Based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire indie/rock five-piece Shoot The Symphony have been creating a buzz since they released their first single ‘Unwind’ in late 2015, which was recorded at RML Studios, and got them quickly named Band Of The Week by Salop Radio, one of the most well known stations in their home town. Scot Kelly, Stephen Dalziel, Bobby Brazier, Conor Hubbard and Joe Goodman released ‘Sadie’ earlier this year, it is only their second released track but confirms their style and talent. ‘Sadie’ opens with a whirl of lustrous guitar riffs and rumbling drums. The verses soften with the hazy smooth vocals as the main focus, that builds into a lively, infectious indie rock chorus with rigorous guitar hooks and thumping beats and high energy. Its an animated track with a melancholy tone which is conveyed through the vocals which adds a nice contrast to the track.
Shoot The Symphony will be releasing their first EP Side Effects later in the year. If ‘Unwind’ and ‘Sadie’ are anything to go by it will be a solid EP with tracks that have serious radio potential.You can catch Shoot The Symphony On the 13th of May at the O2 Institute in Birmingham.
When Entering the quiet little pub of Eddie Murphys in Thomastown you expect, by its cosy old fashioned make up, that you would be settling down for a nice quiet drink, but Eddie Murphys had other plans. If you pass through the charming room and head outside to the back, passed “Le Bog Pour Les Femmes”you find a building with a good fashioned rock and roll vibe with wooden benches and tables where bands can make as much noise as they want and this is where we found our Alternative Rock band Beautiful Corruption and their support act Brand New Dead Things.
Dublin’s Brand New Dead Things kicked things off with melodic groovy sounds and strong riff based tunes. Maurice Ramsbottom (Guitars/Vocals), Dec Clarke (Drums) and Aaron Grimes (Bass/Vocals) gave us a diverse energetic set with polished sleek base riffs, robust drums and zealous guitar.Their array of tracks showed off Ramsbottom’s strong vocals as he slid into falsetto effortlessly. There was no shortage of humour either from these guys which kept the crowd entertained while they were tuning and blowing their nose. Brand New Dead things are a fun energetic band with serious skill. Looking forward to their new tracks to come Beautiful Corruption waisted no time in following. From the first song they exuded energy. The Kilkenny band Oisín Wolfe (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) , James Brown (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals), Rory Cooper (Bass) and Simon Cooke (Drums) started with ‘Leather’ a solid riff based song to get everyone pumped, followed by an impeccably rehearsed set that was still a fresh performance from the boys. Half way through the set they do a crowd pleasing cover of wolf Alice’ Moaning Lisa smile’ The second half of the set explodes into frantic head banging tracks with slick nimble guitar as Wolfe coaxes the crowd to their feet to dance and mosh (even a guy on crutches gets up to join in) The set comes to an end with the band giving a final burst of energy on their final song of the night.
London band Dead! have just released their new single ‘ Your So Cheap’. Its a solid rock track with proficient guitar and pounding drums. The verses feature clever well written lyrics with strong vocal. Although the tone is bitter, its a kick ass track with a catchy sharp chorus and cutting vocals. With a razor-sharp guitar solo before the intense bridge that shows a well arranged song and lives up to the hype surrounding this band.
We are also treated to a second track with the release of ‘Your So Cheap’ this comes in the form of the energetic dynamic track that is ‘Save Me’. This is a banging tune full of energy with an infectious melody that seeps into your brain and leaves you craving more. With strong bass line, guitar hook and thunderous drums.The chorus explodes into a fierce full sound with passionate vocals. The bridge brings us that mosh worthy instrumental that Dead! are famous for with, of course the vocal scream
Dead are a force to be reckoned with!
Stream ‘Your So Cheap’ and ‘Save Me’ below
Travis Oaks are an alternative blues rock band from Cavan. The band consists of Michael Paterson (Rhythm guitar and lead vocals),Taran Plouzane (Lead guitar and backing vocals), Aran McGillick (Bass guitar and backing vocals) and Killian McCourt (Drums). They have been carving their own sound since late 2012 by fusing Indie, Blues, Punk and Rock and now have signed a publishing deal with New York based Big House Publishing.
Their new single ‘Love You More’ shows us why these guys are creating hype. This hook-driven track is a robust, powerful song with a cool, slick, smooth tone in the verses, which oozes confidence and swagger. With bluesy licks, thumping rhythm and lush harmonies its a really slick song to listen to. The intro gives you an instrumental taste of what’s to come and then they hold back while singing the verse making you crave more. You wait through an intense vocal with harmonies and light guitar riff before an explosion into the heavy chorus.These guys know how to grab your attention with catchy chorus and impeccable guitar that keeps you addicted to their sound.
Travis Oaks will have a new EP Black Light out on June 10th and if ‘Love You More’ is anything to go buy its going to be a fantastic EP. Travis Oaks have been invited to support big names such as The Riptide Movement, The Hot Sprockets , ASH and most recently The Strypes, at the sold out Olympia Theatre so live shows are something these guys are not afraid of. Look forward to hearing more from Travis Oaks in the future. These guys are sticking around!
Stream ‘Love You More’ below
The Amazons are an indie rock and roll band from Reading. Members Matt Thomson (vocals and guitar), Chris Alderton (guitar), Elliott Briggs (bass) and Joe Emmett (drums) have been on an upward journey, ever since they first arrived on the music scene with their first demo “Something in the Water” back in early 2015. In March this year they released their new single ‘Stay With Me’ which is an energetic youthful track full of adrenaline. Produced by Tom Dalgety (Royal Blood, The Maccabees), the single has already gathered critical attention. It had its first début on Radio One and has been championed by Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart.
With thunderous drums and slick guitars The Amazons give us a dynamic fist pumping anthem.This is a melodic track that packs a punch, its sure to get everyone dancing and singing along.
You can catch The Amazons at:
Sat 23 Apr Are You Listening Festival ,Reading.
Sun 01 May FestEVOL ,Liverpool.
Thu 12 May House of Vans, London.
Thu 19 May The Great Escape, Brighton.
Fri 27—Mon 30 May Lost Village Festival, Lincoln.
Sun 29 May Lost Village Festival, Lincolnshire.
Fri 15 Jul —Sun 17 Jul Truck Festival,Steventon.
Fri 15 Jul —Sun 17 Jul Beat-Herder, Ribble Valley
Thu 28 Jul —Sun 31 Jul Kendal Calling, Penrith.
Fri 29 Jul Standon Calling ,Standon
Sat 20 Aug Glass Butter Beach Festival, Abersoch
Sat 03 SepFestival No.6 ,Portmeirion
Watch ‘Stay With Me’ below
Serene is a three piece band from Cumbria consisting of Kieran Day on vocals, guitar, bass, synth; Ryan Patterson, lead guitar and synth; Matthew Southwell, drums and percussion.Contrary to what their name suggests these guys are full of loud, big sounding psychedelic, alternative rock. Their song ‘Rainbow Mind’ is a seductive enrapture of psychedelic rock with slick alluring guitars and steady beats. The gritty vocals give a grunge vibe to the chorus, however Kieran’s vocals for the verse is deep and haunting and adds a bewitching mysterious quality to the song. The psychedelic guitar solo is impeccable and breaks the tone a little preparing for the big crescendo.
This is a fantastic song well written and composed and really showcases the talent of these guys. Serene are currently preparing to release their first EP and if ‘Rainbow Mind’ is anything to go by its going to be a strong EP. Bright future ahead for this band!
Stream ‘Rainbow Mind’ below
‘Burn It Down’ is the first single to be taken from The Brazen’s début album. The Leeds/Birmingham-based indie rock band’s single was released on March 25th. Ryan Hobbs (Vocals), Matt Lucas (Lead Guitar), Trev Phillips (Bass), Adam Larner (Drums) and Rob Clayton (Guitars) have created a melodic song with tight instrumentals.’Burn It down’ is full of slick, radiant guitar riffs pounding drums and fluent vocals. This song is very catchy and upbeat and is a very promising track that ticks all the boxes. It is well written and composed with soft verses that burst into a vigorous chorus. A strong single to set us up for what looks like a stunning album to come.
The Brazen’s début album is set for release this May and was recorded with talented producer Ed Heaton (production credits include Jon Gomm, Fold, Ellen & The Escapades & more) at the beginning of this year. With a string of sold out shows and a performance at Elland Road already under their belt, these guys are set to do well.
You can catch them at :
27th May – Leeds, Milo
3rd June – Sheffield, Maida Vale
23rd July – Birmingham, Actress & Bishop
Stream ‘Burn It Down’ Below
Bonsai are a four piece band from Stoke-on-Trent that consist of Chris Hough (Guitar & Vocals), Joe Hough (Guitar), Benjamin Hough (Bass) and Freddie Godley (Drums). These guys have created an alternative rock sound based on raspy vocals, psychedelic riffs and steady beats, that gives a dusty drive in a desert vibe.
‘Houdini’ was released last year and gives a classic rock feel, with slick, prominent guitar throughout and smooth raspy vocals. The guitar gives a trance feel to the song that draws you in right up to the polished sensual guitar solo.
‘Ned’ starts as a mellow track with a nostalgic guitar teasing the tune until the vocals and drums kick in. This track gives a youthful freedom vibe. With the slick skill of the guitar as a prominent feature throughout and well rounded drum beats this song takes you on an epic journey. Just the guitar riffs and solos alone are like a path to ‘Neverland’ that you can’t help but follow.
Two really strong tracks from very talented and skilled lads , will look forward to hearing more from Bonsai.
Stream ‘Houdini’ and ‘Ned’ below
RINSE are Josh Hollingworth, Rich Hewitt, Josh Hassall and Ollie McNicholas. This indie quartet from Stoke-on-Trent released their new track ‘Not Too Late’ earlier this year. This song comes after their track ‘Jude Law’ won the ‘Best Record’ Award. These guys have a tight sound and have created a buzz amongst a growing network of fans.
‘Not Too Late’ is an explosive track with many dimensions, it kicks off with powerful guitar and robust drums which lighten for the vocals to enter with the verse. The haunting nostalgic vocals adds a mysterious tone to the song. The chorus bursts into vigorous guitars and pounding drums. Its a very catchy song with lyrical repetition in the chorus which adds to the haunting effect. This is a very promising band with a raw, real feel, definitely ones to watch!
Anna Liese have released the final two tracks from their début EP ‘Chasing and Fading’.’Chasing and Fading’ the title track is a riff base rock track heavier than the other songs we have heard so far.With an intense Radiohead vibe. The vocals have a mysterious tone to them which really adds to the atmosphere of this track. There is a call and response between the guitar and the vocals which is really effective. The song builds to a heavy end with a strong final note.
‘Green’ is my favourite track on the EP it again starts slow with melancholy vocals and then kicks straight into a rock song with full sound and a proper mosh pit tune, with slick guitars and pounding drums and even a scream in vocals. The vigorous guitars are amazing and really show the skill of theses guys. This is a zealous, blazing track and I can imagine it is magnificent live.
Looking forward to the live gigs!
You can catch Anna Liese at the Thirsty scholar, Waterford on the 27th April and in The Brewery Corner, Kilkenny on the 21st May.
Stream ‘Chasing and Fading’ and ‘Green’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
