Category Archives: Synth-pop

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

The Jackobins ‘Outside’

 

Liverpool based four-piece The Jackobins have released their hugely anticipated new single ‘Outside’. The band have taken the UK’s music scene by storm, regionally championed by BBC Introducing Merseyside the band have also received national airplay, with most recent singles ‘Nightfire’ and ‘Hasty’ named Radio X’s Track of The Week and previous singles ‘Waiting On The Sun’ and ‘One More Chance’ also airing on BBC Introducing Merseyside, BBC 6 and Radio X respectively.

‘Outside’ follows their string of smashers. This biting smack of intensified indie, blisters and boils with dark undertones and agonising emotion. They scatter a nice dose of synths over the track which adds a glittery disco vibe. It’s anthemic and breezy with mighty fist pump energy and punch. With an arena ready chorus and pop drizzled melody, it’s an instant indie hit. These guys have a knack for catchy indie tracks but this time they have turned their hand to an electronic fused blend to their sound and it does not disappoint. The electronics flicker in and out of the melody adding flashes of scintillation for the verse before exploding along with crashing strident guitars into the potent chorus. It’s ethereal and blustery, a force to be reckoned with. Another incredible track from The Jackobins.

The band say of the single, “Outside was written about the dangers of solitude. It’s about the kid in school who has no true friends, the guy who is after a girl who doesn’t know he exists, the girl who isolates herself from others because she doesn’t yet know who she is. The track deals with the seductive danger of escaping to somewhere that isn’t real, descending into your own fantasy in isolation. In a world dominated by social media people are becoming lonelier, and often those left on the outside become jealous observers of other peoples’ airbrushed lives. This is probably our darkest track to date thematically.”

Following a successful year of headlining full capacity venues across the country whilst also appearing on some of the UK’s most prestigious festivals including: Isle of Wight, Reading and Leeds, Kendal Calling. Tramlines, Live at Leeds, Sound City, Y Not Festival and Dot To Dot, The Jackobins are set to round off another busy year by returning to the studio and embarking on a new UK Tour supporting The Wholls as well as a  handful of festivals.

Stream ‘Outside’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, Synth-pop

The Only Ocean ‘Fake Sunflowers’

The Only Ocean are a four -piece atmospheric rock band from Lompoc, CA — a town most notable for its high security prison and its annual Flower Festival. Friends since junior high, the band taps into a level of unity that is typically only achieved by sibling groups, like the Beach Boys or the Jonases, their tight modern grooves locking together to support a soft bed of crackling guitars and soaring vocals. In 2015, they released their self-titled debut album, a polished collection of dreamy psych-rock bangers, produced by Jonathan DeBaun (The Mars Volta, Omar Rodríguez-López). After a year of supporting the record with energetic shows spanning the California coast, they returned to studio to record a 5-track follow up EP, titled ‘TOO’; a denser and more aggressive effort, with lead single ‘Cul-De-Sac’ approaching hardcore and punk rock in its ferocity. Tracks like ‘So Shy So High’ hinted at a more ornate and melodic direction to come. With the recent addition of guitarist Mic Singh, The Only Ocean’s sound has expanded to even grander proportions. Their recent release, ‘Good Morning’, is a confident and deliberate side-step into the festival rock arena, with producer DeBaun again returning to put his signature flair on things, dutifully guiding the band into new territory. The Only Ocean have now released their new single ‘Fake Sunflowers’ which follows the new solid sound of ‘Good Morning’ .

‘Fake Sunflowers’ flickers and bleeps with flashing sonic soundscapes against strident sharp guitars and an infectious beat. The soaring chorus adds an ethereal quality to the track while the lush sweet melody glides along smooth and creamy like honey to the ears. Tight harmonies add a multi dimension and rich texture to the track while the electronic soundscape adds a psychedelic dreamy vibe. It’s displayed simply but backed by richly layered intricate instrumentation. Another sublime track from The Only Ocean.

Stream ‘Fake Sunflowers’ below

https://soundcloud.com/theonlyocean/fake-sunflowers-single

 


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

Five Days North ‘City of Wonder’

Manchester-based indie pop band Five Days North have released a music video for their new track ‘City of Wonder’. Comprised of members Darryl Messer (Vocals, Synth), Dave Urwin (Guitar/banjo, Backing Vocals),Sam Taromsari (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Lewis Howells (Bass) and Zoravar Bakshi (Drums) Five Days North are an energetic indie pop band creating music that centers around powerful vocals, catchy choruses and memorable melodies. In the summer of 2016, they released their debut EP ‘Past Times’ which 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’ was played on BBC Introducing in Manchester. They have played a multitude of live events around the UK, alongside performing on festival stages such as Dot to Dot 2017, Warrington festival 2016 and multiple performances at Pangaea Festival.

‘City of Wonder’ is a breezy indie pop dazzler. A buoyant beat sets the foundation for this spirited elastic track. Shimmering synths sparkle throughout the sticky beat while sharp stings on guitar pierce through the syrupy soundscape. Smooth vocals soothe throughout with passion as the nostalgic soaked sweet melody oozes emotion. It’s a catchy tune complete with tight production and vibrancy. Melodic and sugar drizzled it’s a sweet moving little gem.

Watch the lyric video for ‘City of Wonder’ below

 


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

Wild Youth ‘Lose Control’

Dublin band Wild Youth comprised of members David Whelan (vocals/guitar) Conor O’Donohoe (keyboard/vocals) Ed Porter (guitar/vocals) and Callum McAdam (drums) have released a video for their upcoming new single ‘Lose Control’, which is set for release this Friday 8th September. ‘Lose Control’ is an instantly catchy radio ready surge of indie pop. Sweet vocals caress  a smooth feathery light melody. The rich clap along finger clicking rhythm makes this track danceable and breezy. Twinkling guitars and soft shimmers on keys create a floaty blissful melty atmosphere and rush of youthful adrenaline while the steady beat pulses throughout. This dreamy ear worm will have you dancing and grooving in no time. It’s a sophisticated, intricately layered, sublime track that is sure to be a hit.

You can catch Wild Youth live at

12 Sep Cyprus Avenue, Cork

13 Sep Abner Browns, Dublin

19 Sep Trinity Freshers Ball, Dublin

22 Sep Grand Social, Dublin

23 Sep Roisin Dubh, Galway

Check out the video for ‘Lose Control’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Beachwood Coyotes ‘I’m Tired Of Rolling My Eyes’

Indie rock four-piece Beachwood Coyotes have released their new single ‘I’m Tired Of Rolling My Eyes’. The new single features socially conscious lyrics, critiquing race relations in America. The Los Angeles based band have received acclaim from KROQ, Huffington Post, Wonderland Magazine and XS Noize among other tastemakers.

‘I’m Tired Of Rolling My Eyes’ is an energetic explosion of luscious indie pop soaked in electronic retro 80’s sounds. Rich rhythm and flickering soundscapes  create a lavish texture and blinding bedazzlement. With a vocal melody that rushes through like a surging flood, pumping adrenaline through your veins and an anthemic powerful chorus, these guys have written a track that is so intense and mighty yet glides with effortless breezy cool tones. With funky elements and hip hop hues it’s a multi faceted spurt of infectious songwriting and craftsmanship.

Beachwood Coyotes EP ‘Scrubby’ is set for release this Wednesday  September 6th  with a special release party at the Satellite in Los Angeles, California so make sure to check that out.

Stream ‘I’m Tired Of Rolling My Eyes’ below


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

Watercolours ‘Feel Tomorrow’

Watercolours are a Cheltenham based indie trio. Band members Conal Kelly, Matt Sharlot and Hamish Woolley have just released their debut single ‘Feel Tomorrow’. This sparkling indie pop track glides in on a sticky beat and breezy sunny soundscapes. Smooth cruising vocals and shimmering synths create a laid back dreamy vibe of bubbliness. It’s a shimmering gleaming bright track with sombre raw undertones. With silky zealous guitar features and wispy hypnotic psychedelic elements it’s instantly likeable and enchanting. Lush backing vocals and sweet sugar-coated melody create a glistening little gem that is succulent and rich. A strong debut from Watercolours as they display a tight well rooted sound and fine musicianship.

 

Watch the video for ‘Feel Tomorrow’ below


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

SPINN ‘Notice Me’

Liverpool dream-pop janglers SPINN have returned with their new single, ‘Notice Me’. Jonny (Lead Vocals/ Rhythm Guitar), Andy (Lead guitar/ Synthesizer), Sean (Bass/ Backing Vocals) and George (Drums/ Backing Vocals) have supported Will Joseph Cook, TRASH, and had a nifty little spot at FestEvol. Since the release of their last single, ‘Home’, SPINN have been admired for their dreamy sounds and youthful exuberance. The four lads, who met at school, have been shown a lot of love online, garnering 50K (and still climbing) streams on Spotify, whilst also being booked for Kendal Calling, and selling out their first headline show in their hometown, Liverpool.
‘Notice Me’ is a glucose filled syrupy shot of sweet indie pop. Filled with dreamy hazy vibes and infectious zesty hooks. Jangly guitar adds a refreshing sting and sunny warmth to this delightful track as it oozes summer sunshine vibes. Laid back day-dreamy vocals soothe with sombre longing tones while peppy beats and shimmering synths keep the track bouncing along with vibrant animation. Well layered and blissful ‘Notice Me’ is an honest guilt free slice of luscious indie pop.
The track was first made to gain some radio play from SPINN’s local BBC Introducing host, Dave Monks. The idea was to write a song about wanting the attention of Monks. Of the track, singer Jonathon Quinn said: “Notice Me started out as a way to get some radio play. We used to say it was a homage to BBC Radio Merseyside because when we wrote it we couldn’t get any radio play, and wanted to be noticed by them. The lyrics are a bit more meaningful, it’s essentially us trying to portray the concept of Hero Worship in a pop song. That’s why we’ve got a load of our gorgeous lovely heroes on the artwork.”

Stream ‘Notice Me’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From thanks.

Psych pop/acid folk band thanks. have released their latest single ‘Your World’. thanks. is Steve Pagano and Mario Borgatta. They combine psychedelic pop, cinematic vibes and electronically influenced beats and melodies to create catchy indie pop with an edge. The duo emerged after meeting at Berklee College of Music in 2009. It was then that Pagano and Borgatta realized they shared the same sentiment for music and how aligned their goal really was. Their highly anticipated debut album ‘Colfax’, named after the location of their recording studio and where the majority of the album was conceived, is the result of the pair uniting and a culmination of their mutual thoughts and beliefs. Pagano and Borgatta have seen previous success with numerous TV placements on major networks including MTV, ABC and Netflix, as well as having engineered on records from world renown, critically acclaimed artists such as Muse, Death Cab For Cutie, Foster The People and many more.
‘Your World’ is a vibrant burst of luscious psych pop with refreshing sweet juicy melodies and revitalised spurts of thirst-quenching synths. Climatic choruses and sticky upbeat funky rhythms give the track a bright summer sunshine feel. Soaked in groovy danceable beats with sun kissed rich textures drizzled on top in rich honey coated layers this track is instantly likeable, upbeat and strut worthy.

Stream ‘Your World’ below

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From April Towers

Nottingham April Towers have released their new single ‘Takes One to Know One’. Since forming, the duo of Alex Noble (vocals, guitars & keyboards) and Charlie Burley (production, samples, guitars & keyboards) have put out a series of singles and EPs including last year’s ‘Silent Fever’ and have played shows and festivals in the UK and Europe. They have been away from the spotlight in recent months honing the finishing touches to their debut album ‘Certified Freaky’. Recorded at Soho’s legendary Dean Street Studios in the same room David Bowie recorded Diamond Dogs, the album is co-produced with highly revered electronic artist-cum-DJ Ben Pearce and mixed by Nathan Boddy.
‘Takes One to Know One’ is a shimmering synth pop track jammed with infectious grooves and lustrous soundscapes. It’s a sweet bubbly can of sugar rush filled pop. Smooth vocals glide along a rich catchy melody while bopping beats slap with honey coated stickiness. With body grooving rhythm and glittering synths it’s instantly enjoyable and teamed with a Pet Shop Boys vibe it’s a timeless gloopy yet smooth delight.

‘Takes One to Know One’ is the first single taken from their debut album, due out early next year, which is currently being funded through Pledge Music, more info here http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/apriltowers

You can catch them live at
MON 26 JUNE – THE OLD BLUE LAST – LONDON, UK

Stream ‘Takes One to Know One’ below


Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Five Days North ‘Shapeshifters’

Five Days North are an energetic indie pop band based in Manchester. Band members Darryl Messer (Vocals, Synth), Dave Urwin (Guitar/banjo, Backing Vocals), Sam Taromsari (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Lewis Howells (Bass) and Zoravar Bakshi (Drums) create a blend of music that centres around powerful vocals, catchy choruses and electric banjo riffs. In the summer of 2016, they released their debut EP ‘Past Times’ and have since released a supporting music video for ‘Won’t Stop for Nothing’ that was directed by Lab Exposure UK. They have played a multitude of live events including gigs around the UK, alongside performing on festival stages such as Tribfest 2016, Warrington festival 2016 and multiple performances at Pangaea Festival. The quintet have now released their music video for their new single ‘Shapeshifters’.

‘Shapeshifters’ is a bright lustrous light bouncy slice of indie pop. The track is laced in peppy beats that add a spongy texture and elastic bounce. Twinkling guitars and jingling banjo riffs glisten throughout while the shimmering synths wrap the track in a smooth flurry of icing sugar. Instrumentally it is light and fluffy with a sweet melody and catchy chorus as the cherry on top however the vocals are brimming with soulful emotion and passion giving the light track a darker tone. This contrast makes for a richly textured song and brings a more emotional side to Five Days North’s sound.
The video for ‘Shapeshifters’ is out now check it out below