Category Archives: Indie Pop

Album Review, Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cappellino ‘Ghost Town’ Album

Cappellino has recently released his newest album ‘Ghost Town’, a 10-track album featuring a fusion of indie pop, electro pop and hints of folk. Hailing from Watford, Cappellino has been making music since he can remember. After spending years honing his craft in bands around Watford’s thriving scene, he released his debut EP back in 2015 which lead to performances at Soho’s Ronnie Scott’s and Jamie Oliver’s Big Feastival. The following year was spent writing and recording his debut album ‘Ghost Town’ which has already received support from BBC 6Music for the lead single ‘Love Is All I Want’. The debut album ‘Ghost Town’ was written about a break up and the rediscovery of self outside the confines of a relationship. A journey of realisation and self-therapy for Cappellino himself, ‘Ghost Town’ is lyrically honest and personal, with the musicality reflecting the rawness of emotions.

‘Ghost Town’ is an ornate collection of tracks that are crisp and pristine, exhibiting an instrumental and emotional warmth that makes your heart skip with each and every moment.The R&B flavoured ‘Love Is All I Want’ slinks along with a fun, fresh sound, catchy backing vocal line and skittish dance-able beat. The layering and intricate compositions makes this album a wholly satisfying listen as the electronic pulses teamed with luscious melodies and ethereal instrumentation really hooks you into Cappellino’s unique fascinating world. ‘The Things We Knew Before’, ‘My Hearts In The Wrong Place’ and ‘The Better’ display this perfectly with warm guitars twinkling between sticky beat slaps and passionate vocals. The  rich glittering and humid shimmers of electronics flood the track with a sun kissed warmth and heartfelt sweetness that is infectious. While the slow burners ‘Maps’ and ‘Steps’ flicker and elegantly bounce with gentle keys in the former and supple guitar in the latter teamed with sweet as pie vocals. The guitar work in ‘Steps’ is just sublime especially for the instrumental solo, it glides with a tropical tone and intricate fluctuations that are divine. Each track has a powerful rushing crescendo that is worthy of a swaying crowd sing along and lighters in the air drama. Cappellino writes sublime gripping tracks that consume you in emotion and cosy vibrancy. Title track ‘Ghost Town’ is a golden gem. With its lush and carefully- sculpted dimensions teamed with a beautifully delicate and delightful melody, velvety vocals and sweet backing vocals- it’s harmoniously exquisite. Tender and sombre it brings a tear to your eye while the tapping beat adds a positivity and lift to the song before the fantastic crescendo bursts with juicy electronics and breezy refreshing tones. ‘Teeth & Tongue’ makes its driving rhythm the main focus as it is unique and exotic with shaky percussion blended into the pop sensibilities while ‘Mirror the Verb’ pushes through with airy synths that hover over a peppy melancholic hued melody and strong guitar strums as dance-able soundscapes wisp and rush around this full bodied sound. ‘Best Intentions’ closes the album sweet and melodic as guitar jingles sway through a steady beat and elegant melody, ending the story of this album as richly crafted as it began with zesty guitar injections stinging between the dainty flow of the track.

‘Ghost Town’ is a remarkably complete album, a lavish blooming garden growing out of delightful melty melodies sprinkled with sweet pop hues and exquisitely compact instrumentation. It’s honest and warm making for a delightful listen.

Steam ‘Ghost Town’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Sea Girls ‘Too Much Fun’

Sea Girls have released their new single, ‘Too Much Fun’. The band are one of the most enthralling young indie guitar bands to have emerged in recent times, the new track received its first play by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and is lifted from an upcoming EP ‘Adored’, due for release on 5th June.

‘Too Much Fun’ is a sparkling anthemic party popper that bursts with luscious indie pop soundscapes. A mouth watering melody flows upon a snappy beat and buoyant bass while vibrant soundscapes rush through with adrenaline surging urgency and sun kissed luminosity making this track perfect for summer listening. It’s a feel good hook laden anthem that is infectious and attention grabbing. Jangly guitars whine, sting and soar over the catchy melody and hazy instrumentation adding a breezy zealousness and dynamic ethereal lift to the track. This number is a kinetic surge of youthful indie that is irresistible.

Vocalist and songwriter Henry Camamile describes ‘Too Much Fun’:
“It’s a city story about a complicated chaotic summer of love. It’s about capturing the excitement and anticipation from our youth. Triggered by hearing a siren out the window, the lyrics are of memories flooding back of the previous summer’s excess, humour and playing with fire. And what’s more dangerous than crossing your best friend. Terrible behaviour. The words “wanna see the king play in the park” harks to reading about Bowie playing at a bandstand in Beckenham and us all seeing the Kings Of Leon as kids forming the crazed idea of forming a band together one day that could support them. Fundamentally it’s telling someone, maybe a friend that they party a little too much, too often. Maybe that’s the letter of love…”

The band will be playing at over sixteen festivals this summer, followed by a UK headline tour this coming Autumn. The run kicks off in Nottingham on 4th October, taking in Glasgow, Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, London’s Scala on 18th October (only the band’s fourth ever London show), Brighton and Southampton, and rounding off in Bristol on the 21st October.They have also announced two shows in Ireland, playing Dublin on 23rd October and Belfast on 24th, .

Stream ‘Too Much Fun’ below

https://soundcloud.com/sonicseagirls/too-much-fun


Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Elephant Room ‘Blue Horrors’

The Elephant Room are a three piece band from Wexford, Cork and Louth based in Dublin and have been purveyors of their own genre Alco-Pop since early 2017. As a band they haven’t forgotten about the importance of having a hook. They inject their melodies with lyrics that switch between either abstract word painting or touch on the more dark and honest aspects of human nature. In late 2017 the band recorded an eight track EP in a Studio in Bray and in May 2018 released it across all platforms independently. The band recorded live with very few overdubs attempting to capture the authenticity of the three piece playing together in a room. What little overdubs that were used plays to the bands love of using subtle studio experimentation such as using analog organs and playing autoharp through Lesley speakers. Since their inception they have been regularly gigging the indie scene playing nights such as The New Love & Terror Cult in The Sin É, Gigonometry in the Workmans and The Midnight Hour in Whelans. The band have now released a video for their single ‘Blue Horrors’ which is taken from their ‘Music On The Bones’ EP.

With its hazy dreamy atmosphere creating a euphoric backdrop for the sweet calming melody ‘Blue Horrors’ is a tranquillising creation from The Elephant Room. Light shaky percussion rattles and bounces off a steady beat and psychedelic hued instrumentation while lush backing vocals coo behind creating a little world of soothing bliss. The velvety vocals caress the luscious melody while warm guitars gently stride and playfully weave between the rich percussion. It’s a laid back number that sways and glides with a gentle little spring in its step creating a delightful easy going atmosphere which consumes you in a bubble of euphoric bliss. It’s a sedating soothing gem which develops steadily becoming a little more intense as striking symbols and strong guitar strides increase for the psychedelic- esque crescendo. This compact track is brimming with infectious grooves that are subtle enough to add luscious flavours without becoming overpowering. They maintain a heavenly, floaty vibe with a touch of sweet monotony that is just captivating- leaving you craving more.

Watch the video for ‘Blue Horrors’ below


Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Fontaines

The Los Angeles based brother and sister duo The Fontaines (Hank Fontaine and Charlotte Fontaine) have released their new single ‘Freak’. It’s a sultry, electronic drizzled retro number that entices and grooves all while packing in some slick instrumentation. These guys have come a blushing long way from the sweet doo- wop days of ‘Dusty Springfield’. This effort sees Charlotte coo a sweet delicate melody through scorching stuffy electronics while a sticky beat slaps and hops keeping the mesmerising foundation. The steamy guitar whines break up the muggy intoxicating atmosphere with a dash of stinging zest – refreshing the dazzling psychedelic hued soundscapes. This track slowly creeps and smoulders as each component takes its time- building the intensity of the track from elastic basslines and shaky groove infested rhythms to sizzling guitars and seductive vocals. They have layered this track perfectly. A mesmerising number and sassy display from The Fontaines. They are developing their sound more and more with each release. Can’t wait to hear what they do next.

Stream ‘Freak’ below


Alt- Pop, Feel Good Music, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Quick Picks, indie rock, New Music, Ska-Punk

Indie Quick Picks

Automatic Fiction

Genre: indie

Bio: Automatic Fiction is a 3 piece band formed in Bordeaux in 2015.Recorded during the fall in a vast baroque salon and mixed in caves, they released their first EP “Spring Inclination” in March 2016. Automatic Fiction is : Lise Data, Tom Data and Dany Ladrat.

Track: Lightness is a Greatness

Why We Like It: It’s a breezy ethereal track that swirls with aerial electronics around a throbbing beat and jangly biting guitars. The infectious melody flows with an icy chill while the cinematic soundscapes rush past creating an adrenaline buzz through a darkened eerie atmosphere.With the sublime, sharp stings on guitar meticulously layered upon enthralling musicianship this magical track is a well crafted and gripping display from Automatic Fiction.

You can follow Automatic Fiction on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/automaticfiction/

Stream ‘Lightness is a Greatness’ below

 The Voques

Genre: indie synth pop/rock

Bio: The Voques are an indie synth pop/rock band emanating from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, comprised of members Myles (Guitar/Vocals), Jonni (Bass/Vocals), Joe – (Drums/Vocals) and Aiden (Keys/Vocals)

Track: ‘Easier Said Than Done’

Why We Like It: It’s a zealous hop of blazing indie pop that radiates bright golden tones through a delicious melancholic melody. This sweet melody melts upon a fiery blast of dynamic instrumentation as a reggae flavoured buoyant rhythm rebounds off zesty scorching guitars and shimmering keys. This track beams and glows from every note.It’s a glorious dazzling indie pop gem.

You can follow The Voques on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheVoques/

Watch the video for ‘Easier Said Than Done’ below

The Interrupters

Genre: ska-punk

Bio: Los Angeles ska-punk band The Interrupters will release their third studio album Fight the Good Fight on June 29th via Hellcat Records.Formed in 2011, The Interrupters came together when the Bivina brothers (guitarist Kevin Bivona, bassist Justin Bivona, drummer Jesse Bivona) found themselves on bills with Aimee during a 2009 tour. With their self-titled debut arriving in 2014, the band soon shared stages with bands like Rancid, Blink-182, and Bad Religion. The Interrupters embarked on a world tour in support of the release, headlining their own shows as well as supporting Green Day in Europe, Australia and South America, solidifying the band’s status as a dynamic force on the stage.

Track: She’s Kerosene

Why We Like It: This is such a good track, if you want an infectious rhythm, catchy melody and just something to jump around to this is the track for you. With an energetic beat constantly ricocheting off the animated sing along ready melody teamed with blistering guitar injections that scorch images of sunshine into your brain- this song is a blistering delight. It’s upbeat, fun, empowering and just a great tune.

You can follow The Interrupters on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wearetheinterrupters

Watch the video for ‘She’s Kerosene’ below

 

 Ghostking Is Dead

Genre: Alternative

Bio: Matt Corrigan’s solo project Ghostking Is Dead aims to bring audiences on adventure into a variety of styles, combining Corrigan’s varying musical fields of interest. The result is new sounds, borne from experimentation and integration, while always maintaining a pop edge. Citing influences including The Antlers, Mac DeMarco, James Blake and David Bowie, his tracks switch from delicate and carefree to towering, glistening synths placed carefully throughout. His work has been featured on Nialler9 and as a full band Ghostking have performed acclaimed live shows including at the It Takes A Village festival and Cork Loves Music.

Track: ‘Fool’

Why We Like It: It’s a soulful number that begins stripped back and peppy as Corrigan’s vocals hop about with a lively melody along peppy guitar strums before building into a luscious, sweet, melodic tune that swoons you into a stupor. A warm guitar jingles with delicate balmy tones while elegant strings glide upon gentle piano twinkles creating a wholly satisfying, beautiful number that engages all your senses. It’s a sublime track that sweeps you away with rich guitar, lush backing vocals and the most glorious sun speckled fine wine instrumental. It’s simply beautiful.

You can follow Ghostking Is Dead on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/GHOSTKINGISDEAD/

Stream ‘Fool’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Jump Stone

Essex based indie-funk band Jump Stone have released their new single ‘Won’t Last A Minute’. Comprised of members Harry Cash (Vocals and guitar), Harrison Palmer (Bass) and Dan Rawley (Drums) this trio provide fresh upbeat indie rock with a tinge of funk. ‘Won’t Last A Minute’ is a tight snappy number that showcases this band are on to something good. Filled with a buoyancy that is masterful, the rhythm hops along with a rubber ball rebound effect while the funky elastic bass rumbles along maintaining that rippling foundation. The melody is infectious and sleek as Cash’s vocals melt upon it like butter on toast. The vibrant guitars jangle and bounce with a zesty vitality that will have you up and dancing in no time as the song steadily builds making for a wholly satisfying listen. This trio display their danceable infectious fun sound with effortless charm. It’s an ear worm that just keeps on giving- compact and filled with youthful adrenaline and oomph this dazzling gem marks Jump Stone as ones to keep an eye out for.

Watch the video for ‘Won’t Last A Minute’ below


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

The Helters ‘Afghani Super Smack’ EP

Five piece alt/indie band from Wellington Somerset, The Helters have released their new EP ‘Afghani Super Smack’. The band comprised of members Mark Owen (vocals), Davey Roberts (guitar) , Charlie last (drums), Conor Dolan (bass) and Alex Canham (guitar) have been together for two years and have already been featured on BBC Introducing as well as selling out local venues and getting regular plays on local stations over the country.

‘Afghani Super Smack’ is a euphoric collection of tracks that flood with that youthful hazy longing and adrenaline of the Pixies. The Helters’ sun kissed dreamy indie becomes apparent from the twinkling intro of ‘Salt’. They don’t dwell in this delirious haze for long when the track kicks in, it’s edgy and raw as dizzying guitars whirr around punchy drums and attitude driven vocals. The band slap on a breezy biting atmosphere to accompany the pop drizzled melty melody adding bite to the smooth sun-kissed atmosphere. Each track displays new fragments to their melodic guitar elements which at times soars to ethereal heights in tracks such as the blissful exhilarating ‘Four Aces’. The bass in ‘Afterglow’ provides a muscular foundation for the golden guitar moments and showcases the meticulous layering and polished production of the tracks as it contrasts perfectly yet, alone, holds its own captivating elements. The melodies are just sublime as they surge with sugar sprinkled longing and melancholy with an adrenaline heart gripping rush driving it through. ‘Killing Joke’ is another example of the superb bass work as shrilling guitars and rumble on bass create a tense start to the song. It’s catchy and filled with a touch more attitude than its predecessors. This soaring, anthemic, edgy number is the perfect way to end the EP as it is biting, thrilling and dreamy all at once.

‘Afghani Super Smack’ is a fresh breezy effort from The Helters. It’s sweetly melodic, euphoric and anthemic with a crashing blustery instrumental backdrop that is heart pumping and balmy while their surf-rock elements are tight and simply sublime. All the component parts are filled with the classic 90’s era indie that will make you sweetly nostalgic. A majestic EP for sure and one for those lazy summer days.

Stream ‘Afghani Super Smack’ below


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

The Kooks ‘No Pressure’ and ‘All The Time’

The Kooks have returned with two new songs in the form of ‘No Pressure’ and ‘All The Time’. The tracks are taken from their forthcoming fifth studio album ‘Let’s Go Sunshine’ which is out August 31st via Lonely Cat/AWAL Recordings. These two new tracks announce the return of The Kooks’ timeless indie sound- there is no fluff just pure sweet melodic indie.

‘No Pressure’ glows with warm golden melodies draped over glorious guitar flourishes and a peppy punchy beat. This laid back little gem swoons and sways with clap along beats, lush backing vocals and vibrant tones. The catchy chorus is ready for soothing sing alongs while Luke Pritchard’s velvety vocals croon along adding a pacifying sweetness to the bouncy all round blissful mellowness. These guys have always had a knack for injecting some flawless ethereal guitar moments and this song is no different,those euphoric sun setting guitars are plentiful and just sublime.

‘All The Time’ adds a dash of funky zest into their infectious indie with a stomping beat creating a sturdy foundation for the strut seasoning to playfully rebound off. A little more dance-able than ‘No Pressure’ this track shakes things up a bit showcasing their more rhythmic groovy side. With an elastic bassline that ripples between jangly guitars and adrenaline rushing soundscapes – this, teamed with dynamic vocals packs the song with oodles of passion. The anthmic chorus soars to heart stopping dramatics while the gripping melody is cinematic and divine. The use of strings throughout adds an elegance, romantic texture and feathery lightness to their infectious indie.

The Kooks have returned with two sublime appetisers that deliver shifts of versatility from swoony sweetness to strutting finesse drenched in swagger and passion. They have honed in on the timeless sound of their previous albums and blended them together superbly. It’s looking like the perfect blend so far. If these two tracks are anything to go by ‘Let’s Go Sunshine’ is sure to be a satisfying album.

Stream ‘No Pressure’ and ‘All The Time’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Dance, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From 10 O’Clock Chemical

Having met through Stoke On Trent’s local music scene, 10 O’Clock Chemical was formed in 2016 between four friends discovering a shared love for rock and electronica: songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist Rhys, drummer Danny, bassist Josh and guitarist Jack. An enigmatic group with a penchant for sci-fi imagery and witty, observational songwriting, they were quickly voted ‘Best New Artist’ by six hundred of their peers at the Staffordshire and Cheshire Music Awards in Spring 2017. Their debut single ‘Babylon is Fallen’ was released to critical acclaim in February 2018 via their own GRITPOP label, and the group plan to release their debut EP this June. The band have now released a video for their recent single ‘We Are Digital’.

‘We Are Digital’ is a flaunty, sublime strut of electronica that exudes the sass and sultriness of INXS with a Depeche Mode foundation. This catchy gem showcases the band’s opulent production, slithery grooves, and captivating allure.With a thick rhythmic base and light funk embellishment, this song fits all the needs of 1980s pop radio while maintaining a modern edge. The glossy infectious melody glides over a rippling guitar line and snappy skittering beat creating an infectious dancable number. The sumptuous production makes for a wholly satisfying listen –  tightly layered and darkly hued the song lures you into its infectious depths. The vibrant chorus is ridiculously buoyant as attitude soaked vocals rebound of its fluctuant, dizzying soundscapes while falsetto vocals sweeten the deal providing a lush melody to cling to. 10 O’Clock Chemical have created a hook laden intoxicating pop number to drool over.

The video for ‘We Are Digital’ was Co-directed by Will Hutchinson and band member Rhys Oakes – watch it below


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

Bastille ‘Quarter Past Midnight’

Bastille have released their new single ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ which is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming third album, the follow-up to 2016’s UK No. 1 album ‘Wild World’. The past half-decade has certainly been a whirlwind for the four-piece, who comprise frontman Dan Smith (who is the sole songwriter, and co-produces all the tracks alongside Mark Crew), keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris Wood. They’ve played over 500 shows across six continents, including their recent, critically acclaimed ReOrchestrated tour, and have amassed 15 million single sales and 6 million album sales globally. Both ‘Bad Blood’ and its follow-up, ‘Wild World’, reached No.1 in the UK and the top 10 in the US, and their music has been streamed a staggering 3.3 billion times. They’ve not gone without awards recognition either: after winning British Breakthrough Act at the BRITs, they’ve earned Grammy, AMA and MTV Europe Awards nominations. The new single which was recorded and self-produced in the band’s newly built studio which also houses Smith’s record label Best Laid Plans (Rag N’Bone Man, Rationale), is set to follow their upward trend.

‘Quarter Past Midnight’ is a surging rush of the anthemic bliss Bastille do so well. Driven by a snapping breakbeat and adrenaline flooding drums which fill the track with a shot of exhilaration that dashes through your veins while the infectious melody melts on top of kinetic electronic soundscapes. Oozing tones of excitement and elation this track whizzes with an effervescence that grabs you and makes you want to let loose, dance, sing and just expel all your stress and worries. Sweet toned guitar jangles weave coolly between this delicious explosion of sounds creating a warm delicate braid –  tying all the luscious component parts together while injecting a little stream of zest throughout track. Smiths smooth vocals seamlessly flow between his velvety baritone and sweet falsetto making for a dynamic listen. It’s vivid cinematic chorus provides that final burst of ecstasy that will have you hooked and craving more. Bastille never disappoint.

About the track frontman Dan Smith says: “It’s just about trying to capture that Sliding Doors moment on a night out. Some people are gonna go home; for some this is just the beginning. It became about being in someone’s car, driving through the city, and I wanted to try and capture that sense of excitement, and that rush.”

Stream ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ below