Category Archives: New Music

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

Modern Pleasure ‘Bliss Up’

The Leeds-based band Modern Pleasure (formerly Goodbye Chanel) have released their new single ‘Bliss Up’ with Grammy-nominee Bryan Wilson (Wolf Alice, Arctic Monkeys) at the production helm. The track,which the band call their ‘Anthem for the anxious generation’ finds them relocating their euphoric songwriting into more electronic surrounds.The new release follows the successful singles ‘Messina’ and ‘White Heels’ which drew Radio 1 (Annie Mac) and Radio X airplay, alongside a slot at Barclay’s British Summertime and over 1.5 million Spotify streams.
‘Bliss Up’ is a fruity fizzy can of sun-soaked indie pop. Bubbling with shimmering synths and sparkling guitar riffs this track is dreamy sweet- toothed ecstasy. With a delicious candy coated melody smothered in syrupy electronic beats, is a luscious recipe for success. Its the perfect track for sunny days, good times and cocktails. Hazy sunny vibes and day dreamy vibes, its total bliss. Richly textured and lavishly layered this track is delicate and smooth yet opulent in all the right places. Its one for those lazy day summer time playlists.
Stream ‘Bliss Up’ below


Blues Rock, Indie Blues, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Mad Alice ‘Idee Fixe’.

Liverpool-based trio Mad Alice have released their new single ‘Idee Fixe’. The band have recently been long-listed for Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition, featured as Louder Than War’s “New Band of the Day” and featured as “one of Liverpool’s finest emerging acts” by popular fashion / culture trendsetters Missguided. Band members Caitlin Hare (Vocals and Bass Guitar), Ryan Lavery (Guitar) and Kraig Shaw (Drums) have created their own brand of dark bone- crushing rock with bluesy soul searching flavours.
‘Idee Fixe’ is grubby down and dirty rock smudged in god fearing bluesy soul. Its feverishly thrilling with sharp piercing guitar, groovy elastic bass and smashing punchy drums. Sensually smooth with cool swagger, seeping and dripping from every note, its an unadulterated step into Mad Alice’s crunching dark rock. With hints of psychedelia wisping around adding a trippy narcotic feel, this track has it all to keep you completely engulfed. Strong dominating vocals add a raspy luring almost eerie quality which is spine chillingly good. Mad Alice are ones to watch out for.
Watch the video for ‘Idee Fixe’ below


A Chat With, Dream Pop, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, Interviews, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Two Islands

The Liverpool collective, Two Islands, have released their debut single ‘Heaven’. Its a snappy clappy ball of heavenly delight wrapped in cleverly well layered production and an oh so sweet melody. These guys have written an insanely infectious luscious track that listeners everywhere will fall in love with in a heartbeat. Soft vocals soothe while the swirling blissful soundscapes add ethereal graceful textures and wispy ecstasy. The track is grounded with rapid spongy beats rebounding the track with elastic energy, it will have you uncontrollably clapping along to its dreamy pop bliss. These guys are ones to watch they know what they want and they are going for it.

We caught up with Two Islands to have a chat and get to know them a little better following the release of ‘Heaven’

Tell us a bit about Yourselves ?

We’re Two Islands. We’ve always felt as if we existed on our own island, like outsiders looking in. Taking musical cues from the classic songwriting synonymous with Liverpool but dressing our songs in a modern and unique way; we’re aiming to follow in the lineage of Northern bands whose originality and creative ambition have helped to alter our perception of what is possible in pop music.

  Where did the name Two Islands come from?

It’s both a geographical reference as we’ve all grown up between two major cities and it’s the juxtaposition between the everyday reality of the mundane nine to five and the time we spend making music outside of our day jobs.

There is very little info about you guys around at the moment we are loving the mystery but why the suspense with introducing yourselves?

We want to reclaim the romance of falling in love with an artist solely through their songs, something that has been lost in the internet era. We’re not looking to hide; we just want to engage through our music.

You have released your debut single ‘Heaven’ tell us a bit about this track?

It’s an old song that’s been through many incarnations. Heaven describes the euphoria of finally arriving at a sound that best represents us.

 The track is unique and creative instantly catchy and likable what was the music writing process for the track and how did all the intricate pieces come together?

The chords and the vocals came together quite quickly. The bass and drums have been reworked a number of times over the last few months until we were fully satisfied with the parts.

The production and detail on the track is amazing it appears simple but has a lot going on did this take a long time to develop?

Yes we spent a lot of time in the rehearsal room developing the layers of the song before taking it into the studio.

Its definitely a track that announces your arrival and leaves the listener impatient for more tunes how soon can we  expect another delicious tune from you guys?

Heaven is the first marker ahead of a stream of output to come this year.

Stream ‘Heaven’ below

https://soundcloud.com/twoislandsband/heaven


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Glass Caves

 

Glass Caves have released their new single ‘Swim’ through Scruff of the Neck. With Glass Caves beginning life by busking in their favourite cities, their name rapidly spread across the country, and the band were beginning to turn heads as one of the best live acts around. The Pontefract four-piece soon enjoyed a shift from stopping shoppers in their tracks, to snagging major festival slots and selling-out sought-after venues nationwide. A headline Club NME show at London’s KOKO, Isle of Wight Festival, and Reading & Leeds appearances are just a handful of places Glass Caves have stopped-off on their journey so far.Aside from their rock-solid live reputation, Glass Caves were rewarded with impressive success for their self-funded debut ‘Alive’. In a world of dwindling record sales and chart discourse, the album made Record Store Day’s Top 40 at the time of release. It was a taste of things to come – with the band sitting comfortably alongside arena giants Arctic Monkeys and Led Zeppelin. Now Glass Caves have returned with their new single ‘Swim’.

‘Swim’ is a tremendous towering mighty track. This stadium ready anthem is packed with tribal beats and a soaring catchy chorus. Its made for colossal crowds swaying and bellowing out the “oh oh” chorus. Brimming with fist pumping energy its that track that makes you sit up and listen, while gathering a massive crowd together as one. Matthew Hallas’ highly emotive vocals brings the track into that limitless intensity and strength while sparkling jingling guitar adds flashes of light and luminosity to the track. Glass Caves’ sky-high ambition remains clear to see, as they begin to adopt a more reserved and elegant approach to song-writing while also showcasing a solid ability to produce a powerhouse track that towers above all.

Watch the video for ‘Swim’ below


A Chat With, Interviews, New Music

A Chat with : The Hubbards

We caught up with The Hubbards following the release of their new single ‘Just Touch’ to have a chat and get to know them a little better.

So who are the The Hubbards and how did you decide to start a band?

The Hubbards are (in order of self importance): Joe Orlowski, Alex Green, Reuben Driver, Rónan Burns.We’re a boy band. We’re not lads . We went to sports college and started a band cos we were shit at sport.

You have just released your new single ‘Just Touch’ which follows on from your debut EP ‘Cold Cut. ‘Just Touch’ maintains the hazy laid back effortless cool vibe as the EP with a bit more punch and vibrancy, where did the beginnings of this track come to life and what was the process of making it?

The song took ages to develop, actually. Joe had a really simple guitar lick going round his head. We’d play it round and round trying to add more parts. We ended up embracing the simplicity of it which we hope gives it the cool laid back sound. I wish it was effortless.

It’s an insanely catchy track really well formed and crafted, simple witty and instantly likable did you know you had something special when you wrote this track?

We’re pretty hard on ourselves and full of self doubt so it took a few listens out of the studio to admit to each other that we were happy with it. It definitely keeps us productive not getting caught up in whether or not the last track was a banger.

Tell us a bit about making the video for ‘Just Touch’?

It was a truly awful experience. It all sounded so simple when we planned it out after a night out. We were all knackered on the day and found out the houses we wanted to use were like million miles apart. Alex fell over and Rónan had an asthma attack. It took 7 or 8 run throughs and we just had to settle on the last due to sheer exhaustion.

Your tracks are all bright catchy animated tunes with of course lots of fuzz and summer vibes is this a sound you tried to create or does it come organically?

That’s news to us. But great. Maybe it’s a byproduct of us all liking different things, some which is happy clappy Shit. We’re not exactly warm fuzzy people

What’s a live show with The Hubbards like?

You’d have to come and find out for yourself. If you enjoy it half as much as we do you won’t be needing that second white wine spritzer

Do you have a favourite song to perform live if so why?

The last one we’ve written always has an exciting energy to it. But ‘just touch’ in particular really gets us going. It’s great to play songs that people haven’t heard before and seeing them trying to sing along by the end of it

Have you had any bizarre experiences while on tour or on stage?

Last year whilst touring we stayed in what we thought was a B&B in Uxbridge but it turned out to be a hostel for rough men working on roads or something. Anyway we only had one 2 beds and 1 towel between 5 of us. On the plus side Uxbridge was sick and we all got to know each other a little bit better.

You have supported the likes of Augustines and The Pigeon Detectives have you learnt any valuable pointers from any of the acts you have supported?

It’s nice to be around people that are doing what we wanna do and are still good craic. We try do our own thing when we write and when we’re on stage. If it feels good that’s good enough for us

What’s the best advise you have been given?

“Put something on the end of it” Jeremy Kyle

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start a band?

See above. But really, just write as much as you can. Throw enough Shit something’ll stick

Do you guys have any plans to come to Ireland for a gig?

Mate we’d love to come to Ireland. Hook us up we’ll be straight on that ferry

What next for The Hubbards can we look forward to some more great tunes?

We’re writing right now and we’ll straight back into the studio when we’ve finished touring. Can’t wait.

In the meantime, get familiar with us, you can download and stream “Just Touch.” Find us on Facebook

Follow The Hubbards on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thehubbardsband/

Stream ‘Just Touch’ below

 

 


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

Wolf Dagger ‘Year Of The Wolf’ EP

Wolf Dagger is a three piece rock n roll band from the city of Cape Town. All three members of the band have been actively involved in the music scene for numerous years playing in different bands. They built a fan base from playing all over Cape Town, touching audiences with their enthusiastic live performances, work ethic and passion for the industry. The members are Etienne Fourie on drums , Anthony De Jonah on  bass guitar and vocals and Tertius Scheepers on guitar. The band have released their EP ‘Year Of The Wolf’ which was followed by a national tour.

‘Year Of The Wolf’ is a gritty punch in the mouth of Wolf Daggers ruckus causing rock teamed with sensual snappy riffs and a whole lot of energy. The bluesy teasing intro gives us a swagger infused slick taste of whats to come from the EP. Slow heavy rhythm drops and thuds while intensity is built on a sultry guitar lick. ‘Let Loose’ wallops us into their fantastic manic high energy sound. Ablaze with blistering guitars and punchy drums its a manic mosh pit ready tune. With the catchy chorus and shredding guitar solo its instantly likable. ‘Come At Me Now’ slows the tone a little with sharp flickers on zealous guitar and punchy drums. The track builds becoming heavier for the chorus while the guitar shows off with steamy lavish licks. ‘Higher’ is a riff driven headbanger. Once again Wolf Dagger display their instrumentally tight gritty sound where for me the guitar display is the key. This track builds in intensity to a feverish sweaty frenzy that i’m sure is epic live. Title track ‘Year Of The Wolf’ follows next. Its a hip swinging groovy track drenched in sleazy swagger and brawn. With dark tones and lustful howls this track is slick and rough and ready. ‘There Was A Time’ finishes the EP with sunny cruising vibes. Its “laid back beer in hand good times”, with of course the added punch for the chorus. Pummeling drums add a mighty fury and brawn to the track while the effortlessly cool guitar struts in with panache and charm.

‘Year Of The Wolf’ is a solid EP from Wolf Dagger with all the components to make an epic live show so make sure to check these guys out.

 

You can get the ‘Year Of The Wolf’ EP here https://wolfdagger.bandcamp.com/album/year-of-the-wolf


Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Soul

Just Alex and Yan Etchevary ‘Til Midnight’

Singer-songwriters Just Alex and Yan Etchevary have announced the release of their new single ‘Til Midnight’ available on major media platforms from April 28th. The single is taken from the duo’s forthcoming EP ‘GLASS’ due for release May 12th. Before launching their collaborative project, Alex and Yan both enjoyed respective successful solo careers. Canadian singer-songwriter Yan Etchevary gained international recognition with the single ‘The Way You Want Me’ with DJ Lucky Rose. The song was nominated for the Heatseeker award at the 2016 Canadian Music Week Awards and has garnered over 9 million stream on Spotify. The Canadian powerhouses have joined forces to record the single ‘Til Midnight’, a modern ballad which is sure to invoke the emotions of any listener. Recorded in Montreal, the single hosts a list of contributors who have worked with some of the world’s biggest names, including Tom Coyne (Adele, Bruno Mars) and Stephen Kaye (Ziggy Marley). Just Alex cites Sam Smith as his inspiration for the single, which was recorded with a live quartet at the songwriter’s studio.

‘Til Midnight’ is a twinkling delight packed with soul and tender emotion, its light dimming mood setting smoothness that flows with an effortless sway. Feathery light elegant strings caress the track and sweep it into a romantic flurry. Creamy vocals and light piano feature glide  through the track with passion and delicacy. ‘Til Midnight’ is a swoony dreamy pop track that oozes romance from its core

Stream ‘Til Midnight’ below


Indie Quick Picks, indie rock, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

The Brazen

Genre: Indie rock

Bio: Leeds-based indie rockers The Brazen have released their anthemic new single ‘Delusion’. The new single follows sold-out shows all over the UK and media support from BBC Introducing, Fred Perry Subculture & more than 25 regional stations for their 2016 debut album Laser Lips. Since forming in early 2015, the five-piece have been tearing up venues around the UK and picking up fans at every gig. United by shared influences & musical cornerstones The Stone Roses, Queen & U2, their combination of classic rock sounds and Britpop melodies has also gained national and regional radio airplay and glowing online press. The boys’ debut album Laser Lips was recorded with producer Ed Heaton (Jon Gomm, Fold, NARCS) and channelled the glory days of 90’s indie into a vibrant set of pop rock tunes.

Track: Delusion

Why we Like It: Its smooth floaty indie, tender and laced in melancholy tones while still holding enough grit and edge to add texture to the track. The addition of orchestral string parts from Kieran O’Malley adds a layer of gravitas and epic melancholy to their fist-in-the-air chorus.Its subtly dramatic and elegant with a grandeur that sways and glides like a feather in the air.
The Brazen will be celebrating the release of the new single with the following live dates –
14th April – AATMA, Manchester
5th May – O2 Academy, Birmingham
13th May – Verve Bar, Leeds
You can follow The Brazen on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheBrazenBand/
Watch the video for ‘Delusion’ below

Follow our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here

 

 

Alt- Pop, Electric Art-Pop, electro- pop, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

St. Jude the Obscure ‘Wonders of Youth’

Electric art-pop duo, St. Jude the Obscure have released their new track ‘Wonders of Youth’. Adele Emmas and Christian Sandford who were previously from the bands Bird and Feral Love have created a chilling icy track that shivers in blissful electric soundscapes. Enchanting melodies wrapped in sultry beats create a luring hazy wisp of magic. With enticing raspy vocals that are hair- raising and thrilling it is instantly likeable. The track is breathtaking yet almost eerie with frost-bound electronics cooling the intensity. Ghostly backing vocals give a goose bump inducing chill as St. Jude the Obscure show their skill for refined musicianship. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Stream ‘Wonders of Youth’ below

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

Mowbeck ‘The Basement’

Nottingham rock outfit Mowbeck are back with their newest single ‘The Basement’ which follows their debut EP ‘Talkabout’. After storming sets at Reading & Leeds festival last year on BBC Introducing Stages with sold out headline shows of their own, the band headed back into the studio at the start of the year working on new material. The band’s previous tracks ‘Talkabout’ and ‘Vaseline’ both received significant support from BBC Introducing’s Dean Jackson and lead to national radio play around the country on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X. The video’s which have gained over 15,000 views to date split audience and critic’s opinions for its dark, graphic portrayal of sexual abuse from a male victim’s perspective.
‘The Basement’ is a sublime rush of brain freezing indie rock with sweet pop melodies cooled with breezy tones and chilling bite on guitar. Flowing at a running pace this track is an uplifting anthem smoothed in melancholic tones. Sharp guitar stings and blasts through the track with flashes of zealous strident vitality. Punchy drums add bounce and spring while the raspy smooth soothing vocals pack an emotional punch. ‘The Basement’ is an atmospheric soaring tune that uses dark sombre tender tones and blistering instrumentation to create a grit pop sound that is compelling and powerful.
With more material ready to release later in the year Mowbeck will be playing a number of shows over the coming months including festivals. You can catch them live at
April 11th – Nottingham, Bodega (supporting King No One)
April 12th – Sheffield, Leadmill (supporting King No One)
April 13th – Liverpool, Studio 2 (supporting King No One)
April 14th – York, Fibbers (supporting King No One)
Stream ‘The Basement’ below