Category Archives: New Music

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Gorilla Punch Radio

Manchester based Rock Band, Gorilla Punch Radio are back with a 12 track album titled ‘No Retreat’. The album comes two years after their debut single reached worldwide radio coverage. They have produced 12 powerful, hard hitting examples of rock music. Each of the tracks have a tantalizing raw edge. The leading track ‘No Retreat’ is their most popular single to date which achieved worldwide radio play despite being a debut.Gorilla Punch Radio consists of guitarist James Booth, drummer and producer Elliot Vaughan, whose previous work includes clients such as ‘Frank Turner’ and ‘Pulled Apart By Horses’, alongside the talented Horus Ghani on the bass axe and Sam Jackson on the six string.

‘No Retreat’ is a heavy beast, battering through your skull with blistering slick riffs, punchy drums and a thrilling infernal rumble on bass. Overflowing with gritty, ruckus infused energy this track relentlessly travels through your ears clobbering you instantly with guitars louder and meaner with each verse and chorus progression. Catchy and intense it’s intricately crafted, meticulously polished and ruthlessly efficient in its pursuit to provide the listener with the ultimate rock thrill. It builds from hyper mania into a metal hued crescendo that throws caution to the wind and allows frantic chaos to take over while falsetto vocals wail in a haunting tension building manner. A whispered vocal continues this tension before they frantically break to a dramatic end. It’s one ear smacking anthem.

Stream ‘No Retreat’ below


The New Shoes ‘Little Racket’

Gosport, Hampshire alternative rock/punk band The New Shoes have released their debut single ‘Little Racket’ on Mayfield Records.This track wrestles punk to the ground and mangles some 60s pop and garage rock into its structure to create a snappy animated and thoroughly satisfying number. With a choppy rhythm, pop sprinkled melody and a melodic guitar feature this punchy track is a boisterous animated no nonsense anthem. Designed for the sticky mosh pit, it’s brimming with short adrenaline bursts and a catchy chorus while a shredding guitar solo lacerates through the rigorous backdrop sizzling with swagger. With the messy rough and ready punk undertones, raw rugged garage and a luscious coating of buoyant 60’s melodies The New Shoes have provided a kinetic vigorous debut.

Stream ‘Little Racket’ below


Lycio ‘Young Ties’

Birmingham band  Lycio have released their new single ‘Young Ties’. This latest cut is one of the bands oldest compositions, and sees a return to their darker side. The track was mastered at Metropolis Studios by Stuart Hawkes (Jack Garratt, Rae Morris, Lorde, Fickle Friends, Rudimental, Mura Masa).

‘Young Ties’ is a wispy ethereal slice of atmospheric indie wrapped in swirling, fluctuant synths while an elegant piano and flashing drum arrangement provide a gripping and meaty backdrop to this airy number. Mendez’ passionate vocals powerfully plough through the chorus with oodles of expression while gently cooing through the delicate brooding verses. The track is doused in sweet melancholy as swoony dreamy soundscapes flurry and delicately rebound off the luscious melody and sway-able synths. Richly layered, each gripping note is laced in emotion as the track gracefully and beautifully dances with its darker tones creating an ambient full-bodied sound. Another majestic track from Lycio.

Of the track, frontwoman Genie Mendez explains – “Young Ties is about mental health. Trying to understand how my head works, whether it’s a gift or a curse (‘the beauty that’s inside my mind’), and then trying to accept it (‘I’ll go where you are taking me’). Then of course everyone’s getting on with their daily routine not knowing the struggle of those around them (‘all the young men in long ties…’). And of course ‘can you bring me home/can you take control’ is a question for my own head. I’m asking my mind if it can really handle this, if we can bounce back from it.”

Stream ‘Young Ties’ below

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Chay Snowdon ‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’

Chay Snowdon return with double-single; ‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’.The Bristol based band (Liam Roberts on lead guitar, George Roach on bass, Ed Fox on drums and Chay Snowdon providing vocals and rhythm guitar) have already made their mark in the music independent scene with support slots with the likes of ‘The Sherlocks, ‘JUDAS’, ‘VANT’, ‘The Snuts’, ‘Glass Caves’ and ‘Oddity Road’ as well as performances at Camden Rocks and two UK tours. The band have now returned with two knockout indie tunes.

‘Mon Cheri’ is a brisk swagger-dripping banger sure to set a mosh pit alight. With jangly guitars weaving and striking bursts of vibrancy through foot stomping drums – this charming adrenaline surging track is locked and loaded, ready to make you dance, shuffle and bop. With shrilling guitar whines, rich buoyant rhythms and panache soaked vocals, its a rush of wild indie rock. Riding on high adrenaline instrumentation, this catchy track is a punchy, potent thrill from the start.

‘Sha La La’  is the flip-side to ‘Mon Cheri’s’ energy with its slow dance tempo and delicate brooding instrumentation. It’s sweet, tender and emotional as Snowdon’s warm vocals exude passion and soul. The smooth melody floats gently over twinkling guitars and soft drum taps. A moving guitar feature fills the song with that “hold me close” swoon leading the track into its dramatic classic rock crescendo of heartfelt guitars mourning over punchy drums and sing along refrain.

‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’ are two equally gripping and diverse tracks from Chay Snowdon showing just how versatile these guys can be. Each note leaves you craving to hear more.

Stream ‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’ below



Heir ‘Better In Silence’

Heir celebrate the announcement of their tour in April with the release of their new song, ‘Better In Silence’. Following their previous single, ‘Restless’ the band continue to display class and courage with another carving of irresistible DIY-pop music. 2018 saw the band launch their own collaborative arts night, Blueprint. The event brings together bands and visual artists for a display of high quality creation. Heir also spent the latter half of the year working with producer Ken Scott (The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John).

‘Better In Silence’ is a glorious light airy indie number grounded with a sublime elastic bass rumble and sticky beat slaps. Heir flesh out their sophisticated, polished sound with crisp production, shimmering electronics and luscious melodies. It’s refined and chic with a swanky funk flex glimmering through the rich basslines, jangly guitars and rhythmic bounce. The smooth vocals caress and soften this honey melody with a sweet coo, lush harmonies and dreamy falsetto while the zesty guitars add a dash of vitality and juicy sting to the track. Richly weaved this song cruises along sun kissed vibes, laid back tones and heavenly melodies ready for that perfect chill time listening.

You can catch Heir live on their April tour at :

10.04.2019 ~ Leeds, Lending Room

15.04.2019 ~ Newcastle, Think Tank Underground

16.04.2019 ~ Hull, The Polar Bear

17.04.2019 ~ Manchester, Gullivers

18.04.2019 ~ London, Sebright Arms

20.04.2019 ~ Breda (NL), Sofar Sounds

21.04.2019 ~ Appeldoorn (NL), Gigant

22.04.2019 ~ Cologne (DE), Sofar Sounds

24.04.2019 ~ Utrecht (NL), Stathe

27.04.2019 ~ Roosendaal (NL), King’s Day Festival

28.04.2019 ~ Amsterdam (NL), Hannekes Boom *more dates tbc.

Stream ‘Better In Silence’ below


VELVET ‘Out to Get Me’

Four piece indie band  VELVET have released their debut single ‘Out to Get Me’ which was recorded in Newcastle at Loft Studios with Matt from Little Comets.The band comprised of Jack Rasmussen, Lee Wright, Liam Cooke and Josh West are heading back into the studio in February to record their debut 4 track EP which is set for release in March.

‘Out to Get Me’ is a sweet number that floats on dreamy tones, delicate twinkling guitars and a creamy soft melody. Spongy drums bounce and hop with a feathery light buoyancy as the ethereal guitars add a stinging gentle breeze to this supple gem while also weaving sublime melodies filled with melancholia and heavenly scintillation throughout. With warm raspy vocals flooding the song with coziness and passion- this delightful track is an easy going melodic ditty that wraps your ears in glorious soothing indie.

You can follow VELVET on their socials here :

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/velvetmusicofficial/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/velvetmusic

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/velvetmusicofficial/

Stream ‘Out to Get Me’ below


Vampire Weekend ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’

Vampire Weekend have returned, greeting their tune thirsty fans with a warm, cosy and instantly satisfying two track combo. ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’ are the first tracks released from the band’s upcoming fourth album, ‘Father of the Bride’.

In true Vampire Weekend fashion ‘Harmony Hall’ floods through with rich opulent sounds and textures to tantalize and enrich the senses. It’s as if Vampire Weekend have announced the bright beautiful coming of spring and thawing of winter. Soft guitars twinkle around the delicate melody while each verse and track progression introduces a new subtle element as the song unfolds into a blossoming beauty. There is a subtle,elegant, baroque element between a jazz flavoured piano. The piano flurries through,ever so delicately and charmingly unwrapping the delightful goodness within the song. Ezra Koenig’s velvety vocals caress and comfort the melty melody with a sprinkling of sugary delight while the elastic bass grooves, shuffling percussion and buoyant drums maintain the playful boppy foundation. The track, which features the closing lyrics “I don’t wanna live like this, but I don’t wanna die” from ‘Finger Back’ on their previous album Modern Vampires of the City is cosy and a little cryptic as Koenig leaves a nice little trail of lyrical bread crumbs for his dedicated fans to follow. With a Simon & Garfunkel -esque harmony and romantic tinted coating, Vampire Weekend ensured their return would be worth the wait.

‘2021’ is a sweet little track coming in at less than 2 minutes, this addictive ditty glides upon subtle instrumentation of warm guitar, twinkling keys and tapping hi- hat while Koenig softly and emotionally croons the sweet lyrics. With a falsetto sample singing “Boy” between the lush delicacy this track has a repetitive hypnotic charm to it that is difficult to resist.

Stream ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’ below


Motions ‘Play The Hits’ Premiere

Motions are an indie band from Dublin. Following the release of their well received ‘Late Night Calls’ EP in 2018, alongside a string of gigs and festival appearances across Ireland they have released their new single ‘Play The Hits’. . The track was written by Dave Nulty & Tom Daly and produced by Alessio Buso.

‘Play The Hits’ is a synth laced dance number luxuriate in 80’s speckled electronics. This catchy dance number is infused with rich flashing soundscapes as shimmering synths flicker and playfully ricochet off snappy beats and skittish rhythms. With a swirling ethereal atmosphere jangly guitars and smooth warm vocals this infectious number struts in cool and effortless with sticky scorching sun kissed electronics hooking it firmly into your brain. A few pinches of indie zest is sprinkled on top of this pop steeped anthem making it a charming shuffle-ready tune from Motions.

Watch the video for ‘Play The Hits’ below


Gorilla Troubadour ‘Tom Cruise Does All His Own Stunts’

Dublin based Gorilla Troubadour have released their second single ‘Tom Cruise Does All His Own Stunts’ and boy it’s a doozy. Following the release of their debut single ‘The Apple Truck’ and an ensuing tour around Ireland, the band have made a name for themselves as gritty rockers, combining powerful riffs and ear catching hooks. Over the summer they played at festivals such as Townlands Carnival and Gael Linn as well as a headline in The Workman’s Club as part of Gigonometry and packing out Geoff’s Bar in their hometown of Waterford. The band recently headlined The Workmans Club on the 17th of January to a full venue.

‘Tom Cruise Does All His Own Stunts’ is a thrilling smooth criminal that terrorizes and haunts with slick charm and staggering swagger while an abrasive instrumental backdrop entraps you in Gorilla Troubadour’s sound. These guys have style for sure, as biting raw guitars erode through the punchy drums while a sensual bassline wiggles, weaves and lures you deeper into this bewitching track. The guitars wail and pierce creating a haunting atmosphere of danger and mystery while panache soaked deep vocals coo and entrap over this blistering display. It’s catchy, exhilarating and magnificently crafted. The rich depths in this track are pretty masterful for such a young band- the darkness swirls and rumbles through that sublime bubbling and fermenting bassline while the finesse on guitars creates a sweet tension release, all the while the track is coiling and intertwining with lush backing vocal lulls and pristine harmonies as the track builds to a dramatic crescendo. Gorilla Troubadour have meticulously crafted this song- constructing its component parts prudently and the result is pretty impressive. I’m loving their professional, crisp yet corrosive and enthralling sound.

The launch gig for ‘Tom Cruise Does All His Own Stunts’ is scheduled in Whelans on for the 19th of February. Also planned are launch dates in venues all across the country as the band look to build on their success of 2018.

Stream ‘Tom Cruise Does All His Own Stunts’ below


Wild Youth ‘Making Me Dance’

Dublin band Wild Youth have released their new single ‘Making Me Dance’. The track which was co-produced by Mark Sheehan and Danny O’Donoghue of The Script follows on from their stand-out single ‘Can’t Move On’. With huge supports slots for the likes of Niall Horan, Zara Larson and The Script already under their belts, the band are ready to make serious moves this year with their biggest headline show to date scheduled for March 23 at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

‘Making Me Dance’ drips slick swagger off every glossy note as Wild Youth seep their infectious molten sound effortlessly into your ears. With a snappy beat keeping that toe tapping buoyancy between a feet shuffling bass groove- this number sweeps in, suave and chic ready to lure you to the dance floor. Smooth velvety vocals caress the melty melody while ethereal sun soaked soundscapes flutter and wisp about your ears delicately. The melody is sweet like taffy while the vibrant instrumentation, infectious lyrics and crisp production make this track that zesty pick me up we all need. It’s instantly like-able, swanky and full of charm. Another pristine, luscious indie pop number from Wild Youth.

Watch the lyric video for ‘Making Me Dance’ below