Liverpool based alternative-rock artist, Ambro River (aka Richard Batty), has released his debut single, ‘Electrolyte’. With elements of ’90s gunge providing an edge between sweet melodies, this driving rock track is a fantastic and ambitious debut. Batty creates an exhilarating and raw backdrop of gritty guitar riffs, rumbling bass lines and punchy drums to create one blistering gem for listeners to enjoy. The guitars exude an epic quality reminiscent of 80’s rock anthems and smoulder through the chorus while the verses tease and intensify throughout. The song boasts Batty’s musical prowess and tight songwriting as he uses expressive instrumentation to enhance his clever lyrical content. Melding playful lyricism with majestic and refined musicianship, ‘Electrolyte’ is an impressive and well-crafted tune from Ambro River.
Born out of the existential crisis that has been Covid, and a general feeling of global turmoil, ‘Not Today’ is the massive debut album to come from UK rock band Giant Sky. Finding themselves ready to record in March 2020, the pandemic restrictions meant that they were stopped in their tracks. Still desperate to focus on their music, the band put together crude demos, which soon turned into an EP. Gradually finding their style changing and seeing that there was no end to restrictions in sight, Giant Sky headed to a studio to record this full-length album, wearing masks and testing daily to get the album completed. Formed of Olivia Bond, Toby Mcfee, Jay Amesbury and Jon Hatch, Giant Sky was born after meeting Olivia in 2019. Having been in bands together since their teens, the boys have played music together for years, with Olivia’s vocals and lyricism completing the picture.
‘Not Today’ is a powerful alternative rock album surging with Giant Sky’s sonic onslaught of heavy riffs, crashing drums and dark melodies. The band create tense tunes that brood with moody grunge verses and anthemic choruses. From the cinematic and robust ‘Rust’ to the triumphant raw smack of ‘Elephant, the band take a resounding foundation of roaring bass and pummeling drums and scatter coarse guitar embellishments into the mix to create a lean, mean and musically tantalizing wall of sound. The songs travel at a brisk neck-snapping pace as Giant Sky layer acute instrumentation atop a jagged rhythmic pulse within tracks such as ‘Change’ to create a manic mosh ready soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. The blazing instrumental backdrops within the album creates an exhilarating contrast to the melodies’ hazy effect, which, teamed with Olivia Bond’s delicate coos, adds a softer element to the songs. We see this particularly within ‘Heroin’. The coarse sawing bass and sharp guitar refrains lacerate with aggressive force, which Bond cushions with her soothing vocal delivery.
‘Not Today’ is a fine display of the band’s musical prowess, ‘Wolf’ and ‘Elephant’ in particular are prime examples of Giant Sky’s endless talent where we see the band sprinkle moments of guitar delight throughout. However, it’s the bittersweet ‘Home’ that sits as the pinnacle moment within the album. Boasting ethereal guitar, a bright atmosphere and Bond’s pristine vocals the song builds to a hair raising cinematic crescendo filled with expressive drums, lush backing vocals and soft keys. The track is a captivating gem and a wonderful assault on the senses.
Giant Sky have poured themselves into this fantastic album to create a mature, refined and thrilling collection of tracks ready for repeat plays.
Gang Of Youths have released their new single ‘the angel of 8th ave.’ The track represents their first new music since 2017’s ‘Go Farther In Lightness’ album. Entirely self-produced, the track was recorded in their own studio in Hackney, a place which provides them with unlimited creative freedom. It was subsequently mixed by the Grammy-winning Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, The National). Since forming in Sydney, Australia in 2011, Gang Of Youths have made a big impression with their two albums to date, ‘The Positions’ (2015) and ‘Go Farther In Lightness’ (2017), the latter of which won four prestigious ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Group. London shows have included four sold-out nights at the Islington Assembly Hall, and a show as part of BRITs Week 2020 in support of War Child. Meanwhile, international festival dates have spanned everywhere from Splendour In The Grass to Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Rock Werchter and Mad Cool.
‘the angel of 8th ave’ is an expressive rush of indie rock that showcases the dynamic musicianship of Gang Of Youths. The song ignites with a catchy rhythmic intro before Dave Le’aupepe’s deep vocals express the lyrics as a rapid progression of thought,“So we got straight to the heart, And I was a coward and worse to my shame, I fell hard upon the weightless weeks, But wasted every day”. The earnest lyrics move through a jogging backdrop of bass rumbles and resounding sprints on guitars as the band create an intense and hyper wall of sound for listeners to indulge in.
The band layer and craft the song superbly to create an invigorating listening experience. The song builds becoming more vibrant with each flourishing musical element as the dynamic chorus elevates the track with soaring sharp guitar embellishments and a driving bounce on drums. Everything pivots around the snappy rhythm within this song as warm injections on acoustic guitar, haunting reverb pines on synths and lofty guitar refrains ricochet off the snapping percussion and drum beat.
Gang Of Youths present a marvellous new tune that effortlessly displays their passion and musical prowess. With a tune this impressive, powerful and ambitious, I’m excited to hear what the band has to offer next.
Dublin alternative indie rock four-piece Fruitz are back with a new single, ‘Be Like This’. The song follows their popular previous release ‘Daydream’ in 2020, a sold-out headline show at Whelan’s, and support for Louis Berry. ‘Be Like This’ was recorded in Dublin’s famous Windmill Lane Recording Studios. Fruitz teamed up with producer Cian Synott and mastering engineer Fergal Davis on this song as well as Gareth Halliday ( Noel Gallagher) for the artwork.
Doused in sharp riffs and driving rhythms, ‘Be Like This’ is an impressive track from Fruitz that balances 90’s alternative rock with indie undertones. The tune is an emotive and confident display of passion-filled musicianship that showcases the band’s mature and dynamic sound in all its glory. Brooding verses simmer with rumbling basslines, jangly guitars and tense drums to provide the perfect pressure cooker to perk the ears and tantalise the senses before erupting into the mighty chorus. Boasting expressive vocals, an exhilarating melody and majestic guitar display, ‘Be Like This’ is a hair-raising anthem that marks Fruitz as ones to watch.
Indie rockers Afterbliss are back with their third single, ‘Remnants’. After a discussion on an online discussion forum, and comprised of members from across Ireland, Scotland and Romania, the indie rock band formed in June 2019. The group is made up of Evan Cassidy on lead vocals, Alex Burcea on lead guitar, synths and backing vocals, Ally Pender on drums, James O’Gorman on rhythm guitar, and Shane Waldron on bass. After 18 months of writing songs, November 2020 saw them release their debut single, “Until Sunrise”, which received acclaim on local and national Irish radio play. Their music has already accumulated over 27,000 streams between Spotify and YouTube. “Remnants” was recorded in the legendary Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin (Rolling Stones, U2). It was mixed by Alan Kelly (Kings of Leon, Herbie Hancock), and mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Sinead O’Connor).
‘Remnants’ is a dazzling disco ball of synth-driven indie rock that continues Afterbliss’ run of knockout tracks. The song is a potent and well crafted tune that moves at a brisk hair-raising pace enhanced by disco flirtations that weave between the raw guitar riffs. The band take their impressive knack for anthemic melodies and combine this with a dynamic sequence of epic synth progressions and pummeling drums to create a soaring new single that is a joy to listen to and a wonderful assault on the senses. Afterbliss are making a name for themselves with their tight, ambitious sound and deft musicianship and ‘Remnants’ takes this to a new and awe-inspiring level.The track is a must-listen.
Manchester-based band Pacific have released their new single ‘Spiral’. Few can lay claim to achieving so many accolades in such a small space of time but in 2021 alone, Pacific have gained Apple Music’s backing, playlisted in their Breaking Rock and New In Rock editorials, as well as from their hometown club Manchester United, who are using the band’s songs in online video content and stadium pre-match playlists. They have also garnered tremendous radio support from Amazing Radio, BBC Introducing Manchester, Merseyside and many more. Plus, Huw Stephens has given them a spin, and XS Manchester had them as their ‘Record of the Week’.
‘Spiral’ is a piano-led tune doused in the anthemic alternative rock of Pacific. This dramatic song swarms in on a dynamic backdrop of gritty guitars, raw bass grooves and powerful drum progressions to create a dense and adrenaline rushing soundscape that is euphoric to the ears. Containing a wonderful icy piano feature amidst the heavy rock onslaught, the band showcase their deft musical prowess superbly. The massive production, synth embellishment and hook-filled pop melodies make ‘Spiral’ an exhilarating listening experience and a wonderful example of Pacific’s powerful musicianship. Boasting passionate vocals and a mighty chorus, ‘Spiral’ is a fantastic new single from Pacific.
Following the release of their #3 acclaimed third album Moral Panic last year, Southend five-piece Nothing But Thieves have released their dark and explorative new single and video ‘Futureproof’ via RCA Records, which was premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World. The track was produced by Rich Costey (Biffy Clyro, Haim, Foo Fighters) and recorded between London’s RAK Studios and guitarist/keyboardist Dom’s home studio.The video, directed by Jake Jelicich, sees the band bathed in an auburn glow giving an intense performance that is filmed chaotically, matching the energy and uneasiness of the song.
Raw, unbridled and saturated in a thrilling concoction of guitar rock and hip hop, ‘Futureproof’ is a spectacular single from Nothing But Thieves. The band creates a muggy wall of sound filled with heavy beats, biting bass lines and intense keys for listeners to indulge in and boy it doesn’t disappoint. The five-piece have turned their impressive sound up notch to create an immersive, blazing new tune that boasts refined production and exemplary instrumentation. The track spirals through dark tones and explosive outbursts while Conor Mason’s vocals expel the striking lyrics “Why do you wanna do good when you can feel good?”. ‘Futureproof’ is a gripping, and utterly fantastic display of musicianship from Nothing But Thieves that is ready for repeat plays and sure to have a live audience going wild.
About the song the band says; “‘Futureproof’ is about self-preservation; what that means to different people and the lengths that those people would go to achieve it. It’s designed to be a guitar rock and hip hop hybrid. That can be a bit of an eye roller and it’s easy to get wrong, but there’s a parallel between some of our heavier songs and the more aggressive side of hip hop, which we wanted to try and get at. It’s dark and chromatic and then it’s mixed like a hip hop track with loud drums and vocals. The idea was to try and explore that territory in the most authentic and fresh way.”
Dubliner Kevin Casey has released his new single ‘The Whole World Is Watching’. A long-standing regular in the Irish music scene, Kevin Casey has released several singles, two EPs, and a full-length album since 2014. He has done two European tours and gigged extensively across the country and Germany, the U.K, and the USA, including two consecutive years at Electric Picnic.‘The Whole World Is Watching’ was inspired by the tragic events that led to the Death of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020.
Filled with striking lyrical content, ‘The Whole World Is Watching’ is a passionate and powerful tune from Kevin Casey. With haunting harmonica pines which open up to chilling audio samples, the song hits hard right from the start as the track drifts atop a heartfelt power ballad-esque backdrop filled with lamenting guitars and sparse country elements. Casey’s rasped vocals exude emotion as he questions how our protectors can be those who harm us “A sentence without a crime is how it seems to me…“. With an off-beat drum sample reminiscent of a fading heartbeat and chants panning out the song, Casey presents his most compelling and moving tune yet.
Liverpool band Murmurs have released their debut single ‘Not My Girl’. Murmurs came together through a sheer passion for music. The band is composed of lead singer and guitarist Kieran McKenna, drummer Kevin McKay, John Bradley on bass and Josh Ferrigan on lead guitar,
‘Not My Girl’ is a bright slice of indie rock that displays the catchy and tight sound of Murmurs. The band spread lush harmonies and warm vocals over a sweet radiant melody while weaving light indie guitar jingles through a buoyant drum backdrop to create an upbeat, bop-ready wall of sound that is a joy to listen to. This infectious tune is sure to have you singing along in no time with its catchy qualities and sun-kissed charm. Oozing a 90’s rock undertone and boasting a shredding guitar solo, ‘Not My Girl’ is a satisfying listening experience and strong debut single from Murmurs.
Dublin-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy are set to release their new single, ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ on June 11th. It is the band’s second single of 2021, following April’s ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’. Recording the single was only possible due to the generous financial support of the Department of Culture, who last year announced the creation of a Music Industry Stimulus Package (MISP), intended to help keep the Irish commercial music sector afloat during Covid-19. In November 2020, Late Night Pharmacy were awarded funding under the MISP, and hired Aidan Cunningham (Wheatus, The Scratch, Nealo, Overhead the Albatross) to produce and mix three singles.
Riding on a jagged riff and machine-gun rhythmic jabs ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is a heavy alternative rock tune that packs one heck of a punch. The song is a fantastic, intense, and thrilling sonic assault on the senses filled with crashing guitars and pounding drums that create a dense and mind bombarding soundscape that is simply a joy to listen to. An eerie undertone rumbles underneath the track’s kinetic soundscape and is greatly enhanced by the use of synths, jolting time signature changes and tempo shifts. This choppy effect within the track’s sound is an intriguing display of musical prowess and complements the lyrical theme wonderfully.‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is an excellent display of deft songwriting and impressive musicianship from Late Night Pharmacy.
About the track the band said: “In Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”, he described how journalists use clichéd, shopworn phrases to write sentences almost unconsciously (“They will construct your sentences for you – even think your thoughts for you”), hence psychologically protecting them from considering the full implications of their opinions. 1984 features a character who speaks so orthodoxically as to resemble an automaton: “It was not the man’s brain that was speaking, it was his larynx.” Today, most communication originates not in the brain, but in the thumbs: social media discourse is an endless deluge of the same handful of clichéd expressions repeated ad nauseum, and conveying no real sentiment other than smug condescension. In this environment, even the crudest artificial intelligence could pass the Turing test with ease. As a commentary on this trend, the lyrics of “Slacktivist (Normalise This)” are entirely made up of overused social media expressions, assembled in no particular order as a series of empty, vapid non sequiturs. “
