Category Archives: Grunge

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

 


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

Bitch Falcon ‘Prime Number’

Dublin rock trio Bitch Falcon have released their new single ‘Prime Number’. The searing shatter of grunge rock wrestles with pulverising drums battering and crashing through the thrilling distortion of blistering wails on guitars while Lizzie Fitzpatrick powerfully howls over this frenzied soundscape. It’s sharp, eerie and dark as Bitch Falcon balance dizzying hysteria with smooth melodies soaring over the relentless raw aesthetic. The track is perfectly crafted for creeping, chilling and explosive impact as the verses build in intensity crawling and bleeding into the chaotic gritty chorus. This trio channel and harness their fiery rock, grunge and melodic pop elements with a slick finesse that makes these guys one impressive force to be reckoned with.

On the release  of ‘Prime Number’, lead singer Lizzie Fitzpatrick said – “It’s basically an apology song, for people close to me for being too self-obsessed and narcissistic to the point of pushing them away. It’s a nod to myself trying too hard to be cool and I’m probably better off just being plain ole me.”

Watch the video for ‘Prime Number’ 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/

 


Alt Rock, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Summer Grunge

THUMPER ‘Down’

Noise­-pop quintet THUMPER have released their new single ‘Down’, produced by Dan Fox of Girl Band.2018 has seen THUMPER top several Ones To Watch lists in Ireland and tour relentlessly headlining Hard Working Class Heroes, joining Fangclub on tour, and playing festivals all summer long such as Sea Sessions, Body & Soul, and Electric Picnic.

‘Down’ is a pungent, biting number swirling with mouth watering pop hooks lavishly placed on a grunge backdrop. Whirring guitars fizz and spin about with infectious razor sharp riffs and vibrant laid back jingles  while a glorious sun kissed melody glissades along the buoyant beat. This track is affluent with rich swirling soundscapes as it meanders into a psychedelic dizzying trip of distortion. THUMPER blends the bitter/sweet effortlessly- filling their tracks with exuberant dreamy tones laced with daisies and sweetness which lead you down the delirious rabbit hole into frenzied chaos. With a lo- fi production easing you into its floppy 90s-soaked noise-rock- this track reins in the pure elements of rock, grunge and pop to create the perfect frazzling blend of bliss. There is something for everyone here, these guys slowly and delicately build the song adding a new layer and dimension each time until it’s an all out mouth frothing whack of psychedelic scuzzy rock. Its frenzied boppy euphoria displays THUMPER’S tight undeniably slick sound and impressive musicianship.

Stream ‘Down’ below  

Watch the video for ‘Down’ below 

 


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


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

LIERS ‘Host’

Following their well-received debut single ‘Universal Female’, North Dublin rockers LIERS continue their 90s-influenced post-grunge crusade with their second single ‘Host’, the second single off their upcoming EP due for release later in 2018. LIERS consists of vocalist and guitar player Liz Seaver, lead guitarist Ed Scanlan, bassist Stephen Farrell and Ronan O’Hanlon on drums.Their unique edgy style and sound have attracted the likes of 2FM’s Dan Hegarty and former Kerbdog and Wilt frontman Cormac Battle as well as Radio Nova’s musical maestro Gavin Glass.The band have also been announced as one of the winners of RTE 2FM’s ‘Play The Picnic’ Competition and will take to the stage at Electric Picnic on the weekend of August 31 to September 2.

‘Host’ is another exhilarating rambunctious track from the four piece that swarms in instrumentally strong and rowdy with a slinky melody glossing the frenzied backdrop with glazed glorious sweetness. These guys have a tight sound with magnificent bass rumbles which fluidly roll through punchy drum whacks and glorious soaring guitar lines. Once again Seaver’s dynamic and passionate vocals are mesmerising and add that final  power punch that makes this track a force to be reckoned with. There are plenty of superb moments in this song from a rooted feisty instrumental bridge with perfect guitar whines over a fluctuant foundation to elastic bass grooves and nimble guitar flickers weaving tight zesty binds behind the crashing backdrop.It’s an edgy anthemic number with a mature vigorous sound that will have a live audience hopping off the walls.

Stream ‘Host’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Gum Soul

Gum Soul have released their debut single ‘Sour’. Based in Bath, Gum Soul take inspiration from the likes of Drenge and Ty Segall, morphing the presence of 90s grunge into today’s indie/alternative scene. The band have only been together for five months, and have already had the pleasure of playing the Bath Festival main stage, just a few hours before the legendary Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), headlining shows in London, and plenty of other gigs in the South West area.

 ‘Sour’ is a tight indie number that soars and glides with slick ethereal guitars shredding and clashing off a hefty backdrop of punchy drums and elastic bass. The verses are chilled and effortlessly laid back as aerial guitars sting between nonchalant vocals. The chorus explodes into a grunge hued soundscape becoming more edgy and grimy while still maintaining that ethereal bliss. It’s a storm in a teacup with a compact display that is hazy and dreamy yet packs in a mammoth assault of shrilling frenzy. With some slick dexterous guitar lines weaved throughout its an impressive debut from Gum Soul.

 

Stream ‘Sour’ below


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

Fangclub ‘True Love’ EP

Fresh from their first UK headline tour, Irish rock band Fangclub have released their highly personal new EP titled ‘True Love’.  Last year the trio Steven King, Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman released their self titled debut album to mass critical acclaim and also toured the UK and Ireland with their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies, and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), and Kerrang! Radio with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words’.

‘True Love’ marks massive growth in the bands sound. The swirling and churning dark tones lurk underneath even the most peppy sounding of the tracks. There is something more sophisticated and painful in this EP. The meaty brain crush blast we are used to once again feature on True Love however they have honed in and sharpened everything from meatier ground shaking basslines and immense pounding drum grooves to slick acute guitar lacerations placed perfectly for maximum impact. Fangclub have us firmly in their grips and they are not letting go. Recent single ‘Knife’ sets the thrilling mayhem in motion with gritty basslines grumbling under slashing guitars and demanding drums. The chilled vocals cool the scorching instrumental backdrop for the verse teasing the explosive chorus we have come to love from Fangclub. Slick basslines have become a staple on this EP as they fluidly flow throughout each track with a sublime rooted groove adding a lusty darkness to each track, like a shadowy thread holding each song together. ‘Heart Is A Landmine’ is where their shadowy eerie tones take over. A moody melody bleeds over a punchy backdrop of slithering guitars whining between a mighty rhythmic bounce. It’s a cinematic tune that could feature in a Batman movie especially with its stirring melody and sublime griping guitar feature. It’s pretty dark and dramatic yet magnificently catchy and climatic all at once. ‘Smother’ brightens the tone of the EP. The guitars become lighter as they zealously inject juicy zest between punchy punk flavoured rock. Its sun kissed melody melts upon the gritty soundscapes like butter as a slick guitar solo and sing along ready chorus slaps on a glossy finish. The “buzz kill” ‘Sweater Forever’ follows. This is my kind of tune. It’s a moody sunny day wallowing blast of grunge that is just magnificent. The drums trudge through a gloopy sweet melody while the piercing sting on guitars lament and soar over this sullen tune. It’s both vibrant and sulky all at once as their vivid use of instrumentation and shaky percussion creates gripping heart wrenching turmoil for us to immerse in. Those twinkling keys add a light innocence through the heavy monotony. The scale of emotion presented through music in this track is masterful and exactly how I hoped these guys would progress. The sheer musical depth containing perfectly timed multi facets glimmering through emotional honest lyrics make for a completely absorbing listening experience. ‘High’ closes the EP bringing everything full circle. It’s upbeat, powerful, catchy and filled with scorching guitar lines. The vocals lure you into the relentless onslaught of crashing drums, brawny bass lines and mouth watering guitar work.

‘True Love’ is a flavourful and tantalizing EP from the trio and proves Fangclub have a lot to offer – they are just coming into their prime.

Stream ‘True Love’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Shrink Like Alice

Up and coming Irish band Shrink Like Alice have released their new single ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’. It was recorded in Orphan Studios by Graham Byrne. Shrink like Alice are a four piece band based out of Navan, Co.Meath, Ireland. Formed by frontman Gary Clerkin and bassist Greg Halford in late 2014, the band has since been joined by lead guitarist Liam Sheridan and drummer Miles Ronayne. In 2015 the band released their first single ‘Loser’. Followed by their debut EP ‘Square Eyed Boy’ in 2016 which featured songs such as ‘Russian Roulette’ and ‘Loo la’.

Their latest single ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’ is the bands first professionally recorded release and showcases their razor sharp sound in all its explosive glory. Crashing riffs erupt with riotous stamina throughout while the pummelling drums and rugged bass create a sublime combustive backdrop. The sulky melody chills this blistering assault with sleek smothered sultry verses before the fiery chorus kicks in. The scorching guitars blast through the brawny  backdrop adding some hefty shredding might while the raspy aggressive vocals and fierce rhythm pounds your skull with a thrilling assault of mosh ready ferocity. Shrink Like Alice have crafted a kinetic beast while also showcasing some refined musicianship doused in slick swagger – oozing rough and ready coolness. It’s an impressive effort from a band who I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more of.

Stream ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’ below


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

Fangclub ‘Knife’

 

Fresh from their first UK headline tour Dublin trio Fangclub have have announced the release of their highly personal new EP titled ‘True Love’ along with their new single ‘Knife’. The 5 track EP, set for release on June 29th, is a fiery collection of Fangclub’s unique brand of alternative rock. 2018 has already been a busy one for Fangclub, having toured with The Cribs, Milk Teeth and Nervus as well as rocking the UK with their first headline tour. 2017 was a hell of a year for the band too. Not only did they release their self titled debut album (available now on Vertigo Records) to mass critical acclaim but they also toured the UK and Ireland with their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies, and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart) with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words.

Now this track raises the bar. ‘Knife’ introduces a more aggressive mind destroying sound that is just fantastic.It bulldozes in with pure unruly aggro as the rooted bass boils and bubbles beneath a chilled eerie vocal line before the chorus bludgeons you with its crashing wall of sound -screaming vocals and distortion galore. It’s a thrilling, electrifying whack of gritty, rugged, garage rock at its most fermented. The drums bash your skull while the melody still firmly grips the pop infectiousness of their previous tracks however, the intensity is at dangerous levels. I love the energy in this track the destructive, barbaric, chaos churning and coiling for the verses becomes effervescent and erupts for the riveting chorus. This is something special.

Speaking honestly about the music and its lyrical content, enigmatic frontman Steven King said this of the EP.
“True Love is a collage of an intense year that almost ended the band.Last year I became infatuated with the idea of True Love. But not just love of a person. Love of drink, drugs, people, actions & habits. Anything can be your “One True Love” if you let it. Love can be painful. True Love can cut deep like a Knife. “Knife” was my skewed idea of an obsessed love (at the time). It’s the introduction to the EP’s theme. Am I using you or are you using me? I don’t care, I need you. Keep me alive, kill me, keep me warm, make me cold, make me happy, make me sick, wake me up & make me sleep. I don’t mind being chained to you under the blanket of True Love.”

You can catch the band live at the following shows this summer

June

1st Vestrock, Hulst, The Netherlands

2nd K-Fest, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland

July

13th 2000 Trees, Cheltenham, UK

20th Truck Festival, Oxford UK

27th Sunflower Festival, Lisburn, Northern Ireland

Stream ‘Knife’ below