Category Archives: EP Review

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

Galapagos ‘Potential Space’ EP

Canadian band Galapagos have released their new EP ‘Potential Space’. Band members Adam Ferris (vocals/guitar), Jamie Orser (drums), Matthew Wood (lead guitar), and Gerardo Mantecon (bass) play gritty rock songs laced with Capital City strut and Midwest mosey mixing honest lyrics with jagged guitars and syrupy melodies.

Potential Space’ EP  is a lush bubbly collection of tracks laced in beautiful zealous guitar lines and heavenly melodies blended with some grittier elements at times that keeps the sound refreshing and radiant. ‘Bike’ kicks off the EP with bright sparkling indie soundscapes. Sharp guitar jingles playfully throughout with the sweetest tone and refreshing spurts of zest while the soft beat and honeyed melody glide with a daydream tempo and hazy atmosphere. It’s smooth and soothing while also packing a nice little punch between the dreamy wisps.‘What I Deserve’ bursts with oodles of catchy upbeat guitar lines while the track bounces with a peppy beat and lush melody soaked in a lazy day somber tone. It’s a bopping sway like delight packed with emotion and lush sweetness. Smooth vocals ooze passion while instrumentally this track places you in a mellow state of melancholic peace. ‘Again’ takes a heavier approach. Jagged guitars and punchy drums add a danceable quality and gritty texture. Snippets of distortion give a thrilling dramatic effect while the melody and candied guitar elements glimmer through with bright upbeat scintillation and sun kissed luminosity. A little more aggressive than its predecessors this mosh friendly track displays Galapagos heavier punk-like side with sprinkles of indie pop embroidered on top. ‘Lungs’ closes the EP with tender delicate guitar flickers between acoustic strums and sweet dainty vocals. It’s a twinkling beautiful and emotional track that pulls at the heart strings and places you on a soft fluffy cloud of euphoria. Cool breezy tones, sweet lush harmonies and call and response vocals create a floaty feathery light approach with very subtle hints of flower power psychedelia.

Galapagos ‘Potential Space’ EP takes you on an emotion journey while showcasing their knack for sweet delicious melodies nimble refined guitar work and slick musicianship. It’s a laid back beautiful EP that is perfect for summers evenings or that all important unwind time.

Stream ‘Potential Space’ on Bandcamp here https://galapagos613.bandcamp.com/releases

 


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Maker ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ EP

Maker are a rock n’roll band with a psychedelic bluesy punch, stirred with a fist full of soul. Hailing from Kent, they are made up of members Alessandro Marinelli (Vocals), Andrew Donaldson (Guitar), Gavin Donaldson (Drums) & John Austin (Bass). Renowned for their electrifying live performances, Maker deliver fresh sonic swagger defined by their own bluesy, boozy guitar riffs.The band have headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including 100 Club London as part of ‘Best of British Blues Explosion’ 2017, and have supported some of the UKs finest artists, Ocean Colour Scene, Dodgy, Wilko Johnson, The Slydigs as well as shared festival bills with The Cribs, Dizee Rascal, Mark Ronson, and Supergrass to name a few. Maker can even count one of the worlds most acclaimed guitarists Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes / Magpie Salute) as a fan of the band, as well as two of Soho Radio’s finest, Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Virgil Howe (Little Barrie). Their new five track EP ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ which was recorded at world famous Rockfield Studios and produced by the band and Nick Brine, will be released 11 August via Kidda Records.
‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ is a swagger soaked gritty slick rock n’ roll EP oozing strutting flamboyance with just the right amount of whiskey soaked brawn. Title track ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ kicks off the EP, It is bluesy and soulful with a sensual sway -like tempo and steamy guitar licks. Raspy vocals add a warm texture to the track while piano elements add a classy jazzy quality. It builds to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals. It’s sultry and sensually smooth while maintaining a raw edge. ‘So Serene’ is a Led Zeppelin – esque riff driven track. With a strutting striding pace, catchy melody and slick guitar exuding panache, it’s true red blooded rock n’ roll. ‘Are You Watching Me?’ rushes through with blusterous rapid blurry instrumentation which cools and separates out into a funky groove for the chorus. A little frenzied and manic the track becomes more heavy and psychedelic with strong bass strides and sharp guitar licks. It takes a trance-like hallucinogenic form with just the pounding beat becoming the constant as spiralling guitars create chaos. ‘Lose It On The Second Turn’ re introduces a jazzy Jerry Lee Lewis piano feature and distorted riff. With a clap along feature it’s a shimmy and shake blended with mosh elements. A thrilling guitar solo shrills with sublime sharpness it’s air guitar worthy and superb. ‘Stop My Heart Dead’ finishes the album with Makers golden rock and roll swagger filled sound. With a stomping beat and body grooving rhythm teamed with slick nimble guitar and infectious melody. These guys do cool and soul with powerful punk punches well, mix that with booze soaked riffs and bluesy elements ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ is another knock out EP from Maker.

Watch the teaser video for the EP on their facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/videos/10155755309187240/

 


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

A Weekend Away Debut EP

Limerick band A Weekend Away have released their debut EP. The band jumped onto the music scene during the Spring of 2013. Initially with six members, they were praised for mixing jaw dropping punk sound with indie and blues influenced rhythm and lead guitar. With the assistance of Music Generation Limerick, they thrived for 2 years regularly playing in venues such as Dolan’s pub, Cobblestone Joes and the Limetree Theatre, creating an impressive portfolio of tracks in the process. Following a line up change in 2016 and the edition of singer/songwriter, Peader Storey the now five piece, started thriving with their newly released single ‘Parseltongue’ being praised for its punchy riffs and catchy chorus. Following a packed out headline show at the Kasbah Social Club, and supporting Blaming Hannah at The Kino, A Weekend Away won the University of Limerick Battle of the Bands and supported ALL TVVINS. The five piece consisting of members Peader Storey (Frontman), Patrick O’Donnell ( Lead guitar), Peter Corbett (Bass), Jacob Woulfe (Rhythm Guitar) and Evan Berry(Drums) have now released their debut self titled EP which contains six tracks recorded by Mike Gavin (Even Audio), Tony Monaghan (Music Gen) and Ciaran Woulfe (Woulfe) and mastered by Richard Dowling of WAV Mastering.

The bluesy soaked ‘Haze’ kicks off the EP. It’s slick and oiled in sensual bass slapping against shredding sharp guitars and punchy drums. Raw, edgy and drenched in attitude this track hits the spot for gritty bluesy rock. It’s vigorous while remaining slick and cool. With passion filled vocals and the thrilling shrill on guitar it’s a dark tinged wallop of their organic sound. ‘Parseltongue’ blends dark eerie tones for the verse with the summer tinged bright vibes of the catchy chorus. With a pop tinted melody blasting out on crashing guitar strides and elastic bounce on bass it’s snappy gritty while smudged in light bright tones. Exuding a youthful vibe with soft mosh elements this track is a catchy radio friendly tune with some sweet guitar moments. ‘Phone Home’ has a The Fray feel, it’s an emotional hard hitting melodic track with a delicate melody packed with passionate vocals and gentle little twinkles on guitar. Vocal harmonies are tight and the track becomes slightly heavier instrumentally for the massive dramatic crescendo. It really packs an emotional mighty blow you can imagine it accompanying a tender or heartbreaking scene in a movie or T.V. series. It’s quite beautiful and tear jerking. If you feel nothing while listening to this song you’re probably dead inside. ‘Going Down’ brings back the dirty gritty heavy rock. With fuzzed guitars heavy moshing is guaranteed, as vigorous guitars blast across a foundation of pounding drums and dynamic vocals. ‘Free of the Land’ brings us a snapping sleazy rapid rock and roll rhythm and  scuzzy stained guitars. With vocals that exude swagger and attitude it’s a finger clicking dark blast of eerie entrapment. It’s a cocky display of brashness but tastefully displayed. ‘Terminal Blues’ closes the EP with the return of the bands bluesy signature sound. With a swing like strut and wiggle tempo once again it’s slick and sharp with thrilling heavy mosh ready elements.

A Weekend Away have produced a raucous raw EP that has all the gritty elements of rock while polishing it up a little and soothing the frenzy with pop tinged melodies and a bit of heartwarming emotion thrown in. A strong debut from the Limerick quintet.

Stream the EP below


EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Trance

Crome Yellow ‘Yellow Road’ EP

Waterford’s alternative rock/ synth pop band Crome Yellow have released their debut EP ‘Yellow Road’. The band have created a 5 track collection of liquefying mind melting tunes that are just sublime.
The sweet dazed ‘My Chateau’ kicks off the EP doused in narcotic psychedelia and ridiculously chill tones. Sharp guitar adds a wobbly sting to the hazy mirage while gentle vocals soothe you into a calming state of hypnosis. ‘Cordial People’ takes you on a funky tinged journey with spacey hints and darker tones of dreamy delusions. Whispered almost eerie vocals and the zesty guitar jingle create a dull shot of acid-fried absurdity. ‘You Never Ask Me If I’m Happy’ is a peppy clap along friendly track with a western desert feel. Psychedelic guitar adds scorching heat to the optical illusion. A sway like melody and peppy beat adds a shimmy wavy danceable element to the EP. ‘Grey Cords’ once again lulls you into Crome Yellow’s tranquillised state of opiate ecstasy. With lush backing vocals and trippy synths they take you further and further down the rabbit hole. ‘Jean’ brings us to the end of our journey with Crome Yellow with sonic pulses twinkling guitars and warm toned keys. It’s a swoony slow-moving track that is mind numbing and dreamy with space-age like psychedelia.
Crome Yellow’s ‘Yellow Road’ EP is a sophisticated deeply dreamy collection of tracks that drown you in a synth pop trippy illusion filled pool of euphoria. Its rich in intricately layered synths blended with hypnotic chimes and spacey psychedelia. Funky guitar elements and pop melodies create lush texture and deliver the bands distinctive sound. A strong debut EP from the four piece. Its a relaxing mind dissolving treasure.

Watch the video for ‘Jean’ below


EP Review, Singer/Songwriter

Emma O’Reilly ‘FRACTURES’ EP

Songwriter Emma O’Reilly from Ballinasloe in Co. Galway, has released ‘FRACTURES’ her second independently produced studio EP, recorded by mixing live and multi-track processes in Arad Studios with Les Keye (Squarehead, Kevin “Herm” Connolly, My Sweet Beloved).
‘FRACTURES’ is a collection of Emma’s unique brand of peppy dramatic pop rock tightly bound in a beautifully polished bow. The snazzy ‘Shake’ kicks off the EP with a theatrical lively approach. Jazzy piano and stabbing beats dramatise the track. Complete with melodramatic vocals it seems like a tap number from a musical. ‘Count’ takes a sweet acoustically backed approach. Delicate vocals and warm sun kissed vibes teamed with “do do do” lyrics its simple, syrupy and joyful. With wistful tones this track bops along light and floaty coated in a toothache sugary dreamland. ‘Cervantes’ is a sorrow-filled emotional track cold and icy with sharp lull on vocals and rich twinkles on piano.The track flows with grace and elegance. Brush tap beats on drums create a soft silky texture to this delicate song. ‘Codladh Sámh’ is again a gentle little soulful track. Emma’s whisper like vocals are teamed with beautiful accompaniment and a fairy like vibe. Sung in Irish its intensely emotional. The track builds with a mighty punch and takes a darker turn. Once again this track displays Emma’s dramatic cinematic style. ‘Geneva’ closes the EP with Emma’s vocals taking the lime light to start. It sounds like a Sean-nós song. A superb piano feature takes over from the vocals leaving a peaceful tranquil atmosphere to just relax into as the track winds out.

‘FRACTURES’ is a  strong  EP displaying Emma O’Reilly’s unique diverse sound as she glides from dramatic to pop, folk  with rock flavours drizzled on top. It is proficient as Emma has clearly created a little niche for herself to create music that is beautiful and bursting with colourful fragments of wonderful art.

Emma will be celebrating the launch with an intimate gig in her hometown on May 25th and full band performance in The Grand Social in Dublin on July 20th. She’ll also be touring with the EP.
Stream the ‘FRACTURES’ EP below


electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, psychedelic

Freak Static ‘Lustless’ EP

One man alternative singer-songwriter Freak Static has released his debut EP ‘Lustless’. After an intensive two years of writing, recording and producing, this 3-track is just a preview of whats to come. After playing as part of a band in the past, Freak Static decided to experiment with a solo project. Taking inspiration from the rise of DIY artists such as Tame Impala, UMO and St Vincent, the EP is entirely self-written, self-recorded and self-produced. ‘Lustless’ was recorded throughout the night whilst juggling a full time job. As a multi-instrumentalist, Freak Static played every instrument used for each track and now aims to inspire other musicians and artists to use the technology available to achieve their dreams.
‘Lustless’ is a three track groovy psychedelic tinged braid mingled and merged with swirling bright electronics. ‘King Kong’ is our first shot of Freak Static’s funky twisted coagulated sound. Soaked in strut-like swagger and infectious beats this track bounces with jagged hops. Eccentric electronics bleep and bloop while the track flows in a reggae-like groove and cool persona. ‘Forget Her’ follows as a slower chic passionate track. Heavier drum beats with distortion on guitars add an aggressive vibe to the track. Its a shaggy spiky track smoothened off with a zesty sensual guitar solo. ‘Snooze’ is the final track on the EP beginning with a delicate twinkle and soft vocals that build and become more dynamic. It creeps in like the soundtrack to an eerie horror movie and then brightens becoming light and silky. This fuzz filled powerful track croons with sorrow filled tones that progress into vibrant peppy animation. Coated in distortion with a dub step feel it’s a mighty meaty finish to an exceptional EP.
Now that the EP is completed, Freak Static is embarking upon the process of figuring out how to take his act live whilst remaining authentic. So keep an eye out for his live shows they  are sure to be extraordinary.
Stream ‘Lustless’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Mind Redux

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

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

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

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

 

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

Stream the ‘Colour Of Dreams’ EP here

 

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Wolf Dagger ‘Year Of The Wolf’ EP

Wolf Dagger is a three piece rock n roll band from the city of Cape Town. All three members of the band have been actively involved in the music scene for numerous years playing in different bands. They built a fan base from playing all over Cape Town, touching audiences with their enthusiastic live performances, work ethic and passion for the industry. The members are Etienne Fourie on drums , Anthony De Jonah on  bass guitar and vocals and Tertius Scheepers on guitar. The band have released their EP ‘Year Of The Wolf’ which was followed by a national tour.

‘Year Of The Wolf’ is a gritty punch in the mouth of Wolf Daggers ruckus causing rock teamed with sensual snappy riffs and a whole lot of energy. The bluesy teasing intro gives us a swagger infused slick taste of whats to come from the EP. Slow heavy rhythm drops and thuds while intensity is built on a sultry guitar lick. ‘Let Loose’ wallops us into their fantastic manic high energy sound. Ablaze with blistering guitars and punchy drums its a manic mosh pit ready tune. With the catchy chorus and shredding guitar solo its instantly likable. ‘Come At Me Now’ slows the tone a little with sharp flickers on zealous guitar and punchy drums. The track builds becoming heavier for the chorus while the guitar shows off with steamy lavish licks. ‘Higher’ is a riff driven headbanger. Once again Wolf Dagger display their instrumentally tight gritty sound where for me the guitar display is the key. This track builds in intensity to a feverish sweaty frenzy that i’m sure is epic live. Title track ‘Year Of The Wolf’ follows next. Its a hip swinging groovy track drenched in sleazy swagger and brawn. With dark tones and lustful howls this track is slick and rough and ready. ‘There Was A Time’ finishes the EP with sunny cruising vibes. Its “laid back beer in hand good times”, with of course the added punch for the chorus. Pummeling drums add a mighty fury and brawn to the track while the effortlessly cool guitar struts in with panache and charm.

‘Year Of The Wolf’ is a solid EP from Wolf Dagger with all the components to make an epic live show so make sure to check these guys out.

 

You can get the ‘Year Of The Wolf’ EP here https://wolfdagger.bandcamp.com/album/year-of-the-wolf


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

Twenty four Debut EP

Twenty Four are a four piece up and coming indie band from Glasgow. Band members Daniel Adens, Ian Lawrie,Scott Canham and Rory Smith are releasing their self titled debut EP which is available to pre- order on itunes now and will be released Wednesday on all streaming services, spotify, itunes, apple music, soundcloud etc.
Twenty Four give us an EP crammed with energetic punchy tracks that blister and bubble with infectious scorching indie. ‘Loose It All’ kicks things off with a snappy elastic rhythm setting up the swinging rock and roll lively track. The track bounces and bops with flexible bass and crunching guitars giving the song a high powered ball of fire stamina and lively fun vibe. ‘Never Be The Same’ cools the tone slightly with a sweet melody on guitar to start. Passionate raspy vocals add some grit to the track while it maintains a swing tempo. Punchy drums add brawn while the malleable bass adds a spring and rubbery bounce. The shift in the track for the bridge is refreshing as it takes a more rapid approach to the soul- like track. ‘On The Run’ introduces itself with thunderous heavy instrumentation. With a mighty catchy chorus and perky instrumentation of twinkling light sunny guitar features, its sun soaked ebullience. Once again the ductile bass bring the track to life and gives a slick strong foundation to ground the song while the playful and nimble shredding guitar runs freely weaving between the melody.‘Seventeen’ bubbles with animated vivacious stamina. Its cheeky swagger infused vocals teamed with fluttering funky bass and cheerful zesty guitar proves once again theses guys have a knack for writing songs that make you want to dance. ‘Stranges’ finishes the EP with sparkling guitar and a reggae – esque vibe. Its a sun setting relaxing groovy track that makes you think where have these guys been and why haven’t I heard them before now. Gentle instrumentation and soft beat will have you swaying in a dim light setting with images of the  sand, sea and sunset.
Twenty Four are a Glasgow band that can take you to your tropical paradise in just five tracks. Fantastic musicianship really talented bunch of guys who don’t just write music they take you on a journey to utopia .
Check out Twenty Four’s Facebook page for all the details to get the EP here https://www.facebook.com/twentyfourmusic/

Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

MUX ‘Can you see who?’ EP

MUX, a brand new electro-stoner band from London is to release at the end of March their EP entitled ‘Can you see who?’. MUX blend elements of electronica, stoner, trip-hop and punk leaving you in a twisted knot of thrilling euphoric disorientation. Comprised of members Tiz, Paul, and Jonas, MUX present  an EP that is a gripping electrifying enigma fuzzed and gritty and smothered in obscure darkness. The band officially started in the summer of 2016 when Tiz and Paul (drums) met in Brighton, while shopping for souvenirs. They started fighting over a seashell ashtray and ended talking about Kendrick Lamar’s latest album. A couple of months later, the pair met Jonas (Guitar) at a Mac DeMarco concert in Camden. Jonas was headbanging harder than everyone else.
‘MDMA’ kicks off the EP with a creepy sinister shadowy tone. Raspy whisper-like vocals are hair-raisingly chilling while the gritty distorted guitar adds a rough round the edges sharpness. Its like a psychedelic trip that’s freaked you out but still feels good. A rapid elastic rhythm gives a sticky gooey glooping effect. The track becomes more dynamic as it progress with the intense electronics becoming more frantic while the shredding guitar pierces with shrilling ferocity. The electronic woodblock-like feature is a recurring element in the EP’s tracks and it adds a plump texture and unusual refreshing contrast to the dark psychedelic swirling surround. It acts like a conscious anchor keeping your mind from becoming completely engulfed by the musical whirlwind.
‘Gold and Prozac’ follows with shivering fuzzed guitar against a tapping rhythm. The track oozes lurid  gloppy liquid- like electronics that seep throughout the track, broken only by hypnotic trance inducing psychedelia. Eerie dark vocals are ghostly with a theatrical tint of evil. Epic basslines travel through each track providing a weighty beefy foundation to sink your teeth into.
‘Teenage Father’ begins with the sweet request “Kill Me” building into a thunderous mighty headbanger. This frenzy causing hysteria is sticky mosh pit neck-breaking head banging ready. Snapping bass is teamed with a fantastic driving guitar that shrills with blissful ear-piercing capability. Its a blood pumping smashing monster of a track that is convulsion causing derangement but so good.
‘Stray’ finishes the EP with a sensual riveting all absorbing guitar feature, lusty crescendo and  pounding rhythm mixed with electronic blurring perplexity, all bashed out and liquored up leaving you in a glazed mind boggled mush. Blending heavy turmoil with sensual steamy red hot piercing guitar and luring vocals, this track penetrates your skull with relentless soundscapes and acute powerful momentum.
Each track flows fluidly into the next as MUX  take you on a riveting complex journey through their proficient composition and exquisite craftsmanship. Its dark, its gritty and fuzzed with narcotic effects. ‘Can you see who?’ is a swirling invasion into your mind showing you a shadowy kaleidoscope of abstruseness.
Watch a snippet of what you can expect below