Category Archives: indie rock

Weekend Wars ‘Swim’

Merseyside based indie five piece Weekend Wars have released their new single ‘Swim’ today. It is the fourth single from the indie quintet and was recorded at Liverpool’s Motor Museum Studio with producer Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon, Paris Youth Foundation). Jack, Bec, Andy, Matt and Rolo formed the band in 2015. They are four University friends and a savant for hire singer currently reshaping the musical landscape of the North West of England. Challenging the notion that Northern guitar bands come with hubris and swagger, Weekend Wars are refreshingly attitude free. Their ethos takes inspiration from the push and pull of daily life, they want to take you from the week to the weekend. 2016 saw the band receive airplay and plaudits from 6 Music (Steve Lamacq and 6 Music Recommends), BBC Radio Scotland (Billy Sloan), Virgin Radio (Jon Jackson) as well as international exposure by being playlisted by Spotify Australia & New Zealand.
‘Swim’ is an upfront indie anthem bursting with ambition. Bringing a little sunshine to our otherwise dreary lives. The track is crammed with an animated sharp bubbly guitar that shrills with blissful distortion. This little indie rock ditty has everything to thrill and fill you with musical fizz. Uplifting lyrics foot tapping friendly beat and crunching guitars, its infectiously fascinating.With strong dynamic raspy vocals ‘Swim’ is fresh light and bright with enough rich heavy instrumentation to kick ass and motivate even the most dismal person.
Following the mini tour to promote the single, the band will regroup to plan their next musical endeavours. Expect the unexpected as there is still a willingness to experiment in order to find their definitive musical persona. For Weekend Wars it’s all about the fun of the journey, the journey to the weekend.
You can catch Weekend Wars live at
SAT 4TH FEB – WARRINGTON: Friar’s Court
THU 9TH FEB – LIVERPOOL: Maguires
SAT 10TH FEB: ST HELENS: Tank (Single Launch)
SAT 18TH FEB: MANCHESTER – Castle Hotel

Stream ‘Swim’ Below

Divine Youth ‘Heartstrings Pulled By Human Beings’

The Monochrome Lovechild of Pulp and Interpol, Divine Youth formed in 2015 out of a shared love of the hell raiser, the gang mentality, the socialist and the rock and roll animal. The band shared early gigs with Drew McConnell (Babyshambles), Billy Lunn (Subways) and Type Two Error (Cooper Temple Clause) as well as supporting White Lies.They are now bringing their style to shows in Sheffield, Manchester and beyond. Band members Dan Sheldon (Guitar/Vocals), Mike Sheldon (Bass/Vocals) and Liam Kaye (Drums) are creating an ever growing fan base and have now released their new single ‘Heartstrings Pulled By Human Beings’ today. Scorching with a euphoric sharp guitar that pierces through the track and embellished in rich driving rhythms, its a infectious track that shows the fine craftsmanship of Divine Youth.The song is coated in sombre tones and a nonchalant vibe that gives the track a heavenly yet melancholic tone. With clean incomplex vocals narrating the lyrics to us leaving the striking thrilling and passionate instrumentation and melody take the lime light. The punchy drums add a dramatic effect to the track as the song progresses to the powerful crescendo. ‘Heartstrings Pulled By Human Beings’ is smooth, polished passionate and fresh without Divine Youth loosing their rawness.

Watch the video for ‘Heartstrings Pulled By Human Beings’ from Divine Youths Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/divineyouthofficial/videos/1111337978995937/

 

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Johnny Lloyd

Hot off the heels of his successful debut EP ‘Dreamland’ ’which was released last year to radio support from 6Music and Radio X and has over half a million streams online. Lloyd has wasted no time and has confirmed release details for his new ‘ Eden’ EP which was produced by The Maccabees’ Hugo White and Mike Crossey (The 1975)and is due for release through Xtra Mile Recordings on April 14 2017. Our worth a listen track is the lead single off the ‘ Eden’ EP ‘Running Wild’.
After a brief ethereal electronic intro Lloyd blasts us into a taste of the snappy vibrant dynamic chorus of ‘Running Wild’, before cooling the track down into the short slick sensual verse. Lloyd’s vocals coo with backing from the sway-like rhythm and thrilling electronics. Taking an upbeat approach to his signature display of hard hitting raw emotion, this track is a laid back spritzer on a summers day. Beautiful imagery in the lyrics teamed with a tight instrumentation of riveting distortion on guitar and elastic bass, its a dreamy bubble of delight. Lloyd pulls in fantastic musicianship to make a captivating exclamation of euphoria. With hits of psychedelic bliss and elation ‘Running Wild’ gives us an introduction to the Shangri-la that follows the ‘Dreamland’ EP.
Having supported the likes of Black Honey and Jamie T, ​Johnny Lloyd​ will be out on a 7 date headline tour around the release of the ‘Eden EP’, including his biggest London date so far, at the Scala on April 20.
You can catch Johnny Lloyd on his UK Tour Dates at
19 April BIRMINGHAM The Sunflower Lounge
20 April LONDON Scala
21 April BRIGHTON Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar
22 April SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
24 April BRISTOL The Louisiana
25 April MANCHESTER Soup Kitchen
28 April SHEFFIELD The Leadmill

Pre-order the EP via iTunes or Xtra Mile Recordings here 
iTunes:  http://smarturl.it/EdenEP-iTunes

Xtra Mile Recordings: http://smarturl.it/EdenEP-XMR

Stream ‘Running Wild’ below

 

The Heart Vandals ‘Fade Away’

Energetic Rock band The Heart Vandals are releasing their first official single ‘Fade Away’ independently this Friday February 24th.The four piece is made up of members Niki Pollock,Paddy Walsh,Eanna McNulty and Aaron McGloin. Their debut single ‘Fade Away’ is a beaming delight of catchy rock drizzled with bright luminous vibes. Dazzling lustrous guitar strides through the track with a melancholic sweet melody. The soft enduring bounce on drums adds a lively spring while the luscious soaring backing vocals add height and elevation giving a  floaty aerial vibe while the smooth swagger infused vocals add a slick quality to the track. For a debut this track is well formed and polished with cruising fluidity. The nectarous heavy-hearted melody makes the track instantly likeable and warm. Its bubbly rock that maintains a raw sharp edge.
The Heart Vandals are currently in the middle of an Irish support tour with Derry’s One Man Town their next stop is Caboose Club, Donegal on 24th February so if your around make sure to check them out.

 

Follow The Heart Vandals on

Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theheartvandals/

High Wire Brigade ‘115’

High Wire Brigade are a garage rock band from the Hertfordshire countryside consisting of Kaj (Guitar/Vox), Mark (Guitar/Vox), Jon (Bass) and Alex (drums). With tastes encompassing many different genres, the band are proud to wear their garage, blues and rock influences firmly on their sleeve. Having worked with Rich Wilkinson (Adele, Amy Winehouse, Kaiser Chiefs) at KONK studio, the band have released five singles in the past 12 months and are gearing up to release their new single, ‘Hibernate’, along with debut video in March. All singles are available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, Google etc. They recently released their track ‘115′ and its a warm punchy whisky soaked track that grasps at your soul and makes you feel every note. With smooth textures against a hard hitting classic rock canvas its a strong example of the emotion- filled heavy tracks these guys craft. Huge raspy vocals are gentle to start and become more animated and powerful as the track progresses. With stomping bassline and mighty drums teamed with a slick nimble catchy guitar its instantly likeable. Exuding fiery passion and leading fluidly into a shredding kick ass guitar solo, ‘115’ has everything a rock classic needs. Its rich and well-heeled without trying too hard. Soaked in a sticky hot late night american desert vibe High Wire Brigade warms your soul with satisfying rooted rock.
High Wire Brigade are currently booking gigs and are currently confirmed for Camden Assembly (Feb 23), Alfie Jackson’s ‘Pigeon Tree’ at The Monarch and a support slot for Tankus The Henge in St Albans.Make sure to check these guys out.
Stream ‘115’ below

Crazy Bones ‘Melting’

Toronto-based garage psych trio Crazy Bones have released their new video for the single ‘Melting’, taken off their forthcoming debut EP ‘Cosmic Drips’. ‘Melting’ is a fuzz drenched mind liquefying heavy mosh worthy track. Easing us into their sound Crazy Bones begin with a psychedelic trippy gentle verse which leads into pulverising frantic heavy rock. Hefty drums pound through your skull with weighty abolishing force while shredding crushing guitar solos shrill with earsplitting intensity. Smooth sensual raspy vocals coax throughout the mania of this  psychotic acid trip. Its foaming at the mouth bombardment that is deliriously good and thrilling to listen to.
Watch the swirling kaleidoscope colours of the video for ‘Melting’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bright Young People

North Wales guitar band Bright Young People have released their new single ‘Suppress Happiness’. The Rhyl 3-piece made such an overwhelming first impression on Gary Powell of The Libertines that he signed them up to his label 25 Hour Convenience Store on the spot after witnessing their near-riotous show at London’s Shacklewell Arms last year. Despite only forming a couple of years ago, rock and roll royalty such as Iggy Pop, Duff McKagan and Glen Matlock have already been singing the band’s praises. Echo & The Bunnymen’s Ian McCulloch loved the band so much he produced and even played on the band’s debut single ‘Liberties’. Bright Young People have also had Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and Radio X’s John Kennedy all playing multiple tracks from the band’s most recent release ‘Sunshine Town EP’. They’ve also previously shared a stage with the likes of The Libertines, The OffSpring and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
This new single ‘Suppress Happiness‘ was recorded and produced by former Vibrators guitarist Pat Collier. Its full throttle rock introduced by the thrilling shrill of distorted guitars. Darkened steamy verses bleed along a woozy hazy rumbling bass. As the brooding vocals add a chilling spine-tingling eerie effect. The seductive guitar lines lure you with a brazen sultry sway-like wispy quality. The track blasts into a ruckus causing frenzied chorus that screams for heavy moshing in a sticky mosh pit. ‘Suppress Happiness’ is a powerful catchy moody explosion of passion and intense emotion with a Nirvana- esque vibe. Its dirty gritty rock that will have a live audience going wild.
You can catch Bright Young People live here
18th February 2017 – Night & Day, Manchester
24th February 2017 – Zanzibar, Liverpool
16th March 2017 – The Monarch, London
Watch the video for ‘Suppress Happiness’ below

Misfires ‘Come On Over’

Misfires are an indie band from Swindon, South West, England. The band have been previously championed by BBC Introducing In The West labelled as ‘Phenomenal’ and described by Spilt Milk Magazine as the next “big thing”. The band celebrated their one year anniversary  on 10th Feb and have released their new single ‘Come On Over’. This track fleshes out sweet infectious indie melodies teamed with spirited arrangements. Vibrant guitar riffs blast the track into bursts of luminous intensity as it radiates dynamic energy and a raw edge. The punchy beat adds a brawny texture to the track while the dazy vocals add a daydream breezy cool feel. Sprinkled with funky reggae elements this track is slick and tight and leaves no doubt these guys are destined for big things. Misfires give us a snappy spirited insanely infectious indie track that will be playing in your head all day.
You can catch Misfires live at
15th February, Rough Trade Records, Nottingham
17th February, Thekla, Bristol, Sherlocks support (SOLD OUT)
21st February, Hope & Ruin, Brighton
24th February, The Horn, St Albans, Sherlocks support (SOLD OUT)
25th February, Sub89, Reading, Sherlocks support
11th March, Zanzibar, Liverpool
Watch the video for ‘Come On Over’ below

The Good Water ‘Mansaid’

Birmingham-based garage-psych-rockers The Good Water have released their new single ‘Mansaid’. The track comes hot on the heels of their previous single ‘See Your Light’ which received airplay with Steve Lamacq, Mary-Anne Hobbes and Shaun Keaveny at BBC 6Music as well as tastemakers at Amazing Radio and influential LA stations KROQ and Indie 1031). Since forming in early 2015, The Good Water have been busy. The boys quickly picked up loyal support from Brum Radio with their drone-rock debut single ‘Everything Is’,  They have gained new fans at raucous shows around the Midlands and blew away audiences supporting Mercury Rev, Super Furry Animals and Bill Ryder-Jones at Lunar Festival. The duo’s brand of psychedelic rock grooves, obscure lyrics and nimble riffs is streamlined into tight garage-pop frameworks and press has been quick to spot their talents, with rave reviews from Soundsphere Magazine, Ear To The Ground Music, Slap Magazine, Diamond Deposits, Born Music Online and Mytacism Music amongst many others.
‘Mansaid’ is red hot fiery garage rock smothered in a gritty fuzzed mind trip of psych-pop. Its a strutting frantic rush of effortless cool puzzlement that exudes swagger and blistering slick flamboyance. Blazing riffs give the track a scorching intensity while the psychedelic pop harmonies soothe and cool the track down before it kicks into the shredding frenzied mosh worthy chorus. With verses that glide in with liquid fluidity backed by feverish flaming guitar riffs and a driving punch on drums its insanely addictive. These guys are ones to watch.

Stream ‘Mansaid’ below

Mad Ones ‘End of You’

Toronto Rock n Roll band Mad Ones have released their new single ‘End of You’.This new track is the first off their upcoming full length ‘Regretless’ which is out on March 3rd.In the beginning, the band started out as a duo and they put out their first three records that way. They toured the last album as a trio and it worked out so well that they decided to go into the studio together as a three piece and ‘Regretless’ is the result.
‘End Of You’ is a springy rubber ball bursting with exuberant bouncy percussion and lush cheerful harmonies.The infectious peppy melody is satisfyingly joyful, its packed with feet shuffling dance evoking goodness. Sharp edgy guitar adds an uplifting vitality to the track that makes you want to get up and dance. When asked about the track the band said:
“is an existential meltdown played out over the course of a 3 minute rock song. Initially it was set during the industrial revolution and written from the viewpoint of someone contemplating the value of human life and likely speculating on the existence of an afterlife. The song is also appropriately suited to the recent rise of right wing populism in the US, the strength of the opposition to it and the sinking feeling we are, as a species, doomed to repeat our mistakes”.
Right after release Mad Ones are taking off from Toronto and touring with their new lineup in Europe. For all live dates check out their website here http://www.madones.ca/
Stream ‘End Of You’ below