Category Archives: New Music

Indie, indie rock, New Music

OFFICERS ‘Born in May’

OFFICERS have released their new single ‘Born in May’. OFFICERS creative heartbeat consist of Jamie Baker and Matthew Southall who write, record and produce the band’s music and videos. The band who are based in Leeds and Manchester have written and recorded tracks for TV and Film including for ‘The Blacklist’, ‘The Finder/Bones’, ‘Scrubbing In’ and ‘BBC Earth’. They have remixed, toured and collaborated with artists such as Placebo, and Linkin Park. Following the release of the their debut album, ‘On The Twelve Thrones’, OFFICERS embarked on two celebrated tours with electronic music pioneer Gary Numan, forming a strong friendship that led to the penning and releasing the C.A.L.M. charity-supporting single ‘Petals’ together on the bands own label (hitting No.2 on the German airplay singles charts), and collaborating on various remixes together.
‘Born in May’ is an aerial slice of indie rock completed with sharp ethereal guitars, elastic smack on drums and breezy electronics. With rippled soundscapes giving the track a bubbly wavy texture and a ruffled passionate vibe. Smooth lo-fi vocals coo throughout the track with a warm sun kissed soothing relaxed melody creating a daisy filled image of bliss. The dark tinged electronics give a sticky swirling neon vibe which blends and playfully contrasts the bright light flickering strides on guitar. It’s razor sharp in places holding a sense of raw energy while also maintaining a creamy, smooth polished indie sound.
Speaking recently, OFFICERS said; “Born In May has greater depth than our previous work, as do the 30+ tracks we’ve now accumulated – It’s all quite cinematic. The lighter sides have more neon, and the darker sides feel more hypnotic and malevolent. We’re more confident in what we do, and we’ve got better at what we do. The people we’ve worked with and things we’ve learnt over the last few years has all helped to inform that. Getting it to fit on an album and put it out coherently in the traditional sense though became a challenge, and we agonised over that.That’s why we’ve taken so long to put new stuff out. It’s time to relinquish that anxiety a bit and just let people hear the songs, so we plan to put them out one at a time. People listen to music in a completely different way now, so hopefully, discovering new music from us regularly is something that new and existing fans will look forward to discovering.”

Stream ‘Born in May’ below

https://soundcloud.com/creative-condition/02-born-in-may-officers-44100hz-16bits-mastered/s-2xnEI


Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sive ‘The Roaring Girl’ Album

Songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist Sive first began to delve into songwriting when she was 15. She released her first album of original material, ‘We Are Moving’, to critical acclaim in 2012.She has toured extensively in Ireland, The UK, Europe and New Zealand, sharing stages with the likes of Kila, John Spillane and Gemma Hayes. She was voted viewer’s choice to appear on RTE’s Other Voices in 2014 and has also performed on TG4’s Róisín, TV3’s Ireland AM, ARTE’s Metropolis (Germany/France) and ETV’s Terevisioon (Estonia). Sive has now released her second studio album ‘The Roaring Girl’.
‘The Roaring Girl’ is a stunning unique venture, rich with complex subtle instrumentation and warm melodies mixed with conflicting explosive emotions that create an album to get lost in. From the warm deep melancholic string intro of ‘Turn Down The Silence’ you are instantly made aware of the intensity and depth of the album. The track lightens becoming a little more peppy and bouncy yet underneath this is the menacing strings niggling like a lingering worry. Sive pulls in theatrical elements in all the tracks which makes each track more meaningful and important. ‘Swallow Me’ has a jazzy piano and brighter atmosphere with a bubbly rippling warm guitar feature which playfully flickers in and out of the jittery percussion and jazz like piano.The track leads you down a dreamy path as the music subtly wanders into a hazy state.‘Wingless Bird’ hooks with lush sweet backing vocals as Sive’s main vocals soothe with charming warmth and luxurious texture. The track is a simple little gem with tropical African-fused pop rhythm and blissful honeyed melody, it’s perfect, rich and delightful. ‘If I Had A Home To Go To’ has an eerie waltz-like sway and glide. Full of grandeur and elegant string accompaniment with haunting backing vocals. Its a hair-raising yet sombre drizzled fairy tale. ‘Maude’ glimpses at Sive’s folk tinged style while ‘Humans’ takes a dainty simple approach. Sive’s sweet powerful vocals shine, packed with passion and emotion. Slowly building into a mightier crescendo with darker bewitching tones and rumbling beats teamed with luscious tantalising backing vocals this track again is chilling and goosebump inducing. It’s perfectly breezy and eerie with easy gently sway-like glides that build into an enchanting wind swept flow. ‘Hoverfly’ brings us to the end of our beautiful musical journey with gentle tones, warm acoustic guitar and stunning vocals.
‘The Roaring Girl’ showcases Sive’s ability to gracefully pirouette between genres, effortlessly blending jazz with hints of indie and funk elements wrapped in cloaks of classical whims while creating cinematic images and striking emotions within the listener. The album is mature well crafted and deeply moving.A solid body of work. Refined elegance oozes from every track while you witness the turmoil and emotions flooding through the album without becoming overwhelmed, its satisfying and soul fulfilling. A sublime album from Sive.
Stream ‘The Roaring Girl’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Temps ‘Moment’

Dublin’s four piece indie band The Temps have released their new single ‘Moment’. Band members Owen Soper (guitar/vocals), Alex Smirnov (lead guitar), Conor Kennedy (bass) and Chris Bradshaw (drums) have graced the stages of The Button Factory, Workman’s Club, Fibbers, Whelans, Sweeneys and the 96/1 Festival in Cork (Sober Lane and End of the World). They have supported bands such as The Tapestry (Manchester) and The Dead Heavys. New single ‘Moment’ has already received radio play from the likes of 98fm and is officially released today.

‘Moment’ displays The Temps easygoing carefree indie pop. It’s a smooth, relaxed, casual tune embroidered with subtle little bursts of joy. Light twinkles of sharp juicy guitar inject the track with a succulent spurt of vibrant energy while soft bounce on drums and warm elastic spring on bass wraps the track in a cosy hazy blanket. It’s loose and breezy smothered in blissful daydreaming vibes and relaxed tones. ‘Moment’ is such a peppy fun laid back summer song. Definitely one for those lazy summer foot tapping days.
The Temps have recently been spending some time in the studio so they will be putting out some new tunes over the next few weeks on Spotify and some acoustic videos on their Facebook/Breaking Tunes so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘Moment’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Grunge, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

 Rusty Shipp

Genre: grunge rock

Bio: Rusty Shipp is a rock band from Nashville, TN that likes to call their style Nautical rock n’ roll. They combine the influences of rock legends like The Beatles, Dick Dale and The Beach Boys with the hard-hitting sounds of modern alt rock bands like Nirvana, Muse, and Thrice to craft songs distinguished by their addictive melodies, unconventional riffs, and haunting vocals. At the forefront is the singer-songwriter and guitarist, Russ T. Shipp (literally his birth name), followed by Jake Adams on bass, and AJ Newton on drums.

Track: Devil Jonah

When asked about their sound Russ T. explained: “Though we’re noticeably darker and more aggressive than The Beatles, Their form of songwriting resonates with the largest number of human beings, and we try to tap into that same magic. Bands like Nirvana and Muse did the same thing, but we’re taking it in an even more philosophical direction, while still having fun by incorporating the nautical theme.”

Why We Like It: Its a mighty pounding piece of unconventional rock wrapped in dark pop melodies which are set alight by metallic riffs and heavy headbang ready instrumentation. Its fiery gritty and brawny, thundery and robust in all the right places.

You can follow Rusty Shipp on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/rustyshippband

Watch the video for Devil Jonah below

The Discarded

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Genre: garage rock/punk

Bio: Toronto garage-rockers The Discarded is made up of two teenagers and their musician father, brothers Jared Dean-Bass, backing vocals, Caden Jax- Drums, backing vocals and J.P Wasson is best known as the drummer for popular Toronto bands Fifth Column and The Snowdogs, but Caden wanted to drum – so in The Discarded, Dad sings and plays guitar.

Track: Could That Be You

When asked about the track Wasson said: “Could That Be You was the first song I wrote with the band and it came together very quickly. Over the previous months, the boys’ mother and I had divorced. This song is about looking forward and what qualities you’d like a person to have in a new relationship. And ultimately wondering if that person you are seeing is that type of person.”

Why we Like It: It’s a rapid breakneck fuzzy frenzy covered track. Blistering guitars and pummelling drums belting throughout with a lo-fi rock n’ roll vibe that will have a live audience dancing and bopping in no time.
You can follow The Discarded on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thediscarded16/

Stream ‘Could That Be You’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Spotify Playlist Here 


Indie, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie

Time For T ‘Wax’

Time For T have released their new single ‘Wax’. Having risen from the creative hotspot Brighton via Portugal, Switzerland and all corners of England, Time For T reflect their travels similarly to their sound that borders on multi-cultural genres including afropunk, indie, folk and rock & roll. The band have released three EPs to date, the latest EP release (self-titled) came out in 2015 via BBE Records. They have concluded the recording of their debut full-length album ‘Hoping Something Anything’ in London, which is set to be released in September 2017. Two singles from the upcoming album have been released independently thus far with ‘Tom Tom’ being played on BBC Radio 1 and ‘Rescue Plane’ reaching Number 1 in the Spotify UK Viral Charts as well as getting airplay across Portugal, England, USA and Germany, ‘Wax’ is the third single to be taken from their debut album.
‘Wax’ is a tropical sun soaked chilled back track that evokes images of sunshine cocktails and paradise. Smooth and cool this little charmer is easy breezy euphoria soaked in reverb laden zealous guitar licks and infectious bounce on percussion. Quirky organ elements give a vintage warmth and sweet tone while Tiago Saga’s casual creamy vocals and melty melody ponder through the track in the most care free creamy fashion. This infectious track will numb your busy mind and take you to a sweet calm euphoria.
You can catch Time For T live at
22nd July – Secret Garden Party, Cambridge
30th July – Kendal Calling, Lake District
5th August – Staycation, Guildford
19th August – Green Man, Brecon Beacons
27th August – Shambala, Northampton
Stream ‘Wax’ below


Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Indie Buddie Introducing : Harry Strange

London based singer-songwriter, Harry Strange has released his debut single ‘Back Around’.Its gripping and intensely emotional pulling at your soul with every subtle beat. Gentle and delicate piano adds a beautiful elegant glide and sway while Harry’s soulful vocals packs a tender passionate punch. Chill smooth electronics create a breezy ethereal atmosphere that is just sublime. Expressing raw fragile emotions in such a sweet touching way, Harry delivers a pure and flawless performance for his debut single. Its simple yet striking with crisp clean production, almost immaculate.
Stream ‘Back Around’ below


Cinamatic, Dream Pop, New Music, Theatrical, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Screens

The Screens are Neil and Colin. They are unique in that they collaborate on all writing and producing yet are rarely in the same room when they do so. Everything is done online. The Screens have a musical history in film and TV music through composing, arranging and/or producing music. Their credits include Kill Bill 2, The Soprano’s, The Simpsons, Superman Returns, West Wing, Lost, 24, Mr & Mrs Smith.Their production credits also include working with artists such as Tom Jones, Paul Weller, Ruby Turner, Will Smith, A Tribe Called Quest and Tony Hadley. They have now released their new single ‘Avalanche’.
‘Avalanche’ is a lavish swoony track theatrically romantic and dramatic with sing along chorus. The sway like simplicity of this sixties-like  dreamy track features elegant string and lush backing vocals, its a fanciful feather light emotional burst. Gracefully the track glides with dainty grandeur and class. This emotionally creamy silky song tells a romantic story in a cinematic way that exudes beauty and splendour. Its incredibly lavish and rich with soft delicate textures ironically contrasting the lyrical depiction of the bloody heartache and turmoil of love. ‘Avalanche’ tips its hat to the classic British gangster stories of the sixties and seventies but lavishes in an opulence of strings and theatre. It has a sound far removed from what most artists are trying to create in order to conform to the industries current requirements.
Watch the video for ‘Avalanche’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Rylands Heath ‘Best Friend’

Rylands Heath is made up of school friends James and Jack who’ve been playing music together since they were 13. They have recently released 6 songs to Spotify and plan to release another 4 over the summer with the first “Best Friend” being released today, followed by a new release every 3 weeks.
‘Best Friend’ is a peppy indie pop track smothered in a sweet sun kissed melody. Vibrant guitar glistens adding beaming luminosity to the track. With lively buoyant drums and a nice rubbery bass, it is a refreshing burst of energetic indie perfect for hot sunny frolicsome days. Its tight well crafted and polished with a catchy chorus that will have you compelled to put it on repeat while you dance around the room ridiculously.
Stream ‘Best Friend’ below


Classic Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Paradox ‘All Life Matters’

Corks Alternative Rock band Paradox have released their new single ‘All Life Matters’. It is the eagerly awaited follow up single to their last album ‘Chapters’. Paradox have released 4 studio albums to date. Their debut album ‘Circle of Growth’ was recorded in Los Angeles in 2000 and released on a US label. Their second album ‘Sacred’ was recorded and released in 2004, ‘Corporate Pollution’ was released in 2011 and their latest album ‘Chapters’ released in 2015. They have toured both Europe and the US as well as playing support to the likes of Therapy?, Kerbdog and Shonen Knife. 2014 saw Paradox back in the studio recording their 4th album to date at Wavefield Recording Studios in Bantry, West Cork with multi tasking musician and engineer Brian Casey on the desk.
‘All Life Matters’ flows like a rock ballad brimming with emotion but packing a mighty punch.Starting melodic with soft drum beats and warm acoustic guitar the track glides with a sway-like comforting quality.The raspy vocals soothe with a melancholic melody dowsed in tender tones.The track builds becoming more grunge infused breaking into a proper hard hitting almost fist pumping fury filled classic rock anthem.With a shredding shrilling guitar feature that rips gripping emotion while the drums become more punchy and mighty. The lyrics criticise the current media climate creating a gloomy and dismal almost heartbreaking tone. However Paradox tell it how it is while strongly knocking us back to our senses relaying how it should be “All Life Matters Whatever race or colour All Life Matters”. There is depth behind this band and it really come across in this track.
Stream ‘All Life Matters’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Blues, Garage Rock, Garage-Psych, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Swedish Death Candy ‘Won’t be long’

London four piece Swedish Death Candy have released their bruising new track ‘Won’t be long’. Band members Louis Perry (Vocals/Guitar), Jiwoon Whang (Bass), Marco Ninni (Drums)and Francesco Codardo (Guitar) create heavy blues dowsed in heavier psych in a giant cast-metal kiln, the end result from this particular forging is a three minute metric tonne of rock entitled ‘Won’t be long’.
‘Won’t be long’ is rough raw garage swallowed up in a hefty rhythm while spitting acidic bluesy riffs.The maddening blues tinged riffs wallop through the track with sensual slick frenzy while the pummelling drums kick out a stomping beat. Its hair raising, thrilling mania that batters your skull with the most electrifying invigorating assault it can endure. Brimming with distortion and oozing cool sweat and leather swagger with massive harmonised guitar choruses and catchy lyrics, its a mighty meaty punch and exhilarating surge of heavy rock. What a track, it has everything you want and more. Definitely a band to watch out for.
Stream ‘Won’t be long’ below