The first thing we found out about our trip to The Pine Lodge Cork on Saturday to catch King Harvest & The Weight live was that Myrtleville is the best place to be stranded. We found lovely helpful people that made us feel at home and helped us out after our designated driver crashed into a wall just up the road from the venue, destroying our car but leaving the wall without a mark. A little shook up and bruised we headed to the Pine lodge to organise a way home and of course get to see as much live music as we possibly could before our lift came.
The night began with a set from TheSour Seeds an alternative rock band from Dublin. These guys have a slightly unusual set up with the addition of two saxophones. The Sour Seeds are refreshing and talented. Their smooth soulful tunes with added psychedelic and rock influences bring something new to the table, and come on who doesn’t love a saxophone especially when it works well and adds diversity and depth to their tracks. Their witty humour and banter goes down well with the crowd, a brilliant warm up for a great night ahead. King Harvest & The Weight begin their set with their single ‘Unstuck’ an upbeat catchy rock track bursting with great vibes. This track is brilliant live. It takes a new dimension with a dynamic bass, mighty drums and spirited guitar. This track is a strong opener and is so easy to dance to. It quickly becomes apparent that they are at their best live and to really appreciate their diverse sound you need to go to one of their gigs .’Dream’ follows with its bright upbeat bubbly sound which I thought had a slight country twang when i listened to the album, however when performed live they give us punchier drums and a fantastic lustrous guitar that is compelling. The edgy bluesy ‘This Town’ give us a rock and roll feel with swagger. The heavy riff is brawny yet flexible and can coax you to dance without you even realising it. Its an energetic track that the crowd reacts well to and seems to sweet talk the crowd to bopping along. They slow down the tone with the melodic smooth ‘Morning Light’ showcasing their lush harmonies. Its a soft track that has a sway almost soft bop effect on the crowd. The set flows smoothly as they glide into the catchy ‘Diana’ which shows us their funky side. Unfortunately we had to leave at this point but not before we got to hear the smooth sensual ‘New York Is Dangerous’ with its slick darker tone.
King Harvest & The Weight make performing look so effortless and easy with the flowing guitar solos, polished bass and punchy drums while they blow us away with a mixture of genres and sounds. There is no doubt of their talent.
I would highly recommend going to see both these bands live and unfortunately I didn’t get to see The New 52 perform but i will definitely head down to one of their next shows.
Stream The Sour Seeds ‘Can’t Bring Me Down’ and King Harvest & The Weight ‘Unstuck’ below
DeepShade are an Alternative Rock /Metal, Grunge, band from Wigan. David Rybka ( Vocal, Guitar), Tom Doherty (Bass), and Paul Barlow (Drums) released their debut album ‘Everything Is Popular Is Wrong’ in 2015 and it propelled DeepShade into the national spotlight. We were particularly impressed with their track ‘Time’ and did a feature on it earlier this year. They have now released ‘Ganzua’ From their next EP which is due out before Christmas this year. ‘Ganzua’ is a beast of a track and a force to be reckoned with. Its heavy intense powerful sound, dark atmosphere and forceful energy demands and deserves respect and recognition. From the start of the track we are met with vigorous guitars and thunderous drums while Rybka’s vocals remain intense and haunting with a slight rasp at times. His vocals echo and howl during the chorus as if waking the dead. The strident and slick guitar riff is infectious while the fierce drums pound through your soul. This track holds a smooth sensual quality while remaining robust and destructive. The lusty shredding guitar solo is brawny yet seductive and leads to a heavy headbanging frenzy instrumental with swirling haunting vocals giving a psychedelic element to the track until it finishes strong and solid.
DeepShade’s currently untitled EP features minimal studio overdubs and focuses on their chemistry as a creative unit. With mixing and mastering duties taken on by long term collaborator John Kettle.
DeepShade will announce the full EP release details in the coming months along with European tour dates.
We cant wait to hear the new EP, if ‘Ganzua’ is anything to go by its going to be massive!
Stream ‘Ganzua’ below
Bradford’s Mik Davis has created an Atmospheric, Dark-wave, experimental psychedelic sound in his solo project They Called Him Zone. They Called Him Zone’s new EP ‘Miami’ gives you a glimpse at the underground music scene by Incorporating elements of Dark-Wave, Electronica and Goth Rock. The new video and final single from the ‘Miami’ EP is the eerie and sinister ‘Sunset Beach’. The track is a trippy psychedelic journey that is both twisted and claustrophobic. The video is produced and edited by They Called Him Zone creator Mik Davis’ with the dance performance accredited to UK poet/writer – Joolz Denby. ‘Sunset Beach’ is a dark mysterious track that is full of sinister tones that make your hair stand up and your skin crawl. With whisper like breathy vocals that fill you with fear and make you look around you in case you are being watched or followed like in a horror movie. Contrary to what you might expect from the title of this track it has no sunny vibes instead its consumed with a concoction of shadowy haze and chilling psychedelia. With is techno and hypnotic tones it has a trance effect and is almost bewitching. Its dark hypnotic electronic sounds seem to almost lure you down a dangerous road where horror awaits and their is no escaping. The steady beat adds to the entrapment as it is soft and gives a constant feature that your mind almost subconsciously holds on to.
This track is a psychedelic electro Pop/ Rock nightmare- like concoction that is dark and luring yet a fantastic piece of musicianship and is perfect for the underground music scene.
Watch They Called Him Zone’s eerie and sinister ‘Sunset Beach’ video below
New York City band Public Access T.V have been banging out major tunes with some awesome EP’s and infectious singles, which we have previously written features on. They have now released ‘Sudden Emotion’ which is glimpse of whats to come from their debut album ‘ Never Enough’ set to release this Autumn.
John Eatherly (lead vocals, guitar), Xan Aird (lead guitar, vocals), Max Peebles (bass, vocals) and Pete Star (drums, vocals) present us with that “oh so sunny” and contagious rock and roll sound that we love in their new single ‘Sudden Emotion’ . From the bright rich guitar intro and punchy drums that soften leaving the zesty guitar to bring a sunny atmosphere and good times . Eatherly’s vocals remain cool and smooth for the verse and become more intense and dynamic for the chorus as the track progresses. The verses give a smooth carefree vibe while the chorus bursts with energy and emotion. The track is about trying to keep your emotions in check when something affects you as quickly as it does deeply. This is conveyed perfectly as the verses seem to act as the holding back of your emotions as they swirl inside you when eventually and inevitably the chorus brings the explosion of your emotions. Public Access T.V. portray this theme with an infectious melody, strong chords and slick zealous guitars. The repetitive bridge with distant vocals and the soft drum beat slows the track down and gives a fantastic link to the final burst into the energetic chorus.
Another fantastic track from a band who is constantly developing and expanding musically.
Big things ahead for Public Access T.V.
Looking forward to their debut album.
Stream ‘Sudden Emotion’ below
Serene is a three piece band from Cumbria consisting of Kieran Day (vocals, guitar, bass, synth), Ryan Patterson ( lead guitar and synth) and Matthew Southwell (drums and percussion). We did a feature on their track ‘Rainbow Mind’ earlier this year and once we heard their new track ‘Violet Lines’ we decided to choose it as our worth a listen track. ‘Violet Lines’ contrasts everything you expect from Serene it’s a groovy, funky track with hazy summer vibes. It gives us a sweet tickling guitar riff to start with light bouncy beats for the verse. The vocals for the verse are deep and mysterious while for the chorus they become more dynamic and raspy. The band still keep their psychedelic feel with “wah wah” guitars and a shredding yet smooth and sleek guitar solo. Its cool, airy tones give a light summer breeze to the track that is relaxing. From the intro this track has the power to relax you’re body and make you groove with the sensual bendable bass. Its bursting with swagger and has a strut quality while the guitar keeps it zesty and fresh. A fantastic summer song from a band that keeps you on your toes!
A must listen!
Stream ‘Violet Lines’ below
Corner Pilots are a no nonsense rock band hailing from Surrey, band members Dan Stafford (Lead Vocals), Joshua Bennet (Guitar), Jake France (Guitar), Ben Mawdsley (Bass) and Reece O’Brien (Drummer) are creating a stir with their heavy, energetic performances and catchy heavy riff based rock tracks. Their catalogue of tracks on soundcloud are impressive and showcase their talent and great potential as musicians. ‘The Language’ is a blues rock track with slick zealous guitar and punchy drums. The rooted bass give a depth and foundation to the track. This track oozes energy and swagger and has a body moving effect. The guitar particularly excels in this track as it effortlessly pierces through the track and delivers a shredding strident solo. Stafford’s vocals are smooth and exuding confidence, swagger and attitude. With its anthem like energetic chorus that has a fist pump effect its easy to see how this song would be massive performed live. ‘Queen of My Nightmare’ gives us a heavier fuzzed sound with an infectious dirty riff that sticks in your head. Stafford’s vocals are sharper and dynamic., while the guitars are smooth and slick. This track is fiery and sensual while remaining edgy and cool and bursting with attitude. It is delivered in an effective energetic mosh worthy manner with the track building in tempo and intensity as the song progresses. ‘ Jump’ begins with a moody eerie tone and screechy guitars. This shadowy atmosphere continues throughout the track while the instrumentation builds for the chorus. The vigorous guitars play a riff that almost warns of danger while the creeping bass gives you goosebumps and the drums add a mosh effect. The vocals take on a mysterious tone giving this track a thrilling effect.
Corner Pilots show some great talent with these tracks look forward to hearing more from them.
If your around make sure you go see them live at the O2 Academy Islington on July 8th.
Stream ‘The Language’ and ‘Queen of My Nightmare’ below
Ethan & The Reformation are a Psychedelic Rock/Pop band from Manchester. The five piece Ethan Dundavan Davies (frontman/rhythm guitarist ), Mick Mac (lead guitarist), Samuel Parker (keyboard player and vocalist), James Cordeiro (bassist) and Thomas Oliver Gorton (Drumer) have created a retro pop/rock sound, that pays homage to the 1960’s / 1970’s psychedelic era while giving it a modern twist.
They have just released their new single ‘Hummingbird’ which is a smooth sensual track full of 70’s funky swag. The track features fantastic sleek seductive ” wah wah” guitar and an inviting smooth funky bass with a soft irresistible beat that creates a swaying effect and gives this track a seductive quality. With raspy, husky vocals that add grit and some brawn to this instrumentally steamy track, Hummingbird has dark undertones and a melancholy melody which contrasts to the captivating swag of the instrumentation. This track shows how diverse and talented Ethan & The Reformation are as they give us a refreshing luscious sound that is distinctive.
Looking forward to Ethan & The Reformation’s EP which is set to be released later this year.
You can catch Ethan & The Reformation live at
08 Jul Soup Kitchen Manchester
09 Jul The Dublin Castle Camden
30 Jul Ashtonbury Northampton
19 Aug Glass Butter Beach Abersoch
Love Ghost are an alternative rock band from Los Angeles. The band consists of members Ale Sierra (Drums), Ryan Stevens (Bass), Finn Bell (Vocals/ keys, guitar) and Mya Greene(Viola). Despite only being together for little over a year the five-piece teen garage rock group have seen tremendous success, opening for such artists as The Tubes, Berlin, Ozomatli and Buckcherry. They have also played several high profile festivals including Make Music Pasadena and Echo Park Rising. Love Ghost’s musical composition is inspired by a mix of old universal horror films meshed with iconic grunge artists such as Nirvana and Alice in Chains. Their debut single ‘Mystery Box’ taken from their six-song debut self-titled EP was produced by Mark Renk (P.O.D) and they are back with their new single Smashing Pumpkins inspired ‘Friday Afternoon’ ‘Friday Afternoon’ aims to reflect the importance of standing up for oneself especially during a time of hardship in teenage years. Love Ghost conveys this theme to us through soulful and emotional lyrics, distorted guitar melodies and punchy drums. Their mix of 90’s grunge and alternative rock takes you back to your youth while the addition of the viola is original and effective as it adds a soft nostalgic tone to the track. This track is extremely melodic with vocals that are sombre while the guitar is gentle and melancholy yet sharp keeping a refreshing edge to the track. The drums give us a heavy rock sound adding a slight mosh effect. The lustrous guitar solo is bright and zesty and gives us that classic rock element.
This is a strong track for this fresh young band as they showcase their talent and great potential.
Stream ‘Friday Afternoon’ below
Velvet Kills are an electro punk, electro rock, post wave duo with Susana Santos on vocals/bass and Harris Iveson on guitar/synths. The group came to life in 2015, beginning with a chance encounter on a trance dance floor where Susana and Harris discovered their mutual love for rock, synths and beige Steinberger guitars. Velvet Kills has since gained a steady following, leading to their debut EP, ‘Memory’, being released in March this year. They are now planning a Europe Tour, followed by an album release this Autumn.
Their debut EP, ‘Memory’, is a striking, rhythmic , seductive EP that exudes a fantastic mix of sounds and textures that explodes the mind with a euphoric atmosphere of full rich sensual music. The EP begins with the track ‘Rain’ which is an electro rock track full of attitude and oozing cool lustful swagger. With trance dance beats and slick guitars this song lures you into a world of dark alluring psychedelia while Susanna’s deep seductive vocal is captivating and inviting. ‘Clog’ follows again with a confused psychedelic atmosphere. The sound is complex and abstract with the instrumentation taking the attention almost as if the vocals are accompanying the music. It gives the feeling that the room is spinning and you are in a haze surrounded by churning electronic sounds or hallucinating in a dessert with no water. ‘Red Shoes’ calms the tone slightly from the intensity of its predecessor. The track appears more cinematic and dramatic with strings playing a main feature. It has a dark “dooms day” feel with the strings and guitar playing in a call and response manner adding deep undertones to the song. ‘Memory’ finishes the EP in a shadowy tone with soft beats and dynamic synths. The vocals are again deep and luring grabbing the listeners attention. This track has a dark dance quality with light synths at times and lustrous guitar to add a refreshing contrast.
Velvet Kills ‘Memory’ EP is full of driving beats and bewitching textures that are tempting and enticing, with striking seductive vocals, gritty guitars and abstract sounds this EP is an experience and a really solid debut.
Look forward to hearing more from Velvet Kills
The Fontaines are brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles. They have just released their new EP ‘ ii ‘ which is a blend of their “New-Wop” sounds, jazz tones, smooth sweet vocals and some really cleverly and competent guitar features which give this EP a bite and an indie feel. The Fontaines are making their sound their own, they are fresh, original and know exactly what they are doing. Their ‘ii’ EP confirms this with four strong tracks that follow each other fluidly while remaining different and showcasing the many styles and talents of The Fontaines.
The EP begins with the electric and energetic ‘Cold’ which was released earlier this year and we previously wrote a feature on. Its a strong start to the EP as it brings energy and a mass of sounds that are refreshing and innovative. We see their sugar coated doo- wop style only this time they have added a refreshing bit of rock in the mix. Charlotte’s vocals begin soft, soothing and sweet for the verses with light beats behind and then they blast us into a heavy chorus instrumentally with more dynamic vocals. This track is toe tappingly good and infectious with an edgy guitar that gives a rock, almost psychedelic feel that just raises this track up. ‘Handstand’ follows in a swaying bop manner. Charlotte shows us her vocal skills as she begins in a lamenting tone and builds to her raspy high range with an almost growl at times. Hank displays some really slick sharp guitar playing as he takes command for the shredding bridge. The soft luscious backing vocals, which is a feature of The Fontaines music appears in this track and adds a longing tone. This track is infectiously catchy and deals with the theme of a love that has ultimately soured in a refreshing edgy way while remaining boppingly good. ‘Please, Say Something’ is the third track on the EP and it slows down the tone. It is stripped back and simple with a 1940’s feel. Charlotte’s beautiful gentle vocals take the limelight with only light delicate piano accompaniment. Her vocals are emotional and clear as she pleads with her lover. This track shows just how amazing The Fontaines are as they strip everything back and reveal true raw emotion which pulls on your heart strings. ‘I Love You,’ is the final track on the EP and it follows is predecessor smoothly keeping with the melancholy broken heart them but they oomph it up a bit with this track. This track tells us the character is leaving her lover but its full of positive tones as she appears to be fed up of her previous situation but is hopeful for the future “I hope I’ll come back to you.“ Again The Fontaines give us a 50’s 60’s bopping style but with a modern twist, with fuzzed guitar added in all the right places like a slice of lemon in a sweet drink giving us a refreshing edge. The smooth vocals and lush harmony in backing vocals make this track really attractive with catchy lyrics you wont be able to stop yourself from singing along. ‘ii’ as a whole has proved that The Fontaines are not afraid to take risks and shake things up. They have found their sound but that doesn’t tie them down. ‘ii’ is a collection of tracks that showcase both Charlotte and Hank’s skilled musicianship as they convey a story of love, heartbreak and everything between in just four tracks, in a modern fresh way while pulling in the much loved doo-wop style and making it their own.
A fantastic EP from the talented and gifted duo.
Stream ‘ii’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
doesn’t love a saxophone especially when it works well and adds diversity and depth to their tracks. Their witty humour and banter goes down well with the crowd, a brilliant warm up for a great night ahead.
to go to one of their gigs .’Dream’ follows with its bright upbeat bubbly sound which I thought had a slight country twang when i listened to the album, however when performed live they give us punchier drums and a fantastic lustrous guitar that is compelling. The edgy bluesy ‘This Town’ give us a rock and roll feel with swagger. The heavy riff is brawny yet flexible and can coax you to dance without you even realising it. Its an energetic track that the crowd reacts well to and seems to sweet talk the crowd to bopping along. They slow down the tone with the melodic smooth ‘Morning Light’ showcasing their lush harmonies. Its a soft track that has a sway almost soft bop effect on the crowd. The set flows smoothly as they glide into the catchy ‘Diana’ which shows us their funky side. Unfortunately we had to leave at this point but not before we got to hear the smooth sensual ‘New York Is Dangerous’ with its slick darker tone.
is no doubt of their talent.
