Category Archives: Indie Pop

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, Synth-pop

The Only Ocean ‘Fake Sunflowers’

The Only Ocean are a four -piece atmospheric rock band from Lompoc, CA — a town most notable for its high security prison and its annual Flower Festival. Friends since junior high, the band taps into a level of unity that is typically only achieved by sibling groups, like the Beach Boys or the Jonases, their tight modern grooves locking together to support a soft bed of crackling guitars and soaring vocals. In 2015, they released their self-titled debut album, a polished collection of dreamy psych-rock bangers, produced by Jonathan DeBaun (The Mars Volta, Omar Rodríguez-López). After a year of supporting the record with energetic shows spanning the California coast, they returned to studio to record a 5-track follow up EP, titled ‘TOO’; a denser and more aggressive effort, with lead single ‘Cul-De-Sac’ approaching hardcore and punk rock in its ferocity. Tracks like ‘So Shy So High’ hinted at a more ornate and melodic direction to come. With the recent addition of guitarist Mic Singh, The Only Ocean’s sound has expanded to even grander proportions. Their recent release, ‘Good Morning’, is a confident and deliberate side-step into the festival rock arena, with producer DeBaun again returning to put his signature flair on things, dutifully guiding the band into new territory. The Only Ocean have now released their new single ‘Fake Sunflowers’ which follows the new solid sound of ‘Good Morning’ .

‘Fake Sunflowers’ flickers and bleeps with flashing sonic soundscapes against strident sharp guitars and an infectious beat. The soaring chorus adds an ethereal quality to the track while the lush sweet melody glides along smooth and creamy like honey to the ears. Tight harmonies add a multi dimension and rich texture to the track while the electronic soundscape adds a psychedelic dreamy vibe. It’s displayed simply but backed by richly layered intricate instrumentation. Another sublime track from The Only Ocean.

Stream ‘Fake Sunflowers’ below

https://soundcloud.com/theonlyocean/fake-sunflowers-single

 


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

Ali Tommis ‘Leave It All Behind’ EP

Singer-songwriter Ali Tommis has announced the release of his debut 5-track EP ‘Leave It All Behind’, a piano driven rock EP which is set to be available from 22nd September 2017. Being born into a family of musicians, Tommis was surrounded by music from a young age and began playing piano at the age of three which then lead to his passion for writing music at the age of 17. Eight years on, his songwriting ability has matured and developed into his own unique sound which is well represented through ‘Leave It All Behind’. The EP, written by Tommis himself, follows a theme of finding the strength to follow your dreams rather than settle with being the person you’re expected to be in order to please others. As described by Tommis, “[The EP] describes the fears, frustrations and insecurities that come with doing that, and also the joy, happiness and satisfaction that you get from doing it.” Taking his inspiration from an eclectic range of musicians such as John Mayer, OneRepublic and Led Zepplin, the EP has a distinctive sound yet every track is different and fresh.

Lead single ‘Leave It All Behind’ kicks of the EP, energetic and bouncy it’s an infectious springing ball oozing oodles of passion. Sprightly guitar riffs rebound and smack off the dynamic melody while punchy drums rumble and bubble throughout. With an anthemic powerful chorus bellowed out passionately by Tommis it’s quite the force to be reckoned with. ‘Everything’ is once again immensely passionate and dynamic. It glides elegantly with a sweet piano feature floating with graceful grandeur while jittery flickering soundscapes dart in and out of the delicate piano melody. Powerful choruses seem to be a large part of Tommis’ music style as each chorus explodes with the most intense eruptive fist pump energy possible. ‘Home Again’ cools the fiery tone of its predecessors a little. Sweet guitar twangs while smooth velvety vocals whisper for the verse and croon sweetly for the chorus. It’s melancholic and tender building in intensity as the track progresses. The piano feature in this track is so beautiful and sublime adding a heavenly escape before the celestial mighty track finale. ‘Passing By Me’ holds an air of danger and mystery with sharp stings on guitar between wandering piano and blustery percussion. ‘The Fear’ ends the EP with an intricate piano feature weaving between guitar strides and punchy drums. It’s dramatic and powerful with a spine chilling almost creepy atmosphere bringing us to a massive almost theatrical end to the EP.

‘Leave It All Behind’ displays Ali Tommis’ expressive passionate musicianship with powerful anthemic  (at times dramatic) choruses and intricate melody compositions, he hasn’t held back. It feels like he has put everything, body and soul into this EP.

The lead single ‘Leave It All Behind’ is accompanied by a music video, a humorous narration of Tommis’ passion to follow his own dreams instead of living his life to please others. Shot in Portmeirion, home to Festival No 6 and the same place Supergrass filmed the video for hit ‘Alright’, the video follows him on his journey to ‘leave it all behind’.

Leave It All Behind will be available worldwide via all major media platforms from 22nd September 2017 and is a sign of what’s to come from Ali Tommis. More information about Ali, future releases and any upcoming live dates can be found on his social media pages here https://www.facebook.com/AliTommis/

Watch the video for ‘Leave It All Behind’ below


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

Plastic Barricades ‘Mechanics of Life’ Album

Based in North-West London, indie three piece Plastic Barricades have released their new album ‘Mechanics of Life’. Comprised of members Dan Kert on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Daniele Borgato on bass and Frazer Webster on drums the band have been nominated for “Oxjam Band of the Year ” and “MTV Brand New”, voted #1 out of 222 bands participating in Hard Rock Cafe London Global Battle of the Bands competition, won Camden Rocks Battle of the Bands, got nominated for “Brand New Artist”, landed 2nd place in Sziget Festival band competition and won Enfield Battle of the Bands and Songwall’s “Songs in the Sky”. Two songs from “Tree of Ideas” EP were also featured in Channel4 “Hollyoaks” TV show.

‘Mechanics of Life’ is a fine display of the chilled indie soaked sound Plastic Barricades do so well. The previously featured on Indie Buddie ‘How Goldfish Grow’ kicks off the album drenched in bright peppy vibes and crunching guitars. It’s bright bubbly indie with melancholic dark undertones adding depth to the track. They keep their sound radiant and glowy while slapping a nice bit of passion and meaning on top. ‘Singularity 2045’ and ‘Our Favourite Delusions’ display slick nimble solos, sharp piercing licks and blazing guitar moments that are divine. The tracks are punchy and meaty with melty glorious melodies and laid back beautiful vibes. They pack so much into their sound adding multi textures and intricate layers. The little peppy sparkling gem ‘Be the Change’ is golden sweet honey to the ears. Smooth tender vocals coo while a sun kissed instrumental backing, lights the track to heavenly heights. It’s passionate and delicate with zests of guitar refreshing the velvety melancholic track. ‘Around the Sun’ gives a groovy element to the album. Catchy vibrant melody illuminates the track with positivity. Each track that follows is easy going mellow and perky. They create music for hazy days in the sun. Though some have a gloomy undertone the tunes are soothing, sweet and melodic. For me the stinging jingles on guitar really stand out and add a squirt of beaming energy and glorious bedazzlement to each track. The luxurious melodies in ‘Half of your Soul’ interweave blending longing and inspiriting tones creating a heavenly blissful sound. ‘Masterminds’ brings us to the end of the album. It does feel like a farewell track, soaked in melancholic tones with a delicate stab beat. With elegant little guitar jingles and a sway-like tempo, it’s a delightful end to the album.

Plastic Barricades ‘Mechanics of Life’ is a laid back glorious album to wrap your ears around, soothe your soul and relax your mind. Its sun kissed and sweetly melodic with bright bubbly indie pop melodies coated in spongy rapid rhythms and flashes of sharp glistening guitar. They add their own glimpses of pizzazz in there too keeping it fresh and edgy but all round it’s a sublime wholesome listen.

Stream ‘Mechanics of Life’ below

https://soundcloud.com/plasticbarricades/sets/mechanics-of-life-lp-pre/s-8wbUn


Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Dutch Party ‘Blade Runner’

Indie alt pop outfit Dutch Party have released the new single, ‘Blade Runner’. Dutch Party has received critical and commercial acclaim with features in Billboard, Pigeons and Planes and Fader among others. ‘Blade Runner’ is the first song off the upcoming EP ‘Combat Pop’ and combines infectious guitar riffs, with heartfelt and poignant lyricism. Originally hailing from Twin Peaks in San Francisco, Ken Franklin started writing and recording music after he discovered a recording booth in a small closet beneath the stairs of his parents’ house, that had been hidden for decades behind a wall of boxes. Inside was a reel-to-reel tape machine, an echo box, and two guitars which Franklin soon used to experiment with different sounds and sonic textures to create his own songs. After moving to LA, Ken started indie alt pop band, Dutch Party, while living in Echo Park with the intent of adding more subversion to the American airwaves.
‘Blade Runner’ is a sweet luscious treasure of infectious guitar melodies blended flawlessly creating delightful mouth-watering alternative pop. Lo-Fi vocals soothe with a dreamy haziness while sticky slapping beats and intricate rhythms playfully bounce with hyperactive elasticity. Instantly danceable and swirly this track takes you from grooving to a laid-back utopia effortlessly. Light twinkles add a sprightly feather-like wispy delicacy and airiness to the track while the stomping beat grounds it. It’s a stunning new release from Dutch Party.

Stream ‘Blade Runner’ below


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

Five Days North ‘City of Wonder’

Manchester-based indie pop band Five Days North have released a music video for their new track ‘City of Wonder’. Comprised of members Darryl Messer (Vocals, Synth), Dave Urwin (Guitar/banjo, Backing Vocals),Sam Taromsari (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Lewis Howells (Bass) and Zoravar Bakshi (Drums) Five Days North are an energetic indie pop band creating music that centers around powerful vocals, catchy choruses and memorable melodies. In the summer of 2016, they released their debut EP ‘Past Times’ which contained the single ‘Won’t Stop for Nothing’ which has featured on ITV’s This Morning and was released with an accompanying music video. Their second single in April 2017 ‘Shapeshifters’ was played on BBC Introducing in Manchester. They have played a multitude of live events around the UK, alongside performing on festival stages such as Dot to Dot 2017, Warrington festival 2016 and multiple performances at Pangaea Festival.

‘City of Wonder’ is a breezy indie pop dazzler. A buoyant beat sets the foundation for this spirited elastic track. Shimmering synths sparkle throughout the sticky beat while sharp stings on guitar pierce through the syrupy soundscape. Smooth vocals soothe throughout with passion as the nostalgic soaked sweet melody oozes emotion. It’s a catchy tune complete with tight production and vibrancy. Melodic and sugar drizzled it’s a sweet moving little gem.

Watch the lyric video for ‘City of Wonder’ below

 


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

Wild Youth ‘Lose Control’

Dublin band Wild Youth comprised of members David Whelan (vocals/guitar) Conor O’Donohoe (keyboard/vocals) Ed Porter (guitar/vocals) and Callum McAdam (drums) have released a video for their upcoming new single ‘Lose Control’, which is set for release this Friday 8th September. ‘Lose Control’ is an instantly catchy radio ready surge of indie pop. Sweet vocals caress  a smooth feathery light melody. The rich clap along finger clicking rhythm makes this track danceable and breezy. Twinkling guitars and soft shimmers on keys create a floaty blissful melty atmosphere and rush of youthful adrenaline while the steady beat pulses throughout. This dreamy ear worm will have you dancing and grooving in no time. It’s a sophisticated, intricately layered, sublime track that is sure to be a hit.

You can catch Wild Youth live at

12 Sep Cyprus Avenue, Cork

13 Sep Abner Browns, Dublin

19 Sep Trinity Freshers Ball, Dublin

22 Sep Grand Social, Dublin

23 Sep Roisin Dubh, Galway

Check out the video for ‘Lose Control’ below


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

ZEALS ‘Ready To Fly’ EP

Somerset based three-piece, ZEALS have released their second EP ‘Ready To Fly’. The EP was recorded over the last few months at Longwave Studios in Cardiff with producer Romesh Dodangoda who’s best known for his work with the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Motorhead, Funeral For A Friend, Lower Than Atlantis and Twin Atlantic. The follow up to their ‘Playing Games’ EP, the new collection features five pop flavoured and addictive indie – rock tracks and includes live favourite and lead single ‘Feel It’ which is accompanied by a stunning video. ZEALS current line-up of Harrisen Larner (Vocals & Guitar), Rob Whelan (Drums)and Toby Andrews (Lead Guitar & Vocals) formed eighteen months ago in Weston-Super-Mare after taking inspiration from and sharing a mutual love of acts such as The 1975, Fickle Friends, Prides and One Republic to heavier bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Don Broco, Lower Than Atlantis and Fatherson. Since then the band have developed a truly exciting and powerful live set that sees them play to ever growing and excitable audiences from around the Bristol area to as far afield as Austria and Hungary. This new found fanbase ensured that the aforementioned eight track long ‘Playing Games’ EP peaked at number 59 in the iTunes Rock Album Charts on its release last year.

‘Ready To Fly’ is a blood pumping rush to the head of indie rock that makes you feel every note from delicate tender to ballsy energetic anthems. It’s a youth filled five track collection to enjoy and hold dear. Lead single ‘Feel It’ kicks off the EP with bright bubbly vibes surrounded by squirts of zesty guitar and hip shaking rhythm. It’s light warm and sun kissed with a catchy chorus that displays a grittier sharp side without becoming overpowering. The sweet honey drizzled melody is so infectious and dreamy and with Larner’s velvety smooth soul infused vocals, it’s the perfect start to the EP. ’Do You Really Care’  is a massive passionate track brimming with punchy drums, razor sharp guitar and adrenaline pumping energy. It’s mosh pit, crazy jumping ready with feathery light blissful guitar and a hefty meaty rhythm. Dancing embarrassingly around the room is guaranteed with this emotionally and instrumentally explosive track. ‘Paddles’ is oh so slick. This track really shows off the sensual bluesy tinged sound of ZEALS. Swagger soaked and fiery with shredding guitars crashing against pummeling drums and a groovy hip shakingly smooth bass line. It’s a scorching, blistering Lower Than Atlantis- esque sizzler. ‘Dark Waters’ cools the tone and takes the role of the slow burning tender mood shifter. Sway-like and sweet with a punchy bopping rhythm it’s nostalgic and delicate. Lush “oooh” vocals create a sing along friendly quality to the heart-warming track. The song builds becoming a little more heavy and emotional but still maintains a light bounce and breezy vibe. ‘Ready To Fly’ brings us to an explosive end to the EP. Flickering soundscapes flash bright scintillation while punchy drums, glistening guitars and fist pump anthemic chorus create a powerful energetic rush of intensity.

ZEALS have created an EP that shows their tight plucky musicianship. It’s a treasure of tunes glowing and sparkling packed with emotion and passion that makes the listener feel every note like a spark of electricity. Each track maintains a powerful explosive stamina to keep you pumped throughout. It’s bright, light indie pop grounded by some heavy elements adding a bit of punch and gravity. Overall a sublime satisfying listen.

Stream ‘Ready To Fly’ below

 


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

Beachwood Coyotes ‘I’m Tired Of Rolling My Eyes’

Indie rock four-piece Beachwood Coyotes have released their new single ‘I’m Tired Of Rolling My Eyes’. The new single features socially conscious lyrics, critiquing race relations in America. The Los Angeles based band have received acclaim from KROQ, Huffington Post, Wonderland Magazine and XS Noize among other tastemakers.

‘I’m Tired Of Rolling My Eyes’ is an energetic explosion of luscious indie pop soaked in electronic retro 80’s sounds. Rich rhythm and flickering soundscapes  create a lavish texture and blinding bedazzlement. With a vocal melody that rushes through like a surging flood, pumping adrenaline through your veins and an anthemic powerful chorus, these guys have written a track that is so intense and mighty yet glides with effortless breezy cool tones. With funky elements and hip hop hues it’s a multi faceted spurt of infectious songwriting and craftsmanship.

Beachwood Coyotes EP ‘Scrubby’ is set for release this Wednesday  September 6th  with a special release party at the Satellite in Los Angeles, California so make sure to check that out.

Stream ‘I’m Tired Of Rolling My Eyes’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

James Ghareeb ‘Do It With Luv’

Singer-songwriter James Ghareeb has announced the release of his new single ‘Do It With Luv’ from his forthcoming EP available later this year. Ghareeb first found success after becoming a social media breakout star through his Vine videos. He started making short clips covering the likes of Justin Bieber, surpassing over 6 million views along the way.  In 2015 James recorded his first EP ‘Hanging From The Stars’ which debuted at number 4 on the iTunes chart upon release. During that time, the Lebanese American, caught the attention of critically acclaimed produced Tony Ghantous (Kris Allen, Disney), who quickly began work on Ghareeb’s sophomore release.

 ‘Do It With Luv’ is a crisp fresh sun soaked tune that radiates laid back vibes and good times. Laced in tropical rhythms with rock pop elements and an infectious delicious melody it’s slick cool and oh so catchy. Sharp zests of guitar squirts between rich clap along rhythms and velvety vocals. Lush backing vocals “woo” adding colour and vibrancy. The track cruises with mellow easy-going euphoria and elastic bounce. It’s breezy sun kissed and mind numbingly dreamy all while packing some nice perky stabs of R&B and soul. Tightly wrapped in intricate sleek production and fine musicianship this track rolls in on a wave of carefree bliss. I’ll look forward to hearing more from James Ghareeb

Stream ‘Do It With Luv’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing: MRYGLD

MRYGLD (pronounced ‘marigold’) is a rock band from Birmingham, Alabama formed in 2017. This band is as fresh as they come, formed by Brandon Snipes (vocals, guitar) and the musical “dynamic duo” of Shane (lead guitar) and Alyssa Jewell (vocals, keys). After recruiting drummer Kyle Blair and bassist James McCauley, the lineup was set and MRYGLD was born. They have released their debut music video for their single ‘Cool Kids’.

‘Cool Kids’ is a dynamic infectious indie track bursting with oodles of catchy melodies honey coated and smothered in sweet heartfelt nostalgia. Sharp zealous riffs drive the track, cutting through the bubble bouncy beat and sublime melody. The blend of Snipes warm vocals with Jewell’s light sweet vocals creates a unique beautiful tone. It’s a delicious can of sugar coated indie pop with a refreshing sharp sting. Dreamy harmonies create a laid-back vibe while the driving rhythm adds a bounce quality and bop. Its instantly likable, gentle and gripping with a sway like quality and ear worm infectiousness. It’s a dainty melodic gem. Snipes vocals at times remind me of Brandon Flowers from The Killers and the guitar work is majestic, that solo is bright vibrant and energetic all while flooding you with nostalgia and reminiscence. These guys have written a track that makes you feel something. It’s pretty impressive.

Watch the video for ‘Cool Kids’ below