Category Archives: Alt Rock

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

Blank Parody ‘A Tension’ EP

Birmingham rock band Blank Parody are set to release their debut EP ‘A Tension’ on the 18th August. The band comprised of members Joby Fitzgerald (Vocals), Liam Howard (Guitar), Connor Hodgkiss (Drums), and Freddie Shaw (Bass) are making a name for themselves with their monstrous guitars, heavy drums, gritty vocals and distorted poetry.

‘A Tension’ is a blistering fierce six track EP seamlessly blending gritty grunge with heavy rock and anthemic pop sprinkled melodies. The rip-roaring track ‘Dark Pretenders’ which we have previously featured on Indie Buddie kicks off the EP, thunderous and fiery this explosive track blasts straight into the no nonsense sound of Blank Parody. It’s a ballsy guitar shredding adrenaline pumping force to be reckoned with. Slick riffs and elastic bass slap against thrilling distortion and punchy drums while vocals growl with gritty hair-raising creepiness.It’s a blood pumping start to the EP. ’Still Stuck Here’ and ‘Thickened Pulse’ maintains this accelerated intense pace. Drenched in gritty sweaty mosh ready rhythms, passionate vocals, well-oiled slick guitar licks and shredding solos, they stomp through with a neck snapping ferocity. ‘Marching Through the Smoke’ follows. It’s an agitated bruising track featuring a sublime emotion filled instrumental that builds to an echoed abrupt sweet vocal end. Dramatic and spirited it’s a flaming raw track with jagged razor-sharp guitar cutting throughout, backed by an animated rhythm. ‘Underachiever’ relieves the tension of the EP a little. The track is much lighter and melodic, softer vocals ethereal guitars and rumbling bass add buoyancy and a lift to the song. However the instrumental break still packs a punch as guitars screech and sting with a rugged scratching shrill. The all-powerful ‘Snakes’ brings a rowdy, growly, bloodcurdling end to the EP. Aggressive, eerie and smothered in dark tones this savage track is a raging body pounding mammoth. With vicious strident guitars pulverizing drums and a mighty throbbing bass it packs a bruising frantic punch.

‘A Tension’ is an EP that showcases the relentless stamina Blank Parody have. Oozing chilling enraged energy with slick proficient musicianship they deliver a fantastic debut EP with raw catchy anthemic tracks that leave you imagining and anticipating a thrilling live show and wanting to hear more. Each track sets itself up to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys.

‘A Tension’ is set for release on the 18th August with the EP launch night held at The Asylum, Birmingham on 18th August also. You can buy tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blank-parody-ep-launch-tickets-35931608408?aff=ebopdstthelist

Stream ‘Dark Pretenders’ below


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

Anna Tosh ‘Weightless’

London born and bred, Anna Tosh has released her new single ‘Weightless’ which was produced by Anna and bassist Herman Stephens, and recorded at Cafe Music Studio in Bow, East London, by Mark Sutherland. Tosh has been lending her considerable six-string skills to a varied roster of bands since she was a teenager, among them Wildhood, Love Nor Money, Hey Gravity and Shotgun Venus. But with her own collection of striking self-penned songs demanding attention, and the assistance of Herman Stephens (bass) and Jeremy JayJay (drums) she decided it was high time to make her mark as a solo artist.

‘Weightless’ is a strut like flexy groovy track that oozes cool swagger and seeps chilled chicness. With a sticky snappy beat and soul soaked sleek bass groove it’s skin tight hot and well-polished. Glossy as a waxed car this attention-grabbing fluid track boasts slick musicianship and competent construction. The pulsing rhythm infectiously worms its way into your head while Tosh’s emphatic vocals lull you into a stupor. Swirling in mystery and obscurity with melodic guitar embellishments playfully weaving in between a catchy pop chorus it’s a throbbing, sweetly sprinkled edgy indie rock delight.

Stream ‘Weightless’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Before The After ‘What If That’s It?’

Wicklow band Before The After have released their new single ‘What If That’s It?’ taken off their debut self titled E.P. The five piece consisting of members Skye Norton (vocals), Josh O’Reilly (Guitar),
James O’Connor (Bass), Peter Kavanagh (Drums) and Éanna Malone (Guitar) have been jamming and crafting heavy punchy rock music for nearly three years. Drawing inspiration from many 90’s and early 00’s bands such as ‘At The Drive’, ‘TOOL’, ‘Alice in Chains’ and ‘Queens of the Stone Age’.

‘What If That’s It?’ is a raw heavy belter with gritty slick instrumentation smothered in dark tones and a glossy polished finish.Mighty expressive vocals are the powerhouse to this track while razor sharp guitar riffs, punchy drums and elastic bass add a spine tingling sensual almost luring quality. It is mosh worthy with a richly textured rhythm adding a rumbling almost churning effect, this five piece have crafted this track well. Its slick swagger filled guitar licks slide against an intense lusty soundscape creating a biting strong layered track that is thrilling.

Stream ‘What If That’s It?’ below


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

Maker ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ EP

Maker are a rock n’roll band with a psychedelic bluesy punch, stirred with a fist full of soul. Hailing from Kent, they are made up of members Alessandro Marinelli (Vocals), Andrew Donaldson (Guitar), Gavin Donaldson (Drums) & John Austin (Bass). Renowned for their electrifying live performances, Maker deliver fresh sonic swagger defined by their own bluesy, boozy guitar riffs.The band have headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including 100 Club London as part of ‘Best of British Blues Explosion’ 2017, and have supported some of the UKs finest artists, Ocean Colour Scene, Dodgy, Wilko Johnson, The Slydigs as well as shared festival bills with The Cribs, Dizee Rascal, Mark Ronson, and Supergrass to name a few. Maker can even count one of the worlds most acclaimed guitarists Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes / Magpie Salute) as a fan of the band, as well as two of Soho Radio’s finest, Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Virgil Howe (Little Barrie). Their new five track EP ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ which was recorded at world famous Rockfield Studios and produced by the band and Nick Brine, will be released 11 August via Kidda Records.
‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ is a swagger soaked gritty slick rock n’ roll EP oozing strutting flamboyance with just the right amount of whiskey soaked brawn. Title track ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ kicks off the EP, It is bluesy and soulful with a sensual sway -like tempo and steamy guitar licks. Raspy vocals add a warm texture to the track while piano elements add a classy jazzy quality. It builds to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals. It’s sultry and sensually smooth while maintaining a raw edge. ‘So Serene’ is a Led Zeppelin – esque riff driven track. With a strutting striding pace, catchy melody and slick guitar exuding panache, it’s true red blooded rock n’ roll. ‘Are You Watching Me?’ rushes through with blusterous rapid blurry instrumentation which cools and separates out into a funky groove for the chorus. A little frenzied and manic the track becomes more heavy and psychedelic with strong bass strides and sharp guitar licks. It takes a trance-like hallucinogenic form with just the pounding beat becoming the constant as spiralling guitars create chaos. ‘Lose It On The Second Turn’ re introduces a jazzy Jerry Lee Lewis piano feature and distorted riff. With a clap along feature it’s a shimmy and shake blended with mosh elements. A thrilling guitar solo shrills with sublime sharpness it’s air guitar worthy and superb. ‘Stop My Heart Dead’ finishes the album with Makers golden rock and roll swagger filled sound. With a stomping beat and body grooving rhythm teamed with slick nimble guitar and infectious melody. These guys do cool and soul with powerful punk punches well, mix that with booze soaked riffs and bluesy elements ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ is another knock out EP from Maker.

Watch the teaser video for the EP on their facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/videos/10155755309187240/

 


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Behold The Brave ‘Great American Challenge’

Nashville based band Behold The Brave have released their new single ‘Great American Challenge’.This blistering indie  track oozes edgy raw gritty rock smeared in sleazy dragging rhythm and sweat and leather swagger. Slick shredding guitars crash with fuzz fueled euphoria while punchy drums beat with bruising fierceness. It’s a strutting gloat and prance of panache with dynamic raspy expressive vocals and shrilling distorted guitar screeches interjecting the melody. A mosh worthy chorus and fiery instrumentation create a sweltering red hot rock track that is worthy of repeat listens.

Stream ‘Great American Challenge’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Ego Kill Talent ‘My Own Deceiver’

 

Brazilian rock band Ego Kill Talent have released their new single ‘My Own Deceiver’.The band is comprised of members Theo Van Der Loo (guitar/bass), Jean Dolabella (drums/guitar), Jonathan Correa (vocal), Niper Boaventura (guitar/bass) and Raphael Miranda (drums/bass). On the road since 2014 the band’s name comes from the famous saying “Too Much Ego Will Kill Your Talent”. They have gained great exposure in South America playing in festivals such as Lollapalooza, Maximus and Planeta Atlantida. Most recently they performed at Download Festival in France and later this year they are confirmed to play in Rock In Rio Brazil.

‘My Own Deceiver’ is a grunge soaked rock track that travels full throttle blasting your ears with heavy mosh ready sounds. Shredding vigorous guitars and pulverizing drums pelt out the mighty track while raspy powerful vocals flood the song  with swagger filled attitude.This mighty brawny assault to the senses is plastered with gritty riffs and bulky basslines under a catchy melody and snappy rhythm. It’s headbang worthy and fierce while holding sensual elastic elements that give it a slick polished effect.

Stream ‘My Own Deceiver’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Delphina Kings 

Manchester-based alternative trio Delphina Kings have released their new single ‘Kid Calm Down’.It’s a blistering indie track soaked in vibrant explosive energy. Smouldering verses add a sultry swagger while the anthemic chorus bursts with infectious dynamic intensity. Rooted elastic basslines keep a hip shaking sensuality to the track while crashing guitars and punchy drums add an eruptive heavy gritty wallop. Brimming with adrenaline and thrilling distortion this track is a rush of blood to the head. With a raw edgy feel while also maintaining a cool polished sleekness this track is on fire. Delphina Kings are ones to watch.

Stream ‘Kid Calm Down’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Stalker Miller ‘Tearaway’

After a long but rewarding writing and recording process, five piece rock band Stalker Miller have released their debut single ‘Tearaway’.Named after the bass player’s great uncle, the foursome formed on a campsite overlooking the English Channel. Taking influence from an eclectic range of artists including Arcade Fire, Sonic Youth and Janes Addiction, Stalker Miller aim to tell stories of local characters and beyond through their songs.
‘Tearaway’ is a melodic indie rock track that takes the listener on a journey through moods and expression. With eerie vocals layered on top of a slightly psychedelic bassline, it’s spine chilling and somewhat obscure. The track builds as it progresses becoming heavier with crashing striking guitars and punchy drums. Light guitar twinkles weave in and out of the verses adding a multi dimension and bright scintillation while the chilling vocals and gritty heavy sounds contrast with darker more aggressive tones. This track is compelling and mighty constantly twisting in unexpected directions, a strong debut from Stalker Miller.

Stream ‘Tearaway’ below


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

A Weekend Away Debut EP

Limerick band A Weekend Away have released their debut EP. The band jumped onto the music scene during the Spring of 2013. Initially with six members, they were praised for mixing jaw dropping punk sound with indie and blues influenced rhythm and lead guitar. With the assistance of Music Generation Limerick, they thrived for 2 years regularly playing in venues such as Dolan’s pub, Cobblestone Joes and the Limetree Theatre, creating an impressive portfolio of tracks in the process. Following a line up change in 2016 and the edition of singer/songwriter, Peader Storey the now five piece, started thriving with their newly released single ‘Parseltongue’ being praised for its punchy riffs and catchy chorus. Following a packed out headline show at the Kasbah Social Club, and supporting Blaming Hannah at The Kino, A Weekend Away won the University of Limerick Battle of the Bands and supported ALL TVVINS. The five piece consisting of members Peader Storey (Frontman), Patrick O’Donnell ( Lead guitar), Peter Corbett (Bass), Jacob Woulfe (Rhythm Guitar) and Evan Berry(Drums) have now released their debut self titled EP which contains six tracks recorded by Mike Gavin (Even Audio), Tony Monaghan (Music Gen) and Ciaran Woulfe (Woulfe) and mastered by Richard Dowling of WAV Mastering.

The bluesy soaked ‘Haze’ kicks off the EP. It’s slick and oiled in sensual bass slapping against shredding sharp guitars and punchy drums. Raw, edgy and drenched in attitude this track hits the spot for gritty bluesy rock. It’s vigorous while remaining slick and cool. With passion filled vocals and the thrilling shrill on guitar it’s a dark tinged wallop of their organic sound. ‘Parseltongue’ blends dark eerie tones for the verse with the summer tinged bright vibes of the catchy chorus. With a pop tinted melody blasting out on crashing guitar strides and elastic bounce on bass it’s snappy gritty while smudged in light bright tones. Exuding a youthful vibe with soft mosh elements this track is a catchy radio friendly tune with some sweet guitar moments. ‘Phone Home’ has a The Fray feel, it’s an emotional hard hitting melodic track with a delicate melody packed with passionate vocals and gentle little twinkles on guitar. Vocal harmonies are tight and the track becomes slightly heavier instrumentally for the massive dramatic crescendo. It really packs an emotional mighty blow you can imagine it accompanying a tender or heartbreaking scene in a movie or T.V. series. It’s quite beautiful and tear jerking. If you feel nothing while listening to this song you’re probably dead inside. ‘Going Down’ brings back the dirty gritty heavy rock. With fuzzed guitars heavy moshing is guaranteed, as vigorous guitars blast across a foundation of pounding drums and dynamic vocals. ‘Free of the Land’ brings us a snapping sleazy rapid rock and roll rhythm and  scuzzy stained guitars. With vocals that exude swagger and attitude it’s a finger clicking dark blast of eerie entrapment. It’s a cocky display of brashness but tastefully displayed. ‘Terminal Blues’ closes the EP with the return of the bands bluesy signature sound. With a swing like strut and wiggle tempo once again it’s slick and sharp with thrilling heavy mosh ready elements.

A Weekend Away have produced a raucous raw EP that has all the gritty elements of rock while polishing it up a little and soothing the frenzy with pop tinged melodies and a bit of heartwarming emotion thrown in. A strong debut from the Limerick quintet.

Stream the EP below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Swedish Death Candy ‘Oh My’

Swedish Death Candy have released their blistering new single ‘Oh My’.Band members Louis Perry (Vocals / Guitar),Francesco Codardo (Guitar / Backing Vocals), Jiwoon Whang (Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals) and Marco Ninni (Drums) are a clashing combination of cultures, boasting members from Italy, South Korea and Britain but they call London their base. The four piece create a heavy blues sound dowsed in heavier psych and its ridiculously good.
‘Oh My’ is a cut throat blast of thrilling psych-pop. It creeps in like an assassin with an innocent organ jangle only to blast you with the most lush rich riveting burst of gritty bluesy riffs distorted over punchy drums and spaced out trippy soundscapes. With a sweet delicate melody, velvety Tame Impala- esque vocals and dense psychedelic swirls it’s a brutal bash of hair raising noise that is euphoric and a mind bending electrifying experience. These guys know what they are doing- slick, tight, red hot sounds smothered with enough distortion and sultry guitar riffs chilled with psychedelic bliss, it’s a crafted work of genius. These guys are fast becoming one of my favourite bands out there at the moment.

Stream ‘Oh My’ below