Category Archives: New Music

A Chat With, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With : Neon Wolf

We caught up with Rob from Neon Wolf after their sold out show upstairs in Whelan’s Dublin last Saturday to have a chat.

You guys seem to be building up quite a bit of a reputation now, you’re getting a lot of support,but what brought you guys together, and when did you start out?
It started in 2011, but we’d been aware of each other’s bands for a few years. When the time came that we didn’t have anything else going on musically, we kind of came together and wrote some songs that got us excited.
Where did the name Neon Wolf come from?
I was half-asleep one night and it just came to me, I had been thinking about band names before that so it was on my mind. I came to, and text my friend to ask him what he thought, he didn’t like it, so it stuck.
What inspired you to make music?
For me, I just had melodies in my head that I wanted to get out and Brian Wilson.
You radiate bright sunny vibes through your music is that a conscious decision to fend away the dull winter days in kilkenny?
Good question, probably. We just like having a good time and I guess it reflects on the music. There are a lot of sad moments too but that makes good music, doesn’t it?
Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
There’s usually either some chords or a sound happening and then a melody will unravel. Not always that simple but it can happen very easily.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Yes, there was an incident which was down to bad management and money. Nothing to do with the 5 members. The band got through it thankfully and we’re currently back on track and going full steam ahead.
Which of your songs are you most proud of so far?
Hmm, that’s a tough one, it depends on what day it is. I will say there is a particular new song that doesn’t have a title yet, it’s like half Lorde, half Foals but could’ve been on The Beach soundtrack.
Which of the lyrics you have written are your favourite so far?
I love the imagery in No Other Soul,”Don’t you want to see, we got out so long ago, we could not be. There’s no other soul, we’re the last one’s out, I know there couldn’t”. It just captures where my head was at the time. Is it post-apocalyptic and half inspired by Dawn of the Dead? Probably.
So you guys played with Ham Sandwich in the Academy last month , how was your set?
It was good fun and the crowd were deadly! Ham Sandwich are such a great band, very cool people too!
What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
There’s a new song we’re playing that is going down a treat, it’s currently called War, then there’s All of it’s Your’s which goes down so well live, we still love it!
So far what is your favourite venue that you have played ?
The Olympia in Dublin.
What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
This time there was a stage invasion at our hometown gig, people were falling all over the place. I always wondered how musicians worked through that, I found out fairly quickly. It was bizarre but absolutely deadly at the same time.
Who has been your favourite support act so far?
Knoxville Morning, they supported us for a hometown gig, and anytime we play together it’s just mayhem.
What is the first Record you ever bought?
I would say, Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away.
What is the best advise you have been given?
“Do what makes you happy”, It’s a simple one but it was enough.
Is there any new artists that you are excited about?
The Japanese House, Blossoms and Spring King.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
Play music that you want to play.
What have Neon Wolf got planned for the rest of the year?
Recording in Belfast. Playing with Stereophonics and The Vaccines in Dublin at the end of June and Indiependence Festival in Cork on July 30th. There are more gigs and releases to come, which we’re very excited about! Keep an eye out…

Exciting times ahead for Neon Wolf supporting Stereophonics and The Vaccines that’s going to be amazing! Looking forward to their new releases too! If you can’t wait for them check out their track ‘All Of It’s Yours’ below.

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

For The Girl ‘Where Did Time Go?’

 

For The Girl are an Indie Pop Rock band from Nottingham. The band consists of members Sam Plenty (Vocals), Josh King (Rhythm Guitar), Isaac Hallas (Lead Guitar ), James Wells (Bass Guitar/ Synth) and Nathan Fox (Drums/ Percussion ). For The Girl have played a number of high profile gigs and toured with the likes of Young Kato. Their stage presence is like no other irrespective of where they play, from small and intimate venues, to the electric crowds of the UK’s O2 Academies. Known for their style and sound that is unique to them they are gaining an ever growing fan base and are fast becoming the ones to watch.
They have recently released ‘Where Did Time Go?’ the uplifting first single taken from the bands new EP ‘Shark Attack’, which is due out on the 8th of July. Lyrically, this song describes the emotions and feelings of something that a large amount of people experience at some point in their lifetime: the search for you inner self. For The Girl portray this theme to us in a fun upbeat energetic manner that is infectious. This track is full of radiant guitars, shimmering synths, soft beats, bright pop cymbal work and rhythms. Plenty has a unique style and vocal tone which is full of confidence and attitude and although its unique and not what you would expect it works extremely well with their sound as it adds a bite to the track and a refreshing sharpness which is effective. This track has a slick seductively captivating guitar feature that is kick ass. ‘Where Did Time Go?’ is full of amazing dimensions and is ablaze with bright tones and an upbeat energetic atmosphere.
‘Where Did Time Go?’ is definitely a must listen! For The Girl have a bright future ahead of them. We will eagerly await their EP.
Watch “Where Did Time Go?” below

Alt Rock, Hard Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Circle Of Reason ‘Never Enough’

Circle Of Reason are a four piece alt/hard-rock band hailing from Southampton. Band members Gary, Simon, Andy and Rob have created a name for themselves as a band who can deliver on the live stage. They have earned themselves support slots with the likes of Feed The Rhino, Marmozets, Neck Deep, Inme, Girlschool, Mallory Knox, Fearless Vampire Killers and many more. They have also performed at numerous festivals including Takedown Festival, X-Treme, Rock Diabetes, Kerrang Radio Summer Festival, Gosport, Keynsham and Weyfest. Having already released two video singles in the past 3 months in support of their mini album ‘Faith Or Theory’, UK unsigned alt-rocker’s Circle Of Reason are back again to announce their new video for ‘Never Enough’.
‘Never Enough’ delivers all of the bands renowned melodic hooks, articulate dynamics and fierce guitar riffs and is a massive attention grabbing opener for the album. From the start this track swallows you up in a whirlwind frenzy of hard hitting material with melodic verses and a soaring chorus. The intense vigorous guitar riffs and thunderous drums pound your very soul and convey an aggressive tone. The songs rapid tempo creates an almost manic circle pit worthy atmosphere which slows a little for the chorus where the dynamic vocals take your attention. The robust flexible bass runs along in the background of the track with powerful effect giving this track a depth. The track explores the lyrical theme of “No matter what you do, it’s never good enough for some people”. and this is conveyed perfectly through the instrumentation. The pounding drums and frantic guitars portray a frustrated and angry perhaps confused atmosphere that one would feel if you thought you were “never good enough for some people”
This track is a beast of a track that deserves to be played at max volume!
The band’s new mini-album, ‘Faith Or Theory’, is available now. You can purchase it  in physical format via the band’s store or digitally via iTunes.
The Video to ‘Never Enough’ was released earlier this month. It shows the emotion behind the song and how it could relate to anyone and features actress and model ‘Hannaj Bang Bendz’ check it out below.

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

Odstocks ‘Cookie Jar’

Odstocks are a rock band from Salisbury. Band members Jack Wilkinson-Holton (Guitar & Vocals), Tommy Nicklen (Guitar & B-Vocals), Tom Hollinworth (Bass) and Alec Mackenzie (Drums) have won ‘Best young band’ at the Salisbury music awards and are creating quite a stir with their energetic indie rock sound. They released their debut track ‘Cookie Jar’ earlier this year and are currently working on their debut EP.
‘Cookie Jar’ is a riff based rock track full of attitude. It begins with an infectious guitar, riff some guitar distortion and thumping drums. The guitars subside a little to a psychedelic wah wah in places for the verse while an unexpected strong but subtle almost funky bass line adds a groove that is contagious.The vocals are gritty and aggressive which adds a contrast between the groovy seductive bass and light slick lustrous guitar. The chorus builds both instrumentally and vocally and becomes more vigorous and intense. The instrumental gives a chance for them to showcase their talent as we hear a confidant zealous guitar feature with slick running baseline and stirring drums. The song increases in tempo to the final chorus which is introduced by the catchy riff then the song ends suddenly in a true rock star “drop the mic fashion”.
‘Cookie Jar’ is a brilliant introduction to a talented band which deserve to do well.
Stream ‘Cookie Jar’ below

A Chat With, Blues, Indie, Interviews, New Music, Rock and Roll

A Chat With : Skunkmello

 

Following the release for their new album ‘ Hot Chicken’ today we decided to have a chat with Skunkmello to see what makes them tick.

When did you form your band?

Early 2012.

How did you decide what style/ Genre of music you wanted to do?
I’ve always been a huge fan of rock and roll and old blues and roots music so I tend to write songs in that vein, and the songs I bring to the band generally dictate the style we ultimately run with. It’s an amorphous vibe that kind of changes a bit from tune to tune, but always grounded in solid rock and roll.
What inspired you to make music?
Everything, really. All the great tunes out there, the grit and grind of everyday existence, high-proof distillations, and the whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers…

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
White knuckled chaos, good-timing debauchery, and tenuous survival careening on the edge of almost certain doom. We like Whiskey too.
Could you briefly describe you music-making process?
We don’t have much of a process. I may come up with a song, for whatever reason, and bring it in to the band for some run and gun electric rocket-fire.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
We often take a bender a bit too far around the curve, winding up in some precarious situations where fast talk and burnt nerves won’t always walk you back. We don’t overcome as much as we overdo, but once you get into something like this you got to take out to it’s fiery conclusion.

What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
We dig em all, that’s why we play them, and my favorite tends to shift with my mood. Right now I guess it’s a tune called “Sweet Delight” off of our new record, Hot Chicken, because it’s got that big fiery finish you can really get in to.

So far what are your favourite and least favourite venues that you have played ?
We like them all as long as the crowd is right and the taps are flowing.

What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
Well, we did a show recently where we had some naked folks dancing around, some spinning from the ceiling and others spinning fire. We thought that was pretty cool.

Who has been your favourite support act so far?
There are a number of local bands we like to play with, including The Silks, Scantron, and Cropdust.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to get around, get into some mountains, get into some waves, or get just vibe off somewhere quiet with a book and a guitar. I also enjoy raucous burner at the pub, depending on my mood.

Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Hopefully soon, I love Ireland and have had many a wild time over there. Good people down for a good time.

What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
If you dig it, do it. If you really dig it, do it twice.

Stream ‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ below

 

Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Uncategorized

Skunkmello ‘Hot Chicken’

Brooklyn-based rock and roll band Skunkmello have released their new album ‘Hot Chicken’ today. Matt Bartlett (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Ed Cuervo (guitar, vocals), Jay Holt (bass,vocals) and Jono Ori (drums, vocals) have created their sound which blends the influences of classic rock and blues artists, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Towns Van Zandt and The Rolling Stones. The group’s three previous releases, Whiskey & Oatmeal EP (2012), 2013’s Lowlife Dreams EP which were produced by the band and mastered by Grammy Award‐winner Brian Lucey,( The Black Keys’ Brothers and El Camino albums) and 2014’s Stars & Stripes, have all met with critical acclaim and ‘Hot Chicken’ follows with in the same manner.
‘Hot Chicken’ pulls together the best of classic rock and roll with country twangs and refreshing blasts of blues to make a solid smooth album full of swagger. ‘Cardboard Box Disguise’ kicks things off in a true rock and roll style with husky vocals, luscious guitar twangs and a sick drum beat that pulls you to the dance floor. With it’s catchy chorus this fun upbeat track is infectious and starts the album off on a high with added cowboy “woooh” mid guitar solo its full of 50s rock and roll swagger.
‘Ridin’ The River’ follows with a heavier sound to start. The country twang features strongly again while the song takes a swing persona as the harmonica becomes predominate. The bridge is finger clicking and foot tappingly good. Its feel good vibe is infectious and makes this track so easy to listen to.
‘Prime Time Hero’ takes a blues form with a sensual sway/strut effect. The guitar plays a light springy melody to soft bouncy beats. Skunkmello take blues and make it light and fun in this track. The chorus is simple with “wooo yeah” lyrics and trust me you will be singing by the end. This track is full of sass in a smooth seductive style.
‘Rhinestone Shady’ brings us a rock and roll blues with heavier beats and stronger vocals full of attitude. With a crisp slick guitar solo and clever lyrics this song is energetic and yet a true narrative telling a story relative to their lives.
‘Highway 17’ slows the tone down a little with a country almost whiskey drowned ballad. It is beautifully melodic and smooth and gives a driving on a hot summers evening feel. Its full of nostalgia and melancholy tones with lush sweet harmonies in backing vocal, while the main vocals are slightly animated and emotional.
‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ brings back that “turn it up loud” rock and roll feel while ‘ Alligator Coat’ gives us some distorted sliding guitars and shakes up their sound a little. ‘Cash Flow Blues’ deals with the problem of money or lack of, which we can all relate to. Skunkmello deal with this problem in an upbeat manner full of humour and an almost speaking vocal in the middle. This song is full of clap along beats and definitely is one to get an audience up and dancing.
‘Sweet Delight’ closes the album in a raunchy blues style. The steamy guitars and soft beat gives a longing sway vibe to the track. While the vocals become rough and husky in places. With “ohhh” feature on vocals that begin soft and build to become intense and louder up to the massive guitar solo and an almost shout in vocals and roll on drums. This softens until the guitar plays us out with a kick ass solo and pounding drums to a sudden end. Leaving you wanting more.
Stream ‘Slaughterhouse Blues’ and ‘Highway 17’  below

A Chat With, Alt Rock, Blues, indie rock, Interviews, New Music, Rock

A Chat With : Jack Berry

After reviewing Jack Berry’s new album ‘ Mean Machine’ earlier this month, we decided to have a chat with him about his new album and to get to know him a little better.

How Did ‘Mean Machine’ come about?
I had a bunch of songs I was working out and I got a call to use an old track (“Kiss Like”) for a Showtime show but I had to re-record the instrumentals. We went in, recorded it in an hour and the engineer just says, “Well, you’ve got the studio for the day…want to record anything else?” Three days later we had Mean Machine.
Did you find it difficult to decide what tracks you wanted on the album and what order to put them in?
Which songs were already set, but the order I treated like a concept album. Lyrically everything is correlative and the story carries itself throughout and I arranged the tracks to justify that.
The songs on the album all keep in with the same theme of conflicting emotions only portrayed in different ways was it difficult to keep the same theme through all the songs?
I certainly didn’t plan it to be that way, so it wasn’t difficult to stick to it. It’s more difficult to just stay out of the way of the flow. Let it breathe.
Your songs are full of swagger and confidence does this reflect on your personality?
Most of the figures I placed as heroes growing up had bravado in spades. Like Clint Eastwood or Muhammad Ali – but I wouldn’t say I walk the streets like Shaft. I’m a lot more laid back than what my music suggests…til I’m not.

Which of your songs are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of The Bull. The storyline alone was a fun thing to create and everything fell into place from there. I never planned for it to be so heavy but that’s what I love about it – the rise and tension. Parts of other songs still give me chills which is weird I reckon, to get that feeling from your own songs but I’m pretty good at detaching myself from the project as a person and artist.
There are some really great riffs in this album, were they difficult to come up with or did they come naturally?
Thank you for saying that. Naturally I suppose. The difficult part was refining them. I could hear them in my head but I’m only a sub-par player so it took time to do the riff justice.
Do your songs draw inspiration from personal experiences?
I like to use the content or vibe as a sort of score or soundtrack to my personal experiences so in a way yes, but not verbatim.
From your album you get a sense that these songs would be epic performed live, what is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
The live show brings the ruckus, I can tell you that much. I try to bring the energy of a punk show in rock form. We’re all dropping in sweat by song three. “Bad Dog” is typically the closer and for good reason.
What advice do you have for people who want to start a career in music?
Once you commit to starting that road, don’t turn back – only way you’ll make it is being relentless. Especially these days. It’s a beautiful thing to have so many artists among us, but it makes it a bitch to survive and get noticed.
What has been your biggest challenge in the music industry so far? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Keeping my mouth shut about other genres or artists that receive so much fame and attention. There’s just no point but I’m so opinionated and certain things like country, which is just pop music with shit lyrics these days, not at all a candle to what it use to be but…ah dammit. See. Shut my mouth.
Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
By order of the Peaky Blinders I assume.
What is next for Jack Berry?
Shows, shows, more shows. Then back to the drawing board. Scatter some whiskey and tacos in there and that should cover it.

Whiskey and tacos sound good! might do that myself! stream ‘Mean Machine’ below.

https://soundcloud.com/jackberrymeanmachine/sets/mean-machine

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

New Valley Wolves ‘Eyes On Me’

New Valley Wolves are a rock duo from Dublin. Jonny Lucey and Baz Joyce have created an aggressive concoction of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and hard- core rock. Their new single ‘Eyes On Me’ was released earlier this year and it is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
‘Eyes On Me’ is a riff based gritty blues rock track full of attitude and swagger. The slick fiery riffs teamed with pounding soul shaking drums give this track a cool sensual tone with an added grit. The confident vocals exudes swagger with its grainy “I don’t give a damn” tone. The verses give an eerie destructive almost threatening tone while the infectious riff sticks in your head, its so catchy you will have it playing in your head all day. This track builds into frantic head banging rock that is mosh pit worthy. This track is full of energy with powerful drums and vigorous guitar I can imagine its insane live!
Stream ‘Eyes On Me’ here

https://soundcloud.com/new-valley-wolves/eyes-on-me

Folk and Soul, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Tom Ryder ‘Desk Job’

Essex-based singer-songwriter Tom Ryder has released his new single ‘Desk Job’ from his recent ‘Strings Attached’ EP. Tom has made an impression on BBC Introducing in Cambridge and BBC Essex. BBC Three Counties Radio have play listed Tom’s songs and invited him in for live sessions. The new EP track ‘Strings Attached’ has already been heard on the airwaves of 39 BBC regional stations. His début single ‘Silence Breaking Through Sound’ raised close to £9,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2015 and has gained celebrity praise and approval from Chris Evans and Rod Stewart. Ryder’s new track ‘Desk Job’ follows and doesn’t disappoint.
‘Desk Job’ is a soft gentle track that explores the daily 9 to 5 grind to a beautiful and infectious folk-pop melody. With a delicate rounded beat and velvety smooth acoustic guitar this track is spongy and sweet. While the lyrics are easy to relate to and perhaps sometimes harsh, we are not being told a fairytale as it is a song about “reality”. However the lyrics are performed in a compassionate tender manner. Ryder’s vocals are warm and sympathetic. Although the theme is somewhat melancholy the tone of the song is upbeat and positive, with a brass feature that fills you with hope and positivity. The added almost whisper vocal and break in the song near the end adds a dramatic effect to the track that makes sure to keep your attention.
This is a lovely emotional raw track that is honest and true yet still upbeat and cheery.
Stream ‘Desk Job’ below .

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/tomryderdeskjob

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes in the form of Fickle Friends ‘Swim’

Fickle Friends are Nattassia (Natti) Shiner (vox/synth), Sam Morris (drums), Harry Herrington (bass/backing vox), Chris Hall (guitar) and Jack Wilson (synth/backing vox) from Brighton. The Indie Pop five piece released ‘Swim’ earlier this year. We are big fans of Fickle Friends hear at Indie Buddie. We have previously published a feature on their track ‘Say No More’ and were so blown away with their sound we decided to make ‘Swim’ our Worth A Listen Track this week.
‘Swim’ is a playful exuberant track that radiates sunshine from the very first note. The soft sprightly pop beats and chirpy shimmering synths give this track a bright upbeat vibe. The twinkling guitar uplifts your soul and teamed with the positive bouncy beat gives a dance quality you can’t help but bop to. The cool and sweet vocals give an airy vibe to the track like a refreshing breeze on a hot day. The lyrics have a more sombre tone as the track is about one feeling like they are drowning which adds an effective contrast, but there is hope as we are told “you are not alone” this mantra keeps the track optimistic and positive.
Another fantastic song from Fickle Friends look forward to hearing more!
Watch ‘Swim’ below