Category Archives: Indie Pop

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

The Cheap Thrills ‘Sentimentality’

The Cheap Thrills are a garage/psych pop band from Liverpool. Renowned for producing sonic pop songs with catchy hooks and melodies crafted and then recorded in the centre of Liverpool. The band have released their new single ‘Sentimentality’ and it’s a sugar rush of indie pop bliss. It is shaken and fizzed with crashing guitars splintering off punchy robust drums which adds a healthy dose of garage grittiness. Smooth vocals surge passion and youthful adrenaline over a jumpy bass line and spacey guitars while the infectious luscious melody sweetens the deal and leaves you craving more. With shimmering flashing synths adding a rush of breezy aerial freedom it’s a blood pumping blistering gush that will have you up dancing and bellowing out the lyrics in no time. The Cheap Thrills are an exciting band that create electrifying passionate tunes that leave you itching for more.

Watch the video for ‘Sentimentality’ below


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

Deep Sky Objects Self Titled EP

Photograph by Jack Deacon

Deep Sky Objects are a three-piece alternative-rock band originally from Kerry. The band members include brothers Kevin O’Brien (lead vocals, guitar), Thomas O’Brien (drums and backing vocals) and DD Foley (bass guitar and backing vocals). The trio have released their new self titled EP which has been featured on Today FM’s ‘Ed’s Songs of Praise’, Spin South West’s ‘Spin-Alt’ and many other stations throughout the country.

‘Deep Sky Objects’ is a five track EP of alternative anthemic whizzers. With biting guitars and fierce bass lines that penetrate through each track with a thrilling ground shaking bloodthirstiness these guys have whacked out a sublime EP where each track holds its own and is epic in its own right. Opener ‘This City’s At War’ explodes with fist pump fury and breezy ice braking might. The guitars are sharp, sublime and melodic while the laid-back vocals glide along the infectious melancholic melty melody. The soaring ‘Bones’ follows blustery guitars and elevated vocals give the track an aerial vibe and take the track to towering heights. Oozing passion with mini explosive bursts for the choruses this track is chilling with eerie tones lying beneath a blanket of breath-taking instrumentation. ‘Desire’ fleshes out the trio’s swagger soaked grittier side. A hair raising sensual dark bass line runs rampant all over this track and it’s awesome. A force to be reckoned with, dominant in all its glory. Punchy mosh worthy drums add fire and rage to this grimy ominous track while a shredding guitar solo scorches with such steamy slickness it burns all in its path. ‘See You When It’s Over’ returns to the peppy lighter indie rock sound. It is catchy with a bouncy rhythm that rebounds and slaps off the melody with playful animation hiding the sinister piercing guitar shrills and mysterious vocals. ’Crazy New Addiction’ brings us to the end of the EP the best way Deep Sky Objects can with a fantastic bass line that grabs your ears and seeps inside holding you captive to its infectious groove. Dark and luring this track crawls and creeps under your skin with chilling goosebump inducing instrumentation. The guitars simmer and scald with razor sharp stings while a body grooving rhythm obtains an uncontrollable danceable hold on the listener.

Deep Sky Objects are a band to watch out for. Each track is engaging, thrilling and well crafted. It’s a meaty well produced collection of tracks that is laser-focused on doing the simple things to perfection and boy do they excel. The choruses are catchy and the hooks will rattle around your head for days. These guys know what they are doing and it’s pretty impressive.

Stream Deep Sky Objects EP below

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Pop Rock, Power Pop, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The RPMs

Straight off the back of a string of summer gigs and festivals up and down the country, Brighton’s The RPMs are back with their new single ‘Your Ghost’ and all revved up with a bigger sound than before. The RPMs recently released their second EP ‘Agents Of Change’ in June 2017 through Xtra Mile Recordings. They followed their release with a run of shows throughout the spring and summer months, including supports with We Are Scientists. Alongside this they also played Camden Rocks, Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Butefest,110 Above, Big Feastival (run by Jamie Oliver and Alex James from Blur) and RivFest in honour of the memory of River Reeves and the members of Viola Beach. The EP continued to win them fans on the radio, including airplay of lead single ‘Oh My God’ from Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins and Tom Robinson across BBC 6 Music and Radio 1, BBC Introducing in The South & the Radio X Evening Playlist.  More recently, ‘Things I Forgot To Do’ was added to Huw Stephens’ Best of BBC Introducing playlist as well as the Radio X Evening Playlist and John Kennedy Recommends on Radio X.

‘Your Ghost’ is a flickering indie pop sprinkled bombshell. This band know how to write an insanely catchy tune brimming with rich intensely satisfying soundscapes. Dazzling electronics flash and fluctuate throughout adding a surge of adrenaline inducing bedazzlement. With bright spirited guitar jangles and a snappy beat this track is an instant vitality shot of pizzazz and high-powered energy. Smooth laid-back vocals add a hazy daydream vibe that exudes summer sun and good times. These guys write smashing indie pop bangers and ‘Your Ghost’ is a prime example of this. The melody is luscious and sweet while the instrumentation blinds with bright breezy scintillation and power pop energy while still holding an indie edge. Another great track from The RPMs.

Stream ‘Your Ghost’ below

 


Album Review, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Glam Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Dan Rico ‘Flesh & Bone’

Chicago Singer Songwriter Dan Rico has released his new 7″ called ‘Flesh & Bone’. Its three tracks back in time to all things glam rock, vintage pop and beautiful. It’s a timeless collection that rewinds all the hustle and bustle and brings you swagger and slickness suave at its best. ‘Flesh & Bone’ resurrects Mark Bolan in all his glam rock strutting fineness. Its gritty riff driven and smooth as hell. Snappy and thrilling with lush backing vocals teamed with Rico’s oh so smooth vocal croons its like it could be a T-REX track. With steamy guitar licks and a shimmy ready flamboyance its sure to get those hips shaking and feet tapping.  ‘Gold Volvo’ is just beautiful. Sweet vocals and luscious melody glide immaculately together while jangly guitar blasts bright rays of sunshine into this hazy dreamy track. Gentle and soothing its a sun kissed heart felt sublime tune that oozes nostalgia. ‘Anyway You Want Me’ continues this timeless laid back sentimentality. With a delicious pop melody smothered on a rock and roll slow jam this track cruises and glides with charm and charisma. It is so mellow and easy-going with a clap along rhythm and danceable chorus, Rico knows how to write some infectious tunes. Perfect for hazy lazy days in the sun.

Stream ‘Flesh & Bone’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Twat’

Following a string of big dance bangers during summer 2017 and the BBC 6 Music plays of “Massif Anthem”, Drogheda-based indie dance artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Twat’ which was recorded in Hackney, London with top producer Tom McFall (Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party). With its shuffle slow jam verses and sway ready radio friendly chorus ‘Twat’ is a sing along anthem (well until you pay particular attention to the words). Smothered in soft velvety tones, it’s a sweet melancholic drown your sorrows tune with a few cheeky lyric jabs. Featuring a sombre strong piano chord progression, soft beat and lush melody it has everything you need to create a wistful ear worm. This ditty even comes packed with a steamy sorrowful guitar solo. Its damn catchy and smooth on the ears. Keep an eye out for Donal Quinn.

Stream ‘Twat’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Ali Horn

Ali Horn has released his new single ‘Bloom’ via Liverpool based The Label Recordings.  His second single after the release of ‘Days Like Today’ in February. The track which has already been played by Chris Hawkins and Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music and by BBC Merseyside, is four minutes of hazy psychedelic bliss. With a wall of spiraling guitars and punchy drums embracing your brain with tranquilising bubbliness it’s a hallucinogenic inducing trip of ecstasy. The echo laid back vocals soothe and lull you into a mind-numbing stupor while the whirling flower floating soundscapes playfully weave their way between sharp warm guitar stings. It’s a dreamy utopian experience that just consumes you with every note. The blistering guitars are the only strong fragment to hold onto, so you don’t lose yourself completely in the mind dissolving track.

When asked about the track Ali explains: “It was the first track that I wrote away from Strange Collective in recent years that I actually thought was any good, first taking form in my basement bedroom come studio the original demo was 9 minutes long. This was then shortened for our live shows and then even more for this single version that we did last month in Parr Street Studios. I guess in essence it’s about loneliness, sitting around out of my head thinking about where all my friends and loved ones were, sending them love and good vibes and hoping they were doing the same”

Stream ‘Bloom’ below

https://soundcloud.com/ali-horn/bl00m/s-WMVRb


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

Flatlands ‘Friday Night’

Flatlands are an indie pop four piece from Oxford. They combine the melodic world of modern British indie with the dance punk vibes of West Coast USA. The bands first foray onto the UK music scene in 2016 saw the band achieve support slots for Yonaka, Redfaces, Rhys Lewis, Rews and Neon Waltz. Early 2017 saw the release of their debut E.P, with support from BBC Introducing followed by a sold-out headline show. Having signed to New Level Management, Flatlands have been invited to play for Sofar Sounds Winchester and Oxford, played festival slots at, amongst others, Cornbury and Riverside. The  band have now released their new single ‘Friday Night’ today. This indie pop banger is catchy, vibrant and bursting with good vibes. Bright sharp guitars playfully entwines with the infectious melody and snappy punchy drums. Featuring thrilling guitar wails and smooth sometimes screaming vocals, it’s a scorching blistering indie track. This song exudes oodles of fiery energy and charisma with rapid lyrics it’s a buzzing rush of adrenaline. It’s one for the lively mania of the mosh pit while the crowd bellow out the infectious lyrics joyously. Well crafted it’s crisp, edgy and meticulously layered creating a wholly satisfying listen. Perfect for Friday night antics.

Watch the video for ‘Friday Night’ below


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

Cider Wasps ’Ethereal’ EP

Cider Wasps are a four-piece alternative rock band from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland. The band consists of brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford, Stephen Keating and Colin Drummey. Formed in early 2013 the quartet have been gigging in various venues across the country but as of late have started hitting the Irish festival scene with an appearance at Indiependence 2016. The band launched their debut EP entitled ‘HERE’ in the autumn of 2015 which featured their single Lúnasa. Many radio stations and DJ’s picked up on the EP immediately and it began to hit the Irish airwaves on stations such as WLR-FM, Beat 102-103, CRY104FM, and 98FM to name a few. Their most recent ’Ethereal’ is the second EP release from the band which was launched alongside an independent tour of Ireland starting in Whelans and finishing in Waterford.

’Ethereal’ is an impressively smooth EP packed with passion and sublime melodies. Each track glides smoothly into the next. The tempos are easy-going with dramatic crescendos and with sleek production it’s radio ready. The dreamy delicate ‘80beatspersecond’ kicks off the EP. Silky smooth vocals caress a sweet luscious melody while a throbbing beat sets up the tension for the explosive chorus. These guys write tracks from the heart, every song evokes a rush of urgency and intense emotion while soaring backing vocals and aerial breezy soundscapes lift the tracks to skyscraper heights.’Hummingbird’ trots in with a lively bounce and jangly melodic distorted guitar. The heavy rapid drums and resounding pulse on bass adds a lively energy to the track and danceable foundation. ‘Home’ slows the tone again to start. It’s a heavenly delicate romantic track that builds into a mammothly anthemic explosion. Elevated backing vocals and a heart wrenching rush of blood to the head chorus displays just how good these guys are at making you feel every heavy towering note. ‘Magic Beans’ is simply beautiful and graceful with heavenly soundscapes to start. The track once again erupts for this striking mind-blowing crescendo as Danny Dunford slips into his sweet falsetto range while hefty drums pound and crashing guitars blister and burst through the colossal soundscape. The divine ‘Ethereal’ finishes the EP with warm mellow guitar plucks and tender glowing tones. It’s candy coated purity and tear jerkingly delicate. A sublime melody and sharp guitar stings create a hazy sombre feathery lightness that is just heavenly. When the beat kicks in it’s soft and spongy adding a soothing cushion and bounce. It’s just sublime, a song to treasure.

The ‘Ethereal’ EP is a luscious highly emotive and passionate collection of tracks that touch on all aspects of modern pop/pop-rock without losing cohesion. Silky smooth with the right amount of punch and heaviness throughout. Dunford uses his velvety vocals to inject the right combination of sincerity, drama and emotion into all five tracks creating a satisfying beautiful listen.

You can catch Cider Wasps at their next live show on 23rd November at Fibber Magees, Dublin make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Ethereal’ below


Alt- Pop, Caribbean, Caribbean Fusion Music, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie

Cassia ‘Out of Her Mind’

Macclesfield trio Cassia have released their new single ‘Out of Her Mind’. Following on from their most recent single ‘Sink’, ‘Out of Her Mind’ is the second track to be taken from their forthcoming Movers and Shapers EP. The band which consists of members Rob Ellis (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Lou Cotterill (Bass, Vocals) and Jacob Leff (Drums, Vocals) have enjoyed a summer which saw the band play to crowds up and down the country and as far afield as Germany and the Netherlands while taking in festivals such as Y-Not, The Great Escape and Reading & Leeds.

‘Out of Her Mind’ is a tropical luscious burst of fine musicianship. There is no denying these are talented chaps. Laid back sunny vibes ooze through the track- so smooth and effortlessly it’s all sunshine and good times. With a sprightly fruity hop on bass, hazy zesty squirts of guitar and a rich textured shuffle and shaky rhythm it’s the perfect refreshing tropical cocktail. It is instantly catchy with a calypso- esque reggae hue melted on their irresistibly delicious indie pop melody. Cassia have their sound pinned down and boy is it sublime. Ellis’ vocals glide from a velvety coo to a cheery and catchy falsetto wail effortlessly while the intricate guitar lines weave a path of delight in your brain. It doesn’t matter if it’s dull and raining Cassia bring the sweltering sun and exotic tropical good times with every danceable tune. It’s well-crafted and so good. This trio are definitely one of my favourite bands at the moment.

Stream ‘Out of Her Mind’ below

https://soundcloud.com/wearecassia/little-miss-revealer

 


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

Edits ‘Don’t Speak’

Edits are a Girl/Boy Duo from Manchester that create “electronic other world-ness”. Sandwiched somewhere between synth pop and post-rock the band consists of members Liv Westhead (Vocals/Synths) and Chris Abbott (Guitars/Programming). Edits take pride in their D.I.Y. aesthetic; producing everything they make themselves, even their music videos. The pair recently self-recorded a video series live to tape called ‘The Tape Sessions’ showcasing their creativity and recording skills. The duo have released their new single ‘Don’t Speak’ which is a synth pop anthem reminiscent of Chvrches, The XX and Everything Everything.

‘Don’t Speak’ is an atmospheric synth pop dazzler oozing anthemic fist pump power teamed with darker indie soundscapes. Flickering synths create a fluctuating bedazzlement while swirling synths and Westhead’s vocals add passion and tension. The sharp guitar and punchy drums build the track up creating a gritty rock heaviness and rough texture to the otherwise sugary pop sound. The verses brood with a darkened undertone while the anthemic chorus bursts with mini instrumental explosions. Its charming and endearing and immensely catchy.

Stream ‘Don’t Speak’ below