Los Angeles band Mini Mansions will be releasing a collection of B-Side tracks entitled ‘Flashbacks’ in September. The trio (vocals and drummer Michael Shuman, vocals and keyboardist Tyler Parkford, bassist and multi instrumentalist Zachary Dawes) released their critically acclaimed second album ‘The Great Pretenders’ in 2015. While eager fans await their return with their third album, Mini Mansions have decided to ease their withdrawal symptoms a little and let them indulge on some unreleased/unheard B-Sides. ‘Fiona’ is one of the tracks on the lineup for ‘Flashbacks’ and it gives us a nostalgic glimpse of the Mini Mansions we heard on their 2010 self titled debut. ‘Fiona’ has a dreamy swoon like tone, drenched in psychedelia with dark undertones. The diversity between Parkford’s sweet falsetto and Shuman’s warm deep vocals is refreshing. Their vocals intertwine and switch ranges all while harmonising, blending and swirling in a lush melody. Dawes’ elastic bass gives a smooth seductive tone to the track while the drums provide a staggering swagger. The track reels you in from the start and seems to coax you with its luxurious irresistible melody. It builds to a massive crescendo with distorted bass and climatic instrumentation before slowing the tone to a soft gentle echo finish.
‘Fiona’ is another fantastic example of Mini Mansions superior musicianship.Their music is a work of art, refined yet dynamic. Lyrically and instrumentally they are setting the bar high for other musicians. It is clear this trio are getting bigger and better.
You can pre-order ‘flashbacks’ here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/mini-mansions
Strange Bones are a trio from Blackpool, consisting of two brothers Bob and Will Bentham and a childhood friend Stuart Newburn. Their track ‘Sick Of It All (SOIA)’, which was mixed by Dan Lancaster (Bring Me The Horizon, Mallory Knox, Don Broco) has gained them attention at Kerrang! Radio and BBC Radio 1. They released earlier this year an untameable three-track punk rock EP called ‘God Save The Teen’ ‘God Save The Teen’ is the title track from this EP. Its a raw fierce argumentative track with an infectious slick hook and soul pounding thunderous drums. The vocals are shouty at times with a howl like tone and of course a throat tearing scream texture. This track though it has an aggressive appearance at first is underlined with a slick sensual swagger that is captivating and makes you want to keep listening. With its anthem like energetic chorus teamed with a fuzzed rumble rebellious sound this track is raw and real, there is no illusion, its fantastically gritty and razor sharp .
Watch ‘God Save The Teen Below’
Motions are an alternative rock band based in Dublin formed by Tom Daly and Dave Nulty. They have released their debut single ‘Back To Where I Begun’ which was produced by Philip Magee. The track deals with the theme of contemplating starting over when you’re close to the point of no return. ‘Back To Where I Begun’ starts with a strong raspy vocal with very light accompaniment that builds slightly for the first chorus with dramatic chord strides and pulsating beats. The track slowly builds tension for the second verse with an added dance synth quality and bendable beat. The return of the chorus brings us a brief instrumental blast with dynamic strident guitars. The track reaches its crescendo with an aerial yet strong instrumental with shredding guitars and pounding drums while still holding an atmospheric breezy vibe.
‘Back To Where I Begun’ is a strong debut single with an impressive rhythm that drives the track forward and gives a bendable quality to the track. The vocals are solid and emotion filled while the guitars are sharp and refreshing. A great start for Motions look forward to hearing more.
Watch Motions we recently released a video for ‘Back To Where I Begun’ with Crooked Gentlemen below
Trickster Guru is the alternative rock and electronic project of Los Angeles singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Christopher Caplan. Trickster Guru’s debut EP ‘Problem Child’, was released earlier this year. He has also released a video for the title track ‘Problem Child’. ‘Problem Child’ is a innovative emotional track that tells us a story by beautifully fusing vintage rock and soul with the excitement and innovation of modern electronic synth. The track begins with a steady fuzzed beat that holds the foundation throughout the track. The vocals enter in a smooth tender manner. This track flows fluidly with a sway waltz -like quality. The addition of the synths and beats from alternative electronic co-producer AWAY enhances the passion and evokes the emotion of desire in the track giving an effective release of tension for the crescendo. Caplan has a deep smooth velvety vocal which is luring and seductive. With a dark mysterious atmosphere lingering in the background while the soft instrumentation and vocals attempt to ease your mind this track evokes every emotion and creates goosebumps while you are seduced by its melody and swoon like atmosphere of indulgence.
Bad Grammar are rock grunge duo Ben Forrester and Lucy Brown from Manchester. Their EP ‘Forced Fun’ which was released in 2014 fell into the hands of party punk king Andrew WK, who selected the band to perform as part of 2014’s Y Not Festival. The duo have already picked up coverage from XFM, 6Music and Radio 1, along with recent new music features in NME, Clash and Artrocker. They released their EP ‘You’re Welcome’ last year. ‘You’re Welcome’ is a four track frenzy filled forcefully energetic EP, that is bursting with grunge and punk attitude. The EP begins with ‘Death Stare’ a rapid neck breaking mosh worthy track. With a massive riff, soul shaking drums and screaming vocals its not for the faint hearted. ‘Sandra’ follows in the same manner causing as much turmoil as physically possible. With a fantastic guitar feature that breaks up the track followed but rumbling drums that create anticipation for the hardcore head slamming instrumental, an epic circle of death track. ‘Killjoy’ again summons your inner tyrant as the instruments explode with turmoil. It begins with distorted guitar that sounds like a wasp buzzing around you head. The catchy riffs and thunderous drums keep you on your toes and in a manic frenzy. ‘Tropical Dance’ finishes the EP. It oozes swagger with a sensual body moving fuzzed bass. Bad Grammar keep the rapid tempo and attitude of the previous tracks while remaining cool and smooth with the riff. They of course give you the chance to headband and go wild but not too much, they hold the turmoil back a little to leave you wanting more.
Stream ‘You’re Welcome’ below
Hailing from Warsaw (Poland) alternative punk band White Crosses, featuring the creative partnership of Konrad Sloka (Vocals/Guitar), Sebastian Prokop (Guitar), Stefan Banaszynski (Bass) and Marcin Plocha (Drums) have released a video for their single ‘Dead Souls’. The quartet produced big waves in their native country with their acclaimed EP release ‘Native Handshakes’ in 2015. They have recently joined forces with UK indie label Engineer Records and ‘Dead Souls’ is a taste of things to come from their forthcoming EP ‘Anchorless’. ‘Dead Souls’ is a hefty steady alternative pop punk track with strident guitars that drive the track forward. The punchy drums and exuberant bass give a strong foundation to the track. The heavy drum kicks for the verse giving the track a punch and weighty feel while the vocals are simple yet effective for the verse and become more animated for the chorus as they portray the honest lyrics with passion and emotion. I can imagine this song is massive live as it is set up for all the dramatic guitar poses and spins with dramatic breaks and attitude.
Watch ‘Dead Souls’ below
Hide&Seek are an Indie band from London. Niall, Sam, Bant Ant and James have been creating a name for themselves with their energetic live shows that come alive and will have you laughing and dancing. They have supported acts such as the Amazons, Declan McKenna and Lisbon. They have already started playing some of London’s best live venues and gigs including the Barfly, Sofar Sessions and the Bloomsbury Bowl as well as getting various bookings with Mama Group.
They have just released their debut EP ‘Ready Or Not Pt1’ which is full of warm indie pop rock tracks that are just blissful. The EP kicks things off with ‘Saturday Night’ its light rumbling drums and bright guitars to start sets the track off strong for the verses they then hit the chorus with a heavier sound with a rock and roll dance vibe. The sharp refreshing perky guitar feature and mosh like instrumental towards the end of the track adds a light sunny feel and also gives us that rock element to sink our teeth into. ‘Drugs’ begins with a zesty guitar riff that radiates sunny vibes and with soft bouncy beats this track is ablaze with sunshine. Its a beaming indie pop/rock track that is bursting with feel good vibes. ‘Darling’ closes the EP with a more sombre tone. This melodic track is sweet and catchy with gentle instrumentation accompaniment that runs smoothly with lush harmonies in backing vocals for the chorus which lifts the track and gives it a sing along effect.
‘Ready Or Not Pt1’ is a strong debut EP which shows Hide&Seek’s style and talent. Each track has its own identity while blending well with the other tracks and showcasing their musicianship. Look forward to hearing more from Hide&Seek.
Stream ‘Ready Or Not Pt1’ below.
Fossils are an alternative band from Liverpool. The band consists of members Jonathan Gibson (Lead vocals, guitar), Jay Denham (bass, backing vocals), Ryan Culshaw (Guitar) and Jack Robertson (Drums). Their debut single ‘Lo-Fi’ has been played on BBC Introducing Liverpool and they have supported Martha Ffion who’s on Jake Bugg’s label. ‘Lo-Fi’ is a refreshing aerial track with echo vocals and soft beats. The use of reverb gives this track a breezy flying vibe and teamed with the delicate bubbling drums you get the feeling you are running to your freedom as you feel the refreshing wind on your face cleansing you of whatever you are running from. The guitar is bright and sharp and adds an effective contrast to the smooth drums adding an edge to the track and giving that breezy vibe.
This track shows Fossils great musicianship and potential . Look forward to hearing more from them.
You can catch Fossils at soundstation Liverpool in St Michaels station on the 24th July.
Stream ‘Lo-Fi’ below
Sly Antics are an alternative rock trio from Manchester. They are creating a name for themselves for their energetic live performances and hard hitting ear blasting rock tracks. They have already scored themselves shows at This Feeling and secured festival slots alongside Maximo Park as well as a headline slot at Liverpool Cavern and appearances on big stages including Manchester O2 Ritz.
Band members Sam, Lee and Tommo have recorded a 5 track EP at Greenmount Studios (home to The Cribs and Pulled Apart By Horses) which is due for release in September this year. Their track ‘Captive City’ is the track that caught our attention. ‘Captive City’ is an energetic mighty track that is infectiously catchy and powerful. With its strong driving rhythm and beat that pounds through the track for the verses creating a solid foundation while the guitars are bright and steady giving light accompaniment for the husky gritty vocals. They lead into a soft pre-chorus with a bouncy bendable beat that persuades your body to dance. Then the track explodes before the chorus into a heavy mosh worthy sound. The vigorous guitars and thunderous drums give us that ear blistering effect that is robust and forceful. Sly Antics balance a melodic dance-like sound with heavy soul thumping rock so effortlessly. The change in style is swift and makes their music fresh and keeps you craving more.
Look forward to more from Sly Antics
You can catch Sly Antics live at
24th Jul 2016 Blackthorn Festival, Stockport
3rd Sep 2016 Night & Day – Captive City Launch Party, Manchester
24th Sep 2016 MAH – The Live Room, Manchester
22nd Oct 2016 Oxjam, Leeds
19th Nov 2016 Gullivers, Manchester
3rd Dec 2016 Verve Bar, Leeds
Stream ‘Captive City’ below
The first thing we found out about our trip to The Pine Lodge Cork on Saturday to catch King Harvest & The Weight live was that Myrtleville is the best place to be stranded. We found lovely helpful people that made us feel at home and helped us out after our designated driver crashed into a wall just up the road from the venue, destroying our car but leaving the wall without a mark. A little shook up and bruised we headed to the Pine lodge to organise a way home and of course get to see as much live music as we possibly could before our lift came.
The night began with a set from TheSour Seeds an alternative rock band from Dublin. These guys have a slightly unusual set up with the addition of two saxophones. The Sour Seeds are refreshing and talented. Their smooth soulful tunes with added psychedelic and rock influences bring something new to the table, and come on who doesn’t love a saxophone especially when it works well and adds diversity and depth to their tracks. Their witty humour and banter goes down well with the crowd, a brilliant warm up for a great night ahead. King Harvest & The Weight begin their set with their single ‘Unstuck’ an upbeat catchy rock track bursting with great vibes. This track is brilliant live. It takes a new dimension with a dynamic bass, mighty drums and spirited guitar. This track is a strong opener and is so easy to dance to. It quickly becomes apparent that they are at their best live and to really appreciate their diverse sound you need to go to one of their gigs .’Dream’ follows with its bright upbeat bubbly sound which I thought had a slight country twang when i listened to the album, however when performed live they give us punchier drums and a fantastic lustrous guitar that is compelling. The edgy bluesy ‘This Town’ give us a rock and roll feel with swagger. The heavy riff is brawny yet flexible and can coax you to dance without you even realising it. Its an energetic track that the crowd reacts well to and seems to sweet talk the crowd to bopping along. They slow down the tone with the melodic smooth ‘Morning Light’ showcasing their lush harmonies. Its a soft track that has a sway almost soft bop effect on the crowd. The set flows smoothly as they glide into the catchy ‘Diana’ which shows us their funky side. Unfortunately we had to leave at this point but not before we got to hear the smooth sensual ‘New York Is Dangerous’ with its slick darker tone.
King Harvest & The Weight make performing look so effortless and easy with the flowing guitar solos, polished bass and punchy drums while they blow us away with a mixture of genres and sounds. There is no doubt of their talent.
I would highly recommend going to see both these bands live and unfortunately I didn’t get to see The New 52 perform but i will definitely head down to one of their next shows.
Stream The Sour Seeds ‘Can’t Bring Me Down’ and King Harvest & The Weight ‘Unstuck’ below
doesn’t love a saxophone especially when it works well and adds diversity and depth to their tracks. Their witty humour and banter goes down well with the crowd, a brilliant warm up for a great night ahead.
to go to one of their gigs .’Dream’ follows with its bright upbeat bubbly sound which I thought had a slight country twang when i listened to the album, however when performed live they give us punchier drums and a fantastic lustrous guitar that is compelling. The edgy bluesy ‘This Town’ give us a rock and roll feel with swagger. The heavy riff is brawny yet flexible and can coax you to dance without you even realising it. Its an energetic track that the crowd reacts well to and seems to sweet talk the crowd to bopping along. They slow down the tone with the melodic smooth ‘Morning Light’ showcasing their lush harmonies. Its a soft track that has a sway almost soft bop effect on the crowd. The set flows smoothly as they glide into the catchy ‘Diana’ which shows us their funky side. Unfortunately we had to leave at this point but not before we got to hear the smooth sensual ‘New York Is Dangerous’ with its slick darker tone.
is no doubt of their talent.