Category Archives: New Music

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Rock, Synth Rock

Mini Mansions ‘Works Every Time’ EP

Mini Mansions have released their highly anticipated EP ‘Works Every Time’. Singer/guitarist Michael Shuman, singer/keyboardist Tyler Parkford, and bassist Zach Dawes are the glorious trinity of Mini Mansions, a band who push boundaries and overwhelm our minds with psychedelic encryption and delicious tunes. The band have played in some of the world’s biggest rock bands, Queens of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and The Last Shadow Puppets these guys have been flourishing right at the roots of the rock genre readying themselves and fermenting their sound.This new release arrives three years after their second record, ‘The Great Pretenders’, which received critical praise and featured guest appearances from Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and ‘Flashbacks’ a collection  of B-side tracks which was released in 2016. Mini Mansions sound is unique and stirring all at once and places them firmly on par if not above their comrades in intricate obscurity and just plain genius. ‘Works Every Time’ is only a glimpse of what these guys are capable of.

‘Works Every Time’ is a concise, flavoursome collection of juicy tracks to re-introduce us to the mouth watering home cooking of Mini Mansions. Title track ‘Works Every Time’ reels us in with a soft beat bouncing off a swoon worthy melody and glistening keys.Filled with wistful tones Parkford takes the vocals on this track, his sweet falsetto cooing over the breathtaking soundscapes as this song floats around a dreamy ethereal atmosphere while the zesty sting on guitars give a lamenting bite and sharpness to the track. ‘Midnight in Tokyo’ rumbles through with Dawes’ elastic bass line teamed with the sticky slapping beats setting the groove infested foundation as the track spirals into a sleazy swagger smacked number. With Prince like Bowie -esque hued verses and a triumphant catchy chorus this track struts in, slicked back, funk fueled and glossy. Shuman’s vocals take the lime light here drenched in panache and gritty rough flamboyance as flashing disco hued electronics dazzle the background while Parkford provides lush tight harmonies. The rich meaty sound is filled gloriously with zingy guitars weaving their way, flickering little bursts of spice throughout. Parkford takes vocals once again on ’This Bullet’ a psychedelic whirl of utter mind melting mania. He ventures to his ominous lower range while Dawes’ throbbing bass and meandering soundscapes rush you with a sinister sense of danger. This track has a residue of Mister Goodnite’s ‘One Against Five’ with a little more darkness and obscurity smeared on top as alien- esque electronics wail about eerie tones and snappy driving beats. There is something magnetic and hypnotic about this track as Mini Mansions distort and dissolve your entire grip of reality with one catchy dizzying tune. It’s dark and creepy especially when Parkford orders “take off your vest“ however it’s difficult to prise yourself away from its chilling charm. Of course the band offer up another stirring cover for us to devour. Having previously embellished our ears with Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ and Sparks ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Mini Mansions dissect and dismember a thrillingly dark rendition of Edwyn Collins‘ ‘A Girl Like You’, dousing it in the gritty sleazy and intoxicating tones we love from this trio. It’s dark as Shuman howls, screams and deeply haunts over whining guitars and flashing electronics. Filled with infectious shimmy grooves this track will make your skin crawl and tantalize all your senses while creeping into your mind where it will firmly reside for days. They did a cover the only way Mini Mansions can … better than the original.

The talent of this band is immense. Each track was meticulously cultivated – simmering and ripening slowly in Mini Mansions pressure cooker until the band were ready to delight and shatter our ears all at once. It’s exciting to see what each release will bring. They never compromise their sound yet push boundaries and provide an enthralling full bodied sound with every release. There is no one else like Mini Mansions out there at the moment. We need this trio to keep music fresh.

Stream ‘Works Every Time’ below

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Word UK ‘Fish In The Sea’ EP

 

The Word UK have released their new EP ‘Fish In The Sea’. The Word (UK) are a Pop Rock band from Medway, Kent. They first got together in 2017 due to their mutual love for The Beatles (the name was taken from a Beatles song), which sums up the band well – these four lads aspire to write and perform music to the same standard as the biggest bands around, past and present.In search of the ‘old-school sound’ of their idols from the 1960s and 70s, the band headed to Ranscombe Studios, Rochester, famed locally for its analogue equipment and back-to-basics approach to recording. Most of what you hear was laid down live in a single room, with the band playing all at once – and all without a computer in sight. The result? A group of songs that capture a snapshot of the energy of their live performances, and a nod to the classic way of doing things.’Fish In The Sea’ is the band’s first EP. It’s a cluster of five tracks showcasing some of the original tunes the band have been pumping out live all over the UK for the last year; in pubs, clubs and even busking on the streets.

Swirled in luscious 60’s -esque melodies with a tight wall of sound driving this peppy collection of tracks ‘Fish In The Sea’ is a wholly satisfying  uplifting EP. Glorious honey drenched melodies caressed by warm sweet harmonies are the pinnacle point of this EP. ‘Brother,Brother’ and title track ‘Fish In The Sea’ swoon with these delicious melodies, shredding guitar licks and a driving rhythm section that evokes images of surf waves and good times. With a shimmy ready lightness and compact Beatles – esque approach the track glides into your ears with effortless sun kissed charm. Intricate guitars weave and wander their way through each track with a golden, glorious toned thread of delight. The tongue twister ‘Lemonella Citronella’ is a darling little gem that sits comfortably in the middle of the EP. The enchanting guitar once again entwines and illuminates this balmy gem. The Word UK shake things up a little with the Bo Diddley rhythmic intro of  ‘Captain Pine’ teamed with a rooted bass rumble. This track brings a slightly darker tone to the EP as the guitars whine over the stormy instrumentation. The melody however, remains peppy and bright. These are catchy tunes that will put a smile on your face and have you singing along and clapping in no time. Closing track ‘The Hillbilly Song’ is the perfect example of this, bringing a 60’s swing into the mix that is sure to have a live audience dancing and bopping along.With a shredding guitar solo and harmonica injection this vibrant track is a blistering highly energetic number to bring the EP to an end.

‘Fish In The Sea’ is a playful charming collection of tracks that exude swagger and easy going fun to keep your hearts light and joyful. These guys have showcased their proficient musicianship through some highly enjoyable tunes.

Stream ‘Fish In The sea’ below

 

 

 


New Music

Kyle Meagher ‘Nowhere’

 

16-year-old Canadian pop artist, Kyle Meagher has released his new single, ‘Nowhere’ The track is already being played on over a dozen stations, including Radio Disney. While new to the music scene, Kyle is also a talented and successful actor. He’s currently featured in the NETFLIX series “Anne with an E”.

‘Nowhere’ is a catchy pop ditty that strides along cruising on a clap along rhythmic bounce, sweet melody and smooth vocals. With a zesty guitar jangling over the swirling electronics and crisp production, its a radio friendly number that oozes youthful good times and sunshine vibes.

Stream ‘Nowhere’ below

 


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

The Empire Police ‘Modern Obsession’ EP

Preston four piece The Empire Police have released their new EP ‘Modern Obsession’, the follow up to last years self titled EP. The indie rock quartet formed in 2015 and quickly became an accomplished “live” act with a growing, energetic fan base across northern cities including Preston, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Having had several of their songs played on BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music the band continues to develop their live shows and their own unique sound.

‘Modern Obsession’ is a power-rock pumping station ready to burst with huge choruses and shredding instrumentation. The arena sing along ready title track ‘Modern Obsession’ introduces the EP with a fine sense of subtle grandeur. The catchy chorus, twinkling guitars and punchy drum stomp create a gripping atmosphere for the song. This Imagine dragons -esque ditty, swoons and soars over heartfelt melodies and crowd friendly motifs while steamy guitar solos inject a healthy dose of classic rock grit into this anthemic number.‘Fine Lines’ and ‘Am I To Know’ thrusts some punk fire into the mix. These guys prove they can whack some gritty mosh ready heaviness into their sound seamlessly while also flickering into some funky guitar bridges and infectious smooth melodies between the crashing mania. Slick riffage is another glorious feature running riot throughout this EP, it is at its most thrilling display in ‘Vibrant Hideaway’. Gritty jagged and razor sharp, the guitar riffs slice and dice their way through this track. The Empire Police continue their blistering rock intensity with ’By The Scenes’ and closing track ‘Any Greater Wisdom’ as they glide a delicious melody over the vigorous instrumental. There is a residue of The Killers ‘Sams Town’ era floating about ‘By The Scenes’ as it pulses through on a gripping lamenting melody with an anthemic soaring backing of scorching guitars and pummeling drums. However The Empire Police create their own cinematic enthralling display throughout this tune.

The Empire Police have created a hook filled collection of tracks to get the heart racing and fill the soul with that adrenaline fueled sense of urgency only a solid anthemic indie rock EP can induce.

Stream below ‘Modern Obsession’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Funk, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Saults

After one year of gigs across the UK (30 in London’s clubs, Love Supreme Festival, Minehead Festival in 2018…), french pop-rock band Saults have released their new single ‘Kelly Ride’. The track which was recorded  in Abbey Road Studio, last February and has already got a massive reception among professionals (BBC, London Live TV…). Saults is comprised of brothers Antoine Saults (lead guitar / vocals), Greg Saults (drums / vocals) and Axel Castets (bass / choirs). In the beginning of 2016, they decided to record an EP and shot the video of its main title, ‘I Wanna Jam’, with the help of Sam de Salvador. They sold over 1.500 copies and ‘I Wanna Jam’ was viewed more than 15.000 times on YouTube.

‘Kelly Ride’ is a funky sweep of indie rock that struts in dripping in swagger as slinky guitar licks stride over a foot tapping beat and groove infested bass line.Jagged guitar riffs slice and dice with steamy vigor as the danceable bass groove and punchy drum whacks lay an elastic foundation,  building the tension gradually and suavely for the meaty mosh ready rock n’ roll crescendo. This track has everything to coax you to the dance floor with panache driven vocals cruising over the vivid backdrop- its crisp clean and swanky.

Watch the video for ‘Kelly Ride’ below


Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth-pop

Color Palette ‘Sunburn’

Color Palette have released their new single ‘Sunburn’. Color Palette – comprised of Jay Nemeyer, Joshua Hunter, Matt Hartenau, Rogerio Naressi, and Maryjo Mattea – are an Indie Electro Rock band from Washington, DC. Since their first release, Color Palette have garnered hundreds of press hits worldwide. The band released their debut full-length album, ‘Vaporwave’, in 2016 and  have shared bills with the following notable artists: Charli XCX, The Naked and Famous, Mother Mother, Day Wave, Yumi Zouma, Mr Little Jeans, The Kickback, and Spirit Animal. The band are set to release their second full-length album in 2019.

‘Sunburn’ is a soft marshmallow of swirling sweetness caressing your ears with glorious smooth textures which wrap a zingy indie interior in silken coated bliss. Ethereal and dreamy, this track pirouettes in, on a spongy buoyant rhythmic foundation while jangly guitars slice through with zealous vigor and sun kissed radiance. The subtle hazy vocals layer the track in dreamy vibes as shimmering whirling electronics set a Utopian atmosphere to lose yourself in. These guys blend the delicate electronic tones with blistering indie seamlessly to create a gripping enthralling listening experience that transports you to that euphoric sun soaked land, dreams are made of.

Stream ‘Sunburn’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

La Dharma ‘Sirens’

Birmingham based indie four piece La Dharma have released their new single  ‘Sirens’. The indie pop foursome La Dharma formed in the West Midlands in early 2017 with founding member Chris Leedham’s passion for writing slick meaningful stories embedded within 80’s pop sounds. La Dharma’s signature sound was born after further experimentation with guitarist and old friend Daniel ‘Jonah’ Jones’s indie background. However, the pair were missing the driving force behind the music and were joined by bassist Mick Madera and drummer James Morris to finish the line up with a tight funky rhythm section and after a successful first year of gigging,the band  have had success with BBC WM introducing plays for their debut single ‘Devil in a Tight Dress’ and now after having a change of singer their next single ‘Sirens’ was debuted on BBC WM introducing.

‘Sirens’ is an effortless soothing creamy delight that floods with 80’s hued nostalgia upon a glorious indie speckled backdrop. The soft vocals coo and swoon over this glorious honey drizzled melody as a zesty zing on guitar laments and stings throughout. These guitar injections add an edge and ethereal  quality to the track as they pine over the elastic bass and punchy drum foundation creating a heart gripping track with a luscious dreamy atmosphere. It’s sweet and light yet filled with rich textures and subtle intricate rhythms to make you feel every strike and woozy strum. With a catchy chorus and compact production this tune is easy to listen to and sweet like taffy.  Their is something very special about this track – La Dharma are writing tunes to make you feel each delicate moment  and that emotional attachment is something to treasure.

Stream ‘Sirens’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-61616756/sirens/s-hOGK7

 


Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Kyle Falconer At The Bowery, Dublin With Support From TADGH and Cult Called Man

The Views frontman Kyle Falconer attracted a friendly charming crowd into the Bowery last night the kind of audience who care for the person behind them, making sure they were not restricting anyone’s view. It’s a refreshing and welcome attitude if only all audiences were as caring for each others enjoyment. With some Scottish accents gracing our ears it’s apparent Falconers fans are willing to travel a bit to enjoy his performance.

TADGH the “all-round decent young fella” from Dublin kicked the night off. After ensuring we know exactly how to spell his name correctly he begins his set flooding our ears with glorious grooves swirled blissfully between luscious soul and funky flecks. ‘Danger’ and ‘Live Like You’ give an uncanny Justin Timberlake vibe with a subtle nod to Jamiroquai. His vocals are impressive as he slides effortlessly into his falsetto with such graceful ease. His stance is simple as he allows his soulful vocals exude funky swagger. ‘Same To You’ a sweet little ditty about the relationship you have with your dog displays his quirky songwriting while instrumentally his faultless sophisticated approach keeps things classy. It’s a set brimming with buoyant guitar licks, groove infested bass lines and lush synths. Each track glows with a feel good sheen, full bodied funk and hip hop edge that keeps it refreshing and ensures there is something for everyone within each tune.

The wonderfully eccentric Cult Called Man follow. The colourful attire is on display as they stroll in with a sound and persona that is so cool and sweet it’s like a sliding glacier of Mr Freeze pops. These guys are pretty adept at commanding attention. With luscious guitar melodies weaving their golden psychedelic fuzz through the mind melting backdrop and quirky powerful vocals, there is something mesmerising about this band. Not even an electrical problem keeps them from doing their thing. Three songs in their sound goes and  after a brief waiting period (as some audience members encourage them on) finally with the words  “and god said let there be sound”  the band were off again belting out their strutting glossy tunes. ‘Welcome To The Island’ was my favourite of their tracks last night. With its rooted elastic bass line driving through slick guitar licks, its a flamboyant track saturated in 80’s – esque bliss steeped in a somewhat creepy vibe. It was this track that won me over once and for all. Blending a razor sharp alternative edge with a glam rock persona these guys have something unique. The slippery melodies slide into your ears with effortless charm leaving us captivated and consumed in their sleazy gritty mayhem.

Kyle Falconer takes to the stage to massive applause and cheers whipping straight into the infectious ‘Poor Me’. The crowd bellow back the lyrics, dancing and jumping joyously- they really get involved with each and every track as if Falconer is singing to them personally or narrating details of their own lives.They point to him and sing the lines they relate to the most – as loud and as proudly as they can. ‘Family Tree’ and ‘The Therapist’ go down particularly well with this cheerful crowd- they sway and hold each other looking at strangers like old chums as Falconer coos and floods the air with sweet uplifting bliss. The jubilant atmosphere increases with each song leaving everyone smiling, basking in the radiance that Falconer produced. Every song was bellowed back to him with utter passion and heartfelt emotion- it was amazing to watch. Falconer takes to the keys for a tender delicate rendition of ‘Tacky Tattoo’ as the crowd swayed and some even attempted to harmonise along. ‘Avalanche’ was stomped to while ‘Face For The Radio’ sparked a mass sing along and final track ‘Grace’ created a sort of wiggle mosh frenzy. The crowd lapped up the old tunes and new with great enthusiasm and energy. They tried calling for  “one more tune” as the last song came to its final note but Falconer shook hands with the audience at the stage, handed out set lists and left, grateful for their calls and appreciation for his tunes.

Leaving the venue I saw fans clutching merchandise they had just bought, hugging t-shirts, absolutely devoted to this Scottish lad and why not he put on a crisp show oozing as much love for his fans as they had for him. It was quite a special heartwarming show.

 


Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Clint Wilson ‘Dark Water’ Album

Clint Wilson is set to release his new album ‘Dark Water’ on the 3rd of October. Drawing influence from the likes of Johnny Cash and Paul Kelly, Alt Country artist Clint Wilson delivers a heartfelt and beguiling experience with his newest album release ‘Dark Water’.Driven by a wish to transpose the context surrounding real life into his music, ‘Dark Water’ is injected with a feeling of authenticity that in turn makes it easily relatable. Backed by the superlative production work of Callum Barter, Dark Water provides a series of distinct conversational stories whilst remaining a captivating listening experience.

‘Dark Water’ submerges you in lush alternative country with peppy warm tones flowing over soft percussion and dynamic vocals. ‘Dream You Were Leaving’,  ‘The River Spoke To Me’, (which was co written with Kelly Brouhaha and tells a tale of lost youth) and ‘Nothin’ To Lose’   gently introduce us to Wilson’s sound with lonesome guitar twangs and steady drum thuds. He meanders through heart warming and joyous uplifting tones while using his instrumental backdrop to lament and strike our very soul.The melodious ‘Odd Socks’, ‘Fifteen Years‘ and ‘Thin Line’ showcases the brighter side to Wilson’s sound. A zesty guitar hops and springs through a buoyant beat and lush backing vocals while Wilson coos throughout with a lively harmonica feature in ‘Thin Line’ blasting glorious rays of sunshine into the album. Using soft blues toned acoustic guitar over strong back beat grooves Wilson charms and soothes his way into your ears. From the steam train pace of ‘If I Die Before I’m Twenty’ to the western- esque ‘Three Nights In El Paso’ Wilson displays his versatile songwriting- telling gripping stories all the way through these dynamic tunes. Wilson knows exactly where to place every instrument and melody- this is perfectly shown through  ‘Get Out Of The Wind’. Those lush backing vocals spread over beautiful guitar pines make for an enthralling listening experience with the perfect sway along backdrop to lull you into a stupor. ‘I Saw The Lightning’ closes the album encompassing all the gems of the previous tracks with dark tones haunting between deep vocals and immaculate harmonies.

Clint Wilson shows his depth and meticulous musicianship through ‘Dark Water’ to create a beguiling alternative country collection of tracks.


You can follow Clint Wilson on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/clintwilsonmusic/

 


Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Kill ‘Em Charlie ‘Better Off’

Irish band Kill ‘Em Charlie have released their new single ‘Better Off’ which was recorded and mastered in GAF Studios in Tipperary and was used as the closing song for a play called ‘Happy Slapped’ which was showing in Cork. The five piece from Tipperary comprised of members Eoghan on vocals, Alex on guitar, Patrick on guitar, George on bass and Gavin on drums have fleshed out their dynamic indie sound through ‘Better Off’. Brimming with ethereal guitar strides that glimmer and twinkle between punchy drums this track glows with a beaming radiance and an exquisite quality that makes this band ones to watch. An anthemic vibrant chorus belts through a vivid instrumental backdrop as the five  piece create the perfect radio friendly number that will grip the hearts of live audiences around the country. It’s an easy to listen to passionate number as warm vocals glide upon the infectious melody while Kill ‘Em Charlie showcase their slick musicianship with a shredding guitar solo and blistering crescendo. These guys have a tight sound and a growing knack for melody as they create tracks that are enjoyable, fiery  and compelling all at once.

Stream ‘Better Off’ below