Category Archives: New Music

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

King Kartel ‘Brown Sugar’

King Kartel are an Indie Rock’n’roll band  from Newry Co. Down and are based in Manchester. The band have released their new single ‘Brown Sugar’ from their upcoming EP ‘Fault By Design’. This stomping blistering number flexes, struts and sprawls in slick rock n roll bravado. Its driven by a catchy melody, jangly keys and a thumping punchy rhythm. This is one hell of a steamy belter filled with scorching sleek instrumentation and a hefty mosh ready chorus. It is one for the mania of a sticky mosh pit. The smooth melody glissades upon the brawny backdrop with elegance and class, ready for mass sing alongs while the fiery guitar strides take on a sultry persona of their own strutting, flamboyantly boasting and elegantly sweeping across the track with a red hot fearless demeanor while the rooted elastic bass and punchy drums add a beefy foundation for the guitars to flourish off. It’s catchy and melodically luscious with enough vaporous sleekness to grab attention and wrestle your ears into blissful submission.

Watch the video for  ‘Brown Sugar’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

LOVR ‘Surf’s Up’ EP

LOVR is the solo project of Irish songwriter/producer Brendan McGlynn who has now released his new EP ‘Surf’s Up’. After his involvement in a number of successful Irish bands, he began this solo venture. LOVR combines rich pop melodies, 80s soft synths, layered guitars and vocal harmonies to create his sound. ‘Surf’s Up’ is the second EP from LOVR

‘Surf’s Up’ is a luscious, heavenly sweet collection of tracks that soothe the soul in a blanket of dreamy cosy soundscapes. Rushing with breezy freedom inducing synths and nostalgic honey drizzled melodies each track flows with a subtle adrenaline rush and blissful euphoric vibes. Pristine production and crisp textures evokes every emotion in the listener with flickering immaculate sea side images of euphoria. ‘Instructions For Surfing’ kicks all this off with McGlynn lamenting over warm keys and the calming sound of waves. His knack with delicate melodies becomes instantly apparent as he gently coos a sweet nostalgic melody with an 80’s pop undertone. The pace of this track is magnificent, it slowly burns with a glistening glow filled with soothing wholesomeness as McGlynn’s soulful vocals hit you right in the chest. The magical charming tunes continue with ‘Surf’s Up’ as a soft spongy beat accompanies chiming keys and lush dreamy vocals. These are tunes to fall in love with, they are filled with tender tones, heavenly sugar sweet melodies and sublime dreamy soundscapes that wisp about caressing your ears with ethereal graceful bliss. ‘Song Of The Sea’ adds a hint of vibrancy to the EP. With choir like backing vocals layered over a jungle like beat, cinematic soundscapes and instant gush of adrenaline. It’s the kind of track that evokes picturesque images like it should be in a  Disney movie as the main character runs to the freedom or joy they have always craved for. This is the most gripping and vivid track on the EP. It is pretty intense and flawless.  Each track lays you on a light fluffy cloud of tranquilising soundscapes floating about soft synths and sublime harmonies over delicious pop goodness to create a unique yet consoling familiarity. The time stopping ‘Survive, Hold On, All You, Need Is, Time’ and the elegant closing track ‘Movin’ To LA’ are prime examples of this. With a glistening lamenting guitar feature gracing the latter with an angelic embellishment like a dream just out of reach pulling at your heartstrings while calming synths drift about the fragile melody -it’s the perfect sweet end to a beautiful EP.

‘Surf’s Up’ is an EP to cherish. Its bitter sweet delicacy is one to be admired as McGlynn finely blends sweet mesmerising melodies to create a wholly enthralling and exquisite listening experience.

When asked about the EP McGlynn said  “I made this EP about surfing because I don’t surf, but I wanted to. I was drawn to the lifestyle surrounding surfers, their freedom and connection with nature. So I thought if I write about it then I’d have to go experience it and learn about it, so that’s what i did. This is why making music is so powerful. You can take one thing you love and use it to enable you to experience things you never have before.It’s the perfect catalyst.”

Stream ‘Surf’s Up’ below

 


Indie, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock and Roll

Miles Kane ‘Too Little Too Late’

Miles Kane is releasing his new album ‘Coup De Grace’ next month and has shared another tantalizing track from it. With Lana Del Ray and Jamie T featured on previous track ‘Loaded’ the new track ‘Too Little Too Late’ gives Jamie T another whirl. This blazing inferno blasts attitude-soaked punk with Kane’s suave rock and roll finely blended throughout. Strident guitar stings, elastic rumble on bass and rooted punchy drum whacks create the fierce backdrop for Kane’s dynamic, spirited yet effortlessly panache-soaked vocals. Gliding on passionate hot-blooded rush to the head rock and roll this track stomps in and steam rolls over all your wild expectations. The verse spits fiery attitude at neck snapping speeds while the infectious chorus cruises in, smooth velvety and effortlessly cool and that rooted ductile bass bridge is just riveting. The melodies are divine as they seep honey sweet lushness to smoothen the harsh frenzied backdrop. Kane has presented us with some exciting, thrilling and stimulating aperitifs to his upcoming ‘Coup De Grace’ album keeping us enthralled and eager as to what glorious tunes will grace our ears in August. All the tracks released so far have been breathtaking. The suspense for the album is killing me.

Stream ‘Too Little Too Late’ below


Alt- Pop, EDM - House, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

Mushroom People ‘La La La La Lie’

Sebastian Knoebber Knöbber

German trio Mushroom People have released their new single ‘La La La La Lie’. With their last song ‘LOWWS’, Mushroom People, which is made up of two producers and a vocalist attracted a lot of international attention and made it to #1 on the Hype Machine charts. ‘La La La La Lie’ is a heavy trudging electronic number that slithers in on chilled darkly coated verses of thick bulky drum beats and sticky claustrophobic electronics. The track slaps and crawls through the brooding viscous stuffy soundscapes before it explodes for a dynamic release for the catchy chorus. Steamy guitar solos break up the clammy atmosphere with its zesty sting and sultry licks while a mixture of reggae-ton beats and pan flute injections freshen up this captivating tightly weaved gem. The soulful and passionate vocals are the icing on the cake they exude swagger, charm and emotion all in one swoon inducing effortless swipe. Mushroom People are ones to watch out for ‘La La La La Lie’ is one slick glossy number that will seep its way comfortably into your brain.

Stream ‘La La La La Lie’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Bikini Trill ‘Wassup, We Good?’ EP

Los Angeles based, surf pop trio, Bikini Trill have released their new EP, ‘Wassup, We Good?’. The band combine trap / hip-hop beats, surf guitar and bass, with powerful pop vocals to create a fresh sound and feel-good vibe. This female-fronted group draw inspiration from a variety of genres including punk, reggae, and hip-hop. Formed in 2016 by vocalist Frex (Lauren Johnson), bassist Kourosh Poursalehi, and guitarist Tony Stern, Bikini Trill is a nod to the various musicians and genres from which they draw inspiration- combining the Riot Grrrl punk mentality of Bikini Kill with current urban and trap influences. Currently, the band is celebrating their second mini tour at SXSW in Austin, Texas and are gearing up to tour with Coast Modern and Mikey Mike- playing the House of Blues San Diego, The Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, Arizona, and The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

‘Wassup, We Good?’ is a blissfully melodic collection of tracks that fill your soul with golden luminosity, laid back vibes and euphoric mellowness with an underlying punchy kick to add a bit of spice. Each track fluidly flows into the next from the trippy ‘Napster and Acid (INTRO)’ right through to the seductively slinky ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’– Bikini Trill sandwich in a sweet collection of velvety smooth raspberry ripple tunes to have your mind in a sedative state of creamy groove filled bliss. ‘Chapo Howl’ firmly envelopes you in Bikini Trill’s swirling exhilarating world as vibrant guitars meander through captivating vocals while a subtle drift of sweet psychedelic hued soundscapes wisp like a refreshing breeze over the sugary pop melody. The tracks are addictive and radiate sunny, easy going vibes ‘Smoke A Jay and Watch Yourself Dance’ adds a body moving bouncy rhythm into the mix coaxing your body to sway and bop along while ‘Need Me’ throws in a dash of gritty guitar jingles. Johnson’s vocals are simply captivating and nectarous as she floods each track with a honey steeped sprinkling of sweetness that is delicious to the ears and when teamed with the catchy mouth-watering pop melodies it’s a deadly concoction that leaves you craving more. Bikini Trill manage to balance and blend this sugar rush with some hip-hop beats and biting guitars to add a healthy dose of edge and gritty texture to the tunes. ‘KUT U UP (INTERLUDE)’ and ‘Scarlet’ stride in on a cool swagger driven reggae-esque beat and rich weaving soundscapes that add some attitude and bite while the glistening guitar moments elevate and give a vivid golden lustre to the tracks. The lyrics are honest and rugged and don’t gloss over the themes whereas the instrumental backdrop covers the lyrics with a  hazy dreamy camouflage. In ‘2:25 am’ Johnson’s vocals really hypnotise as she coos and sweetly pines through a sticky beat and lamenting soundscapes- its quite touching and beautiful and the perfect lead in to the closing track ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’, a spaghetti western -esque ditty filled with psychedelic tones and desert like vibes.

‘Wassup, We Good?’ is an absorbing collection of tracks perfect for sweltering hot days as the sun glares and distorts your view allowing Bikini Trill to create sublime delusions with scorching guitars and gloopy beats between luscious melodies and captivating vocals.

Stream ‘Wassup, We Good?’ EP below


Alt Rock, New Music

Citylightz ‘Don’t Know Me’

Citylightz are a west Midlands based 5 piece with a 90s attitude blending indie and rap to create a unique take on modern music. The band comprised of members Matthew Barnett (Vocals), Luke Henry (Vocals/Guitar/Bass), Adam Bolger (Guitar), Tom churm (Drums) and James Skidmore (Bass) have released their debut single ‘Don’t Know Me’. It’s a shredding, slick debut that strides in on steamy sleek guitar lines, punchy drums and vibrant bass grooves to create a chilled effortlessly cool number that packs a serious amount of gusto. It’s a compact tune that takes its time gradually layering its structure before building to an anthemic belter. There are some golden guitar moments in this track with striking jagged guitar slashes forming the rumbly aggressive foundation while sweet little guitar jingles weave their way on top to warm and caress the melody with delicate sun kissed tones. Barnett raps over the blistering instrumental backdrop with attitude and swagger while the backing vocals coo through the infectious chorus. It’s a sharp bite of alternative indie that cruises with charm and likable charisma and some pretty shredding instrumental displays – that blistering guitar solo is raw, pure, air guitar worthy and sublime.

Stream ‘Don’t Know Me’ below


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘Tales of Fiction’

Fresh off their slot at Vantastival, Dublin Indie Psychgazers Sun Mahshene are set to release their new single ‘Tales of Fiction’ on the 28th of July. The track was recorded and co-produced by Dan Doherty in Darklands Audio. This is the first single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions & Tales of Fiction’ which is due for release in October 2018. Sun Mahshene started off as a solo project by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Nathan Henderson and soon turned into a collective of talented musicians, bringing Dave Murray on board for drumming duty and Ian McGinn on rhythm and lead guitar. With a mutual ambition to create something special they decided to merge their wide range of influences and joined forces with Darren Hughes on Bass and Ryan Daffy as third guitarist.

These guys know how to make mind melting tunes and ‘Tales of Fiction’ is no different. Filled with shrilling guitars and floor shaking punchy drums and bass combination, the monstrous wall of sound this track brings is something to behold. Swirling soundscapes mystify with wispy dreamy kaleidoscopic hues while the crashing biting guitars soar, wail and glide with a relentless onslaught into your ears in the most captivating and thrilling manner that leaves you in a blissful haze of euphoria. The adrenaline rush that exudes from this track is sublime while the smooth honey drizzled melody flows in on a laid-back cloud of sweet sedation. Henderson’s vocals weave between powerfully dynamic and velvety smooth tones while oozing a fiery passion. It’s a big tune camouflaged as a sweet psych trip. Once this track kicks in it goes full throttle – psychedelic indie rock at its shoegazing fueled best.  Once again Sun Mahshene produce a fresh mouth-watering slice of captivating infectiousness to sink our teeth into.

Stream ‘Tales of Fiction’ below


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

Serene ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’

Psychedelic rock trio Serene are set to release two new songs, ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ this week for Kendal calling.  The band who are based in The Lake District and Liverpool have regular spots on the Manchester and Liverpool circuit; The Night and Day Cafe, The Castle, Zombie Shack, The Peer Hat, The Zanzibar, along with the brand new Peaky Blinders Bar (Liverpool). In summer, Serene are often found at a multitude of Lake District festivals, such as Kendal Calling, EskFest, Another Fine Fest, PigFest, DogFest, MoonFest, Noon til Midnight and Grasmere Guzzler. In the summer of 2016 they embarked upon a two week tour of Italy, previewing their new material prior to releasing their debut album – ‘The Lonely Road’. This proved a successful adventure, as it gained the band a session with BBC Introducing, along with CumbriaLIVE describing the band as ‘one of the finest live acts in the county’. Serene also supported Nazareth on their tour of England in January this year.

‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ display the depth and maturity of this trio. Their precise and enthralling musicianship is what I have come to love about this band. ‘Pendle Hill’ swirls with dark eerie tones creating a spine chilling atmosphere as haunting vocals sets the harrowing scene for the shadowy verses. The flickering guitars meander through the almost tribal beat adding a danceable groove to the psychedelic mindless soundscapes. If you want a submerging chilling experience filled with rich tangible instrumentation that grips and pulls you into a mysterious world of ominous possibilities this is the tune for you. The depths and multi textures layered into a captivating hypnotic tune is masterful and just a first class experience. ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ follows this marvelous trend with cool tones over sweltering oriental-esque and sometimes traditional or Celtic -ish guitar moments. The melody is superbly melancholic as it sweeps and rushes over the psychedelic hues with a grandeur and elegance that would bring a gentle tear to your eye. The bass and drums keep an elastic and fluctuant groovy foundation for the ethereal luscious soundscapes to wisp around and playfully rebound off. This dreamy hazy gem floats about with a feathery lightness while still maintaining a meaty brawny hold. Vocals gently coo and brood with an angelic heavenly sweetness while this infectious mesmerising track immerses you in an overwhelming surge of euphoric yet wistful bliss.

These guys are coming into their prime and it’s a pleasure to watch and experience their magnificent tunes come to life is such a beautiful colourful and prismatic way.

Stream ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Deep Sky Objects

Alt-rockers Deep Sky Objects return this summer with their second single from their raved-about debut EP ‘Deep Sky Objects’. After the success of the Kerry band’s spring tour the band have lined up a string of dates across Ireland including INEC’s Future Sounds. We see the band come into their own with this rockier follow-up to debut single ‘This City’s at War’ while keeping true to their melodic song writing Deep Sky Objects recorded their debut self-titled EP ‘Deep Sky Objects’ in Whitewell Studios with Ciaran O’Shea. The EP was subsequently mastered by Fergal Davis. In March 2018 Deep Sky Objects released their debut single ‘This City’s at War’ to an eager audience and received extensive airplay across regional radio as well as national airplay. Deep Sky Objects ‘Desire’ is our worth a listen track this week.

‘Desire’ is a ballsy dark smeared number that blisters bruises and pummels with melodic ferocity. Driven by a meaty gritty riff this track instantly grabs attention wrestling you to the ground with its eerie melody chilling and creeping  over the boiling explosive instrumental backdrop as Kevin O’Brien’s vocals soar and haunt above this scorching concoction. With a sturdy thundering drum and rooted rumbling bass back bone this track has everything to thrill you to the core and have you moshing along. Drenched in ominous darkly hued tones this goosbump inducing tune is well crafted for sing along lovers, head bang fanatics and slick earworm melody seekers. They then throw a shredding steamy guitar solo on top and bam! these guys have just whacked out a banging tune.

You can catch Deep Sky Objects live at

July 28 – Nellie Freds, Dingle

Aug 3 – Indiependence Festival, Cork

Aug 5 – Luker’s Bar, Shannonbridge, Offaly

Sept 13 – Whelan’s, Dublin

Oct 17 – Kelly’s, Cavan

Nov 17 – INEC FUTURE SOUNDS, Killarney

Stream ‘Desire’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Tempesst ‘Doomsday’

London-based psych-pop quintet Tempesst have released their latest single ‘Doomsday’, the title track from their forthcoming EP.  The band first originated in Queensland, Australia on the Sunshine Coast, based around twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums). After a move across the globe, the outfit — rounded out by Eric Weber (guitars), Kane Reynolds (keys), and Blake Misipeka (bass) — made their raucous debut with the 2017 EP ‘Adult Wonderland,’ earning widespread praise in the U.K., which led to dates supporting the likes of Temper Trap and Albert Hammond Jr., and showcases at The Great Escape, NME Awards, and Live At Leeds. The new track is in part a reflection on how our addition to social media and the internet have turned us into mindless creatures, and part a commentary on the current state of the world.

‘Doomsday’ is a mysterious swirling brew of classic ’60s and ’70s influenced psychedelic rock and delicious pop that leaves you in a mind melting daze of delight. Tasty guitar whines weave between dizzying hazy electronics while the smooth melody cruises in to soothe the mind and sugar coat the woozy psychedelic swoons. It’s deliciously creamy with an underling fuzzed sting as the guitars whip a dash of zest into this enthralling liquefying mixture. The luring vocals tease and tempt throughout the eerie verses as lush backing vocals coo and haunt the background leading you deeper and deeper into the consuming trippy abyss of the track. Filled with creepy tones under a captivating cinematic soundscape this earworm has all the component parts to draw the listener in and trap them in its honey drizzled magnetising sound. Its infectious and a truly satisfying listen.

“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve felt so aware of my mortality and it probably doesn’t help that the Facebook and Netflix algorithms have cottoned on and keep feeding me shit on the topic,” Toma says about the track. “‘Doomsday’ is the start of what will probably be a long running theme.”

Stream ‘Doomsday’ below