Category Archives: Synth-pop

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Feel Good Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Fake Shark ‘Wake Up’

Canadian chart-topping indie-pop trio Fake Shark have released a synergistic new video for their single ‘Wake Up’ feat. Fionn via Live In Limbo. Previously operating under Fake Shark – Real Zombie!, the band has cultivated a dedicated fanbase with their art-punk inspired sound. The release of their widely accessible full-length ‘Faux Real’ (Light Organ Records) in May 2017 saw the band charting on Canadian commercial formats and garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Since the release of their album, the band has been honing their signature sound and have emerged with “Wake Up” – their most collaborative and harmonious recording to date. The members of Fake Shark have long been known for their singular style and feverish, wide-eyed abandon. Their songs emphasize unforgettable hooks, drawing on frontman Kevvy Mental’s experience as a pop producer working with Carly Rae Jepsen, Kat Von D and many others.

‘Wake Up’ is a flashy, glamorously infectious disco flavoured number that lasso’s you onto the dance floor. Shimmering synths glissade down vibrant guitar hooks and buoyant peppy rhythm creating a lush energetic and dance-able soundscape. Smooth velvety vocals coo over the melty, dreamy melody while dazzling soundscapes inject a hefty dose of sparkle and glitter into this swagger filled gem. It’s instantly peppy and pop smothered with a driving rooted bass line to keep a strut ready bounce and lift in the song. The vocals sail between male and female vocals keeping the track refreshing and enticing at all times. These guys have created an instant pick me up shot of vitality with this groovy dynamic number.

About the track the band said: “Wake Up  is about dreaming of someone or something you had no special feelings for, but when you wake up, you’re in love with them. The single is definitely a new direction for us, and it’s the result of our musical chemistry coming together the best it’s ever been.”

Watch the video for ‘Wake Up’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From BØRNS 

 

BØRNS is the stage name of American singer songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Garrett Borns. Borns released his second album ‘Blue Madonna’ earlier this year and I have been obsessed with the track ‘We Don’t Care’ ever since. Joined once again by producer Tommy English, Borns takes the delicious indie synth pop from his ‘Dopamine’ debut and fleshes it out blending in some dreamy, psychedelic, electric pop flavours along with a dash of glam sprinkled rock and roll which we see in ‘We Don’t Care’.  Its walloping Bo Diddley rhythm drives the infectious groove creating a Will Young ‘Switch It On’ – esque danceable foundation while jangly guitars slide and glide upon this sublime jittery backdrop. Borns’ nectarous vocals slither between a whisper for the enticing verses and lush falsetto for the infectious chorus. The melody is juicy and sweet honey to the ears. The sugary electronics swirl and seep between the clap along beat and fuzz filled guitar spreading a candied lusciousness throughout this electrifying gem. The layering is sublime and the track slowly builds in intensity to a dynamic feverous crescendo. It’s a slick swagger soaked display that struts with smooth precision in every note making for a consuming, enthralling and enjoyable experience. ‘We Don’t Care’ is an ear-worm you won’t be able to prise out of your mind as you dance and flop around the room.

Watch the video for ‘We Don’t Care’ below


Alt- Pop, Brit Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, New Wave, Synth-pop

Punketronic ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’

Indie Rock 4-Piece Punketronic have released their debut single ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’, a tribute to the late David Bowie as a thank you for giving us inspiring and uplifting music. Based in Bristol, Punketronic was formed by songwriter and multi instrumentalist Paul Tronic. Made up of band mates of 20 years from covers bands, the four piece present a fusion of new wave, synth pop and power pop with a hint of modern indie rock, giving them an edge whilst still remaining current.

Their debut single ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ is a punchy 3 minute track, written by Paul himself. Taking influence from the likes of Blondie, Talking Heads and David Bowie, with a brit pop energy. It’s a sweetly nostalgic synth pop number driven by edgy jangly guitars and a snappy beat. The melody flows upon a groovy danceable backdrop while the synth laced soundscapes wisp and swirl about creating a spacey vibrant breath of fresh air. This radio friendly ditty floods with a catchy chorus and luscious melodies wrapped in a swoosh of shimmering electronics. The dazzling soundscapes encase the track in a delightful nostalgic euphoria while the zesty guitar injects a healthy dose of indie rock. Recorded in Paul’s home studio, ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ was written in around an hour and self-recorded. The track is accompanied by an interesting video, recorded by George Elliott, a hotly tipped film student from Bristol.

Watch the video for ‘Hello Mr Moonlight’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Single Premiere, Synth-pop

Five Days North ‘Stranger Signs’

Winners of the 2017 Best Unsigned Band at the Best of British Unsigned Music Awards, Five Days North are set to release their new single ‘Stranger Signs’ in June. In the summer of 2016, they released their debut EP ‘Past Times’. It contained the single ‘Won’t Stop for Nothing’ which has featured on ITV’s This Morning and was released with an accompanying music video. Their second single in April 2017 ‘Shapeshifters’ and third single ‘City of Wonder’ in September 2017 have both featured on BBC Introducing. The five piece have played a multitude of live events around the UK, from great venues such as the Deaf Institute and a headline performance at Gorilla in Manchester, to festivals such as Dot to Dot 2017 and Warrington festival 2016.

‘Stranger Signs’ is a light, dazzling whack of indie pop delight. Shimmering synths flood the track with an effervescent fizz of sugar while the luscious melody flows on top with a glucose creamy texture. The twinkling guitars add flickers of scintillation to the floaty ethereal atmosphere and inject a dash of zealous edge while the danceable infectious rhythm rebounds with an energetic spring creating a dynamic rich number that is anthemic and vibrant.Darryl Messer’s vocals surge with passion and emotion as the bright lustrous soundscapes rush about with a sublime breezy  cool sun kissed vibe. ‘Stranger Signs’ is another charming gem that glitters with rich instrumentation and a meticulously layered production.

Stream ‘Stranger Signs’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Dance, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From 10 O’Clock Chemical

Having met through Stoke On Trent’s local music scene, 10 O’Clock Chemical was formed in 2016 between four friends discovering a shared love for rock and electronica: songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist Rhys, drummer Danny, bassist Josh and guitarist Jack. An enigmatic group with a penchant for sci-fi imagery and witty, observational songwriting, they were quickly voted ‘Best New Artist’ by six hundred of their peers at the Staffordshire and Cheshire Music Awards in Spring 2017. Their debut single ‘Babylon is Fallen’ was released to critical acclaim in February 2018 via their own GRITPOP label, and the group plan to release their debut EP this June. The band have now released a video for their recent single ‘We Are Digital’.

‘We Are Digital’ is a flaunty, sublime strut of electronica that exudes the sass and sultriness of INXS with a Depeche Mode foundation. This catchy gem showcases the band’s opulent production, slithery grooves, and captivating allure.With a thick rhythmic base and light funk embellishment, this song fits all the needs of 1980s pop radio while maintaining a modern edge. The glossy infectious melody glides over a rippling guitar line and snappy skittering beat creating an infectious dancable number. The sumptuous production makes for a wholly satisfying listen –  tightly layered and darkly hued the song lures you into its infectious depths. The vibrant chorus is ridiculously buoyant as attitude soaked vocals rebound of its fluctuant, dizzying soundscapes while falsetto vocals sweeten the deal providing a lush melody to cling to. 10 O’Clock Chemical have created a hook laden intoxicating pop number to drool over.

The video for ‘We Are Digital’ was Co-directed by Will Hutchinson and band member Rhys Oakes – watch it below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

Bastille ‘Quarter Past Midnight’

Bastille have released their new single ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ which is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming third album, the follow-up to 2016’s UK No. 1 album ‘Wild World’. The past half-decade has certainly been a whirlwind for the four-piece, who comprise frontman Dan Smith (who is the sole songwriter, and co-produces all the tracks alongside Mark Crew), keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris Wood. They’ve played over 500 shows across six continents, including their recent, critically acclaimed ReOrchestrated tour, and have amassed 15 million single sales and 6 million album sales globally. Both ‘Bad Blood’ and its follow-up, ‘Wild World’, reached No.1 in the UK and the top 10 in the US, and their music has been streamed a staggering 3.3 billion times. They’ve not gone without awards recognition either: after winning British Breakthrough Act at the BRITs, they’ve earned Grammy, AMA and MTV Europe Awards nominations. The new single which was recorded and self-produced in the band’s newly built studio which also houses Smith’s record label Best Laid Plans (Rag N’Bone Man, Rationale), is set to follow their upward trend.

‘Quarter Past Midnight’ is a surging rush of the anthemic bliss Bastille do so well. Driven by a snapping breakbeat and adrenaline flooding drums which fill the track with a shot of exhilaration that dashes through your veins while the infectious melody melts on top of kinetic electronic soundscapes. Oozing tones of excitement and elation this track whizzes with an effervescence that grabs you and makes you want to let loose, dance, sing and just expel all your stress and worries. Sweet toned guitar jangles weave coolly between this delicious explosion of sounds creating a warm delicate braid –  tying all the luscious component parts together while injecting a little stream of zest throughout track. Smiths smooth vocals seamlessly flow between his velvety baritone and sweet falsetto making for a dynamic listen. It’s vivid cinematic chorus provides that final burst of ecstasy that will have you hooked and craving more. Bastille never disappoint.

About the track frontman Dan Smith says: “It’s just about trying to capture that Sliding Doors moment on a night out. Some people are gonna go home; for some this is just the beginning. It became about being in someone’s car, driving through the city, and I wanted to try and capture that sense of excitement, and that rush.”

Stream ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

The RPMs ‘Let Things Happen’

The RPMs are set to release their new single ‘Let Things Happen’ via Xtra Mile Recordings on June 29 across all digital formats. The band was formed in Dorset by childhood friends Jack Valero (lead vocals, guitar) and Callum James, (drums and backing vocals). Following a move to Brighton they were joined by Miguel Cosme on bass and gained early momentum in 2016 for their debut EP, ‘Digital Disobedience, followed by their second EP in 2017, ‘Agents of Change’ released via Xtra Mile Recordings. Inspired by the support of singles ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Things I Forgot To Do’, The RPM’s expanded to a five piece, adding in Chris Bowden on keyboards and Ollie Summer on lead guitar to create a larger live sound and carve out a more ambitious sonic direction.The RPMs are set to tour extensively throughout Spring and Summer in support of ‘Let Things Happen’ and their upcoming third single for 2018, ‘Gotta Let Go’ is set for release in September via Xtra Mile Recordings.

‘Let Things Happen’ raises the bar for The RPMs to glorious new heights. This catchy track is the skittles packet of indie tunes, it’s brimming with sweet luscious melodies and juicy little glimmers on guitar to create a colourful vibrant indie track. Delicate keys flutter about the song adding shimmers of scintillation while a buoyant beat keeps the song hopping along with a joyous spring and bounce that is sublime and infectious. It’s sun kissed and chilled as the chiming guitars weave between the keys playfully- adding a chipper lustrous atmosphere. Well crafted the layers are tight and heavenly giving a rich, melodic, dreamy rush of sugar coated indie pop that is perfect for your summer playlists.

Speaking of the new single, singer Jack Valero said, “It’s written about how sometimes in life you just have to sit back and go with the flow and is very much based on where we are as a band right now. You face many difficult obstacles in life especially when you’re in a band and it’s all about how you overcome them and carry on, just like it says in the chorus ‘Pick up and start again’. It’s a positive message to not allow yourself to be defeated and also to remember sometimes to let go and live in the moment instead of trying to control it.”

You can catch The RPMs live at :

MAY 12 – Southend Chinnerys ‘Lost Minutes’ w. Sean McGowan and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly pre ‘Lost Evenings’
MAY 14 – Frank Turner Lost Evenings Festival Xtra Mile Label Night, The Roundhouse
MAY 19 – Brighton Shortts Bar – Alternative Escape – Roger Kent for Kick Out The Jams
MAY 27 – Bearded Theory Festival
JUNE 22 – Isle of Wight Festival
JULY 22 – Stockport Blackthorn Fest
AUGUST 3 – Kent, Edenbridge – LeeFest Neverworld
AUGUST 4 – Kent Edenbridge – LeeFest BBC Intro Kent Stage (Abbie McCarthy and Casey Heyburn)
AUGUST 10 – Peterborough – Green Meadows Festival
AUGUST 12 – Cornwall Boardmasters
AUGUST 26 – Warwickshire Camper Calling

Stream ‘Let Things Happen’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

MAURITIA ‘Baby, Please’

Fresh five piece indie outfit MAURITIA have released their single ‘Baby, Please’. Consisting of childhood friends Jonathan Yeo (drums), James Hughes (rhythm guitar), Sam Copsey (bass), Sean Blenkin (lead guitar) and Josh Hedges (vocals), the band formed in early 2017. Already having the opportunity to play alongside some well established bands such as Eliza and the Bear, Clean Cut Kid and Anteros the five-piece demand attention with their catchy tracks and energetic stage presence.

Their third release ‘Baby, Please’ is a synth heavy, guitar driven track written about the importance of being open and honest in a relationship. Recorded at The Motor Museum in Liverpool over 4 days and produced by Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon), the single features sparkling melodic riffs that playfully weave between a buoyant peppy beat and shimmering synth backdrop. Instantly catchy this radiant number is sun kissed indie at its most dazzling. A smooth vocal line caresses the infectious honey coated melody while chiming guitars add a dash of zest and vibrancy to this breezy chilled indie pop gem. This is one for those hazy day summer playlists.

You can catch MAURITIA live at
29th May – Hull – The Sesh (Headline Slot)
17th August – Sledmere –Tribfest (Headline Slot)

Stream ‘Baby, Please’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Submariner ‘Ghosts’

Submariner have released their new single ‘Ghosts’. After a strong 2017 where they sold out headline slots on the South Coast, made their major festival debuts at Common People and Victorious festivals, released their debut music video for “Closer” and gained attention from BBC introducing and The Line of Best Fit; Submariner are primed and ready to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as 2018 promises tours, a debut EP and further festival appearances.

‘Ghosts’ is a catchy feathery light dash of indie pop that is dreamy, luscious and bright yet holds a deeper foundation. The political lyrics shows the bands maturity and awareness without dragging the track down while vibrant ethereal guitars jangle about swirling synths and a snappy steady beat. The delicate sombre toned melody laments over the heavenly aerial soundscapes with a heart warming sweetness that carries both hopeful tones and melancholic nostalgia. The velvety smooth vocals caress the melody with a gentle tenderness and emotional power while the twinkling guitars flicker glimpses of bright scintillation throughout, creating an optimistic vibe. This track is subtly anthemic and ambient as lush harmonies and breezy effortless cool tones mixed with burning emotion rush through the song filling you with adrenaline and passion to keep pushing through. A sublime track that both glistens and shimmers with sun kissed aerial instrumentation combined with catchy golden melodies and heartbroken realism.

When asked about the track the band said: “The song is spiritually inspired by last year’s general election. The narrative involves a woman who gives her life to fight for other people, the oppressed and the broken. She is haunted by the ghosts of those she and the system failed to save. The chorus addresses her opponents and details the flaw in greed, especially the lines ‘reap the seeds, there’s no where for them’ & ‘I’ll be dead, long before you live’ indicating that the oppressor seeks wealth only in financial sense, but without compassion and kindness, has no real quality to life. In the fictional sense, the story ends on a note of hope, with the ghosts of the failed haunting the consciousness of the heroines enemy, leaving you with the line ‘In the dark, you’ll remember me’ and in turn, spurring the person into action.”

Stream ‘Ghosts’ below

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Tropical, Tropical Indie, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Courtship

Courtship have released their new single ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ taken from their soon to be released debut album ‘Denial in Paradise’. It’s a refreshing swig of juicy summer pop drenched in sparkling synths and vibrant jangly guitar. With a glorious melty melody immersed in lo-fi calming vocals and luminous instrumentation this track is delightful and vivacious. The production is tight and neat with slapping beats rebounding off the swirling breezy soundscapes creating a compact tropical number that is summer sun ready, light and euphoric. This track is melodic, stripped back and grandstanding at all the right moments to create a satisfying listen. The beat in particular pulses and adds a meaty yet fluctuant texture giving a joyous rush of adrenaline through the weaving beaming soundscapes and glistening guitar. It’s a feel good instantly likeable track that is sure to coax out the sun.

Courtship have also just released a video for the single which pays homage to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom and stars actor Jack Grazer from the film IT

Watch the video for ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ below