Category Archives: indie rock

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Pop Punk

Skaters ‘In Your Head’

Skaters have released their new video for their single ‘In Your Head’. Following the excellent comeback ‘Rock and Roll Bye Bye’, playing a sell-out tour with Ratboy and putting the world to rights with their live session for Annie Mac on Radio 1, Skaters are kicking down the doors again, this time it’s in the form of their skewed take on pop with new single ‘In Your Head’ which sets up the release of their sophomore album on March 24th on the band’s very own Yonks Records. Based in New York City via LA and Hull, the international partnership of the band brings all sorts of original ideas to the table which is clear to hear on the new single ‘In Your Head’. The track is the closing track on the band’s full-length album and is the perfect closer to an album which unites clever songwriting and interesting production.
‘In Your Head’ is chilled laid back punk pop, its smooth cool with enough fizz to refresh and add zest to a sticky summers day. Skaters take the NYC/CBGB grit and mix it in with the English spit before letting that ferment in some California sun. Sharp stinging guitar licks brighten up the track and pierce through the thick spongy sticky beats. Thrilling distortion and subtle swirling instrumentation radiate scorching heat and evoke hazy lazy vibes encouraging you to sit back with a cold one and relax. The velvety smooth vocals which are almost drowned in the hazy sun kissed instrumentation exudes attitude with a daydream free spirited vibe. The accompanying video is as charming as it is bratty, as a ballet-dancer-come-street-hoodie is seen pirouetting down the street of Hull, providing a perfect backdrop to perhaps the true meaning of ‘In Your Head’. Lead Guitarist and founding member Josh Hubbard describes how the video came to be;
“The ethos brought to this new project is similar to that of the DIY ethos… but it’s more inclusive, so we’ve coined it DIWOP2, which his short for ‘Do It With Other People Also’. We reached out on the internet to people and people got back. Conversations were had, relationships forged and collaborations were born….
This here video is the outcome from one of those ‘online’ conversations started on the internet. Hull transplant and very talented DP Josh Moore teamed up with us and took a walk down ‘Whitefriargate’ the UK City of Culture’s newly paved high street, real life, in a real city with real people… you can win them all.”
Watch the video for ‘In Your Head’ below

 

Alt Rock, Hard Rock, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock, Video Premiere

Dear Thieves ‘VIC ROADS’

Melbourne’s indie duo, Dear Thieves, have released the new music video for their single ‘VIC ROADS’. The two-piece, Joel Hansen and Jesse Jones, will also be releasing their 5-track “Bad Habits” EP. “VIC ROADS” is currently available on Triple J Unearthed and everywhere else on 31st March 2017. Having been likened to Black Keys and Royal Blood, Dear Thieves are making waves in their local circuit coming off the back of supports with Sydney-based Strangers and a 5 date east coast tour last year, building a reputation for prolifically fine tuning the two-piece sound with unique and beautifully melodic results.

‘VIC ROADS’ is robust ruckus causing mania that packs a mighty punch. Booming from the start with red blooded powerful drums and sensual gritty riffs its a beast to be reckoned with. Rugged shouted vocals teamed with frenzy causing instrumentation, its one for the sticky blood thirsty most pit . The track oozes lusty brawn with hints of sensual qualities. Its slick, boisterous rough and ready with razor sharp rawness. The video features Hansen and Jones standing at a wall, they drink, they smoke, they sing while all kinds of random items get thrown at them from liquids to papers and balls … so an average night out for some people. These guys are ones to watch.

The two-piece are thrilled to bring their ‘Bad Habits’ tour to east coast audiences throughout March and April you can catch them at

Friday 31st March, Cherry Bar, Melbourne

Sunday 2nd April , Frankies Pizza, Sydney

Friday 7th April || The Haunt, Brisbane
Watch the video for ‘VIC ROADS’ below

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Tropical Indie, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Cassia

Cassia

 

Macclesfield indie trio Cassia have released their new single ‘Weekender’.Band members Rob (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Lou (Bass, Vocals) and Leff (Drums, Vocals) have become known for their sun-soaked grooves combining their trademark tropical pop with raw guitar melodies and ‘Weekender’ does not disappoint. Cassia have given us the perfect track to lay on the beach with some refreshing drinks and watch the sun go down. Its woozy and dreamlike as it drifts in and out of consciousness with spikes of zesty melody and energy. Edgy interjections on guitar and punchy drums keep the track refreshing while the sweet catchy melody, sing along chorus and lush harmonies keep the track flowing with easy going cool vibes and an overriding sense of bliss and tranquillity. Once that guitar kicks off the track you are instantly taken to sunshine and good times with smooth vocals easing you into a state of calm and paradise. With elastic bass and rubber bounce on drums it skips along with a peppy spring and contagious liveliness. Cassia will inject some well needed sunshine into your dull week almost instantly. These guys are fast becoming one of my favourite bands.
Stream ‘Weekender’ below

https://soundcloud.com/wearecassia/weekender

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

La Bête Blooms ‘Low Hummer’

Hull post-punk five piece La Bête Blooms have released their new track ‘ Low Hummer’. This rip-roaring fuzzed up anthem fizzes and spits with sharp riffs and distortion spewing from is very core. Its gritty raw and thrilling mosh worthy grunge.Hazy lo-fi vocals cool the track while the shrill on guitar adds a buzzing scorching blurry summer vibe. Pummelling drums tirelessly batter with brute force as the track explodes with anarchy while the nimble bass adds flexibility and elasticity to the track. This animated vigorous track displays La Bête Blooms knack for smooth slick melodies backed by lacerating guitar lines and aggressive instrumentation. Its no – nonsense attitude that warms with blistering sunny vibes.

Stream ‘Low Hummer’ below

https://soundcloud.com/labeteblooms/la-bete-blooms-low-hummer

Album Review, Indie, Indie Electro, indie rock, New Music

Tribe Society ‘We Sell Drugs’

New York four-piece Tribe Society have released their 10 track mixtape ‘We Sell Drugs’ today. Tribe Society pull in a mixture of genres from indie rock, alternative to hip-hop and electronic to create a sound that is original and signature to them.
‘We Sell Drugs’ is packed with ten bass -driven millennial anthems that will have you cruising grooving and swaying all to snappy beats and slick fluid melodies. Opening track ‘Nu Vibe’ sets the tone of this velvety mixtape. Its creamy smooth and rhythmically rich smudged in R&b soul. Its effortlessly chilled with sweet toned vocals, snappy goopy beat, sparkling synths and warm acoustic guitar feature. Heart stopping rippling beats teamed with lush vocals follow in tracks such as ‘Lonely People’, spoken vocals also feature adding firmness and earnest to the track. ‘Smoke Out The Window’ is drizzled in darker foggy electronics that have a wispy flow while the bright melody and keys create a catchy ear worm chorus. ‘Garden Of God’ gives an intense sticky eerie tone. With haunting electronic and raspy vocals however there is a brighter almost whistle- like melody featuring after the chorus that lifts the muggy gooey dark feel of the track. This track brings a rock feel while still maintaining that electronic flex beat. The tracks that follow bring a blend of hip hop soaked with fierce attitude softened by the soft synths and entangled in wandering electronics. Title track ‘We Sell Drugs’ is an infectious peppy warm song with a chorus you wont be able to prise from your brain. Its a laid back hazy track, perfect for lazy sunny days. ‘Faded Circle’ is the final track featuring distorted vocals and a sombre tone winding down a mixtape that displays Tribe Society’s masterful instrumentation which is tightly layered and rich in textures while also possessing thought-provoking lyrics.’We Sell Drugs’ is a wholly unique venture delicate and stunning while also packing a mighty electronic punch and hip hop fusions.
Stream ‘We Sell Drugs’ below

 

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

Odd Couple ‘Gone Solid’

German rockers Odd Couple have released their new single ‘Gone Solid’ ahead of their second album ‘Flügge’ (meaning “independent” or “to spread one’s wings” in German) which is set for release April 21st. Odd Couple duo Tammo Dehn and Jascha Kreft’s modern approach to recording sound takes influence from hip hop and the kosmische musik experimentation of West Germany in the seventies.
‘Gone Solid’ is a blissfully brutal attack on the senses with a hybridisation of garage rock pummelling with ferocity and chilled with swagger filled vocals and waves of electronic psychedelia. With a beat that straddles the line between motorik rhythms and hip hop its a strut and display of effortless cool panache within the constraints and solid structure of the track. Infectious gritty chunky guitar riffs add brawn and a beefy punch. This track oozes attitude and slick swanky flamboyance all while packing a serious dose of heavy mosh worthy frenzy. The quality is on point ,richly layered and multi textured, you hear a new impressive feature of the song each time you listen. These guys are musical wizards. Its eccentric and retro while remaining fresh and original. ‘Gone Solid’ is the epiphanies and freakouts of decades past with hints of soul, garage rock, psychedelia and funk . You feel sure you recognise something to pin it down to a genre, but you don’t quite, hence mind blowing.
Stream ‘Gone Solid’ below

https://soundcloud.com/cargorecordsgermany/odd-couple-gone-solid/

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, Indie Soul, New Music

Twenty four Debut EP

Twenty Four are a four piece up and coming indie band from Glasgow. Band members Daniel Adens, Ian Lawrie,Scott Canham and Rory Smith are releasing their self titled debut EP which is available to pre- order on itunes now and will be released Wednesday on all streaming services, spotify, itunes, apple music, soundcloud etc.
Twenty Four give us an EP crammed with energetic punchy tracks that blister and bubble with infectious scorching indie. ‘Loose It All’ kicks things off with a snappy elastic rhythm setting up the swinging rock and roll lively track. The track bounces and bops with flexible bass and crunching guitars giving the song a high powered ball of fire stamina and lively fun vibe. ‘Never Be The Same’ cools the tone slightly with a sweet melody on guitar to start. Passionate raspy vocals add some grit to the track while it maintains a swing tempo. Punchy drums add brawn while the malleable bass adds a spring and rubbery bounce. The shift in the track for the bridge is refreshing as it takes a more rapid approach to the soul- like track. ‘On The Run’ introduces itself with thunderous heavy instrumentation. With a mighty catchy chorus and perky instrumentation of twinkling light sunny guitar features, its sun soaked ebullience. Once again the ductile bass bring the track to life and gives a slick strong foundation to ground the song while the playful and nimble shredding guitar runs freely weaving between the melody.‘Seventeen’ bubbles with animated vivacious stamina. Its cheeky swagger infused vocals teamed with fluttering funky bass and cheerful zesty guitar proves once again theses guys have a knack for writing songs that make you want to dance. ‘Stranges’ finishes the EP with sparkling guitar and a reggae – esque vibe. Its a sun setting relaxing groovy track that makes you think where have these guys been and why haven’t I heard them before now. Gentle instrumentation and soft beat will have you swaying in a dim light setting with images of the  sand, sea and sunset.
Twenty Four are a Glasgow band that can take you to your tropical paradise in just five tracks. Fantastic musicianship really talented bunch of guys who don’t just write music they take you on a journey to utopia .
Check out Twenty Four’s Facebook page for all the details to get the EP here https://www.facebook.com/twentyfourmusic/

Ambient Music, Atmospheric Music, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Synth-pop

Brass Phantoms ‘Waiting Up’

Dublins alternative rock foursome, Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘Waiting Up’. The band have played extensively all over the country and have Sunsets Festival and Guinness Amplify performances under their belt, as well as headlining shows at Dublin’s Workman’s and Whelan’s. Their track ‘City Of Wolves’ was released last year and was play listed on our national broadcaster RTE 2fm leading to a BBC Introducing slot for BBC Radio Ulster, and live sessions across stations like NOVA and 4fm. They finished last year at the Other Voices festival and have been booked for various showcases and Ones To Watch festivals this year as well as this summers Indiependence with Manic Street Preachers and SIGMA (full line up to be announced).
‘Waiting Up’ is a rush of sonic laden aerial indie. Soaring to skyscraper heights this track is sublime almost heavenly. The rapid tribal tinged beat teamed with rooted rolling bass gives the track grounding and a solid foundation to bounce off before it escapes and ascends into the elevated chorus. The sharp sting on guitar adds a breezy refreshing sensation as the track builds into a blustery thrilling crescendo. Smooth vocals coo to start with a velvety texture building and becoming more animated as the track progresses, while the lush uplifting backing vocals soar above with sweet elevated buoyancy. The superb production and breathtaking musicianship makes ‘Waiting Up’ a stunning display of Brass Phantoms compact remarkable soundscape

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Watch the video for ‘Waiting Up’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Elephant Trees ’90 Degrees’

Leeds boisterous acoustic-led indie alt-rock band The Elephant Trees have released their debut single ’90 Degrees’. Band members Martha Phillips,Will Milton, Sam Hugh-Jones and Tom Palmer formed in early 2015 and have been writing and gigging relentlessly ever since.They have spent the time since their inception honing their live show and supporting artists such as Jake Isaac, City of Lights, and Billy Bibby (ex-Catfish and the Bottlemen), as well as playing venues such as Leeds’ Belgrave Music Hall and O2 Academy. They blend a more acoustic singer-songwriter style with huge riffs and singalong choruses to create a unique and infectious sound.
’90 Degrees’ is an impressive blow of raucous causing energy blistering with strident guitars pummelling drums and fiery energy. A forceful thudding beat kicks of the track followed by an infectious gritty scorching riff. ’90 Degrees’ builds in momentum into a frantic mosh worthy crescendo with shredding guitar solo and a sing along bridge that will have a live audience bellowing at the top of their lungs. Its crafted for massive live shows and frantic crowds. Confident attitude infused swagger driven vocals add punch and fight, its a song that screams don’t mess with me. Dramatic stops and hefty rhythm teamed with strident guitars, its a mighty and exciting debut from The Elephant Trees. These guys are ones to watch.
Watch the video for ’90 Degrees’ below

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

MUX ‘Can you see who?’ EP

MUX, a brand new electro-stoner band from London is to release at the end of March their EP entitled ‘Can you see who?’. MUX blend elements of electronica, stoner, trip-hop and punk leaving you in a twisted knot of thrilling euphoric disorientation. Comprised of members Tiz, Paul, and Jonas, MUX present  an EP that is a gripping electrifying enigma fuzzed and gritty and smothered in obscure darkness. The band officially started in the summer of 2016 when Tiz and Paul (drums) met in Brighton, while shopping for souvenirs. They started fighting over a seashell ashtray and ended talking about Kendrick Lamar’s latest album. A couple of months later, the pair met Jonas (Guitar) at a Mac DeMarco concert in Camden. Jonas was headbanging harder than everyone else.
‘MDMA’ kicks off the EP with a creepy sinister shadowy tone. Raspy whisper-like vocals are hair-raisingly chilling while the gritty distorted guitar adds a rough round the edges sharpness. Its like a psychedelic trip that’s freaked you out but still feels good. A rapid elastic rhythm gives a sticky gooey glooping effect. The track becomes more dynamic as it progress with the intense electronics becoming more frantic while the shredding guitar pierces with shrilling ferocity. The electronic woodblock-like feature is a recurring element in the EP’s tracks and it adds a plump texture and unusual refreshing contrast to the dark psychedelic swirling surround. It acts like a conscious anchor keeping your mind from becoming completely engulfed by the musical whirlwind.
‘Gold and Prozac’ follows with shivering fuzzed guitar against a tapping rhythm. The track oozes lurid  gloppy liquid- like electronics that seep throughout the track, broken only by hypnotic trance inducing psychedelia. Eerie dark vocals are ghostly with a theatrical tint of evil. Epic basslines travel through each track providing a weighty beefy foundation to sink your teeth into.
‘Teenage Father’ begins with the sweet request “Kill Me” building into a thunderous mighty headbanger. This frenzy causing hysteria is sticky mosh pit neck-breaking head banging ready. Snapping bass is teamed with a fantastic driving guitar that shrills with blissful ear-piercing capability. Its a blood pumping smashing monster of a track that is convulsion causing derangement but so good.
‘Stray’ finishes the EP with a sensual riveting all absorbing guitar feature, lusty crescendo and  pounding rhythm mixed with electronic blurring perplexity, all bashed out and liquored up leaving you in a glazed mind boggled mush. Blending heavy turmoil with sensual steamy red hot piercing guitar and luring vocals, this track penetrates your skull with relentless soundscapes and acute powerful momentum.
Each track flows fluidly into the next as MUX  take you on a riveting complex journey through their proficient composition and exquisite craftsmanship. Its dark, its gritty and fuzzed with narcotic effects. ‘Can you see who?’ is a swirling invasion into your mind showing you a shadowy kaleidoscope of abstruseness.
Watch a snippet of what you can expect below