British singer-songwriter DD Allen has announced the release of his new single ‘Just Like The Old Days’ which is taken from DD Allen’s forthcoming album due out early 2017. DD Allen first caught the attention of critics and fans alike as the support on James Blunt’s 2014 ‘Moon Landing’ arena tour in Bournemouth. Since then he has been putting the finishing touches on his debut album. On the new record, DD Allen has teamed up with an A-list team including engineer Mike Spink (The 1975, Jake Bugg) and Andrew Scheps (Adele, Hozier). The yet untitled album was inspired by many great artists, including Bob Dylan, who Allen names as his greatest influence. The record also includes a cover version of Dylan’s ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’. ‘Just Like The Old Days’ blends edgy contemporary rock and roll with sustainable melodic and soulful musicianship creating a sound that flows smoothly with effortless grace and charm. Warm sweet mellow tones on guitar fills the track with full flavoured ripe qualities. With animated bounce on drums teamed with soulful harmonica this track exudes bright rich tones with multi textures. Allen’s raw vocals amplify and heighten the dynamic energy and flush textures of the track. Shredding guitar solo adds a sharpened sting to the track while creating a cheeky “air guitar” moment for the listener.
Stream ‘Just Like The Old Days’ below
New York indie-rock buzz band FOXTRAX have released their debut European single ‘Underwater ‘. The band consist of members Ben Schneid, Jared Stenz and Jon Stenz. After just over a year as a band, FOXTRAX have enjoyed a stellar start to their career. Almost immediately after forming, the band wrote, recorded and self-produced their debut EP ‘The Cabin’ in a secluded studio deep in the woods of North Carolina. The songs were then given a radio-friendly final mix by Florence & The Machine/Wolf Alice producer Ben Roulston, who became an instant FOXTRAX fan on hearing their first batch of songs. Industry taste-makers were quick to spot the band’s ear for classic hooks, with Spotify including ‘Underwater’ on their Fresh Finds playlist and Sirius XM playing the band on their Alt Nation and The Spectrum shows. In October, FOXTRAX were hand-picked by Ticketmaster as one of only 5 New Music Favourite artists invited to play performances streamed live on Facebook, and the boys also enjoyed a weekly residency with Sofar Sounds in Los Angeles. ‘Underwater’ is a perfect introduction to a new band going places, and fast. Its infectious warm melody smudged with melancholy tones and heart wrenching emotion this track hooks you from the first note. With pounding rapid drums teamed with scorching driving guitar this track is ablaze with bright beaming scintillation. The flashes of sweet toned guitar riffs glitter and shimmer with sweet sounding melodious tones. The soulful raspy vocals adds warmth with a touch of sombre wistful vibes. This track will give you stuck song syndrome with its rich textures and fantastic melodies combined with uplifting and dynamic instrumentation. It shows incredible musicianship from FOXTRAX. They are definitely ones to watch.
The three piece are already confirmed in the first wave of SXSW announcements as official showcasing artists, and they’re set to blow away audiences at US and European festivals next summer so keep an eye out for them.
Watch the video for ‘Underwater’ below
Wales four-piece Folk/Rock band Luna Tides are set to release their debut EP ‘Open Woods’ next week. ‘Open Woods’ is an EP soaked in satisfying rich melodies that glow like a chest of hidden treasure and fill the soul with joy.
Title track ‘Open Woods’ kicks off the EP with sweet mellow twinkle of guitar. Gentle delicate vocals lull and soothe with lush harmony in backing vocals. The soft beat gives the track a cushion bounce. The track builds to an almost tribal repetitive uplifting anthem that would provide courage and endurance to the listener. ‘Last Night’ introduces itself with a strong beat and bright inspiriting vibes. This track weaves luxurious melodies on guitar with sweet infectious vocal melodies creating rich textures that is honey to the ears. ‘Luna’ follows taking a darker tone and giving a night time moon light vibe. A deeper almost rumble on drums and shadowed rhythm gives a magical mysterious vibe. With eerier strums on guitar and wail in the background a sense of danger and peril threatens from the unknown. Deep vocals warn of something menacing while the backing vocals add a haunting quality. ‘Luna’ changes the tone of the EP and gives us a refreshing darker side to Luna Tide’s story telling. ‘What Comes Around’ a track we previously featured on Indie Buddie closes the EP. Its bright warm cosy texture comforts and shields us from the dark tones that we previously heard. However subtly showing its own melancholic undertones with sombre lyrics. The overall bouncy track builds to an infectious sing along chorus with lustrous guitar and elastic rubbery beat that will have you bopping in no time.
Luna Tides ‘Open Woods’ will put a smile on any sour face with their upbeat lively tracks and heart warming soul enriching music.
You can pre order the EP here http://bit.ly/LunaTidesClwb
Watch the video for ‘What Comes Around’ below
Civil Villains are London trio Mark Hudson (Bass), James King (Guitar & Vocals) and Toby Warren (Drums & Vocals). These long time friends have created a sound that is hard to pin down. Walking the tightrope between mathy alt-rock and desert riffage. Having played in all manner of London venues, Civil Villains have recently returned from a North American tour, where they performed headline shows in Toronto and Cambridge, played Envol et Macadam Festival in Quebec City, and Mondo. NYC Festival in New York. Recently they were main support for Listener at The Borderline, played with Tides from Nebula and Polymath at The Boston Music Room (London), and Wild Throne at The Old Blue Last (London). They are now set to release their forthcoming double A-side Heathens and Cream // Haunted Hokum on December 2nd via Milky Bomb Records, which was recorded at Brighton Electric with Josh Harrison (Royal Blood, Tigercub, British Sea Power).
Civil Villains present us with two uniquely creative and complex tracks.
‘Heathens and Cream’ is a spine tingling hair raisingly chilling track coated in a darkened eerie atmosphere with thick slimy guitar licks and flexible sensual luring bass. Deep enthralling vocals give a haunting yet seductively captivating creepy quality to the verse. It tempts you and draws you into the track, while the howl like screech and growl for the chorus adds aggression and a frightening realisation of danger. Featuring atypical rhythmic structures ‘Heathens and Cream’ leaves you wondering what you have just experienced yet yearning to hear more. ‘Haunted Hokum’ is my favourite of the two its rapid slap bounce beat and Queens Of The Stone Age – esque vocals once again hook and lure you into the quicksand of infectiously sweet sensual entrapment of the melody. Steamy sultry desert hot guitars sting and burn with striking chords and scorching licks. The enticing driving bass lulls and coaxes its prey into a spellbinding comma fully submissive to this enchanting beguiling track.
Civil Villains display fantastic musicianship with their double A-side Heathens and Cream // Haunted Hokum. Its a bubbling concoction of moody erratic indie blended with gritty rock with a whole load of steamy sensual haunting confusion thrown in, add a dash of the sweet comfort of nectarous tones on guitar and your hooked.
Watch the video for ‘Heathens and Cream’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Idle Frets
Liverpool band Idle Frets are Ben (Guitar, Vocals), Dave (Guitar), Luke (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals) and Erin (Drums, Backing Vocals). They have been wowing crowds all over the country with their live shows and now the four piece are back with their new single ‘Glow’. It’s a big-hitting single that exudes effortless cool tones and exhibits the bands arena-ready all driving, rousing indie. Dripping in sticky hot summer night vibes and layered syrupy synths ‘Glow’ shimmers and glitters with gooey sweltering radiance. Raspy emotive vocals ooze charisma and smooth cool swagger. The driving rhythm creates heart racing indie that is fist pumping anthem ready. With slick edgy guitar and a dynamic malleable slap on bass Idle Frets have created a track that is richly textured with an instantly catchy massive chorus. Its a killer radio worthy ear-worm. These guys are ones to watch.
You can catch Idle Frets live at:
11/11 – The Bristol Pear, Birmingham
10/12 – Arts Club Loft, Liverpool
15/12 – Sofar Sounds, Manchester
16/12 – Sofar Sounds, London
17/12 – Camden Assembly, London
Stream ‘Glow’ below
Macclesfield indie trio Cassia have released their new single ‘100 Times Over’. Band members Rob (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Lou (Bass, Vocals) and Leff (Drums, Vocals) have become known for their sun-soaked grooves and combining their trademark tropical pop with raw guitar melodies. The trio have already support a plethora of up and coming acts, including Lisbon and Girl Friend. These shows have resulted in the band appearing at festivals such as Brownstock, Folk On the Lawn, as well as Y-Not Festival for two years running, their first appearance going down so well they were asked back again this year. These festival appearances, coupled with the strength of the band’s first single ‘Moana’ afforded Cassia their first taste of real industry interest, with major labels getting in touch soon after. ‘100 Times Over’ is a lavish cocktail of indie pop with sun-drenched tropical melodies and a slice of lush rich golden guitar that adds a lime zest and bite, with a rhythmic bounce that will have you in your shorts and sunglasses dancing in no time. This track vibrates and exudes warm sunshine with each pick and strum you can feel the glow of the sun and sweltering heat. Delicate smooth vocals and tight harmonies make this track infectiously charming. Its a cheeky little dance and shuffle that displays someones hidden explosion of joy.
Close your eyes on this winters day and let ‘100 Times Over’ take you on a blissful tropical holiday.
You can catch Cassia live at:
Sat 19/11/16 | The Live Room, Manchester
Mon 21/11/16 | Jumpin’ Jacks, Newcastle
Tue 22/10/16 | The Polar Bear, Hull
Wed 23/11/16 | The Rocking Chair, Sheffield
Thu 24/11/16 | Bleach, Brighton
Fri 25/11/16 | The Victoria, London
Stream ‘100 Times Over’ below
Tyrants are a three piece Indie Rock ‘n’ Roll band based in Lincoln. Band members Luke Yeomans, Aidan Betts and Mark Pinion have released their second single ‘Honey’. Its an in your face rush of adrenaline that tirelessly pumps electrifying energy and frenzy into your bloodstream. Bursting with a punchy stretchy elastic beat that sets the rapid pace giving a powerful bounce and spring. The slick guitar whips with sharp licks and infectious hooks giving the track a raw edge and sting of harshness. Smooth swaggering vocals adds a dash of charm and charisma to the sensually turbulent rugged track, while the shredding guitar solo smoulders in a blaze of intense sizzling glory.
Stream ‘Honey’ below
British singer-songwriter Inkfields has released his new single ‘Anybody Out There’ it is the lead track from his third EP ‘Danger Moose’. Since taking the plunge and becoming a full-time musician in 2015, Inkfields (the pseudonym of multi-instrumentalist Samuel James-Griffiths) has been busy developing his songwriting into an expansive and adventurous indie rock sound. After building an early fanbase with a series of acoustic gigs and street busking performances across the UK and Germany, his first EP ‘Paperless Book’ sold over 500 copies and his second release ‘You Forgot The Roots’ which we featured on Indie Buddie earlier this year picked up press acclaim and radio airplay across Europe. ‘Anybody Out There’ brings us a fresh new side to Inkfields’ sound. This edgy new track is a clever blend of indie disco with indie rock. The swagger infused strutting beat of the drums teamed with the panache and flaunting slick guitar gives the track a magnetic swagger and slick characteristic. The infectious melody and confident charismatic vocals show Samuel James-Griffiths has stepped things up since we last heard him and honed into his “Disco Stu” side while maintaining that raw edge with classic rock riffs and his unique vocal tone.
Stream ‘ Anybody Out There’ below
Shropshire’s indie/rock band Shoot The Symphony have released their new EP ‘Side Effects’. This 4 Track EP is a gush of jaunty, catchy indie rock overflowing with razor sharp guitar and mighty choruses that display Shoot The Symphony’s appetite for edgy, driving melodicism . ‘Sadie’ a track we featured on Indie Buddie earlier this year kicks off the EP with a whirlwind of zealous guitar and rapid rumbling drums. The track moves with an elastic and flexible rhythm that bubbles and boils over the shrill on guitars. The vocals are hazy and smooth while the agitated drums lather and foam in the background. The dark undertones give the track a mysterious shadowy quality. ‘In My Street’ brightens the tone of the EP with a light bouncy atmosphere and soaring backing vocals. Slick licks on guitar illuminate the track adding vibrancy while the punchy drums pound through your bloodstream giving a rush of dynamic energy. With hopeful vibes and yearning lyrics its a youthful expression for escape and freedom. ‘Unwind ( You Drive Me Insane)’ begins with sweet vocals and velvety melody that builds to a catchy sing along chorus. Shoot The Symphony once again display their talent for tight agile rolling rhythm. The shredding bite on guitar adds zest and a sweltering glaze and desert haze to the track. The creamy smooth vocals give a laid back easy vibe to the track while the anthem like chorus insures a hit when performed live. Title track ‘Side Effects’ closes the EP with Shoot The Symphony exuding attitude and confidence. Grittier vocals with a slight rasp for the verse introduce a new texture while instrumentally this track is a shot of adrenaline. With mosh worthy instrumentals and clap along feature it is a peppy ball of fun that would create hyper frenzy among any crowd. It will have you up and jumping around the room like a lunatic in seconds. With catchy lyrics and infectious melody this four piece end the EP with a vitality boost and lively punch.
Stream ‘Side Effects’ EP below
One of the most promising bands out there at the moment, London-based duo Ten Fé have released their new single ‘Overflow’. This comes with the exciting news of the release of their debut album ‘Hit The Light’ on February 3, 2017 which was recorded in the Berlin HQ of Kompakt Records with Ewan Pearson (Jagwar Ma, M83, Delphic). Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan are continuing their journey of musical discovery, displaying their virtuosity with musicianship. ‘Overflow’ treats and indulges us with the perfect blend of sweet melodies coated in darkened soul tearing nostalgia. Moorhouse’s warm mellow baritone adds depth and a soothing easing comfort that shelters from the harshness of this bittersweet sentimental drenched track. With longing tapping synths, lush harmonies and rich layered echo textures Ten Fé once again knock it out of the park and prove that they are a first-rate band that can achieve world domination.
Stream ‘Overflow’ below
https://soundcloud.com/tenfemusic/overflow
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
