Category Archives: indie rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Shamona ‘FLY’

 

Shamona are a three piece band from Liverpool which consists of members Pete Riley (Lead Vocals and Bass guitar), Andy O’Connor (Lead guitar and Backing Vocals) and Matty Colfar (Drums).They have been named in Fred Perry’s top 20 bands in Liverpool, while their track ‘Game Is Yours’ was recently used in the Everton Fc Season Ticket Campaign. They have also opened for many national touring acts and have received plaudits and endorsements from the likes of Edwin McCain (platinum selling US singer/songwriter), Dave McCabe (The Zutons) Nile Rogers (Chic) Garry Christian (The Christians) Tom Clarke (The Enemy) and footballer, Everton and England’s Leighton Baines (EFC). Shamona have also recently been championed by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks, Billy Butler, Spencer Leigh, and Jay Hynd and Ellie Phillips of Juice FM, Bay TV Liverpool. Shamona have recently released a brand new music video for their track ‘FLY’ on Curious Fox Records.
‘FLY’ is classic rock tucked up in a warm melody and  tight instrumentation. It’s a cruising laid-back track backed by rich luscious sweet toned guitar and a soft bounce on rhythm. It’s simple yet opulent with passion and soul. Velvety vocals with raspy hints add a smooth coating as the track floods with a free airy vibe. It’s a track that hits you with heartfelt emotion and cosy tones and really warms the cockles of your heart.
Shamona have started to gather a lot of momentum and are set to embark on their first European tour this summer, (including a number of sold out shows in the Netherlands) and are currently on tour in the U.K. check out their Facebook page here for more https://www.facebook.com/ShamonaBand/
Watch the video for ‘FLY’ below


Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Basement Revolver ‘Johnny Pt. 2’

Formed in the honest grit of Hamilton, Ontario, Basement Revolver have seen a quick and notable ascent into the spotlight with their unique brand of 90’s infused indie-rock. Their first EP racked up over 800,000+ plays on Spotify and nearly 100,000 plays on SoundCloud and they have also managed to open for accomplished national acts like Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club), We Are The City, Evening Hymns and The Acorn. The three piece have now released their new single ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ which follows last year’s EP and debut single ‘Johnny’. The song comes from their forthcoming second EP ‘Agatha’ out this July 21st on Yellow K Records in the US and fear of missing out in Europe.
‘Johnny Pt. 2’ is emotionally translucent, like glass this track is delicate and breakable as Chrisy Hurn’s vocals display raw emotion and longing while instrumentally it holds strong and firm. It’s a slow burner brooding from the start and soaked in yearning tones with a soft beat and electronic hints, it’s a captivating and refined experience. Elastic beat and strident sting on guitar adds a raw edge and organic coarse texture. The sweet soft vocals smoothen the track and highlight the tender lyrics. Building as it progresses with sonic blends winding in and out, its almost hypnotic and mesmerising yet so delicate.
When asked about the track the band said “This new track continues the story. Johnny Pt. 2 was written almost directly after I broke up with “Johnny” – it was the heartbreak caused by an end, the wish that I could have been better, and the desire to continue a friendship. When a friendship wasn’t possible, I wanted them to know that heartbreak or not, I would be there if needed – I would put aside all the things that broke our relationship and the things that gave me identity for a chance at friendship. In hindsight, I have since learned a lot about myself, and that I don’t need to disappear in order to have people that I care about in life.”
Stream ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ below


Indie, indie rock, New Music

OFFICERS ‘Born in May’

OFFICERS have released their new single ‘Born in May’. OFFICERS creative heartbeat consist of Jamie Baker and Matthew Southall who write, record and produce the band’s music and videos. The band who are based in Leeds and Manchester have written and recorded tracks for TV and Film including for ‘The Blacklist’, ‘The Finder/Bones’, ‘Scrubbing In’ and ‘BBC Earth’. They have remixed, toured and collaborated with artists such as Placebo, and Linkin Park. Following the release of the their debut album, ‘On The Twelve Thrones’, OFFICERS embarked on two celebrated tours with electronic music pioneer Gary Numan, forming a strong friendship that led to the penning and releasing the C.A.L.M. charity-supporting single ‘Petals’ together on the bands own label (hitting No.2 on the German airplay singles charts), and collaborating on various remixes together.
‘Born in May’ is an aerial slice of indie rock completed with sharp ethereal guitars, elastic smack on drums and breezy electronics. With rippled soundscapes giving the track a bubbly wavy texture and a ruffled passionate vibe. Smooth lo-fi vocals coo throughout the track with a warm sun kissed soothing relaxed melody creating a daisy filled image of bliss. The dark tinged electronics give a sticky swirling neon vibe which blends and playfully contrasts the bright light flickering strides on guitar. It’s razor sharp in places holding a sense of raw energy while also maintaining a creamy, smooth polished indie sound.
Speaking recently, OFFICERS said; “Born In May has greater depth than our previous work, as do the 30+ tracks we’ve now accumulated – It’s all quite cinematic. The lighter sides have more neon, and the darker sides feel more hypnotic and malevolent. We’re more confident in what we do, and we’ve got better at what we do. The people we’ve worked with and things we’ve learnt over the last few years has all helped to inform that. Getting it to fit on an album and put it out coherently in the traditional sense though became a challenge, and we agonised over that.That’s why we’ve taken so long to put new stuff out. It’s time to relinquish that anxiety a bit and just let people hear the songs, so we plan to put them out one at a time. People listen to music in a completely different way now, so hopefully, discovering new music from us regularly is something that new and existing fans will look forward to discovering.”

Stream ‘Born in May’ below

https://soundcloud.com/creative-condition/02-born-in-may-officers-44100hz-16bits-mastered/s-2xnEI


Classic Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Paradox ‘All Life Matters’

Corks Alternative Rock band Paradox have released their new single ‘All Life Matters’. It is the eagerly awaited follow up single to their last album ‘Chapters’. Paradox have released 4 studio albums to date. Their debut album ‘Circle of Growth’ was recorded in Los Angeles in 2000 and released on a US label. Their second album ‘Sacred’ was recorded and released in 2004, ‘Corporate Pollution’ was released in 2011 and their latest album ‘Chapters’ released in 2015. They have toured both Europe and the US as well as playing support to the likes of Therapy?, Kerbdog and Shonen Knife. 2014 saw Paradox back in the studio recording their 4th album to date at Wavefield Recording Studios in Bantry, West Cork with multi tasking musician and engineer Brian Casey on the desk.
‘All Life Matters’ flows like a rock ballad brimming with emotion but packing a mighty punch.Starting melodic with soft drum beats and warm acoustic guitar the track glides with a sway-like comforting quality.The raspy vocals soothe with a melancholic melody dowsed in tender tones.The track builds becoming more grunge infused breaking into a proper hard hitting almost fist pumping fury filled classic rock anthem.With a shredding shrilling guitar feature that rips gripping emotion while the drums become more punchy and mighty. The lyrics criticise the current media climate creating a gloomy and dismal almost heartbreaking tone. However Paradox tell it how it is while strongly knocking us back to our senses relaying how it should be “All Life Matters Whatever race or colour All Life Matters”. There is depth behind this band and it really come across in this track.
Stream ‘All Life Matters’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Blues, Garage Rock, Garage-Psych, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Swedish Death Candy ‘Won’t be long’

London four piece Swedish Death Candy have released their bruising new track ‘Won’t be long’. Band members Louis Perry (Vocals/Guitar), Jiwoon Whang (Bass), Marco Ninni (Drums)and Francesco Codardo (Guitar) create heavy blues dowsed in heavier psych in a giant cast-metal kiln, the end result from this particular forging is a three minute metric tonne of rock entitled ‘Won’t be long’.
‘Won’t be long’ is rough raw garage swallowed up in a hefty rhythm while spitting acidic bluesy riffs.The maddening blues tinged riffs wallop through the track with sensual slick frenzy while the pummelling drums kick out a stomping beat. Its hair raising, thrilling mania that batters your skull with the most electrifying invigorating assault it can endure. Brimming with distortion and oozing cool sweat and leather swagger with massive harmonised guitar choruses and catchy lyrics, its a mighty meaty punch and exhilarating surge of heavy rock. What a track, it has everything you want and more. Definitely a band to watch out for.
Stream ‘Won’t be long’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Himalayas

Cardiff four-piece Himalayas have released a video to coincide with the release of their new single ‘Thank God I’m Not You’. The Tom Large directed video takes place at the derelict St. Luke’s Church in the Welsh town Abercarn. Filming of the video took place in one day and spanned 22 hours, with the generator almost cutting out in the middle of the night. With a slew of network radio plays and rowdy gigs across the country, the first half of 2017 has seen Himalayas catapulted to completely new heights.
‘Thank God I’m Not You’ is a scorching indie rock track, boisterous and fiery with strident guitars and punchy drums. Exuding rebellious swagger filled attitude this track hits with high voltage energy and explosive might. Piercing guitar riffs shrill through the track leading to that lusty solo that is so slick its air guitar ready. Brawny rhythm pounds with headbang ready potency as the track builds to a strong vigorous crescendo. Its a catchy effective blow to the head of loud and noisy indie/alt-rock and is absolutely riveting.
You can catch Himalayas live at
27th May – The Verve, Leeds.
9th June – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
7th July – The Magnet, Liverpool
8th July – The Half Moon, Putney
18th July – The Social Bar, Doncaster
5th August – The Verve, Leeds
30th September – The Gate, Cardiff
Of the video, the band said, “The concept of the video is a sense of torture, not only from other people but from your own self; the idea that you and many others criticise every last detail of your person.”
Watch the video for ‘Thank God I’m Not You’ below


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

Strange Cages ‘Leader Of A Cult’

Strange Cages are set to make their return with an epic new EP this June. With their frenetic, snotty, psych-surf rock ‘n’ roll sound in the vein of The Cramps or Ty Segall, Brighton’s Strange Cages have made big strides in their short existence, gaining support from the likes of Clash Magazine, NME, Q Magazine, The 405 and The Line of Best Fit, whilst tearing up stages in support of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Night Beats, and Boogarins. Having followed up their Theo Verney produced debut ‘Desert’ with their next release ‘Pony’, the trio are now set to release a new 6-track EP ‘The Cracks’ on Vallence Records this June, with new single ‘Leader Of A Cult’ being the first track to surface from the upcoming EP.
‘Leader Of A Cult’ is a dark sinister track all menacing with spine chilling elements of krautrock combined with post-punk. Floppy wobbly riffs smothered in sultry psychedelia create a tranquillised dreamy half passed out state of delusion. Punchy drums and foreboding vocals create an eerie creepy vibe within the musical hallucination. Its like a 60’s trippy dream that has taken a dark perilous turn into a shaky paranoid nightmare. The track becomes more intense with fuzzed distortion perfectly placed like a mind boggled unfortunate soul frothing from the mouth on the cusp of a seizure. ‘Leader Of A Cult’ is a stirring opaque mind-bending trip sweltering in sticky psychedelia that will have you in a hazy paralysed daze . These guys are a band to get excited about.
You can catch Strange Cages live at
19 May – BRIGHTON – The Globe
20 May – MANCHESTER – The Peer Hat
22 May – BRISTOL – Crofters Rights (w/ Vulgarians)
23 May – LONDON – The Old Blue Last (w/ Vulgarians)
25 May – HULL – The New Adelphi
27 May – NOTTINGHAM – Rock City (w/ Vulgarians)
28 May – LEEDS – Eiger Studios
Watch the video for ‘Leader Of A Cult’ below


Indie, Indie Quick Picks, indie rock, New Music, Pop Punk, Singer/Songwriter

Indie Quick Picks

Jamie Martin

 

Genre: blues/soul/rock singer-songwriter

Bio: The young artist and producer from Glasgow fuses indie and soul songwriting with modern blues rock guitar heroics. Influenced by John Mayer, Ben Howard and John Martyn and known for his combination of honest and intimate live shows, Jamie offers a unique, multi-layered interpretation of the traditional solo singer-songwriter. His introduction to a music career began with production and engineering, experience which he is now utilising with his own sonically diverse and innovative recordings which recall Bon Iver and recent City & Colour albums. Following the release of his debut self-titled EP last year, Jamie played high profile shows at prestigious Glasgow venues King Tut’s, ABC and The Garage and blew away audiences at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Jamie will be playing more live dates with his backing band this Spring and Summer.

Track: What’s The Use

When asked about the track Jamie said :
“I originally wrote this song about being divided from someone at the end of a failing relationship, but it since took on a more generalised meaning – that basing your views and definitions of right and wrong without a contrasting viewpoint splits us all into our own little self-curated social circles. Sonically, I wanted the song to follow the bleak sentiment of the lyrics with distortion on just about everything.”

Why we Like It: Its a heart wrenching passionate bluesy piece of melancholy alt. soul. With gripping yearning vocals and emotion stirring sharp guitar. Its an eloquent piece of musicianship that drips heavy doses of passion and longing from every note.

You can follow Jamie Martin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/jamiemartinmusic/
Stream ‘What’s The Use’ below

 

The Indigo Project

Genre: indie-punk

Bio: In the two years since forming, the young 5-piece have played Leeds & Reading Festival, wowed an 8000-strong Millennium Square crowd, supported The DMAs, Ocean Colour Scene and The Sherlocks and built a fervent local fanbase with a string of sold out, exuberant headline shows.
Track: Taste It

When asked about the track frontman Joe Spink said :
“Taste It is a song about wanting someone desperately, despite the fact that you know it’s a bad idea, That person could be almost within arm’s length, but also just out of reach – so close you can almost taste it.”
Why we Like It: Is a blistering catchy piece of indie punk. Soaked in luscious bright vibes and blazing guitar hooks this anthemic track is perfect for festival singalongs. With a sultry pre- chorus followed by a massive infectious sun soaked chorus, its instantly likeable. These guys are ones I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more of.
You can follow The Indigo Project on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/indigoprojectuk/
Watch the video for ‘Taste It’ below

Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here 

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Wolves of Youth ‘It’s Not For You’

Wolves of Youth are a four piece indie rock band from Donegal, Ireland. The band consists of members Garry Doherty (Lead vocals/Guitar), Stephen Shelly (Lead Guitar), Ciaran O’Reilly (Bass/Vocals) and Daniel McGettigan (Drums). Wolves of Youth’s lively energetic performances and catchy tunes have already garnered them a lot of attention. The band have been relentlessly touring throughout the country since their formation, playing venues up and down the country supporting bands such as, The Academic and the Strypes as well as Festivals such as Electric Picnic, Indiependence and Sea Sessions to name but a few. The quartet have recently been in the studio with renowned producer Philip Magee(Kodaline,The Academic,The Blizzards, Hero’s in Hiding) and released their single ‘Say Something’ in November last year. The single which we featured on Indie Buddie has received air play on national radio stations and the band where recently invited to 2FM for a live studio 8 session on The Eoghan McDermott Show. The band have already been announced to play at Sea Sessions and Bare in The Woods this year, and have today released their new single ‘It’s Not For You’
‘It’s Not For You’ is a deeply rich melodic song brimming with true passion and commitment. Swooning verses lead into a mighty chorus that invokes the image of a thousand festival lighters held aloft and swaying. Intensely emotional the track builds to a powerful warm hearted crescendo. Steady heavy drums accompany the verse becoming more aggressive and punchy for the chorus. Warm mellow guitar twinkles in and out adding sharp bright flickers of light. The guitar solo really shines with glorious scintillation lifting the track into a sublime ethereal state of bliss. Raspy passionate vocals add a stirring rich quality and rugged texture. ‘It’s Not For You’ is another stunning track from Wolves of Youth as these guys show their sophisticated and proficient yet intensely emotional musicianship.
Watch the video for ‘It’s Not For You’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Nash ‘CK’

London-based singer songwriter Nash has released his debut EP ‘She Don’t Know’. Recorded at the legendary RAK Studios, ‘She Don’t Know’ has the feel of 60s rock but with a modern twist, Listening to the Beatles and Jack White growing up and being influenced by their melodic sentiment and dirty sound, Nash started working with producer JB Pilon in 2016 to record his debut EP. Nash uses a 60s vibe to speak about love and every dimension of it that he went through. Euphoric and playful, angry and noir-esque, his music is an introduction to the desperate escape of a young professional in rock music.
The leading single ‘CK’ is an infectious groovy track smothered in playful energetic vibes. This nifty track exudes swagger and exuberant flamboyance. Punchy drums pound through the track with relentless bounce and stamina while razor sharp zesty guitar shreds with a blistering strut quality and fire. Its that slick spirited track that seeps effortlessly cool panache and charm. Its high energy and infectious chorus will have you up dancing and shimmying while bellowing out the lyrics in no time. Those swanky guitar strides dazzle with mesmerising charisma and that shredding solo, spectacularly thrilling.
Stream ‘CK ‘ below