Five piece band Velvet have released their new single ‘Drift’ – a dreamy sun speckled number that floats along a sweet melody, vibrant guitar jingles and a punchy beat. This candied sugary pop ditty swirls around your ears with its delicious laid back melody while raspy warm vocals coo and soothe. The glistening guitar wisps about the track’s melody lifting this ethereal hazy number and adds a zesty sting. With a subtle indie rock backdrop providing instrumental depths and rich texture the track bops along brimming with summer vibes. This luscious, glorious track is another delightful gem from Velvet.
About the track the band said: “The story behind the song was feelings and emotion felt during a gap year in Australia and reflecting back on that. The feeling of drifting away from someone and accepting that for what it is. It was the first song we wrote so it’s nice to finally get it out there, it’s changed a lot over time but we first started writing it in summer 2018”
Three-piece rock band Pompadour have released their second single, ‘Oh, Honey!’ which was recorded and mixed at J&J Studios in Bristol. Pompadour co-produced the single with Nathan Long. It was mastered by Tom Cory, who has also worked on tracks for Adidas, and his own band; Novatines. Pompadour was founded in January 2018 after college friends and bandmates, Tamsin Sayers (vocals, bass) and Kearney Day (guitar) left their previous band and created their own project with their best friend from college. After a lineup change in early 2019, Rob Beresford joined Pompadour on drums, adding a whole new dynamic to the band.
‘Oh Honey’ is a dynamic surge of indie rock as Pompadour blend their smooth melodies with blistering instrumentation. Sharp guitar bursts jangle between a snappy beat while Tamsin Sayers’ powerful vocals ooze expression and warm tones. The track has an ethereal atmosphere as the easy on the ears melody melts upon a stormy backdrop. The song builds into a fiery chorus as the guitars crash and rebound off the buoyant beat while the gritty bass slices through this gripping wall of sound.Filled with adrenaline and oodles of energy ‘Oh Honey’ is another exhilarating track from Pompadour.
About the track Tamsin Sayers said: “Oh, Honey is written as a love song of sorts, in whichever capacity that may be, It’s about how the right person can have a big effect on your disposition. In this case, they bring out the fun, kind of crazy side of them. On the flipside, it could be a love song to themself, and how they love the carefree, energetic part of themselves. They can’t quite summon the energy inside them to be like that all of the time.”
Modern Americana talent, Paula Standing has released her latest EP, ‘Truth and Trickery’. Songwriter and performer, Paula Standing hails originally from North Queensland but now resides in Southern Australia where she spends time perfecting her written craft and building upon her roster of original music.
‘Truth and Trickery’ is a wholesome Americana collection with hues of county rock as Paula Standing fleshes out her musicianship and rich sound.This six track collection shines a light on the modern phenomenon of fake news. ‘A Good Day’ kicks the EP off with sway like tones as a warm guitar creates a sweet waltz-like tempo. With elegant piano and lush backing vocals complementing Standing’s sweet strong vocals its an easy listening ditty. Standing plays about with instruments and genres throughout the EP as ‘All Over By Christmas’ introduces a steamy string melody while the country twang of ‘ Heartaches’ Coming Around’ ,‘Oh Baby (Why Am I Thinking of You)’ and ‘The War Ain’t Over Remix’ adds warmth and depth. There are some sublime guitar melodies sprinkling lush qualities and sun kissed vibes into each track while the passionate vocals coo and caress the catchy melodies. ‘Beautiful Remix’ brings the album to a sweet and delicate end as a soft beat bounces behind twinkling guitar. Standing’s vocals are the main striking point throughout the EP however the injections of strings and luscious guitar melodies are what makes these track stand out. Not my usual cup of tea but ‘Truth and Trickery’ is a charming sweet EP filled with sophisticated laid back tunes.
Blackpool atmospheric rock band Oceans Over Alderaan have released their second single ‘Falters’. Since the release of debut single ‘Sevenfour’ in January the band have received airplay from DKFM, Radio X, BBC Introducing, Primal Radio, Dandelion Radio, Fylde Coast Radio, ARFM, Manchester Music Scene, Progwave Radio, Lost In The Manor, Merryn Music Feed & Indie XL.The new single was recorded with Tom Peters of Alpha Male Tea Party and released on the band’s own label ‘The Recording Industry Is Dead, Records’ who also release music by the band members other projects as well as music made by their friends.
‘Falters’ is an atmospheric beautiful display from Oceans Over Alderaan. The band meticulously blend alternative gritty instrumentation with sweet tender twinkles and ethereal soundscapes. The verses flicker and emotionally glisten with soft guitars and simple drum progression while Alice Deacon’s passionate vocals glide over the dainty melody as the chorus builds becoming more aggressive and harsh. The guitars crash through the punchy rhythm as the vocals become more expressive. There is painful heartbreaking tones through this mesmerising track as Oceans Over Alderaan depict a tender theme with grace and elegance.
The video for the track is a joint effort made by Barry Parkinson and Alice Deacon with band friend (and label mate) ‘The Wisdom Of Oz’, who plays the main character in the video, with band members Joe Wylie and Steve Trenell helping out with the performance sections.
Following on from debut track ‘Measure by Measure’, Tom Wells has released the ‘Measure by Measure’ EP ,further building on his Fast Trains solo project. Comprised of two additional tracks,again written and recorded by Wells primarily in his home studio,the EP continues the exclusive relationship between Fast Trains and YouTube.
‘Measure by Measure’ EP is a beautifully melodic three track treasure filled with rich instrumentation, lush production and crisp musicianship. The pop sprinkled melodies caress the ethereal, joyous and gripping instrumentation superbly, creating a wholly satisfying listening experience.
Title track ‘Measure by Measure’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie sets the EP up with lush melodies,flashing electronics and velvety vocals creating a sweet joyful tone and easy listening atmosphere for the tracks to follow. With twinkling guitars warming the cockles of your soul the soothing and melodically beautiful ‘Higher than Everyone’ follows. The song is an uplifting ode to new beginnings that begins simple as a soft guitar and drum pattern coax the track into your ears before it builds into a cheery ditty. ‘This Wondrous Foe’ brings an emotional end to the EP. With its slower tempo, brooding delicate groove and touching lyrical content – it is a soothing gem to ease the EP out. With a lamenting pine on guitar, ethereal soundscape and cosy vocals this track is a comforting lush number to wrap your ears in instrumental, dreamy bliss. The song builds to a rich chorus that holds a charming tone of hope. The lyrics tackle depression and emotional distress but the chorus offers a helping hand to those who may be struggling. It’s a sublime way to end the EP.
Dublin songwriter and producer Adam Rock has released his new single ‘Quiet Now’. This twinkling ambient track floats delicately on elegant keys, sun-kissed guitar and velvety vocals. With the lush harmonising vocals melting over a sweet melody this track is ethereal and dreamy. It builds gradually as swirling electronics and rich instrumentation wisp about the song while the guitar becomes more distorted and expressive blasting into a shredding anthemic solo. With layered vocals and its gripping aerial atmosphere ‘Quiet Now’ is a compelling and sublime track from Adam Rock.
The Amazons have announced their new album ‘Future Dust’ will be released on 24th May on Fiction Records, alongside revealing their new single ‘Doubt It’. The Amazons were the most hotly tipped band of 2017 and followed through with their debut album reaching #8 in the official chart. The band received BBC Radio 1 and 6 music A lists as well as a sold out tour including London’s Kentish Town Forum.
‘Doubt It’ is a gritty rugged slice of The Amazons’ swaggering sound. With jagged riffs carving through the pounding drums and groove infested bass this darkly smothering track is one exhilarating anthem. These guys drench the track in blistering instrumentation with sweltering guitars and a hip moving foundation to create a menacing blast of absorbing indie rock. With its luring intense verses building magnificently into the powerful chorus this fiery anthem is arena ready and absolutely thrilling. Lush backing vocals coo behind Matthew Thomson’s main passionate vocal delivery while sizzling guitar injections penetrate the punchy rhythmic section – its a thrilling new belter from The Amazons.
Lead singer Matthew Thomson says, “Doubt It is about being on the edge of making a potentially stupid decision due to lust-induced blindness. It addresses the lingering doubts, the residue of morals and succumbing to the temptations.”
A night of blistering cutthroat alternative punk rock pounded through our ears on Saturday night as Dublin’s Vulpynes headlined The Academy 2 with support from I AM A Car Crash and The Lord Reverend Mongo Joans and the Coat Hanger Solution.
Punk band The Lord Reverend Mongo Joans and the Coat Hanger Solution kick started the night. A comical bunch on stage these guys whack straight into their riotous tunes with crashing guitars, pummeling drums and feisty growlish vocals. Each track travels at neck breaking spreed as they blend their feisty punk with fiery mosh pit ready rock. One particular crowd member was really enthusiastic. He took selfies with the band while they played on stage. Their set was brimming with numerous shredding guitar blasts and rooted bass grooves which set the crowd alight as they bopped along to the “fu*ck you” lyrics of ‘Best Worst Thing’. Their tunes have a bop factor that can coax your hips to wiggle while their gritty ferocious exterior packs some serious punch. A fully entertaining band to watch live.
I AM A Car Crash follow the punk vibe. Taking a darker twist on the genre their distorted guitars, gripping wall of sound and mesmerising drumming has the crowd utterly entranced. The majestic guitar work is impressive and builds their sound perfectly with a sophisticated flurry of finesse over the rambunctious drumming gliding through the air and slapping into our ears with blissful intensity. These guys know how to make an impression. Attitude soaked vocals smoothly drift through the melody while the lyrics are spat out at a brisk expressive pace. The banter is minimal so the band can pack in as many tunes as possible. ‘Eric’ in particular is a blinder. Shrilling guitars pierce and soar elegantly over the fantastic drum rumble as the track builds to its explosive crescendo. Final track ‘Carnival Ride’ a track dedicated to “any would be rapists …. We are coming for you mother f**kers” is absolutely captivating and gripping. The gentle vocal melody seeps and bleeds with tender emotion. It’s a striking and heartbreaking track superbly crafted to extract, display and expose the raw harsh emotion and turmoil within, while icy guitars flicker between the brewing and bubbling drums creating a striking backdrop for the affectionate vocals. The track builds to a shredding dazzling crescendo filled with distortion and expressive guitar whines. It’s a mind blowing end to their exquisite set.
The fiery duo Vulpynes take to the stage to the ominous whistle of the x files theme song. Not ones for banter they belt straight into their vicious battering tunes with relentless stamina and swagger. Vocalist and guitarist Maeve Molly’s stance is cool, composed and fierce as she executes the shredding riffs and gritty licks with effortless panache. She has really grown into her frontwoman role.Though she doesn’t move or prance about the stage often her simple stance commands awe as she bellows out the lyrics. Kaz’s powerful drumming pounds deep through your very soul, ‘2 Cents’ and ‘Silica’ resounds through the Academy. The crowd stand and watch the duo blast through their bloodthirsty tunes as if hypnotised. I was expecting total anarchy and moshing however each member of the crowd stood rooted to their spot soaking up the savage tunes as if in a trance. Maeve Molly calls the crowd to move about “start rocking out now… stop f*cking standing there … that’s an order” snapping them out of their blissful daze. They begin to mosh and dance creating a sea of bopping movement and mania at the front. Vulpynes have created a delicious recipe for a thrilling live show with their catchy tunes, driving adrenaline, whirling scuzzy riffs and alternative punk anthems – this duo are a lean mean force to be reckoned with.
Vulpynes closed their set with the explosive ‘OCD’. However, the crowd demanded more and the duo obliged returning to mass cheers for a vigorous encore. Vulpynes have proven they can create frenzied barbarous tunes that stick in your head for days and Saturday night proved they can deliver one hell of a live show to accompany these savage tunes.
Meath-based indie pop band, Lady Landscape have released their debut single, ‘Kitsilano’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and smooth baritone vocals. Taking their name from an inside joke concerning McDonell’s avoidance of the dating scene. Lady Landscape became a five-piece in 2019, incorporating friends of the group: Jamie Reynolds (Drums), Tiernan Buckley (Bass) and Adam Ollin (Lead Guitar), for a series of live shows in Dublin.
‘Kitsilano’ is a dreamy wisp of indie that binds Lady Landscape’s sound with sweet flurries of lo-fi pop. Soft guitar strums and jingles around an ethereal backdrop of twinkling synths. The steady beat weaves and hops about the track while the jangly keys playfully wander through this blissful mellow song. The nonchalant baritone vocals murmur through the majestic soundscape and sun sprinkled instrumentation. Filled with laid back tones Lady Landscape create a supple tune that is smooth and easy on the ears.
BLVFF have released their new single ‘Shame’. BLVFF, pronounced bluff, are a dark, indie, pop collective, hailing from the Midlands. With 30,000 Spotify streams, plays from BBC Intro Midlands and Amazing Radio the band have now signed to much loved new indie label These Bloody Thieves Records along with False Heads & Moses.
‘Shame’ is a blustery compact number sizzling and scorching with intense instrumentation and powerful musicianship. Sharp guitars relentlessly pierce through the track with scorching raw adrenaline while a rooted bass groove and punchy drums create a thrilling body pounding backdrop. The track flurries and fiercely batters with refined precision as the catchy smooth melody glides over this stormy instrumentation. With a powerful vocal delivery, scorching crescendo, thrilling musicianship and slick swagger-drenched guitar display, BLVFF are ones to watch.
Stream ‘Shame’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
