Category Archives: New Music

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

The Skullers ‘Meet Me In Memphis’

The Skullers are a rock and roll trio from New Jersey. Band members Jack Skuller (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Gabriel Scholis-Fernandez (drums) and Luigi Sardi (bass) play their blues-soaked brand of modern rock and roll with a down-to-the-bone rockabilly soul.They have released their debut EP ‘Meet The Skullers’ which features the infectious lead track ‘Meet Me In Memphis’. This swagger soaked catchy ditty is the kind of energetic bluesy rock that would have even the most timid person busting a move. It’s oh so slick, effortlessly cool and strut ready. With sharp crashing guitars and punchy drums it’s an adrenaline rush to the head of panache drenched rock. Shimmy ready, sleek and oozing that swoon worthy rock and roll of the 60’s greats these young lads have knocked it out of the park. That harmonica solo shrill and high-powered energy teamed with smooth croony vocals add a fiery hot smoulder to their modern rock and roll. Another mesmerising track from The Skullers, they have a bright future ahead.

Stream ‘‘Meet Me In Memphis’ below


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

MYA Project ‘Something That Good’

MYA Project is the alternative, electronic/acoustic pop creation from Dalila Mya. Originating from Europe, now based in Los Angeles, this musical creativity comes from a background of classical training combined with a Sound Engineering Degree. MYA Project is a fusion of electronic and acoustic music, where Trip-Hop meets World Music and Pop Rock. Dalila’s background has seen her work as a Live Sound Engineer, working with artists such as Tool, Depeche Mode, Alabama Three and Massive Attack. Besides her live work, she has worked as a Studio Sound Engineer for several studios in England and the U.S.A., including Abbey Road in London and The Village Studio in Los Angeles. She has now released her new track ‘Something That Good’. It is the second single from the album MK. Possibly the most captivating and intense song on the album it was written and recorded in only 3 days. With a sticky flickering beat glooping and slapping against flickering electronics it’s a smouldering dark entrapment of peril. Wobbling soundscapes add a chilling mirage of obscurity, cold and sticky it is almost suffocating. Mya’s luring vocals entice and enchant with a bewitching melody that swallows you up in a confusing delusion of smoke. The melody wisps around like vapours creeping in your ears – you are powerless to its catchy entanglement.  A haunting thrilling second single from MYA Project.

The video for the single was shot and produced in Los Angeles by Dalila Mya, who produced and edited the video in her own studio in partnership with, videographer and visual artist J.F. Brown.

 

Watch the video for ‘Something That Good’ which was shot in one day in one of the historical venues in L.A. – the Hollywood Hotel  below

 

 


EP Review, Folk and Soul, Indie Folk, New Music

Matt Katsis ‘As The River Runs’ EP

Melbourne bluesman and folk balladeer Matt Katsis has recently released his newest 6-track EP,’ As The River Runs’. The EP will be the third release from the artist and the release will be accompanied by an 8-date tour across Australia. The seed was planted for Matt through exposure to family friends playing the acoustic guitar at family gatherings, and since then Matt has grown into a well known Australian alternative singer-songwriter with an individual edge. The successful release of his last EP ‘The Burke & Wills Sessions’ back in 2016 was warmly welcomed and since then Katsis has been working hard on writing and recording his newest collection of tracks. After extensively touring over the past couple of years, Katsis shows no signs of slowing. His newest EP release ‘As The River Runs’ encompasses his distinctive fusion of folk, blues and roots and now, after a recent trip to the US travelling through Nashville, New Orleans and Memphis, his music hints at influences of alternative country and Americana.

‘As The River Runs’ is a wholesome slice of folk and blues flavoured country pie. ‘Colours’ kicks off the EP foot stomping and soaked in bluesy swagger. Gritty guitars screech and whine while a  throbbing pulsing beat adds a strong foundation and kick to the track. Katsis’ warm raspy vocals add a gritty texture while guitars wail with a sensual allurement. ’ Need You Here’ is a delicate subtle track with very little instrumentation to start letting Katsis’ soothing warm vocals take the limelight. Light guitar twinkles throughout with delicate percussion chimes and a stomping beat. Golden and wholesome this track glows with infectious bright tones and comforting positivity. Extremely passionate and emotional it’s the kind of track that fills you with hope, puts a smile on your face and brightens your day. ‘All I Wanna Do Is Fly’ is a little darker to start with deep vocals and a shadowy undertone. The vocal harmonies add a chilling coolness to the western like pistols at dawn vibe. It’s a little bit eerie and cold with only the haunting guitar twangs to brighten the track.  ‘You & My Guitar’ returns us to the jingly bright bluesy soaked Americana. It’s gentle sway-like tempo and light guitar twinkles evokes images of a sunset and relaxation. With touching vocals and warm tones it’s a blissful cosy blanket to snuggle into. ‘Tomorrow & The Next Day’ again twangs with country warmth. The thing that becomes apparent with this EP is how detailed and moving a guitar feature can be. The guitar twangs really add depth and vibrancy to the track and lift it into a melancholic sense of playfulness and it’s quite beautiful. ‘Need You Here (unplugged)’ brings us to the end of the EP it’s here you feel the true impact and depth of Katsis’ soulful vocals. It’s quite the calming exquisite way to end a beautiful EP.

‘As The River Runs’ is a warm soothing EP brimming with passionate graceful tracks that warm the cockles of your heart. It pure and honest and charming. Each track flows smoothly into the next while displaying subtle variety’s in Katsis’ musicianship and depth. So rich and moving its immensely satisfying and a soul fulfilling adventure.

 

When asked about the track Katsis said “This EP as a whole pushed me further as a songwriter and led me to cross new territory, using a wider use of instrumentation and taking a closer look into song arrangement.”

You can catch Matt Katsis live at

23rd Sept – Albany, WA

24th Sept – Margaret River, WA

6th Oct – Canberra, ACT

14th Oct – Bendigo, VIC

20th Oct – Mildura, VIC

29th Oct – Adelaide, SA

1st Nov – Melbourne, VIC

23rd Nov – Brisbane, QLD

Stream ‘As The River Runs’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Alternative/Cinematic, New Music

The Screens ‘Jennifer Jones’

Since the release of their first single ‘Avalanche’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie, in May, The Screens have been locked away writing and arranging tracks for the release of their album in 2018. Included in that batch of new material is their next single ‘Jennifer Jones’ which will be available from Friday 13th October. This sweet blend of theatrical pop swirls and swishes with fine elegant composition. The graceful strings and a delicate piano feature glide along with grandeur and innocence. The lush melody captures your heart as it melts like butter on toast. Though dramatic and oozing romanticised flamboyance there is a dark underlining tone filled with danger and mystery. The Screens lay their tracks out like a narration of a tragic love story, the music expresses a beautiful and naive love that goes sour and treacherous. With light bouncy soundscapes this infectious track skips and hops along though holding a shadowy undertone. With rich instrumentation and sublime melodies, it’s a magnificent composition with a 60’s and 70’s film and TV characterisation. Another stunning track from The Screens.

When asked about the track the band said “its a story of a girl who falls helplessly in love with a guy who manipulates her mind and destroys her independence.”

Watch the video for ‘Jennifer Jones’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : The Covasettes

Manchester indie-rock four piece The Covasettes​ ​have released their eagerly awaited debut single, ‘This Feeling’. Formed in mid-2016, the quartet comprised of Chris Buxton (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Matt Hewlett (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Jamie McIntyre (Bass/Vocals) and Matt Buckley (Drums/Percussion) have spent the last year and a half perfecting their addictive, riff laden sound with live shows across the North. Having left a lasting impression on promoters, venues and fans with their infectious live set, The​ ​Covasettes have earned themselves a firm place amongst Manchester’s busy music scene.

‘This Feeling’ is a sizzling indie rock track that bursts with feel good vibes, sunshine and sweltering heat. It’s catchy and brimming with infectious guitar hooks. With punchy drums and a groovy hip wiggling bass line it’s an instant crowd pleaser. Sharp guitars stride and pierce through the track adding a zesty refreshing sting and instant vibrancy. Richly textured and finely layered these guys have delivered a polished indie hit. The song is well thought out and crafted with sultry lead vocals teamed with an irresistible melody and foot stomp bridge. ‘This Feeling’ is everything you could want in an indie track. A fantastic debut from The Covasettes. Watch out for these guys.

Stream ‘This Feeling’ below


Alt Rock, electro - rock, Indie, Indie Disco, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

The Jackobins ‘Outside’

 

Liverpool based four-piece The Jackobins have released their hugely anticipated new single ‘Outside’. The band have taken the UK’s music scene by storm, regionally championed by BBC Introducing Merseyside the band have also received national airplay, with most recent singles ‘Nightfire’ and ‘Hasty’ named Radio X’s Track of The Week and previous singles ‘Waiting On The Sun’ and ‘One More Chance’ also airing on BBC Introducing Merseyside, BBC 6 and Radio X respectively.

‘Outside’ follows their string of smashers. This biting smack of intensified indie, blisters and boils with dark undertones and agonising emotion. They scatter a nice dose of synths over the track which adds a glittery disco vibe. It’s anthemic and breezy with mighty fist pump energy and punch. With an arena ready chorus and pop drizzled melody, it’s an instant indie hit. These guys have a knack for catchy indie tracks but this time they have turned their hand to an electronic fused blend to their sound and it does not disappoint. The electronics flicker in and out of the melody adding flashes of scintillation for the verse before exploding along with crashing strident guitars into the potent chorus. It’s ethereal and blustery, a force to be reckoned with. Another incredible track from The Jackobins.

The band say of the single, “Outside was written about the dangers of solitude. It’s about the kid in school who has no true friends, the guy who is after a girl who doesn’t know he exists, the girl who isolates herself from others because she doesn’t yet know who she is. The track deals with the seductive danger of escaping to somewhere that isn’t real, descending into your own fantasy in isolation. In a world dominated by social media people are becoming lonelier, and often those left on the outside become jealous observers of other peoples’ airbrushed lives. This is probably our darkest track to date thematically.”

Following a successful year of headlining full capacity venues across the country whilst also appearing on some of the UK’s most prestigious festivals including: Isle of Wight, Reading and Leeds, Kendal Calling. Tramlines, Live at Leeds, Sound City, Y Not Festival and Dot To Dot, The Jackobins are set to round off another busy year by returning to the studio and embarking on a new UK Tour supporting The Wholls as well as a  handful of festivals.

Stream ‘Outside’ below


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

Atlanta House ‘Home’ EP

Leeds five-piece Indie Rock band Atlanta House have released their debut EP entitled ‘Home’. Which was produced by Roni Szpakowski of Peak Studios. The band have supported Circa Waves, Marsicans King No-One and Space, as well as performed at Tramlines and the inaugural Kazoopa Festival in November 2016. ’Home’ splashes out Atlanta Houses’ infectious blend of indie rock in all its blazing glory. ‘House’ kicks off the EP with mystery smothered in darkness. Spoken vocals narrate the harrowing lyrics to a simple accompaniment and steady beat. The track explodes into a mighty almost punk/grunge-esque shouting with screeching, crashing and fierce punch on drums. Just over a minute and a half it wakes you up and grabs your attention for the rest of the EP. The slick, polished snappy ‘Last Card’ follows. Sharp guitars stride and soar over the catchy melody piercing through the punchy drums and rumble on bass. Smooth vocals exude passion and become the softener throughout the breezy aerial track. ‘Casa (En Llamas)’ ah the gentle slow burner, sweet and delicate with a melty dreamy melody that could have fallen from heaven. Passionate and expressive the track builds becoming a little more powerful for the chorus without ruining the tender beautiful sway-like tempo. It’s the slow dance of the EP and it’s not half arsed either these lads pack a lot of emotion in this track. This little sweetheart is tender and affectionate and quite enchanting, a bit of a tear jerker. ‘Cold Love’ which we recently featured on Indie Buddie follows easing us out of the feathery lightness of its predecessor. It’s darker though, with an elastic bass and sliding guitars adding a blustery gust to the pop sprinkled track. ‘Home’ brings the EP to a blistering end. Rumbling drums bubble and boil while dark toned vocals add a chilling mystery and danger for the verses. The chorus explodes into an anthemic youthful burst of crashing guitars and punchy drums. Sharp stings on guitar flicker in and out of the verses creating flashes of bright scintillation through the thick murky atmosphere.

Atlanta House ‘Home’ is a fine debut EP. The hooks are plentiful, the energy is explosive and the melodies are sublime, sure some tracks are a bit Catfish and The Bottlemen- esque, but they do it their way. This five-piece have packed a lot of diversity into this EP and show a strong competence, refinement and understanding of what sounds good. Each track hits the spot and is exuberant and glowing with life and energy. The tunes are slick and bound to be epic live.

Stream ‘Home’ EP here


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

Hammy & The Pilgrim ‘Nothing To See Here’ EP

Hammy & The Pilgrim is a four-piece alternative rock band from Limerick. The band honed their skills by appearing informally in the vibrant local music scene, playing acoustic and electric sets. Now playing gigs all over the country the band have begun to draw large crowds as support for nationally recognised acts such as Le Gallaxie & Hermitage Green. As a result of their ‘Put It On Ice’ single launch in July they were selected to play this year’s Electric Picnic. Most recently, Hammy & The Pilgrim have released their second EP ‘Nothing To See Here’ to a sold out launch show at the Kasbah Social Club, Dolan’s, Limerick.

‘Nothing To See Here’ displays how Hammy & The Pilgrim have developed their own blend of melodic bluesy tinged alternative rock. ‘Riding High’ adds a snappy nostalgic start to the EP. Elastic bass lines teamed with bouncy drums creates a flexible peppy foundation while the honey smooth melody coats the track in nostalgia and mellow tones. It’s catchy and subtly anthemic. There are some pretty sweet guitar moments in the EP which really shine and add a vibrant lift to each of the tracks. ‘Bow your Head’ is laced in a dreamy lush melody and punchy percussion with the perfect air guitar worthy shredding solo as the icing on the cake. ‘Put It On Ice’ adds a speckle of reggae infused bounce and a dash of vitality to the EP. Hammy & The Pilgrim have created a collection of smooth dreamy tracks richly layered in hazy golden guitar lines and luscious melodies. It’s mellow and melodic with just enough vivacity and buoyancy to have you bopping and grooving. ‘Nothing To See Here’ is a tight polished EP that shows real promise from Hammy & The Pilgrim.

Stream ‘Nothing To See Here’ below


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, psychedelic, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Swedish Death Candy

Psychedelic, experimental rock band Swedish Death Candy have released their new single ‘Last Dream’ taken from the self-titled debut album, due to be released on 10th November. This acute splintery track slashes with razor sharp screeching guitar between a meaty kick ass riff. Shrilling and screeching with tantalizing noise surrounded by psychedelic narcotically trippy soundscapes it’s a bewildering mind-boggling assault of turmoil. Smooth velvety vocals soothe with a melty sweet melody. Strong drums pummel your skull as the track swirls and winds in a hypnotic bliss while heavy instrumentation blasts with raw piercing rock. It’s frenzy causing and chaotic yet well-structured and crafted to lure you into a fuzzed distortion of delusion. These guys know how to place you in a musical dizzy spin of thrilling psychedelic rock.

The video has been constructed from publically available found footage from 1968-1978 and follows a Clockwork Orange-style narrative interpretation of a ‘Last Dream’, using startling imagery and editing techniques to disorientate as well as enthral.

Frontman Louis Perry describes: “The track is about trying to move on/move away from stuff that’s negative/toxic. But it’s also about the alluring nature of these things. It’s also about how time fades when you’re stuck in a particular mindset or relationship or state. Lastly, it’s obviously about dreams; recurring dreams, and dreams that remind you of the past. It’s not all negative though, it’s also about how these experiences can be fun in the moment”.

You can catch Swedish Death Candy live at

27 Oct LEEDS Belgrave Music Hall

16 Nov 2017 LONDON The Black Heart

21 Nov 2017 BRISTOL The Crofters Rights

28 Nov 2017 BRIGHTON Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar

29 Nov 2017 ST. ALBANS The Horn

30 Nov 2017 LEICESTER The Cookie

08 Dec RENNES Trans Musicales Festival

13 Dec MANCHESTER The Castle

Watch the video for ‘Last Dream’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Dear Thieves ‘P.Y.M.’ EP

Melbourne alternative rock two piece Dear Thieves are set to release their Sophomore EP ‘P.Y.M.’ on October 13th. Since their debut EP ‘Bad Habits’ was released late March of this year the pair went straight back to the studio, honing their unique brand of hard hitting alternative rock, resulting in their most refined and honest release to date. Hitting the Melbourne music scene early 2013 Dear Thieves have been prolifically writing music and making a name for themselves by gigging persistently throughout the city. The duo have embarked on multiple east coast tours in support of their debut single ‘My Street’ and the ‘Bad Habits’ EP, and have graced the stage with the likes of Sydney’s Strangers and fellow Two-piece heavy hitters King Of The North.

‘P.Y.M’ or Punch Your Mates (if you’re into that kind of thing) is 5 tracks of gritty, versatile unapologetic rock music that is catchy as hell. ‘Bruce Willis’ kicks of the EP, slick moody and attitude soaked with punchy drums adding a relentless rebound effect while crashing guitars and swagger soaked almost eerie raspy vocals add a gritty brawn to the track. Instantly catchy and wrapped in heavy mosh ready instrumentation it’s a pretty slick vigorous start to the EP. The EP continues to travel at a constant high energy and bulky pace. ‘Used To Be Dead’ brings a creepy darkness into the mixture of pounding rock. Once again rich flickering rhythm gives a sensual flexibility as the track teases and builds tension for the massive frenzy causing headbanging crescendo. ‘Kids’ takes the persona of the dark smoky sultry track. Doused in hair raising chilling tones teamed with powerful vocals and mighty robust drums it seeps and weeps danger and haunting vibes. Razor sharp bass strikes and slaps with lusty dynamism creating a thrilling experience. Title track ‘P.Y.M’ is a hardy raw track oozing aggression and demanding attention. It’s sleek yet booming with rugged drums and boisterous guitars. Swagger soaked and catchy this track is a severe bashing to the skull with intense energy and passion. ‘Alone’ closes the EP as mighty and fierce as its predecessors. Dear Thieves finish the album on a high dose of battering piercing rock.

‘P.Y.M’ displays Dear Thieves knack for bloodthirsty bruising rock. Rich intricate grooving rhythms and catchy hooks blend together to create a infectious barbed selection of tracks smothered in dark tones and chilling eerie atmospheres. Well-crafted and layered it’s a dynamic EP well worth putting on repeat blasting it out as loud as you can and rocking out to.

Dear Thieves are set to launch their sophomore EP on the 13th of October At Melbourne’s iconic Cherry Bar and follow it with a string of shows through Victoria and up the East Coast.

Listen to the ‘P.Y.M’ single on YouTube here