Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Orwells
Chicago punk rockers The Orwells released their new single ‘Black Francis’ which is taken from their third LP, ‘Terrible Human Beings’, due out Feb 17th. Its a sensational homage to one of alternative rock’s most influential icons, Pixies frontman Frank Black, aka Black Francis. ‘Black Francis’ is a strutting prance of flamboyance blasted with gritty boisterous frenzy causing rock. With ear splitting shrill on guitars to start teamed with pounding drums this track is instantly thrilling, spewing fireball energy from every note while maintaining effortless cool swagger and charisma. The heavy beefy riffs pierce through the chorus while the punchy drums cause epidemic dancing and mania. This track grooves with slick slinky infectious melodies that refuse to leave your head. Pounding through your skull with its summer vibe, gritty prance and flaunt this track is an instant hit and a must listen.
Watch the video for ‘Black Francis’ below
Its Saturday night and we have been invited to see Waterford band Anna-Liese rock the socks off the ever so cosy Bosco’s Café in Kilkenny. Having not seen the band since last year I was curious as to their progress and development. Casually beginning their set with a new tune the four piece showcase their naturally affluent knack for sweet toned slick riffs and melodies leaving no doubt there is talent behind these lads. Mark Walsh (Guitar/Vocals) and Emmet Conefery (Guitar/Vocals) effortlessly glide from infectious crushing heavy riffs to creamy melty licks while Sean Carey’s ductile Bass, like putty holds each track with a flexible elastic bounce. Eddy Blake’s Drums venture from hushed tap-tap-tap to rapid skin-pounding attacks for various tracks. They take a little time to warm up fully to the assemblage but before long they are bantering back and forth, blasting through tunes from their EP ‘Chasing and Fading’. Walsh’s vocals and writing style tends to steer more to a country or traditional style which adds a little depth and unique quirk to the bands alternative rock genre while Conefery’s vocal style adds a funky groovy quality. Most of the set is made up of tracks from the EP with a sneaky smattering of some new tunes which sound extremely promising as they showcase positive substantial and even sophisticated growth in their writing style and musicianship. Throwing in some covers here and there the foursome land a slick rendition of Talking Heads ‘Psycho Killer’. The heavier tracks like ‘Green’ perhaps deserving a larger venue never the less Anna-Liese take it in their stride and fulfil their promise for “loud hits and sweet rhythm” all in the comfort of this intimate charming Café.
Anna-Liese will be playing a few gigs in February and March in pubs across Waterford, Kilkenny and Cork, with two big events coming up in Cork, The CIT Battle of the Bands and a gig on the 11th March in the Bru Bar and Hostel. They will be heading back to the studio before the summer to record another 5 track EP. So keep an eye out and head down to see these guys.
Stream Anna-Liese EP ‘Chasing and Fading’ below
Val Cale are a four piece psyche-blues band from Leeds. The band has quickly made progress through the Leeds city gig scene, and are gaining a reputation for enthralling, atmospheric and groovy live performances. Band members Tom Lister (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar), Henry Smith (Rhythm Guitar / Backing Vocals), Shafiq Dufrene (Bass Guitar / Keys / Backing Vocals) and Sam Hamer ( Drums / Backing Vocals) have released their new track ‘Docile’ the fifth track from their upcoming EP ‘Black Stuff’ which will be released on the 1st February. ‘Docile’ is a dark eerie swirling mixture of thick sticky tar that lures you into its grip until you are stuck tight in its grasp. Raspy vocals coax with soft velvety textures while the seductive guitar licks entice like bait guiding you gently into the intoxicating psychedelic sound. Deep rooted bass slaps with a sensual slick quality adding a dark mysterious vibe to the track that is goosebump evoking.
You can download the EP ‘Black Stuff’ from 1st February at http://valcale.bandcamp.com/
Stream ‘Docile’ below
Stockport’s indie rock band KASHMERE have released their latest single ‘Porcelain’. Band members Joey (vocals & guitar), Charlie (lead guitar) Dave (bass guitar) and Andy (drums & vocals) have been creating a stir with slots at Tramlines, Blackthorn Festival, Glass Butter Beach, When in Manchester and last year had their first performance for This Feeling. The band released their long-awaited debut single ‘Blow Your Mind’ in June 2016 which was produced by Jim Spencer (Charlatans, New Order, The Cribs), and featured on BBC Introducing Manchester and BBC Radio 6 Music. The single was played over 100,000 times on Spotify in the first five months after its release. The four piece have now released their new single ‘Porcelain’which has been produced by Manchester-based Steven Griffiths and mastered by Peter Maher (The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Jack White). Laced in a labyrinth of melodic guitar riffs this track takes easy going indie to a new level. Appearing nonchalant and relaxed this track seeps in with a disguise and then slaps you with intricate weaving melodies teamed with a malleable rhythm. Sharp shrill of guitars adds an edge and sting to the track while Joey’s vocals remain cool and laid back letting the instrumentation carefully resound through your skull leaving you paralysed and in a state of awe.
Stream ‘Porcelain’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From D-Day
D-Day are a four piece band from Galway. The band was formed by brothers Darragh (lead guitar, lead vocals) and Keith Whyte (drums/ percussion) who joined forces with school friends Chris Breslin (bass, backing vocals) and Cathal Sweeney (rhythm guitar, backing vocals). This quartet burst onto the Irish music scene in 2012 supporting Thin Lizzy (Volvo Ocean Race Festival). Since then, ‘D-Day’ have been on a non-stop mission to introduce new audiences to their own alternative brand of rock ‘n’ roll sensibility. With a self-titled five track EP under their belt they’ve toured all around Ireland, lighting up the stage at the likes of Monroe’s Live, Fibber Magee’s and Róisín Dubh . Last year saw D-Day bring their hectic summer schedule to a fitting end with their debut show at Whelan’s and a performance for Philomena Lynott at ‘The Bash for Philo’.
We Have chosen their track ‘Misunderstood’ as our worth a listen track this week. ‘Misunderstood’ is an exhilarating indie anthem complete with the warm fuzzy nostalgia inducing vibes one gets listening to 60s style rock. This breathtaking elevating track is jam packed with scorching bright tones and a thrilling guitar riff that sizzles adding bright sunny vibes and optimistic cheer. The track exudes energy and zest while the powerful spirited vocals display exquisite emotion and passion that is spine tingling. The peppy beat bounces along with cheerful spring and a positivity that is reassuring and dynamic. Rich lush textures and luxurious hearty harmonies interweave and immerse between the dazzling musical motifs leaving you mesmerised by this fresh yet sentimentally familiar sound. Slick guitar licks give the track an instant charm and likeability oozing effortlessly cool swagger and electrifying panache. The track drives with red hot intensity coated in a sweet melancholic melody that is so thrilling and satisfying leaving you wanting to hear more. ‘Misunderstood’ proves to be a rousing showcase of D-Day’s talent and knack for arena worthy infectious feel good tunes with pretty slick proficient musicianship. These guys are ones to watch.
Watch the video for ‘Misunderstood’ below
Rat Face Lewey are an alt Rock brooding three piece that create adrenaline fuelled music oozing the sweet sent of ruckus causing punk teamed with the lawless anarchy of metal dripping in thick moody grunge. ‘Dead In The Ground’ was released in 2015 and it is the perfect expression of the bands frantic heavy sound. Punchy drums draw blood as they pound and pummel with mighty brawn while the shredding vigorous guitars create a storm of turmoil and riot causing energy. Its the perfect track for the sticky frantic mania of the mosh pit. With dark tones, gritty strong vocals and rapid tempo its easy to see this track would be massive live.
Rat Face Lewey have spent the better part of 2016 writing and fine tuning their adrenaline pumped sound in the rehearsal room. They will be travelling the UK in 2017 playing shows and recording new material in the same vein as their highly acclaimed singles ‘Dead in the Ground’ and ‘Digital Prison, so make sure to check out those tracks to get a taste of whats to come, these guys are ones to look out for in 2017.
Stream ‘Dead In The Ground’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Bay Rays.
Kent trio The Bay Rays have released their single ‘Satisfaction’ the title track to their forthcoming debut EP ‘Satisfaction’ which will be released in March via the band’s own label East Wing Records. The track is “about wanting to escape your social anxieties. You break down barriers, but then you don’t like the person you’re becoming”. Band members Harry Nicoll (lead singer/ guitarist), Anthus Davis (bassist) and Maxwell Oakley (drummer) give us a high powered animated ball of elastic intensity that keeps belting out fiery energy right to the end. Opening with the thrilling shrill of guitar sirens its a roaring triumph that demands to be blasted from your speakers. With swagger filled vocals and strutting elastic bass this track is a confidence building stride and flaunty prance to success. Punchy brawny drums pound through your skull with mighty dynamic intensity. With an infectious melody teamed with energetic instrumentation, The Bay Rays give us that room shaking body grooving track that is so satisfying and catchy you will be hooked craving more and more. Oh its so good you really need to have a listen.
Stream ‘Satisfaction’ below
Sundara Karma have released their debut album ‘Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect’. The quartet have been blasting out massive tunes and creating their own brand of sophisticated inventive tunes that capture youthfulness in all its glory, while showcasing intelligent musicianship with lyrical depth beyond their years. ‘Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect’ brightens up theses winter days and transports you to Sundara Karma’s world of fiery raging emotions and intense spirited tracks that evoke blazing hot summery sticky vibes and a hopeful bright atmosphere. ‘A Young Understanding’ kicks of the album with an overwhelming swarm of crashing percussion and a shredding riff that pierces and cuts with razor sharp sting. Lulu’s vibrant and charismatic vocals lifts you up and pulls you into every word. With darker deep undertones the complicated low times of youth is expressed to us in a fantastically anthemic way that only Sundara Karma can do so well. Featuring throbbing bass and swift tempo its a winner that will hook you into the album and keep you listening. ‘Loveblood’ follows with combustive energy bursting with crisp shrill and fizz on guitars that drive the track to victory. Teamed with explosive percussion this track shatters all in its path. Massive anthem arena worthy vibes and dynamic vocals, its a frenzy causing manic track that is made for the intensity of the pit at a live show. ‘Olympia’ which was our worth a listen track a few months ago, is the kind of track you fall in love with as it sweeps you off your feet and pulls out your heartache and joy-filled memories. Its melancholic-drenched melody, wrapped in anthemic adrenaline beckons you to sing along with sweet nostalgia. Lulu’s control of his powerful vocals is mesmerising as he adds a velvety smooth quality that is soothing and touching while capturing each emotion and reflecting it with mirror like sparkle as it bends and shapes into a memory of your youth. The passionate guitar riff drives the track whipping you up in a swirl of uplifting hope, while the flexible bass and steady beat grounds the enthralling track. ‘Happy Family’ slots in next at 6 minutes long, this tender gripping track hits you in the chest and makes you listen to every word that you hardly notice its length. Starting as a ballad with gentle twinkle on sweet mellow warm toned guitar it radiates glowing tones and sprinkles of sunlight. With a thumping beat and clap along feature the track kicks into a springy melancholic bounce with a strong message. Melody wise Sundara Karma kick this one out of the park once again as you are singing along while they hit you hard with touching lines “Left and right, they choke me tight ” and heart on your sleeve lyrics, “Wishing that in time, you’ll find someone to hold onto” The track then builds up to a big crescendo with Americana rhythms and uplifting vibes that fill you with hope. The track is the definition of all the hopes and dreams that one goes through with the glum reality contrasting those dreams. ‘Flame’ reintroduces that epic anthem that will have a live audience exploding and chanting back. Ear worm melody and slick guitar flickering in and out of each verse gives glimpses of the massive chorus to come. Its a dazzling track full of vibrancy and sunny vibes. ‘Loose The Feeling’ bounces with light bubbly tones and twinkling guitar. Its airy vibes ooze expressions of freedom, with Lulu’s vocals adding a gritty edgy quality bursting with emotion and expression. Soft backing vocals add a lulling quality while the soft beat and percussion cushions the track with a comforting bounce. ‘She Said’ is a propeller of vitality, its slick style and shout out chorus is guaranteed to leave a live crowd hoarse the next day. With jangly strident guitars, rapid tempo and swinging pizzazz its a track that hazy memories are made for. Elastic rebounding base drives the track while the whippy percussion will have your hips shaking and feet shuffling in no time. Its a ruckus causing frenzy infused track that you will definitely put on repeat. ‘Vivienne’ is an infectious track that compels you to escape the noise, run away and soak up the love. Gentle beats start and coax while biting shrill on guitars add a breaking free forget it all vibe. Filling you with hopeful tones the track builds to a sure strong beat and becomes a middle finger to the world anthem. ‘Be Nobody’ is a heartfelt tear to the eye swaying track that yearns intimacy. With suspended shrill and distortion on guitars this track packs a punch. Its simple yet extremely effective. Pulsing beat and powerful vocals hits you to your core. In places vocally it reminds me of Meat Loaf as the lyrics are sung rapidly and almost create the beat. Just when you expect the album to slow down Sundara Karma slap you in the face with this fresh new take on their sound. ‘Deep Relief’ bounces with peppy energetic liveliness that fills you with the strength to “Hold On”. The track is soaked in positive vibes and sprinkled with their nostalgic melancholic tones. Soft backing vocals sooth and add a hazy dreamy vibe while the zesty guitar acts like a ray of sunlight shining on your face and brightening up your day. ‘Watching From Great Heights’ features the album’s title in its lyrics and a shredding nostalgic coated guitar solo. Infectious melody and catchy chorus this track runs along smoothly dropping you into a dreamy haze of edgy indie pop. ‘The Night’ brings us to the end of the album with light twinkling guitars sparkling and glistening as the track glides and slides with liquid fluidity. The guitar shines with a biting shrilling solo that features glimpses of psychedelic “wah wah”. With Lulu showcasing his unique wide vocal range this track is a swagger smothered strutting glide of sophisticated indie rock.
Sundara Karma have displayed their well crafted slick effortlessly cool intelligent indie that is so passionate and thrilling you will be with them for every note, hanging on in there as they grasp your very soul and summon your inner youth to rise up and bellow out the relatable lyrics and ear worm melody.
Stream ‘Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect’ below
Currently based in California, indie artist Henry Chadwick has been making waves with his new EP, ‘Guest at Home’. A singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, his self-produced EP showcases Chadwick’s skills, as he wrote, engineered and played most of the instruments on it. Chadwick’s music has charted on both the Hype Machine and Indie Shuffle Charts with #1 Spots and his single ‘Alright’ has just reached 100,000 streams on Spotify. Chadwick draws influences as much from music of the past (The Beatles, The kinks, T-Rex, Nirvana, David Bowie etc.,) as from current artists who keep pushing forward stylistically and sonically. Henry makes catchy, thoughtful and usually energetic music with a unique perspective, edge and charm. Henry Chadwick was raised in a studio environment, his father being an engineer who worked out of Cherokee studios in Hollywood through the 1980’s and continued to record in his home studio in the Santa Cruz Mountains. ‘Guest at Home’ EP brings a sound that will transport you to back to the swinging 60s with flashes of current indie edge to pull you into a spiralling concoction of energetic charming delight. Title track ‘Guest At Home’ kicks things off with a ripe zealous guitar riff sugar coated in an infectious melody that swoons and floats with ecstasy. Peppy bouncy beat, clap along feature and smooth vocals make this track an instant hit. The witty lyrics and sweet shrill on guitar teamed with a slice of rock and roll Jerry Lee Lewis -esque piano this track will have you rocking around the clock. ‘Overtime’ slows the pace with strumming guitar and reverb psychedelic vocals. Its a prism of trippy sparkling hypnotic euphoria. Soft beats and spaced out vibes give the track a floating wispy daydream feel. ‘Alright’ is a hazy Californian driving track. Bursting with cool sun kissed vibes exuding effortless sleek swagger with a creamy fluid flow. Slick guitar adds a zest and a sensual smack of charm to the track. Its a groovy dexterous foxy strut of laid back smooth rock. ‘Something I Don’t Know’ showcases that superb rock with ear worm melody and infectious hair raising heart quickening guitar feature teamed with punchy drums that makes you dance around the room in a joyous frenzy. Its an uplifting radiant tune that appeals to every fibre of your being. Chadwick displays the high range in his vocals for the catchy lovable chorus. ‘The Two Of Us’ closes the EP with edgy guitar and eerie vocals. Perfect harmonies add a lush texture while the strong beat drives the track forward. Simple sway-like feel with darker undertones keeps the track fresh and makes it stand out from the others. With psychedelic twists towards the end Chadwick knows how to keep your attention throughout making you want to hear more.
Stream ‘Guest at Home’ EP below
Adam & Elvis have released their new single ‘Hanging Tree’. Their thought-provoking, pull-no-punches style which is set to a musical backdrop of exhilarating wall-of-sound pop and primitive punk energy, unleashed by Patrick on guitar/vocals and Tom on bass/vocals respectively, with the aid of Juliet Styles (synths/saxophone), Steve Wraight (vocals/percussion) and Dan Robershaw (guitar). The Berkshire band have been championed by regional radio and performed their gripping live shows on the same bill as Fat White Family, The Zombies and The Correspondents, as well as numerous festivals across the south of England. ‘Hanging Tree’ is a sorry tale of a young intellectual who, despite his rationalism, loses his mind over unrequited love. Its peppy gritty alternative pop drenched in dark tragically comical tones. Deep dramatic vocals change from moody baritone to full-throttle tenor. The chorus breaks into a sweet bobbing melodious indie disco that bops and hops with elasticity and springiness coated in syrupy vocals. Jagged guitars gash as the rhythm blasts and thunders through the track with raw choppy wildness. Adam & Elvis perfectly make the dark gruelling gut-wrenching theme peppy and wacky while still expressing the pain dramatically with razor sharp saw-toothed instrumentation and deep vocals.
You can catch Adam & Elvis live at:
Sat 6 January 2017: Sebright Arms, London E2
Fri 24 February: The George Tavern, London E1 – Freak Power Records Residency
Fri 24 March: The George Tavern, London E1 – Freak Power Records Residency
Fri 26 May: The George Tavern, London E1 – Freak Power Records Residency
Fri 23 June: The George Tavern, London E1 – Freak Power Records Residency
Watch the video for ‘Hanging Tree’ which was shot by Balla Kingston, Craig Rogers and Antonio Pineda below. It captures the band in ebullient mood at UK Live Sound studios in Reading, where ‘Hanging Tree’ was produced.
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
