Category Archives: Indie Pop

SPINN ‘Notice Me’

Liverpool dream-pop janglers SPINN have returned with their new single, ‘Notice Me’. Jonny (Lead Vocals/ Rhythm Guitar), Andy (Lead guitar/ Synthesizer), Sean (Bass/ Backing Vocals) and George (Drums/ Backing Vocals) have supported Will Joseph Cook, TRASH, and had a nifty little spot at FestEvol. Since the release of their last single, ‘Home’, SPINN have been admired for their dreamy sounds and youthful exuberance. The four lads, who met at school, have been shown a lot of love online, garnering 50K (and still climbing) streams on Spotify, whilst also being booked for Kendal Calling, and selling out their first headline show in their hometown, Liverpool.
‘Notice Me’ is a glucose filled syrupy shot of sweet indie pop. Filled with dreamy hazy vibes and infectious zesty hooks. Jangly guitar adds a refreshing sting and sunny warmth to this delightful track as it oozes summer sunshine vibes. Laid back day-dreamy vocals soothe with sombre longing tones while peppy beats and shimmering synths keep the track bouncing along with vibrant animation. Well layered and blissful ‘Notice Me’ is an honest guilt free slice of luscious indie pop.
The track was first made to gain some radio play from SPINN’s local BBC Introducing host, Dave Monks. The idea was to write a song about wanting the attention of Monks. Of the track, singer Jonathon Quinn said: “Notice Me started out as a way to get some radio play. We used to say it was a homage to BBC Radio Merseyside because when we wrote it we couldn’t get any radio play, and wanted to be noticed by them. The lyrics are a bit more meaningful, it’s essentially us trying to portray the concept of Hero Worship in a pop song. That’s why we’ve got a load of our gorgeous lovely heroes on the artwork.”

Stream ‘Notice Me’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From thanks.

Psych pop/acid folk band thanks. have released their latest single ‘Your World’. thanks. is Steve Pagano and Mario Borgatta. They combine psychedelic pop, cinematic vibes and electronically influenced beats and melodies to create catchy indie pop with an edge. The duo emerged after meeting at Berklee College of Music in 2009. It was then that Pagano and Borgatta realized they shared the same sentiment for music and how aligned their goal really was. Their highly anticipated debut album ‘Colfax’, named after the location of their recording studio and where the majority of the album was conceived, is the result of the pair uniting and a culmination of their mutual thoughts and beliefs. Pagano and Borgatta have seen previous success with numerous TV placements on major networks including MTV, ABC and Netflix, as well as having engineered on records from world renown, critically acclaimed artists such as Muse, Death Cab For Cutie, Foster The People and many more.
‘Your World’ is a vibrant burst of luscious psych pop with refreshing sweet juicy melodies and revitalised spurts of thirst-quenching synths. Climatic choruses and sticky upbeat funky rhythms give the track a bright summer sunshine feel. Soaked in groovy danceable beats with sun kissed rich textures drizzled on top in rich honey coated layers this track is instantly likeable, upbeat and strut worthy.

Stream ‘Your World’ below

 


Indie Buddie Introducing : Bon Villan

Bon Villan is a three piece electro pop band from Toronto preparing for the release of their first single ‘Outta Cash’. The band’s three members, multi-instrumentalist/Vocalist Jared Parker, multi-instrumentalists Julian Powell and Alex Hanes are all seasoned members of the Toronto music scene. Collaboration between the three began back in the spring of 2016 and the project has been picking up steam since.
‘Outta Cash’ is a fizzing bubbly can of electronic pop. Deliciously sweet and juicy with simmering electronics darting between sticky sugary beats. The candied lush vibrant melody exudes swagger and instant likeability. With raspy vocals adding a touch of grit this track oozes oodles of rich luxurious textures. It’s energetic and refreshing with snappy beats and a blissful rush of exhilarating soundscapes. This track takes you on a floaty nectarous journey of ecstasy. It’s a slick swagger infused effortlessly cool blend of electro mouth watering pop. A sublime debut from Bon Villan.

Stream ‘Outta Cash’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-999043742/outta-cash


Sukh ‘Flight’

Following up with his first collection of material since 2015, songwriter Sukh has announced the release of his brand new single ‘Flight’, taken from the forthcoming album ‘Galactic Love Machine’. The new single follows his previous hit single’s ‘Kings’ and ‘Something Good’ which received critical acclaim from fans and media alike. On this single Sukh has teamed up with a list of notable names including John Simm (Cleft) and the Manchester String Quartet. ‘Flight’ is due for release July 7th and will be available on all major media providers with the album ‘Galactic Love Machine’ expected to drop later this year.
‘Flight’ is a stunning graceful track that exudes passion and emotion from every note. From the delicate piano intro to the twinkling zealous guitars this track glitters and sparkles delicate bright beauty. Feather-like and enchanting with elegant strings it flows with sweet lush finesse. The introduction of the spongy elastic beat helps build to the sublime crescendo. With a delightful creamy melody this track its velvety smooth and a heavenly treasure.
Sukh is scheduled to perform at this years Kendal Calling on July 28th with further gigs due to be announced. Further details can be found on Sukh’s official website here http://www.iamsukh.com/

Stream ‘Flight’ below

https://soundcloud.com/sukhsmusic/flight


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Dull Blue Lights

The Dull Blue Lights are a band in between. Drawing from influences as varied as Motown soul, Nuggets psychedelia and Jamaican rocksteady, the Philadelphia-based group’s definitive blend of cascading harmonies, screaming guitars and relentlessly grooving rhythms lives somewhere between each one. The band calls this in-between sound Basement Soul. Their new single ‘Press Play’ is the latest single from The Dull Blue Lights’ upcoming self-titled debut album, due out July 13th which was produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, Clear Plastic Masks).
‘Press Play’ is a juicy fruity blend of slick rock and roll. Sharp nimble guitar teamed with relentlessly shimmying rhythms, this track is a massive explosion of feel good bright rock and roll. It’s cool with smooth vocals and a swagger infused cruising glide that creates an impulsive strut and prance. Exuding flamboyance and panache this track is the slick back charmer that will have girls swooning from the first note. It’s a track reminiscent of 50’s rock and roll mania. Once that rich rhythm section kicks in you won’t be able to stop yourself from dancing. With quirky organ chords thrown in and a melty infectious melody, it’s a swanky stride of explosive energy and slick musicianship. Oozing soul and passion this track is vintage cool and sublime while also remaining current. A must listen.

Stream ‘Press Play’ below


Cornerstone ‘Reflections’ Album

Austria’s rock band Cornerstone have released their new album ‘Reflections’. The band composed of Alina Peter (Vocals, Guitars), Michael Wachelhofer (Bass, Keyboard, Vocals), Steve Wachelhofer (Guitar, Vocals) and Christoph Karas (Drums, Percussion), was signed by the US- label ATOM Records and is successfully representing Melodic-Rock: a US-tour, eight tours in the UK, a number of concerts at famous European festivals, airplay, TV-appearances on stations like BBC and much more. Additionally, they took part in the soundtrack of the film Little Alien, and in the beginning of 2012 their song “Right or Wrong” was awarded by the British ROCK REALMS Magazine as “Ballad of the Year 2011”. In 2013 the band released their version of the eighties-hit “Smalltown Boy” (by Bronski Beat), that appeared in the charts. All of the revenues from this success were donated to the “Room to Breathe”-campaign and to the charity organisation for the research and treatment of the immunodeficiency disease cystic fibrosis at the Nottingham City Hospital. In 2016, the bands third studio-album ‘Reflections’ was produced in Canada in cooperation with producer Harry Hess (Billy Talent, Muse, Harem Scare).
‘Reflection’ is an album with an interesting mix of sounds from the rock anthem tinged ‘Nothing To Loose’ with shredding riffs punchy drums and massive chorus to the slightly more pop-like nostalgic sweet melody of ‘Last Night’ which has a horn feature and ABBA influence. Big chorus’ seem to be a theme with these guys. ‘Heart On Fire’ gives an 80’s classic rock anthem vibe with brawny strides on guitar and melancholic sharp licks. Alina Peter’s vocals soar with a powerful emotion- filled range. These tracks are packed with dramatic explosions and slick guitar solos that are air guitar worthy and fist pump ready. ‘Whatever’ takes the croony ballad, it’s soft and wispy with an elegant piano feature and delicate beat. The funky bass driven ‘True Confessions’ gives us a Disco Stu vibe with glittering guitars – it’s disco balls and flashy dance floors oozing swanky swagger. The album continues the seamless blend of alternative rock with 80’s rock and pop creating a 10 track accumulation of classic anthems. Featuring some really intricate guitar work weaving in and out adding a nice refreshing zest and vibrancy to the album. ‘Believe In Me’ screams out a jazzy piano feature and perfect 80’s pop melody- you almost forget it’s a modern track.
‘Reflection’ takes you on a time travel journey with bitter sweet nostalgia while Cornorstone put their own spin slightly warping classic 80’s rock. Each track sounds familiar yet takes a unique turn as they take these genres and make them their own.

Stream ‘Reflection’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From April Towers

Nottingham April Towers have released their new single ‘Takes One to Know One’. Since forming, the duo of Alex Noble (vocals, guitars & keyboards) and Charlie Burley (production, samples, guitars & keyboards) have put out a series of singles and EPs including last year’s ‘Silent Fever’ and have played shows and festivals in the UK and Europe. They have been away from the spotlight in recent months honing the finishing touches to their debut album ‘Certified Freaky’. Recorded at Soho’s legendary Dean Street Studios in the same room David Bowie recorded Diamond Dogs, the album is co-produced with highly revered electronic artist-cum-DJ Ben Pearce and mixed by Nathan Boddy.
‘Takes One to Know One’ is a shimmering synth pop track jammed with infectious grooves and lustrous soundscapes. It’s a sweet bubbly can of sugar rush filled pop. Smooth vocals glide along a rich catchy melody while bopping beats slap with honey coated stickiness. With body grooving rhythm and glittering synths it’s instantly enjoyable and teamed with a Pet Shop Boys vibe it’s a timeless gloopy yet smooth delight.

‘Takes One to Know One’ is the first single taken from their debut album, due out early next year, which is currently being funded through Pledge Music, more info here http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/apriltowers

You can catch them live at
MON 26 JUNE – THE OLD BLUE LAST – LONDON, UK

Stream ‘Takes One to Know One’ below


Golden Curtain ‘Underwater Gospels’ Album

Golden Curtain is the collaborative relationship between an indie rock band from New Zealand and a California poet. The band consists of members Andrew Mckenzie (vocals, guitar), Andrew Gladstone (vocals, drums), Brad Gamble (bass).After striking up a friendship with Hawkes Bay’s Golden Curtain around the time their debut album came out in 2011, Alex Green and Golden Curtain front man Andrew Mckenzie started collaborating via Skype on a truly transpacific musical endeavour. The result is the release of the ‘Underwater Gospels’ album
‘Underwater Gospels’ is ten tracks of laid back indie pop. From the twinkling soundscapes coated in edgy guitar strides of ‘Heart Attack Summer’ to the almost country warmth and bounce of ‘Etc Etc’,Golden Curtain give an album that is light and cosy while also displaying a knack for sublime melody and rich rhythm. ‘ I Changed My Mind For You’ has a beachy reverb laden, catch a wave vibe. It’s relaxed with echoing backing vocals and a bouncy rhythm. ‘Amen’ blasts with soulful handclaps lushly textured rhythm and nautical basslines. With a catchy percussion section that draws you into its groove and sweet passionate melody, it’s hot summers evening fireside bliss. ‘So Easy’ is sun soaked nostalgia smooth with a day dream melody and bright guitar feature that flickers and glows lifting the track into a hazy vibe. Soft beat, velvety raspy vocals and warm tones it verges into country territory without actually crossing that line.’The Captain’ is your tender slow jam while ‘The Pier’ closes the album with a doo wop vibe mixed with subtle swirling guitars and bouncy drums. The “bop shoo be doo wop” lyrics add a quirky catchy element that will have you singing along in no time.
‘Underwater Gospels’ is a display of Golden Curtain’s intricate attention to detail as they create an album easy to listen to and relaxed while maintaining rich luscious soundscapes.

Stream ‘Underwater Gospels’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Trooper Charlie

Dublin’s indie four piece Trooper Charlie have released their new single ‘Indigo’ which was self written and produced. The band consisting of members Adam Lunnon-Collery  (Lead Vocals), Luke O’Brien ( Lead Guitar),Victor Bell (Bass Guitar & Vocals) and Colin Jackson  (Drums & Percussion) have been playing together for the best part of almost 8 years since the age of 13 years old where they met in secondary school. They have played shows all over Dublin and Ireland from Cyprus Avenue in Cork to Whelan’s in Dublin.

‘Indigo’ is a lush laid back sun soaked track drenched in tropical tones and hazy vibes. Sharp zesty guitar and elegant twinkling keys add spurts  of fruity freshness while smooth bouncy  percussion and mellow vocals soothe creating a calm relaxed atmosphere. This catchy daydream laced track cruises with an effortless flow and infectious groove. It’s polished and breezy, well layered and richly textured. These guys have created a slick fluently smooth track that is just heavenly.

Watch the audio video for ‘Indigo’ below

 


Dr Danny ‘Nothing But Love’

Danny Ayala (Of The Lemon Twigs) has announced his debut Solo Project ‘Dr Danny’ and new single ‘Nothing But Love’ which is coming soon. While mastering timeless songwriting is a lifelong pursuit for most, Dr Danny (Danny Ayala) has a clear grasp on the concept at just 19 years old. Born in Long Island, NY, Dr Danny began his musical career at a young age and it quickly progressed into a prodigious talent.Danny’s musical career opened up after crossing paths with fellow wunderkind bothers Brian and Michael D’Addario at an elementary school talent show. Recognizing Danny’s skills they quickly began making music together. For the past 10 years they have been a musical family, with Danny becoming a live member of the largely successful and internationally recognised band, The Lemon Twigs. Although continuing to perform with The Lemon Twigs, Danny has announced his new solo project Dr Danny, with his debut EP ‘Lay It On Me Straight’ due for release this summer. Featuring the lead single ‘Nothing But Love’, all tracks on the EP features performances with the D’Addario brothers, who make up the backing band for Danny’s project.
‘Nothing But Love’ is a sparkling 60’s pop delight complete with an infectious syrupy melody, lush vocals and bright little instrumental bursts that explode with shimmer and glittering scintillation. Showcasing his exceptional songwriting skills and knack for a memorable melody this little gem is instantly likeable and displays a musical knowledge beyond his years. Triumphant chorus and sublime richly textured instrumentation, it’s a juicy rush of dazzling glitz. Full of pizzazz with a refined attention to detail that creates the perfect introduction to the EP.
‘Lay It On Me Straight’ is out later this summer.

You Can Follow Dr Danny on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/askdrdanny/

Stream ‘Nothing But Love’ below