Category Archives: Indie Pop

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

This Party ‘Money’

this-party

This Party are an indie rock band comprised of members Matt MacNeill, Hal Cleverdon, Marcus Gilham and Tom Hodgson. The Brighton four piece have become known for their fusion of sharp basslines with an instant melody to produce their own brand of drenched guitar-fuelled pop. Produced by Junk Scientist (The Rakes, Larrikin Love), their debut single ‘Movie Nights’ received a fantastic response being picked up by BBC Introducing and featured by Steve Lamacq, on his BBC 6 Music show throughout Autumn 2015. This Party have since set up their own label Moscow Lets Go, which will launch the single ‘Money’ this November.
‘Money’ is the perfect slice of infectious indie pop glowing with a bright deliciously smooth ear worm melody, soft spongy beat and coated in velvety vocals like a dollop of whipped cream this track goes down a treat. The driving sting of the zealous zesty guitar riff gives this track a bite and spirited atmosphere. The anthem- like chorus and the rubber ball rebounding bounce keeps the track light, peppy and travelling with a spring in its step. With melancholy undertones adding depth to the track and passionate dynamic vocals ‘Money’ proves to be a rousing showcase of This Party’s talents.
‘Money’ is out 14 November and you can catch This Party live at
12 November- Borderline, London
13 December – Green Door Store, Brighton
Watch the video for ‘Money’ below

Alt Rock, Feel Good Music, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, Indie Soul, New Music, Smooth Rock

Alexis Kings ‘Squire’

Alexis Kings have released their new single ‘Squire’. The single soared into the top 10 of the Spotify UK Viral Chart along with support from Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing Three Counties, Alex Rainbird & Indiemono. ‘Squire’ is a heart-stoppingly moving melodic track teamed with upbeat rhythms and smooth summer vibes. With a warm majestic guitar feature, an elevated bright atmosphere and breathtakingly sweet melody that is golden honey to the ears. Alexis Kings present us with a heavenly beautiful track that exudes effortless charm and elegance. Velvety soulful vocals give euphoric bliss coated in nostalgic tones. Alexis Kings show sublime musicianship with this captivating irresistible track.
Close you eyes and let ‘Squire’ take you on a journey of summer love with a melody and textures that seep into your soul.
Watch the video for ‘Squire’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Pop Rock, Soul

Chris Jewell ‘Rise and Fall’

London-based singer-songwriter Chris Jewell has released ‘Rise and Fall’, the lead single from his new EP of the same name. A songwriter since the age of 12, Jewell’s songs draw on influences from pop, rock and soul across the decades. After signing with independent label 84 Records his new EP and single was recorded with talented producer Andy Brook (Frank Turner, Status Quo, Hayseed Dixie), who brings a radio-friendly pop sheen to Jewell’s tale of heartbreak. The new track has already picked up support with BBC Introducing, and was recently chosen twice as a BBC Radio Surrey/Sussex Track Of The Day.
‘Rise and Fall’ is a slice of sweet bright folk pop pie. With soulful bright guitar and springy bounce beat this track is an uplifting , energetic “put a smile on your face” bliss. Illuminating and glowing from every note with simple chords and catchy clap along feature its a snappy encouraging track. Though the lyrics are somewhat sombre the track is presented with a positive atmosphere and sprightly energy.  Sprinkled with Jewell’s smooth soulful vocals and rapid almost rap -like lyrics and immediately infectious chorus Jewell showcases his skill for simple, blissful and timeless songwriting.
Stream ‘Rise and Fall’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Soul

Gold Complex ‘Backbone’

Toronto-based Soul/Pop band Gold Complex have released a video for their single ‘Backbone’alongside a deluxe edition of their debut, self-titled EP. Gold Complex fuse classic soul with pop and R&B into a fresh sound that is all their own. This dynamic octet has built a strong fanbase in Canada, headlining renowned venues such as Lee’s Palace, The Rivoli, Mod Club and the Horseshoe Tavern. Their debut self-titled EP was released in April last year and their first two singles ‘Tread On Me’ and ‘Backbone’ received regular rotation on radio nationwide and were featured on the Nickelodeon television series, Open Heart, now on Netflix.
‘Backbone’ is a smooth sensual, funky tune about the conviction of “saying what you mean and meaning what you say, especially when it comes to a relationship”. Velvety warm vocals kicks off the track in a soulful passionate manner. With steamy jazzy brass and gentle supple beat teamed with flexible coaxing bass this track lays the smooth talk on thick. Its agile easy -moving sleekness can sweep you into a stupor as you are sweet talked and wooed by the suave vocals and nifty slick piano. This track is a saucy cheeky track exuding sass with classy swagger.
Gold Complex are currently in the studio recording their debut full length album “New Soul”, set for release in April 2017.
Watch the video for ‘Backbone’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Tropical

Youth Club ‘Sorry’

Essex based four piece Youth Club are back with their infectious new independent single ‘Sorry’. Youth Club first caught people’s attention back in May 2014 with their self-released debut EP ʻColoursʼ, which stormed the official independent singles charts reaching 25 and hit No. 7 in the iTunes alternative charts. They have graced the stages of Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Y Not Festival, Standon Calling, Beat Herder, Shazam Summer Party and Kopparberg’s Urban Forest Festival.
‘Sorry’ is a bedazzlement of Youth Club’s beaming tropical pop. The efflux of bright animate synths give this track a magnetic pull and vibrancy. Radiating sunny warm vibes, a balmy atmosphere and smooth spring and bounce in rhythm it oozes elastic slick suave. The soulful velvety vocals adds a heavenly soothing charm and warm quality. ‘Sorry’ has pizzazz and zesty tropical textures that give a refreshing revitalising lift to this infectious track.

You can catch Youth Club live at:
Oct 08 Twisterella Festival, Middlesbrough
Oct 28 Chinnerys, Southend On Sea
Nov 03 The Engine Shed, Lincoln
Dec 14 The Borderline, London
Stream ‘Sorry’ below

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

Palmas ‘Flowers’.

palmas

Philadelphia’s surf/soul band Palmas have released their new single ‘Flowers’. Band members Eric Camarota ( guitarist) , Matthew Young (guitarist) , Adam Cantiello ( guitarist), Pat Degan (drummer) and Kurt Cain (vocalist) present us with their perfect blend of delicious sweet swirling melodies and experimental array of instrumentation. This Beatles – esque track bursts with luscious psychedelic features adding a euphoric dreamland vibe interweaving with blissful honeyed vocals and lush heavenly harmonies. Its a succulent beautifully delicate track that blossoms and flourishes as Palmas add a complex orchestral arrangement. The twirling trippy 60’s vibe consumes you in a gentle flurry of delightful intoxication as you are wrapped up in a colourful floral blanket of warm cosy tones and rich textures. With aptly placed percussion and the balmy mellow depth of the strings, it is an absolute joy and satisfactory listen. Palmas are budding into a fantastic band these guys deserve to do well.
Stream ‘Flowers’ below

 

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

Marsicans ‘The Absence’ EP

marsicans_robbiejaybarratt01

Leeds indie band Marsicans are James Newbigging (lead vocals and guitar), Oliver Jameson (guitar and vocals), Rob Brander (bass, keyboards and lead vocals) and Matthew ‘Cale’ McHale (drums and vocals). They have released their new EP ‘The Absence’ this month. The EP is the culmination of Marsicans’ 2016 releases and features the four tracks which have had national airplay in the UK via Radio 1 and Radio X over the course of the year. Three of the EP’s four featured tracks were given BBC Radio 1 support, including Huw Stephens’ premiere of the title track which also made Apple Music’s Best Of The Week playlist, whilst ‘Far Away’ a track we previously did a feature on was featured Spotify UK’s New Music Friday playlist.
‘The Absence’ presents us with Marsicans fantastic harmony-laden upbeat tropical sound that is raw and fresh yet polished in all the right places. Title track ‘Absence’ kicks off the EP and sprinkles with the four piece’s signature glowing infectious melody with lush harmonies and richly textured arrangements. Zealous guitar and vibrant synths keep this track uplifting while the soft spongy beat adds bounce and elasticity. The vocals are simple to start and become more dynamic as the track progresses. This track glows with bright vibes and is a gem glistening in the sun. ‘Arms of Another’ gives us a groovy springy sound. With an elevating high energy and catchy melody that will have you bopping and dancing from the first note. This track has an edgier sound with sharp distorted guitar that acts as the lime zest to your tropical cocktail. The rapid malleable beat maintains the tracks agile and spirited tempo. ‘Swimming’ is a blissful treasure with an ear worm melody and the perfect blend of luxurious harmonies and soaring vocals. The slick deluxe guitar riff is infectious and the glistening synths provide an elegant sweet quality throughout the track. With a slightly heavier sound towards the end, Marsicans confirms they can diversify their sound while still remaining bright and bubbly. ‘Far Away (Saudade)’ is the final track on the EP. This was the first track that caught our attention back in July. The track is ablaze with striking addictive hooks and quirky lyrics teamed with a honed melody and slashing guitar. This track is a fantastic listen. The lively animated rhythm gives the song an upbeat indie pop feel.
Marsicans ‘The Absence’ is a collection of upbeat infectious indie pop perfectly blended with sugar coated luxurious melodies, soaring vocals with bursts of zealous guitar and flexible spirited rhythm. Marsicans take their tropical mouth watering hard edged sound to another infectiously delicious level keeping you wanting more.
Marsicans have embarked on a 17-date UK tour starting earlier this month.You can still catch them live at
01 Oct – Manchester, Aatma
04 Oct – Hull, The Polar Bear
08 Oct – Middlesbrough, Twisterella Festival
10 Oct – Sunderland, 7even
14 Oct – Banbury, Also Known As
19 Oct – Basingstoke, The Sanctuary Live
20 Oct – Brighton, Bleach
21 Oct – London, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
23 Oct – Matlock, Twenty Ten
28 Oct – Liverpool, The Magnet
04 Nov – Chester, Telford’s Warehouse
10 Nov – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
11 Nov – Glasgow, Old Hairdresser’s
12 Nov – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele
Stream ‘The Absence’ below

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Pop Rock, Power Pop

Scarlet ‘Your Control’

scarlet

Scarlet are the cloaked dark horse who have been working relentlessly over the past few years to make a name for themselves. Since launching in 2014 the band have worked with producers Jon Withnall, (Coldplay’s Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and X&Y) Michael Johnson (Joy Division, Pink Floyd, New Order, Stone Roses). They have secured places supporting Neon Waltz, Pulled Apart By Horses, a set at Liverpools Concert For Gaza, and a slot supporting The Struts. In 2015 the four piece secured slots playing DIY’s ‘breaking out’ night at Liverpool music week festival, supported Swervedriver, Black Honey, Kagoule and released their debut single ‘Anyway’ and now are currently working with Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon, CAST) on their debut album ‘Effigy’ which is to be released in the UK and Japan in October.
The female fronted band have just released their new single ‘Your Control’. Its a juicy jangle pop anthem multi textured with sharp on-point guitars and a soft spongy beat. The syrupy vocals are delicate and silky. Its darkened tones and reverb give the track rich textures and a shadowy atmosphere while still remaining light and airy. This catchy power pop track exudes fighting spirit while remaining elegant until the massive mosh worthy crescendo. ‘Your Control’ shows Scarlet’s skilled musicianship as they have created a track that is dreamy and easy to listen to but maintains a rawness that adds an edge that keeps this band fresh and dynamic. Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Your Control’ below

https://soundcloud.com/jessiescarlet/your-control

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music

The Chris Paterno Band

The Chris Paterno Band are a seven -piece indie-pop-soul band from New York. They are releasing their self titled EP on 30th September and we were lucky enough to have a listen to it. The EP begins with ‘Unfaithful’ a peppy track with bouncy percussion and groovy beat that is sure to have you bopping along. The Chris Paterno Band waste no time in introducing their golden horn feature which lifts the track adding a refreshing and zesty texture. The raspy soulful vocals add warm tones to the track and a balmy feel. ‘Morning Light’ is a sweet delicate track with a creamy supple melody. Its an elegant ray of sunshine, fragile yet warm and soft. With tender vocals to start this track is relaxing with a sway-like catchy chorus, its perfect for sunny evenings. The horns are subtle and the beat has a tribal feel with the guitar taking strength and presenting us with a beautifully graceful accompaniment. The track builds becoming a little more intense vocally while still holding that dainty atmosphere. ‘Pressure’ follows with its groovy strut worthy sound. We reviewed this track earlier this year. Its swanky persona and swagger filled chorus makes this track a cool sassy example of the diversity of The Chris Paterno Band. ‘Lover, When You Gonna Come?’ presents itself with an air of country twang upon the honeyed lilt of harmonica from the start and throughout. The instrumentation paints a fantastic picture as they sound like a train chugging gently with the horns appearing as the toot toot. This track once again is aglow with bright tones and hopeful vibes. ‘Farther (…we grow)’ is a sensitive track with vocals filled with raw emotion and melancholy tones. The guitar features dramatic sombre strums with a light twinkle on piano. Its a tear- jerker that evokes feelings of sorrow and despair and self reflection. ‘Sweet Thing’ finishes this EP on a sweep of lavish percussion and rich textures with experimentation of auto tune on vocals and their signature luxurious horns. Its infectiously swayable and catchy, watch out for that deep bass vocal at the end.

This EP is a unique venture as The Chris Paterno Band present us with a rich lacquer of satisfying melodies and textures in their own unique style.
You can pre-order the EP at http://chrispaternomusic.com/ and the iTunes Store. 20% of sales will be donated to Project HOME and The Episcopal Academy’s Kennith R Balsley Memorial Fund.
Stream ‘Morning Light’ below

balmy

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock

Swords ‘Betty Machete’

Dublin’s Alternative band Swords released their new single ‘Betty Machete’ in July. Diane Anglim (vocals & piano), Jarlath Canning (bass, guitars & synth) and Ian Frawley (drums) have created a catchy beaming track that glows with bright textures and an upbeat snappy ball of elastic rhythm. The golden hook pulls you into a marshmallow of sweet lush melody. Anglim’s honeyed vocals are delicate and captivating while the fuzzed bass and guitars add a kick and psychedelic buzz to the track. The rapid soft slap beat drives the song and gives a playful quality and an infectious clap-along feature. ‘Betty Machete’ is instantly likeable and with an ear worm sing along chorus you will want to put it on repeat and enjoy its feel good vibe.
Stream ‘Betty Machete’ below