VELVET are an up and coming five piece indie band from County Durham.The band have just released their debut E.P ‘Brother’. With luscious summer vibes, sweet melodies and intricate instrumentation ‘Brother’ is a compact and delightful EP from VELVET. The band have managed to capture a laid back summers day vibe in this sublime EP. One particular glorious element throughout each track is the light tasty guitar lines which weave zesty refreshing qualities into the rock n roll swagger of ‘Ride’ and vibrant indie jangle of ‘This Wave’. The mellow tones and soft rasped vocals ooze marshmallow softness into the tracks. With shredding solos, cushioned rich rhythms and sweet melodies, each song is a breezy ethereal delight. The buoyancy of the tracks is infectious as the punchy drums and entwined bass lines create a charming fluctuant foundation.With the golden glow of ‘Happy Place’ and zealous radiance of ‘Brother’ the EP is a sweet concoction of breezy sublime musicianship as VELVET create the perfect collection of tracks to chill and dance to. The band showcase their fine ability to blend some gritty rock elements into their sun kissed psychedelic hued sound to create a satisfying listening experience.
Brighton three-piece Something Leather is set to release their debut EP ‘Midnight Reverie’, on 17th April.The trio have already gained a reputation for explosive live shows thanks to a host of support slots with up-and-coming bands including Black Midi, Saint Agnes, Sophie and the Giants, Calva Louise and Phobophobes.A triumphant 2019 saw successful UK and European tours establish an increasing following for the band.The year culminated with latest single ‘Lullaby’ garnering further support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.
‘Midnight Reverie’ is a sleek streamlined EP swirled in sultry dark psychedelic tones. Something Leather inject gritty indie rock, opaque pop and ominous atmospheres into ‘Midnight Reverie ‘to create a sublime EP of tremendous magnitude. The production and craftsmanship of this EP is fantastic. The band take their elegant psych rock and mince it into a mirage of dazed pop elements. Each track drags you further into their mesmerising and bewitching sound.
With a sinister flurry of guitars ’Trip To The Sun’ kick starts the EP. Sultry and mind melting the track whirls through dizzying acid dipped electronics while a steady pounding beat and eerie organ – esque elements create that spine chilling backbone. Phillie Etta Jane’s vocals are the sweet hauntingly lulling constant within each track. She creates a soft delicate moment within each song while exuding a sultry panache effortlessly. The dreamy melodies compliment her vocals superbly as they hush and entice you into the harrowing entrapment created by the instrumentation – it’s a bait your ears will willingly take.
The trio write catchy and mystical tunes with a heavy backdrop that is irresistible.’Farewell Fareworse’ has a Sleater-Kinney residue over the distorted electrical mayhem while the prowess on guitars pine and wail with intent over the crashing wall of sound. There is controlled chaos within this EP as the band weave vintage qualities with wild guitars and relentless synths to create their own unique, harrowing yet velvety sleek sound.The noir pop peppered ‘Midnight Dive’ shows a melancholic side to Something Leather. The dreamy whimsical brooding display flows with flashings of black and white west coast images of sulky bliss. This narcotic soothing track drifts with twanging pines on guitar as the track dissolves into multi fragments of laid back moody indie pop. Like all Something Leather songs the track builds to a fizzing crescendo that evaporates your mind. It’s a tragic, beautiful and darkly-shaded pinnacle moment of the EP.
The band return to their seductive and menacing grit for final track ‘Down Another One’. Another stand out number, the drama and intensity of this song is immense. Like daggers, the drums relentlessly pierce and pound while growling backing vocals haunt the backdrop. The jabbing guitars, distorted roars and spine chilling wall of sound create a creepy gut wrenching atmosphere while Phillie Etta Jane’s breathy yet sweet vocals build the tracks momentum. It’s heavy, dark and brilliant.
‘Midnight Reverie’ is a dark concoction of tracks to bask and submerge yourself in. With such murky and sultry cinematic melancholia steeped in elements of psychedelia, indie rock and electronic pop Something Leather have created one first rate body of work. There are distinct moments of brilliance within ‘Midnight Reverie’ that set the bar high making Something Leather one of the most exciting bands around right now.
‘Midnight Reverie’ EP will be released on April 17th until then check out the video for the bands recent single ‘Farewell Fareworse’ below
Irish roots-rock artist Marc O’Reilly has released his new acoustic-duo EP ‘The Monique Sessions ’ featuring MOBO award winning Danish bassist Jasper Hoiby.The tracks were recorded live in one take at Monique Studios in Cork and captured on analogue tape by producer/engineer Christian Best ( Mick Flannery, Marlene Enright etc ). Marc met Jasper when they both performed on the 2nd album by MOBO award winners Kairos 4Tet at Peter Gabriel’s legendary Real World Studios and an impromptu jam at the album launch in London inspired them to record and perform live together.The tracks on the EP span O’Reilly’s four albums to date.
A wholesome and passionate EP ‘The Monique Sessions ’ displays just how potent Marc O’Reilly is as a musician. The songs take a new dimension through this acoustic setting as refined guitar work weaves between warm rasp laced vocals. ‘Steal Love’ begins the EP. O’Reilly gives a new lease of life to the song taken from his 2017 ‘Morality Mortality’ album as twinkling guitars and a light flurry on bass fluctuate and ripple in the backdrop.The pizzicato jumps on guitars playfully interject between the passionate vocal melody. O’Reilly masterfully provides layers, textures and oodles of emotion to this stripped back approach. The mystery and suspense provided in bluesy hued ’The Scottish Widow’ is impressive with an eerie yet unnerving, comforting tone adorning the backdrop in velvety rich bass lines. ‘Healer’ is the final track on the EP. A little more buoyant to the album version, it grooves its way with relentless foot tapping infectiousness.
‘The Monique Sessions’ EP takes these songs which span O’Reilly’s four albums and adds a richness and mesmerising new facet to the tracks beauty. The simplistic approach injects more life and texture into the tracks while the jam quality and rawness provide soul and passion that is just so sublime
Hull based indie rock band The Avenues recently released their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ The band comprised of Tom Foston on Guitar, Vocals, Ollie Brown on Guitar, Vocals, Joe Galloway on Bass and Adam Pidd on Drums present a tight blistering EP of catchy hook filled tunes and impressive musicianship.
Brimming to the seams with infectious melodies, scorching riffs and a wonderful indie rock wall of sound ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ is locked, loaded and ready to delight the ears. With groove rooted bass lines weaving and rummaging through zesty relentless guitars ‘Boredom’, ‘Out Of Shape’ and ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ whirlwind the EP up in an energetic blast of raw vibrant indie. The tracks display witty lyrics through a rasped vocal delivery and are filled with charming characters and a range of emotions.These guys embellish their songs in sweltering guitar lines. ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ in particular displays the bands guitar prowess which oozes a majestic quality and edge that is very impressive. With smooth melodies gliding effortlessly on an effervescent backdrop The Avenues have crafted tracks ready to ignite a live crowd. ‘O.S.T.M’ is a banger of a tune, with its mosh pounding bridge, jangle guitar refrain and sweet vocals there is something utterly infectious about this track. Well crafted with lush backing vocals, ‘O.S.T.M’ is the band at their most polished, however, they maintain the right amount of rawness. This grit teamed with a dreamy melancholic melody on guitar creates a hair raising and engaging listening experience. It’s sure to be epic live as the harmony between crashing instrumentation and pure emotion reaches a glorious balance. ‘She Still Won’t Love You Tomorrow’ brings the EP to a tender close. Warm acoustic guitar accompanies the sweet melody and velvety vocals as The Avenues showcase their ability to provide a solid cracking tune within the stripped back setting.
The Avenues display deft musicianship through their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’. Their ability to create compact enjoyable tunes with great beauty is admirable. Keep an eye on The Avenues.
Blackpool alternative rock band JEKYLL have released their new EP ‘The Whispering Gallery’.The band consists of Joel Foster (vocals / guitar), Lewis Armistead (bass), Liam Singleton (drums) and Mike Spence (guitar). Jekyll hooked up with fierce panda at The Great Escape in 2018 in time for the lively, driving debut ‘Jekyll’ EP. Much of that release, as well as the ‘The Whispering Gallery’ singles, have been championed by Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, while their summertime BBC Maida Vale session for Radio 1 was played out on the Huw, Jack Saunders and Daniel P Carter shows.
‘The Whispering Gallery’ is an ambitious collection of tracks as JEKYLL present their wonderfully embellished musicianship through a dramatic ethereal wall of sound. The band magnify their hyper alternative rock through a prism of implosive guitars, relentless bass lines and pounding drums. ‘The Whispering Gallery’ streams energetic alternative rock into a distortion filtered kaleidoscope to create sublime facets of shoegaze hues and indie pop undertones. The invigorating rush of ‘The Escapist’ kick starts the EP with a flurry of guitars ricocheting off the punchy drums as the band build a haunting crashing sound tightly entwined in an exhilarating sense of tension and mystery. With crisp vocals and climactic progression there is a Muse – esque vibe about the track. The constant jogging rhythms and western – like tonality mangled between an epic arrangement displays maturity and growth in the band. ‘I Do What I Can’ and ‘Marionette’ follow the intensity, splurging a spine chilling bass rumble over the bands bracing melodic foundation. The eerie crawling melodies and equally implosive and explosive soundscapes make each track thrilling and tantalizing to the ears as the band flesh out sublime songwriting and lushly textured songs. With shredding solos, sharp falsettos and bitter sweet tones between blistering instrumentation each track is one energetic bursting eruption after another. JEKYLL display their shoegaze swagger through ‘Echoes (Uncut)’ with crashing razor sharp guitar lacerating through a buoyant backdrop while a sweet laid back melody grooves throughout as if innocently oblivious to the perilous heavy background. The verses drift beautifully into the mighty chorus with ease allowing each blossoming instrumental burst to flourish wonderfully for the psychedelic tinged crescendo. It’s a doozy of a track that is both charming, sweet and epic all at once. The band close the EP with a sweet little gem ‘Midnight Swim’. The calmest and most delicate number on the EP. This track, sways with soft piano and subtle twinkling soundscapes. As the song unfolds the piano wisps you away in an elegant arrangement while soft tender vocals coo with passionate and supple emotion. It’s a calming and utterly time stopping piece to bring the EP to a superb and mature finale.
JEKYLL show maturity beyond their years with ‘The Whispering Gallery’. They present a sound rich with lush textures, masterful intricacies and refined majestic musicianship that is sure to revolve in your head all day and leave you in awe of their grand and dignified arrangements.
About the EP Joel Foster said: “I first got the idea for the name of the EP from a poem by Thomas Hardy called ‘In A Whispering Gallery. The poem, as I understand it, is all about whispers from an unknown source reaching you and making you believe in transcendental and / or spiritual communication. A Whispering Gallery is also what the inside of domes in cathedrals are usually called, because if you stand in them whispers carry as loud as any other sound and are clearly audible. One of the main themes of the EP is based around the idea that the relationship between people and the stars is similar to that of a whispering gallery. Many of the songs on the EP reference stars and astral nobodies: ‘Echoes’ is all about stars; ‘The Escapist’ talks about the stars watching you self-destruct and longing to save you from harm; and ‘Midnight Swim’ also references going for a swim in the moonlight – ‘where trinket stars hang upon bloated skies’ – to cleanse yourself of life’s chaos. It just felt like the most fitting title and it fits the sentimental and spiritual themes perfectly.”
Multi-genre Irish Five Piece Radio Mafia recently released their debut EP ‘Don’t Think About It’. Radio Mafia are in the process of putting the finishing touches on what is to become their debut album, titled ‘Can Anybody Hear Me’ which the band is aiming to release this summer.
‘Don’t Think About It’ is a tight collection of tracks as Radio Mafia meld alternative gusto with some slinky funk and blues elements to create a satisfying debut EP. With infectious grooves, sleek guitar lines and a buoyant beat, title track ‘Don’t Think About It’ sets the EP in motion.
The band allow each track its own identity within the EP without compromising on the overall flow and smooth transition from track to track. ‘B.R.S’ and ‘Fit to Die’ provide the brawn and alternative rock on the EP with gritty guitar lines, meaty drums, soul creeping rumble on bass and an overall harsh mosh rock attitude while ‘Glass Soldier’ brings a dash of swing into the mix. The finger clicking, foot tapping beat teamed with chic guitars and jazzy keys create a delightful break between the more alternative tracks and showcases the band’s ability to create a sound that is more classy and vibrant while still maintaining the bands bite and rawness. The smooth vocals, lush harmonies and pop sprinkled melodies hold all these tracks together and provide the component parts that puts Radio Mafia’s stamp and style on them.
Whether its a polished swing number or a rowdy alternative rock or punk influence Radio Mafia manage to create diverse and engaging tunes that have an instant likability and buoyancy. ‘Don’t Think About It’ is a solid debut EP.
Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released their debut EP. ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ is a compact grunge rock EP swirled in a whirlwind of crashing guitars, pummeling drums and slinky bass lines. This EP represents Y!KES sound in a complete well thought out body of work. Dark undertones haunt the tracks with an ominous quality as the band flesh out their heavy musicianship.
The band have created some great tracks in this EP. ‘Chekhov’s Gun’ sets the madness in motion. Moody, dark and smothered in a sulky tone this intoxicating track slithers and weaves between alternative rock and grunge as gritty guitars soar and strike between the buoyant backdrop with relentless stamina. The band build tension and showcase their ability to produce melodic, moving music with a heavy rock backbone.
Y!kes pack this EP to the brim with catchy alternative pop-punk songs that are tough to resist. ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ and ‘Spitfire Salutes’ give you that edge-of-your-seat riffs and bass rumbles while the punchy tight drums maintain that pounding foundation. With whirring guitars, dynamic vocals and that instant rush of adrenaline pulsing through each track its difficult not to be impressed.
‘Hiding In Plain Sight’ is a refreshing lift from the bands dark sound as they venture into Pixies territory with light indie guitar jangles, sunkissed melodies and a laid back nostalgic atmosphere. Giving us a glimpse of their sweeter melodies and melancholic tones it’s a lovable track lying between some hefty bangers.
However its ‘Repeat The Objective’ that holds my attention – a gritty, raw force of nature showcasing Y!kes unbridled ambition. With razor sharp guitars and acute bass, the verse lures and lacerates with a heavy consistency and intoxicating quality. The vocals wail and growl between the mighty wall of sound ( I have to hand it to Oli Long, those vocals are sublimely expressive and harrowing). It’s a searing, thrilling and frantic number rich in intricacies and deft musicianship.
‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ is an impressive debut EP from Y!kes and a keyhole glimpse of their raw talent and potential. A fantastic, impressive EP which sets the band up for great things.
East Manchester indie band Palava are set to release their new EP ‘Singles’. The new singles EP will be available on Spotify and Apple Music on February 21st followed by a huge show with RGM Live at The Castle, Manchester.
‘Singles’ is a blistering collection of Palava’s energetic alternative rock. With ‘Blow Us Away’ taking a strong lead into the EP the band waste no time providing raw guitar strides and punchy drum progressions to create a crashing wall of sound sure to be superb live. Peppering their slick soundscapes with striking bass lines and shredding solos the band build each track meticulously to create blazing crescendos and fist pump power throughout. The sweeter more brooding side to Palava comes in the form of the lamentful ‘Believe’ as the band coat tender lyrics in chiming guitars that twinkle through a sulken backdrop while ‘Next Room’ glimmers with dark undertones and nostalgia.‘Under The Waves’ is a sparkling gem within this EP. The vibrant guitar sparkles through a subtle punchy backdrop as the track flows with a majestic and beautiful arrangement that is charming and well presented.
Palava provide a tight EP laced in spirited musicianship with dynamic melodies and soundscapes. With wonderful guitar work and emotive moments between the crashing instrumentation its a well rounded EP. Palava are creating and developing their sound beautifully.
‘Singles’ is released on February 21st for more you can follow Palava on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/palavauk/
Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their debut EP ‘Get Your Life’.The EP was recorded by Rob Kennedy in his studio in Donabate, Co. Dublin. It was co-produced by Zapho (Ele Breslin) and the band themselves. Zapho also co-wrote lyrics for two of the songs, “Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire” and “Seriously”.
‘Get Your Life’ is a fun richly textured EP as Toshín create wonderful soul smacked tunes with R&B influences and a tasty peppering of Motown. These guys have a tight sound that oozes confidence and sass. They provide jubilant sounds with sublime saxophone blasts, tantalizing bass grooves and superb guitar work. Toshín possess the mesmerising ability to create elegant moments with their music through the use of wonderful strings and vocal harmony.
The funk flavoured licks and buoyant backdrop glitter with swagger and attitude in ‘Seriously’ and ‘Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire (ft. Zapho)’ as the band layer the tracks with lush textures and grandeur. Jazzy keys and warm brass elements create a sophisticated and wholesome soundscape. The guitars in each track flamboyantly prance with a fluid majesty that maintains contrasting elements of grace and ear-splitting, fret-melting aspects with gritty undertones – all while blending perfectly against the driving bass grooves and elastic beat. The band veer their songs from wiggle worthy sensuality to mosh pit mania seamlessly creating something enjoyable for everyone. Toshín chat through the jam-like ‘Get Your Life (Interlude)’ while ‘Oh Lord’ provides that enthralling glimpse into the bands Motown faction. With its sway-like tempo building tension and creating a smoky atmosphere, the track forms the bands transition into a sound which is darker and more gripping than its predecessors while the outstanding recent single ‘Knock Knock’ is a refreshing strong and moving finale to the EP.
The obvious factor holding all these fantastic and instrumentally deft tracks together is Tosin Bankole’s retro, big-lunged, soulful vocals. She commands attention and controls her powerful voice masterfully bellowing with might before cooing with a sultry sweet rasped tone. She can evoke such emotion, passion and sass with just her voice alone – its mesmerising.
Within each track on ‘Get Your Life’ the band flex their Motown, indie and funk/soul muscles to create a sound that is as lush and vibrant as it is moving and honest. Toshín present an EP brimming with big soul stompers, smooth R&B gems and oodles of swagger. The dynamic soundscapes, crisp production and fizzy rhythms within ‘Get Your Life’ is admirable. Toshín have built a fine body of work doused in professional prowess and slick musicianship.
About the EP Tosin says: “This EP is about getting your life! It’s about feeling good aboutyourself, and being the best you can be. It’s also a mixture ofemotions; “Oh Lord” is about daddy issues, “Seriously” isabout being a queen, and “Eat Sleep” is about trying to get theride. Isn’t that what we all go through?”
Outfielder have released their new EP ‘In Play’. Outfielder is an Ottawa based indie rock band with a ’90s flair, featuring members of Galapagos, John Creeden & The Flying Hellfish and Jonathan Becker & The Northfields.
Doused in heartfelt melodies, warm tinges of 90’s alternative rock with a dash of blues and pop peppering ‘In Play’ is a satisfying listen from Outfielder. These guys have a knack for warm honeyed melodies and slick musicianship. The warm twang of ‘Tracks’ and sweet slow burner ‘Saint John’ show the bands emotional tenderness and ability to create passion through sublime guitar work.Sandwiched between these ballad – esque tones and brooding numbers is the blistering 60’s melancholic swagger of ‘Like A Man’ and the jangly nostalgic ‘Past’ – these tracks display scorching guitar lines dripping in sunshine in the former, sweet lamenting guitar in the latter against a pop-filled buoyant beat and vibrant alternative moodiness.
Outfielder has created a lush well crafted melodious EP that hits the spot with refined instrumentation and wonderful songwriting. However for me it’s those sweet golden guitar moments that make each track refreshing and special.
Stream ‘In Play’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
