Category Archives: Indie Pop

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

Saltwater Sun ‘Hot  Mess’

                                           Photo  credit:  Rosie  Florence

Reading’s guitar pop maestros Saltwater Sun have released their  exhilarating  new single ‘Hot  Mess ‘. The track is  produced  by  Alex  Loring and released via Hand In Hive (Dama  Scout,  Swimming  Tapes,  Zuzu). The band comprised of Jen Stearnes (vocals), Joel  Neale (guitar),  Dan Kingham (guitar),  Rob  Carter (bass) and Ben  Chandler (drums) returned with tenacious offering ‘The  Wire’  earlier this year which attracted widespread press coverage and  radio play on the BBC Radio 1 and Radio  X airwaves (Huw  Stephens,  John  Kennedy) . Thriving on their return to the live  circuit with capacity shows at The Great Escape and Are You  Listening? last  month, the band will be heading out on a UK tour in September.

‘Hot Mess’ is a sultry, retro hued shimmering indie anthem that steams and seeps with stuffy verses before exploding into a fiery infectious chorus. Stearnes’ vocals lure and coo through the dreamy hazy verses as a gently tapping rhythm section softly accompanies jangly zesty guitars weaving between a delicate drum beat. The lush backing vocals add a haunting sweet texture while the twinkling instrumentation soothe and tranquilise you into a euphoric state of bliss. The chorus blasts out a rock hued hefty crash of instrumentation as Stearnes charismatically wails over the psychedelic tinged distorted guitars and punchy drums. Saltwater Sun blend dreamy narcotic bliss with punchy indie rock perfectly to create a wholly enthralling, seriously engulfing number that is just divine.

You can catch Saltwater Sun Live  at  :

13  Sept  –  Heartbreakers,  Southampton

14  Sept  –  Sticky  Mike’s  Frog  Bar,  Brighton

20  Sept  –  Purple  Turtle,  Reading

22Sept  –  EBGBs,  Liverpool

27  Sept  –  Sebright  Arms,  London

 

Stream ‘Hot Mess’ below


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

Changing Gears ‘Leave’

Dublin five-piece pop rock band Changing Gears are set to release their new single ‘Leave’ on 22nd June. This peppy energetic number rides in on a wave of vibrant guitar melodies and velvety vocal lines over an elastic rhythmic backdrop. It’s sun kissed irresistible melody floods the track in sweet honey soaked vibes and the guitar injections are just sublime. They playfully weave silky golden strands of bliss between the buoyant foundation and surf-like breezy atmosphere. It’s a glorious glossy number that is infectious and delightful to listen to.

In support of ‘Leave’ Changing Gears will play BelloBar on 22 June make sure to check them out

Stream ‘Leave’ below


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

LOLA ‘Against the Tide’

LOLA are an upcoming indie rock band from the Liverpool music scene. Consisting of front-man Matthew Walker, the lead guitarist Sam Meredith, Bassist Jack Hughes and percussionist Paul “Pablo” Robinson. The four have music influences ranging from classic rock, indie rock, hard-hitting metal, soul, rhythm and blues and hip-hop, incorporating all these styles together to create the concocted indie sound that they have become associated with.Forming in April of 2017, It only took LOLA a few months to come charging onto social media and music streaming platforms, building themselves a dedicated local fan base with their first singles “Won’t You Just” and “Who Do You Love?”, to form their debut EP, “These Words Mean Nothing”. Both tracks have received strong support from Merseyside BBC introducing, being played numerous times and receiving thousands of listens within their first few weeks of being released on Spotify. LOLA have embarked on supporting already established names in the music industry, such as “Bloc Party” frontman Kele Okereke and Superfood, as well as performing in front of thousands of people at prestigious events such as the premier league side Everton FCs 2017 kit launch.The band have now released their new single ‘Against the Tide’.

‘Against the Tide’ is a soaring blistering whack of heart racing vibrant indie. Warm lamenting guitars weave a sweet melody between a flexible rooted bass line and punchy drum combo that packs a hefty stomping wallop. The honey coated melody caresses the mighty enthralling synth driven backdrop with a sugar sweetness and youthful blast of longing. The production is tight as swirling guitars douse the track in ethereal, breezy soundscapes while flickering through with glorious speckles of scintillation. It’s anthemic and gripping as raspy vocals exude emotion into every note. With a catchy clap along feature thrown into the mix LOLA have created a catchy little gem that has all the ingredients to make these guys very popular.

Stream  ‘Against the Tide’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Feel Good Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Fake Shark ‘Wake Up’

Canadian chart-topping indie-pop trio Fake Shark have released a synergistic new video for their single ‘Wake Up’ feat. Fionn via Live In Limbo. Previously operating under Fake Shark – Real Zombie!, the band has cultivated a dedicated fanbase with their art-punk inspired sound. The release of their widely accessible full-length ‘Faux Real’ (Light Organ Records) in May 2017 saw the band charting on Canadian commercial formats and garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Since the release of their album, the band has been honing their signature sound and have emerged with “Wake Up” – their most collaborative and harmonious recording to date. The members of Fake Shark have long been known for their singular style and feverish, wide-eyed abandon. Their songs emphasize unforgettable hooks, drawing on frontman Kevvy Mental’s experience as a pop producer working with Carly Rae Jepsen, Kat Von D and many others.

‘Wake Up’ is a flashy, glamorously infectious disco flavoured number that lasso’s you onto the dance floor. Shimmering synths glissade down vibrant guitar hooks and buoyant peppy rhythm creating a lush energetic and dance-able soundscape. Smooth velvety vocals coo over the melty, dreamy melody while dazzling soundscapes inject a hefty dose of sparkle and glitter into this swagger filled gem. It’s instantly peppy and pop smothered with a driving rooted bass line to keep a strut ready bounce and lift in the song. The vocals sail between male and female vocals keeping the track refreshing and enticing at all times. These guys have created an instant pick me up shot of vitality with this groovy dynamic number.

About the track the band said: “Wake Up  is about dreaming of someone or something you had no special feelings for, but when you wake up, you’re in love with them. The single is definitely a new direction for us, and it’s the result of our musical chemistry coming together the best it’s ever been.”

Watch the video for ‘Wake Up’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From BØRNS 

 

BØRNS is the stage name of American singer songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Garrett Borns. Borns released his second album ‘Blue Madonna’ earlier this year and I have been obsessed with the track ‘We Don’t Care’ ever since. Joined once again by producer Tommy English, Borns takes the delicious indie synth pop from his ‘Dopamine’ debut and fleshes it out blending in some dreamy, psychedelic, electric pop flavours along with a dash of glam sprinkled rock and roll which we see in ‘We Don’t Care’.  Its walloping Bo Diddley rhythm drives the infectious groove creating a Will Young ‘Switch It On’ – esque danceable foundation while jangly guitars slide and glide upon this sublime jittery backdrop. Borns’ nectarous vocals slither between a whisper for the enticing verses and lush falsetto for the infectious chorus. The melody is juicy and sweet honey to the ears. The sugary electronics swirl and seep between the clap along beat and fuzz filled guitar spreading a candied lusciousness throughout this electrifying gem. The layering is sublime and the track slowly builds in intensity to a dynamic feverous crescendo. It’s a slick swagger soaked display that struts with smooth precision in every note making for a consuming, enthralling and enjoyable experience. ‘We Don’t Care’ is an ear-worm you won’t be able to prise out of your mind as you dance and flop around the room.

Watch the video for ‘We Don’t Care’ below


Alt- Pop, Brit Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, New Wave, Synth-pop

Punketronic ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’

Indie Rock 4-Piece Punketronic have released their debut single ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’, a tribute to the late David Bowie as a thank you for giving us inspiring and uplifting music. Based in Bristol, Punketronic was formed by songwriter and multi instrumentalist Paul Tronic. Made up of band mates of 20 years from covers bands, the four piece present a fusion of new wave, synth pop and power pop with a hint of modern indie rock, giving them an edge whilst still remaining current.

Their debut single ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ is a punchy 3 minute track, written by Paul himself. Taking influence from the likes of Blondie, Talking Heads and David Bowie, with a brit pop energy. It’s a sweetly nostalgic synth pop number driven by edgy jangly guitars and a snappy beat. The melody flows upon a groovy danceable backdrop while the synth laced soundscapes wisp and swirl about creating a spacey vibrant breath of fresh air. This radio friendly ditty floods with a catchy chorus and luscious melodies wrapped in a swoosh of shimmering electronics. The dazzling soundscapes encase the track in a delightful nostalgic euphoria while the zesty guitar injects a healthy dose of indie rock. Recorded in Paul’s home studio, ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ was written in around an hour and self-recorded. The track is accompanied by an interesting video, recorded by George Elliott, a hotly tipped film student from Bristol.

Watch the video for ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ below


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

The Gallery ‘Wounded Knee’

The Gallery have released their new single ‘Wounded Knee’ which is about the corruption of power in the music industry and the anger felt towards profit driven promoters. The lyrics are politically motivated, with references to the Battle of Wounded Knee and the Berlin Wall. Since their birth out of Wakefield in 2016, The Gallery have gone on to impress audiences around the country with their captivating live performances, destructive guitar sounds and snarling vocals.The band have made appearances at festivals such as Live At Leeds Leeds, Tramlines and Great Escape. Their debut EP, ‘A Safe Approach to Being’, was recorded by Mike Heaton of Embrace at Squirrel Studios and it’s closing song, ‘Force Fed Plans’, was made This Feeling’s ‘Track of the Day’, whilst ‘Black Teeth’ also received airplay on BBC Introducing. After back-to- back sell out headline shows in early 2017, the band embarked on their debut tour in December. Overwhelmed by the response, they quickly organised a follow up to this in April, which included a sold out Nottingham show, emphasising the bands significant progress in the past year.

‘Wounded Knee’ is a scorching indie track that packs some serious punch.An elastic bass line tightly weaves between a resilient drum beat while crashing guitars thrash and shred cutting into the infectious melody. The dynamic vocals rapidly spit and splurge over this fantastic high powered backdrop as this track surges through at a rapid thrilling speed. It’s a compact number that builds in intensity for the smouldering verses before exploding into a mammoth chorus. These guys have shown their mature vivacious musicianship through this high powered instrumentally dense track. Exuding swagger in a chilled cool manner their sound is captivating and enthralling with an energy that is sure to ignite your spirit. The Gallery are ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘Wounded Knee’ below


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

Galants ‘In Vain’

Dublin shoegaze band, Galants have released their new single ‘In Vain’ via Zen Ten Records . The track is the first to be taken from forthcoming EP ‘Follow’, set for release in the Autumn. It was partly self-recorded in an attic on the northside of Dublin City and subsequently produced by Dan Doherty of Darklands Audio. The song takes a sonic cue from Ride and The Jesus & Mary Chain and is informed by themes of social contradiction, disparity and introspection, musing on the importance of remembering what really matters; family, friends and the people we love.

‘In Vain’ is a refreshing whoosh of hazy laid back indie dream pop. Ethereal guitars soar and stride with sublime distortion above a pulsing beat and elastic bass backdrop. The lush melody disperses on the enthralling soundscapes adding a sweet delicacy while David Kennedy ‘s reverb laden vocals coo with tender emotion. It’s a breezy aerial number that builds into a subtly explosive crescendo. This song is a dreamy, euphoric and uncluttered track that oozes oodles of energy and gusto but within an elegant delightfully mellow setting. The distortion and guitar lines make for a biting razor sharp sting throughout the track and adds some rawness and edge that hits you like a youthful shot of adrenaline while the steady rhythm and easygoing vocals smoothen and soothe the track creating a pocket of mind melting bliss. ‘In Vain’ is a sublime new single from Galants filled with pure untarnished shoegaze and marshmallow softness.

You can catch Galants live at:
29 June 2018 – The Underground, Dublin
21 July 2018 – Metalman Bar, Waterford

Stream ‘In Vain’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Magic Lotus

The Magic Lotus is a garage rock band based in London whose 60s influenced pop melodicism comes with a minimalist grunge attack.The origins of the band, much like the origins of Western Civilization, are in Athens, Greece, where the guys started many moons ago.Moving to London in 2015, The Magic Lotus wasted no time hitting the capital’s club circuit. The Unsigned Guide picked up on the band, championing them in their mail outs. Local radio and arty blogs alike reacted to their psychedelic punk singalongs.The band have released their debut single ‘Feel Your Love’ by the independent label The Animal Farm records.

‘Feel Your Love’ is a sweeping surge of shredding rock and roll that smacks you in the face and wrestles you to the ground in the most slick, swagger drenched manner. The shredding guitar riff scorches through the track with red hot intensity while the dynamic rhythm punches with a hefty potency. It’s a highly energetic blistering track that rushes through your veins with that get up and go adrenaline. Sing along ready with its catchy chorus and attitude swagger riddled vocals, this track is a mighty infectious, sizzling mammoth that will be running riot in your mind all day.

Stream ‘Feel Your Love’ below


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

whenyoung ‘Heaven on Earth’

Following on from their captivating singles ‘Actor’ and ‘Pretty Pure’, Limerick’s own whenyoung have released their new track ‘Heaven on Earth’ through Virgin EMI. whenyoung are Aoife Power (Vocals/ Bass), Niall Burns (Guitar), Andrew Flood (Drums). Their story started in Limerick … three underage teenagers met for the first time after sneaking into Costello’s Tavern: the only bar in town that floated their musical tastes. After bonding over cheap vodka and the sound of The Velvet Underground, they began playing music together and moved to Dublin to seek some big city excitement. Developing their sound, still with a DIY approach, the band moved to London in 2017 and became whenyoung. 2018 has already been a landmark year for the young band. It’s seen them perform in Dublin as part of Shane Mcgowan’s 60th birthday celebration alongside the likes of Nick Cave and Sinead O’Connor. They’ve supported Dream Wife, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and are currently on tour with Peace.

‘Heaven on Earth’ is a pure concentrated juicy indie number. Its catchy, peppy guitar lines weave between punchy drums while Power’s sweet vocals venture between a coo and attitude driven dynamism. The honey soaked melody melts along a buoyant rhythm and elastic bassline while the biting, jangly guitar lifts the track to vibrant sun kissed heights. It’s an upbeat tune with darker underlining tones that add depth to this infectious pop sprinkled gem. It’s difficult not to sing along and dance about to this track. This trio have a skill with writing tunes you want to hear and love to have stuck in your head all day. It’s going to be a hit at the summer festivals this year.

You can catch whenyoung live at

2nd June – Field Day, Brockwell Park – London
6th June – Royal Hospital Kilmainham – Dublin (Supporting Nick Cave & Patti Smith)
14th July – Latitude Festival – Suffolk
3rd August – All Together Now Festival – Waterford
4th August – Bestival – Dorset
26th September – The Key Club – Leeds
27th September – EBGBs – Liverpool
28th September – Think Tank – Newcastle
3rd October – The Boiler Room – Guildford
4th October – The Purple Turtle – Reading
5th October – The Cookie – Leicester
6th October – Neighbourhood Festival – Manchester

Stream ‘Heaven on Earth’ below