzler. ‘Dark Waters’ cools the tone and takes the role of the slow burning tender mood shifter. Sway-like and sweet with a punchy bopping rhythm it’s nostalgic and delicate. Lush “oooh” vocals create a sing along friendly quality to the heart-warming track. The song builds becoming a little more heavy and emotional but still maintains a light bounce and breezy vibe. ‘Ready To Fly’ brings us to an explosive end to the EP. Flickering soundscapes flash bright scintillation while punchy drums, glistening guitars and fist pump anthemic chorus create a powerful energetic rush of intensity.

ZEALS have created an EP that shows their tight plucky musicianship. It’s a treasure of tunes glowing and sparkling packed with emotion and passion that makes the listener feel every note like a spark of electricity. Each track maintains a powerful explosive stamina to keep you pumped throughout. It’s bright, light indie pop grounded by some heavy elements adding a bit of punch and gravity. Overall a sublime satisfying listen.

Stream ‘Ready To Fly’ below

 


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Pepperhead ‘Unresolved’

Sydney locals, Pepperhead have released their new single, ‘Unresolved’. Available on all major digital stores, ‘Unresolved’ is the second track-release from their debut EP, ‘The Housefox Sessions’. Forming in 2015, Pepperhead (Kieron, Louisa, Mark, Dan) made their live debut rocking the notorious Annandale Hotel. Listing acts such as The Pixies, The Strokes and Radio Birdman as the band’s influences, Pepperhead opened last year’s inaugural Northern Beaches’ punk rock line up at ‘Housefox Fest’.

‘Unresolved’ is raw ruckus causing rock. Punchy and sharp with pounding drums belting against a distorted wall of crashing guitars. It’s a rapid assault to the senses of brawl ready roughness teamed with a catchy chorus and attitude driven vocals. While still pulverising your skull with their heavy sound Pepperhead manage to add a sensual skin crawling quality to the mix keeping their massively energetic sound multi-dimensional and slick. It’s a booming fiery aggressive track that will have a live audience in a manic frenzy.

Watch the video for ‘Unresolved’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Rah’s ‘The Time Is Now’

The Rah’s are a five piece indie rock band from Prestonpans, a small seaside town on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The band was formed in 2011 by four friends Jack, Jordan, Neale and Andrew and produced 2 EPs ‘Give Me Life’ in 2012 and ‘Living The Dream’ in 2013.They have toured both EPs across their native Scotland to rave reviews supporting the likes of The Fratellis and The View along the way. In January 2016, local lad and friend Chris joined the band on keys and backing vocals.Now a five piece, the band took a fresh approach to new sounds and song structure, leading to the band’s single ‘Sweet Talker’ recorded with producer Roni Szpakowski at Peak Studio’s, Bradford in early 2017. The single was released late March via the bands new independent label, EH32RECORDS and was well received by the music press across the UK and Ireland gaining a wave of excitement. Off the back of the single release the band embarked on a mini UK tour over a 6 week period with a sell-out homecoming gig in their native Edinburgh as their last show on the tour.They are now back with their new single ‘The Time Is Now’, which was recorded in Maybank studios in Glasgow by Dublin based producer James Darkin and was mastered by Pete Maher.

‘The Time Is Now’ blisters, bubbles and boils with indie rock. Soaked in attitude it hooks and lures you into the dark depths of its core with a thrilling razor-sharp riff surrounded by punchy drums and swirling keys. With a dizzying frenzy soundscape, gritty elastic bassline and searing swagger soaked vocals this track is a serious force of nature. Blustery and powerful with infectious anthemic chorus and lush backing vocals it’s Kasabian- esque yet original and mighty. ‘The Time Is Now’ is a fiery brutal bash of The Rah’s indie rock and its brilliant and destined to be epic live.

You can catch The Rah’s live at

Saturday 16th September – Dublin Castle, London

Sunday 17th September – Jimmy’s, Manchester

Friday 3rd November – The Jacaranda, Liverpool

Watch the video for ‘The Time Is Now’ below


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

Thirty Seconds To Mars ‘Walk On Water’

After lighting up stages across North America and around the world this summer on a sold out tour and teasing eager fans about upcoming music releases, Thirty Seconds To Mars have released a new song for the first time in four years. “Walk On Water” marks the first single from the multi-platinum selling band’s highly anticipated forthcoming fifth studio album.

‘Walk On Water’ is a stomping adrenaline rushing anthem. With synth flickers between pounding march ready drums, it’s a mighty powerful statement. Leto’s strong raspy vocals resound over a booming soundscape. Exuding optimism and hope it’s a stand together and fight for what you believe in anthem. It’s a catchy tune with a synth rock surge that is sure to be epic live.

Next week, “Walk On Water” will have its world television debut in a can’t-miss performance on this year’s MTV VMAs on August 27th, 2017. Frontman Jared Leto first hinted at new music in a dramatic teaser video unveiled on his Instagram in June. The band then confirmed the new single in August with another video. The record follows the band’s 2013 studio album LOVE LUST FAITH + DREAMS, which debuted inside the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 as well as official charts across the UK and mainland Europe.

Watch the lyric video for ‘Walk On Water’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Adventures in the Underground

Adventures in the Underground is a new band from LA made up of collaborators Kevin Hinman and Luke Richmond. They have released their new single ‘Streetlight’ which was produced by Mario Borgatta and Steve Pagano from the band thanks. ’Streetlight’ is a sleek stretchy delight that fuses honey drizzled pop melodies with classic rock punches. The first thing that hits you with this track is its instant likability and sweet toned catchy hook melody. The sticky beat slaps while a funky groovy rhythm adds a strut quality and swagger soaked confidence to the track. Powerful vocals with raspy hints give a swanky rock infused prance while guitar strides and ear worm chorus add that fist pump classic rock anthem vibe. Slick and cool it flows with glossy grandeur and polished smoothness. Seamlessly layered and oozing oodles of panache mixed with explosive passion, this is a tune that makes you feel something. With sweet subtle shifts that create nostalgic tender moments to mighty dynamic bursts these guys know what they are doing. It’s smooth with just enough flamboyance to make you groove while packing some indie rock punches and edgy splinters along the way.

Stream ‘Streetlight’ below


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

Indie Quick Picks

The RPMs

Genre: Alt Pop

Bio: Brighton trio Jack Valero (lead vocals, guitar) Callum James (drums and backing vocals) and  Miguel Cosme (bass,backing vocals) have only been together a few years and they have made short work of grabbing people’s attention. Making waves on Huw Stephen’s BBC Introducing and John Kennedy’s Shock of the New on Radio X, tipped by 6 Music taste-makers Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson, taking up invitations to Glastonbury Festival two years in a row, plus scoring ‘track of the day’ features in the likes of Clash, Giglutz, Record Of The Day and more.

Track: ‘Things I Forgot To Do’

Why We Like It: It’s a bubbling can of catchy hook driven indie pop. With an infectious bass groove, a relentless finger clicking beat that bounces back with snappy vitality teamed with strut quality guitar strides. it’s an effortless cool smooth track that flows in on a wave of good times and peppy attitude. This trio have created a slick warm tune polished, sweet and sunkissed.

Watch the video for ‘Things I Forgot To Do’ below

 

 Glass Hour

Genre: Piano Pop-Rock

Bio: Glass Hour is a pop-rock band from Montreal comprised of members Caleb Smith (Bass), Joey Reda (Guitar), Will Bennett (Drums) and Keegan Boulineau (Vocals, Piano, Guitar). With a generous incorporation of piano combined with a signature guitar sound, their music ranges from massive arena rockers to intimate, soul-warming songs. Their debut album entitled ‘Minute Hand’ is set for release today August 18th, 2017.

Track: Burn

Why We Like It: It’s a sweet elegant blend of soaring electronic soundscapes and delicate piano twinkles. Lush vocals and heavenly harmonies create a graceful passionate and highly emotional track that lifts to new heights as the song progresses. With thumping clap along bridge and anthemic arena ready chorus, it’s a sparkling firework erupting into the sky with majestic magnificent beauty.

Stream ‘Burn’ below

Vertebrae

Genre: Alternative/Grit Pop

Bio: Vertebrae is London based trio Daire Mulvihill, Josh Clark and Jonny Rogers. They have previously been involved with numerous festivals around the U.K including Tramlines in Sheffield, Great Escape in Brighton as well as Camden Rocks in London. They have also been busy building up a loyal following by working with some of the UK’s top promoters and playing some of it’s best venues including O2 Academy Islington, The Old Blue Last, Birthdays, Seabright Arms and The Black Heart among others. Vertebrae have just released their exciting new single ‘Half The Time’ (which is already receiving much attention including radio airplay and numerous features in respected music publications, webzines and blogs) and was produced by the renowned Neil D Kennedy who has worked with many up and coming bands on the U.K Alternative scene including Creeper, Milk Teeth, Trash Boat and Bad Sign to name just a few

Track: ‘Half The Time’

Why We Like It: It’s a thrilling gritty kick ass rock track complete with raspy vocals punchy drums and slick guitar. Passionate and emotional with a Nickelback-esque nostalgia with  guitar melodies and bass rumble reminiscent of Kings of Leon this hard-rock anthem is a throbbing head nodder. Building as the track progresses becoming a little heavier and mosh ready Vertebrae know when to hold a tender gentle tone and when to overwhelm with raw heavy moving melodic longing.

Watch the video for ‘Half The Time’ below

Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


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

Neon Dolls ‘Black’ EP

Leeds rock five-piece Neon Dolls have announced the release of their new ‘Black’ EP with the release of the new single ‘Creep Inside’ set for release Friday 8th September. Since forming three years ago, Neon Dolls have been busy perfecting their hybrid of muscular Alt-Rock whilst blowing away audiences on the buzzing UK music scene. Formed from the ashes of defunct bands on the scene, the boys quickly developed a sonic formula influenced by guitar greats Oasis, Foo Fighters, Green Day and Led Zeppelin, as well as more recent grunge and rock bands from the USA. With a growing fanbase affectionately dubbed the Neon Army behind them, tracks from their debut album Imperial (released 2015) and 2nd Album When It Strikes (released 2016) were playlisted on BBC Introducing and their sold out live shows led to Fred Perry Subculture hailing them as one of the best new bands in the country.

‘Black’ is an EP brimming with raw ruckus causing rough and tumble rock and roll. The guys slap up a plate of frantic gritty no nonsense rock to sink our teeth in to, and boy it is good. The shrilling oh so thrilling new single ‘Creep Inside’ kicks off the EP. Slick razor sharp riffs pierce throughout while elastic bass bounces against punchy drums creating a hair raising coarse wall of sound. Sneering raspy coated vocals add an aggressive compelling swagger while irresistible seizure inducing guitar licks cause a rush of blood to the head. It’s a bitter bite but satisfying start to the EP.  ‘Invincible’ follows just as raw and bloody but perhaps with a little more sweat and leather. Gravelly vocals scream while slick steamy guitars crash and stride throughout the track leaving burn marks behind. It’s a punchy aggressive beast, rugged and fuzzed but exuding fire and brimstone strut quality and swagger. ‘Nasty Habits’ brings us to a groovy end to the EP. With Kasabian hints and anthemic chorus, this one is sure to go down well at a live show. It’s jagged and bristly soaked in attitude and brawn with nimble silky slick guitar and infectious groove, its sensual, punchy and a little pouty.

Neon Dolls ‘Black’ EP is a rough rugged blow of sharp bruising rock and roll. They know what they are doing and these tunes are staggeringly electrifying.

Neon Dolls will embark on a UK tour this Autumn – for more dates and info head to http://www.neondolls.co.uk/

Stream the new single ‘Creep Inside’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Girl Folder ‘Once More Into The Night’

Indie rock band The Girl Folder have announced the release of their newest single ‘Once More Into The Night’ which is set to be released on 25th August. The five-piece indie rock outfit formed after lead vocalist and singer-songwriter Matthew relocated to Newcastle from London. After performing at an open mic night weekly in order to meet like-minded musicians The Girl Folder was born a year later, comprising of Matthew (lead vox, acoustic/keys), Scott Clayborough (guitar/backing vox), Dave Evans (guitar/keys), Adam Gathercole (drums) and Dan Cordery (bass guitar). Inspired by the likes of Arcade Fire and Boy and Bear, their newest single offers a uniquely soothing sound whilst remaining true to their indie rock roots and incorporating influences from all over the world with band members all hailing from different locations.

‘Once More Into The Night’ is a soaring dreamy euphoric indie rock track. Breezy and chilled with an impressive groove laced in ethereal glittering synths, its delicate and moving and extremely emotive. The massive anthemic chorus is arena ready and sing along friendly while the sublime sharp sting on guitars ground the track and break up the aerial hazy atmosphere. Smothered in nostalgic tones the track swirls and flows with graceful elegance and a youthful freedom while strong warm vocals add rawness and passion. It’s hard hitting tender and exploding with emotion. The Girl Folder have carefully crafted this track. They hold back just enough to keep the tension throughout, building it and layering it slowly before bursting into a passionately emotive crescendo that evokes images of a large crowd swaying, bellowing out the lyrics with lights in their hands and perhaps quietly sobbing to themselves. It’s that moving and expressive.

Watch the video for ‘Once More Into The Night’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Circus Wolves ‘Judas’

Manchester five-piece Circus Wolves have released their new single ‘Judas’. Band members Guy Aled Wynn Davies, Jim Ker, Jack Taylor, Ben Lawton and Cameron Tetlow are making a name for themselves with their sound that captures indie rock and roll reminiscent of the late 90’s, early 00’s.

‘Judas’ is a soaring indie anthem. It’s raw and emotional with sweet stinging guitar melodies that bleed nostalgia and passion. Lush harmonies, powerful vocals and sing along fist pumping energy gives an arena worthy vibe. Pulsing drums and rich soaring soundscapes build to a massive crescendo showcasing the hearty full sound of this five piece. These guys were made for big shows and large crowds bellowing out their lyrics at the top of their lungs. A solid anthem from Circus Wolves.

Stream ‘Judas’ below


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock, Trance

Indie Buddie Introducing : Cloakroom Q.

Alternative rock band Cloakroom Q have released their debut two singles ‘Don’t Come Home’ and ‘Wankman2000’. Hailing from Newry, Daniel Havern (Drumer), Conall Coulter (Guitarist), Dan Monaghan (Bassist), Ryan Elmore (Vocals) and Sean Hickey (Synth) formed after two of the members (Conall and Sean) saw LCD Soundsystem during their live set at Electric Picnic 2016. This influenced them to start a band which had many musical similarities to LCD. Of course, with the advent of Cloakroom Q they followed less of these musical influences as the sound developed with the additions of Dan, Ryan and Danny. Influences of the band “Slint” are present with both tracks due to the spoken word vocals featured. However, the influence of LCD soundsystem is still ever present with these tracks due to the synth arrangements.

‘Don’t Come Home’ is an intense spine chilling ominously dark trip. Twinkling creepy sinister synths create an almost horror movie like start. The steady pulsing beat creates a menacing foundation for the track while ghoulish haunting falsetto “ooh”, between anguished shaky vocals. It’s chilling and obscure smothered in simplicity as the feathery light melody on synths glisten, interweaving playfully and eerily against the harsh striking emotional lyrics. The track builds in intensity as drums pound and guitars crash becoming heavy and mosh ready, ending with the piercing shrill of distortion. This track is weighty both instrumentally and emotionally. It’s agonising, harrowing and brilliantly crafted. These guys build to a fury bursting crescendo while still holding back on some of the emotion. Its like a controlled explosion that is held taut so the intensity and torment remains throughout the fierce blow up.

‘Wankman2000’ is a pulsing psychedelic trip swirling in hypnotic soundscapes and flickering synths. A strong beat once again acts as a constant as the track wobbles and warps around it. Becoming heavy the track builds into fury infested headbang rock smothered in psychedelic delusions. Spoken vocals become aggressive and shouty. Dripping in acid-like illusions with dark eerie tones and pounding rhythms it’s another dense staggering track from this five piece.

Cloakroom Q have presented two chilling throbbing heavy hitting tracks with arrangements that take you on a roller-coaster ride of lurching and rolling with raw anguish and intensity. These two tracks whack these guys into the ones to watch list.

Stream singles ‘Don’t Come Home’ and ‘Wankman2000’ below