LOLA are an upcoming indie rock band from the Liverpool music scene. Consisting of front-man Matthew Walker, the lead guitarist Sam Meredith, Bassist Jack Hughes and percussionist Paul “Pablo” Robinson. The four have music influences ranging from classic rock, indie rock, hard-hitting metal, soul, rhythm and blues and hip-hop, incorporating all these styles together to create the concocted indie sound that they have become associated with.Forming in April of 2017, It only took LOLA a few months to come charging onto social media and music streaming platforms, building themselves a dedicated local fan base with their first singles “Won’t You Just” and “Who Do You Love?”, to form their debut EP, “These Words Mean Nothing”. Both tracks have received strong support from Merseyside BBC introducing, being played numerous times and receiving thousands of listens within their first few weeks of being released on Spotify. LOLA have embarked on supporting already established names in the music industry, such as “Bloc Party” frontman Kele Okereke and Superfood, as well as performing in front of thousands of people at prestigious events such as the premier league side Everton FCs 2017 kit launch.The band have now released their new single ‘Against the Tide’.
‘Against the Tide’ is a soaring blistering whack of heart racing vibrant indie. Warm lamenting guitars weave a sweet melody between a flexible rooted bass line and punchy drum combo that packs a hefty stomping wallop. The honey coated melody caresses the mighty enthralling synth driven backdrop with a sugar sweetness and youthful blast of longing. The production is tight as swirling guitars douse the track in ethereal, breezy soundscapes while flickering through with glorious speckles of scintillation. It’s anthemic and gripping as raspy vocals exude emotion into every note. With a catchy clap along feature thrown into the mix LOLA have created a catchy little gem that has all the ingredients to make these guys very popular.
Canadian chart-topping indie-pop trio Fake Shark have released a synergistic new video for their single ‘Wake Up’ feat. Fionn via Live In Limbo. Previously operating under Fake Shark – Real Zombie!, the band has cultivated a dedicated fanbase with their art-punk inspired sound. The release of their widely accessible full-length ‘Faux Real’ (Light Organ Records) in May 2017 saw the band charting on Canadian commercial formats and garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Since the release of their album, the band has been honing their signature sound and have emerged with “Wake Up” – their most collaborative and harmonious recording to date. The members of Fake Shark have long been known for their singular style and feverish, wide-eyed abandon. Their songs emphasize unforgettable hooks, drawing on frontman Kevvy Mental’s experience as a pop producer working with Carly Rae Jepsen, Kat Von D and many others.
‘Wake Up’ is a flashy, glamorously infectious disco flavoured number that lasso’s you onto the dance floor. Shimmering synths glissade down vibrant guitar hooks and buoyant peppy rhythm creating a lush energetic and dance-able soundscape. Smooth velvety vocals coo over the melty, dreamy melody while dazzling soundscapes inject a hefty dose of sparkle and glitter into this swagger filled gem. It’s instantly peppy and pop smothered with a driving rooted bass line to keep a strut ready bounce and lift in the song. The vocals sail between male and female vocals keeping the track refreshing and enticing at all times. These guys have created an instant pick me up shot of vitality with this groovy dynamic number.
About the track the band said: “Wake Up is about dreaming of someone or something you had no special feelings for, but when you wake up, you’re in love with them. The single is definitely a new direction for us, and it’s the result of our musical chemistry coming together the best it’s ever been.”
Up and coming Irish band Shrink Like Alice have released their new single ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’. It was recorded in Orphan Studios by Graham Byrne. Shrink like Alice are a four piece band based out of Navan, Co.Meath, Ireland. Formed by frontman Gary Clerkin and bassist Greg Halford in late 2014, the band has since been joined by lead guitarist Liam Sheridan and drummer Miles Ronayne. In 2015 the band released their first single ‘Loser’. Followed by their debut EP ‘Square Eyed Boy’ in 2016 which featured songs such as ‘Russian Roulette’ and ‘Loo la’.
Their latest single ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’ is the bands first professionally recorded release and showcases their razor sharp sound in all its explosive glory. Crashing riffs erupt with riotous stamina throughout while the pummelling drums and rugged bass create a sublime combustive backdrop. The sulky melody chills this blistering assault with sleek smothered sultry verses before the fiery chorus kicks in. The scorching guitars blast through the brawny backdrop adding some hefty shredding might while the raspy aggressive vocals and fierce rhythm pounds your skull with a thrilling assault of mosh ready ferocity. Shrink Like Alice have crafted a kinetic beast while also showcasing some refined musicianship doused in slick swagger – oozing rough and ready coolness. It’s an impressive effort from a band who I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more of.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From BØRNS
BØRNS is the stage name of American singer songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Garrett Borns. Borns released his second album ‘Blue Madonna’ earlier this year and I have been obsessed with the track ‘We Don’t Care’ ever since. Joined once again by producer Tommy English, Borns takes the delicious indie synth pop from his ‘Dopamine’ debut and fleshes it out blending in some dreamy, psychedelic, electric pop flavours along with a dash of glam sprinkled rock and roll which we see in ‘We Don’t Care’. Its walloping Bo Diddley rhythm drives the infectious groove creating a Will Young ‘Switch It On’ – esque danceable foundation while jangly guitars slide and glide upon this sublime jittery backdrop. Borns’ nectarous vocals slither between a whisper for the enticing verses and lush falsetto for the infectious chorus. The melody is juicy and sweet honey to the ears. The sugary electronics swirl and seep between the clap along beat and fuzz filled guitar spreading a candied lusciousness throughout this electrifying gem. The layering is sublime and the track slowly builds in intensity to a dynamic feverous crescendo. It’s a slick swagger soaked display that struts with smooth precision in every note making for a consuming, enthralling and enjoyable experience. ‘We Don’t Care’ is an ear-worm you won’t be able to prise out of your mind as you dance and flop around the room.
Charles Cleyn has released a video for his single ‘Decisions’. ‘Decisions’ is the title track off his debut EP. Cleyn was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. He grew up playing piano and singing songs around the supper table with the family. “Music was always playing in the house. I grew up learning how to sing harmony and how to hold a tune.” Over the years, he took what he learned in music growing up and started writing and playing his own music. Cleyn now lives in Berlin where he has recorded his debut EP, ‘Decisions’. A blend of soulful choir and majestic harmonies that perfectly match his style of combining acoustic instruments and 21st century pop rhythms.
‘Decisions’ is a charming warm little ditty that glides and bounces with golden heart warming bliss. Its sweet melody swoons upon a delicate guitar strummed backdrop before building into a singalong ready passionate chorus. Soft drums rebound off the luscious melody and delicate backing vocals creating a richly layered sublime texture.It’s a golden romantic gem that is so easy to listen to- exuding a bright sunlit radiance from every delightful note while Cleyn’s velvety vocals seep passion and honey drizzled tenderness. It’s Ed Sheeren- esque with a Tom Petty Free Fallin’ warm glow. The twinkling keys add a hint of graceful elegance and classy swirl into this sweet number.
Isaac Gracie has released the video for his new single ‘Running On Empty’. The track features on Isaac’s acclaimed eponymous debut album, ‘Isaac Gracie’ which is out now through Virgin/EMI. The video is a tongue-in-cheek look behind the scenes at the filming process of a music promo, with reference to some infamous recording stories of yesteryear. It was directed by Stephen Agnew (Wolf Alice, Royal Blood, Drenge) in Hammerwood Park, East Sussex.
The ‘Running On Empty’ album version brings us a more buoyant punchy indie sound than the beloved raw Maida Vale session. The passion still floods through like a tsunami however, Gracie livens things up a bit with a dynamic elastic rhythm bopping a danceable beat while jangly guitars stride and soar over his raw emotional filled powerful vocals. Upbeat and striking this track shreds and electrifies with lush backing vocals and a singalong anthemic chorus that will have a live audience bellowing back at the top of their lungs. It’s a hearty tune that hits you in the chest and fills you with emotion while making you want to dance. His musicianship is timeless and crisp with an intensity and lyrical quality that is striking and has the ability to connect with every listener. ‘Running On Empty’ gives Gracie the chance to showcase how he can take this quality and deliver an energetic blistering facet to this emotional vivid sound.
Director Agnew explains about the video: “Isaac is a really interesting artist with a timeless quality, both to his music and aesthetic. This is paired with a very English sensibility. I thought it would be fun to highlight these things whilst exploring the more esoteric elements musical heritage, in a manor that wasn’t too self-regarding or dark, whilst playing with the stories that surround the recording process. This video is basically that. It draws its inspiration from all over the shop.The location is a house that Led Zeppelin owned and that actually featured in ‘The Song Remains The Same’. The video itself is comprised of references and vignettes inspired by the stranger, more esoteric moments in rock music recording history. Some are contrived, some are direct references to pretty infamous anecdotes and characters.”
Following the release of his debut album, Gracie headed out on the road across Europe and the UK in support of it. The tour stopped at his biggest show to date at London’s Hackney Empire. Gracie is now readying himself for a busy Summer of festival appearances, detailed below.
9th June – Best Kept Secret, Hilvarenbeek
23rd June- i-Days Festival, Milan
6th July – Rock Werchter, Werchter
10th June – Montreux Jazz Lab, Montreux
14th July – Gurten Festival, Bern
15th July – Citadel, London
20th July – Curious Arts Festival, South Baddesley
3rd August – Belladrum, Inverness
5th August – All Together Now, Ireland
11th August – Boardmasters, Newquay
12th August – Summer Well Festival, Bucharest
22nd August – Bellahouston Park, Glasgow
24th August – Leeds Festival
26th August – Reading Festival
1st September – Tuckerville, Enschede
Manchester’s The Masons are set to release their new single ‘Bed’. Formed in October 2017, the band is made up of Aiden (guitar/vocals), Connor (drums), Kyle (guitar) and Mathew (bass). ‘Bed’ is a slick, compact display from this four piece. Sharp melodic guitar floods the track with a golden vibrancy while punchy drums and groove infested bass lines keep a movable sleek foundation. The melody is sublime as it cruises upon this glorious laid back backdrop with ease and a fluidity while the raspy vocals whack on a touch of grit and swagger. The guitar is just magnificent as it ventures from sweetly warm and euphoric to sharp, blistering and steamy all while maintaining a cool mellow dreaminess that is just superb. It’s a very proficient, tightly bound track with some slinky ornamentation embroidered within to add vivid flecks of colour. This is a cool swagger soaked number blending gritty edgy rock with a dash of smooth indie pop to make it infectious and delicious. These guys are ones to watch.
Indie Rock 4-Piece Punketronic have released their debut single ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’, a tribute to the late David Bowie as a thank you for giving us inspiring and uplifting music. Based in Bristol, Punketronic was formed by songwriter and multi instrumentalist Paul Tronic. Made up of band mates of 20 years from covers bands, the four piece present a fusion of new wave, synth pop and power pop with a hint of modern indie rock, giving them an edge whilst still remaining current.
Their debut single ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ is a punchy 3 minute track, written by Paul himself. Taking influence from the likes of Blondie, Talking Heads and David Bowie, with a brit pop energy. It’s a sweetly nostalgic synth pop number driven by edgy jangly guitars and a snappy beat. The melody flows upon a groovy danceable backdrop while the synth laced soundscapes wisp and swirl about creating a spacey vibrant breath of fresh air. This radio friendly ditty floods with a catchy chorus and luscious melodies wrapped in a swoosh of shimmering electronics. The dazzling soundscapes encase the track in a delightful nostalgic euphoria while the zesty guitar injects a healthy dose of indie rock. Recorded in Paul’s home studio, ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ was written in around an hour and self-recorded. The track is accompanied by an interesting video, recorded by George Elliott, a hotly tipped film student from Bristol.
Dublin’s Sub Motion have released their latest single ‘Gun in Your Pocket’. The band broke through with tracks ‘Soccer Mom’ and ‘Headlights’ which led them to a sold out Whelans show as well as festival slots at Electric Picnic, Vantastival and Indiependence. They received radio play in Ireland, the UK and the US. By the end of 2017 they were snapped up by publishing label, Tremelo Music Publishing. They have also secured support slots with The Strypes, Fangclub, The Hot Sprockets in the past year following a series of successful releases.
Sub Motion whack out another infectious belter with ‘Gun in Your Pocket’. Jagged sharp riffs shred through the track from the get go with the most thrilling, briery, raw assault while a sublime rumbling bass sets a blood curdling fluctuant foundation for their explosive sound to ricochet off. The punchy drums relentlessly pound throughout while the catchy melody secures itself firmly in your brain. It’s an adrenaline pumped, seductive number that leaves you bracing for the mighty chorus. This exhilarating rush of spiky, invigorating rock is mosh ready, spine chilling and harsh. The distorted guitar shrills add an electrifying intensity while Rebecca Geary’s sultry dynamic vocals entice and compel throughout. Sub Motion showcase their proficient fire-starting sound with a slick swagger and razor sharp edge. ‘Gun in Your Pocket’ is just the tip of the iceberg for this band.
Whilst recording another track in Herbert Place Studios with producer James Darkin, ‘Gun in Your Pocket’ was born out of a spontaneous studio jam between takes. Speaking about the track, lead singer Rebecca Geary says, “the song came completely out of nowhere, just when we needed a badass, balls to the wall rock song to channel our energy into”.
You can catch Sub Motion live at:
RiverFest 2018, Offaly – 16th/17th June
The Bowery, Dublin (Supporting Crazy Town) – 23rd June
Bio: King Bones are a 6-piece synth-punk group from Dublin. Party Animals is taken from their newly released ‘My Best Friend’ EP featuring 3 tracks (Right There, John Coltrane, Party Animals – Radio Edit). Produced by Ger McDonnell (U2, Kasabian, Manic Street Preachers), the EP was recorded in Beechpark, Rathcoole and The Mill, Swords.
Track: Party Animals
Why We Like It: It’s a dazzling sonic number brimming with infectious grooves slapping and weaving between shimmering synths and gritty guitar injections. This flashy tune drives with relentless stamina while a chilled catchy melody coats the track in smooth laid back vibes. It’s a danceable song that coaxes you into its dark undertones with an infectious groove and glistening soundscapes until the hefty drums and fuzzed guitars kick in hooking you into their rich textured thrilling sound.
Bio: Leeds-based six-piece, Team Picture have recently released their debut mini-album, ‘Recital’ out via Big Dumb Music. Produced by Matt Peel (previously Eagulls, Autobahn and Pulled Apart By Horses). Since forming in 2016, Team Picture have earned praise at Radio 1, BBC Introducing and secured multiple spins at 6 Music with support from Huw Stephens, Tom Robinson and Steve Lamacq, as well as ticking off support slots with the likes of Parquet Courts, Psychic Ills, The Orielles and Ulrika Spacek. In addition, the band have performed at the likes of Bluedot Festival (along with Warpaint and the Pixies), the Wire-curated Drill Festival and Manchester’s Neighbourhood Festival, as well as selling out their own curated ‘Du The Katman’ night at Leeds’ Hyde Park Book Club.
Track: ‘Break Yr Heart’
Why We Like It: This is a blistering, punchy, get up and dance classic rock track with all the components to make it instantly lovable. A stomping beat surges a strutting confidence throughout the track while fuzzed guitars shred and blister as swagger soaked vocals demand attention and seep a healthy dose of charisma into the song while the shrilling fuzz pumps adrenaline and slick pizzazz into each and every stride. It’s a glossy boisterous number that is just phenomenal. There are some golden guitar moments in this track, that steamy guitar solo will have you doing air guitar uncontrollably.
Bio: Beachwood Coyotes are an indie rock band from LA.The four piece is composed of Jason Nott (vocals, guitar), Drew Smith (bass), Bryan King (drums), and Yan Clermont (guitar).After receiving multiple placements on MTV, as well as extensive touring throughout the western US and critical acclaim from high-profile media outlets, Beachwood Coyotes have been deemed a band on the rise.
Track: ‘I Am Just A Stand In’
Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant rush of indie driven by a pulsing rhythm section that will have your foot tapping and hands clapping along in no time. Filled with catchy lyrics and a luscious melody this track is one for those jumping around vibrant sing along live shows. Light guitars glisten upon a lush electronic flavoured backdrop making for a thoroughly satisfying listen. The anthemic chorus teamed with the glowing instrumentation adds an electricity and dynamism to the track that is just sublime.
Bio: Falcon Jane are a plez-rock band from Orangeville, who make music that is inspired by nature, truth, peace and magic and is fronted by Sara May.
Track: The News
Why We Like It: It’s a delicate, sweet track that floats on a dreamy melancholic melody as May’s raspy warm vocals coo and sweetly lull upon light instrumentation. A twinkling guitar softly laments about wispy soundscapes while the steady beat throbs and bounces behind giving a strong foundation to this floaty number. It’s tender, emotional and immaculate while pulling at every heart felt emotion you possess.
Bio: Goosebump is an art-pop band from Toronto. The band have released their new song ‘She Don’t Say Goodbye’ from their upcoming album ‘Goosebump by Goosebump’.
Track: She Don’t Say Goodbye’
About the track the band said:“Lyrically it’s a meditation on saying goodbye to someone despite them being right in front of you and them not really saying anything”
Why We Like It: It’s an infectious “disco stew” ditty that will have you out on the dance floor busting all your 70’s -esque moves. Filled with shimmy shaking elastic grooves and swagger soaked vocals this track will lure you and charm its way into your brain. There is even a warm sax blast over shimmering synths, sensual bass and jangly guitars which wander playfully about the track while a stomping beat puts a strutting spring in your step.
Bio: LA-based duo Mating Ritual have dropped ‘Stop Making Sense’ the lead single from their sophomore album ‘Light Myself On Fire’. Having already unleashed the snarling single ‘Light Myself On Fire’. The band comprises of brothers Ryan Marshall Lawhon and Taylor Lawhon, initially beginning as a solo project for Ryan while Taylor was in school the project was born from the duos previous band Pacific Air. After that ground to a halt the brothers were separated by time and ambition, then 4 years later they moved in together and Mating Ritual quickly went to a 50/50 process and the songs wrote themselves
Track: ‘Stop Making Sense’
Why We Like It: This richly textured gem is filled with lush vibrant tones and delicious melodies spread upon a bright synth driven canvas. The honey saturated pop melody glides and floats over a tribal – esque throbbing beat while the vocal harmonies caress and exude sweet delicate emotion making for a scrumptious wholly tantalising listen. The beat drives this track while its gripping swoony construction places you in a hazy dreamy state of euphoria.It’s anthemic, heart racing bliss wrapped in a silky blanket of synth pop.
