Miles Kane is back with a new solo album, his first in five years. ‘Coup De Grace’ follows 2013’s ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ and is set for release June 8th via Virgin EMI. He has now released the lead single, ‘Loaded’ as a mouth-watering appetizer. Recorded in Los Angeles and produced by John Congelton (St. Vincent), the track was co-written with Lana Del Rey and Jamie T. ‘Loaded’ is a laid back melodic track dripping in flaunty swagger and slick coolness. A pop laced rock and roll sprinkled melody melts upon steamy T-REX-esque sultry guitar licks and spongy beat. The track becomes anthemic and ethereal as it builds to its passionate crescendo as Kane croons over breezy soundscapes. The verses slap a nice dose of punk-ish attitude while chiming keys twinkle between the steady beat. Lush backing vocals add a sweetness and celestial quality to this charming effortlessly cool number while the sizzling guitar drives the track with sharp stings and smothering scorching strides. ‘Loaded’ cruises, bops and blisters all while riding a mellow wave of infectious melodies, rich rhythms and swayable grooves. If this track is anything to go by ‘Coup De Grace’ is going to be one heck of an album.
The Kerbs are a four piece independent rock band from Foxford, Co. Mayo, Ireland that formed Spring 2017. Growing up in a rural town with a strong counter-culture music scene the lads found common interests in bands like Pearl Jam, The Doors and Stone Roses which remnants of this is evident in their sound. The last 5 months have seen them release 2 hotly received singles (‘Changes’ and ‘I Am Zeus͟’) which have received support from iRADIO, RTE 2XM, KCLR 96 FM, 8RADIO, Mid-West Radio. After a successful few months on the road, and number of sold out shows on both East and West coasts of Ireland, the lads are already proving that the best is yet to come with planning their first full Irish/UK tour, lots of new music and have already been invited to do sessions on radio. The band comprised of members Mark McHale (Vocals and Guitar), Alex Stupar (Lead Guitar), Noel Gallagher (Bass Guitar) and Kevin Holmes (Drums) have released their new single ‘Creep’. The single has already received airplay on WLRFM, Spin 1038, KCLR 96 FM, Cork 96FM,Dublin City FM, U Radio, 8RADIO, a live performance on FM 104 and published on the IMRO Ireland website.
‘Creep’ is a spine chillingly dark concoction from the four piece as it crawls in with eerie guitar riffs biting between a rooted groovy bassline and steady beat. This track slithers in with enchanting luring verses while raspy vocals coax with an alluring temptation before building in intensity and becoming more emotional. The soft tapping beat lulls you into a false sense of security while the twinkling mournfully sweet guitar laments behind the whiskey soaked catchy melody. With a dash of jazzy tones thrown in by the buoyant beat this track is perplexing and mesmerising all while chilling you to the core. It’s superbly composed as The Kerbs slowly build the tension relinquishing a bit more as each verse progresses- brooding and fermenting into a mighty thrilling crescendo. This is an impressive piece of work, these guys are ones to keep an eye out for.
When asked about the track the band said : “At its core the song speaks about rejection and the aftermath effect it has on our emotions, thinking and behaviours. Lyrically it tells a tale of a guy striving for attention from a girl he is attracted too but her thoughts lay elsewhere, which in turn sparks a feeling of self doubt and vulnerability bringing the song to its climatic finish. “
You can catch The Kerbs live at:
April 23rd– RTE 2XM interview and live acoustic performance
April 27th– Headline gig in The Sound House, Eden Quay, Dublin
May 5th– Support gig in the Roisin Dubh, Galway
May 6th– Charity Gig (SERVE) in The Hideout, Foxford, Mayo
Submariner have released their new single ‘Ghosts’. After a strong 2017 where they sold out headline slots on the South Coast, made their major festival debuts at Common People and Victorious festivals, released their debut music video for “Closer” and gained attention from BBC introducing and The Line of Best Fit; Submariner are primed and ready to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as 2018 promises tours, a debut EP and further festival appearances.
‘Ghosts’ is a catchy feathery light dash of indie pop that is dreamy, luscious and bright yet holds a deeper foundation. The political lyrics shows the bands maturity and awareness without dragging the track down while vibrant ethereal guitars jangle about swirling synths and a snappy steady beat. The delicate sombre toned melody laments over the heavenly aerial soundscapes with a heart warming sweetness that carries both hopeful tones and melancholic nostalgia. The velvety smooth vocals caress the melody with a gentle tenderness and emotional power while the twinkling guitars flicker glimpses of bright scintillation throughout, creating an optimistic vibe. This track is subtly anthemic and ambient as lush harmonies and breezy effortless cool tones mixed with burning emotion rush through the song filling you with adrenaline and passion to keep pushing through. A sublime track that both glistens and shimmers with sun kissed aerial instrumentation combined with catchy golden melodies and heartbroken realism.
When asked about the track the band said: “The song is spiritually inspired by last year’s general election. The narrative involves a woman who gives her life to fight for other people, the oppressed and the broken. She is haunted by the ghosts of those she and the system failed to save. The chorus addresses her opponents and details the flaw in greed, especially the lines ‘reap the seeds, there’s no where for them’ & ‘I’ll be dead, long before you live’ indicating that the oppressor seeks wealth only in financial sense, but without compassion and kindness, has no real quality to life. In the fictional sense, the story ends on a note of hope, with the ghosts of the failed haunting the consciousness of the heroines enemy, leaving you with the line ‘In the dark, you’ll remember me’ and in turn, spurring the person into action.”
Bath based four – piece, JOY have released their new single ‘Seahorse’ (which was self-produced and recorded in their hometown studio) the follow up to their debut single ‘Tree’ which saw them receive critical acclaim locally and amass significant streams on Spotify on it’s release late last year. Available digitally at all major outlets, the new track recalls the dramatic and haunting yet bright guitar melodies of bands such as The Pixies, Wolf Alice and Helvetia. Fully formed last year from the ashes of Bristol outfit Big Fish, the JOY line up of Toby Ijbema (vocals), Ale Invernizzi (bass), Ben Roe (drums) and Callum Wutherspoon (lead guitar) have spent the last twelve months writing, recording and honing a new sound. During this time, Toby was found busking by YouTube personality Stefan Michalak in an underpass and was featured on Michalak’s channel, which subsequently introduced the band to a wider audience and an influx of fans worldwide. A truly exciting live band, JOY are building an ever growing fan base after making their live debut with a sold out show at the legendary Moles Club in Bath last year.
‘Seahorse’ is a deeply melodic track seeped in tender soulful tones. Delicate drums tap while elegant guitar twinkles behind the raspy warmth of Toby Ijbema’s vocals as this slow burner pines and broods its way into its powerful crescendo. They use subtle melancholic guitar melodies to fill the track with a heart warming glow as the supple vocal melody glides along swaying and sweeping across the elegant instrumentation. The track progresses becoming more heavy – distorted guitar add a cinematic shrill of urgency as the drums and bass become more rooted and punchy. It’s a well-crafted track which delicately swivels between mournful lows and glorious hair-raising highs. It’s a heavily emotional and moody experience which shows the maturity in the musicianship of this band.
Minneapolis, Minnesota rock trio Johnny Yuma have recently released their EP ‘Rest In Peace’. The band comprised of members Elliot Heerman on Bass and Lead Vocals, Patrick Irwin on Guitar and Jane “Damage” Halldorson on Drums have created their own brand of Dusty, Dirty, Rock’n Roll that makes for an engaging electrifying listen. From the get-go these guys blast straight into their no-nonsense raw neck snapping bluesy rock. ‘Alabama Woman’ sets the brisk tempo as crashing guitars and punchy drums whirlwind through a stop start pace while raspy vocals expel swagger soaked fiery attitude. It’s one for dizzying confusion of the sweaty mosh pits. The riff driven ‘Knock Knock’ brings us further into their blistering rock and roll as guitars jaggedly saw through pummeling drums while an elastic rumble on bass keeps the track running along. A scorching guitar solo shreds with a shrilling desert hot western vibe while the punchy rhythm trudges along keeping the rapid tempo. These guys exude a don’t mess with me attitude with slick swagger thrown on top. ‘Cellophane’ continues the relentless stamina of its predecessors while smudging a catchy 60’s- esque melody over their rambunctiously ruffled frenzy inducing garage backdrop. Razor sharp guitars once again blister and pierce throughout the track however in this track they have a slinky liquidity to their acidic sting. ’Mother’s And Sailors’ gives us a much needed breather from the heavy assault. This light county twanged ditty gives us another glimpse at Johnny Yuma’s talents. Still energetic this number is more buoyant, sweetly toned and infectiously peppy. Who can resist a cheeky little whistle along feature especially when it’s this catchy. Barn dance anyone?… don’t mind if I do. ‘Whisper’ brings us to a scuzzy end to the EP. It’s fuzzed up, lean and mean, ready for bar brawl rock and roll. It’s grungy rough and tumble with gritty guitars pulverising drums and sneering vocals that will make your blood coil and boil forcing you to mosh and jump about. Fueled by bad ass adrenaline from the deep dark depths of Minnesota these guys whack out one heck of a tune that will slap you in the face at lightning speeds.
‘Rest In Peace’ is an EP for blasting into your ears at worrying volumes while you headbang, dance and attempt air guitar like a boss. It’s a solid, swagger drenched, meaty display from the trio that will rattle your bones.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Courtship
Courtship have released their new single ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ taken from their soon to be released debut album ‘Denial in Paradise’. It’s a refreshing swig of juicy summer pop drenched in sparkling synths and vibrant jangly guitar. With a glorious melty melody immersed in lo-fi calming vocals and luminous instrumentation this track is delightful and vivacious. The production is tight and neat with slapping beats rebounding off the swirling breezy soundscapes creating a compact tropical number that is summer sun ready, light and euphoric. This track is melodic, stripped back and grandstanding at all the right moments to create a satisfying listen. The beat in particular pulses and adds a meaty yet fluctuant texture giving a joyous rush of adrenaline through the weaving beaming soundscapes and glistening guitar. It’s a feel good instantly likeable track that is sure to coax out the sun.
Courtship have also just released a video for the single which pays homage to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom and stars actor Jack Grazer from the film IT
Irish band ROGUE! Have released their new single ‘Sober’. The band who have played shows brimming with energy and fun at Live on Air festival, The Academy, Whelans Summer Watch and BIMM Live, whack out a groovy blast of grungy alternative rock while maintaining a silky sleekness. ‘Sober’ is just as sassy and smooth as it is compelling and mighty. A pulsing snappy rhythm scuffles through dizzying guitars and flashing synths creating a relentless wall of sound that is hefty, mosh ready and fierce. The meaty instrumental arrangement alone is knock out but that female vocal is a sucker punch of power. Filled with soulful sass with an unbelievable control and crisp potency, the vocals lift the track to new powerful heights. With a catchy sing along ready chorus spread on top this track has it all. These guys tie up all the ends bringing a mixed bag of genres together blending them finely to create a sultry groovy cocktail with one hell of a fiery kickback.
Cocoa Futures return after a year off with a very slick number ‘Sink in the Water’. The band teamed up with producer Brendan Willams who is the handyman behind bands such as Dutch Uncles and GoGo Penguin. It’s a groove driven slice of art funk laced in rich and diverse swirling synths. Maintaining a spacious format this tack takes its time building and increasing steadily to its crescendo. Rich rhythms are plentiful as Cocoa Futures make the most of the aerial space by filling it with luscious deep percussion pulses and gooey slaps. Twinkling guitar riffs saturate the track with a zealous refreshing zest while the electronic soundscapes glisten and wisp about in a tranquilizing yet groove infested danceable manner. It’s darkly hued and tightly bound to create a wholly mesmerising, compelling listen. The velvety vocals and mellow melody subdue you into an easy going state while the fluctuant wavy percussion gives a jittery foundation to create a joyously dance ready number. It’s an ambitious and impressive tune that contains all the blissful sweetness of synth pop in its purest concentration and combines this with a healthy dose of swagger sprinkled on top.
After several sold out shows in London last year and appearances at The Great Escape, Cocoa Futures is poised to take 2018 by storm with five more releases planned to be released before the year is out.
Singer – songwriter and actor Brian Protheroe, best known for the cult ‘70’s hit ‘Pinball’ has made his eagerly awaited return with the release of his new single ‘Don’t Look Down’, recorded with producer Julian Littman and featuring British blues legend Paul Jones on harmonica, is the first new material since the ‘Sad Song’ single from 2016. Digitally available at all the usual major outlets, the new track comes backed with ‘Backaway’ which was originally recorded in 1975, but has been remixed with added horns. Inspired by Cliff and The Shadows, in his early teens Brian was the lead singer of a UK band called The Coasters in 1961 and at the same time also enrolled in an amateur theatre group called The Studio Theatre. He joined Folk Blues Incorporated (FBI) when he was nineteen and came to London, playing in folk music clubs in and around the city. In 1966, Protheroe began his acting career and spent the next five years in various theatre companies developing his musical skills as well as becoming an experienced actor. In 1973, Protheroe was playing the part of a pop singer in a play, Death on Demand, when a Chrysalis Records rep heard a song he had written for the show and the label signed him. The debut single ‘Pinball’ was released in August 1974 and peaked at number 22 in the UK Singles Chart. He released three albums over the next couple of years, but a developing acting career had found him and he temporarily shelved his career in music and focused successfully on theatre, television, and film.The advent of the internet saw a resurgence in interest for his music and he released the ‘Citysong’ album in 2005 followed by a greatest hits collection called ‘Pinball and Other Stories’ in 2006. A recent addition to ‘The London Playlist’ on Robert Elms BBC Radio London Show, Noel Gallagher recently cited ‘Pinball’ as an influence on the opening track on his ‘Chasing Yesterday’ album from 2015 after being introduced to the song by Morrissey.
‘Don’t Look Down’ is a shuffling bluesy number drenched in rich warm melodies and catchy little jingles. Filled with soul and swagger this track charms its way into your brain with its catchy chorus, vibrant guitar strums, lush backing vocals and shaky rhythm. Protheroe’s smooth vocals coo’s through the darkened mysterious country-esque soundscapes while a glorious sweet toned harmonica injects a twanging warmth and thrilling whine into this rich tune. It’s a satisfying, swanky return from Brian Protheroe
The Indica Gallery are a psychedelic quintet based in Liverpool comprised of members Joe Mansergh (Vocals + Guitar), Michael Spence (Keys + Vocals), Zack Smith (Drums + Percussion) , Finlay Lovett (Bass + Vocals) and Ryan Patterson (Lead Guitar). On 20th of April the band will be releasing their debut single ‘Forever Loving You’. It’s a lusciously melodic breezy number that floats in on a dreamboat of euphoric melancholic mellowness. Jangly guitars twinkle between a spongy beat, subtle swirling keys lavishly flood the track with tranquilising psychedelic tones while velvety vocals seep passion into this soothing song. With a 60’s -esque melody melting upon a slow jam indie rock backdrop with some power pop bursts thrown in – The Indica Gallery have created a wholly satisfying listen. Crooning in on a light fluffy cloud of delicate psychedelic wisps with a gentle edge pushing it through this track is a beautiful blend of The Beatles mixed with Oasis with a sprinkling of Miles Kane on top. It’s sharp, ethereal and well put together. A sublime debut from The Indica Gallery.
You can catch The Indica Gallery live at The Yellow Earl – Whitehaven on 20/04/18 (Supporting Twisted Wheel)
For more follow them on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theindicagallery/
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
