Indie-pop quartet, Ivy Nations have released their new single ‘Live By Design’. The band are setting the dance-rock scene on fire in their native Dublin. Only two singles deep, the group have been praised for the refined sound that they have established with producer Phil Magee (Kodaline, The Script). Their previous releases have broken the HypeM chart top 5 and received international airplay in the US, Australia and Ireland. They’ve toured with major artists such as Kodaline and have also released their first ever music video, for ‘Live By Design’ directed and produced by Blacktooth Films.
‘Live By Design’ fleshes out Ivy Nations energetic dynamic indie pop only with darker tones. Haunting twinkling guitar gives flashes of light through the eerie shadowy mysterious track. A murky bass line gives the foundation to the ghostly verses. The track explodes into a fruitful full bodied sonic flashing chorus. The woozy hectic chorus accelerates the track into a dynamic dance anthem. Blending and churning intense dreamy verses with high energy chorus’ Ivy nations create a sublime fun track that hits all the right spots. The shredding stinging guitar solo builds the track up to the mighty crescendo. Ivy nations brings us a chilling track that is both goosebump inducing and thrilling while also vibrant and dynamic.
Sheffield’s indie four piece Bayonet have released their new single ‘Call Me When It’s Over’. Bayonet have rapidly made a name for themselves as Sheffield’s indie poster boys,with their last single ‘Heart Attack’ premiering on Rebel Culture back in November, the last few months have seen Bayonet’s focus turn to the writing and recording of new material, their own inimitable brand of synth-pop now honed to polished perfection thanks to the handful of headline shows the band have already enjoyed this year.2016 saw band members Lewis Cain (Lead vocals/Guitar), Vince Ringrose (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Danny Higgins (Bass/Backing Vocals)and Sam Chapman (Drums/Backing Vocals) sell out various venues, wow crowds at both Dot to Dot and Tramlines festivals and release four rapturously received singles.
New single ‘Call Me When It’s Over’ follows this upward climb to success. Glowing with bright shimmering indie pop Bayonet display their smooth polished sun-kissed sound with a sugar coated melody against spongy beaming soundscapes. Twinkling guitars lift the track with peppy bright jabs and warm golden licks while the soft cushioned rhythm adds a bouncy vitality. Flowing in waves of cool tones of wistful longing this track is silky smooth and instantly likeable. Velvety vocals soothe with slick panache while the track takes a subtle groovy almost disco vibe. Bayonet skillfully balance sombre chilly tones with optimistic energetic instrumentation giving a well formed glossy track.
Stream ‘Call Me When It’s Over’ below
UK band Everywhere have announced their first 2017 offering in the form of new single ‘Man Up’. The single is currently available for streaming on Soundcloud and the official release to all digital stores including Spotify will happen on June 9th. At the end of last year, Everywhere released their critically praised sophomore EP ‘Fiction Act’. The EP single ‘Some Other Dude’ was featured on BBC Introducing in London and has received over a million streams on Spotify.
They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London. New single ‘Man Up’ continues the bands strike for world domination. ‘Man Up’ is a blissful explosion of sweet electro- pop. Swirling electronics kick the track off to a suspenseful start. Followed by a catchy chorus and infectious beat, this track seeps sugary pop from its core while holding enough raw cool tones to contain the sugar rush. The addition of vocals from Swedish singer-songwriter Rebecca Nohr blends smoothly and perfectly with the track and with Max Berga’s velvety vocals. With a funky dynamic bassline and shimmering synths this track is packed with oomph and honey coated melodies that will compel you to put ‘Man Up’ on repeat.
Stream ‘Man Up’ below
Heir are an alt-pop band based in Leeds. The band consists of members Tom Hammond, Sam Luca, Harry Vernon, Ste Fisher and Samuel Newham. The indie pop quintet have been selling out venues in their hometown.They have also enjoyed support from the BBC, and completed a European tour following the release of their debut EP last year. They have also supported the likes of Honne, The Dunwells and Karima Francis and have now released their new single ‘I’ll Pick You Up’. ‘I’ll Pick You Up’ is an ebullient zippy track that bursts with refreshing zesty vibes, cooled with smooth vocals and shimmering synths. Funky buoyant riffs give the track an infectious groove and bounce. Smothered in effortlessly cool swagger and a strut-like glide the track is chilled yet packed with upbeat feel good vibes. The punchy ductile bass adds animation and spring while the subtle twinkling synths add a laid back drift and cruise mellowing out the effulgent boppy track. Sweet lush harmonies glide along adding a delicate silky texture to the track. ‘I’ll Pick You Up’ is a catchy clap along refreshing glass of indie pop sprinkled with funky zealous blends and radiant vibes chilled with cool tones.
Stream ‘I’ll Pick You Up’ below
Dublins alternative rock foursome, Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘Waiting Up’. The band have played extensively all over the country and have Sunsets Festival and Guinness Amplify performances under their belt, as well as headlining shows at Dublin’s Workman’s and Whelan’s. Their track ‘City Of Wolves’ was released last year and was play listed on our national broadcaster RTE 2fm leading to a BBC Introducing slot for BBC Radio Ulster, and live sessions across stations like NOVA and 4fm. They finished last year at the Other Voices festival and have been booked for various showcases and Ones To Watch festivals this year as well as this summers Indiependence with Manic Street Preachers and SIGMA (full line up to be announced). ‘Waiting Up’ is a rush of sonic laden aerial indie. Soaring to skyscraper heights this track is sublime almost heavenly. The rapid tribal tinged beat teamed with rooted rolling bass gives the track grounding and a solid foundation to bounce off before it escapes and ascends into the elevated chorus. The sharp sting on guitar adds a breezy refreshing sensation as the track builds into a blustery thrilling crescendo. Smooth vocals coo to start with a velvety texture building and becoming more animated as the track progresses, while the lush uplifting backing vocals soar above with sweet elevated buoyancy. The superb production and breathtaking musicianship makes ‘Waiting Up’ a stunning display of Brass Phantoms compact remarkable soundscape
Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, have announced details of a second single release, ‘The Last Transmission’ which will be released on February 23 2017. The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of friends and fellow musicians ‘The Last Transmission’ is the follow up to their debut single release ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil’ which was released in November last year, receiving significant airplay both in Ireland and internationally, particularly in the UK, USA, France, Canada and The Mauritius. ‘The Last Transmission’ is a flaming burst of raw rock ignited with shredding guitars mighty percussion and sublime soaring synths. The track is jam packed and richly layered showcasing fine musicianship from theses guys. Perfectly placed reverb brings the track to red hot intensity as it scorches all in its path while the cool effortless yet dynamic vocals cool the track slightly. The guitars pierce through with an electrifying blood-tingling shrill. Instrumentally deep and luxurious ‘The Last Transmission’ is a rip-roaring sonic seizure blazing from start to finish swooping you into a whirlwind of high powered vivacious instrumentation and a blistering intricate production that boasts the talent and craftsmanship of The Grey Merchant.
The Grey Merchant are currently in the studio putting the final touches to their debut long-player release which is expected sometime in the late spring of 2017 so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘The Last Transmission’ below
Brighton based female fronted alternative pop act Della Lupa have released their new single ‘Goodnight’ which was written in and about Las Vegas. The single release is from their successfully crowd funded EP ‘Lost for the Longterm’. The EP will be released online and available on all online retailers March 2nd and will be marked with a physical release show in Brighton, with support from Common Tongues. The band consists of members Steph Brown (Lead Vocals/Keys), Pete Maccourt (bass), Mike Hawkins (Guitar), Chris Gwilt (Drums) and Sally Garozzo, Beccy Blaker (Backing Vocals). ‘Goodnight’ shimmers and glitters with a bright melodic pop vibe. Jingly keys add a twinkling magical sparkle while the groovy bass and guitar give a warm dance like quality and depth to the track. The snappy beat keeps the track bouncing along in a peppy manner while also adding punch and definition in parts. Sweet backing vocals echo adding a lush harmony and multi texture. The honeyed melody on keys give an uplifting and perky vibe as they playfully dance around the other instruments with a feathery light bounce.
Following the release Della Lupa will embark on a 10 date UK tour check out the dates on their facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/dellalupa/
Kilkenny alternative-indie five piece Neon Wolf have released their new single ‘Be American’. The band have played 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 Hudson Taylor in Belfast’s Mandela Hall and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. ‘Be American’ is about having hope in dark times and it is an insanely catchy mixture of 80’s pop and rock. Shimmering synths glisten and glitter with a blinding bright lustre that exudes intense heat and summer vibes. Soft vocals coax you gently into the infectious bop beat while the percussion shimmy and shake with enticing charm and charisma. The soothing lull on backing vocals is reassuring and calming while the melody is honey to the ears, so sweet and juicy you want to press repeat. This track is the essence of sunshine. With soaring vocals for the bridge its extremely uplifting and will put you instantly in a good mood and i’m not kidding the sun actually starting shining when I played this song first so it even has the suns approval. With Michael Jackson vibes and rich textures Neon Wolf open our minds to the hope of positivity ahead.
Watch ‘Be American’ below
Indie-pop quartet Secret Company ramp up the excitement for the release of their debut album ‘The World Lit Up And Filled With Colour’ which is set for release on March 10th with the release of the intense new single ‘Alive’. With a live performance on Channel 4’s reality show Made In Chelsea and appearances at the likes of Leeds Festival, Secret Garden Party and Isle Of Wight Festival already under their belt the band have shown they’ve got what it takes and this is just the latest addition to a series of impressive hits. They’ve already been clocking up radio play with top DJs from BBC Radio 1, 6Music and Radio X showing them some love, including the incredibly influential Huw Stephens and John Kennedy. Band members Scott Revell (vocals / guitar), James Patman (guitar), Kushal Gupta (bass) and Tim Reyland (drums) offer a pumping energetic anthem showered with sonic flecks and grounded with edgy grit that gives the track punch and wallop. With a soaring accelerated chorus adding the kind of power and stamina that is destined for arenas teamed with infectious melodies its a fist pumping dash of vivacity. The warm vibrant guitar riffs shimmer with shredding razor sharp scintillation as they pierce through the track adding a rawness and freshness that is compelling. The contagious bouncy rhythm adds a slapping rebounding elasticity to the track that will be stuck in your head all day. With emotion filled vocals that exude passion immersing you solely into the track leaving you feeling the urge to let go and be free. Secret Company have stepped into 2017 with their foot firmly on the accelerator with this new track.’ Alive’ is an instant radio hit that should take the band a step closer towards worldwide recognition.
You can catch Secret Company live at
Friday March 10th – The Lexington, London (Headline Show)
You can also pre order their debut album ‘The World Lit Up And Filled With Colour’ here https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/world-lit-up-filled-colour/id1176470765
Ottawa-based synth/dream pop duo Church of Trees have released their debut single ‘Crumbs (There’s Only Now)’. Church of Trees is the combination of veteran composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist Bernard Frazer and up-and-coming vocalist/lyricist Felicity DeCarle. ‘Crumbs (There’s Only Now)’ is going to be on their extended player ‘Primitive Creatures’ which is due out February 3rd. Its a breezy fluttering delight, glittering with shimmering scaling synths that sparkle with fairy-like magical twinkle. The spacey swirling elements teamed with a heavy pulsing bass and sticky beat draws you into its winding soft cushioned playful abyss leaving you in a trippy hypnotised euphoria. The upbeat groove gives an inherent sense of fun and whimsy while the lyric reminds us that, despite our focus on the past and the future, all we really have is this very moment. Don’t waste it. The track holds a sense of enchantment and magic with DeCarle’s soft vocals adding shimmer and scintillation to the spellbinding wonder. The lyrics sound a little fantastical, however deeper within the lyrics there are some very edgy comments about the human condition that add a contrasting lonely element to the track. Overall Church of Trees encourage us to take each moment and enjoy it as ‘There’s only now’ by giving us a sweet gentle slice of synth based dream pop to coax us into dealing with life with as much positivity as we can muster up.
Stream ‘Crumbs (There’s Only Now)’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
