Our Worth A Listen This Week is Mini Mansions ‘Flashbacks’
Los Angeles’ finest Mini Mansions have released a collection of unreleased/unheard B-Side tracks entitled ‘Flashbacks’. This follows their critically acclaimed second album ‘The Great Pretenders’ which was released in 2015. The trio , vocals and drummer Michael Shuman, vocals and keyboardist Tyler Parkford, bassist and multi instrumentalist Zachary Dawes have compiled a collection of nine ravishing tracks that smash all boundaries. We couldn’t choose just one track for our worth a listen but then, why would you choose one when their are nine spine tingling beauties. ‘Flashbacks’ kicks things off with ‘Drive’ a snappy quick step luscious track with Dawes’ fuzzed bass giving an ecstatic bounce. Parkford’s sweet delicate vocals introduces the nectarous melody with Shuman’s backing vocals adding a lush heavenly texture. The fluidity of this track makes it so easy on the ears and soothing with sugar coated sparkle. Building into heavier fuzzed rock instrumentation Mini Mansions introduce us to their gritty glam rock sprinkled with a smooth mouthwatering sweet 60s texture. With the sudden change to deep bass vocals by Shuman a warm mellow tone is added to the rich mix. ‘Drive’ knocks it out of the park and hooks you into the trio’s unique dreamy world of psychedelia and rock.‘Bored To Death’ coos and lulls into a gentle slow dance. With raspy vocals and tender lyrics teamed with elegant keys and dexterous chord progression creating a catchy soothing track that stops time, stilling everything around except for the beautiful melody. Lush harmony and gently sorrowful tones add purity and elegance. The track builds in intensity as a heartbroken tone takes over with heavy rhythm. The sweetened sting on guitar with soft piano and a light beat plays the track out with echoing gingerly soft repetitive vocals. ‘Ticket For One’ illuminates with a bright melody and multi-textures. The infectious slap whack beat combined with nimble keys and Dawes’ sharp elastic bass giving the track a rubber ball rebound effect. The call and response vocals between soft Parkford and deep Shuman as they interact with syrupy smooth melodies that will give you “stuck song syndrome”. Leading effortlessly and perfectly into ‘Ticket For Two’ a witty bouncy track with the catchy and almost “dollish” twinkle piano effect. Adding a catchy “clap clap” effect and steady striking bass ‘Ticket for two’ is a “tour de force” as it pulls similarities from ‘Ticket For One’ while developing a distinctive sound. Of course there is no great genius without a mixture of madness especially where Mini Mansions are concerned as they lead us into a frenzy of heavy manical moshing to end this fantastic track. ‘Fiona’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie has a darkened dreamy tone and swoon-like atmosphere coated in hazy psychedelia. Once again Parkford and Shuman share vocals as they weave and intertwine melodies with warm seductive textures. The drums exude an oomph and panache to start and then seduce and coax when teamed with the smooth velvety vocals. They build into a sweep and bluster for the intense massive crescendo before the tone slows to a soft gentle echo finish. ‘Shape Recorder‘ has a spooky Halloween party track feeling to start with the peppy organ. The track maintains a sneaky eerie tone with psychedelic fuzz and heavy daunting instrumentation. Its a swirling confusion of blurry haunting fun and dangerous shady obscurity. The intensity of the track fades to a sweet soft vocal with lush harmonies before a final burst of instrumentation. ‘Valet’ is our taste of sensual reggae with Hendrix- esque guitar to start. This body grooving track is effortlessly cool and sleek and shows Mini Mansions in a new light. Its a sit back and bop to the music feel good tasteful track. Shuman’s warm deep vocals contrasting with Parkford’s candied falsetto towards the end adds a charming multi dimension. Exuding fiery strutting swagger with a captivating stride and flaunt this track is magnetic and tantalising. ‘Little Al Capone’ begins with a strong “digging” labour intensive beat and bass vocals adding grounding and depth. The track builds into a theatrical quick passed track with rapid beat and sprightly piano. Tight harmony on vocals and a vibrant dynamism and oomph instrumentation add passion and slappy elasticity. The track sounds like it could have been taken from a scene from a musical where the actors are hard at work, slogging through the daily grindstone. ‘Shadow’ completes our musical journey with the mysterious Mini Mansions in a sombre nostalgic tone. Its labyrinth of interweaving textures meandering through a delicate tender melody and heavenly sweet lavish vocals give this track opulent textures and diversity. The dreamy Utopian wistfulness and visionary fantasy set to swirling rapid beat and whine on guitars in a sway – like motion gives this track an abstracted feeling, like it was all a dream.
Mini Mansions are like a fine wine maturing and coming into their own. ‘Flashbacks’ could have been an album as each track opens your mind to their unique classy musicianship as they guide you into a journey of fantasy and rich textures unwinding your mind and unravelling your senses.
Five piece Ghost Robots are an alternative rock band from Waterford. Band members Michael Doyle (Vocals), Dael O’Brien (Drums), Evan Hayes (Bass), David Hearne (Rhythm Guitar) and David Rudden (Lead Guitar) will be releasing their self titled album early next year and we had a little listen to it. As expected Ghost Robots sucker punch you into their unique sticky indie rock with flashes of epileptic psychedelia. This high intensity album is jam packed with catchy melodies and body pounding instrumentation that will have you completely immersed and engulfed in their darkened entrancing sound.
The album kicks things off with ‘Bad Habit’ this gritty riff ear worm is the perfect track to reel you in with pounding drums and dynamic soaring vocals. Strident blazes of guitar and blissful pop melodies make it a fiery anthem ablaze with motivational fist pump attitude and spirit. ‘Hollow Thoughts’ is a hungry razor sharp composition of nimble acute guitar and a snappy forceful beat. It is gravelly rough and ready frenzy, coated in swirling psychedelia and mind bending aggression. ‘Invader’ is an attack of euphoric rock. The edgy shrill of earsplitting guitars on top of hard pummelling drums give the sound of headbangingly good rock. Its a hyped intense track exuding aggressive swagger and a forceful characteristic. It is a “tour de force” with mesmerising electric power driven vocals. ‘Louder Louder’ , ‘Lights Out’ and ‘Richer Than Kings’ continue the five pieces’s unique, energetic whip lash rock with sizzling riffs and flexible rhythms all while maintaining a smooth refreshing cool tone. ‘Geronimo’ gives us a sensual almost strut- like punchy swagger. With fuzzed steamy guitar and sticky beat this track oozes stuffy attitude and gluey textures. ‘Razor Blades and Ashtrays’ is a rush of hair raising eerie tones and mystery. With an infectious piercing guitar riff and whisper vocals for the bridge its a spooky warning of dangerous occurrences with outburst of frustration. The album concludes with ‘I Am Not Contagious’ a swirling brew of spiralling psychedelia and chilling haunting vocals teamed with a heavy sturdy beat that remains the foundation and a solid to hold on to as the rest of the track swirls and intoxicatingly weaves around pulling you into its deep pit of trance-inducing danger. The coaxing velvety vocals bewitch and charm you into its spellbinding entrapment leaving you dizzy, confused and wanting to hear more.
An incredible album from Ghost Robots these guys have a bright future ahead looking forward to the release next year.
Ghost Robots will be playing at Whelan’s on OCT 15th make sure you check them out they are brilliant live.
While you are waiting for the album release watch the video for ‘Under Fire’ taken from Ghost Robots EP ‘Sell It To Me’ below
Manchester’s indie band Lyerr have released their new single ‘Not Going Out’. The band is comprised of members Ryan Johnson (Vocals/Guitar) Samuel Greene (Guitar) Rory Magner ( Bass) James Kershaw ( Drums). The four piece present us with an upheaval, ruckus soaked anthem to feast our ears on. Exuding rebellious attitude and swagger this track is a bellowing high energy punchy number with frenzy causing stamina. The pounding drums keep the powerful strength and intensity, while the pizzazz and zing of the guitar adds a sting and sharpness to the track. With a driving bounce on bass, it is a mighty “get up and go” high powered track. With an infectious and motivating “do something that people will talk about” lyric that will be dynamic at a live show when the crowd shout it back, these guys know what they are doing. Lyerr have created a high powered ball of fire that is an absolute frenzy causing seizure.
Stream ‘Not Going Out’ below
New York City’s Public Access T.V. have released their smart, smooth and effortlessly cool debut album. ‘Never Enough’. The four piece swan in with their laid back sunny vibes exuding panache and present us with an album to get excited about. John Eatherly (lead vocals, guitar), Xan Aird (lead guitar, vocals), Max Peebles (bass, vocals) and Pete Star (drums, vocals) give us their brand of spine- tingling rock and roll that is a triumph from start to finish.
‘ Never Enough’ kicks things off with ‘In Our Blood’ a rapid snappy infectious track that hooks you in from the start. With smooth swagger filled vocals, brawny flexible drums and of course the incredible slick guitar. This track is infectious and tight. With attention paid to perfecting the small details you wont be able to stop yourself from dancing. ‘Evil Disco’ brings us Public Access T.V. ‘s groovy sensual sound. Its funky elastic rhythm and 70s vibe give a strut quality. The velvety deep almost sleazy vocals coax and lure for the verses. The ear worm melody and chord progression will ensure this song will stick in your head and leave you prancing down the street with this track as your soundtrack. Its so dangerously smooth and polished if it was a floor you would slip on it and break your neck. ‘Summertime’ is a fuzzed hazy catchy track with an impulsive clap along effect. The steamy sharp guitar and flexible beat lures your hips into a swing while Eatherly’s vocals pine and almost whine with emotion. With lingering notes on vocals the track is soaked in longing and craving. The sticky intensity of the track changes up a little in the middle adding energy and vibrancy and light peppy backing vocals. The jazzy piano feature brightens the track and lightens the gluey mood to a freeing peppy tone. ‘I Don’t Wanna Live in California‘ is a revamped version of ‘ Metropolis’ which I must admit I found was somehow lacking to the original. I feel it didn’t need the revamp. they have given the track a spacey vibe with a disco feel and changed it around a bit. Thankfully they kept the shredding guitar solo and the hazy sunny vibe and added more spice and oomph to the laid back sound. The malleable beat and springy guitar give the track a bite. Eatherly presents us with a gritty, more fiery vocals and rebellious attitude. ‘End Of An Era’ is old school rock and roll reminiscent of Thin Lizzy. Its a swagger infused track that exudes fiery confidence. The zesty biting guitar adds an old school feel with a blazing riff that is red hot giving the track a razor sharp edge. With spirited energetic perky bass and animated beat it is infectious and dance provoking. ‘Patti Peru’ divulges in their grittier sound. The open line ” I was Ready to Die” gives an image of a desperate man on the edge. Eatherly’s shouty/growl vocals adds urgency and anguish to the track. The sharp guitars and pounding drums give the pop punk bouncy vibe. With sweet backing vocals to sing the track out and another display of proficient nimble guitar, six songs into the album and we are addicted craving more. ‘Careful’ is the mood changer in the album. It takes the roll of the slow ballad Public Access T.V. style. With a sway waltz- like sorrowful tone this track displays suffering and agony in three- four time. The misery and torment is displayed perfectly through the wail like vocals you can almost imagine Eatherly with tears running down his cheeks as he expels his agonising martyrdom to his listeners. Contrary to the shrill of vocals, the instrumentation is delicate and elegant. Fluidly flowing piano and a soft beat creates the perfect sweep of graceful delight. The strident ‘In Love and Alone’ is a short burst of boisterous energy. Its brawling rowdy swagger and interchanging between backing vocals and main vocals slaps you with original innovative rock and roll. The band’s knack for ridiculously catchy melodies keep this track constantly replaying in your head. Its a ruckus causing piece of melodic genius. The bridge is dynamic and frenzy evoking unruly joy. ‘Remember’ is a charming sun soaked easy going track with striking sweet guitar and bright tones. Rumbling drums and gritty vocals add texture to the smooth creamy track. ‘Sudden Emotion’ swirls with intensity and confusion as the verses are subdued and cheery, the chorus brings the explosion of instrumentation conveying conflicting emotions. The content lively vocals keeps a bouncy feel and bop to the track. The repetitive bridge with distant vocals and the soft drum beat slows the track down and gives a fantastic link to the final burst into the energetic chorus. ‘On Location’ is a summer high energy middle finger to the world anthem. Where Eatherly tells us to ” do what you want to do” The whole song seems to build both in energy and tone with blustering guitars and pounding drums while still maintaining a sunny Californian vibe up to its crescendo as the vocals progress to a growly shouty “I don’t wanna hear it” end. The album concludes with ‘Sell You on a Lie’ confirming Public Access T.V. ‘s organic undisputed cool stroll swagger and flair for catchy melodies that are sure to give you stuck song syndrome.
Public Access T.V. have big things ahead. They’re just getting started…
Stream ‘ Never Enough’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From By Starlight
London alternative rock three-piece By Starlight have announced the release of their debut single ‘So Desperate’. The pounding new single is lifted from their upcoming debut EP and combines grunge riffs with ethereal pop hooks to mark the arrival of a uniquely talented new rock band. Led by charismatic singer-bassist Sara Murray with Ivo Sotirov on Drums and Martino Al on Guitars. ‘So Desperate’ brings us their hybrid of muscular grunge-punk and dream pop. The track is drenched in a dark shadowy atmosphere swirling in murky melodies and distortion. This track is a whirlwind of psychedelic intoxication, luring and enticing with a fuzzed grunge blast and winding weaving textures that pull and coax you into its eerie dangerous core. The brawny yet elastic beat maintains a strong rock foundation while the rest of the track consumes you with its bewitching churning and interviewing structure. Murray’s vocals are seducing, hypnotising and ensnaring with sweet lulling quality’s. This track can mesmerise and fascinate you until you are subdued, obeying every command enthralled and enraptured in its spell.
Stream ‘So Desperate’ below
I Drink Therefore There’s Darkness are a melodic, melancholy driven band from Blackpool formed in January 2015 by ex members of post-rock band Goonies Never Say Die. Band members Barry Parkinson, Dan Kerr, Warren Brown and Joel Winters have released their the first song ‘There’s Always Another Summer’ from their forthcoming album ‘élan vital’. The album is currently being mixed by James Routh of Sonic Boom Six and though there’s no release date yet, this first song is taken from a charity compilation CD album called ‘Streetlive’ for the Street Life charity, helping homeless youths in Blackpool. ‘There’s Always Another Summer’ is a refreshing track with a bright peppy guitar riff that seeps into your brain and rests in a chirpy bubble of fun. The track develops with moody raspy vocals and a melancholy tone. The interchanging between chirpy guitar and bubbly beat to sulky gloomy vocals adds a fresh and unique contrast that makes this track captivating. The guitar solo adds a twinkle of charm and charisma before the song rests finally on a heavier gritty rock almost mosh worthy crescendo. The drums become more hefty and the vocals more dynamic and rusty. A fantastic debut from I Drink Therefore There’s Darkness looking forward to hearing the album.
Stream ‘There’s Always Another Summer’
Leeds indie band Marsicans are James Newbigging (lead vocals and guitar), Oliver Jameson (guitar and vocals), Rob Brander (bass, keyboards and lead vocals) and Matthew ‘Cale’ McHale (drums and vocals). They have released their new EP ‘The Absence’ this month. The EP is the culmination of Marsicans’ 2016 releases and features the four tracks which have had national airplay in the UK via Radio 1 and Radio X over the course of the year. Three of the EP’s four featured tracks were given BBC Radio 1 support, including Huw Stephens’ premiere of the title track which also made Apple Music’s Best Of The Week playlist, whilst ‘Far Away’ a track we previously did a feature on was featured Spotify UK’s New Music Friday playlist. ‘The Absence’ presents us with Marsicans fantastic harmony-laden upbeat tropical sound that is raw and fresh yet polished in all the right places. Title track ‘Absence’ kicks off the EP and sprinkles with the four piece’s signature glowing infectious melody with lush harmonies and richly textured arrangements. Zealous guitar and vibrant synths keep this track uplifting while the soft spongy beat adds bounce and elasticity. The vocals are simple to start and become more dynamic as the track progresses. This track glows with bright vibes and is a gem glistening in the sun. ‘Arms of Another’ gives us a groovy springy sound. With an elevating high energy and catchy melody that will have you bopping and dancing from the first note. This track has an edgier sound with sharp distorted guitar that acts as the lime zest to your tropical cocktail. The rapid malleable beat maintains the tracks agile and spirited tempo. ‘Swimming’ is a blissful treasure with an ear worm melody and the perfect blend of luxurious harmonies and soaring vocals. The slick deluxe guitar riff is infectious and the glistening synths provide an elegant sweet quality throughout the track. With a slightly heavier sound towards the end, Marsicans confirms they can diversify their sound while still remaining bright and bubbly. ‘Far Away (Saudade)’ is the final track on the EP. This was the first track that caught our attention back in July. The track is ablaze with striking addictive hooks and quirky lyrics teamed with a honed melody and slashing guitar. This track is a fantastic listen. The lively animated rhythm gives the song an upbeat indie pop feel.
Marsicans ‘The Absence’ is a collection of upbeat infectious indie pop perfectly blended with sugar coated luxurious melodies, soaring vocals with bursts of zealous guitar and flexible spirited rhythm. Marsicans take their tropical mouth watering hard edged sound to another infectiously delicious level keeping you wanting more.
Marsicans have embarked on a 17-date UK tour starting earlier this month.You can still catch them live at
01 Oct – Manchester, Aatma
04 Oct – Hull, The Polar Bear
08 Oct – Middlesbrough, Twisterella Festival
10 Oct – Sunderland, 7even
14 Oct – Banbury, Also Known As
19 Oct – Basingstoke, The Sanctuary Live
20 Oct – Brighton, Bleach
21 Oct – London, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
23 Oct – Matlock, Twenty Ten
28 Oct – Liverpool, The Magnet
04 Nov – Chester, Telford’s Warehouse
10 Nov – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
11 Nov – Glasgow, Old Hairdresser’s
12 Nov – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele
Stream ‘The Absence’ below
Black honey have just released their new single ‘Hello Today’. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums) continue their efforts for world domination with this staggering indie pop ear worm. They shake things up shifting from their previous brooding melancholic vibes smothered in intoxicating psychedelia to a peppy “screw you” middle finger attitude. Izzy exudes swagger and sass as she expresses her feelings exquisitely with aptly placed French phrases. This empowering track with its hyper sugar coated pop exterior and subtle bitter sting of the lyrics is a ball of bouncy fun with a slapping ricochet effect. It is glazed with a fuzzed guitar sound that still maintains the sunny hazy vibes we are used to from Black Honey. With rich percussion and a flexible groovy rhythm the four piece bring something new and fresh to the table. The slick guitar adds a razor sharp edge and rawness to the track which otherwise appears sleek, polished and refined.
Another fantastic track from Black Honey these guys just keep getting better and better.
Stream ‘Hello Today’ below
Indie rock ‘n roll group, The Majorleans, have dropped their new video for ‘Sunrise Mary’ from their upcoming sophomore album, ‘Carouser’s End’. They produced it themselves and mixed it with Michael Tudor (The Stokes, Duncan Sheik) in Woodstock, NY. Already receiving critical acclaim from Interview Magazine, The Majorleans are continuing to make waves with their new material. ‘Sunrise Mary’ is a warm Utopian treasure with glowing guitar and a soothing melody. The velvety vocals and soft beat acts like a soft blanket it is comforting and easing to the mind. Its a bright relaxing summer jam coated in sentimental nostalgic tones. The syrupy dreamy texture swallows you up in a world of hazy sunshine and wistfulness. The guitar plays almost freely throughout the track like a ray of sunshine brightening up the tone and adding a zest and charm.
Check out the video for ‘Sunrise Mary’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Jacques
Bristol four piece Finn (lead vocals), Elliot (drums), Oliver (vocals/bass) and Jake (guitar) comprise The Jacques. They released their new single ‘Eleanor Ring Me’ earlier this year. Its a witty guitar driven track that is performed like an ode or a story telling limerick. Smoothly spoken verses tell us the tale in a cool indifferent tone with a Blur “Parklife” feel to the track. With raspy vocals for the chorus this track oozes infectious effortless moody swagger and magnetism. The bright zealous guitar flurries and glides with slick whirling agility. The steady beat and elastic bass gives the track a gooey rebound bounce.
Look forward to hearing more from The Jacques.
Stream ‘Eleanor Ring Me’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
