Category Archives: Alt Rock

ROOD ‘Obsessed’

Yorkshire based five-piece ROOD are an Alternative Rock band formed in 2015. The band consists of Tom Hale (vocals, guitar), Joe Castle (guitar, vocals), Liam Butterfield (bass, vocals) Elliot Mann (drums) and Jack Miszewski (keys, percussion).
ROOD have released their debut single ‘Obsessed’. Its a deep edgy track churning with dark murky tones encased in layers of sultry driven guitars and muggy keys. The heavy bass and punchy solid kick of the drums adds a thick chunky weight to the track. The vocals brood and sulk for the verse and become animated for the chorus with lush harmonies in backing vocals that seem to “coo” and lament. The guitars become more dynamic and psychedelic and electrifying as they break the sticky tension with an invigorating and shredding solo.
A fantastic debut from ROOD looking forward to hearing more.
You can catch ROOD live Saturday 3rd September, The Polish Club, Barnsley.
Stream ‘Obsessed’ below

We-Are-Z ‘Goldigaz’ Video Premiere

We-Are-Z are a four-part French, one-part Anglo-Italian avant-garde rock group. Oozing with instrumental flair, they are the dream musical collaboration. Gabby, the vocal wizard behind the lyrical magic tells unconventional tales of modern day intrigue. The man with the hands – the bassist and keys master – Archie, is a seasoned session musician and producer, and has collaborated with, amongst others, Beyonce and Pharrell Williams. With Max on the strings, Guillaume on the drums and Clement on the keys to finish off this multi-cultural, multi-talented facet to the punk funk face of the music industry.  With several tours of Europe already under their belt, We-Are-Z are not afraid to rock the boat and cause an irresistible stir. The four piece are currently at work on their debut album, provisionally titled ‘Z Is Not X’, We-Are-Z are about to release their new single, ‘Goldigaz’, a song about the corrupting influence of money. Aided by the visual allure of their energetic video, we are drawn down another storyline of contemporary reflection with all the added quirks and frills of this exquisite combination.
‘Goldigaz’ is a catchy quirky entertaining track that sounds like it could be from a vaudeville stage show. The theatrical expressive vocals adds a wacky fun flair to the track while instrumentally this track is tight and well composed with its bounce effect and fantastic snappy percussion. The track drives forward energetically in a charming humorous and lively manner. It is snappy and witty and luring as it entices you into a swirling journey of manifesting ecstatic dizzy joy with darkened eerie and mysterious undertones.
The video to ‘Goldigaz’ portrays the song perfectly with its concoction of wild and wacky events as We-Are-Z stroll about the street in extravagant costumes with feather boas and fangs. Long yellow nails while singing on the toilet teamed with monkey masks and colourful wigs, its creepy and silly yet fantastic. The band are partying hard as they smoke and throw money around and of course what wonk funk video would be complete without a creepy dolls head thrown into the mix. It definitely got me into the Halloween mood. Check it out for yourselves below.

We-Are-Z will be hosting a showcase in London this September and will be on tour in the UK and Europe from November supporting Electric Six.
Tour Dates :
Goldigaz (Single Launch) 30th September 2016 Cargo Shoreditch, London
25 dates supporting Electric Six 6th November – 5th December 2016
Find out more from We-Are-Z here

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/WeAreZmusic

Twitter :https://twitter.com/WeAreZmusic

Webstiehttp://www.we-are-z.com/

NGOD ‘Can You Hear Me?’

NGOD are an alternative indie band from Bradford. The band consists of members Samuel Augustine (Lead Vocals & Guitar),Luke Fielding (Guitar),Lewis Dutton-Taylor (Backing Vocals & Bass) and Alex Dutton-Taylor (Backing Vocals & Drums) . We did a feature on their fantastic buzz fuelled frenzy single ‘Blue’ earlier this year and they are back again with the release of their new single ‘Can You Hear Me?’
‘Can You Hear Me?’ is a driving high powered snappy tune. Once again NGOD present us with a catchy fireball tune with brisk punchy drums and a whirlwind of nimble accelerated guitars. The spirited guitars add a light bounce to the track with their zesty infectious jingle. The bass adds an elastic pep and drive to the track while the vocals are animate and exude strutting swagger and enthusiasm. ‘Can You Hear Me?’ is an edgy track with frantic tones of energy and funky groovy swagger.
Stream ‘Can You Hear Me?’ below

 

Ripcord_64 ‘Coattails’

Ripcord_64 Loftus Hall copy

Ripcord_64 are a Rock/Pop band from Wexford. Ollie Dempsey (Vocals/Guitars),Steve Tierney (Bass/Vocals) and Bryan Barnes (Drums/Vocals) are three songwriters who have spent their lives playing music in all types of bands, everything from Jazz to Metal, including plenty of rock and the occasional Surf band. Their debut album ‘Interloper’ was released without any fanfare in early 2014, featuring 10 songs written and perfected in the two previous years. The band were happy to sell out all copies of this debut within  weeks of its appearance. Since then Ripcord_64 have remained pretty quiet as they took time to write their second album, which is yet to be released. While we wait they have given us ‘Coattails’ as a taste of whats to come.
‘Coattails’ is a “raucous swipe at their musical peers who desperately self promote themselves as the “next” Hozier KOL or god forbid Mumford and Sons”. Ripcord_64  give us a smooth catchy melody set to a classic rock background. The bass and drums are the flexible foundation of the track. The strong steady beat adds brawn and muscle to the track without being forceful, its commanding. The compelling guitar solo adds warmth to the track while the attention grabbing riff is infectious. The vocals are soft to start and become slightly dynamic as the track progresses adding a glow and passion to the track. ‘Coattails’ is released today so head out and get a copy.
You can bye ‘Coattails’ here  http://apple.co/2bv6Xbp
Watch  ‘Coattails’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Brahma-Loka

brahma-loka

Brahma-Loka are a rock band from Mossley. The band consists of members Patrick Neville (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Will Owen (Guitar), Josh Leach (Bass/Backing Vocals) and Ryan Prescott (Drums). 2015 saw the band release their debut EP and tour the full length of Mainland Europe and the UK. They are currently working on tracks marked for release later this year. We have chosen their new single ‘Noble Savage’ to be our worth a listen track this week.
‘Noble Savage’ has already had heavy radio play from BBC Introducing Manchester and has been featured on Phil Taggert’s BBC Radio 1 show. The single was produced by Bill Ryder-Jones and is set for release on September 5th. Its a short slap in the face mind-blowing track with smooth sensual tones. The vocals are deep and dark for the verse adding a mysterious dangerously luring quality to the track while the contrasting backing vocals are higher in pitch adding a sweeter quality that is both effective and innovative. Neville’s  vocals become velvety, brimming with a swagger and confidence that is captivating. We are blasted from the start with punchy beats and fantastic crunching guitars that become more intense and dynamic as the song progresses. ‘Noble Savage’ is staggeringly intoxicating as Brahma-Loka coax you with every note and lead you down their eerie psychedelic-rock rabbit hole of seduction and obscurity. The flexible bass gives this track a funky dance quality that persuades the listener to dance and indulge in their magnetic and bewitching sound.
A fantastic catchy track from Brahma-Loka look forward to hearing more.
Watch the video for ‘Noble Savage’ below

Fighting Caravans ‘Blue Heart Motel’

 

Fighting Caravans are an alternative rock band from Leeds. Band members Daniel Clark (Lead Vocals), Roff James (Guitar), Cinnamon Lees (Bass), Ali Fletcher (Guitar) and Joshua Hagzenberg (Drums) released their debut EP ‘Beasts Of England’ in 2015, which was promoted alongside a UK and EU tour, earning strong local and international acclaim. The quintet have already played at Live At Leeds, Liverpool Sound City and Tramlines and they will start work on their second EP in the autumn, alongside additional tours of the UK and Europe in association with Sofar Sounds.
Fighting Caravans released a new single ‘Blue Heart Motel’ earlier this year. Its is a dark mysterious track to start with deep eerie vocals and ghostly backing vocals. The drums are steady and give a “marching of the dead” feel. The track becomes more funky with elastic bluesy bass and smooth sensual guitars. The song builds into a psychedelic trip with screeching guitars and dynamic haunting vocals that create an aching longing atmosphere. The spiralling narcotic effect builds for the crescendo creating an intoxicated confused atmosphere with a shredding guitar solo. The intense vocals teamed with the ghostly backing vocals that echo and wail will give you goosebumps. ‘Blue Heart Motel’ is an eerie haunting psychedelic trip hybridised with gritty rock and embroidered with funky bluesy elements.
You can catch Fighting Caravans live at:
Aug 26 Leeds Festival Leeds, United Kingdom
Aug 28 Reading Festival,Reading, United Kingdom
Sep 06 Bar Bloc, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Sep 07 Secret Show, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Sep 09 Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading, United Kingdom
Sep 10 Brudenell Social Club (Games Room),Headingley, United Kingdom
Sep 11 Blues Bar, Harrogate, United Kingdom
Sep 23 The Magnet, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Sep 24 The Underground, Bradford, United Kingdom
Sep 28 Dog & Parrot, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Sep 30 FAC251 Manchester, United Kingdom
Oct 01 The Rocking Chair, Sheffield, Uk
Oct 14 Cafe De Speeltuin,Breda, Netherlands
Oct 15 Huize Spoorloos, Emmen, Netherlands
Oct 16 Secret Show, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
Oct 17 The Waterhole Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oct 18 Dorett Bar,Mainz, Germany
Oct 20 Secret Show, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
Oct 21 Subway to Peter, Chemnitz, Germany
Oct 24 Roxy, Prague, Czech Republic
Stream ‘Blue Heart Motel’ below

Edgar Duke ‘You And I’

Edgar Duke are a psychedelic-funk rock band from Leeds. The band consist of members Tom O’Reily (lead guitar and vocals), James Raymond (drums) and Luke Strange (bass). Their slick bluesy track ‘You And I’ caught our attention this week. Its a confident funky track oozing swagger and strut quality. Edgar Duke pull in a variety of styles and sounds creating their own blend of seductive smooth tones that spark fiery steamy 70s suave while maintaining cool and indifferent. The sharp sting of the guitar keeps the track fresh and adds an edge and zest, while the elastic bass gives that hip swaying flirtatious effect. The rapid beat is smooth and keeps the track spirited and light while adding a brawn and muscle. The track is catchy and with dynamic vocals is a fantastic listen. Keep an eye out for Edgar Duke. ‘You And I’ shows these guys have great potential.
Stream ‘You And I’ below

Airport Impressions ‘Mariette’

Airport Impressions are a 4-piece band from Malta. The band consists of Errol Sammut (lead vocals, guitar), Johann Schembri (guitar), Chris Curmi (bass guitar), and Steve Farrugia (drums). Starting out as a duo in search of new musical experiences, Errol Sammut and Johann Schembri’s six-month stay in Ireland in 2005 proved to be an important step in their journey. Apart from consolidating their love of Irish music, it also ignited a new spark in the way they went about writing songs. Airport Impressions have clocked up countless radio hits along the way, among them ‘Borderline’, ‘Wake up’, ‘Walk with Me’ and, more recently ‘Hymns of June’ and ‘Berlin.’ The latter (Berlin) also won first place in the Unsigned Only 2014 edition for the Adult Album Alternative category. Airport Impressions are continuously raising their name and have already booked festivals for 2016 including Midstock and a UK Tour.
The latest album ‘Mariette’ perfectly captures the band’s musical journey to date, its twelve songs reflecting a versatility that has evolved over the years. On this record Airport Impressions show us their blend of pop and rock embroidered with country and indie folk. The country rock influence is evident from the first track ‘Wishing Well’. This track radiates bright vibes coated in country twang with Sammut’s husky vocals adding grit and depth to the track. The blazing guitar lifts the track and gives it a glow and luminosity.
‘Come Along’ has an Irish power ballad feel. Its a melodic track with a proud “hit your chest, call the clan together” and bellow the chorus at the top of your lungs feel. The uplifting positive atmosphere teamed with emotional lyrics pull at the heart strings and evoke joyful triumphant tears.
‘Berlin’ begins with a sweet heartening whistle. The track is bright and bubbly with a bouncy beat and lustrous guitar it will cheer up any glum chum. Try to get that whistling tune out of your head its near impossible.
Title track ‘Mariette’ caught my eye as it is a beautiful gentle track with tender tones to begin with. It starts with a country ballad vibe that builds and develops into a lavishly textured track with sprinkles of folk . Its lamenting tone is conveyed through a graceful and elegant guitar feature that twinkles throughout the track. It has a Bryan Adams feel and warmth that is comforting and charming.
‘Star Signs’ , ‘While You Wait’ , Hymns of June’ and ‘If You Abandon Me’ continue to flesh out Airport Impressions stunning melodies with country rock arrangements each track showing its own individuality while maintaining the bands upbeat positive style and showcasing their exquisite musicianship. ‘Ballymena Sun’ presents us with an almost tropical sun kissed sound, every note in this track is ablaze with golden rays of sunshine. With its sway- like beat and charming guitar feature you will loose yourself in its beach evening vibes.  ‘All We Got’, ‘Let It Shine’ and final track ‘Silhouettes’ shows the bands tender ballad skills as they wear their hearts on their sleeve with meticulous instrumentation and beautiful lyrics they serenade us with lamenting tone and sweet sombre vocals.

Airport Impressions  will be heading to Scotland on a UK Tour check out their website below for all the dates  http://www.airportimpressions.com/gigs/
Check out Airport Impressions video for ‘Mariette’ below

 

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Farebrother

Farebrother are Bath’s latest indie alternative band. Tom Hunt, Michael Vowell and Matt Day, make up the indie three-piece. The band have become known for their electric performances and have already won an endorsement with Mass Records while also receiving interest from All Saints, Olympus and Mini who have incorporated the high-energy, hook filled tracks into their media campaigns. 2015 saw them perform at some of Bristol and Bath’s most iconic venues, such as The Louisiana and The Nest. Farebrother have now released their debut EP ‘Rapture’ this year.
The title track from their debut EP is our worth a listen track this week. ‘Rapture’ is a fully formed snappy track that is so well composed its difficult to reconcile yourself to the fact that it was taken from their debut EP. Farebrother ease you into the track with a reserved verse to start. Its stripped back with light accompaniment and bare vocals that give a rawness to the track and establish the vocal melody. They then introduce their fantastic energetic sound with walls of crunching guitar and pounding rapid drums that drive the track forward. The vocals are strong and confident and exude swagger and emotion. The track builds into an anthem fist pump that is arena worthy. Its a crowd -pleaser with its catchy chorus that is infectious and gives that feel good fiery atmosphere to the track. Farebrother appear to have mastered the art of writing tunes that connect with an audience, these guys definitely have a bright future ahead of them.
Stream ‘Rapture’ below

https://soundcloud.com/farebrother-1/rapture

The Lemon Twigs ‘These Words’

The Lemon Twigs are brothers Brian (19 years old) and Michael (17) D’Addario. The duo present us with their unique style of baroque rock through their new single ‘These Words’. On my first listen of this track ill admit i was dumbfounded, first thoughts were “wow how do i describe this” followed by “I need to hear more”. The Lemon Twigs blend mystical music with blissful melodic pop all while adding sprinkles of jazz and a snazzy solo on keys.This track is ridiculously catchy with a velvety slick ear worm chorus and rich lush uplifting harmony. The soft tender vocals for the verse are delicate and creamy and have a hazy daydream effect.  ‘These Words’ will transport you to a skewed 1960s era of euphoric melodies with a 21st century twist. This track is tightly bound together with such precision and skill that shows fantastic musicianship from the these young brothers. The Lemon Twigs’ debut album ‘Do Hollywood’ will be released October 14 and boy it looks promising.
Watch the video for ‘These Words’ below