Category Archives: Alt Rock

Indie Buddie Introducing : The Hemingways

The Hemingways are a five piece rock band from London. Consisting of Louis Takooree, James Burrage, Ben Butler, Jack Ames and Noah Henry.  Despite mostly still being in their teens, some members have been playing together for close to 10 years resulting in a musical chemistry not expected from a band of their age. Their debut single ‘Never Alone’, produced with Tom Donovon (Monster Florence, Animal Noise) is now available to stream on Soundcloud and will be officially released on all other platforms May 1st.
‘Never Alone’ is a catchy energetic track, invigorated with plenty of scuzzy elements to add a gravelly raw texture. Its infectious light anthemic melody keeps the track fun while sharp guitars and mighty drums keep it endearing enough to pack a punch. Raspy powerful vocals are reminiscent of a good classic rock track, full of emotion and wallop. Zealous guitar flickers in and out with feathery light nimbility and sizzling intensity while this mighty track explodes into an arena worthy feverish chorus. The Hemingways have created a blistering track that introduces them in a blaze of fire onto the scene. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Stream ‘Never Alone’ below


Motions ‘All I’ve Ever Known’

Dublin alternative rock band Motions have released their new single ‘All I’ve Ever Known’. The band was formed by Tom Daly and Dave Nulty in late 2015. They create a sound with powerful vocals accompanied by minimalist textures and driving guitars, their sound ranges from shimmering soundscapes to anthemic rock. 2016 saw the release of their well received debut single ‘Back To Where I Begun’. The band have been drawing attention worldwide with major industry interest in the UK and US.
‘All I’ve Ever Known’ is a tender gradually building track. Drenched in haunting tones and driven by a strong stabbing beat that rumbles and bubbles in the background building and growing in intensity as the track progresses into a breathtaking burst. Subtle instrumentation creates a magical almost eerie soundscape right up to the explosive crescendo which acts like an overwhelming rush of blood to the head. ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ is raw and tender with delicate emotional moments that are suppressed or muted and build into a dynamic explosive  release.
Stream ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ below


Sonera ‘Claustro’

Four piece Alternative Rock band from Ireland Sonera, (formally Beautiful Corruption) have released their new single ‘Claustro’. Band members Oisin Wolfe, James Brown, Simon Cooke and Rory Cooper have raised the playing field with this new blistering track.

‘Claustro’ is a sultry dark alternative  track warped with dizzying distortion and a mighty anthemic chorus. The rapid flex of drums laden with scorching guitar riffs against a sticky elastic bass line gives the track rich layers and sweltering tones. It exudes smoldering confidence and panache while smothered in cool chilling vibes. Teasing verses hold intensity and eerie spine chilling suspense before the mosh worthy powerful chorus bursts in with explosive energy. A sublime razor sharp guitar solo finishes their track with a piercing thrilling buzz. Sonera have taken on a new slick mature sound with hints of psychedelia to tranquilize their subtle knock out punch. Along with the new name Sonera have honed in on their sound and tightened it up and ‘Claustro’ is the fine result. Take these guys seriously they have some talent.

Sonera will be embarking on an Irish tour soon with an EP on the horizon as well, you can catch them live at

29 April, Central Arts, Waterford

30 April, Murphys, Thomastown

Stream ‘Claustro’ below

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Factory

Rock and Roll four piece Factory have released their new single ‘Step A Little Closer’. The band consists of members James Shelley (Lead vocals/Guitar), Karl Richardson (Vocals/Lead Guitar, Tony Dainteth (Vocals/Bass Guitar) and Benjamin Worrall (Drums/Percussion). They have played countless gigs and festivals up and down the country at venues like the Queens Hall and The Cavern as well as packing out venues in their home town. The band are no strangers to big stages, playing academies and theatres such as the Epstein Theatre and the Brindley. They were also chosen by Alan McGee (Creation Records) to open up at the British Sound Project for Primal Scream at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.
‘Step A Little Closer’ is a swagger soaked rock and roll doozy, infusing swinging 60’s blues with the razor sharp edge of modern rock. Dripping in panache with slick splintery guitar and shimmying percussion its an infectious blistering triumph. This high energy track builds in intensity right up to the sultry steamy bridge which slows the tone to a hip swaying sensual psychedelic trip. Punchy drums and dynamic powerful vocals give the track a rugged texture and a Jagger strut vibe. These guys have crafted a staggeringly good hair raising track that is definitely worth a listen.
Stream ‘Step A Little Closer’ below

 

https://soundcloud.com/factorybandruncornliverpool/step-a-little-closer

 


Little Triggers ‘Silly Cigarettes’

The four-piece rock ‘n’ roll outfit, Little Triggers, have released their latest offering, ‘Silly Cigarettes’. Band members Thomas Hamilton Hughes (vocals, guitar), Chris Carragher (bass), James Crawford (keyboard, backing vocals), Sam Gallacher (drums) slow things down with this emotionally powerful track. This slow burner nonchalantly reels you in showcasing their musical finesse and ability to hold the listeners attention. Lavish shredding guitar elements add a slick swagger while Thomas Hamilton-Hughes’ vocals add intensity and and emotional gut wrenching punch. The track builds for the chorus becoming passionate and mighty while still maintaining a tender delicate approach. Little Triggers show us there is depth to their musical inventory. They are definitely fast becoming one of my favourite bands out there at the moment. Watch out for these guys they are going to sky rocket to the top.

Stream ‘Silly Cigarettes’ below


The Raise ‘Chasing Time’ Album

The Raise are a three piece British rock band who are set to release their newest album ‘Chasing Time’ on the 22nd of April. Comprised of band members Rob Elton (guitars and lead vocals), Nick Gunn (bass guitar, guitar and backing vocals), and Nige Masters (drums, percussion and backing vocals). For a small band of only three members, ‘The Raise’ certainly create a big sound. The album features melodic songs, lush vocal harmonies, and massive  guitar riffs. ‘Chasing Time’ was written, performed, recorded, engineered and produced by the band themselves and throughout the recording process their aim was to keep the tracks as close to the live version as possible.

From the hefty riff driven start of ‘Inside’ The Raise display their slick beefy and sultry smooth rock. Featuring punchy drums and nimble shredding wailing guitar solos teamed with brawny flexible bass these guys create catchy tunes that pack a mighty punch. Each track flows effortlessly into the next from slower tempo ‘Live The Dream’ to steamy ‘Reel To Reel’. Packed with catchy chorus’ and trippy flashes of distortion glimmering in and out between mighty rhythm and sensual riffs The Raise add hints of diversity amongst their catalog. Loaded with proficient guitar work each track boasts their skills of refined riff and lick creations. The swagger infused ‘Rock Her World’ displays their funky side soaked in anthemic might while holding a sensual groove. ‘The Game’ takes the roll of the slow jam, emotional and soft yet backed by a mighty raw chorus and bright jingle on guitar. ‘Take Me If You Dare’ closes the album with headbang worthy might that’s mosh pit ready.  The Raise have created a solid album with hints of fluctuating musical hues that are compelling.

When asked about the album the band said:

“The album was influenced by the concept of our constant search for more time and freedom to do the things we really love to do. “The Raise is a project that allows us to play the music we love and say what we want to say about this crazy world we live in.”

‘Chasing Time’  is set to be released on 22nd April 2017 and will be available via all major media providers. More information about The Raise can be found via their social media pages or official website here http://www.theraise.co.uk/

 

 

 


The Revellions ‘False Hope’

The Revellions are a six piece band of misfits based in Dublin city that play a mixed sound of Garage Surf Rock with a side order of psychedelic music. Band members James Lister (Lead Vocals & Guitar) . Sean Adderley (Guitar). Edward Ãspel (Guitar & Backing Vocals). Juan Castilla ( Bass Guitar). Anna Mulhbach (Keys & Backing Vocals) and Mick Smith (Drums) have been taking their sound to the next level following their two well known albums “The Revellions” and “Give it Time”, being promoted by several successful tours in Germany, France, United Kingdom, Norway and Spain. The band is currently working on the final stages of their forthcoming 3rd album. Courtesy of Mersol Music Label The Revellions are also releasing a New Single for Record Store Day on April 22nd 2017 and will be having a launch party for that in the Grand Social. The Single is called ‘False Hope’ and will be released on 7″ vinyl in a textured card sleeve with superb artwork done by Blanca Fons. We had a listen to the track along with its b side ‘Carrie Ann’ to get a taste of what’s to come from the third album.
‘False Hope’ is a trippy moment into luscious floaty soundscapes with almost triumphant little bursts throughout. Its a groove-based shimmy flooded with an overwhelming exhalation of cool sensual swagger and euphoric bliss. Its mind numbing psychedelia which crashes over you in waves of sound, pulling back and pushing forward, becoming stronger as the track progresses. Wobbly guitars create a prism of thrilling distortion while punchy drums and elastic bass lure you into the inner depths of the track. Peppy and full of sultry tones its a steamy boogie that is insanely catchy and compelling while intense raspy vocals add grit and fight to the swirling enigma. The track builds to an intense dizzying crescendo bursting with life and energy before the final mighty chorus. ‘False Hope’ is tightly bound and well crafted creating a trippy bubble and a staggeringly good display from The Revellions.
‘Carrie Ann’ is a vibrant swagger filled strut of joy. Its a confidence-building ball of fire. Nimble slick guitar adds elation and oomph while the rapid spring of percussion lifts the track into a state of buzz filled exhilaration. Raspy vocals give us a rough and tumble quality while exceptional keys bring us depth and rich textures. Its an all round pleaser. ‘Carrie Ann’ is superbly layered and soaked in panache with a strut- like prance, its a blistering charmer. Soft lull of backing vocals adds an elevated feel to the track while instrumentally the track explodes with an illustrious blase.
The Revellions new album will see the light at the end of 2017 as the band has already started to showcase the new songs across the core venues of garage rock music in Dublin city and a tour over in Spain. These guys are ones to keep and eye out for.
You can catch them live at The Grand Social, Dublin 22nd April we’ll be there and it promises to be one hell of a show.
Follow The Revellions on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/therevellions/

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Glass Caves

 

Glass Caves have released their new single ‘Swim’ through Scruff of the Neck. With Glass Caves beginning life by busking in their favourite cities, their name rapidly spread across the country, and the band were beginning to turn heads as one of the best live acts around. The Pontefract four-piece soon enjoyed a shift from stopping shoppers in their tracks, to snagging major festival slots and selling-out sought-after venues nationwide. A headline Club NME show at London’s KOKO, Isle of Wight Festival, and Reading & Leeds appearances are just a handful of places Glass Caves have stopped-off on their journey so far.Aside from their rock-solid live reputation, Glass Caves were rewarded with impressive success for their self-funded debut ‘Alive’. In a world of dwindling record sales and chart discourse, the album made Record Store Day’s Top 40 at the time of release. It was a taste of things to come – with the band sitting comfortably alongside arena giants Arctic Monkeys and Led Zeppelin. Now Glass Caves have returned with their new single ‘Swim’.

‘Swim’ is a tremendous towering mighty track. This stadium ready anthem is packed with tribal beats and a soaring catchy chorus. Its made for colossal crowds swaying and bellowing out the “oh oh” chorus. Brimming with fist pumping energy its that track that makes you sit up and listen, while gathering a massive crowd together as one. Matthew Hallas’ highly emotive vocals brings the track into that limitless intensity and strength while sparkling jingling guitar adds flashes of light and luminosity to the track. Glass Caves’ sky-high ambition remains clear to see, as they begin to adopt a more reserved and elegant approach to song-writing while also showcasing a solid ability to produce a powerhouse track that towers above all.

Watch the video for ‘Swim’ below


Wolf Dagger ‘Year Of The Wolf’ EP

Wolf Dagger is a three piece rock n roll band from the city of Cape Town. All three members of the band have been actively involved in the music scene for numerous years playing in different bands. They built a fan base from playing all over Cape Town, touching audiences with their enthusiastic live performances, work ethic and passion for the industry. The members are Etienne Fourie on drums , Anthony De Jonah on  bass guitar and vocals and Tertius Scheepers on guitar. The band have released their EP ‘Year Of The Wolf’ which was followed by a national tour.

‘Year Of The Wolf’ is a gritty punch in the mouth of Wolf Daggers ruckus causing rock teamed with sensual snappy riffs and a whole lot of energy. The bluesy teasing intro gives us a swagger infused slick taste of whats to come from the EP. Slow heavy rhythm drops and thuds while intensity is built on a sultry guitar lick. ‘Let Loose’ wallops us into their fantastic manic high energy sound. Ablaze with blistering guitars and punchy drums its a manic mosh pit ready tune. With the catchy chorus and shredding guitar solo its instantly likable. ‘Come At Me Now’ slows the tone a little with sharp flickers on zealous guitar and punchy drums. The track builds becoming heavier for the chorus while the guitar shows off with steamy lavish licks. ‘Higher’ is a riff driven headbanger. Once again Wolf Dagger display their instrumentally tight gritty sound where for me the guitar display is the key. This track builds in intensity to a feverish sweaty frenzy that i’m sure is epic live. Title track Year Of The Wolf’ follows next. Its a hip swinging groovy track drenched in sleazy swagger and brawn. With dark tones and lustful howls this track is slick and rough and ready. There Was A Time finishes the EP with sunny cruising vibes. Its “laid back beer in hand good times”, with of course the added punch for the chorus. Pummeling drums add a mighty fury and brawn to the track while the effortlessly cool guitar struts in with panache and charm.

‘Year Of The Wolf’ is a solid EP from Wolf Dagger with all the components to make an epic live show so make sure to check these guys out.

 

You can get the ‘Year Of The Wolf’ EP here https://wolfdagger.bandcamp.com/album/year-of-the-wolf


Odd Couple ‘Am I Evil’

Our favourite new garage-rock duo Tammo Dehn and Jascha Kreft from Odd Couple have released their new single Am I Evil’. This follows their previous banger ‘Gone Solid’ which we featured on Indie Buddie last month. Both tracks feature on their debut album ‘Flügge’ which is due for release later this month.

‘Am I Evil’ is a fatal blast of ruthlessly sleek infectious garage rock that effortlessly drifts from slinky and groovy to head banging mania. Mind blowing and blissfully obscure this duo know what they are doing as they present us with a septic jaunt back to a time when things weren’t so mercilessly sanitised and lobotomised. Dirty gritty riffs forcefully hook you into their villainous prowl while Odd Couple question their unhealthiest and most intrusive thoughts. Mighty pulverising drums bring the track to that powerful brawny punch and mosh worthy frenzy. With western cowboy-like guitar interjections and incredibly slick guitar licks, Odd Couple gives you mind numbing thrilling opaque fierceness that holds a slithery retro sleekness. It’s sultry silky and packs a mighty punch all while having a retro tint and brutish swagger. These guys are ones to watch.

Stream ‘Am I Evil’ below