Liverpool based band Little Triggers who formed in 2016 have quickly become known for their electrifying live performances. In such a short time the band have supported the likes of Iggy Pop on tour and were announced as part of Liverpool Sound City Music Festival, performing alongside The Coral and Feeder earlier this year. The four piece Thomas Hamilton-Hughes (singer/guitar), James Crawford (vocals/keys), Chris Carragher (vocals/bass) Sam Gallacher (drums) have announced the release of their new single ‘When The Lights Are Going Out’ which is set for release November 11th. Produced by Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon) and recorded in their native Liverpool, the new single will appear on the band’s forthcoming album due out later next year. ‘When The Lights Are Going Out’ is an expression of Little Triggers’ vivacious whirlwind of snappy catchy high spirited rock and roll. From the first note you are swept into a speedball of supersonic infectious melodies with cracking nimble frolicsome zealous guitar and punchy playful vibrant drums. Cheerful animated keys and cool energised spoken vocals with the added scream thrown in, teamed with witty lyrics and clap along feature that gives this track a breakneck infectious frenzy and rowdy rebellious attitude. I can imagine this track is insane live. Its a frenzy causing mania that will compel you to put on repeat and jump uncontrollably around the room. These guys are ones to watch.
Little Triggers will play a short UK headline tour in November in support of their latest release you can catch them at:
21st October Blade Factory Liverpool
4th November Liverpool Music Week
5th November Aatma Manchester
11th November Zanzibar Liverpool
17th Novemeber West Street Live Sheffield
Stream ‘When The Lights Are Going Out’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Hidden Charms
London band Hidden Charms have released their new single ‘I Just Wanna Be Left Alone’ ahead of their forthcoming EP ‘Harder From Here’, which is set for release on October 28th, the band consists of members Vincent Davies (singer, guitarist & bassist), Ranald Macdonald (co-singer, keyboardist, guitarist & bassist), Josh Lewis (guitarist & bassist) and Oscar Robertson (drummer). The four piece have scored support slots for the likes of Hanni El Khatib and Yak, a four-week NME Koko residency and radio airtime from Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Huw Stephens. They have generated a mass of attention from successful slots at Kendal Calling, The Great Escape and the iconic Isle of Wight Festival. We previously featured their single ‘Cannonball’ on Indie Buddie and were extremely excited and eager to hear their new single. ‘I Just Wanna Be Left Alone’ is a hallucinatory rumble of spine chilling neurosis encased and composed in cool strutting swagger. Enduring smooth vocals repeat the chorus, engrossing and consuming you into a maze of intense claustrophobia. The rapid rumbling drums adds a thick gooey humid effect as the spin of psychedelic razor sharp guitar riffs give this track a sultry sensual luring quality while adding an eerie sting. The elastic slap bass gives that strutting prance, stride and groove keeping an upbeat charm and flaunt. Its an infectiously hypnotic and catchy track that creeps up behind and seeps into your brain replaying when you least expect it.
Stream ‘I Just Wanna Be Left Alone’ below
Alexis Kings have released their new single ‘Squire’. The single soared into the top 10 of the Spotify UK Viral Chart along with support from Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing Three Counties, Alex Rainbird & Indiemono. ‘Squire’ is a heart-stoppingly moving melodic track teamed with upbeat rhythms and smooth summer vibes. With a warm majestic guitar feature, an elevated bright atmosphere and breathtakingly sweet melody that is golden honey to the ears. Alexis Kings present us with a heavenly beautiful track that exudes effortless charm and elegance. Velvety soulful vocals give euphoric bliss coated in nostalgic tones. Alexis Kings show sublime musicianship with this captivating irresistible track.
Close you eyes and let ‘Squire’ take you on a journey of summer love with a melody and textures that seep into your soul.
Watch the video for ‘Squire’ below
London-based singer-songwriter Chris Jewell has released ‘Rise and Fall’, the lead single from his new EP of the same name. A songwriter since the age of 12, Jewell’s songs draw on influences from pop, rock and soul across the decades. After signing with independent label 84 Records his new EP and single was recorded with talented producer Andy Brook (Frank Turner, Status Quo, Hayseed Dixie), who brings a radio-friendly pop sheen to Jewell’s tale of heartbreak. The new track has already picked up support with BBC Introducing, and was recently chosen twice as a BBC Radio Surrey/Sussex Track Of The Day. ‘Rise and Fall’ is a slice of sweet bright folk pop pie. With soulful bright guitar and springy bounce beat this track is an uplifting , energetic “put a smile on your face” bliss. Illuminating and glowing from every note with simple chords and catchy clap along feature its a snappy encouraging track. Though the lyrics are somewhat sombre the track is presented with a positive atmosphere and sprightly energy. Sprinkled with Jewell’s smooth soulful vocals and rapid almost rap -like lyrics and immediately infectious chorus Jewell showcases his skill for simple, blissful and timeless songwriting.
Stream ‘Rise and Fall’ below
Toronto-based Soul/Pop band Gold Complex have released a video for their single ‘Backbone’alongside a deluxe edition of their debut, self-titled EP. Gold Complex fuse classic soul with pop and R&B into a fresh sound that is all their own. This dynamic octet has built a strong fanbase in Canada, headlining renowned venues such as Lee’s Palace, The Rivoli, Mod Club and the Horseshoe Tavern. Their debut self-titled EP was released in April last year and their first two singles ‘Tread On Me’ and ‘Backbone’ received regular rotation on radio nationwide and were featured on the Nickelodeon television series, Open Heart, now on Netflix. ‘Backbone’ is a smooth sensual, funky tune about the conviction of “saying what you mean and meaning what you say, especially when it comes to a relationship”. Velvety warm vocals kicks off the track in a soulful passionate manner. With steamy jazzy brass and gentle supple beat teamed with flexible coaxing bass this track lays the smooth talk on thick. Its agile easy -moving sleekness can sweep you into a stupor as you are sweet talked and wooed by the suave vocals and nifty slick piano. This track is a saucy cheeky track exuding sass with classy swagger.
Gold Complex are currently in the studio recording their debut full length album “New Soul”, set for release in April 2017.
Watch the video for ‘Backbone’ below
Essex based four piece Youth Club are back with their infectious new independent single ‘Sorry’. Youth Club first caught people’s attention back in May 2014 with their self-released debut EP ʻColoursʼ, which stormed the official independent singles charts reaching 25 and hit No. 7 in the iTunes alternative charts. They have graced the stages of Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Y Not Festival, Standon Calling, Beat Herder, Shazam Summer Party and Kopparberg’s Urban Forest Festival. ‘Sorry’ is a bedazzlement of Youth Club’s beaming tropical pop. The efflux of bright animate synths give this track a magnetic pull and vibrancy. Radiating sunny warm vibes, a balmy atmosphere and smooth spring and bounce in rhythm it oozes elastic slick suave. The soulful velvety vocals adds a heavenly soothing charm and warm quality. ‘Sorry’ has pizzazz and zesty tropical textures that give a refreshing revitalising lift to this infectious track.
You can catch Youth Club live at:
Oct 08 Twisterella Festival, Middlesbrough
Oct 28 Chinnerys, Southend On Sea
Nov 03 The Engine Shed, Lincoln
Dec 14 The Borderline, London
Stream ‘Sorry’ below
This Place Is Death are an three piece alternative rock band from Cork. They released an EP ‘Low Light’ in 2013, and in 2016 were signed with UK Indie label Sound Hub Records. Band members Frank (Vocals,Guitars), Barry (Bass) and Eoin (Drums,Backing Vocals) have now released their new single ‘Caught Inside’ which was recorded and mixed at Sound Hub Studios and mastered at Metropolis Studios , London. ‘Caught Inside’ is a pulverising backlash of fiery neck breaking alternative rock. With thunderous splintering drums that develop into a rapid rumple that forces its way into your brain becoming a pounding ear worm beat. Vigorous striking guitars and rooted limber bass keep the track bound and gives a boomerang spring back effect. The haunting moody vocals add an eerie danger and suppressed aggression to the track. But for me that rolling drum at the end kicks ass with its brisk demolishing finesse. Its a head banger.
Watch ‘Caught Inside’ below
Paul Dunbar, formerly of Liverpool 6-piece soul/rock/blues act The Midnight Ramble, has self released his debut single ‘Barely Holding On’. The single was created with producers Marc Joy (Oasis, Primal Scream) and Paul Thompson (Ellen & The Escapades). Dunbar is recording with the newly formed Black Winter Band, Tom Cowley (Drums,Percussion,Vocals) and Callum Williams (Bass,Keys,Vocals) complete the lineup. ‘Barely Holding On’ is a warm melodic track wrapped in charming country tones and drizzled with rock elements. The passionate raspy soulful vocals and catchy sway along melody teamed with soothing mellow guitar and a steady spongy beat gives the track a bright cosy yet nostalgic and emotional tone. This track is a sweet sounding tuneful bundle of passion with tender lyrics and a sweet reminiscent tone on guitar that is thought provoking like a fond distant memory that twinkles around your mind but to far to recall fully. Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band have a London launch show on Fri 28 Oct at The Century Club, Soho with promoter Success Express Music.
St Van Cortlandt & the 101 have released the first track off their forth coming EP ‘The Lion Tree’. The single ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’ is about a “younger brother’s relationship with his older brother. It touches on the ideas of idolising an older sibling to the point of wanting to be them, while still being sheltered and protected and guided by them almost to a point that it becomes unhealthy”. Band members Daniel Van Cortlandt (Vocals/Guitar), Troy Fannin (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Chika Obiora (Bass), David LeBlanc (Drums) and Matthew Watanabe (Keyboards) display their straight shooter beefy rock with ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’. Its a “bull by the horns’ punchy energetic track. With thumping drums and raspy rugged vocals that give the track muscle and a meaty substance. The mighty driving riff pulses throughout the track keeping a flexible energy and power. While that forceful bounce beat is the strong arm giving the track sturdiness and support. The refreshing addition of keyboard softens the track a little and adds a sticky slap of psychedelia that takes St Van Cortlandt & the 101 to another level and makes their sound unique.
Stream ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’ below
Our Worth A Listen This Week is Mini Mansions ‘Flashbacks’
Los Angeles’ finest Mini Mansions have released a collection of unreleased/unheard B-Side tracks entitled ‘Flashbacks’. This follows their critically acclaimed second album ‘The Great Pretenders’ which was released in 2015. The trio , vocals and drummer Michael Shuman, vocals and keyboardist Tyler Parkford, bassist and multi instrumentalist Zachary Dawes have compiled a collection of nine ravishing tracks that smash all boundaries. We couldn’t choose just one track for our worth a listen but then, why would you choose one when their are nine spine tingling beauties. ‘Flashbacks’ kicks things off with ‘Drive’ a snappy quick step luscious track with Dawes’ fuzzed bass giving an ecstatic bounce. Parkford’s sweet delicate vocals introduces the nectarous melody with Shuman’s backing vocals adding a lush heavenly texture. The fluidity of this track makes it so easy on the ears and soothing with sugar coated sparkle. Building into heavier fuzzed rock instrumentation Mini Mansions introduce us to their gritty glam rock sprinkled with a smooth mouthwatering sweet 60s texture. With the sudden change to deep bass vocals by Shuman a warm mellow tone is added to the rich mix. ‘Drive’ knocks it out of the park and hooks you into the trio’s unique dreamy world of psychedelia and rock.‘Bored To Death’ coos and lulls into a gentle slow dance. With raspy vocals and tender lyrics teamed with elegant keys and dexterous chord progression creating a catchy soothing track that stops time, stilling everything around except for the beautiful melody. Lush harmony and gently sorrowful tones add purity and elegance. The track builds in intensity as a heartbroken tone takes over with heavy rhythm. The sweetened sting on guitar with soft piano and a light beat plays the track out with echoing gingerly soft repetitive vocals. ‘Ticket For One’ illuminates with a bright melody and multi-textures. The infectious slap whack beat combined with nimble keys and Dawes’ sharp elastic bass giving the track a rubber ball rebound effect. The call and response vocals between soft Parkford and deep Shuman as they interact with syrupy smooth melodies that will give you “stuck song syndrome”. Leading effortlessly and perfectly into ‘Ticket For Two’ a witty bouncy track with the catchy and almost “dollish” twinkle piano effect. Adding a catchy “clap clap” effect and steady striking bass ‘Ticket for two’ is a “tour de force” as it pulls similarities from ‘Ticket For One’ while developing a distinctive sound. Of course there is no great genius without a mixture of madness especially where Mini Mansions are concerned as they lead us into a frenzy of heavy manical moshing to end this fantastic track. ‘Fiona’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie has a darkened dreamy tone and swoon-like atmosphere coated in hazy psychedelia. Once again Parkford and Shuman share vocals as they weave and intertwine melodies with warm seductive textures. The drums exude an oomph and panache to start and then seduce and coax when teamed with the smooth velvety vocals. They build into a sweep and bluster for the intense massive crescendo before the tone slows to a soft gentle echo finish. ‘Shape Recorder‘ has a spooky Halloween party track feeling to start with the peppy organ. The track maintains a sneaky eerie tone with psychedelic fuzz and heavy daunting instrumentation. Its a swirling confusion of blurry haunting fun and dangerous shady obscurity. The intensity of the track fades to a sweet soft vocal with lush harmonies before a final burst of instrumentation. ‘Valet’ is our taste of sensual reggae with Hendrix- esque guitar to start. This body grooving track is effortlessly cool and sleek and shows Mini Mansions in a new light. Its a sit back and bop to the music feel good tasteful track. Shuman’s warm deep vocals contrasting with Parkford’s candied falsetto towards the end adds a charming multi dimension. Exuding fiery strutting swagger with a captivating stride and flaunt this track is magnetic and tantalising. ‘Little Al Capone’ begins with a strong “digging” labour intensive beat and bass vocals adding grounding and depth. The track builds into a theatrical quick passed track with rapid beat and sprightly piano. Tight harmony on vocals and a vibrant dynamism and oomph instrumentation add passion and slappy elasticity. The track sounds like it could have been taken from a scene from a musical where the actors are hard at work, slogging through the daily grindstone. ‘Shadow’ completes our musical journey with the mysterious Mini Mansions in a sombre nostalgic tone. Its labyrinth of interweaving textures meandering through a delicate tender melody and heavenly sweet lavish vocals give this track opulent textures and diversity. The dreamy Utopian wistfulness and visionary fantasy set to swirling rapid beat and whine on guitars in a sway – like motion gives this track an abstracted feeling, like it was all a dream.
Mini Mansions are like a fine wine maturing and coming into their own. ‘Flashbacks’ could have been an album as each track opens your mind to their unique classy musicianship as they guide you into a journey of fantasy and rich textures unwinding your mind and unravelling your senses.
