Category Archives: Indie

Brass Phantoms ‘Waiting Up’

Dublins alternative rock foursome, Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘Waiting Up’. The band have played extensively all over the country and have Sunsets Festival and Guinness Amplify performances under their belt, as well as headlining shows at Dublin’s Workman’s and Whelan’s. Their track ‘City Of Wolves’ was released last year and was play listed on our national broadcaster RTE 2fm leading to a BBC Introducing slot for BBC Radio Ulster, and live sessions across stations like NOVA and 4fm. They finished last year at the Other Voices festival and have been booked for various showcases and Ones To Watch festivals this year as well as this summers Indiependence with Manic Street Preachers and SIGMA (full line up to be announced).
‘Waiting Up’ is a rush of sonic laden aerial indie. Soaring to skyscraper heights this track is sublime almost heavenly. The rapid tribal tinged beat teamed with rooted rolling bass gives the track grounding and a solid foundation to bounce off before it escapes and ascends into the elevated chorus. The sharp sting on guitar adds a breezy refreshing sensation as the track builds into a blustery thrilling crescendo. Smooth vocals coo to start with a velvety texture building and becoming more animated as the track progresses, while the lush uplifting backing vocals soar above with sweet elevated buoyancy. The superb production and breathtaking musicianship makes ‘Waiting Up’ a stunning display of Brass Phantoms compact remarkable soundscape

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Watch the video for ‘Waiting Up’ below

The Elephant Trees ’90 Degrees’

Leeds boisterous acoustic-led indie alt-rock band The Elephant Trees have released their debut single ’90 Degrees’. Band members Martha Phillips,Will Milton, Sam Hugh-Jones and Tom Palmer formed in early 2015 and have been writing and gigging relentlessly ever since.They have spent the time since their inception honing their live show and supporting artists such as Jake Isaac, City of Lights, and Billy Bibby (ex-Catfish and the Bottlemen), as well as playing venues such as Leeds’ Belgrave Music Hall and O2 Academy. They blend a more acoustic singer-songwriter style with huge riffs and singalong choruses to create a unique and infectious sound.
’90 Degrees’ is an impressive blow of raucous causing energy blistering with strident guitars pummelling drums and fiery energy. A forceful thudding beat kicks of the track followed by an infectious gritty scorching riff. ’90 Degrees’ builds in momentum into a frantic mosh worthy crescendo with shredding guitar solo and a sing along bridge that will have a live audience bellowing at the top of their lungs. Its crafted for massive live shows and frantic crowds. Confident attitude infused swagger driven vocals add punch and fight, its a song that screams don’t mess with me. Dramatic stops and hefty rhythm teamed with strident guitars, its a mighty and exciting debut from The Elephant Trees. These guys are ones to watch.
Watch the video for ’90 Degrees’ below

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/

Cosmo Calling ‘On The Wire’

Cosmo Calling are a Manchester based Alternative Indie-Rock band with an infusion of powerful textures and addictive melodies. The dual vocal, indie-rock 5 piece are signed to New Street Records.The band is comprised of members Phoebe Taylor (Vocals),Harry Preen (Vocals, Guitar ),Darragh Burke (Guitar) and Gabriel Alexander (Drums). The band have supported Noasis at a sell-out show in 2016 and played their first UK tour early last year to their ever-growing fan base.Their debut single ‘On The Wire’ is due for release on the 3rd of March. ‘On The Wire’ is a perky bouncy track bursting with sweet melodies with tight interweaving rich blends of dual vocals. Bright lustrous guitar introduces the track with vitality and an exuberant riff. The lively cheerful beat keeps the track playful and fun. The entire track has a frolicsome uplifting vibe and glowing radiance that will put a smile on your face. The perfect combination of Phoebe Taylor and Harry Preen’s vocals add a unique quality and sweetness to the track as they both ooze enthusiasm and warmth.

Cosmo Calling are playing a launch night at Night and Day to celebrate the singles release on march 3rd so make sure to check that out.

Watch the lyric video for ‘On The Wire’ below

Ziegler Co. ‘Clarity’

Ziegler Co. are an alt-Indie-Pop four piece based in London. Band members Adam J. Morgan, Daniel Priddle, Fraser Rieley and Michael Benöhr have released three EPs and six singles through Foof Records in the last two years.They have gigged extensively over the UK and have played at festivals including Green Man, Secret Garden Party and Glastonbury. They have also supported, amongst others, the Penguin Café Orchestra. Their latest EP ‘Soap & Water’ was recorded at an ex-girlfriend’s house during a long rainy summer weekend, and indulges the band’s reflective song-writing side and captures a softer sound not heard in their previous release.
‘Clarity’ is the first track on the EP and showcases a sophisticated immersed sound complete with an elegance and delicate charm that is mind easing. Graceful piano twinkles and sparkles like shimmering water while the warm cooing vocals soothe and wash over you with an almost purifying presence. The simplistic beat anchors the track letting the glistening mellow guitar and piano almost dance together as their melodies sway and glide with grandeur. Beautifully crafted, this track fills you with a feeling of piece and tranquillity. The song builds to a stronger more instrumentally intense crescendo with eerie haunting backing vocals where you realise the melancholy darker undertone. Ziegler Co. have produced a tightly wrapped track that lets the listener unwind with a lyrical depth and profoundness that leaves an imprint on your soul. The video for Clarity was directed by Anna Patarakina who is a great friend of the band and directs/DPs almost all of Clean Bandit’s videos.
Ziegler Co. are currently sitting on another four tracks which they recorded last year so hopefully they will be released soon.Looking forward to that.
Watch the video for ‘Clarity’ below

BOKITO ‘Better At Getting Worse’

London-Irish ‘tropical indie’ sensations BOKITO have released their belting debut single ‘Better At Getting Worse’ on Lost In The Manor Records. Peddling an uproarious blend of rock, soca, funk and roots, London-based five-piece Bokito consisting of members Moses (vocals), Jody (bass), Joe (guitar), Tom (drums) and Sam (keys/percussion) have coined a phrase for their unique genre mashup: tropical indie. With edgy grooves and unforgettable hooks BOKITO radiate sun-baked carnival vibes.

‘Better At Getting Worse’ is an infectious glowing ball that increases in brightness and luminosity as the track progresses. Beginning with a quirky swirling organ-and-guitar refrain soaring across an angular calypso rhythm, its instantly likeable. This unusual fusion is fresh and immensely thrilling. The affluent percussion will summon up the inner dance goblin in even the most reluctant person.Building into an absolutely astral chorus this track bounces with intense spirit and explosive energy. Its tribal bridge sets your soul on fire with a sun soaked heatwave of delight. Moses brings a splash of rousing Celtic spirit with his extraordinary vibrant and charismatic vocals. Its the stuff dancing is made for.

The track was produced by Bradley Spencer and Alex Beitzke in London’s Fish Tank studios, and mastered by legendary Grammy-nominated engineer Greg Calbi. ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is something of a cautionary insight to the male psyche. Frontman Moses explains:

“The song is primarily aimed at men and their own handling of their emotions… and how useless most of them are at it. But we men are talented at one thing, which is suppressing everything and moulding it into a smile.”
You can catch BOKITO live at
11th February – The Stags Head, Hoxton, London
5th April – The Lock Tavern, Camden, London
28th April – Whelans, Dublin, Ireland
20th May – The Great Escape @ Queens Hotel, Brighton
Stream ‘Better At Getting Worse’ below

https://soundcloud.com/bokitoband/better-at-getting-worse/

Ten Fé ‘Hit The Light’

London-based duo Ten Fé have released their much anticipated debut album ‘Hit The Light’.Recorded in Berlin, Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan’s stunning debut is an album to get lost in. The duo effortlessly blend blissful soft rock with psychedelic electronic rock ’n’ roll creating an album where each track warrants its place and has its own identity on the album while gliding fluidly into the next track.
‘Overflow’ kicks the album off with sweet nostalgia. Moorhouse’s warm mellow baritone soothes and cushions the listener from the bittersweet sentimental drenched track. It becomes instantly obvious these guys have a  knack for irresistible melodies that lull in the back of your mind portraying perhaps harsh sombre tones but with a grace and a delicacy that is just beautiful. With longing tapping synths, lush harmonies and rich layered echo textures Ten Fé begin to introduce us to their enthralling sound that will transport you to a mind numbing journey into a swirling world of emotions.
‘Turn’ follows dripping in sonic 80’s infused soft rock, Duncan mourns a strained relationship.Its wistful with an afflicted tone but by no means doleful. Psychedelic “wah wah” on guitar ripples through the track like a wobbly warping mirage while the soft beat peps the track up adding a lively bouncy effect. Lush harmonies are what these guy do effortlessly and it adds such a rich elegance to the track especially when teamed with a mind melting melody.
Moorhouse takes on lead vocals on the dreamy ‘Elodie’. I must confess my favourite track on the album, ‘Elodie’ is the kind of track that you fall in love with. It reduces you to a liquid substance and really shows off the duos fine musicianship. The rich, daydream tone on vocals coo and lull with lavish qualities. Its heart on your sleeve raw emotion, tender and sweet yet radiating bright vibes. With yearning lyrics and lamenting “sigh-like” backing vocals, it swoons you into a bubble of nostalgic dreaminess. The rolling piano refrain creates a swan-like elegance while the steady tempo, warm feelings and heavenly melody make this track a perfect treasure.
‘Twist Your Arm’ flurries with loose floaty ecstasy featuring a propulsive strong beat and elastic bass teamed with a stinging slide guitar. The swirling electronics chilled with breezy natural tones add a psychedelic feel. The track builds into a massive full bodied chorus with hand clapping, swaying and almost Gospel- like crescendo. With smooth vocals reaching to a dynamic falsetto this track is dynamite.
‘Another Way’ is summer in a bottle. Open roads sunshine relax and chill. Limber dainty guitar adds to the bright luminous vibe while the washed-out keys flood the track with cool relaxed tones. Its mind easing bliss with falsetto vocals and rich harmonies creating the perfect backdrop to just let everything go.
‘In The Air’ jogs along again displaying Ten Fé’s knack for ear-worm indie pop. Zesty bright guitars interplay with a steady consistent beat while Moorhouse  and Duncan’s  vocal harmonies intertwine. Its effortless cool melody and vocals give the track a mellow bright free vibe.
‘Don’t Forget’ brings us a beat driven track with a darker tone. Flashes of sharp guitar add piercing scintillation to the track while soft backing vocals echo. The track becomes more electronically heavy as it progresses building to almost an 80’s rock balled classic. Its all fist pumping vibes by the shredding guitar solo.
‘Follow’ another delightful melodic banger. Smothered in uplifting vibes with nostalgic undertones and gentle vocals. With wistful synth swirls, its tear jerking stuff that still makes you feel good.
‘Make Me Better’ blast us with strings, sticky snappy beats and a The Verve vibe mixed with  Roy Orbison-esque elements. Its dark dramatic and fantastically sharp.Its a rush of blood churning with bubbling emotions and flashes of blazing synths.Epic orchestral peaks create an anthemic explosion while a calm steady bassline grounds the track adding depth. Its larger than life and immense yet majestic. You will have stuck song syndrome with that hook on strings it will be in your head all day.
‘Burst’ bops with hopeful vitality. The use of reverb changes the track that would perhaps have been more country into a fusion with psychedelic trippy electronics. Its catchy fun and lively and twangs in all the right places.
Our journey with Ten Fé comes to and end with the tender emotional ‘July Rain’. Rich percussion perfectly placed throbs and kicks with a stomping beat.Light pitter patter adds a rain like quality while a beautiful piano feature adds grace and elegance to this emotional track. This duo are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve and its beautiful aching tracks like ‘July Rain’ that come to fruition because of this. Delicate backing vocals heighten the emotional vocals and raw lyrics. This stunning track brings the album to a heart wrenching yet satisfying end.
Ten Fé compiled a combination of impeccable songs that are a treasure. Each track flows perfectly into the next. Its an emotional journey that the band take you on with them. Giving a personal experience to every listener that makes you hold the album close to your heart. As expected Ten Fé knocked it out of the park with catchy melodies and well crafted musicianship, ‘Hit The Light’ is what we expected and more, majestic personal and larger than life.
Stream ‘Hit The Light’ below