Category Archives: Dream Pop

Dream Pop, electro- pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Mind Redux

Mind Redux is the alter ego of 25 year old songwriter/producer Harry Blackman from Farnham, Surrey.  He has released his debut EP ‘Colour Of Dreams’ on which he self composed and produced over the winter of 2016/17 in a shed at the top of his garden huddled around an electric heater to stay warm.

‘Colour Of Dreams’ is a 5 track EP that perhaps personifies Blackmans desire for warmth in that shed. Glowing with laid back sunny vibes and laced in subtle sweet hooks its perfect to transport you to a hazy sunny daydream. ‘Divide’ kicks off the EP with peppy beats, swirling soundscapes and lo- fi vocals. Drowning in blissful psychedelia this track sweeps you up into the unique dreamy world of Mind Redux.’ Love Luck’ brings us sharp zesty guitar riffs against sweet melodies and trippy vibes. It’s a refreshing tutti frutti on a sweltering hot day. Smothered in easy going laid back vibes backed by slick instrumentation its euphoric bliss. ‘Moving To The City’ bounces and floats with jubilant elation. Bright guitar riffs and soft beats teamed with wispy breezy soundscapes create a cushion of summer sun to rest your head on. Blackman really knows how to set your mind at ease and place you happily in a content stupor of euphoria. ‘Coincide’ darkens the tone a little with hints of mystery and eerie qualities.The track perhaps acts as the unexpected cloud that covers the sun momentarily . Strong strides on guitar interweave the sticky beats as they swirl in a gentle opaque whirlpool. Final track ‘This Trap’ is a bubble of snappy catchy indie. Again featuring zealous bursts of honey-toned guitar teamed with a delicious melody and heavenly soundscapes. The sing along friendly chorus dripping in wistful tones creates a luscious track that is almost angelic and too sweet for our human ears. Blackman shows real talent with this EP. Looking forward to hearing more from Mind Redux.

When we asked Harry Blackman what were his plans for the future he said:

This project started just as a pastime for something to do after work and soon developed into a collection of songs I thought I should probably release rather than letting them collect dust. I decided to go under a name which could manifest itself into a band for a live setup. I have never wanted to do a solo project and would always rather be in a band setup but not knowing many musicians makes it slightly difficult. Also not having to consult fellow band members about a track works well with me.  I do hope to meet musicians in the near future that would be willing to play the songs as a live setup. I’m very much looking forward to getting back into the shed to start another EP or even a full length album.

 

Follow Mind Redux on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/mindredux

Stream the ‘Colour Of Dreams’ EP here

 

 


Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

Modern Pleasure ‘Bliss Up’

The Leeds-based band Modern Pleasure (formerly Goodbye Chanel) have released their new single ‘Bliss Up’ with Grammy-nominee Bryan Wilson (Wolf Alice, Arctic Monkeys) at the production helm. The track,which the band call their ‘Anthem for the anxious generation’ finds them relocating their euphoric songwriting into more electronic surrounds.The new release follows the successful singles ‘Messina’ and ‘White Heels’ which drew Radio 1 (Annie Mac) and Radio X airplay, alongside a slot at Barclay’s British Summertime and over 1.5 million Spotify streams.
‘Bliss Up’ is a fruity fizzy can of sun-soaked indie pop. Bubbling with shimmering synths and sparkling guitar riffs this track is dreamy sweet- toothed ecstasy. With a delicious candy coated melody smothered in syrupy electronic beats, is a luscious recipe for success. Its the perfect track for sunny days, good times and cocktails. Hazy sunny vibes and day dreamy vibes, its total bliss. Richly textured and lavishly layered this track is delicate and smooth yet opulent in all the right places. Its one for those lazy day summer time playlists.
Stream ‘Bliss Up’ below


A Chat With, Dream Pop, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, Interviews, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Two Islands

The Liverpool collective, Two Islands, have released their debut single ‘Heaven’. Its a snappy clappy ball of heavenly delight wrapped in cleverly well layered production and an oh so sweet melody. These guys have written an insanely infectious luscious track that listeners everywhere will fall in love with in a heartbeat. Soft vocals soothe while the swirling blissful soundscapes add ethereal graceful textures and wispy ecstasy. The track is grounded with rapid spongy beats rebounding the track with elastic energy, it will have you uncontrollably clapping along to its dreamy pop bliss. These guys are ones to watch they know what they want and they are going for it.

We caught up with Two Islands to have a chat and get to know them a little better following the release of ‘Heaven’

Tell us a bit about Yourselves ?

We’re Two Islands. We’ve always felt as if we existed on our own island, like outsiders looking in. Taking musical cues from the classic songwriting synonymous with Liverpool but dressing our songs in a modern and unique way; we’re aiming to follow in the lineage of Northern bands whose originality and creative ambition have helped to alter our perception of what is possible in pop music.

  Where did the name Two Islands come from?

It’s both a geographical reference as we’ve all grown up between two major cities and it’s the juxtaposition between the everyday reality of the mundane nine to five and the time we spend making music outside of our day jobs.

There is very little info about you guys around at the moment we are loving the mystery but why the suspense with introducing yourselves?

We want to reclaim the romance of falling in love with an artist solely through their songs, something that has been lost in the internet era. We’re not looking to hide; we just want to engage through our music.

You have released your debut single ‘Heaven’ tell us a bit about this track?

It’s an old song that’s been through many incarnations. Heaven describes the euphoria of finally arriving at a sound that best represents us.

 The track is unique and creative instantly catchy and likable what was the music writing process for the track and how did all the intricate pieces come together?

The chords and the vocals came together quite quickly. The bass and drums have been reworked a number of times over the last few months until we were fully satisfied with the parts.

The production and detail on the track is amazing it appears simple but has a lot going on did this take a long time to develop?

Yes we spent a lot of time in the rehearsal room developing the layers of the song before taking it into the studio.

Its definitely a track that announces your arrival and leaves the listener impatient for more tunes how soon can we  expect another delicious tune from you guys?

Heaven is the first marker ahead of a stream of output to come this year.

Stream ‘Heaven’ below

https://soundcloud.com/twoislandsband/heaven


Dream Pop, Indie, New Music

Billy Moon ‘Different Song (Same Girl)’

Ontario, Canada’s garage rock phenom Billy Moon has released the video for his single ‘Different Song (Same Girl)’​ which is taken off the recently released EP ‘That Which You Can’t Throw Away’. This track is raspberry ripple ice cream, smooth and luxurious with a feathery light sway  and dreamy tones. Velvety swoony vocals coo with a delicate charm against sharp guitar chords and cushioned beats. Its an almost doo whop delight with an effortless  daydreaming glide. Elegant and simple but oh so good and satisfying. The edged guitar adds a rough texture to the wispy flurrying track while the creamy falsetto vocals and sweet  luscious melody give a silky cotton candy smothered swagger that compels you to put the track on repeat and let your mind drift into a hazy dreamy euphoria.

Watch the video for ‘Different Song (Same Girl)’ below

Dream Pop, Indie, New Music

Stacey ‘First Move’

Toronto singer songwriter Stacey has released her new single ‘First Move’. This delicate melodic track oozes and seeps unadulterated romance with wispy synths and sultry silky vocals in an endless haze of dreamy bliss.Laced with casual soft percussion that portrays the monotonous waiting, the track is submerged in a laid back urgency and steamy mellow euphoria while holding an air of elegance and poise. Graceful keys gently simmer and glide through the track as it floats into an ethereal wistful daydream. With hints of Lana Del Rey charm and beauty its a must listen.

Stream ‘First Move’ below

Album Review, Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Smooth Rock, Synth Rock

Ten Fé ‘Hit The Light’

London-based duo Ten Fé have released their much anticipated debut album ‘Hit The Light’.Recorded in Berlin, Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan’s stunning debut is an album to get lost in. The duo effortlessly blend blissful soft rock with psychedelic electronic rock ’n’ roll creating an album where each track warrants its place and has its own identity on the album while gliding fluidly into the next track.
‘Overflow’ kicks the album off with sweet nostalgia. Moorhouse’s warm mellow baritone soothes and cushions the listener from the bittersweet sentimental drenched track. It becomes instantly obvious these guys have a  knack for irresistible melodies that lull in the back of your mind portraying perhaps harsh sombre tones but with a grace and a delicacy that is just beautiful. With longing tapping synths, lush harmonies and rich layered echo textures Ten Fé begin to introduce us to their enthralling sound that will transport you to a mind numbing journey into a swirling world of emotions.
‘Turn’ follows dripping in sonic 80’s infused soft rock, Duncan mourns a strained relationship.Its wistful with an afflicted tone but by no means doleful. Psychedelic “wah wah” on guitar ripples through the track like a wobbly warping mirage while the soft beat peps the track up adding a lively bouncy effect. Lush harmonies are what these guy do effortlessly and it adds such a rich elegance to the track especially when teamed with a mind melting melody.
Moorhouse takes on lead vocals on the dreamy ‘Elodie’. I must confess my favourite track on the album, ‘Elodie’ is the kind of track that you fall in love with. It reduces you to a liquid substance and really shows off the duos fine musicianship. The rich, daydream tone on vocals coo and lull with lavish qualities. Its heart on your sleeve raw emotion, tender and sweet yet radiating bright vibes. With yearning lyrics and lamenting “sigh-like” backing vocals, it swoons you into a bubble of nostalgic dreaminess. The rolling piano refrain creates a swan-like elegance while the steady tempo, warm feelings and heavenly melody make this track a perfect treasure.
‘Twist Your Arm’ flurries with loose floaty ecstasy featuring a propulsive strong beat and elastic bass teamed with a stinging slide guitar. The swirling electronics chilled with breezy natural tones add a psychedelic feel. The track builds into a massive full bodied chorus with hand clapping, swaying and almost Gospel- like crescendo. With smooth vocals reaching to a dynamic falsetto this track is dynamite.
‘Another Way’ is summer in a bottle. Open roads sunshine relax and chill. Limber dainty guitar adds to the bright luminous vibe while the washed-out keys flood the track with cool relaxed tones. Its mind easing bliss with falsetto vocals and rich harmonies creating the perfect backdrop to just let everything go.
‘In The Air’ jogs along again displaying Ten Fé’s knack for ear-worm indie pop. Zesty bright guitars interplay with a steady consistent beat while Moorhouse  and Duncan’s  vocal harmonies intertwine. Its effortless cool melody and vocals give the track a mellow bright free vibe.
‘Don’t Forget’ brings us a beat driven track with a darker tone. Flashes of sharp guitar add piercing scintillation to the track while soft backing vocals echo. The track becomes more electronically heavy as it progresses building to almost an 80’s rock balled classic. Its all fist pumping vibes by the shredding guitar solo.
‘Follow’ another delightful melodic banger. Smothered in uplifting vibes with nostalgic undertones and gentle vocals. With wistful synth swirls, its tear jerking stuff that still makes you feel good.
‘Make Me Better’ blast us with strings, sticky snappy beats and a The Verve vibe mixed with  Roy Orbison-esque elements. Its dark dramatic and fantastically sharp.Its a rush of blood churning with bubbling emotions and flashes of blazing synths.Epic orchestral peaks create an anthemic explosion while a calm steady bassline grounds the track adding depth. Its larger than life and immense yet majestic. You will have stuck song syndrome with that hook on strings it will be in your head all day.
‘Burst’ bops with hopeful vitality. The use of reverb changes the track that would perhaps have been more country into a fusion with psychedelic trippy electronics. Its catchy fun and lively and twangs in all the right places.
Our journey with Ten Fé comes to and end with the tender emotional ‘July Rain’. Rich percussion perfectly placed throbs and kicks with a stomping beat.Light pitter patter adds a rain like quality while a beautiful piano feature adds grace and elegance to this emotional track. This duo are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve and its beautiful aching tracks like ‘July Rain’ that come to fruition because of this. Delicate backing vocals heighten the emotional vocals and raw lyrics. This stunning track brings the album to a heart wrenching yet satisfying end.
Ten Fé compiled a combination of impeccable songs that are a treasure. Each track flows perfectly into the next. Its an emotional journey that the band take you on with them. Giving a personal experience to every listener that makes you hold the album close to your heart. As expected Ten Fé knocked it out of the park with catchy melodies and well crafted musicianship, ‘Hit The Light’ is what we expected and more, majestic personal and larger than life.
Stream ‘Hit The Light’ below

Dream Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Church of Trees ‘Crumbs (There’s Only Now)’

Ottawa-based synth/dream pop duo Church of Trees have released their debut single ‘Crumbs (There’s Only Now)’. Church of Trees is the combination of veteran composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist Bernard Frazer and up-and-coming vocalist/lyricist Felicity DeCarle. ‘Crumbs (There’s Only Now)’ is going to be on their extended player ‘Primitive Creatures’ which is due out February 3rd. Its a breezy fluttering delight, glittering with shimmering scaling synths that sparkle with fairy-like magical twinkle. The spacey swirling elements teamed with a heavy pulsing bass and sticky beat draws you into its winding soft cushioned playful abyss leaving you in a trippy hypnotised euphoria. The upbeat groove gives an inherent sense of fun and whimsy while the lyric reminds us that, despite our focus on the past and the future, all we really have is this very moment. Don’t waste it. The track holds a sense of enchantment and magic with DeCarle’s soft vocals adding shimmer and scintillation to the spellbinding wonder. The lyrics sound a little fantastical, however deeper within the lyrics there are some very edgy comments about the human condition that add a contrasting lonely element to the track. Overall Church of Trees encourage us to take each moment and enjoy it as ‘There’s only now’ by giving us a sweet gentle slice of synth based dream pop to coax us into dealing with life with as much positivity as we can muster up.

Stream ‘Crumbs (There’s Only Now)’ below