Category Archives: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, Brit Punk, Fuzz Rock, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes in the form of Jackals Rose’s adrenaline filled ‘D.I.D’ (or “Devil In Disguise”)

Five piece Jackals Rose are Jake James, Max James, Darren Griffiths, Zak Simmons and Grant Masters. They are a fuzz rock band from Essex. They have been smashing the live circuit with gigs at the likes of Camden’s iconic Dublin Castle and many more.’D.I.D'(or “Devil In Disguise”) is the second single from Jackals Rose, the follow up to their 2015 debut release ‘All For You’. The track was produced by Nick Gavrilovic (who tours with Placebo). It has gained them a bit of attention scoring Radio X Track of The Week, with plays across BBC Introducing, as well as being made Track of The Day by Fred Perry and Gigslutz.
‘D.I.D’ is a raw Brit-punk track crossed with Indie-rock. Its powerful vigorous guitars, forceful drums and mighty bass creates an energetic frenzy that compels you to dance and mosh. With sharp guitars that has a “The Prodigy” feel with a bit of Kasabian thrown in. The vocals are full of attitude and swagger that draws the listener in. This track maintains a rapid manic tempo throughout instrumentally, however the vocal slows things with its almost moody gritty intense tone making this song extremely easy to listen to and very catchy. The track finishes on a heavy hard core headbanging worthy pounding drums.
‘D.I.D’ is an edgy track that is an absolute must listen!
you can catch Jackals Rose live at :
Jul 22 Tramlines – The Crystal Stage,Sheffield
Aug 06 Party in the Pines, Scunthorpe
Check out Jackals Rose video of ‘D.I.D’ which was shot and edited by Liam Masters, brother of drummer Grant below

 

A Chat With, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With : Neon Wolf

We caught up with Rob from Neon Wolf after their sold out show upstairs in Whelan’s Dublin last Saturday to have a chat.

You guys seem to be building up quite a bit of a reputation now, you’re getting a lot of support,but what brought you guys together, and when did you start out?
It started in 2011, but we’d been aware of each other’s bands for a few years. When the time came that we didn’t have anything else going on musically, we kind of came together and wrote some songs that got us excited.
Where did the name Neon Wolf come from?
I was half-asleep one night and it just came to me, I had been thinking about band names before that so it was on my mind. I came to, and text my friend to ask him what he thought, he didn’t like it, so it stuck.
What inspired you to make music?
For me, I just had melodies in my head that I wanted to get out and Brian Wilson.
You radiate bright sunny vibes through your music is that a conscious decision to fend away the dull winter days in kilkenny?
Good question, probably. We just like having a good time and I guess it reflects on the music. There are a lot of sad moments too but that makes good music, doesn’t it?
Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
There’s usually either some chords or a sound happening and then a melody will unravel. Not always that simple but it can happen very easily.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Yes, there was an incident which was down to bad management and money. Nothing to do with the 5 members. The band got through it thankfully and we’re currently back on track and going full steam ahead.
Which of your songs are you most proud of so far?
Hmm, that’s a tough one, it depends on what day it is. I will say there is a particular new song that doesn’t have a title yet, it’s like half Lorde, half Foals but could’ve been on The Beach soundtrack.
Which of the lyrics you have written are your favourite so far?
I love the imagery in No Other Soul,”Don’t you want to see, we got out so long ago, we could not be. There’s no other soul, we’re the last one’s out, I know there couldn’t”. It just captures where my head was at the time. Is it post-apocalyptic and half inspired by Dawn of the Dead? Probably.
So you guys played with Ham Sandwich in the Academy last month , how was your set?
It was good fun and the crowd were deadly! Ham Sandwich are such a great band, very cool people too!
What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
There’s a new song we’re playing that is going down a treat, it’s currently called War, then there’s All of it’s Your’s which goes down so well live, we still love it!
So far what is your favourite venue that you have played ?
The Olympia in Dublin.
What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
This time there was a stage invasion at our hometown gig, people were falling all over the place. I always wondered how musicians worked through that, I found out fairly quickly. It was bizarre but absolutely deadly at the same time.
Who has been your favourite support act so far?
Knoxville Morning, they supported us for a hometown gig, and anytime we play together it’s just mayhem.
What is the first Record you ever bought?
I would say, Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away.
What is the best advise you have been given?
“Do what makes you happy”, It’s a simple one but it was enough.
Is there any new artists that you are excited about?
The Japanese House, Blossoms and Spring King.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
Play music that you want to play.
What have Neon Wolf got planned for the rest of the year?
Recording in Belfast. Playing with Stereophonics and The Vaccines in Dublin at the end of June and Indiependence Festival in Cork on July 30th. There are more gigs and releases to come, which we’re very excited about! Keep an eye out…

Exciting times ahead for Neon Wolf supporting Stereophonics and The Vaccines that’s going to be amazing! Looking forward to their new releases too! If you can’t wait for them check out their track ‘All Of It’s Yours’ below.

Alt Rock, Hard Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Circle Of Reason ‘Never Enough’

Circle Of Reason are a four piece alt/hard-rock band hailing from Southampton. Band members Gary, Simon, Andy and Rob have created a name for themselves as a band who can deliver on the live stage. They have earned themselves support slots with the likes of Feed The Rhino, Marmozets, Neck Deep, Inme, Girlschool, Mallory Knox, Fearless Vampire Killers and many more. They have also performed at numerous festivals including Takedown Festival, X-Treme, Rock Diabetes, Kerrang Radio Summer Festival, Gosport, Keynsham and Weyfest. Having already released two video singles in the past 3 months in support of their mini album ‘Faith Or Theory’, UK unsigned alt-rocker’s Circle Of Reason are back again to announce their new video for ‘Never Enough’.
‘Never Enough’ delivers all of the bands renowned melodic hooks, articulate dynamics and fierce guitar riffs and is a massive attention grabbing opener for the album. From the start this track swallows you up in a whirlwind frenzy of hard hitting material with melodic verses and a soaring chorus. The intense vigorous guitar riffs and thunderous drums pound your very soul and convey an aggressive tone. The songs rapid tempo creates an almost manic circle pit worthy atmosphere which slows a little for the chorus where the dynamic vocals take your attention. The robust flexible bass runs along in the background of the track with powerful effect giving this track a depth. The track explores the lyrical theme of “No matter what you do, it’s never good enough for some people”. and this is conveyed perfectly through the instrumentation. The pounding drums and frantic guitars portray a frustrated and angry perhaps confused atmosphere that one would feel if you thought you were “never good enough for some people”
This track is a beast of a track that deserves to be played at max volume!
The band’s new mini-album, ‘Faith Or Theory’, is available now. You can purchase it  in physical format via the band’s store or digitally via iTunes.
The Video to ‘Never Enough’ was released earlier this month. It shows the emotion behind the song and how it could relate to anyone and features actress and model ‘Hannaj Bang Bendz’ check it out below.

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Odstocks ‘Cookie Jar’

Odstocks are a rock band from Salisbury. Band members Jack Wilkinson-Holton (Guitar & Vocals), Tommy Nicklen (Guitar & B-Vocals), Tom Hollinworth (Bass) and Alec Mackenzie (Drums) have won ‘Best young band’ at the Salisbury music awards and are creating quite a stir with their energetic indie rock sound. They released their debut track ‘Cookie Jar’ earlier this year and are currently working on their debut EP.
‘Cookie Jar’ is a riff based rock track full of attitude. It begins with an infectious guitar, riff some guitar distortion and thumping drums. The guitars subside a little to a psychedelic wah wah in places for the verse while an unexpected strong but subtle almost funky bass line adds a groove that is contagious.The vocals are gritty and aggressive which adds a contrast between the groovy seductive bass and light slick lustrous guitar. The chorus builds both instrumentally and vocally and becomes more vigorous and intense. The instrumental gives a chance for them to showcase their talent as we hear a confidant zealous guitar feature with slick running baseline and stirring drums. The song increases in tempo to the final chorus which is introduced by the catchy riff then the song ends suddenly in a true rock star “drop the mic fashion”.
‘Cookie Jar’ is a brilliant introduction to a talented band which deserve to do well.
Stream ‘Cookie Jar’ below

Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Uncategorized

Skunkmello ‘Hot Chicken’

Brooklyn-based rock and roll band Skunkmello have released their new album ‘Hot Chicken’ today. Matt Bartlett (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Ed Cuervo (guitar, vocals), Jay Holt (bass,vocals) and Jono Ori (drums, vocals) have created their sound which blends the influences of classic rock and blues artists, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Towns Van Zandt and The Rolling Stones. The group’s three previous releases, Whiskey & Oatmeal EP (2012), 2013’s Lowlife Dreams EP which were produced by the band and mastered by Grammy Award‐winner Brian Lucey,( The Black Keys’ Brothers and El Camino albums) and 2014’s Stars & Stripes, have all met with critical acclaim and ‘Hot Chicken’ follows with in the same manner.
‘Hot Chicken’ pulls together the best of classic rock and roll with country twangs and refreshing blasts of blues to make a solid smooth album full of swagger. ‘Cardboard Box Disguise’ kicks things off in a true rock and roll style with husky vocals, luscious guitar twangs and a sick drum beat that pulls you to the dance floor. With it’s catchy chorus this fun upbeat track is infectious and starts the album off on a high with added cowboy “woooh” mid guitar solo its full of 50s rock and roll swagger.
‘Ridin’ The River’ follows with a heavier sound to start. The country twang features strongly again while the song takes a swing persona as the harmonica becomes predominate. The bridge is finger clicking and foot tappingly good. Its feel good vibe is infectious and makes this track so easy to listen to.
‘Prime Time Hero’ takes a blues form with a sensual sway/strut effect. The guitar plays a light springy melody to soft bouncy beats. Skunkmello take blues and make it light and fun in this track. The chorus is simple with “wooo yeah” lyrics and trust me you will be singing by the end. This track is full of sass in a smooth seductive style.
‘Rhinestone Shady’ brings us a rock and roll blues with heavier beats and stronger vocals full of attitude. With a crisp slick guitar solo and clever lyrics this song is energetic and yet a true narrative telling a story relative to their lives.
‘Highway 17’ slows the tone down a little with a country almost whiskey drowned ballad. It is beautifully melodic and smooth and gives a driving on a hot summers evening feel. Its full of nostalgia and melancholy tones with lush sweet harmonies in backing vocal, while the main vocals are slightly animated and emotional.
‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ brings back that “turn it up loud” rock and roll feel while ‘ Alligator Coat’ gives us some distorted sliding guitars and shakes up their sound a little. ‘Cash Flow Blues’ deals with the problem of money or lack of, which we can all relate to. Skunkmello deal with this problem in an upbeat manner full of humour and an almost speaking vocal in the middle. This song is full of clap along beats and definitely is one to get an audience up and dancing.
‘Sweet Delight’ closes the album in a raunchy blues style. The steamy guitars and soft beat gives a longing sway vibe to the track. While the vocals become rough and husky in places. With “ohhh” feature on vocals that begin soft and build to become intense and louder up to the massive guitar solo and an almost shout in vocals and roll on drums. This softens until the guitar plays us out with a kick ass solo and pounding drums to a sudden end. Leaving you wanting more.
Stream ‘Slaughterhouse Blues’ and ‘Highway 17’  below

Alt Rock, Garage Rock, indie rock, Mod Revival, New Whop, Rock and Roll

The Chessmen ‘Gonzo’

The Chessmen are a 60’s inspired garage rock n roll band from Leeds. The band consists of Luke Holdsworth (Lead Guitar/Vocals ), Ryan Walker (Bass Guitar ) and Scott Parker (Drums). They formed in early 2016 and are already making their mark in the underground unsigned music scene landing themselves an endorsement from Hofner guitars. They are stamping out their authority on the touring circuit with dates booked across the UK.
Their new track ‘Gonzo’ is a modern yet retro track packed with 60s swagger. It takes you back in time to enjoy a much loved genre of music in a fresh way. With crunchy beat-stops which reference the mod generation combined with psychedelic guitars give a playful British Austin Powers vibe while showing some serious skilful musicianship. The vocals exude confidence and give a strut quality to the track. The song is a massive musical rush and frenzy throughout as the verses build to a rapid catchy chorus and end on a vocal howl leaving the listener exhausted from this energetic storm, however willing to press replay and listen to it again.
‘Gonzo’ is a fantastic burst of mania and frenzy and an absolute must listen!
You Can catch The Chessmen live at
Fri, Jun 10 Percy’s Coffee & Curios, Watergate Street, Shropshire
Fri, Jun 17 The Victoria, 48 John Bright Street, Birmingham
Sat, Jun 18 Salford Arms, Chapel Street, Manchester
Sat, Jun 25 Apollo Festival – Rick Witter’s Premier Stage, York
Sat, Jul 2 @ 8:00 PM Belgrave Music Hall, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds

Stream ‘Gonzo’ below

Alt Rock, indie rock, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This week is Ghost Robots ‘Under Fire’

Irish five piece band Ghost Robots formally known as We The People 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) have just finished recording their second EP ‘Sell It To Me’ with the song ‘Under Fire’ being the lead single and have now begun work on their first album with producer Ciaran O’ Shea.
‘Under Fire’ is a dynamic punchy indie rock track that is insanely catchy. It begins with an infectious riff that worms its way into your brain while the punchy bendy beats persuade your body to move. The vocals are sombre and almost eerie and blend perfectly with the instrumentation as they complement each other and create a dark mysterious atmosphere. The track runs steadily along as the guitars lure you to the brisk exhilarating bridge and chorus, while still holding the sombre vocal. The instrumental shakes things up a little with a swirl like effect giving a dazed and confused vibe to the track as the vocals return again for the final chorus.
‘Under Fire’ is a massive track that is not overpowering. It has cool tones with vocals that are effortlessly smooth and oozing swagger while conveying a shadowy atmosphere when teamed with the guitars and percussion.
Looking forward to hearing Ghost Robots album!
Watch ‘Under Fire’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Whop, Rock, Rock and Roll

Beautiful Corruption ‘Orphic’

 

Beautiful Corruption are a four piece alt-rock band based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The band consists of Oisin Wolfe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, James Brown on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Simon Cooke on drums and Rory Cooper on bass. We reviewed their début EP ‘ Snakes & Ladders’ earlier this year which showcased their growing talents and potential. They have released their new single ‘Orphic’ which is a strong follow up.
‘Orphic’ is a competent proficient track full of shredding guitars, pounding drums and dynamic vocals. The intro sets the musical scene with a taste of the explosive sound to come .The verses are presented in a slick manner with a rock and roll vibe light beats and acute guitar that holds a bright infectious luring melody while the bass and drums keep us grounded. The vocals exude swagger while the backing vocals add a lush harmony which is refreshing. The chorus explodes into the mosh worthy frenzy that Beautiful Corruption are known for with thunderous drums , vigorous guitars, forceful bass and charismatic vocals making this song infectious. The mighty lusty guitar solo and instrumental break is effectively brawny and powerful and ends the song on a high leaving you wanting more.
Watch ‘Orphic’ below

A Chat With, Alt Rock, Blues, indie rock, Interviews, New Music, Rock

A Chat With : Jack Berry

After reviewing Jack Berry’s new album ‘ Mean Machine’ earlier this month, we decided to have a chat with him about his new album and to get to know him a little better.

How Did ‘Mean Machine’ come about?
I had a bunch of songs I was working out and I got a call to use an old track (“Kiss Like”) for a Showtime show but I had to re-record the instrumentals. We went in, recorded it in an hour and the engineer just says, “Well, you’ve got the studio for the day…want to record anything else?” Three days later we had Mean Machine.
Did you find it difficult to decide what tracks you wanted on the album and what order to put them in?
Which songs were already set, but the order I treated like a concept album. Lyrically everything is correlative and the story carries itself throughout and I arranged the tracks to justify that.
The songs on the album all keep in with the same theme of conflicting emotions only portrayed in different ways was it difficult to keep the same theme through all the songs?
I certainly didn’t plan it to be that way, so it wasn’t difficult to stick to it. It’s more difficult to just stay out of the way of the flow. Let it breathe.
Your songs are full of swagger and confidence does this reflect on your personality?
Most of the figures I placed as heroes growing up had bravado in spades. Like Clint Eastwood or Muhammad Ali – but I wouldn’t say I walk the streets like Shaft. I’m a lot more laid back than what my music suggests…til I’m not.

Which of your songs are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of The Bull. The storyline alone was a fun thing to create and everything fell into place from there. I never planned for it to be so heavy but that’s what I love about it – the rise and tension. Parts of other songs still give me chills which is weird I reckon, to get that feeling from your own songs but I’m pretty good at detaching myself from the project as a person and artist.
There are some really great riffs in this album, were they difficult to come up with or did they come naturally?
Thank you for saying that. Naturally I suppose. The difficult part was refining them. I could hear them in my head but I’m only a sub-par player so it took time to do the riff justice.
Do your songs draw inspiration from personal experiences?
I like to use the content or vibe as a sort of score or soundtrack to my personal experiences so in a way yes, but not verbatim.
From your album you get a sense that these songs would be epic performed live, what is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
The live show brings the ruckus, I can tell you that much. I try to bring the energy of a punk show in rock form. We’re all dropping in sweat by song three. “Bad Dog” is typically the closer and for good reason.
What advice do you have for people who want to start a career in music?
Once you commit to starting that road, don’t turn back – only way you’ll make it is being relentless. Especially these days. It’s a beautiful thing to have so many artists among us, but it makes it a bitch to survive and get noticed.
What has been your biggest challenge in the music industry so far? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Keeping my mouth shut about other genres or artists that receive so much fame and attention. There’s just no point but I’m so opinionated and certain things like country, which is just pop music with shit lyrics these days, not at all a candle to what it use to be but…ah dammit. See. Shut my mouth.
Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
By order of the Peaky Blinders I assume.
What is next for Jack Berry?
Shows, shows, more shows. Then back to the drawing board. Scatter some whiskey and tacos in there and that should cover it.

Whiskey and tacos sound good! might do that myself! stream ‘Mean Machine’ below.

https://soundcloud.com/jackberrymeanmachine/sets/mean-machine

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

New Valley Wolves ‘Eyes On Me’

New Valley Wolves are a rock duo from Dublin. Jonny Lucey and Baz Joyce have created an aggressive concoction of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and hard- core rock. Their new single ‘Eyes On Me’ was released earlier this year and it is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
‘Eyes On Me’ is a riff based gritty blues rock track full of attitude and swagger. The slick fiery riffs teamed with pounding soul shaking drums give this track a cool sensual tone with an added grit. The confident vocals exudes swagger with its grainy “I don’t give a damn” tone. The verses give an eerie destructive almost threatening tone while the infectious riff sticks in your head, its so catchy you will have it playing in your head all day. This track builds into frantic head banging rock that is mosh pit worthy. This track is full of energy with powerful drums and vigorous guitar I can imagine its insane live!
Stream ‘Eyes On Me’ here

https://soundcloud.com/new-valley-wolves/eyes-on-me