Category Archives: New Music

Album Review, Folk, Indie Folk, New Music

Bright Shadows ‘Cross the Light’ Album

Bright Shadows have released their debut studio album ‘Cross the Light’ after over 18 months of writing, recording and producing. The album features 11 tracks of upbeat pop-folk and unique vocal harmonies that reflect their popular live performances. Forming back in 2013, Bright Shadows, comprising of Helen Beth and Raji K soon decided to make the leap to go part time in their day jobs in order to put more focus on their passion and their career within music. After releasing their debut EP ‘Diffusion’ back in August 2015, a bright 6-track EP featuring harmonic pop and driving rock, and then experiencing a busy period of festivals, gigs and radio appearances, they made the decision that their next project release should reflect their more acoustic live sound. Jumping back into the studio in early 2017, the duo created ‘Cross the Light’ which encompasses the live sound that they wanted to portray.

‘Cross the Light’ is a rich invigorating collection of blissfully melodious tunes and luscious harmonies. Opener ‘Afraid of Bliss’ displays their peppy motivational sound perfectly. Filled with emotion and divine harmonies upon a hearty folky hued acoustic backdrop it sets the album up to be a bright golden ray of sunshine. The duo throw on some swagger and power with ‘She’s A Ghost’ as Helen’s commanding vocals take the lead. Melodies are the main focal point of the album as theses guys write some catchy endearing tunes that grab your attention with their honey drizzled sweetness or striking haunting quality’s. ‘If You Let Me’ displays their delicate ballad side while ‘Every Word’ takes the roll of a stomp along break up tune. Each track holds a charming little twinkle about it that softens your heart and has the ability to make you smile. Filled with strong hooks and sing along elements Bright Shadows deliver a bright vibrant collection with contrasting themes of loss and sadness throughout to create a wholly consuming album. ‘Automatic’ and ‘The Hunter’ display some swagger and slickness in the duos style as they use their acoustic sound to shake things up and become more dark and mysteriously chilling. Their skill acoustically makes the album riveting as it doesn’t lag in any place keeping you on your toes and satisfied. When they take the tone down to a heartfelt Fleetwood Mac- esque slow burner such as ‘Minute of Silence’ they gradually build it up again pacing each track meticulously making for a comfortable and easy listening experience. The country twangs flickering throughout the album create a warm glow and golden hue over it as the sweet and at times powerful harmonies between Helen and Raji are crisp and pristine and just beautiful to listen to.

‘Cross the Light’ is a passionate collection of tracks that make for a satisfying and enjoyable listen with a glass of wine and a beautiful sunset.

Stream ‘Cross the Light’ below

 

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Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Scally ‘Let’s F*ck’

                   Photo credit:Tanya Cullen:Bronte Photography

Mullingar rock artist Scally has just brought out the video for his third single ‘Let’s F*ck’ due for release on June 29th. The bombastic track packs a massive punch as it echoes shades of Rage Against The Machine. The track is the B-side to Scally’s latest single ‘Get Ready For War’ which was released back in March. It’s a slick raw shot of rock doused in brassy attitude. Shredding guitars crash and strike against rapid punchy drums and a groove laced bass. The track builds to a seizure inducing crescendo filled with thrilling distortion and brain spasming shrills on guitar. The riffs are well oiled and catchy while Scally’s laid back vocals daze through the verse becoming more dynamic for the brazen chorus. This high intensity track is soaked in gritty rock and roll swagger with the usual amount of pompousness you expect from Scally, however the effervescent guitar arrangement perhaps warrants this as it plows and soars through the brawny drums weaving its way around the rooted rhythmic undertow creating an ecstatic dance that practically lurches into the stomping chorus. It’s a raw lacerating groovy number that worms its way into your brain and will be next to near impossible to remove from your skull.

Scally states that the track is about “my friend who fancied this chick for ages and he just wouldn’t go over and chat to her, the verses is me telling him to grow a pair of balls and go over and talk to her and the chorus is all the things he wants to say to her but can’t”.

You can catch Scally  with his band – ‘The Dirty Rats’ live at Danny Byrnes, Mullingar on July 1st

Watch the video for ‘Lets F*ck’ below, viewer discretion is advised.

 


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Maddie Stenberg ‘Take Me Home’

Liverpool based artist Maddie Stenberg has released her debut single ‘Take Me Home’. Blending haunting vocal melodies with powerful introspective lyrics, Maddie Stenberg brings her experiences to life with her intricate vocals at the heart of the whole sound. Her fusion of influences create a transporting and unique sound.Backed by an intelligent and compelling band her live shows are full of intrigue that radiate a fierce boldness that is engrossing and gripping to experience.

‘Take me home’ is an enchanting atmospheric number that flows on a surge of sweet tender emotion. Stenberg’s vocals ooze emotion as her raspy hinted tones display rich depths and lush facets of sweetness between strong intense moments. The twinkling piano adds a touch of elegance to the track while warm guitars glisten between breezy soundscapes.The song builds nicely as the beat becomes more punchy as the track takes a more vivid intense approach. With beautiful backing vocals cooing over the delicate melody its a wholly enthralling majestic song. It’s a fine debut from Maddie Stenberg- well crafted beautifully composed with a sublime blend between sweet, delicate and powerful.

Stream ‘Take Me Home’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Glam Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Tropical Indie

FLING ‘Extra Special’

Bradford’s resident psychedelic rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Extra Special’ which was produced by Lee Smith and Jamie Lockhart at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs, Pulled Apart By Horses, Submotion Orchestra, Snarky Puppy). Known for their wildly eccentric live shows, the burgeoning quintet have already built up quite the following, with their playful personalities seeing them well-received on the festival circuit so far this summer and have earned plaudits from the likes of Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1) and Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music).

‘Extra Special’ is a delicious mouth watering glam pop number brimming with oodles of luscious melodies and fruity components to make for a satisfying listen. This track will have you drooling over its subtle gush of juicy guitar injections and sugar saturated shimmering keys. The laid back almost whispered vocals lure and entice you into this tropical bliss as Charles McSorley sprawls upon the melty melody with irresistible panache and charm while a rich rhythm shimmies and shakes creating a captivating fluctuant foundation for this delectable track. The wandering keys playfully weave between the mesmerising melodies while a glorious stinging guitar glimmers a blazing solo to create a dreamy psyche hued haze over this infatuating tune. This track is well crafted to alert all the senses and surge a sublime wave of tantalising sounds into your ears.

Discussing the single, the band stated: “It’s about that private time of solitude in between the chaos where you choose whatever it is you want to do, whether it be smoking or something else. The moment where you empty your mind from all thoughts and just experience coexisting with someone or something that gets your vibe”.

Stream ‘Extra Special’ below

 

 


New Music

Eldafyre ‘Death Of The Surrenders’ Album

Eldafyre has released his newest album ‘Death Of The Surrenders’, a poetic and endearing fusion of punk, funk, rock and blues.Originating from Victoria, Australia, Eldafyre had his first opportunity to play with a band after a jam night at a music store nearby. Spending a couple of hours jamming with rock artists from around the area, Eldafyre felt that he’d found his place within the industry singing with the support of a full band. Soon after, he put an advertisement out to try to get in touch with the artists he’d played with that night, and once they all got in contact they got together to record the album. Eventually, all members followed their own paths and left the band, nicknaming them ‘the surrenders’ Eldafyre decided to name the album after them, symbolising the birth of a new life and the start of something better. Upon the band leaving, Eldafyre wanted to record the album professionally, so with the recordings he already had, he collaborated with his producer to recreate the essence and basics of the song, whilst transforming them into something new. With most songs being recorded and completed on the first take, the 9-track album holds original and raw live energy.

‘Death Of The Surrenders’ is a calming collection of tracks that captivate and enthrall with mystical depth and gentle tones blended with some grittier elements and breezy soundscapes drizzled on top.  Eldafyre’s captivating sound becomes apparent from the opening track ‘Down Floor’ as it begins wispy and mysterious before building into a guitar whipping rock and roll number with punchy drums and crashing strikes on guitars between a powerful vocal delivery. He manages to wholly engage the listener with his endearing tunes smothered in raw passion and honest lyrics. There are some ethnic twangs through ‘Naturally Provided’ while ‘Slip Stream’ takes a more delicate guitar style that glides with elegance and calming refinement. Though the album has an evening chill time aura about it there are some swagger gems thrown in ‘Surrender’ fleshes out a funky drizzled strut ready beat with some gritty guitar grating through organ-esque keys and sassy soundscapes. ‘My Pain Is Juice’ and ‘Against The River’ follow this funky panache driven persona while ‘Heavens In The Earth’ returns us to the tranquility and earthy soundscapes of the first half of the album. ‘Satisfied’ closes the album with a waltz-like slow dance jam filled with twinkling romantic guitar and a steady, sway ready beat. This is a sublime and sweet end to an album which takes you on a flickering journey of multi genre discovery.

Stream ‘Death Of The Surrenders’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie

Ben Browning ‘Even Though’

Australian producer and songwriter Ben Browning has released his sophomore album ‘Even Though’. A long-time member of the band Cut Copy, Browning’s solo project sees him defining his personal musical identity pulling melodic inspiration from Brian Wilson, XTC and Paul McCartney. Ben’s 12-track sophomore album ‘Even Though’ follows his debut 2015 full-length ‘Turns’ and is a retrospective of Browning’s journey as a musician; from playing in high school and college bands to Cut Copy, to moving to the States from Australia. The first glimpse we got of this album was the kaleidoscopic swirl of ‘Sunshine Baby’ but the track we are loving is one of the first songs he wrote for the upcoming album and also its title track, ‘Even Though’.

‘Even Though’ is a chilled shimmy soaked large guzzle of sweet tropical bliss. With shimmering electronics sparkling between peppy bright guitar jingles and buoyant rhythmic grooves this track is instantly refreshing and likeable. Browning’s vocals soothe with a laid back vibe over a delicious velvety melody and tranquilising tones while the swirling juicy soundscapes flicker and bounce about creating the perfect sun kissed glorious atmosphere. This track is one for sweltering hot summer days, cocktails and colourful shirts.

Stream ‘Even Though’ below

 

 


Americana, Bluesy Americana rock, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Biilmann ‘The Hills Have Eyes’

One of Australia’s rising blues and roots musicians Jack Biilmann has released his new single ‘The Hills Have Eyes’. The Canberra based songwriter has established a formidable reputation for himself amongst local and national touring circles, having shared stages with the likes of Tash Sultana, Bobby Alu, Ian Moss, Bootleg Rascal and more over the last few years. A tenacious guitarist with a charming performance style to boot, Biilmann has struck a positive chord within the scene.

‘The Hills Have Eyes’ is a golden, passionate display that blends alternative indie with some warm country twangs. Biilmann nails balance in this track as it cruises in, coming across as unhurried and cool-headed with a peppy spring in each step to deflect any notion of the track succumbing to monotony.His buttery-smooth vocal delivery and velvety melody will ease your blood pressure and radiate sun kissed glows into your day. With energetic twangs, a steady beat and glorious guitar feature this track is an instant pick me up shot. The wispy background vocals trailing in the distance create an airy atmosphere to this glorious satisfying track. From the get go this song enters like a sublime sprightly breeze to refresh your cluttered mind. It’s a beautiful listen spiked with muted touches of bluesy rock, country and pop elements to make for a wholesome absorbing experience.

About the track Biilmann said : “The Hills Have Eyes is a kick in a new direction from me, I wanted to do something that had the elements with what make me who I am as an artist with a new twist. It’s sure to come as a bit of a surprise, but is still a very ‘Jack Biilmann’ sounding song. The production from Kojo Ansah has really given this song exactly what I am after and I am so excited to release it and see its response..”

Stream ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ below

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Mellor

Reading quartet Mellor​ are set to release their new single ‘Safe Word​’ on August 17​ via self release. The Mellor name has been around for about 5 years, but this current line up with Gary Kingham on vocals, Sam Igoe on drums, Kristian Bell on guitar, and Josh Woodward on bass has been together for around eighteen months. The lads took the moniker in homage to a certain Joe Strummer aka John Mellor! It’s this current line up that the band have felt comfortable with the music and sound they’re producing. Kristian, Gary, and Josh have known each other since college, and Sam joined the band thereafter. Last year was the first year of releases with the current lineup, they released four singles ‘Fire on Fire’, ‘Bone Idle’, ‘You Were Right’ and ‘Arms Length’ culminating in an EP at the end of the year. With airplay supports from Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music; John Kennedy, Radio X; Charlie Ashcroft, Elise Cobain, Amazing Radio; Tim Cocker, Virgin Radio; Frank Skinner, Absolute Radio; Linda Serck, BBC Intro Berks the lads are making a name for themselves for sure.

‘Safe Word’ is a strident, scorching example of the refined airtight indie rock this four piece do so well. Raucous guitars grate, shrill and pierce throughout blasting out some slick licks, shredding riffs and thrilling solos that will have you in a kinetic frenzy of awe. The punchy drums batter, bash and rumble out a bounce-able rhythm to make you jump up and down in a state of ecstasy. The groove infested bass weaves an elastic, sensual foundation through this exhilarating piece of gritty indie perfection. The pop drizzled melody is doused in melodious goodness that is sweet nectar to our honey bee ears as it smoothly flows upon the blistering backdrop cooling the mania with its delicious flow and catchiness. The vocal delivery from Kingham once again exudes swagger and passion wrapped in a raspy dynamic coating. Another magnetic and invigorating track from the Reading lads. These guys are travelling  full steam ahead and have a bright future.

 ‘Safe Word​’ touches on the aspect of everyone having a comfort zone in their life and how many of us often go through life regretting that we didn’t do certain things. Speaking of the track the band said, “People get very comfy doing the same thing day in day out. We think it’s an interesting thought that can applied to many aspects in life, whether it be work, personal, or social.”

You can catch Mellor Live at :

30th June – Texfest, Leicester

20th July – Actress and Bishop, Birmingham

22nd July – Tramlines Fringe, Sheffield (Record Junkie)

25th July – Lock Tavern, Camden

27th July – Bute Festival, Bute – Scotland

7th August – The Horn, St Albans

10th August – The Soundhouse, Leicester

16th August – Gwdihw Cafe Bar, Cardiff

17th August – Oakford Social Club, Reading

Stream ‘Safe Word’ below


Alt Rock, Americana, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Bane Riff ‘Less Than Enough’

Pop rock artist Bane Riff has released his debut single ‘Less Than Enough’, a catchy rock track written to inspire his listeners to pursue those unforgettable moments that we sometimes forget about in the madness of every day life. Fairly new to the industry, Bane Riff came from a background in finance industry. Although running his own successful insurance business, Riff realised that he wasn’t happy and felt that something was missing in his life, from then he decided to act quickly and pursue his true passion. ‘Less Than Enough’ was written over a couple of hours by Riff himself, and recorded in studio with producer Martin Daus, guitarist in several popular Danish pop rock bands. Inspired by a hilarious moment experienced in a restaurant with the restaurant owner and his wife, the track reminds us that life comes down to the moments that you won’t forget. For him, the song is an awakening.

‘Less Than Enough’ is a swagger soaked country drizzled rock track. Riff’s raspy vocals flood warmth into the song while a punchy drum beat, and golden guitar lines add a whack of rock and roll strutting grit. It’s a charming number with a sing along ready Bon Jovi- esque chorus that will have a live crowd bellowing from the top of their lungs. This bright peppy tune will fill you with that get up and go stamina as it exudes good heart warming vibes while packing in some mighty brawn to have you tapping your foot and dancing carelessly in no time. With an irresistible melody and tight production it’s infectious for sure.

Stream ‘Less Than Enough’ below


Ambient Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cascadia Fault Line ‘Grace’

Cascadia Fault Line are an indie three piece located in Liverpool.The band have recently released their debut album ‘Told A Thousand Times’ along with the release of their latest single ‘Grace’. This smooth gentle number glistens with delicate guitar and soothing vocals to start before building into a vibrant bursting chorus. It’s a heartwarming listen that has a golden hue like a sunflower flowing in a summers breeze.The tapping beat unfolds into a punchy dynamic bounce and the guitars become more aggressive and sharp as the track progresses. Rachael Dunn’s vocals remain sweet and graceful throughout as this dreamy floaty number evolves becoming more hefty and edgy instrumentally. It’s a dainty little ditty that packs in a heavy dose of emotion. This subtle yet hard hitting, sun speckled number will have you in a haze of sweet melancholic nostalgia.

Stream ‘Grace’ below

https://soundcloud.com/faultcascadia/grace