Category Archives: Worth A Listen

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Graces

Graces are a Cumbrian quartet who are now based in and around Sheffield.Breaking out of the four walls of their post-industrial rehearsal space in Sheffield, the band took their gripping live show around the country in 2017, playing sold out venues in Sheffield, London and Manchester on word of mouth alone. Whilst sharing stages with Feeder, Fickle Friends and The Amazons, they worked on a series of singles with producer Phil Gornell (Bring Me The Horizon, All Time Low) and were lauded by the mainstream music press. After a busy festival season which included performances at Tramlines Festival and Kendal Calling, the band rounded off last year with a sold-out show in front of 700 people supporting Bruce Foxton from The Jam. They have now released their new single ‘Hotel’.

‘Hotel’ is a blistering blast of indie that rushes through on a wave of youthful exhilaration and chilled euphoria. The verses glide with a breezy laid back vibe as velvety vocals brood through a churning backdrop of biting ethereal guitars and punchy drums. This track builds in intensity becoming more gripping and heart stopping as it reaches its breathtaking crescendo. The melancholic pop-sprinkled dreamy melody floats between a sublime intoxicating wall of sound that soars and cuts sharp with thrilling distortion. It’s a cool crisp display from Graces that packs oodles of emotion and shredding aerial instrumentation into one gripping cinematic track.

Watch the video for ‘Hotel’ here


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bleachers

Bleachers has released a new track, ‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’. It comes as a part of the soundtrack for the film ‘Love, Simon’ which stars ‘The Kings of Summer’ and ‘Everything Everything’ actor, Nick Robinson and marks the first solo song to be released by Jack Antonoff since last year’s ‘Gone Now’ album. Antonoff is executive producing the soundtrack, which also includes songs by the 1975, Troye Sivan, Jackson 5, in addition to three other Bleachers songs and more. I have been listening to this song for some time now and thought i’d share the sprinkling of joy it brings to my day.

‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’ is an animated vibrant burst of delight with a buoyant beat, jangly guitar, sparkling keys and a gloriously yearning melody that melts like butter on toast. This animated perky backdrop sets a vibrant foundation for Antonoff’s longing vocals to flood the track with passion and charm. It’s that track that surges youthful adrenaline through your veins and uplifts your spirit all while flooding you with love sick eagerness. This sun kissed, spring in your step number is finger clicking, foot tapping-ly infectious, wistful, warm and golden all at once. With a sing along ready anthemic refrain “I wanna be alright with my baby tonight”, saxophone feature and jazzy keys, this peppy number will nestle itself in your brain and stay on your mind for months ready to pop up at those moments when you need a lift.

Watch the video for ‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’ below


90's Grunge, Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From LIERS 

Dublin’s alternative female fronted four piece LIERS have released their new single ‘Universal Female’. LIERS started life when lead singer Liz Seaver was looking for the right talent to compliment her self-penned music titles. An established singer/songwriter in her own right with two independent albums to her name, Liz has been performing with the line-up of Lead guitarist Ed Scanlan, Bassist Stephen Farrell and Drummer Ronan O’Hanlon for some time at festivals such as Castlepalooza and venues such as the Sugar Club. These four talented musicians are not new to the Irish scene. Liz has previously toured with the inimitable Jack Lukeman and shared the stage with other Irish greats such as Mundy, Damien Dempsey and Paddy Casey. While playing alongside Liz over the years Ed, Stephen and Ronan also formed three-piece ‘Long Tail’ who released the EP “Your Time” and have toured nationwide with Fangclub. The energetic and experienced LIERS are now being repped by Polite Society (Fangclub, Long Tail, Vulpynes).

‘Universal Female’ is a smooth, melodic adrenaline shot of alternative rock. It’s chilled and cool with a whirring buzz fuelled wall of sound. These guys blend a sultry infectious melody with rowdy crashing instrumentation seamlessly to create a wholly satisfying listen. Strident sharp guitars pierce and shred through an elastic rumbly bass and punchy drums while Liz’s dynamic luring vocals slap a hefty dose of sass and power on top. This track is a catchy hook-filled force of nature that steam rolls in and invades your brain leaving you jumping around the room thinking you’re a bad ass. It’s brimming with kinetic energy and blazing spirit with a sing along ready chorus, its sure to be epic live. These guys are ones to watch for sure. ‘Universal Female’ is compact, rhythmically rich and vibrantly explosive in all the right places. It’s definitely worth a listen.

LIERS will also be supporting Fangclub tonight in Whelan’s along with Sub Motion make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Universal Female’ below


Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From MeMe Detroit

Since her 2016 debut album release ‘Live to Love You’ll Love to Live’, MeMe has been pulling in fans with a magnetism that is both eloquent yet effortlessly cool. With previous support slots that include bands such as Dead Sea Skulls, Piano Wire, Fun lovin’ Criminals, Asylums and stand out shows which include The main stage at Moto GP, Silverstone, The O2 Academy, Dublin Castle, The Finsbury pub for ‘Get in her ears’ and Jurassic Fields festival MeMe’s energy and sleazy grunge is one to take note of. She has now released her new single ‘Soc Med Junkies’. This grunge smothered track oozes and seeps with dark gritty tones and fiery attitude. Sultry guitars shred and lacerate with relentless stamina through the rapid shuffling rhythm while MeMe’s luring vocals coo and entice for the verses before belting out the fiery chorus. It’s lean, mean, power indie that makes you want to jump kick, wiggle and groove all at once. Swallowed up in a chilled, cool persona and hypnotic melody mixed with heavy angst and crashing instrumentation this track kicks ass, wrestles you to the ground and mesmerises you in its hazy muggy hook driven charm. MeMe has a knack for writing tracks that slash bash sizzle and steam all at once while packing in some striking lyrics. ‘Soc Med Junkies’ is definitely worth a listen.

Stream ‘Soc Med Junkies’ 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


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From April Towers

Nottingham duo April Towers have announced their long awaited debut album ‘Certified Freaky’ which will be released this spring through their own imprint Full Frequency Sounds/Republic of Music. To coincide with the announcement, April Towers have shared a new single ‘Tel Aviv’ which is taken from their debut. Having played together in other bands previously, the duo of Alex Noble (vocals, guitars & keyboards) and Charlie Burley (production, samples, guitars & keyboards) embarked on their latest project in August 2013 and April Towers were born. A series of 6 singles and EPs culminating in last summer’s ‘Takes One To Know One’ followed suit, one of which (2015’s ‘A Little Bit Of Fear’) earned them a place on the official FIFA 2016 soundtrack. Throughout their existence they’ve been building momentum and working towards ‘Certified Freaky’ . The single is the first song Alex and Charlie wrote together when they formed as a duo 4 years ago, ‘Tel Aviv’ is a two faced song in many ways: upbeat tempo and vocal highs are coupled with pretty dark lyrics. Recorded at Soho’s legendary Dean Street Studios (in the same room David Bowie recorded Diamond Dogs) over the course of last year, the album was co-produced by the band along with respected electronic artist/DJ Ben Pearce, mixed by Nathan Boddy (Gary Numan, Shame, James Blake) and mastered by Geoff Pesche (Gorillaz, Kylie Minogue, Pulp) at Abbey Road Studios. The whole album was crowd funded via Pledge Music and the band played a sold out show in their native city of Nottingham last September to commemorate this.

‘Tel Aviv’ is a shimmering, infectious slice of synthetic pop encased in luscious snappy soundscapes with a delicious melody iced on top. A sticky beat slaps and whacks between flashing synths and subtle swirling electronics creating a surge of adrenaline throughout the track. Smooth vocals caress this pop drizzled melody while lush backing vocals coo with an eerie haunting undertone filling out the sound. The snappy rhythm creates a dancable groove that is infectious and captivating as the ethereal soundscapes rush past giving a soaring aerial feel. It’s tightly bound to create a charming wall of sound that is captivating and utterly infectious.

April Towers’ live set has also developed over time to incorporate live bass, drums and percussion which gives it a more organic and less mechanistic feel while retaining the vibrant energy of a late night in clubland. Since forming, they’ve played numerous festivals both in the UK and Europe and this summer are already scheduled to play Y Not as well as their first ever headline slot at Deerstock in July.The duo have already confirmed a string of UK dates in April, with many more to be announced soon.

SATURDAY 7TH APRIL, FOX AND NEWT – LEEDS 
SATURDAY 14TH APRIL,WESTON HOMES COMMUNITY STADIUM COLCHESTER
THURSDAY 19TH APRIL, ARCHSPACE – LONDON w/ DISKOPUNK 

Stream ‘Tel Aviv’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bayonets

Bayonets is a solo project created by Kerry musician and songwriter Vinnie Flynn. His distinctive style is a mix of alternative rock, indie, blues and folk. In addition to writing and performing live, Flynn also works with several publishing companies based in the US who pitch his compositions to prime time TV shows and movies. His body of work conjures haunting intrigue, each melody luring the listener into a dark and beguiling tale. Bayonet’s sound is undeniably his own and unclassifiable in any one genre.His debut single’ Slow Burning Fire’ was premiered in June 2017 by Hot Press Magazine and has received wide media acclaim. The track has received regular radio play on RTE’s 2fm and it’s made Joe.ie’s song of the day, it’s even hit airwaves as far as Brooklyn, United States. Flynn has now released his second single with an accompanying video titled ‘This Old Coast’.

‘This Old Coast’ is a sinister spine-chilling number that creeps into your brain with its enchanting melody and entrapping guitar. Flynn has developed and carefully crafted this track to create a wholly engulfing, mesmerising experience. His brooding velvety vocals lure you into the track while a pulsing, thumping rhythm adds a blood rushing, thickly smothering sense of peril. It’s asphyxiating yet breathy all at once while filing you with goosebump inducing paranoia. The hypnotic guitar lines flicker with a warm yet ominous quality that wiggles and worms its way into your subconscious. This darkly hued concoction is a gripping, fantastic display- eerie, passionate and one heck of an ear-worm. From the first note ‘This Old Coast’ has you firmly in its grasp hooked and wanting to hear more. It bubbles and boils, intensely brooding and building while still remaining cool and creepy. This riveting track  holds an air of seducing mystery and showcases Flynn is someone to watch out for.

Flynn has a string of gigs and festivals in the pipeline for 2018, including some overseas appearances.You can catch him playing at Siné on the March 31st with Vulpynes and K-Fest in Killorglin Co,Kerry on June 3rd. Vinnie also has two more large Irish festivals to announce over the coming weeks.

Watch the video for ‘This Old Coast’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From FLING

Psych-pop glam-rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Banjo Billy’ a bonkers three minute  glam-pop stomp that leads the way for the release of ‘The Legend of Banjo Billy’ EP out April 13th on Dance to the Radio. The release comes off the back of a 2017 that included sold-out hometown shows, playing to a packed Festival Republic tent at Leeds Festival and enjoying Radio support from the likes of Steve Lamacq (6Music), Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Radio X and Beats 1. Describing themselves as ‘Wonky Pop’ the 5 piece from Bradford comprise of Charles McSorley (Vocals), Jack Winn (Guitar), Billy Fielding (Drums), Jake Lees (Bass) and Sam Malynowsky (Keyboards) met at a gig and instantly bonded over T.Rex and David Bowie. FLING moved out of their basement studio to work with Lee Smith at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs / Pulled Apart By Horses).

‘Banjo Billy’ is the perfect blend of shimmering pop with the zesty fizz of indie rock. Laid back and sun kissed this track was made for summer days, sweltering heat and a cold one. With an infectious pop melody melted on top of sharp zealous guitars and rich buoyant rhythm it’s instantly likeable and fun. Raspy vocals glaze over the vibrant melody with a soothing easy going charisma while lush backing vocals fill out the sound creating the perfect sing along feature. It’s a jingly, infectious gleaming number that is smooth to start with stinging undertones. Well layered this track is a refreshing guzzle of zesty indie pop that leaves you craving for lazy summer days.

Stream ‘Banjo Billy’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, New Music, Post Punk, Punk Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Serene

Serene are a four piece post-punk, garage rock band formed in London. The four piece are peeping through the keyhole and booting the doors open with their debut single ‘With You’. With its almighty defying vigorous riffs jaggedly sawing through the track it’s ballsy rough and powerful. This track is a thrilling assault of battering punk rock. Pummeling drums demolish all in sight while shrilling guitars penetrate through your skull with vicious ferocity.  Its fierce instrumentation and relentless blood thirsty rhythm section gash and slash spitting blistering acid while eerie vocals and chilled infectious melody cool the intensity a little. ‘With You’ is an exhilarating listen for sure.

Watch the video for ‘With You’ below


Alt Rock, Classic Rock, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bad Hombres

Glasgow classic rock band Bad Hombres have released their new single ‘Manuel!’. Bad Hombres formed in April 2017 and consist of Jack Conlon, Paul Duff and Innes McGarry. The band mix a blend of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand, and are firm favourites for fans of Kasabian and The Libertines. Having made their debut at the world-famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in August, 2017 proved to be a great introductory year for the band with the release of their first demo ‘Icarus’ being received greatly.

‘Manuel!’ is an exhilarating darkly smeared punchy track which displays that though Bad Hombres are a fresh young band they can flesh out a mature, confident sound with a chunky foundation. From angst riddled vocals to sharp strident guitars and a rooted relentless bass it’s a searing smack in the mouth of smog smothered classic rock. This track is swagger soaked and crisp, without being too slick, retaining enough of a raw edge to keep its classic rock n’ roll spirit intact. The stomping bridge shift is sublime and is a thrilling chant-able crowd ready feature that is sure to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys. I’m looking forward to what these guys do next.

Stream ‘Manuel!’ below