Category Archives: EP Review

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Sandra’s Wedding ‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ EP

Indie four piece Sandra’s Wedding have released their new EP ‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’. The Goole based four piece comprised of members Joe Hodgson (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano), Jonny Hughes (Electric guitar, Mandolin), Tom Hill (Bass Guitar), Luke Harrison (Drums, Percussion) released their debut album “Northern Powerhouse” in February 2017, which was well received by reviewers with the band subsequently invited to perform a BBC Introducing live session on the show. The sepia tinged songs on the album address love, loss and life in industrial towns across the North of England, with guitarist Jonny Hughes telling one newspaper that the group and lyricist Joe Hodgson try to write songs with lyrics that people can identify with, telling stories about residing and experiencing life in Northern, working class areas.’Good Morning, Bad Blood’ deals with similar themes to its’ predecessor with love, the complexities of relationships and the mundane side of romance all running strongly through the four tracks. The album was produced by Dan Foster at Hull’s Element Studios and mastered by Pete Maher.

‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ is a charming warm collection of tracks that travel at an easy pace unfolding tales of heartbreak and love in a cosy wholesome manner. All four tracks hold a similar thread that confirms Sandra’s Wedding’s Smiths- esque brand however each track maintains its own identity and beautiful hold on your ears. The delicately chiming guitars throughout title track ‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ teamed with a delicious soothing melody and punchy drums makes for an enthralling opening to the EP. Instantly you are relaxed and settled into the cosy sound of this quartet. Hodgson’s vocals are easy to listen to as his sweet and comforting voice caresses the melody while the jangly guitar laments with warm yet sorrowful tones. Even through the mournful ‘Titanic’ Hodgson’s vocals hold a firm grip on your emotions as the elegant piano adds a graceful classy tone to the sweet tune. ‘Saturday Night Television’ brings a foot tapping cheery quality to the lamenting feel of the EP. The trumpet and cello are a sublime addition to the instrumentation, they fill the track with a tender warmth while weaving through a doleful bitter sweet melody that could bring a tear to your eye. ‘Run, Rabbit, Run’ is the most vibrant track on the EP as lively trumpet blasts set a mysterious Mexican Mariachi vibe over buoyant drums and lively guitar strides. It’s a refreshing and striking end to the EP.

‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ is a collection of four songs that are brimming with sleek guitars weaving their way meticulously through sublime melodies and immaculate moments making for a richly satisfying listen. Each track is so rhythmically appealing  and touching that the persistent listener is likely to find themself won over almost,without warning, by its pure honesty and wholesomeness.

 

Stream  ‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ below

 


EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Reqs ‘Shades Of Red’ EP

Four piece alternative band Reqs are releasing their debut EP ‘Shades Of Red’ tomorrow August 31st. Reqs, a four piece alternative band from Derby who formed just over a year ago. The band comprised of members Laurence Penna (Vocals, Guitar), Tom Wright (Guitar, Vocals), Dan McGrath (Bass, Vocals) and Ben Connolly (Drums) have supported the likes of No Hot Ashes and Judas, have sold out The Blessington Carriage in Derby, played DPP Festival 2 years running and have also played shows in Nottingham and Sheffield with Vega Bay, The Wired and more.

The quartet fill their debut EP ‘Shades Of Red’ with catchy, melodically lush tracks that glide upon funk flavoured grooves and vibrant choruses. There are some golden guitar moments throughout the tracks. The guitars glimmer glorious scintillation through the honey drizzled melody in  ‘Both Of Us’ while a soft buoyant drum keeps a steady foundation for the warm sweet toned guitar to lament and gracefully weave around. The vocals are velvety and smooth as they delicately wrap around the oh so sweet melody. These tracks are well paced for mellow easy listening with enough punch to have those feet tapping and heads bopping without ruining the hazy laid back mood. ‘Tapestry’ once again displays tasty guitar lines and a lovable melody to make you fondly nostalgic while you sway about gently. These guys build their background superbly, the elastic bass and drum combinations keep a flexible groovy foundation while this dreamy number floats about with a 50’s-esque delicate charm. ‘Pearls’ closes the EP following on fluidly from its predecessors. The guitar takes on a steamy whine for the verses before building into a heavier chorus. Steeped in funky tones this track has a strut quality to it as the guitar prances about a punchy swaggering beat.

‘Shades Of Red’ is a lovable EP from Reqs. It showcases some fine musicianship. Reqs’ tight sound is clean and crisp without overproduction or excessive fluff – just good, wholesome, chilled tunes to satisfy your melodic indie thirst.

You can follow Reqs on facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/reqsband/

 


90's Grunge, Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Manalishi EP

              Photo credit : Annie Feng

Manchester Rock/Grunge/Alternative band Manalishi have released their new EP ‘Why Do They Talk To Me’. Manalishi are a guttural plethora of raw energy and attitude. Consisting of lead vocalist/guitarist Dom Strett, bassist Josh Urpi, and drummer Charlie Gough; they concentrate on their music leaving your ears ringing, and a persistent scratchy feeling in the back of your throat.

The self titled EP  is a bloodthirsty collection of grunge soaked alternative rock designed to pummel your brain and get those mosh pits in a frenzy. The band accumulate a refined blend of noisy fuzz and groovy sounds to create a wholly immersing fierce wall of sound. With an onslaught of battering drums and gritty, scuzzy guitars crashing and shattering against one another it’s an intense collection of tracks. ‘Why Do They Talk To Me?’ and ‘Brain In A Jar’ display this perfectly as the squealing guitars and raw, splintering backdrop revolt over raspy vocals and a catchy attitude driven melody. The tracks travel at neck breaking speeds that evoke images of hair flailing headbanging while Manalishi chill the frenzy with a moody melody. ‘Punge’ lightens the heaviness of the EP with jagged light guitar jangles between punchy drum whacks. There is a Nirvana vibe about the track as the expressive vocals expel and hiss over the fiery backdrop while wallowing in the sweetened sulky melody. These guys showcase their ballsy sound with an edgy refinement and closing track ‘Not Here…Not There…’ is a fine example of this. Slowly building the track, Manalishi mope and brood over the glum murky verses before bursting into an all out fragmenting heavy chorus. Mighty drum thuds and grumbly destructive guitars make the hair-raising foundation for this explosive track. The doleful verses contrast magnificently with the bruising chorus and make for an exhilarating listen.

This debut EP is a  dynamic mix of sizzling power chords, manic energy and sonic restraint. Manalishi erect sturdy melodic structures and sing-along hard rock over a grunge foundation. They then attack their structure with frenzied screaming and guitar havoc. When Strett revs into high punk gear, shifting his versatile voice from quiet caress to raw-throated fury, the decisive control of the guitars and drums is all that keeps the songs from tipping over that thin line to utter chaos. Pretty impressive.

Stream the EP below


EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Kill ‘Em Charlie ‘Better Than Never, It’s Late’ EP

Irish band Kill ‘Em Charlie have released their 2-track EP titled ‘Better Than Never, It’s Late’. The band, comprised of members Eoghan on vocals, Alex on guitar, Patrick on guitar, George on bass and Gavin on drums are a  5-piece from Tipperary, but currently play mostly in Cork and Limerick. The EP was recorded and produced by drummer, Gavin, in his bedroom.

‘Better Than Never, It’s Late’ is a magnetic two track EP filled with sweet melodic goodness wrapped in a punchy indie array of sleekness. ‘Out of the Blue’ is the first offering. Snappy and buoyant this track hops along on jagged striking guitars and punchy drums before building into an energetic crashing backdrop for the chorus. Smooth vocals coo and vibrantly rebound off the infectious melody while a rooted bass adds a darkly hued foundation to this catchy number. ‘For Old Times’ Sake’ is the more instrumentally rugged of the two tracks as rough guitars serrate through the rich vigorous rhythm making  for a compelling danceable foundation. The guitars glimmer with impressive slivers of swagger soaked slickness as they whine and soar over the breezy melody adding a bitter sweet lamenting tone to the track which is just sublime. These guys blend the jagged and edgy indie with ethereal and delicate seamlessly to create a radio friendly tune that has something for everyone. The melodies in both these tracks are delicious and sing along ready as the vocal delivery packs in enough passion and vibrancy to make every note lovable. Their crafting and layering of each track is tight and they pack in enough epic and anthemic moments to have a live audience going wild. There is something special here for sure. For a lot of bands lately  live shows are where they excel and I’m sure Kill ‘Em Charlie knock the live shows out of the park. There is an energy that feels a little muted in the recording that i can imagine makes the live shows amazing. Keep an eye out for these guys.

 

Stream  ‘Better Than Never, It’s Late’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, Garage Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Collides ‘Fools Feel Fine’ EP

Waterford garage rock band Collides have released their new EP ‘Fools Feel Fine’, a rugged snappy collection of tracks that announce this new band with fiery attitude and some infectious wild hooks. It’s five burly tracks with enough mosh mania seeped throughout to make for some pretty insane live shows. ‘What’s On Your Mind’ sets their brand of slick garage rock in motion. Groovy bass and punchy drums create the fluctuant backbone for the swagger soaked verses and slinky guitars as they glissade over the raspy vocals. It’s the heavy raucous chorus that sets the track alight as crashing guitars pummel around the mighty drum whacks while also soaring and screeching over them with a sultry glossy sheen. It’s a sing along ready crowd friendly chorus that packs some hefty wallops between the sleek wiggles. ‘We’re So Cruel’ continues the relentless stamina with an energetic instrumental onslaught of mosh ready frenzy. The guitars are impressive in this EP- they slither between tasty nimble grandeur to savage and intense. The melodies throughout the EP peak for the infectious choruses and falsetto segments as Collides move between panache soaked grooves to ballsy rock bravado seamlessly. ‘All The Time’ displays their silky side with a shimmy -esque beat over a rugged backdrop of strident guitars and rooted bass rumbles. These guys have sass for sure and it shows in their tunes. ‘Dream In Dream’ displays a hint of sophistication with its sliding melody and eerie hues on guitar between the buoyant spring of the verses before another riotous crescendo crashes into your skull ready for a heavy headbang episode. The subtle psychedelic hints here are sublime and a welcomed surprise. ‘Land Ho’ closes the EP starting on a gentle tone of lush vocals and lamenting guitar before the screaming hefty outburst. The weaving between sweetly soft and blustery is perfect as this mostly instrumental piece displays the craft of these guys. It’s raw and edgy with the perfect sliver of steamy guitar injections over a tyrant invasion of bulky instrumentation. This track shows Collides at their best- it’s haunting, emotional and riveting all while brutally whacking you in the face with organic garage rock. There is no fuss, no flamboyance just biting, chilling, exhilaration.

‘Fools Feel Fine’ is a concentrated slap of what Collides can do. The rawness blended with sweet melodic flurries, on top of a nice dash of swagger make for a satisfying listen and marks these guys as ones to keep an eye on.

 

Stream ‘Fools Feel Fine’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

LOVR ‘Surf’s Up’ EP

LOVR is the solo project of Irish songwriter/producer Brendan McGlynn who has now released his new EP ‘Surf’s Up’. After his involvement in a number of successful Irish bands, he began this solo venture. LOVR combines rich pop melodies, 80s soft synths, layered guitars and vocal harmonies to create his sound. ‘Surf’s Up’ is the second EP from LOVR

‘Surf’s Up’ is a luscious, heavenly sweet collection of tracks that soothe the soul in a blanket of dreamy cosy soundscapes. Rushing with breezy freedom inducing synths and nostalgic honey drizzled melodies each track flows with a subtle adrenaline rush and blissful euphoric vibes. Pristine production and crisp textures evokes every emotion in the listener with flickering immaculate sea side images of euphoria. ‘Instructions For Surfing’ kicks all this off with McGlynn lamenting over warm keys and the calming sound of waves. His knack with delicate melodies becomes instantly apparent as he gently coos a sweet nostalgic melody with an 80’s pop undertone. The pace of this track is magnificent, it slowly burns with a glistening glow filled with soothing wholesomeness as McGlynn’s soulful vocals hit you right in the chest. The magical charming tunes continue with ‘Surf’s Up’ as a soft spongy beat accompanies chiming keys and lush dreamy vocals. These are tunes to fall in love with, they are filled with tender tones, heavenly sugar sweet melodies and sublime dreamy soundscapes that wisp about caressing your ears with ethereal graceful bliss. ‘Song Of The Sea’ adds a hint of vibrancy to the EP. With choir like backing vocals layered over a jungle like beat, cinematic soundscapes and instant gush of adrenaline. It’s the kind of track that evokes picturesque images like it should be in a  Disney movie as the main character runs to the freedom or joy they have always craved for. This is the most gripping and vivid track on the EP. It is pretty intense and flawless.  Each track lays you on a light fluffy cloud of tranquilising soundscapes floating about soft synths and sublime harmonies over delicious pop goodness to create a unique yet consoling familiarity. The time stopping ‘Survive, Hold On, All You, Need Is, Time’ and the elegant closing track ‘Movin’ To LA’ are prime examples of this. With a glistening lamenting guitar feature gracing the latter with an angelic embellishment like a dream just out of reach pulling at your heartstrings while calming synths drift about the fragile melody -it’s the perfect sweet end to a beautiful EP.

‘Surf’s Up’ is an EP to cherish. Its bitter sweet delicacy is one to be admired as McGlynn finely blends sweet mesmerising melodies to create a wholly enthralling and exquisite listening experience.

When asked about the EP McGlynn said  “I made this EP about surfing because I don’t surf, but I wanted to. I was drawn to the lifestyle surrounding surfers, their freedom and connection with nature. So I thought if I write about it then I’d have to go experience it and learn about it, so that’s what i did. This is why making music is so powerful. You can take one thing you love and use it to enable you to experience things you never have before.It’s the perfect catalyst.”

Stream ‘Surf’s Up’ below

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Bikini Trill ‘Wassup, We Good?’ EP

Los Angeles based, surf pop trio, Bikini Trill have released their new EP, ‘Wassup, We Good?’. The band combine trap / hip-hop beats, surf guitar and bass, with powerful pop vocals to create a fresh sound and feel-good vibe. This female-fronted group draw inspiration from a variety of genres including punk, reggae, and hip-hop. Formed in 2016 by vocalist Frex (Lauren Johnson), bassist Kourosh Poursalehi, and guitarist Tony Stern, Bikini Trill is a nod to the various musicians and genres from which they draw inspiration- combining the Riot Grrrl punk mentality of Bikini Kill with current urban and trap influences. Currently, the band is celebrating their second mini tour at SXSW in Austin, Texas and are gearing up to tour with Coast Modern and Mikey Mike- playing the House of Blues San Diego, The Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, Arizona, and The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

‘Wassup, We Good?’ is a blissfully melodic collection of tracks that fill your soul with golden luminosity, laid back vibes and euphoric mellowness with an underlying punchy kick to add a bit of spice. Each track fluidly flows into the next from the trippy ‘Napster and Acid (INTRO)’ right through to the seductively slinky ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’– Bikini Trill sandwich in a sweet collection of velvety smooth raspberry ripple tunes to have your mind in a sedative state of creamy groove filled bliss. ‘Chapo Howl’ firmly envelopes you in Bikini Trill’s swirling exhilarating world as vibrant guitars meander through captivating vocals while a subtle drift of sweet psychedelic hued soundscapes wisp like a refreshing breeze over the sugary pop melody. The tracks are addictive and radiate sunny, easy going vibes ‘Smoke A Jay and Watch Yourself Dance’ adds a body moving bouncy rhythm into the mix coaxing your body to sway and bop along while ‘Need Me’ throws in a dash of gritty guitar jingles. Johnson’s vocals are simply captivating and nectarous as she floods each track with a honey steeped sprinkling of sweetness that is delicious to the ears and when teamed with the catchy mouth-watering pop melodies it’s a deadly concoction that leaves you craving more. Bikini Trill manage to balance and blend this sugar rush with some hip-hop beats and biting guitars to add a healthy dose of edge and gritty texture to the tunes. ‘KUT U UP (INTERLUDE)’ and ‘Scarlet’ stride in on a cool swagger driven reggae-esque beat and rich weaving soundscapes that add some attitude and bite while the glistening guitar moments elevate and give a vivid golden lustre to the tracks. The lyrics are honest and rugged and don’t gloss over the themes whereas the instrumental backdrop covers the lyrics with a  hazy dreamy camouflage. In ‘2:25 am’ Johnson’s vocals really hypnotise as she coos and sweetly pines through a sticky beat and lamenting soundscapes- its quite touching and beautiful and the perfect lead in to the closing track ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’, a spaghetti western -esque ditty filled with psychedelic tones and desert like vibes.

‘Wassup, We Good?’ is an absorbing collection of tracks perfect for sweltering hot days as the sun glares and distorts your view allowing Bikini Trill to create sublime delusions with scorching guitars and gloopy beats between luscious melodies and captivating vocals.

Stream ‘Wassup, We Good?’ EP below


EP Review, Indie, New Music

Lewis Ross ‘Colder Days’ EP

Lewis Ross is an emerging indie folk artist from Edinburgh who has released his debut EP ‘Colder Days’. Formed from the humble environment of his bedroom in Edinburgh, Ross has been compiling this EP for the previous two years. In regard to his song writing Lewis pays particular attention to detail, this ultimately secured him a position on the indie folx spotify playlist “the best of indie folk 2018”. Reminiscing on pivotal points in his life, Ross addresses some of the universal thoughts and feelings surrounding young love and regret in the EP. ‘Colder Days’ was recorded and produced by Garry Boyle, who is a well-established producer within the Scottish music scene. Lewis has also appeared on radio shows within Scotland after recently releasing his debut single ‘Come On Home’ which has been met with critical acclaim.

‘Colder Days’ is a delicate warm and glowing collection of laid back passionate tracks. The sweet ‘Intro’ sets the tranquil tone of the EP with piano twinkles and lush vocals. ‘Now That You’re Gone’ follows with warm guitar flickering between Ross’ velvety vocals. Each track pulls at the heart strings with its beautiful tender arrangement and graceful string injections. Ross provides us with the perfect chill time playlist – his tracks are constructed with subtle intricate parts providing the perfect backdrop for Ross’ emotional vocals. ’Come on Home’ and ‘Signs of Life’ display rich sublime melodies and marvellous ethereal backing vocals that will have you tearfully swaying with a glass of wine watching a glorious sunset until ‘Hope to See you in the Morning’ lulls you into that final soothing state of serenity. When listening to this moving EP the world stops and all that exists is you, stillness and these heavenly touching tunes.

Stream ‘Colder Days’ below

 

 


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

The Half Light ‘Night On My Mind’ EP

The Half Light are a four piece indie band from London who have returned to the scene in 2018 with new material and a new line up. The band have released their new EP ‘Night On My Mind’, which is being released in full alongside the single ‘Seven Summers’. This release follows the earlier releases of the lead track ‘8th May’ (March 2018) and title track ‘Night On My Mind’ (April 2018). To mark the launch of the EP and ‘Seven Summers’, the band will be playing Clarence Park Festival, Wakefield, on 28th July. The Half Light’s music has featured on radio stations across the country, including BBC 6 Music, BBC London and Amazing Radio and the band were nominated for Best UK Act at the 2015 Pure M Awards. Since forming in 2011, the band have self-released ‘Clapham EP’ (2012) and ‘Moscow’ (2015), which is now followed by ‘Night On My Mind’ EP. Following these earlier releases, vocalist James and guitarist Guy were joined by a refreshed rhythm section, Mike and Martin, to complete the line up and the band entered the studio in London in late 2017.

‘Night On My Mind’ is a delightful triad of glorious indie, swirling between luscious pop melodies and sparkling chimes on keys. Both the title track ‘Night On My Mind’ and ‘8th May’ have been previously featured on Indie Buddie, The former wisping us away with ethereal guitars soaring over breezy soundscapes, punchy drums and a delicious bitter sweet melody while ‘8th May’ shimmied its way firmly into our minds and hearts with its rich rhythm and infectious chorus soaring over glorious guitar work. It was no surprise that ‘Seven Summers’ would be the sweet icing on the cake. Laced in glorious melodies coated with sparkling guitars, sublime bass rumbles and gleaming keys. This follows the vibrantly heavenly vibes of its predecessors perfectly and displays the bands meticulous well crafted musicianship. The track builds to a magnificent crescendo as the guitars slash an illuminating zesty flash of light through the glorious soundscape. These guys have an ability to write heart warming wholesome tracks that hop, bop and tantalize the listeners ears until they are shivering in the corner craving to hear more.

Stream ‘Night On My Mind’ below

 


Ambient Music, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Transmission Club ‘The Hour of the Wolf’ EP

Cork-based alt-rock outfit Transmission Club will release their second EP, ‘The Hour of the Wolf’, on Friday, July 13th. Recorded and produced by Chris Somers at One Chance Out Studios, the band’s sophomore release takes the listener on a musical trajectory from the intimate to the anthemic within three tracks. The E.P was mastered by Pete Maher (The Pixies, Jack White, Goldfrapp) in his London studio. Titled after the surrealist horror film by Ingmar Bergman, ‘The Hour of the Wolf‘ delves into themes of isolation and fear of the subconscious, explored through a compelling blend of folk-rock and electronic soundscapes. Formed in 2014 as the bedroom recording project of Michael Prendiville, Transmission Club is quickly becoming one of the most unique acts in the Irish music scene. The band’s diverse sonic palette combines elements of indie, folk and grunge, textured with harmonium, violin, keyboards, guitars, drum machines and loops. Recording takes place in bedrooms and living rooms in Cork, giving the music a raw, untrammelled feel. Transmission Club’s first EP, Salt, was released in November 2015, gaining airplay on The Alternative with Dan Hegarty (2fm), The Paul McLoone Show (Today FM) and on 8Radio. Transmission Club also recorded a live session for The Paul McLoone Show in January 2016. Salt was voted No.1 in The Last Mixed Tape’s Reader’s E.P of the Year 2015 Poll. The video for “Taking Off (Blackhole)” was nominated for a Pure M award for Best Music Video in 2017.

‘The Hour of the Wolf’ is a spellbinding three track combo that enthralls and captivates the listener in its luscious deeply moving soundscapes. From the atmospheric and delicately moving ‘This War’  with its elegance and tender tones nudged by warm guitar twinkles, soft percussion and sweet string strides, this bands sophisticated and deeply poignant musicianship becomes apparent. The band build the track meticulously, slowly brooding as if every breath, every note takes its own pace, gently conveying the heart breaking theme. The track builds to a distorted explosive crescendo which sends shivers down your spine. They write tunes that make you listen, grab your attention and tear your heart out. They do this not only through sweet tenderness but through gritty dark instrumentation too. ‘Taking Off (Blackhole)’ is simply magnificent. Eerie vocals coo over lamenting strings and a dark murky guitar riff. Once again distortion is placed perfectly to add urgency and a sense of dizzying panic through this sublime gripping experience. The elegance of the strings is the perfect contrast to the psychedelic haunting soundscapes. This bands ability to creating wholly enthralling tunes that fill you with emotion from melancholic and sweet to haunting and chilling is fantastic. They execute their instruments with a fine tuned precision that is masterful. ‘The Porcupine Dilemma’ brings us to the end of our mesmerising journey with Transmission Club. It’s a soft little gem that features glistening guitar between emotional, warm vocals while lush backing vocals, a thumping beat and graceful strings  fill out the sound. It’s deeply moving and passionate as the divine melody fluidly flows over the tapping rhythm and delicate instrumentation. ‘The Hour of the Wolf’ EP is a thought provoking well structured treasure trove that fills you with vivid instrumentation, oodles of passion with wholesome melodies running throughout. It’s a thoroughly satisfying and rich experience.

‘The Hour of the Wolf’ will be available from July 13th on Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify. A limited CD run of the E.P will be available also.

You can follow Transmission Club on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/transmissionclubmusic