Black Honey have just dropped their EP ‘Headspin’ and it is everything we expected and more. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums)have created a solid polished collection of songs while still maintaining that raw appeal. ‘All My Pride’ kicks the EP off with slick, blazing guitar as Izzy performs her vocals with such intensity and vulnerability that sucks you in and makes you listen to every word of her story. It is full of vigorous energy and a great lead single for the EP. We loved this song so much we made it our Worth A Listen track earlier this month. ‘Headspin’ follows next with a slower tone. It begins with light accompaniment as the vocals are the main focus. The hazy west coast vibe paired with Izzy’s almost seductive soft vocals which gives a melancholy atmosphere to the track. The backing vocals add a haunting quality to the track with a subtle drum beat like the secret ingredient to a sweet dish . The song builds towards the end instrumentally with psychedelic ‘wah wah’ guitar and a stronger beat. This song takes you on a journey with every note, It has a very Lana Del Rey feel with an almost cinematic trip to lose yourself in. ‘On Your Side’ brings us back to a sunny bright side of Black Honey. This track begins with a light drum beat to start. It then kicks into a swinging feel with a rock element. Its a catchy up beat vibrant song. Although its a bouncy track it still holds that melancholy, nostalgic tone which is conveyed through the vocals that gives the track a mysterious quality. The sweet matching harmonies gives the track an uplifting feel to the main vocals and adds a subtle contrast.This song makes you want to sit back in the sun and reminisce as you hear the lustrous, bright guitar solo. ‘Mocking Song’ Is the final track on the EP it slows down the tone again and brings back that west coast style.It has a sombre and almost angry tone on vocals with light guitar and waltz accompaniment for the verses. Again its a picturesque track as you can almost imagine Izzy standing swaying with a drink in her hand and tears down her face. Its a raw emotion filled track that shows a vulnerability which we haven’t seen before from Black Honey. The psychedelic guitar for the instrumental break is really effective and makes you fall into despair with Izzy.
This is a strong EP that shows us the variety in Black Honeys style and it shows us where they want to take their music. Its a multi dimensional EP from an extremely talented band. These guys will be sticking around and if this is only their EP imagine what an album would be like!
Stream ‘Headspin’ below
RINSE are Josh Hollingworth, Rich Hewitt, Josh Hassall and Ollie McNicholas. This indie quartet from Stoke-on-Trent released their new track on Friday 22nd April.‘Taser Party’ is an explosive dream rock track that has already taken the BBC Introducing from Stoke Record Of The Week title. RINSE describe themselves as Summer Grunge and this song definitely gives that impression. ‘Taser Party’ begins with a delicate soft riff which is repeated throughout and is infectiously psychedelic as it sticks in your mind comfortably and replays over and over again with ease. The bouncy playful drum beat gives us that summer vibe while Hollingworth’s haunting vocals give us that grunge feel. The verses keep the eerie mysterious atmosphere that will give you goosebumps while the chorus explodes with a heavier sound and fantastic guitar work.These guys have a real talent for creating an atmosphere in their songs
Another great song from RINSE
Stream ‘Taser Party’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes from The Brazen
The Leeds/Birmingham-based indie rock band The Brazen which consists of Ryan Hobbs (Vocals), Matt Lucas (Lead Guitar), Trev Phillips (Bass), Adam Larner (Drums) and Rob Clayton (Guitars) released their new single ‘Laser Lips’ yesterday, ahead of their début album that is set for release this May. ‘Laser Lips’ is a catchy upbeat tune full of swagger and a rock and roll vibe that makes you want to dance. Its an infectious tune that shows just how versatile these guys are. While ‘Burn It Down’ written by their very own Trev Phillips has a heavier rock sound, ‘Laser Lips’ lightens things up with a disco dance feel that definitely makes you want to “shake your hips”. Rob Clayton shows off his writing skills with the catchy fun lyrics accompanied with tight luminous instrumental and a blazing slick guitar solo. The contrast in style of both Phillips and Clayton make for a really promising album as their writing styles are different but they have the ability to combine elements of their styles to make great tunes.
‘Laser Lips’ is an energetic fun song that will have you up and dancing in no time! and we mustn’t forget to mention the confident strut like swagger in Hobbs vocals it will make you want to get up and strut your stuff with them.
The Brazens album will be available to pre order from tomorrow so make sure you get your copy!
Stream ‘Laser Lips’ below
Based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire indie/rock five-piece Shoot The Symphony have been creating a buzz since they released their first single ‘Unwind’ in late 2015, which was recorded at RML Studios, and got them quickly named Band Of The Week by Salop Radio, one of the most well known stations in their home town. Scot Kelly, Stephen Dalziel, Bobby Brazier, Conor Hubbard and Joe Goodman released ‘Sadie’ earlier this year, it is only their second released track but confirms their style and talent. ‘Sadie’ opens with a whirl of lustrous guitar riffs and rumbling drums. The verses soften with the hazy smooth vocals as the main focus, that builds into a lively, infectious indie rock chorus with rigorous guitar hooks and thumping beats and high energy. Its an animated track with a melancholy tone which is conveyed through the vocals which adds a nice contrast to the track.
Shoot The Symphony will be releasing their first EP Side Effects later in the year. If ‘Unwind’ and ‘Sadie’ are anything to go by it will be a solid EP with tracks that have serious radio potential.You can catch Shoot The Symphony On the 13th of May at the O2 Institute in Birmingham.
When Entering the quiet little pub of Eddie Murphys in Thomastown you expect, by its cosy old fashioned make up, that you would be settling down for a nice quiet drink, but Eddie Murphys had other plans. If you pass through the charming room and head outside to the back, passed “Le Bog Pour Les Femmes”you find a building with a good fashioned rock and roll vibe with wooden benches and tables where bands can make as much noise as they want and this is where we found our Alternative Rock band Beautiful Corruption and their support act Brand New Dead Things.
Dublin’s Brand New Dead Things kicked things off with melodic groovy sounds and strong riff based tunes. Maurice Ramsbottom (Guitars/Vocals), Dec Clarke (Drums) and Aaron Grimes (Bass/Vocals) gave us a diverse energetic set with polished sleek base riffs, robust drums and zealous guitar.Their array of tracks showed off Ramsbottom’s strong vocals as he slid into falsetto effortlessly. There was no shortage of humour either from these guys which kept the crowd entertained while they were tuning and blowing their nose. Brand New Dead things are a fun energetic band with serious skill. Looking forward to their new tracks to come Beautiful Corruption waisted no time in following. From the first song they exuded energy. The Kilkenny band Oisín Wolfe (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) , James Brown (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals), Rory Cooper (Bass) and Simon Cooke (Drums) started with ‘Leather’ a solid riff based song to get everyone pumped, followed by an impeccably rehearsed set that was still a fresh performance from the boys. Half way through the set they do a crowd pleasing cover of wolf Alice’ Moaning Lisa smile’ The second half of the set explodes into frantic head banging tracks with slick nimble guitar as Wolfe coaxes the crowd to their feet to dance and mosh (even a guy on crutches gets up to join in) The set comes to an end with the band giving a final burst of energy on their final song of the night.
London band Dead! have just released their new single ‘ Your So Cheap’. Its a solid rock track with proficient guitar and pounding drums. The verses feature clever well written lyrics with strong vocal. Although the tone is bitter, its a kick ass track with a catchy sharp chorus and cutting vocals. With a razor-sharp guitar solo before the intense bridge that shows a well arranged song and lives up to the hype surrounding this band.
We are also treated to a second track with the release of ‘Your So Cheap’ this comes in the form of the energetic dynamic track that is ‘Save Me’. This is a banging tune full of energy with an infectious melody that seeps into your brain and leaves you craving more. With strong bass line, guitar hook and thunderous drums.The chorus explodes into a fierce full sound with passionate vocals. The bridge brings us that mosh worthy instrumental that Dead! are famous for with, of course the vocal scream
Dead are a force to be reckoned with!
Stream ‘Your So Cheap’ and ‘Save Me’ below
Travis Oaks are an alternative blues rock band from Cavan. The band consists of Michael Paterson (Rhythm guitar and lead vocals),Taran Plouzane (Lead guitar and backing vocals), Aran McGillick (Bass guitar and backing vocals) and Killian McCourt (Drums). They have been carving their own sound since late 2012 by fusing Indie, Blues, Punk and Rock and now have signed a publishing deal with New York based Big House Publishing.
Their new single ‘Love You More’ shows us why these guys are creating hype. This hook-driven track is a robust, powerful song with a cool, slick, smooth tone in the verses, which oozes confidence and swagger. With bluesy licks, thumping rhythm and lush harmonies its a really slick song to listen to. The intro gives you an instrumental taste of what’s to come and then they hold back while singing the verse making you crave more. You wait through an intense vocal with harmonies and light guitar riff before an explosion into the heavy chorus.These guys know how to grab your attention with catchy chorus and impeccable guitar that keeps you addicted to their sound.
Travis Oaks will have a new EP Black Light out on June 10th and if ‘Love You More’ is anything to go buy its going to be a fantastic EP. Travis Oaks have been invited to support big names such as The Riptide Movement, The Hot Sprockets , ASH and most recently The Strypes, at the sold out Olympia Theatre so live shows are something these guys are not afraid of. Look forward to hearing more from Travis Oaks in the future. These guys are sticking around!
Stream ‘Love You More’ below
Ginger Tom are a pop-punk band from Doncaster. Dan Washbourn (Vocals/Guitar), Tom Prendergast (Vocals/Guitar), Alex Byard-Cooke (Drums) and Luke Broadhurst ( Bass) released their single ‘Thought You’d Won’ on Friday 15th April. This single is the title track from their third EP and showcases their talent for writing catchy, melodic, harmony driven upbeat tracks.
They had previously wowed audiences at Universities around the UK when they were hand-picked to join the prestigious Coffeehouse Sessions tour last year. Their tour support slots with The Hoosiers, Marillion and The Pigeon Detectives have further increased their growing fan base.
‘Thought You’d Won’ is an energetic track with great hooks and tight harmonies accompanied by radiant guitars and a solid dependable rhythm section. The vocals are smooth and effortless with luscious harmonies that are infectious. This is a positive animated track that’s easy to listen to and sing along with.
The band will be celebrating the release of ‘Thought You’d Won’ with the following tour dates,
5th May – The Lion, BRISTOL
13th May – The Century Club, LONDON
31st May – West St Live, SHEFFIELD
1st June – Think Tank, NEWCASTLE
2nd June – The Actress & Bishop, BIRMINGHAM
3rd June – The Zanzibar, LIVERPOOL
9th June – The Maze, NOTTINGHAM
11th June – Verve, LEED
Stream ‘Thought You’d Won’ below
Serene is a three piece band from Cumbria consisting of Kieran Day on vocals, guitar, bass, synth; Ryan Patterson, lead guitar and synth; Matthew Southwell, drums and percussion.Contrary to what their name suggests these guys are full of loud, big sounding psychedelic, alternative rock. Their song ‘Rainbow Mind’ is a seductive enrapture of psychedelic rock with slick alluring guitars and steady beats. The gritty vocals give a grunge vibe to the chorus, however Kieran’s vocals for the verse is deep and haunting and adds a bewitching mysterious quality to the song. The psychedelic guitar solo is impeccable and breaks the tone a little preparing for the big crescendo.
This is a fantastic song well written and composed and really showcases the talent of these guys. Serene are currently preparing to release their first EP and if ‘Rainbow Mind’ is anything to go by its going to be a strong EP. Bright future ahead for this band!
Stream ‘Rainbow Mind’ below
‘Burn It Down’ is the first single to be taken from The Brazen’s début album. The Leeds/Birmingham-based indie rock band’s single was released on March 25th. Ryan Hobbs (Vocals), Matt Lucas (Lead Guitar), Trev Phillips (Bass), Adam Larner (Drums) and Rob Clayton (Guitars) have created a melodic song with tight instrumentals.’Burn It down’ is full of slick, radiant guitar riffs pounding drums and fluent vocals. This song is very catchy and upbeat and is a very promising track that ticks all the boxes. It is well written and composed with soft verses that burst into a vigorous chorus. A strong single to set us up for what looks like a stunning album to come.
The Brazen’s début album is set for release this May and was recorded with talented producer Ed Heaton (production credits include Jon Gomm, Fold, Ellen & The Escapades & more) at the beginning of this year. With a string of sold out shows and a performance at Elland Road already under their belt, these guys are set to do well.
You can catch them at :
27th May – Leeds, Milo
3rd June – Sheffield, Maida Vale
23rd July – Birmingham, Actress & Bishop
Stream ‘Burn It Down’ Below
