Birmingham three-piece, Miccoli are set to release their new single ‘Idle Strangers’ on AFA Records on the 3rd of March. The single is taken from the sibling trio’s upcoming album due for release later this year. The band has recently featured on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch as well as a tour throughout Europe and US tour earlier last year. After spending most of their childhood studying and making music, twin brothers Adriano (vocal and acoustic/electric guitar) and Alessandro (piano, vocal and acoustic guitar) teamed up with their younger sister Francesca (vocal, piano and harmonica) and decided to form the band a few years ago. Miccoli has since toured extensively throughout Europe and America, hanging out with Motley Crue along the way and have recently performed at the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park. Previous singles have attracted the attention of public and critics alike and have seen them feature on American, British and Asian television and pick up airplay on national and regional BBC radio as well as Internet and college stations across the board. ‘Idle Stranger’, the follow-up to last year’s ‘Silent’ EP and was self-produced and recorded at Clarion Studios in Penang off the coast of Malaysia. ‘Idle Stranger’ is a dreamy enchanting piece of infectious indie pop. Sweet luscious vocal harmonies lift the track to a heavenly euphoric bliss. Its a soft tender succulent track that oozes bright airy vibes. So delicately presented as the bands vocals blend perfectly giving a melody that is honey to the ears and irresistible. Soft guitar accompanies with light twinkling that adds a bit of zest or edge to the track while the cushioned beat rolls with a fluffy like quality making this song so easy and comforting to listen to. The track is the first indication of what to expect from the eagerly awaited debut album and is accompanied by a stunning video filmed in Venice and directed by up and coming photographer Valentio McKenzie.
Stream ‘Idle Stranger’ below
Originally from Huddersfield, now based in Manchester Arro Jones has released his new single ‘Set My Mind Free’. This track glows with delicate fine flurries of blissful sun kissed radiance. Warm mellow acoustic guitar accompanies and caresses Arro’s creamy smooth vocal while the elegant sweet melody drifts you into a state of fluttering delight. Soft twinkling piano adds a tender dainty quality to the track. The instrumentation builds as the track progresses becoming more bouncy up to the zealous guitar solo which gives the cruising track a free open road letting go vibe and refreshing breezy feel. Rich in subtle textures and luminous qualities its an absolute joy to listen to. When we asked Arro about the track he said “it’s more stripped back than my usual stuff and is kind of a transition between two EP’s and two stages in my life”. Arro is working on new material at the moment including a collaboration EP called ‘Freak Show Collaborations’ which is due for release in March so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘Set My Mind Free’ below
Offering ear-bleeding rock, raw and unprecedented talent Fangclub descend on Whelan’s Dublin with support from Vulpynes and Long Tail.The garage rock trio assured us last time we met them that their live shows were epic and so naturally we had to check this bold claim out for ourselves. Vulpynes kicked things off to a fiery start with ‘Sublingual’ they blast the timid crowd with bloodthirsty blustery rock. This duo take no prisoners as Kaz’s drumming ruthlessly pummels through each track while Maeve’s strong fierce vocals resounds over the ruckus like a powerhouse. The beefy depth on guitar and shattering distortion adds a dark lusty gritty texture. They roared through the set with tracks like ‘Bitches are like Waves’ and ‘Break off the Legs’ Vulpynes are not ones to be messed with. This is music for bruised, battered moshing unfortunately a lot of the audience were too timid for the mania however they warmed up as the set progressed. Belting out the single ‘Terry Said’ Vulpynes take the track to a red blooded hair flying all over the place mania. But it was new track ‘Can’t Sit Still’ that showed that this band is destined for big things and are more than capable of holding their own. The track gave me a Jack White ‘Lazaretto’ vibe with an awesome bridge change up. Its one to look out for. Finishing their set with ‘OCD’ Vulpynes rattled the bones off the bashful crowd, warming them up and filling them with dynamic maniacal energy for the acts to come.
An utterly absorbing set follows from Long Tail as they draw the crowd nearer with ‘Waiting’. Displaying a heavier sound live and some snazzy guitar changes. The bright bubbly tracks smothered in positive upbeat tones take a punchy more aggressive role instrumentally while Ed’s vocals and lyrics still flood with dreamy cool motivational vibes. Filling the crowd with go for it attitude the band are met with a comical stage invasion as a member of the crowd jumps on stage and wiggles around like a dizzy lone ranger only to fail in attempt to crowd surf but that didn’t stop him from trying again. Long Tail display a slick tight performance and exude a comfortable swagger on stage that draws the crowd in. ‘Our Star’ and ‘Better Way’ displays glossy melodious riffs with Steve’s elastic bass teamed with Ronan’s punchy drums these guys make performing look easy. The crowd reacts well to each track as Ed banters back and forth a little and seems to sweet talk the crowd into bopping along. Even Indie Buddie gets a nice shout out. Their set finished with the single ‘Your Time’ this peppy anthem sums up the radiant glow and vibrant burst of energy all the tracks on their set possess. Fangclub take to the stage with an undeniable confidence and breakneck momentum. Swarming into tracks like ‘Psycho’ and the feverish ‘Dreamcatcher’ they leave the crowd in awe and eager to engage in neck snapping frenzy. Steven, Kevin and Dara display electrifying energy that had every one engaged jumping and moshing as they unleashed their explosive sound completed with flashing lights. The rapid pacing percussion is frenzied and boisterous as frontman Steven, croons with raspy gritty intensity giving tracks like ‘Loner’ and ‘Coma Happy’ an eerie spine chilling quality. These guys can put on a show with vigour and roaring enthusiasm getting the crowd jumping and moshing with raging mania. The entire set is professional, slick, fun and compelling to watch as distorted shrill on guitars add a thrilling deafening elation of ear splitting satisfaction. Finishing with an epic crowd surf as Steven jumps into the crowd and they lift him like a heroic champion. What a kick ass performance. Whelan’s was left more than satisfied with the level of enthralling noise created by all three bands. Who said rock n roll is dead?
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week comes From Artificial Pleasure
London-based Artificial Pleasure have released their new single ‘I’ll Make It Worth Your While’. The trio Phil McDonnell, Dom Brennan and Lee Jordan give us a track that fills your entire body with an overwhelming desire to dance. This irresistible track is brimming with funky grooves and swanky guitar flicks that give a contagious itch to move and shuffle. With twinkles of Bowie -like elements ‘I’ll Make It Worth Your While’ is a peppy strut of genius. Effortless cool vocals slide and strut with a charm and charisma that makes you think “god their cool”. Ablaze with feverish swagger and panache teamed with a mighty bassline it gives you a flamboyant punch in the face with blissful pop punk. Exploding with vibes of loosing control its a hit that leaves you craving more . This sweet track is an ear worm that will have you on your feet in no time bellowing “Let me out! I really wanna dance!”
Stream ‘I’ll Make It Worth Your While’ below.
Snail Collectors is a project setup by Glasgow musician Nick Scroggie. His sound infuses elements of Experimental/rock and prog with cinematic visions in mind. He has released his new track ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’ taken from his four track EP of the same name which is all written, performed and recorded at home by Nick Scroggie. ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’ is an edgy dark brew of thick sticky beats slapping off murky fuzzed guitars and swirling opaque synths. The track pulses and crawls with an eerie haunting quality that is chilling and bewitching. Emotive vocals yearn and simmer with a smokey hazy smoulder. While the track bubbles and boils gaining momentum until it bursts with a blistering shrilling guitar solo. Insanely catchy and luring this track is riveting with irresistible haunting tones wriggling and twisting in a dark murky turpentine-like mixture.
PALMAS have released their new single ‘Floating In The Dark’. The track is the second single from their upcoming debut album due for release this year, it follows their captivating 2015 debut EP ‘To The Valley’. Band members Kurt Cain-Walther (vocals, organ), Matthew Young (guitar), Adam Cantiello (guitar), Eric Camarota (bass), and Pat Degan (drums) take their sweet indie surf sound to darker depths with this new single. ‘Floating In The Dark’ is a scorching desert western-like tune complete with a pistols and dawn scene and a tumble weed sweeping across a dusty road as the horns introduce the track with a sombre and almost seductive motif. The distant warm melody on guitar glistens with sweet melancholic tones giving a solitary atmosphere. The trumpet melody runs throughout the track teamed with galloping percussion like a horseback chase. Showing fine musician skills PALMAS arrange their track with delicate instrumentation that is layered with tight precision and care creating subtle multi textures. Crooning vocals sweeten the song while flooding it with sorrowful tones and a sway like fluidity. ‘Floating In The Dark’ oozes sweltering delusions of desert heat cooled by the creamy coo on vocals. It is definitely a darker shift away from the blissful sunny vibes of their ‘To The Valley’ EP looking forward to what their debut album will bring.
Stream ‘Floating In The Dark’ below.
Cavan’s Áine Cahill has released her new single ‘Plastic’. This haunting sharp edged track is a frosty spine-chilling pointed arrow aimed at a cold calculating individual. Cahill’s warm sass-filled vocals pours venomous cutting lyrics at her deceiver. Its an empowerment of feminine shrewdness and strength mixed with hints of disgust and detest executed with such elegance and poise that makes the track exceptional. With luring qualities coated in darkened eerie tones ‘Plastic’ is slick with effortlessly cool, menacing and sinister swagger. A soft beat and hints of ghostly whines on strings teamed with a dramatic piano feature adds a mysterious yet seductive smokey quality. The subtle backing vocals add a echo with goosebump – causing thrill. Another superbly written and crafted track from Áine Cahill.
Stream ‘Plastic’ below
South Africa based alternative rock band Life Lyne have recently released their brand new 4-track EP ‘We Will Stand’ in an effort to spread the honest message of life and faith through their music. Consisting of five musicians from a variety of different career paths, and all hailing from different cities, ‘Life Lyne’ was formed as a Alternative Rock Contemporary Christian band packed with soulful vocals and melodic harmonies. The EP was recorded by Peter Pearlson and mastered by grammy award winning engineer Rob Burrell, the band were influenced by experiences in their own personal lives which lead them to their faith. Musically, they cite a wide range of inspirations including John Mayer and Coldplay. Life Lyne have progressed quickly on the music scene, after forming in 2011 they have already performed with renowned international artists such as Paul Baloche and Lenny Leblanc and received support from a plethora of radio stations and South African TV. ‘We Will Stand’ is an uplifting EP that actually does fill you up with hearty warm goodness. Kicking things off with title track ‘We Will Stand’ Life Lyne gush through with an overwhelming surge of sprightly energy teamed with soulful powerful vocals and a punchy rapid beat that is infectiously dancy. With a mighty choir- like crescendo they make a good first impression. ‘Where I Belong’ is a peppy ball of sweet melodies and lush harmonies teamed with delicate honeyed jazzy piano that adds a strut and spring to the track. ‘U is My Vader’ takes the role of the acoustic dreamy ballad with beautiful rich harmonies, its a tear jerking charming track that stops you in your tracks and fills you with peace and harmony. ‘Step By Step’ closes the EP in a delightful hopeful tone. Its a realistic look at life’s trials while supporting and encouraging you to push on. With soulful passionate vocals accompanied by radiant guitars a steady beat and a candied delicious piano feature it is an elegant end to a hopeful spirited EP.
Stream ‘We Will Stand’ below.
Kilkenny alternative-indie five piece Neon Wolf have released their new single ‘Be American’. The band have played at many festivals such as Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions, as well as a main stage appearance at Longitude 2015. They have also supported The Courteeners, Alabama Shakes, The 1975, The Districts and Hudson Taylor in Belfast’s Mandela Hall and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. ‘Be American’ is about having hope in dark times and it is an insanely catchy mixture of 80’s pop and rock. Shimmering synths glisten and glitter with a blinding bright lustre that exudes intense heat and summer vibes. Soft vocals coax you gently into the infectious bop beat while the percussion shimmy and shake with enticing charm and charisma. The soothing lull on backing vocals is reassuring and calming while the melody is honey to the ears, so sweet and juicy you want to press repeat. This track is the essence of sunshine. With soaring vocals for the bridge its extremely uplifting and will put you instantly in a good mood and i’m not kidding the sun actually starting shining when I played this song first so it even has the suns approval. With Michael Jackson vibes and rich textures Neon Wolf open our minds to the hope of positivity ahead.
Watch ‘Be American’ below
London alt-pop five-piece Nova Neon have released new single ‘Stone To A Balloon’ today. It is the latest single to be lifted from their recent debut album ‘Chroma’. Led by the bluesy vocals of Bianca Lewis, Nova Neon create intricate and original songs powered by electro grooves and indie rock dynamics. The band have headlined gigs at historic London venues The Borderline, The Garage and The Barfly, a show-stealing performance at the Isle Of Wight Festival and a run of sold-out Sofar Sounds sessions. They have gained online praise from Brooklyn tastemakers Afropunk and features with Brit clothing brand Original Penguin. Nova Neon also received radio airplay with BBC Introducing, BBC London and Amazing Radio last year. ‘Stone To A Balloon’ is an enchantingly delicate melancholy laden track which bops along with warm textures and soothing qualities. The track starts with a sway-like flow and sombre tone. It then builds and wakens up into an uplifting radiant emotive crescendo that evokes positivity and reassurance. Nova Neon blend a bluesy groove with indie rock creating a sophisticated mature sound that is refined and captivating. The brooding soul vocals inject intense passion into the track while the warm sweet toned interweaving guitar hooks console and revitalise with dynamic zest. The lilting electronica twinkles with a sparkling delicate elegance that gives the track a feathery lift. To match the genre-crossing mix of sounds on the new track, there is also a complex lyrical narrative. As Lewis explains; “Stone To A Balloon is a love song about a broken relationship, where one person is fighting to keep it alive whilst the other one drifts. The metaphor of stone to a balloon is used to reflect that – one person acts as the stone (the rock of the relationship) whilst the other is the balloon (the drifter). In a working relationship, the two counter each other harmoniously – but in this case, it’s the emotional realisation that it no longer works that drives the song.”
Nova Neon will be playing live shows in support of the new single and album in 2017. For more info, head to http://novaneon.com./
Stream ‘Stone To A Balloon’ below
are not ones to be messed with. This is music for bruised, battered moshing unfortunately a lot of the audience were too timid for the mania however they warmed up as the set progressed. Belting out the single ‘Terry Said’ Vulpynes take the track to a red blooded hair flying all over the place mania. But it was new track ‘Can’t Sit Still’ that showed that this band is destined for big things and are more than capable of holding their own. The track gave me a Jack White ‘Lazaretto’ vibe with an awesome bridge change up. Its one to look out for. Finishing their set with ‘OCD’ Vulpynes rattled the bones off the bashful crowd, warming them up and filling them with dynamic maniacal energy for the acts to come.
band are met with a comical stage invasion as a member of the crowd jumps on stage and wiggles around like a dizzy lone ranger only to fail in attempt to crowd surf but that didn’t stop him from trying again. Long Tail display a slick tight performance and exude a comfortable swagger on stage that draws the crowd in. ‘Our Star’ and ‘Better Way’ displays glossy melodious riffs with Steve’s elastic bass teamed with Ronan’s punchy drums these guys make performing look easy. The crowd reacts well to each track as Ed banters back and forth a little and seems to sweet talk the crowd into bopping along. Even Indie Buddie gets a nice shout out. Their set finished with the single ‘Your Time’ this peppy anthem sums up the radiant glow and vibrant burst of energy all the tracks on their set possess.
boisterous as frontman Steven, croons with raspy gritty intensity giving tracks like ‘Loner’ and ‘Coma Happy’ an eerie spine chilling quality. These guys can put on a show with vigour and roaring enthusiasm getting the crowd jumping and moshing with raging mania. The entire set is professional, slick, fun and compelling to watch as distorted shrill on guitars add a thrilling deafening elation of ear splitting satisfaction. Finishing with an epic crowd surf as Steven jumps into the crowd and they lift him like a heroic champion. What a kick ass performance. Whelan’s was left more than satisfied with the level of enthralling noise created by all three bands. Who said rock n roll is dead?
