Category Archives: Synth Rock

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

St Van Cortlandt & the 101 ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’

St Van Cortlandt & the 101 have released the first track off their forth coming EP ‘The Lion Tree’.  The single ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’ is about a “younger brother’s relationship with his older brother. It touches on the ideas of idolising an older sibling to the point of wanting to be them, while still being sheltered and protected and guided by them almost to a point that it becomes unhealthy”. Band members Daniel Van Cortlandt (Vocals/Guitar), Troy Fannin (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Chika Obiora (Bass), David LeBlanc (Drums) and Matthew Watanabe (Keyboards) display their straight shooter beefy rock with ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’. Its a “bull by the horns’ punchy energetic track. With thumping drums and raspy rugged vocals that give the track muscle and a meaty substance. The mighty driving riff pulses throughout the track keeping a flexible energy and power. While that forceful bounce beat is the strong arm giving the track sturdiness and support. The refreshing addition of keyboard softens the track a little and adds a sticky slap of psychedelia that takes St Van Cortlandt & the 101 to another level and makes their sound unique.
Stream ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’ below

https://soundcloud.com/stvc101/like-the-arrow-miss-the-stone

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop, Tropical

Marsicans ‘The Absence’ EP

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Leeds indie band Marsicans are James Newbigging (lead vocals and guitar), Oliver Jameson (guitar and vocals), Rob Brander (bass, keyboards and lead vocals) and Matthew ‘Cale’ McHale (drums and vocals). They have released their new EP ‘The Absence’ this month. The EP is the culmination of Marsicans’ 2016 releases and features the four tracks which have had national airplay in the UK via Radio 1 and Radio X over the course of the year. Three of the EP’s four featured tracks were given BBC Radio 1 support, including Huw Stephens’ premiere of the title track which also made Apple Music’s Best Of The Week playlist, whilst ‘Far Away’ a track we previously did a feature on was featured Spotify UK’s New Music Friday playlist.
‘The Absence’ presents us with Marsicans fantastic harmony-laden upbeat tropical sound that is raw and fresh yet polished in all the right places. Title track ‘Absence’ kicks off the EP and sprinkles with the four piece’s signature glowing infectious melody with lush harmonies and richly textured arrangements. Zealous guitar and vibrant synths keep this track uplifting while the soft spongy beat adds bounce and elasticity. The vocals are simple to start and become more dynamic as the track progresses. This track glows with bright vibes and is a gem glistening in the sun. ‘Arms of Another’ gives us a groovy springy sound. With an elevating high energy and catchy melody that will have you bopping and dancing from the first note. This track has an edgier sound with sharp distorted guitar that acts as the lime zest to your tropical cocktail. The rapid malleable beat maintains the tracks agile and spirited tempo. ‘Swimming’ is a blissful treasure with an ear worm melody and the perfect blend of luxurious harmonies and soaring vocals. The slick deluxe guitar riff is infectious and the glistening synths provide an elegant sweet quality throughout the track. With a slightly heavier sound towards the end, Marsicans confirms they can diversify their sound while still remaining bright and bubbly. ‘Far Away (Saudade)’ is the final track on the EP. This was the first track that caught our attention back in July. The track is ablaze with striking addictive hooks and quirky lyrics teamed with a honed melody and slashing guitar. This track is a fantastic listen. The lively animated rhythm gives the song an upbeat indie pop feel.
Marsicans ‘The Absence’ is a collection of upbeat infectious indie pop perfectly blended with sugar coated luxurious melodies, soaring vocals with bursts of zealous guitar and flexible spirited rhythm. Marsicans take their tropical mouth watering hard edged sound to another infectiously delicious level keeping you wanting more.
Marsicans have embarked on a 17-date UK tour starting earlier this month.You can still catch them live at
01 Oct – Manchester, Aatma
04 Oct – Hull, The Polar Bear
08 Oct – Middlesbrough, Twisterella Festival
10 Oct – Sunderland, 7even
14 Oct – Banbury, Also Known As
19 Oct – Basingstoke, The Sanctuary Live
20 Oct – Brighton, Bleach
21 Oct – London, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
23 Oct – Matlock, Twenty Ten
28 Oct – Liverpool, The Magnet
04 Nov – Chester, Telford’s Warehouse
10 Nov – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
11 Nov – Glasgow, Old Hairdresser’s
12 Nov – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele
Stream ‘The Absence’ below

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

Divine Youth ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’

Divine Youth comprise of members Dan Sheldon (Guitar/Vocals), Michael Sheldon (Bass/Vocals) and Liam Kaye (Drums) from Stoke-on-Trent. They released their track ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ a few months ago. The indie trio caught our eye as they produce a unique sound with vibes reminiscent of Pulp and the early noughties guitar bands. ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ is an energetic spirited track that is muted or somewhat subdued while still remaining lively. The track is coated in nostalgic tones with Sheldon’s raspy whispered vocals adding a haunting inviting quality. The vocals manage to be soft yet ooze passion with a sort of scream- like dampened yell or howl. Divine Youth draw the listener in with a mysterious alluring quality and captivating magnetism. With driving enchanting euphoric guitars and elastic springy rhythm that add a dreamy calming effect that is soothing yet sorrowful.
Divine Youth are an innovate unique band that have a bright future ahead.
Stream ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ below

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

Ape Rising ‘King of the Universe’

Ape Rising are an Irish Synth infused rock band. Band members Johno Leader (guitar, vocals, Peter Donohue (guitar, vocals),Peter Denton (keys, vocals),Jimmy Deface (bass, vocals) and Fran Mc Donnell (drums) have released their debut single ‘King of the Universe’ which was recorded in-house by frontman Johno Leader. With a sound that will transport you to a space adventure retro rock era, jammed with soaring vocals and floating backing vocals. The track is energetic with a melody doused in aerial vibes fused with atmospheric animated synths. The vigorous spirited guitar intensifies the track and gives an edge while the elastic beat adds a playful bounce and punch. ‘King of the Universe’ is layered and alive with textures which give a trippy trance effect that draws you into the track.
A strong debut from Ape Rising.
Watch ‘King of the Universe’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock

Swords ‘Betty Machete’

Dublin’s Alternative band Swords released their new single ‘Betty Machete’ in July. Diane Anglim (vocals & piano), Jarlath Canning (bass, guitars & synth) and Ian Frawley (drums) have created a catchy beaming track that glows with bright textures and an upbeat snappy ball of elastic rhythm. The golden hook pulls you into a marshmallow of sweet lush melody. Anglim’s honeyed vocals are delicate and captivating while the fuzzed bass and guitars add a kick and psychedelic buzz to the track. The rapid soft slap beat drives the song and gives a playful quality and an infectious clap-along feature. ‘Betty Machete’ is instantly likeable and with an ear worm sing along chorus you will want to put it on repeat and enjoy its feel good vibe.
Stream ‘Betty Machete’ below

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

Atlantic Fire ‘Running Out’

Atlantic Fire are a Synth heavy pop/rock band from Guildford. The band consists of members Gary Nicks (vocals & guitar) Ryan Nicks (Drums, synths & backing vocals) Will Gray (lead guitar,synths & backing vocals) Ian Cooke (bass & synths).They have released their debut single ‘Running Out’ and have recently finished their debut album which will be released later this year.
‘Running Out’ is a tightly compact melodic indie track, featuring soft dynamic synths and a flexible spongy beat. The sharp sting of the guitar adds an edge to the track while soaring backing vocals raises the track and gives an aerial feel. The song is coated in a melancholy nostalgic tone which is highlighted perfectly by the synths and wistful vocals. The track flows fluidly and consistently with bright tones acting as a ray of sunlight provided by the zealous guitars illuminating and raising the song up. The synths add a contrasting eerie and mysterious tone to the track at times which disperses for the vitalising and energising crescendo.
A strong debut from Atlantic Fire
Stream ‘Running Out’ below

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

James George ‘Make You Mine’

Yorkshire singer-songwriter James George has released his debut single ‘Make You Mine’. The track is a storming two minutes of classic indie rock n’roll showcasing brooding guitars, infectious melodies and shimmering synths. It has already picked up over 10,000 streams online and James George is developing a steady growing fan base.
‘Make You Mine’ is a short blast of garage rock that is sprinkled with enough inventiveness to make it a success. The production of this track is bang on as we are swallowed up in a concoction of shadowy misty synths, steady thumping beats and intoxicating psychedelic guitar. The song creates a dark daydream atmosphere with longing crooning vocals that remain cool and almost detached while the yearning tone on guitar almost wails in pain expressing his longing. ‘Make You Mine’ is full of mysterious tones with an eerie atmosphere. This is a track that will leave you craving for more.
Stream ‘Make You Mine’ below

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/james-george-make-you-mine

Alt Rock, electro - rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Smooth Rock, Synth Rock

Endless Peaks ‘Staircase’

Endless Peaks

Endless Peaks are a 4-piece band that create Indie Rock music with a psychedelic twist.The band are based on the South Coast of England in Bournemouth and are here to make waves with their emphatic and uplifting music. Endless Peaks consists of 2 brothers Lloyd Allen (Vocals/Lead Guitar) and Luis Allen (Bass Guitar) from Buckinghamshire . Soon after the brothers moved south they teamed up with Chanelle Smith (drums) and Connor Dean (keyboard). Their debut single ‘Staircase’ is the first of 3 tracks to be released this year from the band.
‘Staircase’ is a track that will transport you to a world of exhilarating bright indie rock sprinkled with blissful psychedelia. It is bursting with a swoony dreamy vibe coated in energetic overtones. The keyboard gives us a smooth and uplifting atmosphere which adds an airy fresh tone while the zealous guitar riff is sharp and ripe giving a fantastic variety in texture to the song. The drums are steady and fluid adding strength and grounding depth to the track which is otherwise aerial and otherworldly. The vocals are confident adding swagger and attitude to the track.
A great debut track from Endless Peaks look forward to hearing more.

Stream ‘Staircase’ below

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

Colour ‘Kerosene’

Colour are an alternative rock band from Liverpool. Band members Tidd, Scott, Downey and Connor have released their track ‘Kerosene’ from their self-produced 4-track EP which came out at the end of last month.
‘Kerosene’ is a perfect treasure of luscious bright melodies, luminous guitars and shimmering synths with its sunny vibes and smooth dynamic vocals that are blissful and easy to listen to. This track is creamy and bouncy and has a magnetic effect that will have you wanting to hear more. It is  embroidered with glittering synth effects and zesty guitars that keeps the track fresh and radiates sunny vibes.  Even though the lyrics contrast the blazing golden atmosphere they bring a meaningful darker tone to the track which makes this song more intriguing.
‘Kerosene’ is a track that must be added to your summer playlist!
You cant catch Colour live at:
JUL 31 Kendall Calling festival.United Kingdom
SEP 16 Square ONE – Crewe, United Kingdom
Stream ‘Kerosene’ below

https://soundcloud.com/colourbanduk/kerosene

Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock, Synth Rock

Mini Mansions ‘Fiona’

Los Angeles band Mini Mansions will be releasing a collection of B-Side tracks entitled ‘Flashbacks’ in September. The trio (vocals and drummer Michael Shuman, vocals and keyboardist Tyler Parkford, bassist and multi instrumentalist Zachary Dawes) released their critically acclaimed second album ‘The Great Pretenders’ in 2015. While eager fans await their return with their third album, Mini Mansions have decided to ease their withdrawal symptoms a little and let them indulge on some unreleased/unheard B-Sides.
‘Fiona’ is one of the tracks on the lineup for ‘Flashbacks’ and it gives us a nostalgic glimpse of the Mini Mansions we heard on their 2010 self titled debut. ‘Fiona’ has a dreamy swoon like tone, drenched in psychedelia with dark undertones. The diversity between Parkford’s sweet falsetto and Shuman’s warm deep vocals is refreshing. Their vocals intertwine and switch ranges all while harmonising, blending and swirling in a lush melody. Dawes’ elastic bass gives a smooth seductive tone to the track while the drums provide a staggering swagger. The track reels you in from the start and seems to coax you with its luxurious irresistible melody. It builds to a massive crescendo with distorted bass and climatic instrumentation before slowing the tone to a soft gentle echo finish.
‘Fiona’ is another fantastic example of Mini Mansions superior musicianship.Their music is a work of art, refined yet dynamic. Lyrically and instrumentally they are setting the bar high for other musicians. It is clear this trio are getting bigger and better.
You can pre-order ‘flashbacks’ here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/mini-mansions

Watch ‘Fiona’ below