Category Archives: New Music

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

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ EP

Gentlemen Jackals are set to release their debut EP titled ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ on Friday 2nd of February. Hailing from Kirkcaldy/Cowdenbeath, Scotland, Gentlemen Jackals includes Mark Wilson (vocals and guitar), Craig McMahon (guitar), Scott Thomson (bass and backing vocals) and Douglas Harden (drums). Since first coming together in summer 2015,the band have already had performing success, sharing the stage with bands such as Silver Coast, Clay, Lemon Haze, Pyro, Lost in Vancouver, and Dancing on Tables. The group’s success is greatly down to their DIY attitude; organising and promoting gigs, designing their own publicity materials and shooting their own music videos. In 2017, the band performed at numerous festivals, including Montrose Music Festival, Rockore and the Dunfermline ‘Fake Fest’. On February 10th, the band are scheduled to perform at the O2 ABC in Glasgow in the Scottish Final of the SoundWaves’ Music Competition. The quartet have recorded and released four independent singles ‘Hold My Body’, ‘Oh Tanya’, ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ and ‘Waiting for the Day’–all of which are produced by Mark MorrowAudio and their new EP, ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ will be released on Apple Music and Spotify as well as a limited run of physical copies which can be ordered through their Facebook page or at their live shows.

‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a five-track collection of hook filled indie anthems that glitter with sublime power pop melodies drizzled on top of a fire fuelled indie rock foundation. From the punchy opener of ‘Heathens + Broken Hymns’ these guys waste no time in displaying their versatility as a band. A rumbling driving bass line slaps and rebounds off a snappy hyper drum beat while crashing guitars shred through an infectious melody and powerful vocals. It’s difficult not to bop along to this catchy fiery track. Their tight dynamic rhythm and gritty guitars cut through the tracks creating a body moving groove and mosh ready heaviness which is displayed in tracks such as ‘Preacher’s Son’ and the light sprightly ‘Wisdom to the Wise’. Here, Gentlemen Jackals display a swagger soaked shredding sound that exudes sass and confidence with blazing instrumentation that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. I mean check out those scorching guitar solos they are electrifying. ‘Out of Reach’ slows the tone a little. With its sombre filled melody, it takes the role of a power ballad filled with Bon Jovi- esque passion and a fist pump your chest teary anthemic chorus. Final track ‘Waiting for the Day’ closes the EP with a glistening guitar creating a magical airy vibe before they blast into their anthemic sound. It’s somewhat U2 – esque blended with a bit of Bruce Springsteen vibrancy. Blissfully melodic and passionate it’s a heart warming end to the EP that fills you with sweet nostalgia.

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a sublime debut EP. Filled with sweet heavenly infectious melodies superb instrumentation and musicianship that makes you feel every note and lyric, it’s a strong foundation for this four piece. These tunes flood you with an instant surge of heart racing adrenaline that could move crowds of people. Music that makes people feel something is hard to create but when it’s achieved it’s golden and these guys have obtained this through each track. Not a bad start.

Stream ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ below

 

 


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

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir ‘Stop Shakin’

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir have released their new single ‘Stop Shakin’. Blake Brown is an American singer-songwriter from Denver, Colorado. After participating in many collaborative projects, he started Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir in 2013. The idea was to have the flexibility of playing solo, but to also include a revolving cast of musician friends when they were able to join him. Part of the cast includes close friends and musicians of groups, The Fray, The Films, and Tennis. After 3 EP’s, countless shows, and a debut full length, ‘Long Way Home’, to be released in March 2018, Brown has found mainstay players. His wife, Tiffany Brown and long time friends Jason Legler, Adam Blake and Trent Nelson make up The American Dust Choir, creating a blend of indie-rock and Americana. Brown’s music is rooted in acoustic sounds, and characterized by his seemingly simple, yet complex melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

‘Stop Shakin’ displays their meticulously created indie Americana simply and sweetly portrayed as a infectious tune. This foot tapping gloriously twangy little ditty is a radiant ball of vitality. Sharp golden guitars illuminate the track with an instant shot of pizzazz and stinging zest while a buoyant beat and raspy warm vocals create a laid-back fun danceable vibe. This track radiates sun kissed tones and easy-going attitude. It’s definitely one to get you up shimmying and shaking. It is well layered with each intricate guitar melody adding a fantastic new dimension and sparkling facet to the track while the rich rhythm livens up the song adding a meaty groovy texture. The luscious honey drizzled melody in so catchy and vibrant it’s a joy to listen to and will be stuck in your head all day.

Stream ‘Stop Shakin’ below

 


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

JayElbid ‘Rise and Fall’

Portraitshooting

Based in Germany singer-songwriter JayElbid has recently released her debut single ‘Rise and Fall’, a melancholic ballad about the ups and downs of life and the resistance to surrender to negativity. Coming from a classical background and showing an interest in piano and violin before primary school, JayElbid has always had a strong passion for music and turned to song writing after an illness left her unable to follow some of her past hobbies.

Impressively, ‘Rise and Fall’ was written in one sitting and hasn’t been changed since, as it captured exactly the feeling and mood JayElbid wanted to portray. Recorded in the legendary Funkhaus Berlin, JayElbid’s vocals are reminiscent of Florence Welch and Enya and the single offers atmospheric and endearing simplicity. This deeply touching track is raw unadulterated emotion expressed simply and beautifully through JayElbids exquisite vocals which glide seamlessly from her deep low range to sweet falsetto. She expresses so much raw emotion through her vocals alone- it’s a magical heart wrenching and tender experience. The elegant piano accompaniment gently flutters behind with tear jerking delicacy. This track is crisp and sweet yet flooded with sombre emotions. It’s one that will leave a crowded room silent, consumed within the song’s lyrics and powerful vocal display from JayElbid.

Stream ‘Rise and Fall’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Alfie Indra ‘Red Lights’

Alfie Indra has released his second track ‘Red Lights’ on Keep Me Young. Hailing from Suffolk (living in Manchester) the track comes after the success of Indra’s debut signed release ‘Hard To Cope’. The 21 year old has been releasing music unsigned for a number of years and his music has evolved from stripped back folk/acoustic to a more upbeat feel while still retaining the lyrical essence from his roots. ‘Red Lights’ has been released on all online platforms including Spotify and iTunes, along with a music video filmed in a night club in Manchester capturing those blurry nights, teamed with some bright red performance shots.

 ‘Red Lights’ fleshes out a sublime woozy example of Alfie Indra’s electronic pop with a mushy pliable beat giving a blissful sense of excitement and anticipation as it playfully slaps against hazy swirling electronic soundscapes. The melodies ooze heavenly ecstasy from every note while sonic flecks daydreamingly flash dazzling neon lights as if showing glimpses of a memory of a fun night out. This chilled laid-back track soothes with an unhurried sense of elation and wonder as Indra’s vocals whisper with sweet delicacy and passion. The guitars warmly glow through the hazy electronics giving a subtle glimpse of the thrilling solo to come for the magical joyous crescendo. It’s just a sublime subtle burst of heavenly mellowness that fills you with anticipation and youthful elation.

Watch the video for ‘Red Lights’ below

 


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

Amoeba Teen ‘(Coming On) Stronger’

Amoeba Teen are an indie rock four piece founded by critically acclaimed songwriting team, Mark Britton and Mike Turner. The band also features legendary bassist Simon Muttit and on drums Carl Baylis, whose percussive skills have found him featured on Steve Lamacq’s record of the week on BBC 6Music. During 2017 Amoeba Teen were invited to perform at the International Pop Overthrow festival, at the iconic Cavern in Liverpool.The band have now released their new single ‘(Coming On) Stronger’ today which is their first new track of 2018 before the highly-anticipated release of their new album due out later this year.

‘(Coming On) Stronger’ is a vibrant indie pop track complete with  a sweet aching Elvis Costello- esque melodic melody. Zesty guitar stings sprinkle golden sun kissed luminosity throughout the track with some luscious distorted shrills spritzed on top. Jazzy piano elements and a spongy beat keep the track bouncing along while the catchy chorus and peppy backing vocals make this song scrumptious to the ears. Flooded with a sense of nostalgia it’s an easy going radiant number with some fine musicianship behind it, creating a glorious track to listen to.

Amoeba Teen will be performing at The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham on 26 January to celebrate the single’s release. Additional dates across the West Midlands are planned throughout February and March. For latest gig dates visit https://www.amoebateen.com/shows

Stream ‘(Coming On) Stronger’ 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 FLING

Bradford wonky pop five piece FLING are back with their new single ‘Bad Day’. This gang first got together at a gig and they instantly found common ground to bond over with their shared love of T.Rex and David Bowie. This led them to waste no time setting up a basement studio and proceeding to write, record and perform their own brand of self-proclaimed ‘wonky pop’. Before long they had a dedicated fan base filling up venues who they affectionately refer to as ‘Flingers’. This has all combined to cultivate a world unique to them, a world which combines the inventive exploration of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour type wizardry with the youthful fun of the likes of The Magic Gang and Black Honey. In their short but eventful musical life FLING have picked up notable support across the airwaves with Steve Lamacq championing on 6 Music, John Kennedy spinning on Radio X, Matt Wilkinson being a fan over on Beats 1 and Radio 1’s very own Huw Stephens is another keen supporter.

‘Bad Day’ is a wavy shaky and slithering-ly slick pop track so infectious it burrows into your brain leaving you uncontrollably singing along and shimmying to its infectious groove. So cool and chic with swagger soaked raspy vocals fastened firmly on a steamy sleazy melody and thrilling guitar whines and strides. Lush backing vocals add a slap of sass and finesse while punchy drums and psychedelic tinges of swirling synths lure you into a wonky trip of delusion smothered in sugar pop. The desert spaghetti western harmonica intro announces this riveting track perfectly grabbing your attention ready to hook you into this electrifying track. It’s a shimmy ready, scruffy, fun number that has FLING’s stamp all over it. These guys are good and ones to keep an eye out for.

Stream ‘Bad Day’ below

https://soundcloud.com/dttrlabel/fling-bad-day-baaaad-day


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

Canto Falls ‘Tapestry’

Canto Falls are an explosive alternative indie-rock three piece based in London. Their new single ‘Tapestry’ will be released this Friday 26th. Having formed in 2016, founding members Mark Howarth and Adam Gillian quickly discovered a mutual appreciation of dense lyrics and careful musical arrangement combined with high-energy pop sensibilities and with the addition of James Thackeray’s shared eye for detail, the band’s unique and exciting sound began to take shape. Over the course of a year, the band have carefully crafted songs with exciting, high-energy compositions that demand your attention and blur the line between ‘pop’ and ‘indie-rock’. With their first single ‘Clarity’ released on the 2nd of October 2017 and the follow-up release ‘Tapestry’ set for release tomorrow, the three-piece have their sights set on making a fresh and explosive sonic impact.

‘Tapestry’ is a richly embellished über-catchy indie pop track brimming with sweet melody and vibrant colour. A lavish rumbling rhythm adds a nice whack of rough and tumble through the luscious pop speckled track. Jangly guitars glitter and sparkle throughout with delicate twinkles on keys flickering between smooth vocals and a dreamy positive melody. Its honey glazed and spongy, wrapped in candy coated refreshing pop. The sonic flecks add a shimmering magical quality while the zesty guitars provide enough sting to keep it breezy and invigorating. This sun kissed sweet little ditty will put a smile on your face and brighten any cloudy day.

For more follow Canto Falls here  https://www.facebook.com/cantofalls/

 


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

Smoking with the Bandit ‘Waiting on Your Call’ EP

Birmingham, alternative rock band Smoking with the Bandit have recently released their debut EP titled ‘Waiting on Your Call’. In early 2016, Colby Wilson (vocals), Garrett Payne (guitar), and Daryl McCarty (bass) were performing as an acoustic trio after a previous band had called it quits. Their sound quickly outgrew acoustic arrangements and percussionist Collin Payne joined the group to provide the depth and rhythmic nuance that the trio was seeking. This EP is the sublime result of this.

‘Waiting on Your Call’ is a fantastic debut EP from this four piece. The glorious ‘Peaches’ kicks off the EP. Warm guitar melodies flood the track in delightful glowing luminosity while soft cushioned drums fill the track with a gentle comforting bounce. The vocals are smooth and velvety as the band introduce their delicate lusciously melodic sound that is laid back and such a joy to listen to. The band add a touch of swagger with ’Undone’ which is introduced by a slick guitar riff and shimmy ready beat. This track glides in full of charm and panache effortlessly cruising on sun kissed vibes and oodles of swagger. With a guitar solo that scorches with steaming hot vapour it is groovy,infectious and oh so chic. Title track ‘Waiting On Your Call’ follows. Again this track is beaming with vibrant mellow golden guitar lines and a swaying swoony melody that melts over a delicate beat and spongy bass line. These tracks are made for summer evenings- relaxing as the gentle light of the sun setting shimmers and warms your face. The slick ‘The Cards’ re-announces their shimmy swanky sound. Wilsons vocals exude passion while slinky guitars add a sharp 60’s tinged wobble and dance. The elastic bass adds a sensual mysterious quality while the drums bounce along giving a light playful spring to track. The sweet  ‘Blood Red Eyes’ closes the EP gently with a luscious melancholic melody beautifully sung in a tender emotive manner while nimble jangly guitar once again floods the track with sublime bright vibrant tones. Its a captivating relaxing and utterly stunning track to finish the EP.

Smoking with the Bandit have created a marvelous treasure box of tracks that are so beautifully evocative and sublime you will want to put it on repeat. They have the ability to create songs with refined musicianship that stops time and creates a soothing calming state to fall into. Their subtly intricate instrumentation engulfs you in a world entirely created by Smoking with The Bandit.

Stream ‘Waiting on Your Call’ below


Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Natalie Shay

Genre: Indie Pop/Rock Singer Songwriter

Bio: Natalie Shay is a 19 year old multi award-winning, indie pop/rock artist from North London. Deemed as one of London’s hottest emerging talents and having already acquired an impressive array of awards, Shay is ready to launch herself into the forefront of the industry, with her highly anticipated upcoming release. She has performed to sold-out audiences at some of London’s most iconic and renowned venues, including The Roundhouse, Ronnie Scotts and Brooklyn Bowl, O2. Her successes to date include her long list of awards from ‘Best Undiscovered Talent’ London Music Award, Winner of The Guardian’s Music Award and two time winner of the Mayor of London Gigs. Shay’s debut single ‘Follow You Home’ reached number 15 in the iTunes singer/songwriter charts.

Track: This Feeling

Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant bubbling smack of indie pop.Dazzling melodic guitars drive the track and have a gritty texture which blends into the infectious glowing pop. The anthemic chorus surges with adrenaline and hyper intensity as Shay’s powerful vocals teamed with punchy drums add a glint of dynamism and energy. It’s compelling energetic and dance around the room ready. This track floods empowerment and energy into the listener with enough bedazzlement and oomph to make the floor shake with elated buzz filled indie pop.

You can follow Natalie Shay on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/NatalieShayMusic/

Stream ‘This Feeling’ Below

 Mark Loughrey

Genre: Alternative Folk

Bio: Mark Loughrey is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Belfast who has recently self-released his debut album ‘Treppenwitz’

Track: Threw The Looking Glass

Why We Like It: This peppy jangly track it light and plucky with a playful bright acoustic guitar accompaniment. This track bounces along with a positive vibe on a theme of just ploughing through those tough days. Loughrey’s agile guitar playing is infectious and his witty snappy lyrics keeps the track hopping along in a sweet sprightly manner.

You Can Follow Mark Loughrey on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Mark.Loughrey.Music/

Stream ‘Threw The Looking Glass’ below

 Sara Vanderheyden

Genre: Alternative

Bio: Sara Vanderheyden is a Belgian singer active with various projects. During 2017 she signed a contract with Epictronic to produce her debut solo album. Subsequently Finnish songwriter and producer Ville Oravala decided to join the project and support Sara with his unique songwriting and production skills. During the last months of the year Sara recorded some songs at Titans Lab Studio in Italy with the help of Ville Oravala and Riccardo Daga and has released her debut single  ‘Hypoxia’

Track: Hypoxia

Why We Like It: It’s a darkly coated track smothered in hair raising eerie tones and thrilling symphonic Evanescence- esque vibes. With chilling flashing beats and an intense electro-orchestral arrangement, it’s a powerful expressive track. Sara’s vocals are crisp mighty and hearty – so pure and controlled she holds the attention as the rushing instrumentation flutters and boils building into a dramatic blustery storm. Quite the gripping track.

You Can Follow Sara Vanderheyden on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/VanderheydenSara/

Watch the video for ‘Hypoxia’ below

Krantz

Genre: Alternative/psych-rock

Bio:  Nashville-based, alt/psych-rock band, Krantz, have released their new single, “Run Away With  Me,” from their upcoming EP, The Pennock Tapes which is due out April 27. After leaving his home state of Iowa, traveling the world, touring over 200 days per year with a band called, The Effects, and opening for bands such as the Kings of Leon, Shinedown, Foreigner and the Toadies, Jeffrey  made the decision to “live the dream” and eventually landed in Nashville.  Krantz hit the studio between tapings of MTV’s music competition, American Supergroup where he eventually became a finalist in the competition. Following the release of his self-produced solo album, Krantz  joined forces with Erik Theiling (bass), Tee Tallent (keys) and Monica Lewellen (percussion/vocals), who he met on the Broadway circuit.

Track: Run Away With Me

Why We Like It: It’s fiery adrenaline pumping indie rock equipped with everything you need to fill your heart with get up and go dance filled attitude.  Its kinetic energy, catchy chorus and youth filled exuberance exudes heart racing blood pumping stamina. With shredding guitars punchy drums and velvety vocals melted on top of an infectious melody this track is blazing hot. Throw some scorching guitar licks and a kick ass solo and bam your hooked. These guys are so good. Brightened my day for sure.

You Can Follow Krantz On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Krantzband/

Stream ‘Run Away With Me’ below

 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify here 

 


Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Last Race Home ‘Whiskey & Roses (Revolution Radio)’

Last Race Home are an Indie, Acoustic band consisting of members Denis Ferrige (Lead Vocals, Harmonica and acoustic guitar), Steven Otoole (Backing vocals Lead Guitar), Jim Corry (Drums), Phil McCardle (Backing vocals and Bass Guitar), Stephen Greenhalgh (Trumpet) and Donna Jevens (Backing Vocals) and formed in Manchester. Their style ranges from beefy foot stomping tunes, hard bitten northern melancholy and uplifting anthems with bold storytelling lyrics. The band have recently released their new single ‘Whiskey & Roses (Revolution Radio)’ a track about the death of a radio station in Manchester.

‘Whiskey & Roses (Revolution Radio)’ is a melodic number smothered in melancholic tones and a tender sweet melody that tugs hard at the heart strings. From its subtle twinkling guitar intro this track warms the cockles of your heart. With passionate easing vocals teamed with a sweet catchy melody its instantly likable. The track builds becoming more passionate with trumpet injections lifting it and adding a triumphant warmth and vibrancy to the song. The lush backing vocals harmonise perfectly while a rich foot tapping rhythm drives the track with a punchy spring and infectious buoyancy. Though the tone is sombre this track manages to maintain a peppy lift and glowing reassurance that will have you bopping along in no time.

Watch the video for ‘Whiskey & Roses (Revolution Radio)’ below