Category Archives: Indie

Blues, Feel Good Music, Indie, New Music

Norma Jean Martine ‘No Gold’

Born just outside of New York, blues-rock singer/songwriter Norma Jean Martine relocated to Nashville to study at Belmont University, before making the jump to London. Since then, she’s released several preview tracks to Soundcloud, opened for top acts like Tom Odell, James Aruthur and Lissie, along with releasing her debut single, ‘No Gold’. She has co-written and featured on two tracks ‘We Ain’t Dead Yet’ and ‘Paint’ on Pablo Nouvelle’s current album ‘All I Need’, out on Armin Van Buuren’s label Armada Music. Martine’s most recent release ‘Freedom’ was her cover of George Michael’s classic 90’s track, which is currently the soundtrack to a multi-million pound Europe wide advertising campaign, reaching nearly 1 million streams on Spotify.

Her latest single ‘No Gold’ was released on May 20th via Virgin EMI Records. It was produced by Joel Pott from Athlete and mixed by Danton Supple, ‘No Gold’ was taken from her forthcoming debut album ‘Only In My Mind’ which is due for release on 9th September.
‘No Gold’ is a blues rock track that is full of positive hopeful tones. The track is full of soft beats and is “swayingly” fantastic with added bounce. With lush backing vocals and a tribal beat to start followed by Martine’s amazing almost raspy yet clear vocals for the verse. She performs the verse with an ease and smoothness that grabs your attention and makes you listen. The catchy chorus brings a positive “Can do” atmosphere that is revitalising. The theme that “you have to leave a place in order to come back and appreciate, and see it from the outside” is effectively portrayed in the instrumentation but also through the many dimensions and emotions in Martine’s outstanding vocals .

Watch ‘No Gold’ below

Hypnotic, Indie, New Music, Trance

Alexandra Savior ‘Shades’

21-year-old Alexandra Savior from Portland, Oregon has already had her demo “Risk” appear in series two of True Detective, and she has collaborated with Tame Impala’s Cam Avery on ‘We’re Just Making it Worse,’ and now has released her new single ‘Shades’ which was produced and co-written by Alex Turner along with James Ford (Florence, Haim).
‘Shades’ is a dark alluring track that’s full of mystery. Filled with smooth cool tones, soft spongy beats and a sensual fuzzed bass line that adds a seductive quality. The flash of electric guitar adds a bite to the track and contrasts with the smooth tone giving a feeling that there is danger ahead, however Savior’s soft enticing vocals eases the mind and has a trance like effect. Her vocals are confident and assuring while having a lull effect that is bewitching and captivating.
This Track is dangerously infectious but its charming, seductive tones will have you fascinated and craving more.
Watch “Shades” below

Alt Rock, Grunge, Hard Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Deepshade ‘Time’

Deepshade are a power house trio from Wigan. Band members David Rybka (Vox/Guitar), Tom Doherty (Bass) and Paul Barlow (Drums) have returned with their raucous fusion of psyched up alternative/grunge rock with the announcement of their new video single release ‘Time’. Their debut album ‘Everything Is Popular Is Wrong’ was released in early 2015 and it propelled Deepshade into the national spotlight with acclamation from UK’s Power Play and Classic Rock Magazine along with receiving support from alternative radio stations worldwide.
‘Time’ blasts  us with its grunged up guitar hooks and pounding hard rock grooves. It is the perfect opening track for ‘Everything Popular Is Wrong’. The track begins in a true rock star manner with an attention grabbing, thrilling scream from Rybka and an infectious riff. The track is bursting with energy and a smooth sensual bass line that lures you in while the thunderous drums give that captivating rock feel. The verses are full of eerie tones with deep vocals that are seductive and alluring. You get the feeling you are being coaxed or enticed into a world of chaos to which you have no control over. The slick shredding guitar solo adds an edge to the track as it builds to a massive heavy crescendo while Rybka’s vocals are intense and commanding.
With new material already to be unearthed later in 2016, Deepshade are gearing up to unveil dates for their UK live shows and first ever tours of Spain and Portugal in November.
Looking  forward to hearing more from Deepshade!
Watch ‘Time’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Pure Youth ‘Other Side’

Pure Youth are an Indie band from Ealing, London .The band consist of members Dave Hibbert (Vocals/Guitar), Oliver Lyu (Bass), Duncan Brookfield (Drums) and Elliott Liu (Guitar). Their debut EP ‘On Our Way’ and the follow-up single ‘I’m Not Yours’ have gained them a wealth of support, including radio airplay from Dermot O’Leary (BBC Radio 2) and Charlie Ashcroft (Amazing Radio), a spot in Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist, features on renowned websites such as Gigslutz, It’s All Indie, FAME Magazine, Killing Moon and support slots for Lisbon, No Devotion and Youth Club. Their new single ‘Other Side’ is the first of four singles to be released over the coming year and the follow-up to the band’s previous smash hit ‘I’m Not Yours’, racking up 45k+ streams on Soundcloud and over 150k streams on Spotify.
‘Other Side’ is a smooth catchy melodic indie track full of cool nostalgic tones. With fantastic use of reverb which gives this song an airy free vibe. The driving guitar throughout the track is refreshing and gives an edge to the song. The track begins smooth with light soft beats and gentle clear vocals. The nostalgic tones portrays the theme of the song which is “longing to be back in a good place in your life” The song builds to an airy almost trance like instrumental where we see some tight instrumentation that you can loose yourself in followed by the final chorus which becomes more dynamic as we get the feeling of breaking free. This track is full of great hooks and chilled tones with the added sharpness of the guitars adding a brilliant contrast that gives the track a bite and an almost grunge feel.
Stream ‘Other Side’ below

A Chat With, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With : Neon Wolf

We caught up with Rob from Neon Wolf after their sold out show upstairs in Whelan’s Dublin last Saturday to have a chat.

You guys seem to be building up quite a bit of a reputation now, you’re getting a lot of support,but what brought you guys together, and when did you start out?
It started in 2011, but we’d been aware of each other’s bands for a few years. When the time came that we didn’t have anything else going on musically, we kind of came together and wrote some songs that got us excited.
Where did the name Neon Wolf come from?
I was half-asleep one night and it just came to me, I had been thinking about band names before that so it was on my mind. I came to, and text my friend to ask him what he thought, he didn’t like it, so it stuck.
What inspired you to make music?
For me, I just had melodies in my head that I wanted to get out and Brian Wilson.
You radiate bright sunny vibes through your music is that a conscious decision to fend away the dull winter days in kilkenny?
Good question, probably. We just like having a good time and I guess it reflects on the music. There are a lot of sad moments too but that makes good music, doesn’t it?
Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
There’s usually either some chords or a sound happening and then a melody will unravel. Not always that simple but it can happen very easily.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Yes, there was an incident which was down to bad management and money. Nothing to do with the 5 members. The band got through it thankfully and we’re currently back on track and going full steam ahead.
Which of your songs are you most proud of so far?
Hmm, that’s a tough one, it depends on what day it is. I will say there is a particular new song that doesn’t have a title yet, it’s like half Lorde, half Foals but could’ve been on The Beach soundtrack.
Which of the lyrics you have written are your favourite so far?
I love the imagery in No Other Soul,”Don’t you want to see, we got out so long ago, we could not be. There’s no other soul, we’re the last one’s out, I know there couldn’t”. It just captures where my head was at the time. Is it post-apocalyptic and half inspired by Dawn of the Dead? Probably.
So you guys played with Ham Sandwich in the Academy last month , how was your set?
It was good fun and the crowd were deadly! Ham Sandwich are such a great band, very cool people too!
What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
There’s a new song we’re playing that is going down a treat, it’s currently called War, then there’s All of it’s Your’s which goes down so well live, we still love it!
So far what is your favourite venue that you have played ?
The Olympia in Dublin.
What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
This time there was a stage invasion at our hometown gig, people were falling all over the place. I always wondered how musicians worked through that, I found out fairly quickly. It was bizarre but absolutely deadly at the same time.
Who has been your favourite support act so far?
Knoxville Morning, they supported us for a hometown gig, and anytime we play together it’s just mayhem.
What is the first Record you ever bought?
I would say, Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away.
What is the best advise you have been given?
“Do what makes you happy”, It’s a simple one but it was enough.
Is there any new artists that you are excited about?
The Japanese House, Blossoms and Spring King.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
Play music that you want to play.
What have Neon Wolf got planned for the rest of the year?
Recording in Belfast. Playing with Stereophonics and The Vaccines in Dublin at the end of June and Indiependence Festival in Cork on July 30th. There are more gigs and releases to come, which we’re very excited about! Keep an eye out…

Exciting times ahead for Neon Wolf supporting Stereophonics and The Vaccines that’s going to be amazing! Looking forward to their new releases too! If you can’t wait for them check out their track ‘All Of It’s Yours’ below.

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

For The Girl ‘Where Did Time Go?’

 

For The Girl are an Indie Pop Rock band from Nottingham. The band consists of members Sam Plenty (Vocals), Josh King (Rhythm Guitar), Isaac Hallas (Lead Guitar ), James Wells (Bass Guitar/ Synth) and Nathan Fox (Drums/ Percussion ). For The Girl have played a number of high profile gigs and toured with the likes of Young Kato. Their stage presence is like no other irrespective of where they play, from small and intimate venues, to the electric crowds of the UK’s O2 Academies. Known for their style and sound that is unique to them they are gaining an ever growing fan base and are fast becoming the ones to watch.
They have recently released ‘Where Did Time Go?’ the uplifting first single taken from the bands new EP ‘Shark Attack’, which is due out on the 8th of July. Lyrically, this song describes the emotions and feelings of something that a large amount of people experience at some point in their lifetime: the search for you inner self. For The Girl portray this theme to us in a fun upbeat energetic manner that is infectious. This track is full of radiant guitars, shimmering synths, soft beats, bright pop cymbal work and rhythms. Plenty has a unique style and vocal tone which is full of confidence and attitude and although its unique and not what you would expect it works extremely well with their sound as it adds a bite to the track and a refreshing sharpness which is effective. This track has a slick seductively captivating guitar feature that is kick ass. ‘Where Did Time Go?’ is full of amazing dimensions and is ablaze with bright tones and an upbeat energetic atmosphere.
‘Where Did Time Go?’ is definitely a must listen! For The Girl have a bright future ahead of them. We will eagerly await their EP.
Watch “Where Did Time Go?” below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Odstocks ‘Cookie Jar’

Odstocks are a rock band from Salisbury. Band members Jack Wilkinson-Holton (Guitar & Vocals), Tommy Nicklen (Guitar & B-Vocals), Tom Hollinworth (Bass) and Alec Mackenzie (Drums) have won ‘Best young band’ at the Salisbury music awards and are creating quite a stir with their energetic indie rock sound. They released their debut track ‘Cookie Jar’ earlier this year and are currently working on their debut EP.
‘Cookie Jar’ is a riff based rock track full of attitude. It begins with an infectious guitar, riff some guitar distortion and thumping drums. The guitars subside a little to a psychedelic wah wah in places for the verse while an unexpected strong but subtle almost funky bass line adds a groove that is contagious.The vocals are gritty and aggressive which adds a contrast between the groovy seductive bass and light slick lustrous guitar. The chorus builds both instrumentally and vocally and becomes more vigorous and intense. The instrumental gives a chance for them to showcase their talent as we hear a confidant zealous guitar feature with slick running baseline and stirring drums. The song increases in tempo to the final chorus which is introduced by the catchy riff then the song ends suddenly in a true rock star “drop the mic fashion”.
‘Cookie Jar’ is a brilliant introduction to a talented band which deserve to do well.
Stream ‘Cookie Jar’ below

A Chat With, Blues, Indie, Interviews, New Music, Rock and Roll

A Chat With : Skunkmello

 

Following the release for their new album ‘ Hot Chicken’ today we decided to have a chat with Skunkmello to see what makes them tick.

When did you form your band?

Early 2012.

How did you decide what style/ Genre of music you wanted to do?
I’ve always been a huge fan of rock and roll and old blues and roots music so I tend to write songs in that vein, and the songs I bring to the band generally dictate the style we ultimately run with. It’s an amorphous vibe that kind of changes a bit from tune to tune, but always grounded in solid rock and roll.
What inspired you to make music?
Everything, really. All the great tunes out there, the grit and grind of everyday existence, high-proof distillations, and the whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers…

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
White knuckled chaos, good-timing debauchery, and tenuous survival careening on the edge of almost certain doom. We like Whiskey too.
Could you briefly describe you music-making process?
We don’t have much of a process. I may come up with a song, for whatever reason, and bring it in to the band for some run and gun electric rocket-fire.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
We often take a bender a bit too far around the curve, winding up in some precarious situations where fast talk and burnt nerves won’t always walk you back. We don’t overcome as much as we overdo, but once you get into something like this you got to take out to it’s fiery conclusion.

What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
We dig em all, that’s why we play them, and my favorite tends to shift with my mood. Right now I guess it’s a tune called “Sweet Delight” off of our new record, Hot Chicken, because it’s got that big fiery finish you can really get in to.

So far what are your favourite and least favourite venues that you have played ?
We like them all as long as the crowd is right and the taps are flowing.

What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
Well, we did a show recently where we had some naked folks dancing around, some spinning from the ceiling and others spinning fire. We thought that was pretty cool.

Who has been your favourite support act so far?
There are a number of local bands we like to play with, including The Silks, Scantron, and Cropdust.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to get around, get into some mountains, get into some waves, or get just vibe off somewhere quiet with a book and a guitar. I also enjoy raucous burner at the pub, depending on my mood.

Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Hopefully soon, I love Ireland and have had many a wild time over there. Good people down for a good time.

What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
If you dig it, do it. If you really dig it, do it twice.

Stream ‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ below

 

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Whop, Rock, Rock and Roll

Beautiful Corruption ‘Orphic’

 

Beautiful Corruption are a four piece alt-rock band based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The band consists of Oisin Wolfe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, James Brown on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Simon Cooke on drums and Rory Cooper on bass. We reviewed their début EP ‘ Snakes & Ladders’ earlier this year which showcased their growing talents and potential. They have released their new single ‘Orphic’ which is a strong follow up.
‘Orphic’ is a competent proficient track full of shredding guitars, pounding drums and dynamic vocals. The intro sets the musical scene with a taste of the explosive sound to come .The verses are presented in a slick manner with a rock and roll vibe light beats and acute guitar that holds a bright infectious luring melody while the bass and drums keep us grounded. The vocals exude swagger while the backing vocals add a lush harmony which is refreshing. The chorus explodes into the mosh worthy frenzy that Beautiful Corruption are known for with thunderous drums , vigorous guitars, forceful bass and charismatic vocals making this song infectious. The mighty lusty guitar solo and instrumental break is effectively brawny and powerful and ends the song on a high leaving you wanting more.
Watch ‘Orphic’ below

Folk and Soul, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Tom Ryder ‘Desk Job’

Essex-based singer-songwriter Tom Ryder has released his new single ‘Desk Job’ from his recent ‘Strings Attached’ EP. Tom has made an impression on BBC Introducing in Cambridge and BBC Essex. BBC Three Counties Radio have play listed Tom’s songs and invited him in for live sessions. The new EP track ‘Strings Attached’ has already been heard on the airwaves of 39 BBC regional stations. His début single ‘Silence Breaking Through Sound’ raised close to £9,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2015 and has gained celebrity praise and approval from Chris Evans and Rod Stewart. Ryder’s new track ‘Desk Job’ follows and doesn’t disappoint.
‘Desk Job’ is a soft gentle track that explores the daily 9 to 5 grind to a beautiful and infectious folk-pop melody. With a delicate rounded beat and velvety smooth acoustic guitar this track is spongy and sweet. While the lyrics are easy to relate to and perhaps sometimes harsh, we are not being told a fairytale as it is a song about “reality”. However the lyrics are performed in a compassionate tender manner. Ryder’s vocals are warm and sympathetic. Although the theme is somewhat melancholy the tone of the song is upbeat and positive, with a brass feature that fills you with hope and positivity. The added almost whisper vocal and break in the song near the end adds a dramatic effect to the track that makes sure to keep your attention.
This is a lovely emotional raw track that is honest and true yet still upbeat and cheery.
Stream ‘Desk Job’ below .

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/tomryderdeskjob