Lycio have released their new single ‘Cash’. It’s a dance infused catchy number with rich textures weaving through a thick dark smoggy instrumental hue. The track blasts through with flashing electronics and a meaty bass line that entwines around a pulsing beat and exhilarating soundscape. The track ventures from thin light, to compounded intricate electronic progressions seamlessly creating the most invigorating listening experience as Lycio display their refined meticulous musicianship. With a massive chorus, powerful vocals and tightly knit instrumental backing- this rough mighty number is one robust banger from Lycio.
Of the track, front woman Mendez explains –“I’m sure you can guess what ‘Cash’ is about. It’s all in the title. Living in a capitalist world, we all want nice things; we all want a little more cash to spend. It’s amazing that one way or another, all of us are broke. I’m pretty damn broke, and friends who earn four times as much as me complain about being broke. We always want it, we always need it; no one’s got it.”
South-East London artist Lonnie Storey has released his new single ‘Silver and Glass’. This dreamy sun specked number floats upon a melted ice cream sundae melody while a sweet vaporous indie soundscape jingles and glimmers in the background. The track glides and sluggishly droops between energetic bursts and laid back breezy vibes with zest-stricken guitar melodies, elastic bass grooves and a danceable beat. It’s infectious, vibrant and quirky with nonchalant vocals cooing through the verses before becoming more dynamic for the catchy chorus. Filled with swagger and effortless suaveness this glossy, fizzing pop gem builds to a psych hued crescendo that is simply divine.
On ‘Silver and Glass’ Lonnie shares: ‘Silver and Glass is all about becoming a hot vapid mess,being so obsessed with image and presentation, hoping it will cover the cracks in a fragile, unhinged personality, whose self esteem leaked out of them overnight.”
Nick Cody and the Caravan of Dreams have released their latest album ‘Tales of Dark and Light’. Musician Nick Cody collaborates with what he describes as a ‘caravan of talent’ in this latest release.
‘Tales of Dark and Light’ is a warm cosy album filled with mellow tones,rich instrumentation and wholesome country hues. The album speaks truth about the world in which we live, illustrating issues such as Brexit, murder and social change within the beautifully crafted lyrics. There are glorious harmonies throughout the album and tracks such as ‘Tales Of Dark & Light (Intro)’ feature these wonderful harmonies in all their sweet richness. The album is brimming with peppy foot tapping ditties from ‘Grey Skies’ and ‘Dunning Kruger Blues’ while ‘The Pink Moon (Song For Zeke)’ and ‘Here In The Silence’ brings a sweet easy going vibe to the album. The twinkling guitar twangs and simplistic retro vibe gives the tracks on the album a warm velvety feel and classy quality while the elegant strings and soft beat add a feathery light vibe. The delicate piano adds a touch of tenderness to tracks like ‘All That Loving’ and ‘When The Pain Begins’. There is a sublime variety of refined musicianship throughout the album as the melty melodies unfold beautifully upon the mesmerising instrumental backdrop making each track a snug delight to the ears. Each song flows fluidly into the next with the noir pop hooks and cinematic instrumentation creating joyous moments and chilling tones like in ‘The Other Me’. The majestic blend of acoustic instruments create a unique sound that consumes you into the depths of the album. The strings add wonderful characters to each track as it weaves its vibrant melodies through the darker songs with a playful or melancholic persona and tempting allurement. The band close the album as they began it with ‘Tales Of Dark & Light (Outro)’ bringing the whole experience full circle.
‘Tales of Dark and Light’ showcases beautiful musicianship, lush warm harmonies and glorious instrumentation. This album oozes charm and character.
Dublin indie punk band Arcadian Shadows have released their debut single ‘Valediction’.This punchy punk number stomps about with jagged guitar riffs slicing through a steady drum thud while raspy vocals spit out the attitude soaked lyrics. The track drives through, gritty and raw as the sharp instrumentation provides a lean mean backdrop for the vocals and melody. With a lush falsetto chorus and shredding guitar solo , ‘Valediction’ is a solid debut from Arcadian Shadows.
Liverpool artist Aimée Steven has released her debut single ‘My Name’ on At Large Records. The track which has already been featured on BBC 6 Music and received multiple plays on BBC Merseyside is a compelling 60’s – esque chic number that boasts Steven’s slinky, vintage musicianship.Her smooth velvety vocals emanate a rich quality and warm texture over the suave melody as she coolly strolls over the lyrics with sass and swagger while a shimmy chic backdrop glimmers behind. The jangly guitar stridently weaves between the shaky rhythms and steady beat as they lay down that effortless 60’s- esque foundation. It’s a rich vibrant sassy track that is sure to have the feet tapping and hips grooving in no time. A sublime debut from Aimée Steven.
Easy Tide have released their new single ‘Bleu’. Easy Tide is a three piece garage band from Navan Co. Meath comprised of Aaron Dunphy (bass,vocals), Steven Rafferty (guitar,vocals) and Mark Carolan (Drums,vocals). The track is the band’s first release of 2019 and will also be on their upcoming album ‘Brief Bloody Moments’ later this year.
‘Bleu’ is a catchy blast of garage that glides freely upon a smooth melody and a fuzz filled backdrop. The band blend indie elements seamlessly through the distortion and razor sharp instrumentation. The dreamy melody lays upon an exhilarating backdrop of crashing acute guitar lines, punchy drums and rumbling bass while the mopey vocals coo and exasperate over the sublime instrumentation. The track is tight and well crafted. It builds from a sulky moan to a riotous expression that will have a mosh pit happily engaged. The track flirts with hues of psychedelia as the wobbly guitar weaves psych tones throughout before belting into one shrilling solo. Easy Tide showcase their dynamic thrilling musicianship with this infectious tune that buries itself deep under your skin until you are singing it uncontrollably.
“Loud generous and mysterious” is what LA’s Mini Mansions promised for their show last night in Whelan’s Dublin and the trio plus guest drummer Jon Theodore (Queens Of The Stone Age) didn’t disappoint. Blushed cheeks and giggles came from the queue of fans waiting to enter the venue as they talked about Theodore’s appearance (he has that effect on people), their favourite Mini Mansion’s song, many fans saying it was ” impossible to choose just one song as they are all just brilliant” and who was the coolest member of the band. The Mini Mansion’s trio have made a big impact on the indie scene. Their charm causing many (both male and female fans alike ) to gush “I love them” as they stand in anticipation for the show to start. There is a change in the air… Mini Mansions have returned to Dublin more confident and proficient than ever, ready to take the venue by storm.
But first, London duo Sons Of Raphael swagger on stage to warm up the crowd. Ambitious, relentless and fierce these guys exude energy as they prance about, spring-boarding from one song to the next with little breath between. Their energy and charisma pours onto the stage as they douse their shrilling guitar refrains and melodies in distortion and reverb. They fill out their sound with a backing track played on a reel-to-reel tape player behind them creating the most unique and thrilling listening experience. The two brothers, comprised of Loral and Ronnel Raphael bash into and ricochet off each other as they bounce about the stage. At first the crowd are bewildered by what their eyes behold until the band showcase their raw psychedelic tunes with incredible enthusiasm and chaotic control. ‘Rio’ kicks the mania off, the razor sharp guitar lacerating through the thick air with refined precision while the quirky sharp vocals yelp and coo through the retro melodies. The tracks travel full throttle as the crowd bop and mosh between entranced sways for tracks like ‘A Nation Of Bloodsuckers’. There is something quite mesmerising about this young band and with their drive, blistering tunes and eccentric stage presence they are ones to keep an eye on.
The crowd stand in dimmed lighting awaiting their exalted trio to arrive while still recuperating from the trance-like daze they were under just moments before, courtesy of Sons Of Raphael. Suddenly they hear the blazing intro and psychedelic whirl of ‘This Bullet’ before the sweet tone of Tyler Parkford’s voice sparks whoops and cheers from the crowd. The band tease the audience allowing them to only hear them before calmly walking on stage to play it out in true, fierce Mini Mansions manner. With Theodore behind the drum kit the band is unstoppable. The tracks take a new lease of life, blossoming under the strong drum foundation allowing the immaculate guitar flurries, athletic key progression and elastic bass to flourish beautifully on stage. Michael Shuman no longer shackled behind a cocktail drum kit spins, kicks and prances about the stage showcasing his compelling front man persona in all its glory. He interacts with the crowd venturing to the edge of the stage as they gaze upon him enthralled. ‘Death Is A Girl’, ‘Creeps’ and ‘Midnight In Tokyo’ all have the crowd eating deliriously out of the palm of the bands hands as the trio exude and seep swagger into the venue. Zach Dawes is exceptionally light on his feet, as he flutters and almost pirouettes about the stage with refined elegance and grandeur while executing some pretty snazzy guitar poses. The trio treat us to a cheeky listen to a new track ‘I’m In Love’ as a member of the crowd shouts “thank you”. This thumping dynamic track bounces upon a nectarous melody and has the crowd excited for what’s to come on their upcoming album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar’ on July 26th.Their sound translates superbly live and the band appear comfortable and suave – executing their rich sound as chiming keys twinkle between sharp guitar shards and fuzzed bass flirtations seamlessly. They keep their fans hyper with tracks like ‘Monk’. To the crowd’s shock Parkford takes on Alison Mosshart’s part for the steamy single ‘Hey Lover’. His sweet falsetto blending perfectly as always with Shuman’s smoky deep whispers. Beloved ‘Any Emotions’ and ‘Vertigo’ go down a treat with the crowd as they bellow back the lyrics singing the riffs and keyboard melodies .
Many tasty guitar embellishments, delicious melodies and sugar soaked bass lines later – which has fans crowd surfing and a rogue fan standing on the stage (for some reason he just looks back at the crowd and does nothing else) the band come to their final track ‘Bad Things (That Make You Feel Good)’. This fizzing shimmy-ready infectious gem is exhilarating live. The gritty guitar riff slices boldly through the track while the driving beat, fuzzed bass and dynamic keys create the perfect backdrop to lose your mind to and lets not forget the clap along feature – who wouldn’t love that.
The crowd plead for one more song chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé” until the band return for their triumphant encore of ‘Freakout ‘, ‘Honey I’m Home‘ and ‘Mirror Mountain‘ which sees the trio and audience go absolutely nuts. Shuman and Dawes flaunt about the stage kicking and spiraling. Dawes even bends his back in some sort of an impressive contortion as Shuman ventures into the moshing crowd while onstage Parkford goes all crazy ”Phantom Of The Opera” on us. They always deliver a brain fermenting finale to their shows and last night didn’t disappoint.
Mini Mansion’s are the crème de la crème, there is no band like them and their talent, sheer skill and magnetic aura is astonishing. However, there was something different about the band last night, a glint in their eyes and a different confidence and suaveness than before that I can only hope means these melody-connoisseurs have big things to come. Perhaps the release of the new album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar’ will reveal more.
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Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Fangclub
Fangclub have released their new track ‘Hesitations’. The three-piece who are currently working on their second album present a tasty savage appetizer. With dark soundscapes creeping like a misty fog on a eerie cold night this intense number confirms Fangclubs firm grasp on our ears. It’s catchy and explosive with their trademark anthemic chorus that erupts with crashing guitars, pulverising drums and inflamed bass. The verses simmer as the guitars smoulder and curdle beneath the rumbling bass while the drum relentlessly pounds throughout. Steven King’s vocals haunt and whisper building the intensity before becoming more dynamic for the raging chorus. With the sublime addition of a hypnotic chant by the Rush Youth Choir contrasting the blood curdling wall of sound, Fangclub have beautifully fermented and crafted this track to create their most thrilling and exhilarating material yet. If ‘Hesitations’ is anything to go by there is exciting things to come from this trio.
Newcastle moody synth-pop duo SADSUN have released their new single ‘Heads or (Tails)’. SADSUN made their debut on the scene in February with their single ‘Control’, an addictively delirious synth-pop track with dark and atmospheric undertones. Gaining praise from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, God Is In The TV and BBC Music Introducing North East, founded by talented musicians, Aimy Miller (vocals/production) and Simon Atkinson (synths/guitar/production), SADSUN blend uplifting vintage pop sensibilities and brooding introspective lyricism with a cinematic backdrop.
‘Heads or (Tails)’ is a refreshing burst of synth pop shimmering with a glorious 80’s pop sheen. The funky guitars inject and weave a groovy thread throughout this laid back summer number while the glistening synths and sticky, pulsing beat create a breathtaking ethereal atmosphere. With smooth vocals caressing the nostalgic melody this sweet, summer baked gem is an easy listening catchy track to put on repeat.
Speaking on ‘Heads or (Tails)’, vocalist, Aimy Miller explained: “Heads or (Tails) is an attempt at exploring the chaos of emotions. When it was written, I was struggling to get a grip on how I was feeling day to day – it felt as though it could literally be down to a flip of a coin. One moment I was over the moon happy, the next I was through the floor hopeless and experiencing a lot of physical pain. I was aware how it must have been for someone to see me like that and i just wanted everything to stop.”
Glasgow four-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘tonic youth’.The track is the first of four singles being released by wojtek the bear during 2019, which will be collected on a limited edition 10” vinyl in the autumn.
‘tonic youth’ is a blissful refreshing can of indie pop brimming with sugary melodies, lush harmonies and vibrant instrumentation. This dreamy number chimes with radiant guitars, a pulsing bassline and a peppy beat. The track majestically floats along the buoyant rhythmic foundation while the smooth vocals coo behind a graceful string melody. These guys have fleshed out one beautiful track that glimmers with sun kissed vibes while drifting delicately on a laid back tone of ecstasy.
Of the track, lead singer Tam Killean reveals; “When I first moved into Glasgow in my early 20’s I quickly encountered people at parties I’d never been exposed to before; kids who’d never worked a day in their life, spent their summers in Val-d’Isére or Biarritz and all seemed to have fucking ponies. This song is about how initially on coming into contact with them I had a bit of a crisis of confidence, thinking that I’d wasted my life by just getting absolutely smashed from the age of 15 onwards.”
Stream ‘tonic youth’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
