Energetic Rock band The Heart Vandals are releasing their first official single ‘Fade Away’ independently this Friday February 24th.The four piece is made up of members Niki Pollock,Paddy Walsh,Eanna McNulty and Aaron McGloin. Their debut single ‘Fade Away’ is a beaming delight of catchy rock drizzled with bright luminous vibes. Dazzling lustrous guitar strides through the track with a melancholic sweet melody. The soft enduring bounce on drums adds a lively spring while the luscious soaring backing vocals add height and elevation giving a floaty aerial vibe while the smooth swagger infused vocals add a slick quality to the track. For a debut this track is well formed and polished with cruising fluidity. The nectarous heavy-hearted melody makes the track instantly likeable and warm. Its bubbly rock that maintains a raw sharp edge.
The Heart Vandals are currently in the middle of an Irish support tour with Derry’s One Man Town their next stop is Caboose Club, Donegal on 24th February so if your around make sure to check them out.
London-based duo Ten Fé have released their much anticipated debut album ‘Hit The Light’.Recorded in Berlin, Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan’s stunning debut is an album to get lost in. The duo effortlessly blend blissful soft rock with psychedelic electronic rock ’n’ roll creating an album where each track warrants its place and has its own identity on the album while gliding fluidly into the next track. ‘Overflow’ kicks the album off with sweet nostalgia. Moorhouse’s warm mellow baritone soothes and cushions the listener from the bittersweet sentimental drenched track. It becomes instantly obvious these guys have a knack for irresistible melodies that lull in the back of your mind portraying perhaps harsh sombre tones but with a grace and a delicacy that is just beautiful. With longing tapping synths, lush harmonies and rich layered echo textures Ten Fé begin to introduce us to their enthralling sound that will transport you to a mind numbing journey into a swirling world of emotions. ‘Turn’ follows dripping in sonic 80’s infused soft rock, Duncan mourns a strained relationship.Its wistful with an afflicted tone but by no means doleful. Psychedelic “wah wah” on guitar ripples through the track like a wobbly warping mirage while the soft beat peps the track up adding a lively bouncy effect. Lush harmonies are what these guy do effortlessly and it adds such a rich elegance to the track especially when teamed with a mind melting melody.
Moorhouse takes on lead vocals on the dreamy ‘Elodie’. I must confess my favourite track on the album, ‘Elodie’ is the kind of track that you fall in love with. It reduces you to a liquid substance and really shows off the duos fine musicianship. The rich, daydream tone on vocals coo and lull with lavish qualities. Its heart on your sleeve raw emotion, tender and sweet yet radiating bright vibes. With yearning lyrics and lamenting “sigh-like” backing vocals, it swoons you into a bubble of nostalgic dreaminess. The rolling piano refrain creates a swan-like elegance while the steady tempo, warm feelings and heavenly melody make this track a perfect treasure. ‘Twist Your Arm’ flurries with loose floaty ecstasy featuring a propulsive strong beat and elastic bass teamed with a stinging slide guitar. The swirling electronics chilled with breezy natural tones add a psychedelic feel. The track builds into a massive full bodied chorus with hand clapping, swaying and almost Gospel- like crescendo. With smooth vocals reaching to a dynamic falsetto this track is dynamite. ‘Another Way’ is summer in a bottle. Open roads sunshine relax and chill. Limber dainty guitar adds to the bright luminous vibe while the washed-out keys flood the track with cool relaxed tones. Its mind easing bliss with falsetto vocals and rich harmonies creating the perfect backdrop to just let everything go. ‘In The Air’ jogs along again displaying Ten Fé’s knack for ear-worm indie pop. Zesty bright guitars interplay with a steady consistent beat while Moorhouse and Duncan’s vocal harmonies intertwine. Its effortless cool melody and vocals give the track a mellow bright free vibe. ‘Don’t Forget’ brings us a beat driven track with a darker tone. Flashes of sharp guitar add piercing scintillation to the track while soft backing vocals echo. The track becomes more electronically heavy as it progresses building to almost an 80’s rock balled classic. Its all fist pumping vibes by the shredding guitar solo. ‘Follow’ another delightful melodic banger. Smothered in uplifting vibes with nostalgic undertones and gentle vocals. With wistful synth swirls, its tear jerking stuff that still makes you feel good. ‘Make Me Better’ blast us with strings, sticky snappy beats and a The Verve vibe mixed with Roy Orbison-esque elements. Its dark dramatic and fantastically sharp.Its a rush of blood churning with bubbling emotions and flashes of blazing synths.Epic orchestral peaks create an anthemic explosion while a calm steady bassline grounds the track adding depth. Its larger than life and immense yet majestic. You will have stuck song syndrome with that hook on strings it will be in your head all day. ‘Burst’ bops with hopeful vitality. The use of reverb changes the track that would perhaps have been more country into a fusion with psychedelic trippy electronics. Its catchy fun and lively and twangs in all the right places.
Our journey with Ten Fé comes to and end with the tender emotional ‘July Rain’. Rich percussion perfectly placed throbs and kicks with a stomping beat.Light pitter patter adds a rain like quality while a beautiful piano feature adds grace and elegance to this emotional track. This duo are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve and its beautiful aching tracks like ‘July Rain’ that come to fruition because of this. Delicate backing vocals heighten the emotional vocals and raw lyrics. This stunning track brings the album to a heart wrenching yet satisfying end.
Ten Fé compiled a combination of impeccable songs that are a treasure. Each track flows perfectly into the next. Its an emotional journey that the band take you on with them. Giving a personal experience to every listener that makes you hold the album close to your heart. As expected Ten Fé knocked it out of the park with catchy melodies and well crafted musicianship, ‘Hit The Light’ is what we expected and more, majestic personal and larger than life.
Stream ‘Hit The Light’ below
Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, have announced details of a second single release, ‘The Last Transmission’ which will be released on February 23 2017. The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of friends and fellow musicians ‘The Last Transmission’ is the follow up to their debut single release ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil’ which was released in November last year, receiving significant airplay both in Ireland and internationally, particularly in the UK, USA, France, Canada and The Mauritius. ‘The Last Transmission’ is a flaming burst of raw rock ignited with shredding guitars mighty percussion and sublime soaring synths. The track is jam packed and richly layered showcasing fine musicianship from theses guys. Perfectly placed reverb brings the track to red hot intensity as it scorches all in its path while the cool effortless yet dynamic vocals cool the track slightly. The guitars pierce through with an electrifying blood-tingling shrill. Instrumentally deep and luxurious ‘The Last Transmission’ is a rip-roaring sonic seizure blazing from start to finish swooping you into a whirlwind of high powered vivacious instrumentation and a blistering intricate production that boasts the talent and craftsmanship of The Grey Merchant.
The Grey Merchant are currently in the studio putting the final touches to their debut long-player release which is expected sometime in the late spring of 2017 so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘The Last Transmission’ below
Toronto Rock n Roll band Mad Ones have released their new single ‘End of You’.This new track is the first off their upcoming full length ‘Regretless’ which is out on March 3rd.In the beginning, the band started out as a duo and they put out their first three records that way. They toured the last album as a trio and it worked out so well that they decided to go into the studio together as a three piece and ‘Regretless’ is the result. ‘End Of You’ is a springy rubber ball bursting with exuberant bouncy percussion and lush cheerful harmonies.The infectious peppy melody is satisfyingly joyful, its packed with feet shuffling dance evoking goodness. Sharp edgy guitar adds an uplifting vitality to the track that makes you want to get up and dance. When asked about the track the band said: “is an existential meltdown played out over the course of a 3 minute rock song. Initially it was set during the industrial revolution and written from the viewpoint of someone contemplating the value of human life and likely speculating on the existence of an afterlife. The song is also appropriately suited to the recent rise of right wing populism in the US, the strength of the opposition to it and the sinking feeling we are, as a species, doomed to repeat our mistakes”.
Right after release Mad Ones are taking off from Toronto and touring with their new lineup in Europe. For all live dates check out their website here http://www.madones.ca/
Stream ‘End Of You’ below
Dreamy indie rock band Stereo Honey have released their new track ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’. The band consists of Peter Restrick (Vocals and Guitar), Nicky Boiardi (Guitars and Keys), Ben Edwards (Bass), and Jake Black (Drums) they have all been playing together in various bands for a few years until they started Stereo Honey about a year ago. The four piece recorded the track at Kensaltown Studios with Eduardo de la Paz. ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ is a gripping melodically mournful track which displays a band gifted at writing melodies and creating an atmosphere that completely encapsulates the listener in their crafted melodious world. Instantly Restrick’s vocals stand out with his Matt Bellamy-esque wailing but a bit more like Conor Mason from Nothing But Thieves. With insane clear crisp falsetto Restrick is fantastic at holding and controlling these massive notes for the chorus while softening to a soft coo almost whisper for the eerie spine tingling verse.Its punchy and strong with wispy breezy synths creating a haunting dark atmosphere swirling with twisting confusion. Bubbling bass and winding keys add a grip of anxiety while the explosive crescendo creates a rush of panic.Shredding distorted guitars bring a raw energy and intensity to the track. ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ is extremely emotive with a shadowy dark presence as the swoony high register on vocals holds the song’s forefront. Its clear that Stereo Honey are passionate about their craft, which makes for great listening. When asked about the track the band said “Where No One Knows Your Name’ is a song about mental illness. Peter wrote the lyrics trying to get to grips with the interiority you feel when suffering with anxiety. Essentially, the song is about retreating inside of your own head when the world outside feels hostile and overwhelming. We tried to write the track in a way that emulates the rush of a panic attack, by moving from the steadiness of the verses into sudden, explosive choruses”
Stream ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ below
Offering ear-bleeding rock, raw and unprecedented talent Fangclub descend on Whelan’s Dublin with support from Vulpynes and Long Tail.The garage rock trio assured us last time we met them that their live shows were epic and so naturally we had to check this bold claim out for ourselves. Vulpynes kicked things off to a fiery start with ‘Sublingual’ they blast the timid crowd with bloodthirsty blustery rock. This duo take no prisoners as Kaz’s drumming ruthlessly pummels through each track while Maeve’s strong fierce vocals resounds over the ruckus like a powerhouse. The beefy depth on guitar and shattering distortion adds a dark lusty gritty texture. They roared through the set with tracks like ‘Bitches are like Waves’ and ‘Break off the Legs’ Vulpynes are not ones to be messed with. This is music for bruised, battered moshing unfortunately a lot of the audience were too timid for the mania however they warmed up as the set progressed. Belting out the single ‘Terry Said’ Vulpynes take the track to a red blooded hair flying all over the place mania. But it was new track ‘Can’t Sit Still’ that showed that this band is destined for big things and are more than capable of holding their own. The track gave me a Jack White ‘Lazaretto’ vibe with an awesome bridge change up. Its one to look out for. Finishing their set with ‘OCD’ Vulpynes rattled the bones off the bashful crowd, warming them up and filling them with dynamic maniacal energy for the acts to come.
An utterly absorbing set follows from Long Tail as they draw the crowd nearer with ‘Waiting’. Displaying a heavier sound live and some snazzy guitar changes. The bright bubbly tracks smothered in positive upbeat tones take a punchy more aggressive role instrumentally while Ed’s vocals and lyrics still flood with dreamy cool motivational vibes. Filling the crowd with go for it attitude the band are met with a comical stage invasion as a member of the crowd jumps on stage and wiggles around like a dizzy lone ranger only to fail in attempt to crowd surf but that didn’t stop him from trying again. Long Tail display a slick tight performance and exude a comfortable swagger on stage that draws the crowd in. ‘Our Star’ and ‘Better Way’ displays glossy melodious riffs with Steve’s elastic bass teamed with Ronan’s punchy drums these guys make performing look easy. The crowd reacts well to each track as Ed banters back and forth a little and seems to sweet talk the crowd into bopping along. Even Indie Buddie gets a nice shout out. Their set finished with the single ‘Your Time’ this peppy anthem sums up the radiant glow and vibrant burst of energy all the tracks on their set possess. Fangclub take to the stage with an undeniable confidence and breakneck momentum. Swarming into tracks like ‘Psycho’ and the feverish ‘Dreamcatcher’ they leave the crowd in awe and eager to engage in neck snapping frenzy. Steven, Kevin and Dara display electrifying energy that had every one engaged jumping and moshing as they unleashed their explosive sound completed with flashing lights. The rapid pacing percussion is frenzied and boisterous as frontman Steven, croons with raspy gritty intensity giving tracks like ‘Loner’ and ‘Coma Happy’ an eerie spine chilling quality. These guys can put on a show with vigour and roaring enthusiasm getting the crowd jumping and moshing with raging mania. The entire set is professional, slick, fun and compelling to watch as distorted shrill on guitars add a thrilling deafening elation of ear splitting satisfaction. Finishing with an epic crowd surf as Steven jumps into the crowd and they lift him like a heroic champion. What a kick ass performance. Whelan’s was left more than satisfied with the level of enthralling noise created by all three bands. Who said rock n roll is dead?
Bear Trap are a Punk Rock band from Manchester. Band members Callum (Guitar/Vocals), Matt (Bass/Vocals), Sam (Guitar), Dean (Drums) have released their first track ‘LENA, YOU’RE A MIRACLE’ which i’m told is “inspired by every shitty love movie that ever left you slightly feeling something”. Riding the wave of punchy punk Bear Trap explode with strident guitars pounding drums and animated chorus. Its vigorous yet melodic and bright all while belting out frenzy causing chaos. Its fast pace, to-the-point, and catchy sound certainly gets your foot tapping, puts a smile on your face, and echoes in your head. A good start for a fresh faced new band.
Bear Trap will start playing live shows from 25th March with a support slot at Zanzibar in Liverpool, followed shortly after with a spot at Lennons Bar in Liverpool. They are set to play Fab Cafe in Manchester on the 25th June.
You can follow Bear Trap on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/beartrapsuck
Snail Collectors is a project setup by Glasgow musician Nick Scroggie. His sound infuses elements of Experimental/rock and prog with cinematic visions in mind. He has released his new track ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’ taken from his four track EP of the same name which is all written, performed and recorded at home by Nick Scroggie. ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’ is an edgy dark brew of thick sticky beats slapping off murky fuzzed guitars and swirling opaque synths. The track pulses and crawls with an eerie haunting quality that is chilling and bewitching. Emotive vocals yearn and simmer with a smokey hazy smoulder. While the track bubbles and boils gaining momentum until it bursts with a blistering shrilling guitar solo. Insanely catchy and luring this track is riveting with irresistible haunting tones wriggling and twisting in a dark murky turpentine-like mixture.
PALMAS have released their new single ‘Floating In The Dark’. The track is the second single from their upcoming debut album due for release this year, it follows their captivating 2015 debut EP ‘To The Valley’. Band members Kurt Cain-Walther (vocals, organ), Matthew Young (guitar), Adam Cantiello (guitar), Eric Camarota (bass), and Pat Degan (drums) take their sweet indie surf sound to darker depths with this new single. ‘Floating In The Dark’ is a scorching desert western-like tune complete with a pistols and dawn scene and a tumble weed sweeping across a dusty road as the horns introduce the track with a sombre and almost seductive motif. The distant warm melody on guitar glistens with sweet melancholic tones giving a solitary atmosphere. The trumpet melody runs throughout the track teamed with galloping percussion like a horseback chase. Showing fine musician skills PALMAS arrange their track with delicate instrumentation that is layered with tight precision and care creating subtle multi textures. Crooning vocals sweeten the song while flooding it with sorrowful tones and a sway like fluidity. ‘Floating In The Dark’ oozes sweltering delusions of desert heat cooled by the creamy coo on vocals. It is definitely a darker shift away from the blissful sunny vibes of their ‘To The Valley’ EP looking forward to what their debut album will bring.
Stream ‘Floating In The Dark’ below.
Kilkenny alternative-indie five piece Neon Wolf have released their new single ‘Be American’. The band have played at many festivals such as Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions, as well as a main stage appearance at Longitude 2015. They have also supported The Courteeners, Alabama Shakes, The 1975, The Districts and Hudson Taylor in Belfast’s Mandela Hall and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. ‘Be American’ is about having hope in dark times and it is an insanely catchy mixture of 80’s pop and rock. Shimmering synths glisten and glitter with a blinding bright lustre that exudes intense heat and summer vibes. Soft vocals coax you gently into the infectious bop beat while the percussion shimmy and shake with enticing charm and charisma. The soothing lull on backing vocals is reassuring and calming while the melody is honey to the ears, so sweet and juicy you want to press repeat. This track is the essence of sunshine. With soaring vocals for the bridge its extremely uplifting and will put you instantly in a good mood and i’m not kidding the sun actually starting shining when I played this song first so it even has the suns approval. With Michael Jackson vibes and rich textures Neon Wolf open our minds to the hope of positivity ahead.
Watch ‘Be American’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
are not ones to be messed with. This is music for bruised, battered moshing unfortunately a lot of the audience were too timid for the mania however they warmed up as the set progressed. Belting out the single ‘Terry Said’ Vulpynes take the track to a red blooded hair flying all over the place mania. But it was new track ‘Can’t Sit Still’ that showed that this band is destined for big things and are more than capable of holding their own. The track gave me a Jack White ‘Lazaretto’ vibe with an awesome bridge change up. Its one to look out for. Finishing their set with ‘OCD’ Vulpynes rattled the bones off the bashful crowd, warming them up and filling them with dynamic maniacal energy for the acts to come.
band are met with a comical stage invasion as a member of the crowd jumps on stage and wiggles around like a dizzy lone ranger only to fail in attempt to crowd surf but that didn’t stop him from trying again. Long Tail display a slick tight performance and exude a comfortable swagger on stage that draws the crowd in. ‘Our Star’ and ‘Better Way’ displays glossy melodious riffs with Steve’s elastic bass teamed with Ronan’s punchy drums these guys make performing look easy. The crowd reacts well to each track as Ed banters back and forth a little and seems to sweet talk the crowd into bopping along. Even Indie Buddie gets a nice shout out. Their set finished with the single ‘Your Time’ this peppy anthem sums up the radiant glow and vibrant burst of energy all the tracks on their set possess.
boisterous as frontman Steven, croons with raspy gritty intensity giving tracks like ‘Loner’ and ‘Coma Happy’ an eerie spine chilling quality. These guys can put on a show with vigour and roaring enthusiasm getting the crowd jumping and moshing with raging mania. The entire set is professional, slick, fun and compelling to watch as distorted shrill on guitars add a thrilling deafening elation of ear splitting satisfaction. Finishing with an epic crowd surf as Steven jumps into the crowd and they lift him like a heroic champion. What a kick ass performance. Whelan’s was left more than satisfied with the level of enthralling noise created by all three bands. Who said rock n roll is dead?
