Category Archives: Indie Psychedelic

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Rock, Synth Rock

Mini Mansions ‘Works Every Time’ EP

Mini Mansions have released their highly anticipated EP ‘Works Every Time’. Singer/guitarist Michael Shuman, singer/keyboardist Tyler Parkford, and bassist Zach Dawes are the glorious trinity of Mini Mansions, a band who push boundaries and overwhelm our minds with psychedelic encryption and delicious tunes. The band have played in some of the world’s biggest rock bands, Queens of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and The Last Shadow Puppets these guys have been flourishing right at the roots of the rock genre readying themselves and fermenting their sound.This new release arrives three years after their second record, ‘The Great Pretenders’, which received critical praise and featured guest appearances from Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and ‘Flashbacks’ a collection  of B-side tracks which was released in 2016. Mini Mansions sound is unique and stirring all at once and places them firmly on par if not above their comrades in intricate obscurity and just plain genius. ‘Works Every Time’ is only a glimpse of what these guys are capable of.

‘Works Every Time’ is a concise, flavoursome collection of juicy tracks to re-introduce us to the mouth watering home cooking of Mini Mansions. Title track ‘Works Every Time’ reels us in with a soft beat bouncing off a swoon worthy melody and glistening keys.Filled with wistful tones Parkford takes the vocals on this track, his sweet falsetto cooing over the breathtaking soundscapes as this song floats around a dreamy ethereal atmosphere while the zesty sting on guitars give a lamenting bite and sharpness to the track. ‘Midnight in Tokyo’ rumbles through with Dawes’ elastic bass line teamed with the sticky slapping beats setting the groove infested foundation as the track spirals into a sleazy swagger smacked number. With Prince like Bowie -esque hued verses and a triumphant catchy chorus this track struts in, slicked back, funk fueled and glossy. Shuman’s vocals take the lime light here drenched in panache and gritty rough flamboyance as flashing disco hued electronics dazzle the background while Parkford provides lush tight harmonies. The rich meaty sound is filled gloriously with zingy guitars weaving their way, flickering little bursts of spice throughout. Parkford takes vocals once again on ’This Bullet’ a psychedelic whirl of utter mind melting mania. He ventures to his ominous lower range while Dawes’ throbbing bass and meandering soundscapes rush you with a sinister sense of danger. This track has a residue of Mister Goodnite’s ‘One Against Five’ with a little more darkness and obscurity smeared on top as alien- esque electronics wail about eerie tones and snappy driving beats. There is something magnetic and hypnotic about this track as Mini Mansions distort and dissolve your entire grip of reality with one catchy dizzying tune. It’s dark and creepy especially when Parkford orders “take off your vest“ however it’s difficult to prise yourself away from its chilling charm. Of course the band offer up another stirring cover for us to devour. Having previously embellished our ears with Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ and Sparks ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Mini Mansions dissect and dismember a thrillingly dark rendition of Edwyn Collins‘ ‘A Girl Like You’, dousing it in the gritty sleazy and intoxicating tones we love from this trio. It’s dark as Shuman howls, screams and deeply haunts over whining guitars and flashing electronics. Filled with infectious shimmy grooves this track will make your skin crawl and tantalize all your senses while creeping into your mind where it will firmly reside for days. They did a cover the only way Mini Mansions can … better than the original.

The talent of this band is immense. Each track was meticulously cultivated – simmering and ripening slowly in Mini Mansions pressure cooker until the band were ready to delight and shatter our ears all at once. It’s exciting to see what each release will bring. They never compromise their sound yet push boundaries and provide an enthralling full bodied sound with every release. There is no one else like Mini Mansions out there at the moment. We need this trio to keep music fresh.

Stream ‘Works Every Time’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Eldren

Denver-based psych-rock group Eldren have returned with their new single, ‘Still Want More’ which is off upcoming album, ‘Miss Information Aged’, which is set to be released September 21 via Needlejuice Records and follows a climatic two year run for the band as they shared the stage with the likes of Gomez, Cold War Kids, The Black Angels, Imagine Dragons and Dr. Dog while also experienced the loss of their founding bassist, Steve Holloway at age 25.

‘Still Want More’ is a juicy glistening number that struts and flexes with prismatic colour and swagger dripping from every glorious note. Velvety vocals glide upon a delicious honey drizzled melody and vibrant backdrop of shimmering synths, tantalizing beats and flamboyant pizzazz. Zealous guitars inject a dash of zest and vibrancy while the glistening synths dazzle and swoon around the dreamy melody. Eldren flood the track with rich doses of swanky panache as a funky bass line weaves between the psychedelic hues and euphoric heavenly synth-pop tones while the guitars provide punchy rock jabs through this angel delight filled tune. It’s so luscious, creamy and rich with chilled vibes consuming the track in a charismatic sun soaked bubble of joy. This is a charming glistening gem that will brighten up your day and have you strutting down the street like a boss- sweet talking your way out of every situation. It’s that good.

 

Stream ‘Still Want More’ below


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Bikini Trill ‘Wassup, We Good?’ EP

Los Angeles based, surf pop trio, Bikini Trill have released their new EP, ‘Wassup, We Good?’. The band combine trap / hip-hop beats, surf guitar and bass, with powerful pop vocals to create a fresh sound and feel-good vibe. This female-fronted group draw inspiration from a variety of genres including punk, reggae, and hip-hop. Formed in 2016 by vocalist Frex (Lauren Johnson), bassist Kourosh Poursalehi, and guitarist Tony Stern, Bikini Trill is a nod to the various musicians and genres from which they draw inspiration- combining the Riot Grrrl punk mentality of Bikini Kill with current urban and trap influences. Currently, the band is celebrating their second mini tour at SXSW in Austin, Texas and are gearing up to tour with Coast Modern and Mikey Mike- playing the House of Blues San Diego, The Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, Arizona, and The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

‘Wassup, We Good?’ is a blissfully melodic collection of tracks that fill your soul with golden luminosity, laid back vibes and euphoric mellowness with an underlying punchy kick to add a bit of spice. Each track fluidly flows into the next from the trippy ‘Napster and Acid (INTRO)’ right through to the seductively slinky ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’– Bikini Trill sandwich in a sweet collection of velvety smooth raspberry ripple tunes to have your mind in a sedative state of creamy groove filled bliss. ‘Chapo Howl’ firmly envelopes you in Bikini Trill’s swirling exhilarating world as vibrant guitars meander through captivating vocals while a subtle drift of sweet psychedelic hued soundscapes wisp like a refreshing breeze over the sugary pop melody. The tracks are addictive and radiate sunny, easy going vibes ‘Smoke A Jay and Watch Yourself Dance’ adds a body moving bouncy rhythm into the mix coaxing your body to sway and bop along while ‘Need Me’ throws in a dash of gritty guitar jingles. Johnson’s vocals are simply captivating and nectarous as she floods each track with a honey steeped sprinkling of sweetness that is delicious to the ears and when teamed with the catchy mouth-watering pop melodies it’s a deadly concoction that leaves you craving more. Bikini Trill manage to balance and blend this sugar rush with some hip-hop beats and biting guitars to add a healthy dose of edge and gritty texture to the tunes. ‘KUT U UP (INTERLUDE)’ and ‘Scarlet’ stride in on a cool swagger driven reggae-esque beat and rich weaving soundscapes that add some attitude and bite while the glistening guitar moments elevate and give a vivid golden lustre to the tracks. The lyrics are honest and rugged and don’t gloss over the themes whereas the instrumental backdrop covers the lyrics with a  hazy dreamy camouflage. In ‘2:25 am’ Johnson’s vocals really hypnotise as she coos and sweetly pines through a sticky beat and lamenting soundscapes- its quite touching and beautiful and the perfect lead in to the closing track ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’, a spaghetti western -esque ditty filled with psychedelic tones and desert like vibes.

‘Wassup, We Good?’ is an absorbing collection of tracks perfect for sweltering hot days as the sun glares and distorts your view allowing Bikini Trill to create sublime delusions with scorching guitars and gloopy beats between luscious melodies and captivating vocals.

Stream ‘Wassup, We Good?’ EP below


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘Tales of Fiction’

Fresh off their slot at Vantastival, Dublin Indie Psychgazers Sun Mahshene are set to release their new single ‘Tales of Fiction’ on the 28th of July. The track was recorded and co-produced by Dan Doherty in Darklands Audio. This is the first single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions & Tales of Fiction’ which is due for release in October 2018. Sun Mahshene started off as a solo project by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Nathan Henderson and soon turned into a collective of talented musicians, bringing Dave Murray on board for drumming duty and Ian McGinn on rhythm and lead guitar. With a mutual ambition to create something special they decided to merge their wide range of influences and joined forces with Darren Hughes on Bass and Ryan Daffy as third guitarist.

These guys know how to make mind melting tunes and ‘Tales of Fiction’ is no different. Filled with shrilling guitars and floor shaking punchy drums and bass combination, the monstrous wall of sound this track brings is something to behold. Swirling soundscapes mystify with wispy dreamy kaleidoscopic hues while the crashing biting guitars soar, wail and glide with a relentless onslaught into your ears in the most captivating and thrilling manner that leaves you in a blissful haze of euphoria. The adrenaline rush that exudes from this track is sublime while the smooth honey drizzled melody flows in on a laid-back cloud of sweet sedation. Henderson’s vocals weave between powerfully dynamic and velvety smooth tones while oozing a fiery passion. It’s a big tune camouflaged as a sweet psych trip. Once this track kicks in it goes full throttle – psychedelic indie rock at its shoegazing fueled best.  Once again Sun Mahshene produce a fresh mouth-watering slice of captivating infectiousness to sink our teeth into.

Stream ‘Tales of Fiction’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Serene ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’

Psychedelic rock trio Serene are set to release two new songs, ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ this week for Kendal calling.  The band who are based in The Lake District and Liverpool have regular spots on the Manchester and Liverpool circuit; The Night and Day Cafe, The Castle, Zombie Shack, The Peer Hat, The Zanzibar, along with the brand new Peaky Blinders Bar (Liverpool). In summer, Serene are often found at a multitude of Lake District festivals, such as Kendal Calling, EskFest, Another Fine Fest, PigFest, DogFest, MoonFest, Noon til Midnight and Grasmere Guzzler. In the summer of 2016 they embarked upon a two week tour of Italy, previewing their new material prior to releasing their debut album – ‘The Lonely Road’. This proved a successful adventure, as it gained the band a session with BBC Introducing, along with CumbriaLIVE describing the band as ‘one of the finest live acts in the county’. Serene also supported Nazareth on their tour of England in January this year.

‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ display the depth and maturity of this trio. Their precise and enthralling musicianship is what I have come to love about this band. ‘Pendle Hill’ swirls with dark eerie tones creating a spine chilling atmosphere as haunting vocals sets the harrowing scene for the shadowy verses. The flickering guitars meander through the almost tribal beat adding a danceable groove to the psychedelic mindless soundscapes. If you want a submerging chilling experience filled with rich tangible instrumentation that grips and pulls you into a mysterious world of ominous possibilities this is the tune for you. The depths and multi textures layered into a captivating hypnotic tune is masterful and just a first class experience. ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ follows this marvelous trend with cool tones over sweltering oriental-esque and sometimes traditional or Celtic -ish guitar moments. The melody is superbly melancholic as it sweeps and rushes over the psychedelic hues with a grandeur and elegance that would bring a gentle tear to your eye. The bass and drums keep an elastic and fluctuant groovy foundation for the ethereal luscious soundscapes to wisp around and playfully rebound off. This dreamy hazy gem floats about with a feathery lightness while still maintaining a meaty brawny hold. Vocals gently coo and brood with an angelic heavenly sweetness while this infectious mesmerising track immerses you in an overwhelming surge of euphoric yet wistful bliss.

These guys are coming into their prime and it’s a pleasure to watch and experience their magnificent tunes come to life is such a beautiful colourful and prismatic way.

Stream ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ below


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Tempesst ‘Doomsday’

London-based psych-pop quintet Tempesst have released their latest single ‘Doomsday’, the title track from their forthcoming EP.  The band first originated in Queensland, Australia on the Sunshine Coast, based around twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums). After a move across the globe, the outfit — rounded out by Eric Weber (guitars), Kane Reynolds (keys), and Blake Misipeka (bass) — made their raucous debut with the 2017 EP ‘Adult Wonderland,’ earning widespread praise in the U.K., which led to dates supporting the likes of Temper Trap and Albert Hammond Jr., and showcases at The Great Escape, NME Awards, and Live At Leeds. The new track is in part a reflection on how our addition to social media and the internet have turned us into mindless creatures, and part a commentary on the current state of the world.

‘Doomsday’ is a mysterious swirling brew of classic ’60s and ’70s influenced psychedelic rock and delicious pop that leaves you in a mind melting daze of delight. Tasty guitar whines weave between dizzying hazy electronics while the smooth melody cruises in to soothe the mind and sugar coat the woozy psychedelic swoons. It’s deliciously creamy with an underling fuzzed sting as the guitars whip a dash of zest into this enthralling liquefying mixture. The luring vocals tease and tempt throughout the eerie verses as lush backing vocals coo and haunt the background leading you deeper and deeper into the consuming trippy abyss of the track. Filled with creepy tones under a captivating cinematic soundscape this earworm has all the component parts to draw the listener in and trap them in its honey drizzled magnetising sound. Its infectious and a truly satisfying listen.

“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve felt so aware of my mortality and it probably doesn’t help that the Facebook and Netflix algorithms have cottoned on and keep feeding me shit on the topic,” Toma says about the track. “‘Doomsday’ is the start of what will probably be a long running theme.”

Stream ‘Doomsday’ below


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, psychedelic

The Vryll Society ‘Light At The Edge Of The World’

Psychedelic Risers The Vryll Society have released their new single ‘Light At The Edge Of The World’ from their debut LP ‘Course Of The Satellite’ set for release 10th August via Deltasonic Records. Having already produced a series of critically acclaimed singles, including  ‘A Perfect Rhythm’ and ‘Shadow Of A Wave’, the fast-rising Merseyside outfit are primed for their first full-length release, with impressive appearances at the likes of Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and TRNSMT helping them develop a staunch grassroots following. The band have received extensive support from BBC Introducing with slots at their SXSW and Glastonbury showcases alongside a Maida Vale live session over the past 18 months, whilst widespread acclaim from Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Phil Taggart (BBC Radio 1) and Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music) has seen the spotlight on the psych-pop quintet intensify, leading to supports with Blossoms, The Coral and The Kooks.

‘Light At The Edge Of The World’ is a pop sprinkled whirl of blissful psychedelia that glides in on a delicious sugar coated wave of swirling soundscapes while gentle guitars twinkle between a snapping glucose sticky beat and groovy bassline. The sweet vocals caress the divine melty melody as the tightly layered space rock electronics wisp and coil about playfully. It’s a breezy sweet little number smothered in euphoric bliss and intensely rich textures. The weaving keys wander between the dreamy soundscapes while jangly guitars entwine around the luscious melody adding a dash of zest and juicy texture to this feathery light trippy gem. The touch of distortion adds some grit and dizzying quality to the mind melting bliss while that heavenly pop melody hooks you into the enthralling beauty of this magnificent track. It’s well-crafted and meticulously arranged to make for a completely submerging tasty listen.

You can catch The Vryll Society Live at

21 July – Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF)

09 Oct – Bristol Exchange, Bristol

10 Oct – Heartbreakers, Southampton

11 Oct – The Lexington, London

12 Oct – The Actress and Bishop, Birmingham

16 Oct – Soup Kitchen, Manchester

17 Oct – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

18 Oct – Brudenell Social Club (Community Room), Leeds

19 Oct – Liverpool 02 Academy 2, Liverpool

Stream ‘Light At The Edge Of The World’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Glam Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Tropical Indie

FLING ‘Extra Special’

Bradford’s resident psychedelic rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Extra Special’ which was produced by Lee Smith and Jamie Lockhart at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs, Pulled Apart By Horses, Submotion Orchestra, Snarky Puppy). Known for their wildly eccentric live shows, the burgeoning quintet have already built up quite the following, with their playful personalities seeing them well-received on the festival circuit so far this summer and have earned plaudits from the likes of Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1) and Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music).

‘Extra Special’ is a delicious mouth watering glam pop number brimming with oodles of luscious melodies and fruity components to make for a satisfying listen. This track will have you drooling over its subtle gush of juicy guitar injections and sugar saturated shimmering keys. The laid back almost whispered vocals lure and entice you into this tropical bliss as Charles McSorley sprawls upon the melty melody with irresistible panache and charm while a rich rhythm shimmies and shakes creating a captivating fluctuant foundation for this delectable track. The wandering keys playfully weave between the mesmerising melodies while a glorious stinging guitar glimmers a blazing solo to create a dreamy psyche hued haze over this infatuating tune. This track is well crafted to alert all the senses and surge a sublime wave of tantalising sounds into your ears.

Discussing the single, the band stated: “It’s about that private time of solitude in between the chaos where you choose whatever it is you want to do, whether it be smoking or something else. The moment where you empty your mind from all thoughts and just experience coexisting with someone or something that gets your vibe”.

Stream ‘Extra Special’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Delphina Kings ‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ EP

Following the release of their singles ‘Lovestruck’ and ‘Kid Calm Down’, Manchester-based indie rock band Delphina Kings have announced the release of new EP ‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ on 6th July. The release will coincide with an EP release party, which will see the band headline Gullivers NQ in their hometown of Manchester on Saturday 7th July. Support will come from fellow North West acts SUNGLO, RAVELLAS and FLANEUR.

‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ is an infectious collection of adrenaline pumping indie rock that sizzles and boils beneath your skin with thrilling instrumentation. ‘I’m Numb’ kicks off this scorching mania with shrilling distorted guitars over a punchy rhythmic backdrop of danceable groove infected bass lines and shaky percussion teamed with buoyant drums. These guys exude steamy swagger as effortless cool vocals glide over a frenzied strut worthy buzz of sublime instrumentation and dizzying acid soaked soundscapes. Their high voltage sound fills you with an effervescent whir of intensity as each track whacks out a kinetic energy with a sublime anthemic punch. ‘Electric’ is the perfect example of this. The shredding guitars teamed with spiraling vigorous soundscapes makes for an enthralling instantly electrifying listen. Each track surges with heart racing euphoria from the soaring ‘Like You’ with its slinky funk hued persona drizzled in psychedelia to the luring creepy final track ‘Delirious’, Delphina Kings showcase their slick swagger drenched style in all its glory. ‘Like You’ makes a shift in their sound as they hone in on the sultry psychedelic tones, building them meticulously to create a steamy 60’s -esque trippy number that renders you trapped in its sweet luscious delusions. The soothing gentle vocals coo and caress the melty melody while distorted guitars build for the dynamic chorus. ‘Delirious’ closes the EP continuing the psychedelic tones however taking them to darker more eerie depths. The steady beat and strumming guitar becomes the constant as the wispy melody slips between the sleepy hypnotic soundscapes. Their knack with melodies makes each track easy to sing along to with a delightful ear worm effect that will have them stuck in your head all day while the bands ability to blend genres seamlessly makes the experience instantly satisfying.

About the EP bassist/lyricist Andy Hoskinson said : “We’ve only released singles so far, and we wanted to give people something a little longer to get their teeth into, let them get to know us better”. “An EP isn’t necessarily the done thing any more, it feels rebellious”, adds frontman Chris Gibson.

For more you can follow Delphina Kings on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/delphinakings

 

 


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Trance

Lucille Furs ‘Another Land’

Lucille Furs are a Chicago-based 4-piece psychedelic rock/baroque pop band who take inspiration from not only 60¹s trailblazers The Beatles, The Kinks and Love but from contemporary acts such as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Temples and The Horrors. The band have released their new single ‘Another Land’ by Treehouse Records. After a successful run of showcases at SXSW and a show at Elsewhere in Brooklyn recently, Lucille Furs are looking forward to several shows/festival performances this summer, including sets at the Summer Camp Music Festival and SummerFest in Milwaukee.The band comprised of members Patrick Tsotsos (bass, vocals), Nick Dehmlow (guitar), Brendan Peleo (Lazar-drums, percussion) and Trevor Newton Pritchett (vocals, guitar) have also released a video for ‘Another Land’ which was directed by Celia Marie Peterson and shot on location in Paris, France.

‘Another Land’ is a sheer psychedelic marvel. Doused in a dreamy mirage of glittering guitars between swirling trippy soundscapes this track is a kaleidoscopic curling mind melting surge of utopia. The guitars venture from an Oriental guitar style to spaghetti western -esque seamlessly while a bopping beat hops along the molten melody. It’s hazy, blissfully dazing obscurity that soothes and tranquillises your mind melting it into a slushy of creamy fluffy bliss. The deeply hallucinating instrumental firmly grips you into the wispy clutches of the track while velvety vocals coo and pacify leaving you in a lush liquefying state of ecstasy. It’s pretty chill and mellow-taking all your moods and feelings away leaving you mindlessly wallowing in this trippy lush daydream.

Watch the video for ‘Another Land’ below