Category Archives: Blues Rock

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

Val Cale ‘Docile’

Val Cale are a four piece psyche-blues band from Leeds. The band has quickly made progress through the Leeds city gig scene, and are gaining a reputation for enthralling, atmospheric and groovy live performances. Band members Tom Lister (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar), Henry Smith (Rhythm Guitar / Backing Vocals), Shafiq Dufrene (Bass Guitar / Keys / Backing Vocals) and Sam Hamer ( Drums / Backing Vocals) have released their new track ‘Docile’ the fifth track from their upcoming EP ‘Black Stuff’ which will be released on the 1st February. ‘Docile’ is a dark eerie swirling mixture of thick sticky tar that lures you into its grip until you are stuck tight in its grasp. Raspy vocals coax with soft velvety textures while the seductive guitar licks entice like bait guiding you gently into the intoxicating psychedelic sound. Deep rooted bass slaps with a sensual slick quality adding a dark mysterious vibe to the track that is goosebump evoking.
You can download the EP ‘Black Stuff’ from 1st February at http://valcale.bandcamp.com/
Stream ‘Docile’ below

Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Blues, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Rollin’ Empire

Rollin’ Empire are a modern Irish rock and roll trio. The group consists of members Stephen McGurrin (songwriter, vocals and guitar), Callum Condron (songwriter, bass guitar, keyboards and vocals) and Thomas Campbell (percussion, vocals). Their mission is to lead their fans on a compelling journey where rock reigns supreme. Their energetic and passionate live performances are both lively and infectious, leaving fans demanding more and more.
Rollin’ Empire have released their new single ‘Nothing to Lose’ which is the third single from their debut album ‘Nowhere to Run’ which was released last November. The song, which is about taking a gamble and never giving up no matter what the odds, gives you all the dirty bluesy grit that you would expect with the added sprinkle of shimmying keyboards. This riff- heavy relentless track erupts with a fierce buzz filled riff and pounding rapid beat and bass that displays a slinky sensual flexibility giving the track smooth cool swagger. Strutting through the rubbery bounce of the verse with gritty brawny vocal attitude and hair raising panache, The synth infused chorus takes us to their brand of catchy rock fused with a pop element. Harmonised vocals freshens the track up giving a breather before the infectious burly beefy  riff re enters.
Stream ‘Nothing to Lose’ below

Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Wildera ‘Bad Habit’

Wildera are an American rock duo formed in Los Angeles, CA. The group consists of a pair of childhood friends Rusty Redden (songwriter, vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards) and Loren Moore (producer, drums and vocals). I stumbled upon their track ‘Bad Habit’ today and had to share it with you. This sensual smooth gritty blues rock track exudes steamy fleshy swagger and dark shadowy tones brewed in lusty “oh so cool” and sleek musicianship. With velvety raspy coaxing vocals danger lurks in every corner of this tempting seductive track. Spine tingling slap beat and intoxicating elastic bass  will lure and entice you into its smothering sultry entrapment. Sweltering zealous guitar adds edge and sharpness to the sticky drizzle of this charming temptress.
Stream ‘Bad Habit ‘ below

https://soundcloud.com/wildera/start-something-kingsize-ses

 

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

BaDow ‘Hot Headed Machine’

BaDow are a Blues/Rock band from the South Coast of England. Fronted by Jodie Amos (Drums & Vocals) with Sam Morris on Guitar & Vocals and Bradley McGinty on Bass & Vocals. BaDow bring us the release of their second EP ‘Hot Headed Machine’. Title track ‘Hot Headed Machine’ kicks the EP off with a sizzling slick bluesy swagger. The fuzzed scuzzy bass and blazing guitar add a sensual elastic quality to the track while Amos’ vocal are clear cut with attitude and sass. This track is smooth and saucy with grit and brawn brought in by the punchy drums and vigorous guitars. ‘Poor Young Man ‘ gives us a heavier rock mosh worthy sound to start. It becomes more sensual and groovy for the elastic verse with a hip swaying dirty bass. The track becomes more energetic for the explosive chorus. The melody is infectious as the repetitive bridge holds tension until the dynamic crescendo. This track exudes steamy swagger and strut quality. ‘Wasted On Me’ pounds a steady beat to start, with a light guitar feature and lush backing vocals. Amos’ vocals for this track take a gentle emotional approach. The chorus once again builds up BaDow’s rock sound as they give us a burst of robust instrumentation which subsides for the verses. This track features a fantastic shredding guitar solo and really gives the guitar time to shine as it smashes it in an insane lengthy display of polished slick lustrous licks. The sleek ‘Freedom Of The Night’ finishes the EP with smooth sensual bluesy rock. The zesty guitar riff and flexible sultry bass teamed with powerful drums and a catchy melody makes this track a strong ending for the EP.
BaDow ‘Hot Headed Machine’ gives us their rendition of smooth, steamy, gritty classic blues rock and sizzling melodies.
Stream ‘Hot Headed Machine’ below

Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Cellar Door Moon Crow ‘Tightrope’

Goodwin brothers Phil and Tommy from Sheffield form the two piece British rock band Cellar Door Moon Crow. The beardy duo released their new single ‘Tightrope’ earlier this year. Its a gritty blues track that hooks you in from the first few seconds. The sick riff is infectious and adds a grainy rough and tumble quality to the track. The forceful elastic beat is compelling and hits you to your core tempting you to move. With dynamic sultry vocals and sensuous seductively enticing verses and a massive ballsy chorus with a The Troggs ‘Wild Thing’ feel this track packs a punch. Its high energy beefy attitude and gutsy guitar make this snappy track compelling and electrifying.
Stream ‘Tightrope’ below

https://soundcloud.com/cellardoormooncrow/2-track-02-2

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

Rat Ta’Mango ‘Let It Go’

Rat Ta’Mango are an Adelaide band who play a unique brand of blues rock, fusing elements of garage, psych and funk. The three piece have recently released their debut self titled EP. The 5 track Ep is bursting with a mixture of garage rock, blues and Latin-jam influences intertwining and blending together while creating a massive raw sound that packs a punch.
It was their first single ‘Let It Go’ that caught our attention. Its heavy furious fuzzed intro teases their garage rock mosh worthy sound before revealing a funky slick verse. The sensual swagger and opulent rhythmic groove and percussion-soaked bounce adds an elasticity and addictive energy to the track. The vocals are passionate and dynamic giving a steamy exhilarating strut quality and confidence. The track spirals into a shredding guitar solo and intense weighty burly headbang. ‘Let It Go’ softens to gentle vocals and light accompaniment before a final beefy robust crescendo to end. Rat Ta’Mango show us how to mix raw gritty bluesy sound with funky sensual guitar licks and fantastic brawny hooks leaving you wanting to hear more.
Stream ‘Let It Go’ below

Blues, Blues Rock, Garage Blues, Garage Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Blues, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock, Trance

Val Cale ‘Two People In The Dark’

val cale

Val Cale are a Garage Blues band from Leeds. The band consists of members Tom Lister (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar), Henry Smith (Rhythm Guitar / Backing Vocals), Shafiq Dufrene (Bass Guitar / Keys / Backing Vocals) and Sam Hamer (Drums / Backing Vocals). The band has quickly made progress through the Leeds city gig scene, and is gaining a reputation for enthralling, atmospheric and groovy live performances. They claim their music is “capable of reducing the listeners mind to the creamy texture of a head of stout” and they are absolutely right.
‘Two People In The Dark’ gives us a taste of what we can expect from their upcoming debut EP ‘Blackstuff’ which is set for release this September. Its a deep dark swirling concoction of gritty blues and rock with a dash of psychedelia. ‘Two People In The Dark’ introduces itself with a massive attention grabbing dirty blues riff. The track becomes more sensual and luring with an elastic bass that adds an enticing lustful quality and burning desire feel to the track. While Lister’s vocals are raspy and emotion filled adding to the longing tone. The drums keep a flexible tempting beat that teases the listener as we wait for the massive crescendo. The shredding guitar solo adds that touch of psychedelia as it screeches with powerful distortion and is performed with slick proficient and nimble skill.
‘Two People In The Dark’ shows Val Cale’s skillful musicianship, looking forward to their EP.
These guys are ones to watch.
Stream ‘Two People In The Dark’ below

Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

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

Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Funk, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

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

Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, Rock

The Restless Venture

The Restless Venture are a rock band from Manchester/Liverpool. The band took a hiatus for a little while but are now back with their strongest lineup to date which consists of Tom Mann (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Andy Pilkington (Lead Guitar/Vocal Harmonies), Davy Taff (Bass) and Lee Gee (Drums). They have previously played shows all across the North West mainly in Liverpool and Manchester, even supporting Gordon Gano and The Ryans (lead singer of The Violent Femmes) in Manchester’s Ruby Lounge. Their witty cheeky characters add a charming smugness to the band as they claim their lead guitarist Andy Pilkington’s “masculine charm leaves women wanting him and men wanting to be him”, while drummer Lee Gee is “the bands prominent sex God and legend”.
All humour aside these guys do deliver soaring, anthem- like songs with richly textured melodies that stick in your head. They swivel from massive foot stomping anthems with irresistible energy to tender uplifting and emotional tracks with ease taking you on a fantastic journey packed with a roller coaster of emotions that leaves you rejuvenated and renewed.
The track that introduced me to The Restless Venture was ‘Bring On The Furnace‘. A gritty rock track full of fiery attitude. This track is punchy and rebellious while still maintaining the bands sensual swagger. Mann’s vocals are gravelly and raspy yet velvety and smooth for the verses. Like all their tracks The Restless Venture present us with a warm american desert-like atmosphere which brightens up the tracks and makes them instantly likeable. This track gives an old school rock feel with a slight country jingle on guitar.
‘Both Barrels’ is my favourite of their tracks so far as its a bluesy dark whiskey soaked track full of shadowy burning emotions. It has bitter tones contrasting with a longing heated atmosphere. With again dynamic vocals that become almost theatrical adding an eerie mysterious atmosphere to the track. The stirring guitar is intense and passionate while the bass and drums add that flexible sensual tempting and enticing quality.
The Restless Venture are definitely a band to watch and with live shows that promise “there won’t be a dry armpit in the room by the end of the set” what other assurance do you need.
Stream ‘Bring On The Furnace’ and ‘Both Barrels’ below