Category Archives: EP Review

Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

LIERS ‘Elixir’ EP

Photo Credit Glen Bollard Photography

Dublin’s powerhouse alternative rock band LIERS have released their new EP ‘Elixir’. LIERS are a four-piece female fronted grungy 90’s inspired alternative rock band made up of Liz Seaver, Ed Scanlan, Ronan O’Hanlon and Stephen Farrell. The band have played festivals such as Castlepalooza and venues such as the INEC, Whelans and The Sugar Club.The new EP features previous hit singles ‘Host’ and ‘Universal Female’, which gained much acclaim and helped secure a slot at last year’s sold-out Electric Picnic.

‘Elixir’ fleshes out, blends and refines LIERS powerful sound. With all its rawness and glory intact, LIERS sweeten and merge this wonderful grungy display with luscious melodies and crisp musicianship. The EP is a relentless onslaught of potent tunes that pack one heck of a punch.  The dark smothering intoxication of title track ‘Elixir’ kick starts the EP. A rooted bass groove slithers and creeps beneath the track lurking below the massive crashing guitars and striking vocals. LIERS tease and entice through the darkened verses with eerie guitar twinkles and luring vocals before exploding into the mammoth chorus. Liz Seaver’s vocals are utterly bewitching as she sultry entraps and seduces before shattering out the bellowing chorus. These tracks have a mesmerising, cinematic quality that chills the spine and rushes through your veins with intense red hot adrenaline. ‘Universal Female’ and ‘Host’ are doused in infectious honeyed melodies while packing one gutsy full bodied backdrop. LIERS grab edgy unruly grunge rock, wrestle it down and pepper it with their fine branded sultry alternative rock. The emotionally charged ‘Can’t Go Back’ sits snuggled and comfortable between the mayhem with tender tones passionate vocals and splintering instrumentation. There are some sublime guitar moments throughout this EP. There is nothing like a passionate guitar melody twinkling around a track with warm tones, delicate melancholic melodies, vibrant solos or menacing injections and this EP is brimming with these compelling guitar moments, adding rich depths and multi textures throughout. ‘Realise’ is one wild angsty tune. Full of meaty grooves and punching drums with a dynamic old school power backing which is balanced perfectly by soft emotion exclaimed through passionate expressive vocals. The band’s ability to stabilize and distill their sound is masterful. They don’t just whack out loud blasting tunes, time has been spent here, purifying each part to create a tightly woven collection of tracks that have fermented into a biting, fizzing treasure.

‘Elixir’ lays out a rich flavoursome platter for us to devour. Filled with fiery intensity, raw power and slick instrumentation these robust anthems are brimming with passion and vigor marking LIERS a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Elixir’ EP here


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop

The Gallerys ‘Lucid Trail’ EP

Kent alternative rock band The Gallerys have released their new EP ‘Lucid Trail’. The band comprised of James Wood (Vocals / Guitar / Percussion), Craig Barden (Vocals / Bass / Piano) and Dan Mags (Backing vocals / Drums / Percussion) have performed at Isle of Wight Festival,  supported Louis Berry, Madness, The Sherlocks, The Blinders, The King Blues, The Skints, The Rifles and The Bluetones (national tours) as well as headline shows in their own right along with over 120,000 Spotify streams and features from BBC Introducing and Fred Perry Subculture.The new EP ‘Lucid Trail’ was recorded at Squarehead Studios in Sittingbourne, Kent. It was mixed and produced by Dave Young and it was mastered by James Simpson. The EP artwork is by Estudio and the photography is by Pete Ray.

‘Lucid Trail’ blends dreamy delicate 60’s pop flavours with indie, britpop and new wave hues.There is plenty of sweet tones and ethereal vibes fluttering through this EP. Title track ‘Lucid Trail’ is a beautifully tender acoustic track which glides and wisps gently around a steady beat, warm vocals and soothing acoustic guitar. The heartwarming wholesome tones flood through each track on the EP and make it such a glorious easy listen.Each song overflows with sparkling melodies as the arrangements sustain a balance between sweet simplicity and rich intricacy.The gloomy Smiths- esque ‘Shadow Street’ showcases the trios tight harmonies and catchy melodic flow as they venture into their heavier more alternative rock side. The rhythms throughout the EP supply a steady foundation for the luscious melodies to playfully wander around while adding a joyful bounce and meaty punch at times. ‘Steady Beat’ in particular fleshes out the weighty side to their sound. It is a little punk- like as jagged guitars slice through the hefty drum whacks while the vocals become a dash more aggressive.The band bring the EP to a close with the heavenly ‘Silver Lining’. Another blast of lush harmonies, glorious melodies and a 60’s pop vibe.

The Gallerys provide something for everyone with this enthralling EP. Shredding guitar solos, cosy luscious melodies and tender emotional tones all seamlessly blended into a short four track spin.

Stream ‘Lucid Trail’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Perx self titled EP

The Perx have released their debut self titled EP. The duo formed of Ryan ( who has played in Decibel Project, Quiet the Pilot, El Robo) and Jeremy (who has played in I Hate Kate and Space Camp Stowaways} have written, recorded and produced everything on the EP themselves.

This EP struts, seeps and steams swagger with kinetic tunes laced in vibrant melodies, infectious grooves and a slicked back suaveness to make you swoon. There is something for everyone in this luscious collection, ‘California Kids’ is a delicious sun kissed edgy electronic rock flavour for our taste buds while ‘Summertime Lovely’ slaps on a cheeky attitude and spicy sass leaving you craving more.Both these tracks rush with adrenaline pumping grooves, sharp slinky guitar embellishment and a catchy melody that charms it’s pop sprinkled bliss into your head for days. With strut quality, dazzling soundscapes and clean, crisp production The Perx set this EP up to be one that leaves you drooling. That bass in ‘Summertime Lovely’ is just too good. ‘The City’s Kiss’ changes the tone a little with a heavy wall of sound holding a meaty feverous backdrop for the delicate lonely melody. Swirling electronics whirl around fuzzed guitars and punchy drums as the reverb laced vocals coo through this intense sound. It’s sweltering, edgy, sticky and brimming with red hot emotion. ‘The Dreamer’ is a soft little ditty that sits snugly between the dynamic electricity of the EP. It’s a swayable catchy gem that floats on fluffy clouds, acoustic guitar bliss and wispy ethereal soundscapes. This is the stuff of soothing dreams as the tender vocals glide upon a heavenly delicate backdrop.The duo decide to close the album on the funky flex of ‘For The 49th Time’ as a shimmy ready groove bounces and hops around zesty guitar jabs and syrupy electronics. The guitar melody is divine in this track as it glimmers scintillation throughout creating the perfect summer chilling tune.

Each track on this EP is lovable, refined and catchy as hell. The Perx EP is meticulously crafted and finely layered creating a satisfying joyful listen. Everyone needs to know these guys. They are one heck of a dynamic duo.

Stream The Perx EP below



Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Mikey Mike ‘Life on Earth’ EP

Music industry enigma and Rick Rubin-produced songwriter Mikey Mike has released his first EP  ‘Life on Earth’. With singles twice premiered as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record, this three-song project is the precursor to ‘Mikey Mike’s Life on Earth,’ a singular album release that will be his sole body of work for his entire lifetime, released in volumes and complete only upon his death. To ensure the listeners had the full experience with the Life on Earth EP, Mikey teamed up with cannabis brand Califari to create custom pre-rolls that are one-of-a-kind, being one of the only CBD pre-rolls available.


‘Life on Earth’ is a tasty swirl of alternative indie pop with some trippy blissed out moments making this flavourful EP oh so satisfying. The feel good ‘Cooler’ struts in as the first, laid back track on the EP. Doused in chilled fun vibes with zesty guitar jangles through a danceable groove and breezy soundscape this delicious fruity track glides in, suave and ready to make your day that bit brighter. Mikey swaggers through the track with smooth vocals steeped in attitude as the vibrant backdrop slithers its way into your ears until you are hooked. It’s a charming EP that fleshes out the variety in Mikey’s musicianship. ‘Strange Times’ brings a darker side to the EP as Mikey raps over haunting backing vocals and warm guitar whines. It’s a striking number well crafted for an enjoyable listen. With a hint of soul blended throughout there is something for everyone here. Final track ‘Cut My Hair’ returns to the laid back energetic atmosphere as a clap along rhythm slaps between a delicious infectious melody. The swirling soundscapes add a dreamy quality to the track as it wisps and dances around the sun kissed guitar twinkles and vibrant vocals. 


Mikey Mike has created the perfect breezy EP that is short, sweet and trippy with the perfect blends of indie, rock, rap and pop. It’s endearing, easy on the ears and lusciously crafted. 
Stream ‘Life on Earth’ below


Alt- Pop, Dark- Wave, electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music

Pixi Ink ‘Blue Ink’ EP

UK based Irish Singer-Songwriter/Producer Pixi Ink has released her debut EP ‘Blue Ink’ through independent label Audio Assassins Records.This darkly coated dreamy collection of tracks gloop and slop in a brooding eerie concoction of finely blended indie and trip hop. Each track slowly creeps and crawls into the next building the intense hazy atmosphere as Pixi coos lushly over noir pop melodies. Her spine tingling sultry sound chills you to your very core. ‘Leave The Door Ajar’ kicks the EP into motion. It’s menacing and thrilling as Pixi’s drowsy vocals caress the sinister lethargic melody while guitar whines and dark electronics create a mysterious backdrop. Pixi sprinkles a softer almost angelic atmosphere into the first half of ‘Old Friend’ with glistening light soundscapes between lush vocals and peppy beats before damping all the fluttering freshness for the second half of the track where sombre keys and melancholic vocals mourn. It’s a little choppy as she fluctuates between textures, sounds and atmospheres however this never seems out of place everything still flows gloriously together. ‘Paper Dreams’ is indeed dreamy and floaty as Pixi’s sultry coo’s mirror a Lana Del Rey vibe as a sticky beat, glistening keys and ethereal soundscapes float and glide around the gentle melody.It’s tranquilizing and soothing. Each track takes its time, paced perfectly creating a wholly satisfying world that consumes you entirely in Pixi’s extraordinary sound. ‘Tragic Tale’ adds a dash of edgy sass to the EP. A little 60’s-esque with the melty melody and sway like flow. This luring track is a cheeky ditty that hops along a fidgeting beat. ‘Sunrise‘ flickers and dazzles with flashing electronics, skittish beats and lush vocal lulls. Its delicate yet fierce all at once with seriously haunting tones swirling through a refreshing light atmosphere. The EP comes to a  moody close with ‘How Evergreen’. Pixi languishes in dark guitar twinkles and trip hop skips as the R&B hued melody showcases a new tonality to her beautiful vocals.

‘Blue Ink’ is a captivating collection of tracks meandering elegantly from dark sinister indie tones to light refreshing sprinkles of pop with some sublime trip hop providing that meaty backbone. Pixi Ink is one to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Blue Ink’ below 


Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

DARMA ‘Gloom’ EP

The Manchester-based trio DARMA, have released their new EP ‘Gloom’. The band comprised of Harry Corbett (vocals), Lloyd Whitehead (bass), and Issac Whitehead (drums), give a new meaning to the term garage rock. The band themselves have coined the phrase “loudquietheavypop” to more accurately describe their sonic sound. Singled out by Louder Than War as one of the most energetic young bands around, DARMA have supported the likes of Primal Scream, Dinosaur Pile Up, and fellow Mancunians The 1975 and Ist Ist, DARMA have had a busy 2018, playing shows at Sound City (Liverpool), Tramlines (Sheffield) and the Manchester Apollo for Radio X. 

‘Gloom’ is a searing torpedo ready to demolish your ears in feisty dark grunge, glorious melodies and alternative rock mania. The rich blend of tracks is first rate as they slither between blissfully melodic and frenzy effortlessly to pack in something for everyone. From the first gritty strike in ‘Miasma’ something clicks. A thrilling notion that this band have something special sparks a fire in your belly as crashing guitars throttle through punchy drum whacks and raspy attitude driven vocals. Dark melodies melt with a bubbling texture into your ears as this trio surge kinetic adrenaline into each and every track.The bombarding assault of  ‘Procrasturbator’ follows. These tracks are perfect for that mosh pit frenzy as Corbett screams over a hyperactive backdrop filled with lacerating sharp guitars, rumbling bass and bombarding drums. This is one heck of a track. ‘Hey, You’ cools the tone of the EP with a melancholic sweet melody which glides mournfully over a hypnotic drum and bass rhythm while raw guitar-strikes thud throughout. Anthemic choruses are what this trio do well and this track in particular was designed for the mass sing-along live show display. Their muscular rock keeps the tracks from becoming soppy and maintains a stomp and edge to their melodic swoon. Its all blistering frenzy until ‘Interlude’ brings a chilled dreamy “breather” to the EP as twinkling guitars accompany soft vocal coos. Even during this little rest DARMA entwine some distortion at the end to keep us all alert for the ground shaking final track ‘You’re Always Right’. The moody melody lures you into the dark menacing abyss of the track until you are hooked craving for one more listen. Catchy, creepy and enticing the final track on the EP ripples with grit as guitars crunch and smash their way through a mosh ready rhythm while the endearing vocals soar and escalate as the track progresses.

Each track within ‘Gloom’ burrow’s deep into your veins with a satisfying thrilling sense of ecstasy that leaves you frothing at the mouth for more. These guys are just so good, what a debut EP. I need to see them live.

You can catch DARMA live at:

30-Nov-2018 – Jacaranda Records Phase One w/ Rival Bones + Vulture Cult

Stream ‘Gloom’ below

 


EP Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jane Willow ‘Onward Still’ EP

Dublin-based folk singer Jane Willow is set to release her debut EP ‘Onward Still’ on November 22nd with a full band show in The Sound House, Dublin.In recent years Jane’s played an incredible amount of gigs, performing at Vicar  Street, Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, Galway’s Roisin Dubh and Electric Picnic. In August 2017 she opened for Glen Hansard in Vicar Street. She followed this gig with a full band show in the Grand  Social.She has been featured on RTE Radio 1, BBC Radio Ulster, Lyric FM and recently won the Intercollective Competition ‘Best Musician’ (2018).On her debut EP she collaborates with Dave Hingerty (drums: Kila, The Frames), Vyvienne Long (cello: Damien Rice) and regular band members Joanna Marie Burke (backing vocals), Eoin  Healy (bass), Derek Copley (mandolin) and Scott Flanigan (keys).

‘Onward Still’ is a precious collection of tracks that flow on sweet luscious melodies, pristine musicianship and a purity that is mesmerising. Title track ‘Onward Still’ kicks the EP in motion filled with wholesomeness as a glistening guitar weaves its playful way between warm mandolin, vibrant drum taps and elegant string injections. Jane’s vocals on this EP are enchanting. Throughout ‘On My Mind’ she coos and beautifully expresses the vivid lyrics with an elegance and passion that stops time as the melancholic cello laments through twinkling keys and gracefully plucked guitar. Each track is meticulously crafted for a satisfying listen.From the perky earthy ‘Nobody Knows’ and buoyant joyful ‘Hannah’ to the delicate tender ‘If I Did Love You’, the EP floats upon a dreamy state of majesty and refined grandeur. There is a maturity and genuine purity about each track as the guitars, bass, drums, keys and cello blend perfectly with Jane’s vocals making each stride, flicker and note captivating and magical. ‘Comfort’ brings us to the end of the EP with warm guitar glimmers between Jane’s immaculate vocal delivery. The harmonies are lush as this track does exactly as its title suggests,  it soothes the soul and gives a comforting hug to your ears.

Jane Willow has provided a warm cosy collection of tracks  filled with delicacy and joy while vivid lyrics, beautiful vocals and sublime instrumentation establish her enthralling sound perfectly.

Watch the video for ‘Onward Still’ below

 

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EP Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Emilio Pinchi ‘Holiday’ EP

Emilio Pinchi has released his new EP ‘Holiday’. Pinchi is a twenty-something year old living in Liverpool. With previous releases picked up by BBC 6 Music, Pinchi announced his latest EP ‘Holiday’, available digitally and on limited edition metal tin cassette, through Klee Music. Influenced by the likes of Elliot Smith and Car Seat Headrest, Pinchi offers an introspective view on life, nostalgia and consumerism in an anonymous city. His previous singles ‘High Times’ and ‘Paint By Number’ were accompanied by several live dates around Europe and the UK, including performances at Liverpool Sound City 2018, Zizkovska NOC 2018 (Prague), and support slots with the likes of Beans On Toast.

‘Holiday’ is an easygoing sweet collection of tracks to lull you into a sun sprinkled daydream. Title track ‘Holiday’ sets the mellowness in motion with twinkling guitar between a steady beat as Pinchi coo’s over a honeyed melody while buoyant keys playfully bounce around this sparkling gem. The tracks have a unique dreamy effect as they float along cheery melancholic tones with the lyrics sometimes taking a sarcastic outlook. ‘Coffee’ twangs with a sweet lamenting harmonica element while ‘This Machine’ strolls along with lush harmonies and glorious supple guitar elements. Pinchi manages to fill the tracks with bitter sweet tones as he glides along peppy backdrops of daisies and delicacy contrasting perfectly with his heart pining melodies and soft vocals. Elegant guitar strums and a steady beat keeps the tracks trudging along while the keys, harmonica and smooth melodies display the yearning and heart wrenching tones.’White Wine Water Bottle’ brings the EP to a glistening end. There is some beautiful guitar moments in this EP and this track shows this in all its radiant glory. It’s an honest track brimming with superb instrumentation as jangly keys keep the peppy tone throughout while a solid beat maintains a steady foundation for this effortlessly flowing delight.

‘Holiday’ is a charming, authentic EP that rests comfortably on the ears caressing and soothing you with meaningful melodies and subtly luscious instrumentation which envelopes the touching lyrics.

Stream ‘This Machine’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-177042204/this-machine-011018


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

whenyoung ‘Given Up’ EP

Limerick’s finest indie-poppers whenyoung have released their new EP ‘Given Up’ released through Virgin EMI. This follows  their recent singles ‘Heaven on Earth’ and their cover of the Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’. The trio also recently released a stunning video for the title track, filmed in London’s iconic Peckham Liberals Club and directed by, Dazed editorial director, Bunny Kinney. It shows the band as a conduit for escape from banal, suburban living.The band have performed in Dublin as part of Shane Mcgowan’s 60th birthday celebration alongside the likes of Nick Cave and Sinead O’Connor. They’ve also supported the likes of Dream Wife, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Peace.Having already played storming sets at this year’s Electric Picnic, All Together Now Festival, Great Escape, Latitude, Kendal Calling and Bestival the band are also supporting Blossoms on a nationwide tour in December.

‘Given Up’ is a perfectly balanced EP showcasing the refined and mature musicianship of whenyoung. They jump straight into their bubbly infectious indie with title track ‘Given Up’. Stinging guitars jaggedly slice their way through this Pixies-esque number as the entire track revolves around a driving drum and bass groove with the honey drizzled melody gliding above like a soothing blanket from heaven.The harmonies in this track are just so luscious. ‘Heaven on Earth’ follows. It’s another tasty indie banger filled with vibrancy, shedding guitar lines and the perfect sing along anthemic chorus. Having featured both of these tracks on Indie Buddie this year I have come to appreciate the intricacy within this trios musicianship. Aoife Power’s vocals are immaculate throughout the EP her voice filled with sweet coos, luscious tones and yet she holds a powerful and demanding air that is mesmerising. However it is their ability to create an upbeat tune with darker underlying tones adding depth that sets these guys apart. The sweet ethereal cover of The Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’ lies comfortably nestled in the middle of the EP. Passionate, pristine and touching whenyoung present the track exquisitely- balancing the tender delicacy with edgy rawness seamlessly. It stops time. ‘Sleeper’ brings us to the end of the EP – flawless, sweet and emotional, this track shows us the sombre, majestic side to whenyoung. Reaching into the depths of your mind they find the tender moments, gently draw them out and sweetly lament them back to you. A soft guitar melody mournfully pines behind Power’s beautiful crisp vocals while a delicate tapping beat sets a steady thud and mournful tone to this magical number.

whenyoung didn’t disappoint they lived up to the hype of their singles and even threw in a blinder in the form of the enchanting heavy-hearted ‘Sleeper’.

Stream ‘Given Up’ below





 


Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Cloakroom Q ‘Going For A Walk and I’m Not Coming Back’ EP

Northern Ireland art rock/neo psychedelic five piece Cloakroom Q are set to release their new EP ‘Going For A Walk and I’m Not Coming Back’ this Halloween. The band started in late 2016 and have since released a few singles and low fi compilations. These compilations were in the form of “official bootleg” recorded during the band’s earlier stages which include the single “Don’t Come Home” and their other more recent complication “Seven Stories Up”, partly recorded in Toulouse France and features versions of tracks off their debut EP ‘Going for a walk and I’m not coming back’.

‘Going For A Walk and I’m Not Coming Back’ is a spine tingling collection of tracks that weave and flourish with sublime obscurity through abrasive instrumentation while a healthy dose of psychedelic is churned through magnificent art rock elements and intense atmospheres.‘South of Sane’ kicks the mayhem off with the perfect tension building beat and spoken vocals. Soft guitars strum as the thrilling track builds and slowly creeps adding a warm trumpet into its swirling dark soundscape. Musically these guys create refined hair raising masterpieces with western-esque melodies mourning through rich rhythms and pining guitars. Through this EP  they showcase their ability to create stripped back wispy, mind melting acid soaked tunes shown brilliantly with ‘d0nkroom’. All these elements are twisted and entwined in euphoric dizzying bliss. ‘People With Energy’ rushes through on a heightened vibe of snappy beats, funky bass lines, jagged guitars and haunting synths. It’s danceable, groovy and filled with energy yet drenched in ominous vibes. Each track is crafted with the finest components to make it luscious, manic and thoroughly enjoyable. Their sound is unique to them and it is this band’s attention to detail and meticulous musicianship that makes these tracks so impressive. The grunge hued ‘Feeding The Stranger’ smears on that dark atmosphere thick. Rugged guitars crash and batter into the punchy drum assault while the vocals exclaim over this frenzied backdrop narrating about coughing blood, alcohol and vomiting.’Unearth’ closes the EP disguised, to start as a soft delicate number with a gentle beat and slow jam groovy bass line. The track builds becoming the mosh ready banger Cloakroom Q are pros at. Their braided rhythms keep a fluctuant foundation for everything to explode off. Cloakroom Q really give it their all for this beast of a track, constructing the verses perfectly to increase and tease the intensity of the fierce dynamite choruses. It’s a lengthy track, clocking in at 07:09 minutes but each and every minute is worth it. These guys blend the soothing and gentle tones seamlessly with the skull bashing heavy tones to lure you into a false sense of safe psychedelia before whacking you out of your dreamy daze with meaty gritty rock injections. It’s a magnificent end to the EP.

Cloakroom Q have created a wholly unique frenzied EP that grooves, whacks and soothes all at once rendering the listener captivated and craving for more.

‘Going For A Walk and I’m Not Coming Back’ is released on 31st October-  for more information

you can follow  Cloakroom Q on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/disappearlikethis/