Category Archives: Grunge

Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Nerves ‘Leigue’

 Photo Credit: Patryk Gizicki 

Irish avant-punk trio Nerves have returned with their new single ‘Leigue’. Having lit up their homeland with four well-received singles to date, the band began to earn a reputation as a must-see live act prior to lockdown with a series of sweaty DIY basement shows, sold-out headline dates and support slots with the likes of HMLTD, Turnstiles and more. Recorded over lockdown at Sonic Studios with Girl Band’s Daniel Fox, “Leigue” is a perfect snapshot of the band’s intense and borderless sound. 

‘Leigue’ frizzles with the passionate and thrilling sound of Nerves. It’s a hard-hitting tune that displays Nerves at their most intense and emotional to date. The song has an asphyxiating and harrowing atmosphere that is greatly enhanced by a muggy panic-stricken soundscape filled with pounding drums, rampant bass wriggles and contorting wails on guitar. ‘Leigue’ is an immersive listening experience – the track broods and simmers with angst throughout as Nerves venture from light shoegaze moments to post-punk anarchy within a few brisk instrumental lacerations. The shoegaze, post-punk, krautrock blend of sounds is an exhilarating assault on the senses as Kyle Thornton’s reverb vocals speak about the dangers of trying to ignore grief and allowing unhealthy coping mechanisms to begin to rule one’s life. As the song reaches its crescendo, the guitars spiral and crash into the aggressive drums, creating an explosive and exhilarating moment for listeners to enjoy. 

Nerves are meticulously crafting their powerful sound, and ‘Leigue’ is an exciting example of this band’s impressive musicianship. 

Speaking about the single, Kyle Thornton says, “We feel as though Leigue was a bit of a turning point for us as a band, towards something more mature and cathartic. It’s paved the way for how our sound and attitude has changed over the course of the last year. It’s still intense and still fun to play, but it means more to us now than I think it ever has.”

Stream ‘Leigue’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, New Music

BERRIES ‘Dangerous’ (Recorded Live at Big Smith Studios)

Following on from the release of their recent single ‘Copy’, the first release for Xtra Mile Recordings, London grunge trio BERRIES, are back with the news of their forthcoming EP, ‘Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios’.and the release of its lead track ‘Dangerous’.BERRIES have been turning heads up and down the country for a number of years; their vast array of singles earning the band crucial support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, as well as online championing from Louder Than War and Fred Perry.

‘Dangerous’ is a dark bass-heavy tune that packs a mighty punch. BERRIES take their gritty grunge and spread it over an eerie backdrop to create on tantalising earworm for listeners to indulge in. Driven by a beefy bass riff, the song entices with an infectious groove while sharp, crisp guitar lines slither throughout, creating a luring web of musical delight. Holly’s smooth vocals caress the soft melody with a sweet coo, while the haunting backing vocals create a sense of danger. With pounding drums forming a magnificent rhythmic foundation this vaporous tune is a brooding and fantastic piece of music.


About the track, the band explain: “Dangerous was written after travelling home late one night from a gig. All of the thoughts and feelings of walking the streets alone at night and the different personalities you meet on the way”. 

Watch the video for ‘Dangerous’ below. 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music

Dukkha ‘Feed Me Roadkill’

Dukkha have released their third single ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ from their upcoming album. Dukkha are a grunge and alt-rock band featuring Eoin O’Neill (vocals & guitar), Brian Casey (lead guitar, keys), Peter O’Sullivan (drums) and a shape-shifting bassist.

Lathered in dark smothering grunge, ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ is an utterly thrilling and sinister new single from Dukkha. The song haunts through the verses with subdued instrumentation allowing O’Neill’s creeping vocals murmur between light strokes and creaking chills on guitar. The track explodes into its alternative rock chorus as crashing guitars collide with pummeling drums and raw unbridled bass attacks. Wonderfully eerie and expressive, the vocals wail and whisper with intensity, it’s difficult not to become completely entranced by the dark atmosphere and exceptional delivery by the band. Sonically the track is tight and impressive as the band ferment and curdle their sound while displaying refined musical prowess through scorching slick solos, precise jabs of distortion and glimpses of rock swagger beneath the brooding moody aesthetic. What a track. 

Stream ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music

Meres ‘Finally’

Tasmanian rockers Meres have released their latest single ‘Finally’.Conceived in the perfect echo chambers of Canada’s cheap motel bathrooms, Meres is the solo writing project of Mary Shannon. With her band she is working on a new Meres album, produced by Australian Anna Laverty which is due for release later this year.  Following on from the success of their previous singles, Meres have been Tasmanian nominees for the National Live Music Awards “Live Voice of the Year” award category for 3 years consecutively, and have this year been nominated for live act of the year.

A gritty and energetic grunge track, ‘Finally’ displays Meres’ ability to create blazing angsty tunes brimming with shredding musicianship. Raw guitar riffs pirouette into a shrilling stride of fury between light sun kissed soundscapes while pounding drums and simmering bass lines create the brawny riddled backbone. The band balance edgy grunge with explosive rock to create a catchy and compelling number. With powerful vocals driving the uplifting melody while the lyrics ruminate on finding yourself in the mess of someone else, this dynamic track is an instant shot of adrenaline. 

Front woman Mary explains that some of the lyrics were “inspired by a person in my life who at the time I thought was worthy of dulling my own light to support them further.” 

This serious subject matter is lightened with the fun filled video featuring two of the band’s dogs. Recorded at Audrey Studios in Melbourne with renowned Australian Producer, Anna Laverty, this was Meres’ first professional studio experience and it’s safe to say they knocked it out of the park.

You can watch the video below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Bitch Falcon ‘Test Trip’

Bitch Falcon have recently released their new single ‘Test Trip’ taken from their forthcoming debut LP, ‘Staring At Clocks’, to be released 6th November via Small Pond Records (Clt Drp, Wild Cat Strike).BITCH FALCON was formed by frontwoman Lizzie Fitzpatrick in Dublin in 2014, and are mainstays of the festival circuit in both Ireland and abroad (packing out rooms in the US, Canada and Europe). Since these freshman days, the lineup has galvanised around the rhythm section of Barry O’Sullivan on Bass and Nigel Kenny on Drums.The trio has played shows with Girl Band, Fontaines DC, Torche, Black Peaks and Pussy Riot.

Once again Bitch Falcon deliver another slice of grunge perfection with latest release ‘Test Trip’. A relentless bass rumbles through eerie soundscapes for the verses while drums tease and foreshadow the chaos to come. The track oozes spine-tingling instrumentation, tension and dark atmospherics as the trio push and pull the verses into the heavy chorus with majestic and masterful musical flair. The band place droplets of dreamy tones through the track which gives brief moments of release between the striking guitars while the harsh riffs and pummeling drums provide a thunderous backdrop for Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s powerful vocals (which is the all commanding constant within the bands songs.) Her range is bewitching as she controls her icy lulls and mighty wails with dignified dominance while the crazed guitar fuzz, shattering bass and dead summoning drums explode into a frenzy behind her. Her cool, calm approach has a sense of passionate nonchalance which she unleashes without warning, making each track the band release an energetic shock to the system. Bitch Falcon’s sound is absolutely thrilling and first class. These guys are in a league of their own. 

About the track frontwoman Lizzie Fitzpatrick said : “I wrote this about running away from home. When I was young I would always pack my bags in a bid to manipulate my mother into forgiving me for something I did (too stubborn to just apologize). I linked this with manipulation in love. When the partner ‘tests’ each other by trying to leave when they just want to be fought for. Really it’s a take on myself, rather than dealing with the situation, just packing your bags and running away (which is not the answer).” 

Pre-order Staring At Clocks here: https://www.get.smallpondrec.co.uk/gaslight 

Stream ‘Test Trip’ below


Author : Danu

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

Y!KES ‘MASS!VE’ EP

Birmingham based quartet Y!KES have released their new EP ‘MASS!VE’. A spine chilling collection of tracks filled with raw crunchy guitar lines, stabbing drums and manic dark soundscapes, ‘MASS!VE’ stays the course the band unleashed with their debut EP ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’. The new EP captures the abrasive nature of Y!KES in a nutshell showcasing their unapologetic, gut-punching alternative grunge rock is a force to be reckoned with.

These guys have a knack with catchy guitar refrains which they mangle beneath wild unruly instrumentation while the odd guitar riff peers above the bands musical onslaught. ‘Pirouette’ follows this format perfectly. There is a ‘My Chemical Romance’ tone and Emo residue to the track which wallows within the songs underbelly – swarming with loathing and moody aggression.

Of course this bands instrumental prowess and flair is what makes them so intriguing however, it is Oli Long’s aggitated vocals which gives Y!KES enough drama and crazed intensity to take their sound to epic heights. His vocals are luring, moody and almost psychotic as he wails, growls and mumbles through the tracks creating quite the unique and exhilarating character for each song. This is especially shown in ‘Alice’. Long’s vocals slither with a gravelly texture truly displaying the sinister range and capabilities of his vocals. It’s utterly thrilling. With a 90’s rock bravado the verses are manic and full of surprises while the chorus is strong and melodic, all leading to a glorious ending,  ‘Alice’ is one of the pinnacle moments on the EP.

The high intensity, mind frazzling rock doesn’t end after ‘Alice’, instead Y!kes expands from this point. The EP only gets better and heavier from here as the band push and explore the depths of their tantalizing sound. With a cinematic rush on guitars, shredding solos and melodic frantic flurries to delight the listener, ‘Door Frame Angel’ and ‘Faker’ take their triumphant place on the EP. Although just as coarse and sharp as previous tracks, the band inject sweeter melodies into the thrilling, alternative rock instrumental. 

However it’s not all a screaming assault of alternative rock, final track ‘Step Away’ brings the album to a surprising close. Here the band effortlessly slip into a more indie pop outfit with light jaunty guitar riffage providing an indie spring through the buoyant drum progressions. There are glimmers of Sugar Cult, early Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes in this song. I have to hand it to these guys, they always deliver a slap in the face of some kind and this sunkissed and moody number is the rosy-hued ( yet dark themed ) gem to do it. Absolutely love it. 

‘MASSIVE’ showcases Y!KES is growing and harnessing their raw unbridled rock to create music with a memorable balance between drama, anarchy and deft musicianship.The band have created an invigorating sound of their own to discuss themes of depression and conflicting emotions through anthemic tunes with choppy chords, gnarled vocals and ground shaking drums. It’s quite the masterpiece. 

Stream ‘MASSIVE’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – The Blood Republic

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Blood Republic

The Blood Republic have released their new single ‘Mr. Lucifer’. Zak Muller begins a fresh venture with his new band The Blood Republic offering a bold re-imagining of the grunge genre. The Blood Republic was launched in September 2018 with debut single ‘Ditch’ which ended up generating the band over 11,000 followers on their Facebook page in just two months. Zak Muller has taken a one man band approach, writing and recording all of the music himself as well creating the bands music videos, album covers and merchandise.

‘Mr. Lucifer’ is a luring, brutal and beautiful result of The Blood Republic’s passionate, compact and dark musicianship. The track slithers and creeps with chilling ominous tones as elastic bass slaps and intricate guitar lines weave tense haunting melodies throughout. The track explodes for the chorus like a beast pouncing on its unsuspecting prey. The groovy undertone is saturated in a dizzying heavy thick abyss of swirling metal infused rock as the kinetic wall of sound rushes to a frenzied crescendo. With enticing vocals and the infectious bleeding melody the track entraps you in its churning darkness, consuming you in a narcotic haze of peril. With lyrics that creatively express the struggles of addiction ‘Mr. Lucifer’ is an asphyxiating and thrilling piece of music. 

Watch the video for ‘Mr. Lucifer’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Honey Lung

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Honey Lung

Honey Lung have released their new single ‘Be My Friend’. Newly-signed to the cult indie label Big Scary Monsters (American Football, Martha, Orchards), ‘Be My Friend’ marks the first offering from the band this year as their plans begin to take shape, with a London headliner and several festival appearances already lined up over the coming months.The shoegazers have spent the last two years mastering the live circuit, combining JAWS and Basement tour supports with notable festival slots at the likes of SXSW, Reading & Leeds, Latitude and The Great Escape.

With guitars whirring through a scuzzy grunge backdrop ‘Be My Friend’ announces Honey Lung’s return with raw refined beauty. A sun kissed daydream melody melts effortlessly upon the effervescent backdrop with a shoegaze tonality while the sweet coos and deep gravel on vocals provide character and charm. The glistening melody on guitar weaves and coils zealously between the pummeling drums to create a clamorous fuzz-filled indie-rock foundation that is utterly thrilling. The band presents a tight and sun speckled track overflowing with rich, vibrant, blistering instrumentation. With the perfect bitter sweet ratio ‘Be My Friend’ is a triumphant return. 

Discussing the ideas behind their new single, Batten explained: “Lyrically Be My Friend makes a joke of trying to impress someone you admire. We wanted it to be an ironic song that pokes fun at awkward social situations and the funny ways we act just to be liked or feel accepted”.

Stream ‘Be My Friend’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/honeylung/be-my-friend


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music

Paradox ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’

Irish Alternative Rock band Paradox return with a guitar heavy sound and plenty of sarcasm for their new single ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’. Recorded by Brian Casey at Wavefield Recording Studios, West Cork the single sees Paradox returning to a more old school heavier sound than the bands previous single ‘All Life Matters’ which was also recorded at Wavefield Recording Studios. Jota Gambuzino is behind the artwork of the new single.

‘Welcome to the Happy Place‘ is a feisty grunge fist-pumper as Paradox create sweet moody moments between their signature explosive heavy sound. The band’s ability to blend sweet pockets of melancholia amidst raw blasts of rock reminiscent of Nirvana is impressive. Sulken verses of soft, whispered vocals and twinkling guitar coo before erupting into a mighty bulky chorus of crashing guitars, pulverising drums and powerful vocals.There is plenty of moshing moments within this track as the band take their edged sound and add gravel and grit to it when the track reaches its expressive manic crescendo. With it’s ominous dark atmosphere filled with delicate tonalities and a potent wall of sound ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’ is quite the hard hitting, gloomy anthem.A must listen. 

About the track the band said : “The single itself takes a sarcastic view on today’s buy happy 9 to 5 society. The idea of the single artwork was to mimic a fast food restaurant with a familiar yet unfamiliar clown who’s sales pitch is Happy.” 

Stream ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’ below 


Author : Danu

Brit Punk, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Jake Regan ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’

Photo Credit : Liam Farrell.

Dublin multi-instrumentalist Jake Regan has released a new double single ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’. Jake Regan used to be the frontman of the band Segrasso. Early last year he decided to end the band and start making music on his own. Regan has been playing gigs with a band under the name Jake Regan and the Loverboys, but when he records music, he plays all the instruments himself.

‘Unfair’ is a sulky whack of abrasive alternative punk as Jake Regan fleshes out his unique songwriting in a pop smacked yet raw track. The wailing, stinging guitar cuts into the pulverising drums and grit smudged wall of sound. Moaning, gloomy vocals murmur through the verses while a stomping beat reinforces the anguish and fury however the depressed tantrum-soaked chorus is superbly contrasted with a breezy infectious melody and lighter tone. With its 70’s-esque Brit punk hues and shredding musicianship Regan displays his frustration at the “sell out “ copycat bands with a hint of comical irony.

‘Stay’ dollops on some shoegaze into Regan’s sound. Hazy and wrapped in a bitter sweet hue of nostalgia this lo-fi ditty broods in a wistful melody as Regan’s reverb lace vocals pine and coo in a blanket of sorrow. Doused in psychedelic tones the guitar-stings pierce throughout while the punchy drums batter in the background. This raw, heart-bleeding track grooves with a grunge backdrop against mopey pop elements. The soft melody wisps about the track melting into the downcast atmosphere.The warm biting guitar jingles and glimmers – lighting the chorus with its spark of luminosity through the mist. Utterly mesmerising and compelling this track hits you in the chest with passion and longing while also packing in some sublime and refined instrumentation.

Both ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ showcase how mature, passionate and exquisite Jake Regan is as an artist. He blends genres beautifully creating tracks that majestically blossom into a fine body of work.

Stream ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ below 


Author : Danu