East Yorkshire Indie rock band, The New Republic have released their new EP ‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco’.The New Republic are a rock/indie band with an infectious energy and charisma about them. With highlights such as playing at the Multiple O2 venues across the country, playing on the main-stage at multiple festivals as well as smaller stages, the band are looking to share their funky, hypnotic sound with people who love to dance.
‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco‘ is a groove rooted collection of tasty tracks as The New Republic flesh out their catchy dance-able musicianship with a driving punchy backbone. From the swanky wiggly bass and dynamic riffs of ‘Roller Disco’, ‘Concepts’ and bluesy stomp of ‘Man of Mystery’ the band create a fun and vibrant atmosphere. There is plenty of slinky guitar moments, sing-along choruses and light-hearted fun throughout the EP as the band blend and ferment their crashing exhilarating wall of sound. The EP slows for the tender ‘Walk Away’ which contains wobbly dreamy guitar elements and soft instrumental backing as the band display their emotional songwriting. ’Wonderland’ and the swagger soaked ‘Raindance’ bring the EP to a strong, guitar heavy close. With gritty riffs slicing through the thick drum pounds and dynamic vocals the band maintain a raw and acute approach to their tracks.
‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco is a solid second EP from The New Republic with some beautifully refined and sublime guitar moments. The band’s influences glare throughout as they blend some subtle Foals elements with a decent dose of Red Hot Chili Peppers into their indie sound. They are a talented band crafting their brand of indie and creating punchy joyous tunes as they do so.
Reading quartet Mellor are set to release their new EP ‘Dive into the strange’ on December 6th. The current line up with Gary Kingham on vocals, Sam Igoe on drums, Kristian Bell on guitar, and Josh Woodward on bass formed in 2017. The band have received radio support from Abbie McCarthy, Radio 1; Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music; John Kennedy, Radio X; Charlie Ashcroft, Elise Cobain, Frankie Francis, Jim Gellatly and Scott McGerty from Amazing Radio to name a few. The band have also featured on Spotify’s Hot New Bands, Indie List and Transistor playlists as well as Amazons Best New Bands playlist, and Apple Music’s Breaking Rock & The A-List.
After a busy summer of festivals packing out tents at Isle of Wight, Truck, and Camden Rocks just to name a few, Mellor decided to build a home studio to self record a five track EP.
‘Dive into the strange’ wraps Mellor’s blistering, guitar-heavy sound into a tight and satisfying body of work. Following the high intensity and energetic blasts of previous releases this year ‘I Don’t Know Where You’re Sleeping Tonight’ and ‘Helsinki’, Mellor present an EP equally as energetic and brimming with the scorching instrumentation this band do superbly. Each track flows seamlessly into the next with ease. From opener ‘Control’ the band execute their refined ability to create sweet majestic guitar melodies and express them to its fullest potential.
The guitar work for me is the highlight of the EP. The band create golden, light and ethereal moments within each track through the clean and precise guitar elements as they venture between harsh sharp strides and shredding nimble solo’s with sweet piercing capacities. The melodies are catchy and powerful ( as is always the case with Mellor ) however with this EP the band carefully create a wonderful sonic soundscape that ventures between dreamy aerial atmospherics and deft heavy magnitude. Title track ‘Dive into the strange’ has a quirky obscurity lying beneath its eerie undertone. With a sublime haunting bass groove and obscure guitar progression the band present a sinister fun-house with danger around every corner while a smooth, vulnerable and naive melody innocently wanders into this instrumental entrapment – consumed by the end of the song by the harsh devouring backdrop.
Punchy drums and playful bass lines are another wonderful element to this bands sound that automatically hook you in – ‘Delicate’ and ‘Hey now, sister’ are prime examples of this. Mellor have clearly spent time carefully layering and placing each component part of their tracks to create a wholly invigorating sound. Gary Kingham’s vocals make Mellor’s tracks instantly recognisable. His warm rasp and dynamic tone emblazon a Mellor stamp on their blistering tracks. When they travel into psych hued territory like with ‘Hey now, sister’ ( which again features magnificent guitar work) his vocals carry this frenzied track wonderfully and maintain the smooth and polished stance while the instruments swirl frantically and chaotically around Kinghams’s steady pace creating a sublime contrast. ‘What if there’s love’ is a spinning concoction which brings us to the end of the EP. It’s a jittery itchy number of abrasive guitars, dizzying bass and manic drums as Kingham screams and wails for the chorus. The track continuously builds in intensity to its expressive crescendo. Mellor end the EP with one blazing track.
‘Dive into the strange’ is a blazing and solid EP as Mellor flesh out their catchy sound adding more substance and intricate elements to create something to be proud of.
You can catch Mellor live at :
11th December – Purple Turtle, Reading (BBC Introducing)
12th December – The Monarch, London (This Feeling)
‘Dive into the strange’ is out on 6th December you can pre order the EP here
Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin).
‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.
There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.
Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.
‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.
Rain have released their new EP ‘Forget The World’. The band which is a three piece from Sunderland in the north east of England is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Patrick Ashurst, Alex Liddle on bass and Ben Mitchell on drums and backing vocals.
‘Forget The World’ is a snug collection of tracks as Rain delve deep into their melodic indie. The band are fleshing out their sound by refining and beautifully building on their debut EP ‘VOLUME 1’. From the driving bass line in ‘The Only One’ to the punchy drum progression in ‘Pyros’ and warm guitar jingle in ‘Goodbye x’ the band chisel there sound into a sleek and effortless swaggering soundscape. The melodies flurry from 60’s Beatles- esque tones to early Arctic Monkeys elements while maintaining the bands own charm and sparkle. The groovy guitars saunter throughout the EP with silky licks and intricate riffs creating a glistening light texture and zesty quality to each track without becoming overpowering. The band don’t overload their tracks with excessive layering, they use their instruments precisely where needed to create a clean and tuneful wall of sound. ‘Forget The World’ is the radiant upbeat ditty that is sure to spark sing-alongs in a live setting while a Fluorescent Adolescent -esque guitar refrain in ‘Thank You’ carries its predecessors upbeat vibe with a more tender melody before the melancholic longing ‘Goodbye x’ plays out the EP.
There is passion and warmth throughout ‘Forget The World’ as Rain nourish the listeners ears with their well blended tunes and rich musicianship. Each track is lovable and infectious in its own right. Rain are blossoming and shaping their indie into something compelling, exciting and vibrant.
Wolverhampton based Punk Rock Duo Broozer have released their debut EP ‘Are We Dead Yet’. Since their formation they have played at iconic venues in Birmingham and the West Midlands and were picked up by Wyatt Wendall of Planet Rock and featured on his New Rock Show several times. They have been supported by Tim Senna of Switch Radio/BBC WM Introducing and have also received airtime on Brum Radio, including their EP ‘Are We Dead Yet’ which has been added to their A-List, prior to its release.
‘Are We Dead Yet’ presents Broozer’s raw untainted punk rock in four brisk bruising tracks. Surrounded in a relentless swarm of demolishing energy ‘Thank You Baby’ and ‘Give Um Hell’ sets the madness in motion as the duo batter your skull with crushing drums and harsh riffs. The band waste no time spring-boarding into their adrenaline-inducing sound while the fierce vocals howl over the shattering instrumental backdrop. However the duo are not all about rapid punk-fueled sprints. They can refine and cultivate their sound too and ‘Hero’ showcases this sublimely. It is a creeping, chilling, sexy number. Dark soundscapes smother ominous grainy guitar riffs while groove-rooted drums take on a sensual quality. With sinister vocals, sharp whines on guitar and a horror movie frenzied soundscape its quite the impressive number that shows there is substance to this band. ‘I’m Ok’ brings the EP to a delirious mind bulldozing end – it’s a pure concoction of mania. With screaming vocals clamorous instrumentation and barbed atmosphere it is not for the faint-hearted.
Broozer have created an EP laced in acid dipped guitar and pulverising drums to create a rapid assault on the senses. Exuding explosive energy and anarchy from its core – its an EP sure to ignite the mosh pit of a live show.
Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their new EP ‘Late Night Pharmacy’. The band has gained some traction since the release of their single “If Not Now Then When” playing shows such as Vantastival festival, opening for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre as well as being part of an all Irish line up at the Button Factory on Halloween night.
‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is Chinese Newspaper’s most defined and exhilarating body of work to date. There are a plethora of shredding refined guitar moments and intense rhythms throughout the EP. The band ferment and harness their wild raucous musicianship to create something that is well-crafted and polished but with a deep rooted sense of anarchy. ‘Are You Bored?’ sets the riot in motion with a sublime rumble on drums creating a fluctuant almost wriggling foundation while the bass swivels between the intoxicating finesse on guitar. It’s a hyper energetic track stamped with all the loud aggression we have come to know Chinese Newspaper for. This band is flourishing. They immerse their sound in rich layers and textures. There is a dash of rock ‘n’ roll swagger in ‘Cola’ as the band smother the track in a bloodthirsty wall of sound. It’s ready for the energy of a live show as the chorus explodes into a massive assault and mosh ready blitz. The moody vocals from Killian Barrett express angst with vigor while his rasp and attitude create that teenage rebellion atmosphere through the stormy instrumental backdrop. There is no denying the rhythm and pounding drums in this track – they are sublime. Nathan Merriman could summon a demon with that ominous drum rumble and Aran McGilick ties the track together with the vibrant, infectious groove of his bass while the guitar lightly ricochets off this backdrop majestically creating an invigorating and danceable listening experience. The band chill the intensity and sweltering heat of the EP with ‘Nothing Comes From Nothing’. A light melodic ditty which swoons over a melancholic sulky melody while a hazy atmosphere ( created by shaky percussion and steady beat ) provides that lazy summer’s day gloom. The light indie-drizzled guitars jangle innocently throughout until the track becomes more expressive and jagged for the crescendo. The nostalgic ‘Sunday’ brings the EP to a close. With thumping drums and a mosh-ready break, its an emotional tantrum backed by fantastic instrumentation which intensifies for the chorus and broods through the verses. These guys have mastered the ability to create emotive music and make the listener feel connected and enthralled by their tunes while also bashing out rich fuzz-filled pop with grunge and rock elements sprinkled on top.
‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is a clear step in the right direction for Chinese Newspaper. They haven’t lost the raw rampage of their 2017 ‘Spotless Mind’ EP. They have refined and cultivated it to create a fine, engaging and deft sound all of their own. With first rate guitar work and ground rumbling rhythm these guys have a sound that is both dreamy and razor sharp.
Southern California-based Margot Polo, solo project of David Provenzano (Sherwood/Fialta), has released his new EP, ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’, The EP was mixed by L.A. veteran producer Brad Wood. Margot Polo’s singles have landed TV features on shows like Good Trouble (Freeform) and God Friended Me (CBS) and have logged over half a million streams on Spotify. This Autumn, Margot Polo heads back into the studio to brew up more material for a full length record, to be released in 2020.
‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ is a summer-fun EP saturated in vibrant soundscapes as Margot Polo spreads his delicious indie electro pop into five glorious blissful tracks. ‘Let’s Get Out’ sets the good vibes in motion. With sun kissed radiant guitars jangling between a fruity electronic backdrop and skittish beat this track is dreamy escapism in one glorious tune. Provenzano fleshes out his Justin Timberlake / The Weekend swagger and charm with the dance-able groove and shuffle of ‘Electric Girl’ and the broody more bleary-eyed electronic pop ‘Someone New’. His melodies cruise and flow fluidly through each track while the rich and intricate instrumentation and refined production sets a wonderful and engaging backdrop. ‘Poison’ takes the EP down a dark road with R&B elements smearing the bubbling electronic soundscapes with luring entrapment. ‘The Feeling’ closes the EP with an intoxicating atmosphere as Provenzano surges adrenaline and a rush of emotion through this catchy exhilarating number.
Provenzano has a mesmerising ability to create tracks to make the heart race, pulse and plummet with his lush heartfelt melodies and vivid soundscapes and ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ displays this perfectly. Within five tracks we experience joy, euphoria and freedom as well as sadness and mystery. It’s a journey of lavish musicianship and wonderful expressive electronic pop.
While this record has a few moodier moments, Provenzano says this EP is all about escapism. “OOHYEAHYEAH is about the different ways, healthy and unhealthy, that we yearn to transcend reality. That might be through something dangerous, like substance abuse. Or it might be a road trip, a relationship. A night out with a mysterious stranger. There’s a bit of ambivalent hedonism implied here. That’s what I love about pop. These lyrics are not very autobiographical; they’re fantasy, my own preferred mode of escapism”
Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting new Irish rock bands in recent years. They have released their second EP ‘Dye Me Red’. Vulpynes’ self titled debut EP was released on UK indie label Headcheck Records last year. Since then, the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.
‘Dye Me Red’ is Vulpynes most thrilling EP to date. The duo have refined their battering rock with acid garage elements and punk persona with such precise detail its awe inspiring. The ferocity and explosive energy shoot like acid soaked missiles from each track as the dark and foreboding wall of sound consumes you and traps you in their brand of alternative rock. ‘I Can’t Sit Still’ kicks off the EP. The gritty riffs suffocate and scorch the track in a humid harsh atmosphere while the bruising assault on drums creates a flexible and powerful foundation. Molly’s vocals are commanding throughout and possibly the most compellingly forceful female punk vocals on the Dublin scene at the moment. She has depth and subtlety in her voice that adds genuine weight to the punk rock anthems, The razor cut guitar chords in ‘Bitches Are Like Waves’ lacerate with a majestic quality while Kaz on drums keeps the rhythm fast and furious. The high intensity of their tracks make them flow together seamlessly as Vulpynes present this four track EP in a quick poisonous dose. The duo have always moved through their tracks with relentless stamina, bashing their thunderous sound through each release. However this EP showcases a shift in perception, they maintain their raucous style from previous singles like ‘OCD’ and ‘’Silica’ but now they have polished and sharpened their sound to create something more intoxicating. The second half of the EP shows this superbly. ’It Washes Out’ crawls under your skin with distortion-filled verses before the chorus strikes you into submission. There is equal measure of rough punk and smooth slinky rock to create a fierce wall of sound that encompasses Marilyn Manson with some Jack White glittering throughout. ‘The Hunt’ brings the album to a frantic close. I have never heard this band exude more swagger and brutality before. There is a hint of The Prodigy in this savage number as the drums pulverize between the dizzying guitar lines to create a brain frothing sinister number. It’s absolutely outstanding.
Vulpynes have come a long way since their early days. They display their most intense gnawing sound yet in ‘Dye Me Red’. It’s a spitting,lacerating, compelling and utterly enjoyable EP.
Dublin four-piece The Riptide Movement are back with the release of their eagerly anticipated new EP ‘Something Special’ which was co-produced in Attica Studios with the legendary Tommy McLaughlin (Villagers, SOAK). With four studio albums to their name – most notably The RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominated, Gold selling, Number 1 Album “Getting Through” – The Riptide Movement are renowned for their phenomenal live shows and soaring, guitar driven, energetic tracks.
An EP frantic with kinetic energy, infectious musicianship and mammoth choruses is exactly what The Riptide Movement have lavishly bestowed on our ears with ‘Something Special’. From the snappy rock ‘n’ roll ignited opener ‘Is This What We’re All Living For ?’ with its shredding guitars, groove infested rhythm and passionate melody to the finger clicking swag of title track ‘Something Special’ these guys whack out feel good emotive tracks ready to set you alight with their dynamic wall of sound. Each drum pound, shrilling guitar whine and bass rumble rushes adrenaline into the veins. There is oodles of passion radiating off every track. It feels like each track is going to burst from the seams with vitality and lusciousness. From the juicy melody and “ba ba bah bah bah” lyrics in ‘I’ll Be There’ to the suave coolness in the more chilled melody of ‘Something Special’ each track will leave you craving for more. The band wrap each track in a fizzy golden soundscape of refined, well polished yet edgy instrumentation that shows just why this band have such a shining repertoire. There is a chilled desert-night vibe with ‘Where Are You Now’ as glistening guitars sparkle between western-esque whines and a steady shuffling rhythm. Malachy Tuohy’s vocals as always exude passion throughout the EP with hues and undertones of The Killers’ Brandon Flowers and U2’s Bono shimmering through his warm expressive rasp. The band wind down the EP with the gentle and tender ballad ’All I Ever Wanted’. Piano adorned – ’All I Ever Wanted’ is an emotional sweet track swooning on a loving melody while Tuohy’s vocals express the touching lyrics “my girl you are all i’ve ever wanted”.
Since their conception The Riptide Movement present a well crafted and energizing sound however ‘Something Special’ EP takes that sound and turns it up a notch with blistering guitar driven anthems, bigger choruses and more passion than ever before. A solid EP from the Dublin four-piece.
To celebrate the release, the band have announced an extensive Irish Tour, aptly called ‘The Something Special Tour’. Tickets are on sale now.
Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue are set to release their Debut EP ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ on October 25th. With refined instrumental intricacies smooth steamy melodies, gripping lyrics and chaos-riddled soundscapes ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is explosive and unforgettable in equal measure. Distant Blue blend their fiery boisterous alternative rock in dark sultry tones with opener ‘Tongue Tied’. In ‘Lucid Liar (Novocaine)’ beefy riffs drizzle on steaming bass lines which develop into one aggressive smasher. Muscular riffs, riot-inducing breakdowns, and ferocious choruses batter your head from every angle with the instrumental interlude of ‘blue.noise’ providing only a brief relief. The tracks on this EP build superbly to dizzying crashing crescendos that are sure to be epic live. Distant Blue have created an EP made for the live setting. With their gritty edge in the more hardcore rock sounding ‘Come and Join The Party’ and blistering take on a emotional number ‘Opiate’ the band roll out everything you need to mosh, bounce and jump to in one brisk exhilarating EP. Switching between a creamy tone, a robust, ferocious growl and rapid almost spitting rap, frontman Ed Binding presents himself as a versatile and engaging vocalist. The guitars glitter with character throughout the EP. They twinkle with sensitivity through the verses in ‘Opiate’ while smashing and crashing throughout the choruses. The guitars add a majestic yet robust quality to each track allowing the pulverising, energetic drums and bass to create that rich and vibrant foundation.
‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is a sublime debut sure to ignite the mosh pits. Distant Blue are gaining momentum with their punchy and straight to the point tracks which are jam packed with catchy powerful choruses and meaty hooks. ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ EP is an engaging listen and doesn’t disappoint.
