Atlas Wynd have unveiled two new singles in the form of a double A-side release, following April’s explosive cut, ‘Mona Lisa’, which secured them fans in Huw Stephens (Radio 1) and Elise Cobain (Amazing Radio). The Brighton-based trio of Peter Chapman (vocals/guitar), Harry Sotnick (drums) and newly acquired Sam Evans (bass) who are barely out of their teens have created a tight slick sophisticated sound with each track. The garage rock three-piece grew up in the North East of England before moving to Brighton to study. Following stand out slots at Great Escape, Y Not Festival and regular appearances at Brighton’s Green Door Store, Atlas Wynd have firmly established themselves as a promising name to look out for in the not too distant future.
‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ is a raw edgy indie track that glides in on a deceptive breezy tone. Hazy guitar and daydream vocals introduce the track with a lazy laid back vibe. The chorus suddenly shocks you into wakening with crashing vigorous guitars, pounding drums and distortion, it’s a forceful sharp slap of alternative rock. Atlas Wynd soothe and relax you just to punch you in the face with their mighty raw sound and most worthy fuzz blasting crescendo. It’s a thrilling wake me up that shows the diversity and refined musicianship of this trio.
The other side to the new double A-side is a much more punk rock affair. ‘You’re On My Mind’ is neck snapping and frenzy doused mighty bliss. Rapid punchy drums pummel through the track while the shredding shrill on guitars pierce with a razor sharp sting. It’s a rumbling dance worthy track filled with mosh ready might . It’s catchy with Peter’s staccato vocal hook adding emotional power while the rhythm gives a nice groove to bop and dance to. These guys are showing skills beyond their years. Definitely ones to watch out for.
James Holt is a singer,songwriter from Manchester whose unique alternative rock sound, is receiving attention and praise from music industry giants and the listening public alike. He has recently released his new single ‘Whatever Happened to John?’ which was chosen by world-renowned producer Brian Eno for the NOISE arts festival.Holt performs regularly at venues and festivals in towns and cities across the UK including prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London. ‘Whatever Happened to John?’ is a speedy energetic track blended with rich varieties of euphoric sounds, from country twangs and rock and roll bounce to sensual ethnic sensibilities and loads in between. With a snappy beat and mellow harmonica twangs, it’s an infectious relentless brisk ball that constantly rebounds back with infectious enthusiasm. Slick guitar flickers and mysterious ethnic feature provides a sultry steamy bridge with psychedelic delusional hints. The track continues it’s steam engine pace laced with adrenaline and heart stopping excitement. It’s a refreshing cracking track smothered in bustle charm and staggering swagger. This guy has some talent.
Golden Curtain is the collaborative relationship between an indie rock band from New Zealand and a California poet. The band consists of members Andrew Mckenzie (vocals, guitar), Andrew Gladstone (vocals, drums), Brad Gamble (bass).After striking up a friendship with Hawkes Bay’s Golden Curtain around the time their debut album came out in 2011, Alex Green and Golden Curtain front man Andrew Mckenzie started collaborating via Skype on a truly transpacific musical endeavour. The result is the release of the ‘Underwater Gospels’ album ‘Underwater Gospels’ is ten tracks of laid back indie pop. From the twinkling soundscapes coated in edgy guitar strides of ‘Heart Attack Summer’ to the almost country warmth and bounce of ‘Etc Etc’,Golden Curtain give an album that is light and cosy while also displaying a knack for sublime melody and rich rhythm. ‘ I Changed My Mind For You’ has a beachy reverb laden, catch a wave vibe. It’s relaxed with echoing backing vocals and a bouncy rhythm. ‘Amen’ blasts with soulful handclaps lushly textured rhythm and nautical basslines. With a catchy percussion section that draws you into its groove and sweet passionate melody, it’s hot summers evening fireside bliss. ‘So Easy’ is sun soaked nostalgia smooth with a day dream melody and bright guitar feature that flickers and glows lifting the track into a hazy vibe. Soft beat, velvety raspy vocals and warm tones it verges into country territory without actually crossing that line.’The Captain’ is your tender slow jam while ‘The Pier’ closes the album with a doo wop vibe mixed with subtle swirling guitars and bouncy drums. The “bop shoo be doo wop” lyrics add a quirky catchy element that will have you singing along in no time.
‘Underwater Gospels’ is a display of Golden Curtain’s intricate attention to detail as they create an album easy to listen to and relaxed while maintaining rich luscious soundscapes.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Trooper Charlie
Dublin’s indie four piece Trooper Charlie have released their new single ‘Indigo’ which was self written and produced. The band consisting of members Adam Lunnon-Collery (Lead Vocals), Luke O’Brien ( Lead Guitar),Victor Bell (Bass Guitar & Vocals) and Colin Jackson (Drums & Percussion) have been playing together for the best part of almost 8 years since the age of 13 years old where they met in secondary school. They have played shows all over Dublin and Ireland from Cyprus Avenue in Cork to Whelan’s in Dublin.
‘Indigo’ is a lush laid back sun soaked track drenched in tropical tones and hazy vibes. Sharp zesty guitar and elegant twinkling keys add spurts of fruity freshness while smooth bouncy percussion and mellow vocals soothe creating a calm relaxed atmosphere. This catchy daydream laced track cruises with an effortless flow and infectious groove. It’s polished and breezy, well layered and richly textured. These guys have created a slick fluently smooth track that is just heavenly.
The Real Fits are a rock band from Phoenix, Arizona the band consists of members Nick Smith,Raquel Willand, Blair Furmanski, Jared Wood and Johl Driscoll. They have just released their new single ‘Pretty Bastard’. Exuding slick effortlessly cool swagger wrapped in a hazy dreamy mirage-like vibe. Infectious sharp guitar lines glide throughout the track adding a zesty sting while the punchy drums and elastic bass round out the sound with a cushioned yet mighty punch and rapid flexibility. Willand’s compelling vocals are filled with emotion and vulnerability. The slight rasp in her vocals add a luring almost fascinating quality that draws you into the track. Tightly layered these guys have created a catchy compact track that grooves and fluidly flows all while blasting a mosh worthy chorus and bewitching you with dark tinted verses.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Fontaines
Los Angeles based The Fontaines have released their video for their new track ‘Two Bodies’ due for release on 9th June. Continuing the rich lush sound of their previous releases this year ‘Vacant’ and ‘Evaporate’, ‘Two Bodies’ is a sultry silky track that glides with effortless smooth swagger. The silky melody is melty and creamy while Charlotte Fontaine’s vocals coo with a soft soul tinged entrapment. Smothered in a hazy dreamy vibe, it’s a sticky muggy bubble. The fuzzed sharp guitar injections add a zesty sting and almost tropical flavour to this sensual indulgent track. The elastic spring on bass and soft beat gives the track a limber pliable texture. It glides with a steamy heavenly grace that is simply splendid. The Fontaines never disappoint, their sound is so refined and sublime they really are first rate musicians.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Vast Robot Armies
Toronto’s Vast Robot Armies have released their new single ‘Dinner Music’. The four piece Jason Thomson (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards), John Agee (Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Piano), Joseph Wells (Guitars, Bass) and Chris Metcalf (Drums, Percussion) have created a garage indie rock track oozing with effortless swagger and subtle bursts of anthem like might. Its slick cool and filled with bright exuberant energy.Hazy echoed laid back vocals and shredding guitar riffs fill your veins with a powerful supreme feverous sound. Sharp guitars add a blissful shrill of ecstasy while punchy drums and rich percussion add a meaty elastic texture. It’s a rapturous delight and sweet honey to the ears.
Stream ‘Dinner Music’ below
Dublin post-punk-pop purveyors Galants have released their new single ‘Evergreen’ taken from their self titled debut 10” EP. Band members David Kennedy (guitar, vocals),James McDonald (drums),Colin O’Dwyer (bass, vocals) and Ruairi Paxton (guitar, keys) slap you in the face with a mighty piercing hurricane of punk. This blistering tune is disguised as a bubbly indie track with warm bright tones and honeyed melody however backed by a powerhouse of relentless drumming and vigorous crashing guitars, it’s a whirlwind of aggressive snappy punk. Breezy vocals and fresh tones create an exhilarating track that is frenzy inducing and i’m sure makes for manic live shows.
Shamona are a three piece band from Liverpool which consists of members Pete Riley (Lead Vocals and Bass guitar), Andy O’Connor (Lead guitar and Backing Vocals) and Matty Colfar (Drums).They have been named in Fred Perry’s top 20 bands in Liverpool, while their track ‘Game Is Yours’ was recently used in the Everton Fc Season Ticket Campaign. They have also opened for many national touring acts and have received plaudits and endorsements from the likes of Edwin McCain (platinum selling US singer/songwriter), Dave McCabe (The Zutons) Nile Rogers (Chic) Garry Christian (The Christians) Tom Clarke (The Enemy) and footballer, Everton and England’s Leighton Baines (EFC). Shamona have also recently been championed by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks, Billy Butler, Spencer Leigh, and Jay Hynd and Ellie Phillips of Juice FM, Bay TV Liverpool. Shamona have recently released a brand new music video for their track ‘FLY’ on Curious Fox Records. ‘FLY’ is classic rock tucked up in a warm melody and tight instrumentation. It’s a cruising laid-back track backed by rich luscious sweet toned guitar and a soft bounce on rhythm. It’s simple yet opulent with passion and soul. Velvety vocals with raspy hints add a smooth coating as the track floods with a free airy vibe. It’s a track that hits you with heartfelt emotion and cosy tones and really warms the cockles of your heart.
Shamona have started to gather a lot of momentum and are set to embark on their first European tour this summer, (including a number of sold out shows in the Netherlands) and are currently on tour in the U.K. check out their Facebook page here for more https://www.facebook.com/ShamonaBand/
Watch the video for ‘FLY’ below
Formed in the honest grit of Hamilton, Ontario, Basement Revolver have seen a quick and notable ascent into the spotlight with their unique brand of 90’s infused indie-rock. Their first EP racked up over 800,000+ plays on Spotify and nearly 100,000 plays on SoundCloud and they have also managed to open for accomplished national acts like Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club), We Are The City, Evening Hymns and The Acorn. The three piece have now released their new single ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ which follows last year’s EP and debut single ‘Johnny’. The song comes from their forthcoming second EP ‘Agatha’ out this July 21st on Yellow K Records in the US and fear of missing out in Europe. ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ is emotionally translucent, like glass this track is delicate and breakable as Chrisy Hurn’s vocals display raw emotion and longing while instrumentally it holds strong and firm. It’s a slow burner brooding from the start and soaked in yearning tones with a soft beat and electronic hints, it’s a captivating and refined experience. Elastic beat and strident sting on guitar adds a raw edge and organic coarse texture. The sweet soft vocals smoothen the track and highlight the tender lyrics. Building as it progresses with sonic blends winding in and out, its almost hypnotic and mesmerising yet so delicate.
When asked about the track the band said “This new track continues the story. Johnny Pt. 2 was written almost directly after I broke up with “Johnny” – it was the heartbreak caused by an end, the wish that I could have been better, and the desire to continue a friendship. When a friendship wasn’t possible, I wanted them to know that heartbreak or not, I would be there if needed – I would put aside all the things that broke our relationship and the things that gave me identity for a chance at friendship. In hindsight, I have since learned a lot about myself, and that I don’t need to disappear in order to have people that I care about in life.”
Stream ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
