Category Archives: Alt Rock

Motions ‘Back To Where I Begun’

motions

Motions are an alternative rock band based in Dublin formed by Tom Daly and Dave Nulty. They have released their debut single ‘Back To Where I Begun’ which was produced by Philip Magee. The track deals with the theme of contemplating starting over when you’re close to the point of no return.
‘Back To Where I Begun’ starts with a strong raspy vocal with very light accompaniment that builds slightly for the first chorus with dramatic chord strides and pulsating beats. The track slowly builds tension for the second verse with an added dance synth quality and bendable beat. The return of the chorus brings us a brief instrumental blast with dynamic strident guitars. The track reaches its crescendo with an aerial yet strong instrumental with shredding guitars and pounding drums while still holding an atmospheric breezy vibe.
‘Back To Where I Begun’ is a strong debut single with an impressive rhythm that drives the track forward and gives a bendable quality to the track. The vocals are solid and emotion filled while the guitars are sharp and refreshing. A great start for Motions look forward to hearing more.
Watch Motions we recently released a video for ‘Back To Where I Begun’ with Crooked Gentlemen below

Trickster Guru ‘Problem Child’

Trickster Guru is the alternative rock and electronic project of Los Angeles singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Christopher Caplan. Trickster Guru’s debut EP ‘Problem Child’, was released earlier this year. He has also released a video for the title track ‘Problem Child’.
‘Problem Child’ is a innovative emotional track that tells us a story by beautifully fusing vintage rock and soul with the excitement and innovation of modern electronic synth. The track begins with a steady fuzzed beat that holds the foundation throughout the track. The vocals enter in a smooth tender manner. This track flows fluidly with a sway waltz -like quality. The addition of the synths and beats from alternative electronic co-producer AWAY enhances the passion and evokes the emotion of desire in the track giving an effective release of tension for the crescendo. Caplan has a deep smooth velvety vocal which is luring and seductive. With a dark mysterious atmosphere lingering in the background while the soft instrumentation and vocals attempt to ease your mind this track evokes every emotion and creates goosebumps while you are seduced by its melody and swoon like atmosphere of indulgence.

Watch ‘Problem Child’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Fangclub

 

Fangclub are a Garage rock band from Dublin. Band members Steven King, Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman released their EP ‘Bullet Head’ this year and we have chosen the title track as our worth a listen track.
‘Bullet Head’ is an energetic, gritty, grunge rock track that is reminiscent of the 90’s style organic rock. The track begins with an infectious guitar riff intro that builds into a fantastic mosh with pounding drums and vigorous guitars. The verse stalls the mosh and is delivered in a shadowy, cool yet intense manner. With light instrumentation while the vocals are smooth and clear with a slight rasp giving a gritty texture to the track that is enticing. It then explodes into the chorus with dynamic and animated vocals, shredding guitar and thunderous strong rhythm. The chorus is lyrically simple and infectious and difficult not to sing along to. With its punk attitude for the chorus and intense dark verse which has a luring and captivating effect this track shows how diverse Fangclub are.
A Fantastic track which I can imagine is insane when performed live!
You can catch them live at
Jul 24 Knockanstockan Festival,Wicklow
Jul 29 Indiependence Festival Mitchelstown
4 Aug , Whelans Upstairs, Dublin
Watch ‘Bullet Head’ below

Bad Grammar ‘You’re Welcome’ EP

Bad Grammar are rock grunge duo Ben Forrester and Lucy Brown from Manchester. Their EP ‘Forced Fun’ which was released in 2014 fell into the hands of party punk king Andrew WK, who selected the band to perform as part of 2014’s Y Not Festival. The duo have already picked up coverage from XFM, 6Music and Radio 1, along with recent new music features in NME, Clash and Artrocker. They released their EP ‘You’re Welcome’ last year.
‘You’re Welcome’ is a four track frenzy filled forcefully energetic EP, that is bursting with grunge and punk attitude. The EP begins with ‘Death Stare’ a rapid neck breaking  mosh worthy track. With a massive riff, soul shaking drums and screaming vocals its not for the faint hearted. ‘Sandra’ follows in the same manner causing as much turmoil as physically possible. With a fantastic guitar feature that breaks up the track followed but rumbling drums that create anticipation for the hardcore head slamming instrumental, an epic circle of death track. ‘Killjoy’ again summons your inner tyrant as the instruments explode with turmoil.  It begins with distorted guitar that sounds like a wasp buzzing around you head. The catchy riffs and thunderous drums keep you on your toes and in a manic frenzy. ‘Tropical Dance’ finishes the EP. It oozes swagger with a sensual body moving fuzzed bass. Bad Grammar keep the rapid tempo and attitude of the previous tracks while remaining cool and smooth with the riff. They of course give you the chance to headband and go wild but not too much, they hold the turmoil back a little to leave you wanting more.
Stream ‘You’re Welcome’ below

White Crosses ‘Dead Souls’

White Crosses Band 1

Hailing from Warsaw (Poland) alternative punk band White Crosses, featuring the creative partnership of Konrad Sloka (Vocals/Guitar), Sebastian Prokop (Guitar), Stefan Banaszynski (Bass) and Marcin Plocha (Drums) have released a video for their single ‘Dead Souls’. The quartet produced big waves in their native country with their acclaimed EP release ‘Native Handshakes’ in 2015. They have recently joined forces with UK indie label Engineer Records and ‘Dead Souls’ is a taste of things to come from their forthcoming EP ‘Anchorless’.
‘Dead Souls’ is a hefty steady alternative pop punk track with strident guitars that drive the track forward. The punchy drums and exuberant bass give a strong foundation to the track. The heavy drum kicks for the verse giving the track a punch and weighty feel while the vocals are simple yet effective for the verse and become more animated for the chorus as they portray the honest lyrics with passion and emotion. I can imagine this song is massive live as it is set up for all the dramatic guitar poses and spins with dramatic breaks and attitude.
Watch ‘Dead Souls’ below

Daisy Victoria ‘Animal Lover’

Daisy Victoria has announced her third EP ‘Animal Lover’ which was recorded with producer Dan Austin (Pixies) and is set for release 19th August this year. Daisy Victoria is a socially anxious songwriter who lives in a Suffolk wood with her six chickens and OCD. Since she released her first EP ‘Heart Full of Beef’ in 2014, Victoria’s music has been compared with artists such as P.J. Harvey, Kate Bush, Nick Cave and Patti Smith, winning her support from the likes of i-D, NME, CLASH, Line Of Best Fit, The 405 and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens. Lauren Laverne has called her a “rising star” and BBC 6 Music hailed her follow up 2015 EP ‘Nobody Dies’ as “majestic”. She has played shows at The Great Escape, Latitude, Radio 1 Academy and Dot To Dot.
The EP was co-written with her brother Sam, and it articulates their shared sense of wonder at the world’s strangeness. Victoria describes herself as a “pessimistic dreamer”, perhaps going some way toward explaining some of the bizarre lyrical juxtapositions, and jarring world-views of her characters.
‘Animal Lover’ is the title track on the EP and it is song about a man whose house doubles as a menagerie. The track brings the listener on a surreal journey through the mythical landscape of Daisy Victoria’s imagination. This journey is portrayed to us  with a catchy bright melody, dynamic guitars and soft beats which contrast with Victoria’s full bodied enchanting vocal which give a haunting eerie atmosphere. Victoria’s vocals are compelling as she showcases her fantastic vocal range that resembles something like Kate Bush. Her vocals are clear, sharp and flawless and shine throughout the track. This track is energetic and has a dance effect with catchy chorus and emotional vocals that are captivating and make you want to put it on repeat.
You can catch Daisy Victoria live at
9th August – Birthdays – London,UK
23rd September – John Peel Centre, BBC Introducing Showcase – Stowmarket, UK
Stream “Animal Lover” below

https://soundcloud.com/daisy-victoria/animal-lover-5

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes from Ethan & The Reformation

Manchester’s Psychedelic Rock/Pop band Ethan & The Reformation have decided to release their track ‘Hollandia’ as it is going to be used on a TV advert. As I’m sure you know by now we at Indie Buddie are becoming big fans of Ethan & The Reformation as they have constantly impressed us with every tune they have been throwing at us. So naturally we decided to make ‘Hollandia’ our Worth A Listen Track this week.
‘Hollandia’ is a Psychedelic gritty blues rock track with a slick dirty bass riff that sticks in your head. The steady bendable beat gives a hypnotic effect that lures you into the track. While the zesty psychedelic guitar plays a light melody that swirls in your head giving an intoxicated effect. The vocals are raspy and gritty which adds a brawny quality to the verse. The chorus is lyrically simple and repetitive and sung in the higher range of vocals, this adds to the hypnotic effect and makes this track unforgettable.
Another fantastic track form Ethan & The Reformation you can buy ‘Hollandia’ now on iTunes via their own label, Bohemian Sex Club.
Stream ‘Hollandia’ below

Fossils ‘Lo-Fi’

FOSSILS

Fossils are an alternative band from Liverpool. The band consists of members Jonathan Gibson (Lead vocals, guitar), Jay Denham (bass, backing vocals), Ryan Culshaw (Guitar) and Jack Robertson (Drums). Their debut single ‘Lo-Fi’ has been played on BBC Introducing Liverpool and they have supported Martha Ffion who’s on Jake Bugg’s label.
‘Lo-Fi’ is a refreshing aerial track with echo vocals and soft beats. The use of reverb gives this track a breezy flying vibe and teamed with the delicate bubbling drums you get the feeling you are running to your freedom as you feel the refreshing wind on your face cleansing you of whatever you are running from. The guitar is bright and sharp and adds an effective contrast to the smooth drums adding an edge to the track and giving that breezy vibe.
This track shows Fossils great musicianship and potential . Look forward to hearing more from them.
You can catch Fossils at soundstation Liverpool in St Michaels station on the 24th July.
Stream ‘Lo-Fi’ below

Sly Antics ‘Captive City’

Sly Antics are an alternative rock trio from Manchester. They are creating a name for themselves for their energetic live performances and hard hitting ear blasting rock tracks. They have already scored themselves shows at This Feeling and  secured festival slots alongside Maximo Park as well as a headline slot at Liverpool Cavern and appearances on big stages including Manchester O2 Ritz.

Band members Sam, Lee and Tommo have recorded a 5 track EP at Greenmount Studios (home to The Cribs and Pulled Apart By Horses) which is due for release in September this year. Their track ‘Captive City’ is the track that caught our attention.
‘Captive City’ is an energetic mighty track that is infectiously catchy and powerful. With its strong driving rhythm and beat that pounds through the track for the verses creating a solid foundation while the guitars are bright and steady giving light accompaniment for the husky gritty vocals. They lead into a soft pre-chorus with a bouncy bendable beat that persuades your body to dance. Then the track explodes before the chorus into a heavy mosh worthy sound. The vigorous guitars and thunderous drums give us that ear blistering effect that is robust and forceful. Sly Antics balance a melodic dance-like sound with heavy soul thumping rock so effortlessly. The change in style is swift and makes their music fresh and keeps you craving more.
Look forward to more from Sly Antics
You can catch Sly Antics live at
24th Jul 2016 Blackthorn Festival, Stockport
3rd Sep 2016 Night & Day – Captive City Launch Party, Manchester
24th Sep 2016 MAH – The Live Room, Manchester
22nd Oct 2016 Oxjam, Leeds
19th Nov 2016 Gullivers, Manchester
3rd Dec 2016 Verve Bar, Leeds
Stream ‘Captive City’ below

https://soundcloud.com/slyantics/captive-city

Live Music Review : King Harvest & The Weight and The Sour Seeds

 

The first thing we found out about our trip to The Pine Lodge Cork on Saturday to catch King Harvest & The Weight live was that Myrtleville is the best place to be stranded. We found lovely helpful people that made us feel at home and helped us out after our designated driver crashed into a wall just up the road from the venue, destroying our car but leaving the wall without a mark. A little shook up and bruised we headed to the Pine lodge to organise a way home and of course get to see as much live music as we possibly could before our lift came.

 

The night began with a set from The Sour Seeds an alternative rock band from Dublin. These guys have a slightly unusual set up with the addition of two saxophones. The Sour Seeds are refreshing and talented. Their smooth soulful tunes with added psychedelic and rock influences bring something new to the table, and come on who 20160701_215659_001doesn’t love a saxophone especially when it works well and adds diversity and depth to their tracks. Their witty humour and banter goes down well with the crowd, a brilliant warm up for a great night ahead.
King Harvest & The Weight begin their set with their single ‘Unstuck’ an upbeat catchy rock track bursting with great vibes. This track is brilliant live. It takes a new dimension with a dynamic bass, mighty drums and spirited guitar. This track is a strong opener and is so easy to dance to. It quickly becomes apparent that they are at their best live and to really appreciate their diverse sound you need 20160702_173759to go to one of their gigs .’Dream’ follows with its bright upbeat bubbly sound which I thought had a slight country twang when i listened to the album, however when performed live they give us punchier drums and a fantastic lustrous guitar that is compelling. The edgy bluesy ‘This Town’ give us a rock and roll feel with swagger. The heavy riff is brawny yet flexible and can coax you to dance without you even realising it. Its an energetic track that the crowd reacts well to and seems to sweet talk the crowd to bopping along. They slow down the tone with the melodic smooth ‘Morning Light’ showcasing their lush harmonies. Its a soft track that has a sway almost soft bop effect on the crowd. The set flows smoothly as they glide into the catchy ‘Diana’ which shows us their funky side. Unfortunately we had to leave at this point but not before we got to hear the smooth sensual ‘New York Is Dangerous’ with its slick darker tone.

 

King Harvest & The Weight make performing  look so effortless and easy with the flowing guitar solos, polished bass and punchy drums while they blow us away with a mixture of genres and sounds. There 20160702_173954is no doubt of their talent.
I would highly recommend going to see both these bands live and unfortunately I didn’t get to see The New 52 perform but i will definitely head down to one of their next shows.
Stream The Sour Seeds ‘Can’t Bring Me Down’ and King Harvest & The Weight ‘Unstuck’ below

https://soundcloud.com/thesourseeds/cant-bring-me-down-1