Category Archives: Indie Pop

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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Provocateurs

Provocateurs are an up and coming Indie Rock/Pop outfit hailing from both North and South Manchester who draw on early 00’s influences with aggressive riffs and anthemic melodies, Provocateurs formed in August 2015, Duffy and Fitch formed the band on a night out in Manchester. After building their own rehearsal room, along came James Allen and Marco on lead guitar and Bass. Provocateurs have been gigging around Manchester and the North and have recently released their latest track ‘Fall for You’.

‘Fall for You’ is adrenaline rushing, blistering indie that swooshes, soars and punches with sublime instrumentation. It’s snappy and infectiously melodic with a sing along friendly chorus smothered in shredding sharp guitars that shrill with gripping urgency and intensity while punchy drums and elastic bass wallop a thumping groove and buoyant rhythm to make those feet jump and hop. This track is brimming with youthful stamina and indie spirit as vibrant vocals belt out the catchy luscious melody while breezy ethereal soundscapes escalate creating a breathtaking rush that will have you craving to put this track on repeat.

Watch the video for ‘Fall for You’ below

 


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kios

Kios is an indie rock band based in Nashville, TN. The three piece is made up of Cole Suddarth (vocals/guitar), Aaron Krak (drums), and Mitch Wollenberg (bass). Cole and Aaron met through a previous band that formed at Belmont University – Aaron and Mitch grew up together in Newark, Ohio; all three moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue music. They have now released their debut single ‘Be Loved’ with an EP planed for the end of the summer.

‘Be Loved’ is a sugar rush of sweet luscious indie pop filled with infectious melodies glazed on top of vibrant sparkling instrumentation. Smooth laid back vocals glide upon the melty melody while a snappy clap along feature and buoyant drums add a peppy lift and energetic urgency to the track. Ethereal guitars swirl around flashing bright scintillation throughout the dreamy candied soundscapes. The bassline rumbles and slaps creating a fluctuant foundation to this wispy joyous tune while providing a hint of edgy grit. It’s a sublime refreshing, chilled, fruity cocktail on a hot day that is summer ready and an absolute joy to listen to.

Stream ‘Be Loved’ below


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

Mono Club ‘Sky High And Submarine’ Album

London six-piece, Mono Club have released their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Sky High And Submarine’ on LGM Records. The album was recorded and self-produced in their London studio and then mixed by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers).Featuring a stunning set of ten songs, including the current single ‘Best Laid Plans’, the new album will more than confirm their early promise as one of the most exciting new bands around right now. Formed just over two years ago after the break up of Goldheart Assembly, the Mono Club line up of John Herbert, Dan Bell, Jake Bowser, Nicky Francis and Kyle Hall have recently recruited singer / musician Lyla Foy (Sub Pop / Rough Trade Records). They released the aforementioned debut single ‘Sky High And Submarine’ last year and it quickly became a big favourite of Steve Lamacq’s and was subsequently play listed on BBC 6 Music.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a ten track collection of melodious, psychedelic swirled pop that is so soothing and luscious you will be craving for more. Each track brings a new level of mellowness while packing in delicious melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. ‘Sour Mash’ begins our journey into this beautiful honey caressed world created by Mono Club. Luscious velvety vocals serenade over twinkling, subtly psychedelic instrumentation while a steady soothing beat adds a flexible foundation for its euphoric soundscapes to rebound off. Their knack for mouthwatering melodies and tight blissful instrumentation creates the most glorious tunes and each track on this album is flooding with marvelous dreamy sounds. ‘Sky High And Submarine’ is angel delight wrapped in buoyant rhythms and golden guitar jingles. The harmonies are lush and teamed with the honey drizzled melody create the most tranquilizing atmosphere. The swirling trippy soundscapes never become overwhelming or too heavy they balance them sublimely with the laid back sun kissed vibes and vibrant guitars to create a wholly satisfying and mesmerising listen. ‘Memory Critical’ and ‘Place Called Home’ add a little more bounce and funk into the album. They are joyful with sweet, narcotic, dreamy tones. If you’ve ever wanted to lay back, relax and let the world go by ‘Memory Critical’ is the song for you. It will take every worry from you during the duration of the song and leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. I have fallen in love with Mono Club’s melodies – the sweetness and tender emotion in tracks such as ‘Other Peoples Worlds’ exude passion and beautiful delicacy while still packing in some hefty instrumentation. It’s anthemic and powerful yet elegant and emotional,the perfect blend to get hearts racing everywhere. The album is filled with soothing swoony moments between peppy pop sprinkled melodies with a delightful swoosh of dizzying psychedelia mixed in. It’s an impressive collection of tracks that calm and sedate with enough edge to keep you on your toes. From the catchy vibrant ‘Best Laid Plans’ to the brooding yearning ‘Over The Moon’ with its funky bassline and eerie piano feature which chills and cools the track down, creating a darker side to the wispy dreamy atmosphere, these guy blend their contrasting elements perfectly. The album winds down delicately. The twinkling ‘Venus Rising’ and warm cosy ‘Sleeping’ ease us to the end with the gritty ‘Heaven Was Her Heart’ resting between them.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a mesmerising listen. There is something special sprinkled on top that leaves you captivated and wanting to hear more. Listening to this album I yearned to sit back with sun on my face, a drink in my hand soaking up the good times. With those satisfying mouth-watering melodies teamed with zesty guitars and mystical, psychedelic soundscapes it’s a superbly crafted collection of tracks. The harmonies are heavenly, and each track brings something exciting and juicy to the table.

Stream ‘Sky High And Submarine’ below

 


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Down The Middle ‘Green Eyed’

Down The Middle have released their new single ‘Green Eyed’.Brought together from countries across the globe – Australia, South Africa and Ireland – the four members of Down The Middle bonded over a series of productive jams and an appreciation for indie rock. Their diverse upbringings and musical backgrounds have helped create a melting pot for creativity, developing a tight driving sound. Down the Middle are Sydney-based and were formed in 2016 when guitarists Tiernan and Rudi started writing music together. It was quite a struggle to find the perfect line-up, but when new members: Zach, a local DJ/drummer, and Matt, the bass player joined in 2017, the final formation of the band was complete. The band have played 16 shows to date that include headlining iconic Sydney venues such as The Chippendale Hotel, The Marlborough Hotel, and Vic On The Park. Their music is a sonic journey that falls somewhere between We Are Scientists and Pixies. They have interstate gigs included on the list, and an upcoming four state tour in April to promote the release of their debut single ‘Green Eyed’

‘Green Eyed’ is a playful light slice of indie pop brimming with zippy guitars and a snappy rhythm that will have feet tapping and bodies dancing in no time. This bubbly sun kissed track is infectious, tidy and compact with a warm melodic bass running along the sweet melody as dynamic vocals lament with a heart warming dose of passion. The post-revival up-tempo drums will have hips wiggling uncontrollably as this charming catchy track glows with a glorious soothing nostalgic warmth. Its steady “does exactly what it says on the tin” indie that will put a smile on your face and add a little beam of sunshine into your day.

The accompanying music video is a charming throwback to 90s and 2000s indie rock, with a beta/VHS feel to the clip, and a simplicity that allows the song itself to take the lead.

Watch the video for ‘Green Eyed’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

LISHI ‘Our Hearts’

Sydney based musician LISHI, AKA Eleanor Dunlop, has released her new single ‘Our Hearts’. The track is the follow up to last year’s debut  ‘Dropping Back’ and was recorded recently with producer Xavier Dunn in his studio during a couple of really productive days.  Subsequently mixed by Phil Threlfall and then mastered by Ben Feggans, this is the first track to be lifted from the Australian singer’s forthcoming double A side single which is due in the Spring. Taking inspiration from artists such as Air, Roy Orbison, Lorde, Nina Simone, Nirvana, Grimes and Chopin, the multi talented LISHI released the aforementioned ‘Dropping Back’ single nearly twelve months ago and it has now had over 250,000 streams on Spotify. Since then, she has gone on to produce a set of truly uplifting tunes that blend Classical, Electronic and the National Geographic and the result is an almost perfect, future pop dream musical.

‘Our Hearts’ is lush cinematic pop smothered in an opaque electronic blanket. With dark soundscapes swirling around a sticky beat this track begins brooding and curdling before developing into an electronic anthem. The chorus surges through with breezy kinetic  soundscapes which burst creating a vibrantly lavish almost choppy texture. Both intimate and otherworldly, ‘Our Hearts’ effortlessly collates sounds such as a child’s voice, the crack of a whip and a running man from LISHI’s favourite childhood films and video game soundtracks. With haunting, eerie tones in places this track pulses and slaps as the delicate keys and electronics wisp around in a feathery light aerial motion creating a thrilling display from LISHI and a satisfying listen.

Stream ‘Our Hearts’ below

 


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

Fangclub ‘All Fall Down’

2017 was a hell of a year for Irish rock band Fangclub.  Not only did they release their self-titled debut album (out now on Vertigo Records) to mass critical acclaim, including an RTE Choice Prize Album Of The Year nomination, but they also toured the UK and Ireland on 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), RTE 2FM, Today FM and Kerrang! Radio with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words’.  The trio are now back with their new single ‘All Fall Down’.

‘All Fall Down’ is the trios turbocharged, heavy-riffing follow up that shows these guys are here to stay. It’s a blood pumping, adrenaline fueled anthem laced with the blistering sound Fangclub do so well. Rumbling drums and a running ground shaking bass summons the dead from their graves while the shredding gritty guitars drag you to your knees with an almighty defying fuzz filled rush. With chilled eerie vocals creeping in the infectious melody, this buzzed inflamed banger is a high intensity lightning bolt announcing the exciting return of Fangclub. With a solo that makes your hair stand on the back of your neck and a catchy as hell chorus, it’s an explosive return.

The band are currently writing new material for the follow up to their acclaimed debut album… so stay tuned for more news on that soon…

Catch the band live at one of the following shows:

**With Milk Teeth and Nervus

Mar 21            Crauford Arms Milton Keynes, United Kingdom**

Mar 23            The Underworld London, United Kingdom**

Mar 24            The Anvil Bournemouth, United Kingdom**

Mar 25            The Junction Plymouth, United Kingdom**

Mar 27            Tsunami Cologne, Germany*

Mar 28            Sunny Red Munchen, Germany*

Mar 29            Goldener Salon Hamburg, Germany*

Mar 30            Badehaus Berlin, Germany*

Apr 6               Trinity Ball Dublin, Ireland

Apr 13             Mike The Pies Listowel, Ireland

Apr 14             Cyprus Avenue Cork, Ireland

Apr 18             Roisin Dubh Galway, Ireland

Apr 21             Kasbah Social Club Limerick, Ireland

Apr 26             Whelans Dublin, Ireland

Apr 27             Kavanagh’s Portlaoise, Ireland

Apr 28             Central Arts Waterford, Ireland

May 6             Hit the North Festival, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Jul 12              2000 Trees Festival, Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Jul 20              Truck Festival, Oxford, United Kingdo

Stream ‘All Fall Down’ below


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

Feuds Self-titled Debut EP

Wicklow indie, garage rock band Feuds have released their debut self-titled EP which was recorded in the Hive Studio, Kilcoole with Eoin Whitfield. This five track EP is a balanced collection of lushly melodic indie and hefty garage with some sunny vibes sprinkled on top. Each track is carefully layered with adequate spacing between intricate lavish guitar lines and meaty rhythms to create an easy going mellow listen with some roughness to keep it interesting. ‘Longer Days’ jump starts the EP. Laid back and smothered in a hazy sun kissed vibe with silky zesty guitars interweaving between a rapid flexible rhythmic foundation – this track springs from subtly sweet to a light moshing banger. Feuds have a knack for tight peppy guitar lines which illuminate each and every track sweeping elegantly with peppy elasticity and glorious scintillation. ‘Nothing to Happen Next’ and ‘Late Forties, Early Fifties’ continue this sublime trait with the majestic guitar melodies playfully intertwining the punchy drums and vibrant bass line. They don’t overdo anything, it’s the perfect blend of everything, exquisite pop speckled melodies doused in a sweet nonchalance with a garage backdrop that kicks things up a little without becoming overpowering. The Lo fi vocals teamed with the utter blissfully dreamy soundscapes this four piece create make their tracks such a joy to listen to while their rumbly elastic rhythm gives the tracks a rippling quality and adds movement and body. ‘When is October 6th?’ is my favourite track on the EP. It’s flooded in subtle tropical tones with a sweet melancholic vocal melody surging emotion throughout. The track unfolds gently into heavier grittier rock seamlessly. The instrumentation is the main focus of this track as it jingles and flutters along joyously before the brawny crashing chorus shakes things up a bit. ‘Left Behind’ brings us to the end of our day dream with Feuds. The twinkling guitar peeping behind snappy drums give the verses a fluid relaxing flow while the tempo change for the chorus makes sure its not too lulling on the ears. It’s slightly more brooding and moody but still packs in some sparkling vibrancy and feathery lightness in the instrumentation to not put a downer on what is a sublime EP.

Impressively crafted Feuds have created a wholly satisfying EP that shows some serious promise from this band. Their tunes are sweetly melodic, woozy, beautifully formed and pack a healthy dose of rawness behind them.

Feuds are launching their EP in the Workman’s Thursday March 22nd make sure to check them out

Stream Feuds EP here


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Folk, Indie Pop, indie rock, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music

Giant Rooks ‘New Estate’ EP

Hailing from Hamm in North West Germany, Giant Rooks are an art-pop five-piece who’ve been turning heads since their inception. Releasing their debut EP back in 2015, the quintet garnered fans quickly, and soon began to emerge as one of the most promising acts in their native Germany.It was this first EP release that saw the groundwork laid for the band to win the popNRW Prize for newcomers in 2016, as well as two consecutive summers of festivals, which saw the band play over 80 festival shows including Reeperbahn, Eurosonic and The Great Escape. In addition to this, the band have also supported Kraftklub and The Temper Trap, not to mention a 29-date, nine country tour with Mighty Oaks throughout November and December 2017.

‘New Estate’ is an EP bursting with luscious flavours and depths that hold a richness so pure and mature it’s majestic and powerfully melodic. From the stomping intro of opener, title track ‘New Estates’ it’s apparent this EP is infectious indie at its best. With a peppy beat bouncing through melancholic jangly guitar and darkly tinged keys, this five piece take a sombre tone to a bright indie format.Their tracks seem to strike you right in the center of your chest and make you feel every warm, tender, catchy note. With a folky hue to the tunes there is an instant soothing glow and cosy feel to even the chillier tracks such as the haunting soul – filled ‘Bright Lies ‘. The melodies are sweet and delicate ‘Chapels’ once again trickles along with a sway-like tempo and calming atmosphere. The steady beat and soaring keys create an aerial breeziness that cuts deep along with the tender lyrics. The unique vocals add dynamic passion and intensity to each track and make the sound of Giant Rooks instantly recognisable. ‘Mia & Ciara (Days To Come)’ emphasises the nostalgic tone of the EP. Its golden mellowness is just simply divine and heavenly to the ears. Glittering guitars sprinkle bright rays of scintillation throughout the track while a buoyant rhythm keeps an optimistic playful feel. ‘Slow’ closes the EP. It is soft and sweetly comforting as intricate guitar lines flood the track with warmth while the instrumentation builds to an anthemic mighty crescendo.

‘New Estate’ is a moving EP laced with emotion, deft guitar licks and swirling subtle electronics. Opulent percussion and brooding vocals create a sophisticated breath-taking collection of tracks that have a purity and refinement without overcrowding each track.

2018 will see the band embark on their second major tour, with the 23 dates taking in shows in both The Netherlands, and the UK for their first official run of English dates

Mar 20: The Hope & Ruin, Brighton

Mar 21: Old Blue Last, London

Mar 22: The Lending Room, Leeds

Mar 23: The Night & Day Cafe, Manchester

Mar 24: Cafe Totem, Sheffield

Giant Rooks are also on tour throughout Europe in 2018. Please check here for more information http://www.giant-rooks.com/

Stream ‘New Estate’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From FLING

Psych-pop glam-rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Banjo Billy’ a bonkers three minute  glam-pop stomp that leads the way for the release of ‘The Legend of Banjo Billy’ EP out April 13th on Dance to the Radio. The release comes off the back of a 2017 that included sold-out hometown shows, playing to a packed Festival Republic tent at Leeds Festival and enjoying Radio support from the likes of Steve Lamacq (6Music), Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Radio X and Beats 1. Describing themselves as ‘Wonky Pop’ the 5 piece from Bradford comprise of Charles McSorley (Vocals), Jack Winn (Guitar), Billy Fielding (Drums), Jake Lees (Bass) and Sam Malynowsky (Keyboards) met at a gig and instantly bonded over T.Rex and David Bowie. FLING moved out of their basement studio to work with Lee Smith at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs / Pulled Apart By Horses).

‘Banjo Billy’ is the perfect blend of shimmering pop with the zesty fizz of indie rock. Laid back and sun kissed this track was made for summer days, sweltering heat and a cold one. With an infectious pop melody melted on top of sharp zealous guitars and rich buoyant rhythm it’s instantly likeable and fun. Raspy vocals glaze over the vibrant melody with a soothing easy going charisma while lush backing vocals fill out the sound creating the perfect sing along feature. It’s a jingly, infectious gleaming number that is smooth to start with stinging undertones. Well layered this track is a refreshing guzzle of zesty indie pop that leaves you craving for lazy summer days.

Stream ‘Banjo Billy’ below

 

 


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

VOID ‘Awaken’ EP

VOID have released their new EP ‘Awaken’. VOID’s music has received suitable comparisons to the likes of James Blake and London Grammar because of their adventurous style of pop-song, utilising their influences of ex-rockers who have swanned into the electronic-pop genre such as Coldplay.

‘Awaken’ is an EP with tracks carefully crafted and built to raise lighters all over the world. ‘Wait’ seeps, bleeds and exudes sweet delicate emotion. Tender vocals coo through the verses while swirling and flickering soundscapes flood the track with heart racing adrenaline. VOID display their knack for choruses that are charmingly harmonious, gripping and emotive. Passionate vocals make the anthemic chorus powerful and hard hitting while the flashing soundscapes add a touch of bedazzlement. ‘How We Made It’ is filled with breezy aerial electronics and beautiful vocals caressing a sweet melody that only the hardest of hearts could resist. ‘These Words’ closes the EP. Mackenzie’s vocals are rich, powerful and immaculate adding a soulful touch to an EP that wears its R&B embroidered pop on its sleeve. ‘Awaken’ is a refreshing honest wholesome display from VOID with truly pure and exquisite musicianship.

Stream ‘Awaken’ below