Category Archives: Indie Pop

Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : roves

Independent, Reading based four piece roves have released their new single  ‘i’m on your side’.The track is the first single from their upcoming EP ‘they fall down to earth’ due for release summer 2020.The band comprised of Ethan Morgan (Vocals/Guitar), Connor Coutts (Guitar), Ellis Morgan (Bass/Vocals) and Matt Jamieson (Drums) have enjoyed many opportunities since releasing their debut single ‘Always’ in February 2018, from packed headline BBC Introducing gigs at the Purple Turtle in Reading and Guildford’s Boileroom with bands such as VALERAS, Ivory Wave, China Bears and The Tin Pigeons in cities including London, Oxford and Cardiff. The band had their first festival slot this summer at 110 Above in Leicestershire. roves have also been featured on BBC Radio 6 and had consistent radio play across their local BBC Introducing, recently recording a live session at the legendary Maida Vale studios. 

 ‘i’m on your side’ is a glistening sweet indie pop delight as roves coat their lush laid back sound in dreamy nostalgic tones and progressive passion-filled instrumentation. With a soft melty melody caressed by soothing velvety vocals, this track is a cosy heartwarming indie ditty that provides a breath and space to relax and daydream in. The track holds a dreamy, beach-style, summer sunset vibe with effortless charm as warm twinkling guitar weaves golden threads of scintillation throughout while the buoyant beat and absorbing bass create a dance-able, rhythmic bounce. With it’s upbeat laid back presentation and subtly rich, intricate backdrop – rove have created a wonderful listening experience with ‘i’m on your side’.

Stream ‘i’m on your side’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Arcwords ‘Hyperlinking’

Dublin-based band Arcwords have released their new single ‘Hyperlinking’. It is the second of three singles to come out of an intense three day recording session with producer Joseph Padfield, formerly of Galway alternative rock outfit Race the Flux, and now of Bannered Mare. After meeting as students in BIMM Dublin, Arcwords have spent the last three years drawing upon post-punk and math rock styles to create a guitar-driven, hook filled sound.The 17th of December will see Arcwords bring their energetic, guitar-driven sound to the Sound House, for a headline show in support of the release of ‘Hyperlinking’.

‘Hyperlinking’ is a dreamy indie delight which twinkles and glistens through a sweet fluctuation of delicate yet sharp instrumentation as Arcwords build and cultivate the track into its sublime crescendo. The song gently coos and wisps gracefully on warm glimmering guitar while a steady beat and groove-laced bass create a funk element before the honeyed pop-sprinkled melody absorbs the track in a spongy ethereal cushion of comfort. The track builds sublimely to a more psych filled crashing crescendo that dazzles in dizzying distortion. It’s a fantastic release from the candied aerial progression as the track soars to a dramatic finale. ‘Hyperlinking’ is a wonderful and intricate track from Arcwords.

Stream ‘Hyperlinking’ below 


Author : Danu

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

The Assist ‘I Don’t Care’

Walsall band The Assist are back with their new single ‘I Don’t Care’. Formed in 2014, The Assist have sold out venues across Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield as well as shared the stage with the likes of Happy Mondays and Blossoms. They have played in Paris with Black Honey and played UK’s famed O2 Academy with The Twang. Most recently, the five-piece completed a six-date tour across Russia, headlining Boris Yeltsin Open Air at the Ural Night Music Festival, performing in front of over 12,000 people.

Filled with dizzying soundscapes and kinetic energy ‘I Don’t Care’ is another infectious indie banger from The Assist. With fizzing riffs weaving fruity squirts of vitality into the luscious dynamic wall of sound this track instantly bursts with youthful adrenaline. The track is a vibrant sun saturated gem with a funk element entwining the bass and rich rhythm in shuffling grooves that wrestle you to the dance floor. The confident attitude soaked vocals resound over the glistening guitars and punchy backdrop. With a catchy soaring melody and light summer atmosphere ‘I Don’t Care’ is a raw pulsing rush of sublime, fresh musicianship from The Assist. 

Speaking of the new song, the band said, “There’s plenty of new music on the way but this track is one we are mega proud of. There are always so many opinions and outlooks on life, what’s right or wrong so that’s what this new track is about. It’s about doing what you want to do no matter what anyone says”

Stream ‘I Don’t Care’ below


Author : Danu

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

Delights ‘Paradise’

Following the release of previous single ‘Sometimes, Lately’, Manchester indie band Delights have released their new single ‘Paradise’. This sun speckled gem sparkles and gleams with Delights’ infectious and fruity indie pop as they create a sweet refreshing number filled with rich luscious tones and 80’s -esque elements. A wiggling elastic bass groove creates a dance-able funky flex to the track while the vibrant beat and beach-like percussion creates a summertime careless atmosphere. With zest-filled intricate guitar lines, the track swoons and sweeps beautifully into the ears with ease. Warm velvety vocals caress the dreamy sweet melody as the band present another marvelous sun saturated  track to get us through the cold winter months. 

You can catch Delights live at Manchester’s Deaf Institute on Friday 24th January, with support from Monks and Manifesto

Stream ‘Paradise’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Drop The Shadow ‘Other Voices’

Drop The Shadow have released  their second single ‘Other Voices’. The track was recorded with James Darkin at Black Mountain Studios in July 2019 along with the final touches of their third single ‘Cross To Bear’.The music video was produced by Mike and his comedy sketch group Castlewood Tales; all of whom feature in the video, along with friends from the acting industry.

‘Other Voices’ stomps in with slick precision as Drop The Shadow bury and intensify their roots in their funk flavoured indie rock. A tight and infectious groove is something this band create wonderfully as they use their ductile bass and intricate swanky buoyant drum progression to create beautiful tones and add panache to their sound. Bursting with oodles of swagger the track wriggles and weaves sublimely with strut quality and vibrancy as the blazing guitar provides a vaporous quality and zealous sting. With raspy, soul-hued vocals drifting expressively over the intoxicating wall of sound it’s difficult not to instantly love this track. It’s a polished clean slice of indie rock with enough rough edge to entice your ears for more. With gritty riffs, catchy melody and adrenaline induced dizzying wall of sound the band create a track that is both refined and exhilarating. ‘Other Voices’ is a sleek and strong second single that confirms Drop The Shadow are a band to get excited about.

Watch the video for ‘Other Voices’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electro- Punk, Electronic, EP Review, Experimental Rock, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Van Panther ‘Overcast’ EP

Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin). 

‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.

There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.

Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.

‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.

Stream ‘Overcast’ below 


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

Jack Rua ‘Rise’ featuring Darce

Photo Credit : PureGrand (Luke Faulkner)

Dublin based innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Rise’ featuring Irish hip-hop artist Darce. Jack has so far released two singles; ‘Scarlet A’ and ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’. Both have collectively amassed over 50,000 streams on Spotify and received frequent airplay both at home and internationally. ‘Scarlet A’ lead Jack to being named Spin 1038’s “One To Watch”, and ‘Ego’ was played on RTE 2FM, Spin 1038, KCLR and BBC Introducing to name a few. Following the success of ‘Ego’, Jack and LOGUOS were invited by Tara Stewart to perform a live session in RTE 2FM’s iconic Studio 8.  ‘Rise’ is the third instalment from a mini album which is scheduled for release in early 2020 and explores themes of self-love and sexual liberation. The song will be accompanied by an artistic and stylised music video directed by PureGrand that blurs the lines between gender, sexuality and spirituality.

‘Rise’ is a bubbling dance anthem brimming with Jack Rua’s glossy intense musicianship. The track fizzes and ferments as pulsing beats and accelerating electronics create a heart-racing soundscape. With an infectious pop drenched melody the track seduces its way into your ears while Jack’s vocals coo and entice beneath a building backdrop. With racy lyrics fleshing out this lusty steamy dance infused number, Jack leaves very little to the imagination. Hip hop artist Darce injects a dash of grit as he rapidly raps over the swirling electronics with a punchy quality providing some relief from the sultry suffocating backdrop. Jack blends the sensual flamboyance of Prince with a sassy Madonna- esque boldness while still creating something that summons your soul to the dancefloor with his infectious and lovable tones, beats and melodies.  It’s a song that celebrates the healing powers of sex and love and both Jack and Darce infuse sensual swagger into this grooving chic and dazzling gem effortlessly. With crisp production, ‘Rise’ is a cool, confident display from Jack Rua. Keep an eye on him – Jack Rua is a dark horse for sure.

Stream ‘Rise’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

wojtek the bear ‘some states’

 Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘some states’ via Scottish Fiction.. The single continues the bands fruitful working relationship with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert].The video for the single shot by Kris Boyle, sees the band expand on the darkly-comic theme of failure with a Nigel Mansell obsessed Killean trying, and failing, to emulate his hero’s exploits on the track. 2019 has seen wojtek the bear playing as part of Belle & Sebastian’s The Boaty Weekender, being play-listed twice by Radio X, and playing live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland. The band have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show

‘some states’ is a glorious melodic number that glissades effortlessly upon wojtek the bear’s majestic mellow sound with a dash of indie bite to keep things fresh. With elegant strings lifting the track to wonderful ethereal heights the band create a wholesome satisfying song that is so sweet and pure its almost immaculate. The warm jangle on guitar meanders and weaves a zesty flourishment of delight throughout and creates a radiant atmosphere with an indie undertone. These guys have a sublime knack with melodies and ‘some states’ follows this trend beautifully with a dreamy cushioning melody caressed charmingly by cosy velvety vocals. The track rests marvelously on the ears with a pacifying and soothing tone as the band blend and entwine sweet delicate tones with hues of nostalgia seamlessly to create a stunning  piece of music to submerge yourself in. 

 Lead singer, and chief lyricist Tam Killean explains how the song came about, “it’s a song about that particularly painful end section of a failing relationship when it feels like all you’re doing is arguing with other person over the most ridiculous things, like who used the last of the toothpaste and didn’t replace it. The title comes from that old(ish) Scottish expression – “I’ve never been to America, but I’ve been in some states!” I just really liked the dark, self-deprecating humor of it. I think it’s that ability to see the humor in the darkest of times that allows us to get through things sometimes”. 

Watch the video for ‘some states’ below


Author : Danu

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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Twenty Eighth Club

Photo Credit : Barnaby Fairley

Sheffield five piece Twenty Eighth Club have released their new single ‘Lost In Conversation’. The track follows in the same vein as previous releases ‘Talk ’and ‘Rebound ’(the latter being added to Spotify’s‘ Hot New Bands ’playlist ). The band have made appearances at the likes of Y Not and Dot to Dot Festivals over the summer and have had sold out headline shows in their hometown. They have an upcoming Sheffield headline show at the iconic Leadmill and support slots in Leeds and York with Indie-pop rising stars Larkins.

‘Lost In Conversation’ is a satisfying slurp of effervescent indie pop as Twenty Eighth Club spread a sugar sweet melody over a zesty indie backdrop. With a sun kissed glow and stinging, slicing, jangly guitars the track bounces and strides sublimely into its bursting chorus. Warm vocals glide over a catchy melody and vibrant summer sun wall of sound as the band flesh out their tight infectious music to create a wholly invigorating number. With its effortless presentation and blazing guitar refrains weaving between a dynamic bass and drum progression ‘Lost In Conversation’ is a youthful adrenaline rush, ready to revolve in your head for days.

Stream ‘Lost In Conversation’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Shaky Shack ‘In Honey’

Dublin alternative pop duo Shaky Shack have released their new single ‘In Honey’. The duo comprised of Alex Winter and Mateusz Kosnik have created a wonderfully faceted gem that weaves with mellowed psych pop, shimmering soundscapes and intricate rich depths that take you on a velvety journey into the bottomless pristine pool that is Shaky Shack’s sound.The band create a flickering wave of calm and tranquility as tight guitar elements swirl in subtle fuzz and heady moments of distortion between warm twinkling melodies. Time stops as this track develops. The pulsing almost hip hop beat encases the background in a smoky subconscious reality. A balmy passionate Saxophone melody provided by Andrea Jones brings a pausing glimmer of warmth into the track with a lamenting delicate tone. The intricacies and layering within the track is masterful as the duo weave sweet, melancholic and icy tones into thick rich production with glimmering rays of light thawing the track softly throughout. The deep, moving vocals coo and caress the dreamy melody with a feathery light delicacy while oozing emotion in a laid back hazy manner. There is no denying the sophisticated, passionate and mesmerising talent of this duo as ‘ In Honey’ creates it’s own little pocket in your mind, like a soothing tranquil dream. 

Stream ‘In Honey’ below 


Author : Danu