Category Archives: indie rock

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Grey Merchant ‘Convenience’

Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, have announced details of a 3rd single release, ‘Convenience’ which is due for release May 31 on Spotify, iTunes, and the usual digital platforms. The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of their friends and fellow musicians. ‘Convenience’ is the follow up to their previous single releases ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil)’ and ‘The Last Transmission’, and sets the tone for their forth-coming album ‘Avenue De Rennes’ expected in late July this year.
‘Convenience’ is a boisterous display of fist pounding rock. Pummelling drums teamed with strident vigorous guitars create a gritty balls out fiery track that batters your eardrums with classic rock noise and stoner rock seizures. With frenzy causing mania and raspy yell on vocals its a rapid bar brawl of clobbering upheaval. This neck snapping catchy track is mighty and head-bang worthy it will have a live audience going crazy.
Stream ‘Convenience’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Bantam Lyons ‘When Lips Turn Purple’

Originally from France, the 4-piece Bantam Lyons are releasing a new EP ‘Oh Cordélia’ on May 14th through Kshantu Records, as well as performing at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton on May 20th. Established and revered in their home country, the Gallic 4-piece have already been turning heads on UK shores with a series of acclaimed performances, bringing the band attention from the likes of Mojo Magazine, as well as winning them an invite to perform at this year’s Great Escape Festival in Brighton this May. The band have released their first track from the EP ‘When Lips Turn Purple’ to give us a taste of what we can look forward to.
‘When Lips Turn Purple’ is a darkly stained eerie Gothic-tinged track that packs a fiery punch. Chilling with spooky tones driven by stirring piercing guitar and rapid fierce relentlessly brutal drumming. With emotional agonising vocals this track is a stabbing acute shrilling blow to the head. Bitter and earsplitting-ly powerful Bantam Lyons penetrate your skull with a blistering inferno so eerie and thrilling its hair- raisingly good. A must listen.
Stream ‘When Lips Turn Purple’ below


Indie, indie rock, New Music

Polar States ‘Gold’

Liverpool’s emerging indie rockers Polar States are back with a brand new single ‘Gold’ which is taken from the band’s upcoming debut EP ‘Electric’. Championed by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, the up and coming Indie four piece have exploded locally and nationally, selling out the Liverpool o2 Academy twice and completing a 10 date UK tour in support of their previous single ‘Elizabeth’, which was added to the BBC Radio 1 ‘Best Of Introducing’ playlist and the Topshop playlist. 2016 saw the band appear at Liverpool Sound City, Tramlines and X&Y Festival in addition to supporting Clean Cut Kid, The Japanese House, We Were Promised Jetpacks and more.
‘Gold’ is a sparkling vivid indie track loaded with fresh bright radiant vibes. Zingy sharp guitar riffs add juicy refreshing burst to the track while the drums add a peppy bounce. This track is effortlessly smooth and cool as the melody cruises with a laid back sunny day dream vibe. Building to a glorious crescendo this track has ebullient zestful energy gushing from every note while remaining calm and breezy. Coated in lush passionate vocals and an irresistible melody this track is one to put on repeat.
According to the band the song is about valuing what you have vocalist/ guitarist Paul Tong said
“The ‘million in my heart line’ was basically a way of saying you should see wealth not in terms of money, but in terms of the people around you whom matter.”
You can catch Polar States live at
24 / 06 – CHEDDLETON / ASHCOMBURY FESTIVAL
30-2 / 07 – MANCHESTER / SONDER FESTIVAL
01 / 07 – LEEDS / WELCOME TO THE NORTH FESTIVAL
21-23 / 07 – MANCHESTER / BLACKTHORN FESTIVAL
22 / 07 – WARRINGTON / FRIARS COURT
23 / 07 – SHEFFIELD / TRAMLINES FESTIVAL
more dates TBA.
Stream ‘Gold’ below

https://soundcloud.com/polarstates/polarstates-gold


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Iron Islands ‘Within These Bones’

London alternative rock trio Iron Islands have released their new track ‘Within These Bones’. The track was written about lead singer, Martin Andrews’ experience of losing his father and all the money made from the downloads are going to the British Heart Foundation.
‘Within These Bones’ is a delicate heartfelt slow jam. Elegant piano gently glides throughout the track with a free flowing innocence while the cushioned drums and strong bass give support and strength to this emotional tender song. Though the subject matter is sombre and raw the instrumentation maintains a hopeful bounce and positivity almost like a comforting warm blanket against the harsh reality. Iron Islands beautifully portray this emotional story of coming to grips with the loss of a loved one with dignity and superb elegance.
You can buy ‘Within These Bones’ here https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/within-these-bones-single/id1231961345

 

Stream ‘Within These Bones’ below


Acid Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Odd Couple ‘Flügge’

German duo Odd Couple Tammo Dehn and Jascha Kreft, have released their new single ‘Flügge’ which is the title track off their album.This dirty scuzzy riff loaded track is as dark and thrilling as they come. Smothered in psychedelic vibes, its a dizzying trip that blisters and spits gritty rock. This grunge-laden track is a steady beefy jittery wallop, highly strung and intense – its headbanging-ly good. The raspy rough vocals will make your blood tingle while the punchy drums and melody assaults your ears with the most mind blowing electrifying sound your ears will probably ever experience. Its blissfully obscure, mighty and overpowering. The track finishes with an odd acoustic bit which is pretty random but I love it.
Stream ‘Flügge’ below


Acid Rock, Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Cuckoos

Psych rock band The Cuckoos from Austin have recently released their self-titled debut EP. The Cuckoos are Kenneth Frost (Lead Vocals/Songwriter, Keys), Dave North (Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals), Eric Ross (Bass) and Cole Koenning (Drums). These young guys (the oldest is just 21) create music that sounds like it’s straight from the 1960’s however with their own unique twist. The quartet recently completed a successful first-ever run at SXSW and aren’t slowing down any time soon, booking shows across their home-state and in the UK. We have chosen their track ‘Mind Breakthrough’ as our worth a listen track this week.
‘Mind Breakthrough’ is a dark grimy twisted concoction of classic rock brewed with psychedelic garage and hints of acid. Its an opaque trip into a thick hazy hallucinogenic delusion. With mesmerising eerie synths and thrilling razor sharp guitar, its a swirling dizzy opiate mirage smothered in dark dingy tones. The groovy rhythm adds a shimmy to the track, the limp kind one would do when mind boggled and dazed. Deep strong vocals command with a spellbinding possession while the track consumes you in its narcotic swirling abyss. ‘ Mind Breakthrough’ is an enchanting luring track that is riveting and smothered in nostalgic and retro vibes. It showcases the fine musicianship of these young guys. If they are writing tracks like this now imagine whats next… its going to be good. Watch out for these guys.

Stream ‘Mind Breakthrough’ below

https://soundcloud.com/the-cuckoos/mind-breakthrough-1


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

Get Inuit ‘All My Friends’

Get Inuit have released their new single ‘All My Friends’. The band’s previous release ‘Barbiturates’ which we featured on Indie Buddie revealed the large scope and diversity the band have available in their repertoire, as well as furthering their support from Radio 1, with the track getting regular play on MistaJam and Huw Stephens’ shows.

The new single ‘All My Friends’ is a strike of mighty vigorous pop that spits sharp dynamic energy from every note. Punchy drums and the piercing zesty sting on guitars cut deep while the sugar coated infectious pop melody soothes almost acting as a shield to hide behind whilst the lyrics lash out at loved ones and lament normality. This high powered track follows the ear worm dazzling prowess we know and love from Get Inuit however with lyrical gashes. These guys are a band to get excited about.

When asked about the track frontman Jamie Glass said:

“I wrote it as a sort of anti-enjoyment song to compete with all of the age orientated pop music I hear in mainstream music. I wanted to use lyrics that would alienate people that live inside their bubbles whilst constantly trying to rationalise all of the safe decisions they made to get to that point. Although the message is clear throughout song – I wanted to appear a little hypocritical and a little childish. I leaned towards using squeamish metaphors to make a mockery of the point I was making.”

 

The band are putting on a headline show at London’s Dingwalls this month, where they’ll be showcasing their blistering and energetic set on Thursday 25th May, following a sold out show at The Lexington at the start of the year.

You can also catch them live at

6th May – 02 Institute 3, Birmingham (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

8th May – The Exchange, Bristol (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

9th May – Patterns, Brighton (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

12th May – Sound Control, Manchester (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

20th May – Academy, Liverpool (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

25th May – Dingwalls, London

8th July – 2000 Trees, Cheltenham

22nd July – Truck Festival, Oxfordshire

12th September – Boardmasters, Cornwall

Watch the lyric video for ‘All My Friends’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Indie Buddie Introducing : The Hemingways

The Hemingways are a five piece rock band from London. Consisting of Louis Takooree, James Burrage, Ben Butler, Jack Ames and Noah Henry.  Despite mostly still being in their teens, some members have been playing together for close to 10 years resulting in a musical chemistry not expected from a band of their age. Their debut single ‘Never Alone’, produced with Tom Donovon (Monster Florence, Animal Noise) is now available to stream on Soundcloud and will be officially released on all other platforms May 1st.
‘Never Alone’ is a catchy energetic track, invigorated with plenty of scuzzy elements to add a gravelly raw texture. Its infectious light anthemic melody keeps the track fun while sharp guitars and mighty drums keep it endearing enough to pack a punch. Raspy powerful vocals are reminiscent of a good classic rock track, full of emotion and wallop. Zealous guitar flickers in and out with feathery light nimbility and sizzling intensity while this mighty track explodes into an arena worthy feverish chorus. The Hemingways have created a blistering track that introduces them in a blaze of fire onto the scene. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Stream ‘Never Alone’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock

Motions ‘All I’ve Ever Known’

Dublin alternative rock band Motions have released their new single ‘All I’ve Ever Known’. The band was formed by Tom Daly and Dave Nulty in late 2015. They create a sound with powerful vocals accompanied by minimalist textures and driving guitars, their sound ranges from shimmering soundscapes to anthemic rock. 2016 saw the release of their well received debut single ‘Back To Where I Begun’. The band have been drawing attention worldwide with major industry interest in the UK and US.
‘All I’ve Ever Known’ is a tender gradually building track. Drenched in haunting tones and driven by a strong stabbing beat that rumbles and bubbles in the background building and growing in intensity as the track progresses into a breathtaking burst. Subtle instrumentation creates a magical almost eerie soundscape right up to the explosive crescendo which acts like an overwhelming rush of blood to the head. ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ is raw and tender with delicate emotional moments that are suppressed or muted and build into a dynamic explosive  release.
Stream ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ below


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

Sonera ‘Claustro’

Four piece Alternative Rock band from Ireland Sonera, (formally Beautiful Corruption) have released their new single ‘Claustro’. Band members Oisin Wolfe, James Brown, Simon Cooke and Rory Cooper have raised the playing field with this new blistering track.

‘Claustro’ is a sultry dark alternative  track warped with dizzying distortion and a mighty anthemic chorus. The rapid flex of drums laden with scorching guitar riffs against a sticky elastic bass line gives the track rich layers and sweltering tones. It exudes smoldering confidence and panache while smothered in cool chilling vibes. Teasing verses hold intensity and eerie spine chilling suspense before the mosh worthy powerful chorus bursts in with explosive energy. A sublime razor sharp guitar solo finishes their track with a piercing thrilling buzz. Sonera have taken on a new slick mature sound with hints of psychedelia to tranquilize their subtle knock out punch. Along with the new name Sonera have honed in on their sound and tightened it up and ‘Claustro’ is the fine result. Take these guys seriously they have some talent.

Sonera will be embarking on an Irish tour soon with an EP on the horizon as well, you can catch them live at

29 April, Central Arts, Waterford

30 April, Murphys, Thomastown

Stream ‘Claustro’ below