Serene is a three piece band from Cumbria consisting of Kieran Day on vocals, guitar, bass, synth; Ryan Patterson, lead guitar and synth; Matthew Southwell, drums and percussion.Contrary to what their name suggests these guys are full of loud, big sounding psychedelic, alternative rock. Their song ‘Rainbow Mind’ is a seductive enrapture of psychedelic rock with slick alluring guitars and steady beats. The gritty vocals give a grunge vibe to the chorus, however Kieran’s vocals for the verse is deep and haunting and adds a bewitching mysterious quality to the song. The psychedelic guitar solo is impeccable and breaks the tone a little preparing for the big crescendo.
This is a fantastic song well written and composed and really showcases the talent of these guys. Serene are currently preparing to release their first EP and if ‘Rainbow Mind’ is anything to go by its going to be a strong EP. Bright future ahead for this band!
Stream ‘Rainbow Mind’ below
‘Burn It Down’ is the first single to be taken from The Brazen’s début album. The Leeds/Birmingham-based indie rock band’s single was released on March 25th. Ryan Hobbs (Vocals), Matt Lucas (Lead Guitar), Trev Phillips (Bass), Adam Larner (Drums) and Rob Clayton (Guitars) have created a melodic song with tight instrumentals.’Burn It down’ is full of slick, radiant guitar riffs pounding drums and fluent vocals. This song is very catchy and upbeat and is a very promising track that ticks all the boxes. It is well written and composed with soft verses that burst into a vigorous chorus. A strong single to set us up for what looks like a stunning album to come.
The Brazen’s début album is set for release this May and was recorded with talented producer Ed Heaton (production credits include Jon Gomm, Fold, Ellen & The Escapades & more) at the beginning of this year. With a string of sold out shows and a performance at Elland Road already under their belt, these guys are set to do well.
You can catch them at :
27th May – Leeds, Milo
3rd June – Sheffield, Maida Vale
23rd July – Birmingham, Actress & Bishop
Stream ‘Burn It Down’ Below
Bonsai are a four piece band from Stoke-on-Trent that consist of Chris Hough (Guitar & Vocals), Joe Hough (Guitar), Benjamin Hough (Bass) and Freddie Godley (Drums). These guys have created an alternative rock sound based on raspy vocals, psychedelic riffs and steady beats, that gives a dusty drive in a desert vibe.
‘Houdini’ was released last year and gives a classic rock feel, with slick, prominent guitar throughout and smooth raspy vocals. The guitar gives a trance feel to the song that draws you in right up to the polished sensual guitar solo.
‘Ned’ starts as a mellow track with a nostalgic guitar teasing the tune until the vocals and drums kick in. This track gives a youthful freedom vibe. With the slick skill of the guitar as a prominent feature throughout and well rounded drum beats this song takes you on an epic journey. Just the guitar riffs and solos alone are like a path to ‘Neverland’ that you can’t help but follow.
Two really strong tracks from very talented and skilled lads , will look forward to hearing more from Bonsai.
Stream ‘Houdini’ and ‘Ned’ below
RINSE are Josh Hollingworth, Rich Hewitt, Josh Hassall and Ollie McNicholas. This indie quartet from Stoke-on-Trent released their new track ‘Not Too Late’ earlier this year. This song comes after their track ‘Jude Law’ won the ‘Best Record’ Award. These guys have a tight sound and have created a buzz amongst a growing network of fans.
‘Not Too Late’ is an explosive track with many dimensions, it kicks off with powerful guitar and robust drums which lighten for the vocals to enter with the verse. The haunting nostalgic vocals adds a mysterious tone to the song. The chorus bursts into vigorous guitars and pounding drums. Its a very catchy song with lyrical repetition in the chorus which adds to the haunting effect. This is a very promising band with a raw, real feel, definitely ones to watch!
Alternative Synth-pop band Neon Wolf From Kilkenny. Rob Grace ( Vocals), Stevie Cullen (Guitar/ Vocals), Joe Glynn (Drums), Lee Shanahan (Bass) ,Liam Doyle (Keyboards/Vocal) début EP ‘Love Lost In Design’, topped iTunes charts in Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland and saw them receive both national and regional airplay in those countries. In 2012, the band were also awarded the RTE RAAP Breakthrough Bursary, having been chosen out of a list of thousands of entrants. Since then Neon Wolf have been developing a staunch fan-base and have been playing at many festivals such as Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions, as well as a main stage appearance at Longitude 2015. They have also supported The Courteeners, Alabama Shakes, The 1975, The Districts and most recently Hudson Taylor in Belfast’s Mandela Hall and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.In 2015, Neon Wolf released their single ‘A Place To Call Home’ on Killing Moon Records in Ireland and UK and have now announced a début headline show Upstairs in Whelans live on Saturday June 11th.
These guys are a must see with their tight instrumentation, fun and catchy pop tunes. Their single ‘A Place To Call Home’ is a sunny tropical infectious tune with punchy drum and lustrous guitars. Its bursting with melodic hooks and shimmering synths. Every note explodes good vibes and sunshine. With soft warm vocals and a falsetto chorus just oozing energy and enthusiasm.
Feel good sunny music on a summers day in June, they will make the sun shine even if its raining. Tickets for the gig are €10 and are available from Ticketmaster.
Watch ‘A Place To Call Home’ below
Anna Liese have released the final two tracks from their début EP ‘Chasing and Fading’.’Chasing and Fading’ the title track is a riff base rock track heavier than the other songs we have heard so far.With an intense Radiohead vibe. The vocals have a mysterious tone to them which really adds to the atmosphere of this track. There is a call and response between the guitar and the vocals which is really effective. The song builds to a heavy end with a strong final note.
‘Green’ is my favourite track on the EP it again starts slow with melancholy vocals and then kicks straight into a rock song with full sound and a proper mosh pit tune, with slick guitars and pounding drums and even a scream in vocals. The vigorous guitars are amazing and really show the skill of theses guys. This is a zealous, blazing track and I can imagine it is magnificent live.
Looking forward to the live gigs!
You can catch Anna Liese at the Thirsty scholar, Waterford on the 27th April and in The Brewery Corner, Kilkenny on the 21st May.
Stream ‘Chasing and Fading’ and ‘Green’ below
The Perks are a Pop Rock Alternative band from Las Vegas, NV composed of brothers Andy, Aaron, and Hunter Gorman, and their best friend Ryley Isakson. Since their inception on October 11, 2012, they’ve been playing energetic sets for passionate crowds both in and out of Vegas. The band just released their new single “Enough of This Place” which is a light catchy melodic tune with beautiful harmonies and a chorus everyone can join in to with “ooh” lyrics. It’s a sweet simple song that is well composed with light accompaniment for the verses which builds for the chorus. Their clapping bridge over electric guitar is very effective and has a positive vibe giving the song an uplifting “Imagine Dragons” feel. The simple vocal style also adds a smooth, easy to listen, laid back vibe to this song.
The Perks seem to have a nack for writing catchy tunes and their collection of songs show a variety of styles while keeping it fresh. “Not My Home” is a track they released last year which is an example of their talent. It’s a well produced song with steady beats and shimmering pop synths. It’s a really infectious tune and again the vocals are perfect as they are soft while showing off a vocal talent by moving into a smooth almost falsetto without becoming sharp. The tempo change at the bridge is very effective and we get to hear an instrumental solo which shows off their playing skills.
“Sirens” shows us a more indie rock side to the Perks with slick guitar riff and an intense mysterious vocal in the verses before a catchy upbeat bright chorus. They keep it light with this song also, but show off their guitar and compositional skills.
“Razorblades” would be my favourite of their songs with its groove beat and memorable chorus with energetic tones. Its a fun positive track that will make you dance and clap along.The funky guitar and luminous synths gives the track a spirited lively feel finishing with a lustrous guitar solo.
Perks are an energetic radiant band with catchy songs that are very easy to listen and sing along to.
Stream “Enough of This Place” ” Sirens” and ” Razorblades” below
Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes from Thieves Asylum
Thieves Asylum are a Rock band from Stoke-on-Trent that consist of Joseph Tomasso (Vocals/Guitar) Dan Thompson (Drums), Alex Grocock (Vocals/ Guitar) and James Perry (Bass Guitar). Their song “MEGADRIVE” is a fantastic hard hitting rock track with heavy beats and deep striking bass pulse. With a weighty intro and fierce guitar riffs, this solid fiery track has everything you would expect from a rock song. It has an infectious chorus and swaggering vocals that oozes confidence in a cool indifferent tone while the music explodes creating a contrast right up to the crescendo as the intensity of the vocals escalates leading to a magnificent guitar solo that doesn’t disappoint. This is definitely a song that is worth a listen.
Cant wait for more music from these guys!
If you want to catch Thieves Asylum live you can see them at:
Apr 26 The Shed ,Leicester
May 01 Lymelight Festival, Newcastle,
Stream “MEGADRIVE” below
Anna Liese are a four-piece alternative Rock, Irish band based in Waterford. Mark Walsh (Vocals, Guitars) Emmet Conefery (guitarist), Sean Carey (Bass) and Eddy Blake (Drums) have just released their début EP ‘Chasing and Fading’.These guys give us a variety with their slow tempos, melodic guitar passages, beautiful vocal harmonies in ” Storm” which has a smooth airy drive time vibe, compared with the fast tempo and heavy riffs in ” Psycho Mask” and “Break The Chain”.
” Psycho Mask” is an upbeat funky tune with some distortion which adds a hint of psychedelic rock as they lead into a instrumental break. “Break The Chain” is a rock and roll style track and my favourite of the three with it slick guitar and punchy drums its an animated track that’s bound to sound good live and get everyone up dancing. This particular tunes heavy riff and use of guitar licks is very effective.
‘Chasing and Fading’ is a strong début EP that shows promise and with a number of gigs under their belts and preparations for their EP launch gigs which will be taking place over the next few months we can look forward to some high energy shows.
Stream “Storm’ and ‘Break The Chain’ below
Blossoms have just dropped their new single, the Stockport boys , Tom Ogden (Voice/Guitar), Charlie Salt (Bass/BV’s) Josh Dewhurst ( Lead Guitar) Joe Donovan (Drums) and Myles Kellock (Keyboards/BV’s) new song “Getaway” is an honest,catchy light pop track. Its melodic with creamy velvety guitar,shimmering synths and steady smooth beats. Toms soft vocals really add a gentle touch to the already emotional piece. This bright upbeat song leaves you with a sweet but sombre vibe which is very compelling. I can imagine “Getaway’ is very effective live as Blossoms are known for their brilliant live performances. We saw them earlier this year and every song had a new dimension when it was performed live so I’ll look forward to where they take this lovely track when they perform it live. They will be supporting The Last Shadow Puppets in Dublin this May make sure you check them out we will definitely be looking forward to their set!
You can catch Blossoms live at :
APR 16 Villa Marina, Isle of Man
APR 30 Live at Leeds, Leeds University Refectory,Leeds
MAY 19 The Great Escape, Brighton
MAY 25 Olympia Theatre, Dublin
JUN 10 Isle of Wight Festival, Newport
JUN 11 Parklife, Manchester, United Kingdom
JUN 12 Field Day, London Victoria Park ,London
Stream “Getaway” below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
