Contemporary Folk artist Sunjay has released his latest album ‘Devil Came Calling’. Sunjay hails from the UK where he has been quickly coined a rising star. In 2012 he was nominated for BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award as well as being crowned Wath Festival Young Performers Award Winner.
‘Devil Came Calling’ is a twanging quirky album that bounces along peppy folk tones with humour glimmering through Sunjay’s lyrics. Warm guitars lift each track into an uplifting atmosphere while the infectious buoyant beat keeps tracks like ‘Ghost Train’, ‘Mean & Ugly’, ‘Too Close To The Sun’ and ‘King Of My Own Country’ tipping away in your mind. The country influences add that sing along sprightly feel while the blues hues in ‘Big Road’, and the Robert Johnson -esque ‘Mississippi Blues’ adds a lonesome purity to the album as well as showcasing Sunjay’s guitar prowess.‘Johnny & The Devil’ chugs along with an entertaining narrative through the lyrics while the vocals tell the tale with warmth and charm. The album winds out with the radiant ‘Faith Healer’ followed by the rock n’ roll doused ‘Tell Me’ which swaggers its way to the final slow burner ‘The Truth’
‘Devil Came Calling’ displays Sunjay’s diverse musicianship with warm country twangs, blues hues and some strut ready rock n’ roll peppering to keep the album spicy and fresh. Filled with rich rhythms sublime guitar work and string element sprinklings, Sunjay has created an easy on the ears album for the indie folk lovers out there.
Electro Pop artist STK Sound has released his debut album ‘Reincarnation’. The creative mind of STK Sound ties together the world of audio with visual representation, and this debut record is the perfect example of how he manages to shape perceptions through his art.
‘Reincarnation’ is an ambient collection of tracks that submerge you completely into the luxurious electronic fusions of STK Sound.Its a mellowed out experience as ‘Intro’ , ‘Awakening’ ‘Only One’ and ‘Death And Reincarnation’ begin the dreamy journey into STK Sound’s world of tranquil magic. The electronic elements are subtle and sweet as they flurry, wisp and twinkle between the sticky fluctuant beats. With warm vocals cooing over this floaty soundscape STK Sound transforms the listening experience with cosy textures. He blends some darker tones into his album with eerie subtly haunting atmospheres through tracks like ‘ Darkness Of The Magic’ without shocking the listener out of their dreamy haze. As the glistening soundscapes dazzle and delicately sparkle the track builds behind creating an ominous atmosphere with deep vocal samples and conflicted electronics, this provides a beautiful contrast through STK Sound’s creations. The raw and at times jittery percussion adds a rich and vibrant texture to the more melancholic tracks like ‘Do You Feel My Love’, the dazzling ‘Never Stop’ and skittish ‘Mirrors’. While ‘Atlas Love’ and ‘Life’ cool the sticky sultry vibes of those tracks with gentle ethereal tones, piano elements, and wispy soundscapes. However these tracks maintain a mystical and almost eerie atmosphere with some fuzzed elements and deep beat thuds. ‘Dark Sun’ brings the album to a close with a surge of peaceful vibes and glorious textures and tones. The sweet electronics flicker between quivering soundscapes and whispered vocals before becoming a little more obscure as gloopy sounds blop through the dreamy electronic whines. It’s a unique and intriguing track to close the album.
STK Sound takes the listener on a mystical journey of rich multi texture sounds through his refined ‘Reincarnation’ album as his blend of relaxing tunes and frazzling electronics both soothe and invigorate the mind.
Alt-electronic collective, aLLriGhT have released their debut album ‘Music for Riots’.Hailing from London, band members MiKe and LuKe work together to perfect their skills in beat-making and remixes.
‘Music for Riots’ presents aLLriGhT’s ability to create a heavy dance infused electronic album with dazzling precision and thrilling production. From the jump, it’s clear that the details and particulars of the sound are important to these guys ‘Grasshopper’ sets the album in motion with intricate electronics, meaty beats and a dark sense of suspense that creeps behind a soundscape, evoking images of flashing lights, confusion and a body pounding wall of sound. Their riff – heavy EDM -eque sound is filled with luxurious styles and rich production techniques. Through ‘BreXit’, ‘Bee’, ‘Gazebbo Party’, ‘Get Yourself Up’ and ‘Love’ we get a mix of disco, haunting horror movie elements and dizzying alternative electronics with orchestral stabs and a few pinches of their squelching dance aesthetic. ‘Affanno’ brings us to aLLriGhT’s most chilling and eerie sound yet as ghostly keys chime and twinkle through the electronic bloops and dramatic bursts. It definitely fills you with that feeling you’re being followed down a dark alley to your demise. Slightly less ominous ‘Damned Machine’ brings us to the end of the album with its skittish beats and hyper wall of sound.
‘Music for Riots’ is an impressive collection of tracks from aLLriGhT that take you on a mind melting trip of intricate electronics and feverous soundscapes, all rendered with an amazing level of detail.
You can catch aLLriGhT live at :
8th of June – Victoria Dalston, London – Release Party, aLLriGhT featuring a roster of talented artists
Alternative rock group Think Sanity have released their debut, self-titled album.Think Sanity began as a side project, thought up by original members Trent and Andie Johnson after their previous work with Daniel Brasher in band ‘Ink Mind’. Since then, Think Sanity have grown into a solid five piece which includes the talented, Breihan (Bob) Dryden who currently drums for 80’s themed alt-rock group ‘The Sunsets’ and is former vocalist of metal band, ‘Escapist.’ Newest member Jack Vermuth joins as guitarist and bassist to complete the team. Mental Health is a topic close to their hearts, so with careful lyricism and powerful rhythm the band deliver their sound as a route to escape.
With tracks laced in powerful alternative rock Think Sanity’s debut self titled album is a mature and well crafted collection. Crashing guitars, pulverising drums and a harsh brawny wall of sound create the fundamentals for opening track ‘Mothra’ as well as throughout ‘Sad Kaiju’, ‘Surgery’, ‘Automotan’ and ‘Breaking The Panorama’ with the more emotional delicate ‘Blood Thinners & Aspirin’ creating a sublime balance. The album features refined, epic guitar moments as they pine, whine or sultry soar throughout the tracks flooding them with character. Think Sanity flesh out their neck breaking speed with the fierce ‘I’m A Liar’ as the powerful vocals blend perfectly with screaming backing vocals and a mammoth instrumental backdrop. The band present their stomping ferocity in the disco hued ‘Sludge’ while ‘Questions’ sprinkles a dash of attitude onto a metal – esque backdrop. The band pack in layers of rich musicianship through their pummeling sound while lyrically dealing with relatable, emotional and powerful themes. Each track boasts the mighty, well crafted instrumental prowess of the band without compromising on quality. ‘I’m Real, I Think’ closes the album as the band began it, dynamic and vigorous as mighty drums and bass create a mosh worthy foundation for the slick guitars to crash and ricochet off while the vocals pine and exclaim over the catchy melody. The infectious riffage through this album is an admirable quality which Think Sanity have mastered along with a tight shredding wall of sound.
Think Sanity’s debut album is impressive with layers of creativity and intelligent musicianship.
Cleveland-based Indie/Alternative artist Holden Laurence has released his Sophomore album ‘Rewire’ and will celebrate with a release show at Mahall’s on May 17th alongside Niights and Punch Drunk Tagalongs. Like his previous release ‘Wild Empty Promises’, Laurence once again recruited drummer Michael O’Brien of The Modern Electric to provide the pulse of Rewire. The Rewire sessions were recorded at Fe True Productions(Cleveland) and Bobby Peru Recording Studios (Milwaukee), and were engineered, mixed, and mastered by Shane Olivo, in partnership with executive producer Dr. Michael Bell.In addition to self-producing for the second time, all instruments and vocals, with the exception of drums and percussion, were performed by Holden Laurence
‘Rewire’ is a luscious and compelling collection of alternative 80’s pop submerged in beautiful vivid musicianship as Laurence wraps each track in glorious sugary synths that flash and seep their glucose sweetness through tracks like ‘Shadows of Old Love’, ‘Friendship and The Fever’ and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ .The emotional melodies melt into the tracks effortlessly and rest easily on the ear with bittersweet nostalgia blending with melancholic tones. The velvety vocals exude passion as the glistening sharp guitars weave zesty melodies throughout. The tracks whirl and glissade smoothly from vivid bass grooves and meaty drum progressions to ethereal dreamy tones seamlessly creating a vibrant and texture throughout the album. The emotional tender tracks like ‘Lightning Strikes’, ‘Rewire’,‘Desire’ and ‘Roses and a Romeo Mask’ are beautifully presented with delicate passion and gripping soundscapes while the more upbeat, indie speckled, sun kissed gems like ‘We’ll Always Have the Radio’ illuminate the album with a euphoric laid back tone of delight. Laurence brings us down a sultry nostalgic road of longing with ‘Mary Magdalene’ with its wistful, heart stopping melody and gripping soundscapes that is sure to rest charmingly in the heart of any one who listens to it. The album comes to a beautiful and delicate end with the track ‘The Southern Wind’ as warm guitar twinkles about a soft melody and lush harmony. It’s a charming number that builds becoming more dynamic as it blossoms into a heart warming ditty with honest lyrical content and pure emotional tones.
‘Rewire’ is a richly satisfying album that boasts Holden Laurence’s immaculate, passionate and rich musicianship.
Nick Cody and the Caravan of Dreams have released their latest album ‘Tales of Dark and Light’. Musician Nick Cody collaborates with what he describes as a ‘caravan of talent’ in this latest release.
‘Tales of Dark and Light’ is a warm cosy album filled with mellow tones,rich instrumentation and wholesome country hues. The album speaks truth about the world in which we live, illustrating issues such as Brexit, murder and social change within the beautifully crafted lyrics. There are glorious harmonies throughout the album and tracks such as ‘Tales Of Dark & Light (Intro)’ feature these wonderful harmonies in all their sweet richness. The album is brimming with peppy foot tapping ditties from ‘Grey Skies’ and ‘Dunning Kruger Blues’ while ‘The Pink Moon (Song For Zeke)’ and ‘Here In The Silence’ brings a sweet easy going vibe to the album. The twinkling guitar twangs and simplistic retro vibe gives the tracks on the album a warm velvety feel and classy quality while the elegant strings and soft beat add a feathery light vibe. The delicate piano adds a touch of tenderness to tracks like ‘All That Loving’ and ‘When The Pain Begins’. There is a sublime variety of refined musicianship throughout the album as the melty melodies unfold beautifully upon the mesmerising instrumental backdrop making each track a snug delight to the ears. Each song flows fluidly into the next with the noir pop hooks and cinematic instrumentation creating joyous moments and chilling tones like in ‘The Other Me’. The majestic blend of acoustic instruments create a unique sound that consumes you into the depths of the album. The strings add wonderful characters to each track as it weaves its vibrant melodies through the darker songs with a playful or melancholic persona and tempting allurement. The band close the album as they began it with ‘Tales Of Dark & Light (Outro)’ bringing the whole experience full circle.
‘Tales of Dark and Light’ showcases beautiful musicianship, lush warm harmonies and glorious instrumentation. This album oozes charm and character.
Promising Singer/Songwriter hailing from North East England, The ÆTHER, aka David has released his second studio album ‘ÆTHEREAL’. Written during the British heatwave of 2018, the album is a collection of optimistic tracks, underscored with hope, resilience and a love of life.
‘ÆTHEREAL’ is a richly diverse and perfectly blended collection of electronic, dance, indie, funk and pop. The ÆTHER delivers a tasty nine track assortment that is the perfect summer soundtrack. His luscious pop melodies saturate each track in deliciousness while his soulful vocals are full of emotional tenderness that holds everything together. From the electronic ‘Im So Sorry’ and ‘Urgh’ with their chicness and 70’s funk flecked choruses the album is doused in suave romantic tones. Tracks like ‘Miracle’, ‘Deep In Love’ bring that dance laced summer vibe and free “caution to the wind “ atmosphere while packing in deep lyric content between the flashing electronics, swirling dazed soundscapes and funky guitar. The falsetto vocals are particularly sweet and showcase Davids’ warm range. ‘Sun & Moon’, ‘Like No Other Can’ takes us from the dance party to a chilled soul / R&B hued slow mover. It’s a slick romantic number to dim the light to and swoon over. ‘I Can’t Take This Feeling’ is the emotional sorrow filled track of the album that brings stormy clouds and rain filled with turmoil with contrasting electronics and dark beats. The ÆTHER brings the album to a close with two tender heartfelt numbers ‘I Think Im Falling Going Nowhere’ and ‘Let Me Adorn You’.
‘ÆTHEREAL’ is filled with delicate tones, chilled vibes and oodles of soul which contrast beautifully against the albums dynamic electronics and funky guitar injections. Each song flows into the next with zealous finesse while the smooth vocals caress and glide over the melty melodies. It’s a charming album.
London’s Ten Fé have released their sophomore album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ via Some Kinda Love/PIAS. Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse returned to London from touring Ten Fé’s debut album ‘Hit The Light’ – what had begun as a duo had evolved on the road into a fully formed band with Rob Shipley, Johnny Drain and Alex Hammond completing the line up. Sold-out shows across the US and Europe, along with tens of millions of Spotify streams, had yielded a new-found confidence and a raw, emotional and expansive new sound. Singles ‘Won’t Happen’, ‘Not Tonight’, ‘Coasting’ and ‘Echo Park’ from the album have all been New Music Friday in multiple territories at Spotify and Best Of The Week globally at Apple Music.
‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a dreamy whoosh of refreshing tunes that cruise along at a steady wholesome pace as Ten Fé flesh out their soul fulfilling musicianship through beautiful melodies and soothing instrumentation. There is depth in every track as the band wear their hearts on their sleeves displaying tender moments and delicate vulnerabilities through sweet tones and elegant writing. ‘Won’t Happen’ kicks all this lusciousness off with a melancholic melody floating delicately through warm guitar jingles, soft drums and soothing vocals. Ten Fé’s ability to create wholly satisfying tracks through consoling instrumentation is captivating. Each track is a breath of fresh summer air with campfire evening nights glimmering between joyous, sombre musicianship. Each song is simple and delicate with immense richness and depth driving it right into your heart.Pure and relaxing the tracks lead you further into a sedating and uplifting state of bliss. ‘Isn’t Ever A Day’ ‘No Night Lasts Forever’, ‘Can’t Take You With Me’ and ‘Caught On The Inside’ drift along into your ears. Laid back and effortless the meaningful songwriting is passionate yet calm and fluid. It’s easy to find a place in your heart for all these little gems. They quickly become a part of you and this is the delightful side effect of Ten Fé’s musicianship.
The impeccable vocal contrast of Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse creates a distinct and rich texture to the album. Moorhouse’s deep baritone showcases raw emotion perfectly while Duncan’s sweet and emotional vocals are that comfy blanket that soothes and caresses your ears delicately. This subtle shift in vocals for tracks like ‘Echo Park’ and ‘Coasting’ is what keeps the album refreshing and vibrant. There is a melodic Fleetwood Mac flow to ‘Caught On The Inside’. It’s heartfelt melody and lush harmonies make this sombre tune a treasure while the elegant yet dark piano in ‘To Lie Here Is Enough’ strips everything back leaving just simple emotion and another tender vocal melody to leave you in tears.
Ten Fé’s ability to wrap you up in lavish majestic melodies is sublime. The buoyant cheery ‘Here Again’ and swoony ‘Not Tonight’ display this perfectly. With sweet toned guitar injections and soft percussion these tracks add a dash of zest into the sugary delightful flurry of the album while radiating sun kissed glows throughout. The band choose to bring the album to a close with ‘Superrich’ a stomping number that presents a more swaggering side to the band as the clever lyrics hop through smooth vocals as strong chords on keys add a spring into the tracks step while subtle guitar whines inject a sting to this honest and somewhat lyrically brutal number.
‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a well thought out, mature album that encompasses all the rich depths of Ten Fé‘s musicianship. It’s deeply romantic, melancholic and soothing with luscious melodies, refined instrumentation and wholesome goodness. These guys take us through a varied journey that leaves you feeling regenerated and wiser after.
Rock duo Bite the Buffalo have released their 3rd studio album ‘Bad Habits’. A band of brothers hailing originally from Scotland Bite the Buffalo are a garage rock band with an edge that derives from their rich cultural background. In their career thus far, they have held the support slot for many major bands Fat White Family, Happy Mondays, The Growlers and Skindred to name a few. They have also graced the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury 2013 which in turn drew the attention from Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant who invited the band to join him at a sold out Manchester Apollo gig.The BBC support has continued into 2019 with their latest release ‘Get Back Up’ receiving radio play. The band have also secured a number of media partnerships already, including the likes of Channel 4 Motorsports, Go Pro Highlight Reel, Formula 1 Highlights and Tattoo Fixers.
‘Bad Habits’ is a swagger dripping, brawny yet slick collection of garage rock that frazzles through steam scorched riffs and pummeling rhythms. These guys slap on some bluesy soaked suaveness through the short intro ‘The Man’ as a dragged beat thuds through a vaporous guitar refrain. The tracks that follow this introduction are brimming with anthemic beefy rawness in a The Black Keys- esque style with a Bite the Buffalo’s stomp. ‘Get Back Up’, ‘Dee Zeez’ and ‘Game On’ keep the energy of the album at a maximum while they flesh out their abrasive garage rock sound. While ‘Deja Voodoo’ dissolves in a haze of dreamy psychedelic bliss, cooling the tone of the album as acoustic guitars strum through a steady beat while the warm vocals coo through the sweet melody. Here this duo prove not only can they whack out cracking heavy tunes they can chill and mellow things out, refining and cooling their sound into a dazed sway-able groove. The fuzz-filled gritty ‘Shoot Shoot’ has an air of Royal Blood wafting through the edgy guitar riff. The track sizzles with a funk hue, shuffling rhythm and catchy as hell chorus. Bite the Buffalo simmer things down with the slick ‘Reverend Revolver’ and its sensual groove, vaporous guitar lines and infectious backing vocals (which remind me of The Good The Bad and The Ugly theme tune). Their vigorous sharp edged musicianship continues with ‘I Wanna CU Again’ and ‘Recent Times’. However ‘All Them Guns’ brings a freeing 60/70’s hippie vibe to the album with twanging guitars, soft vocals and lush harmonies. It feels like this duo transport you back in time with their psychedelic tinged soundscapes and smooth instrumentation behind quite striking lyrics. Bonus tracks ‘Lucky Roller’ and ‘Fire Dance’ are contrasting pieces of finesse. The former, features shredding guitars crashing and weaving nimbly between punchy drums and Mark Bolan- esque vocals while the latter jingles along with a mysterious eerie tone, elegant piano feature and a graceful tempo that gives us a glimpse of the grander side to Bite the Buffalo.
Bite the Buffalo showcase some varied tunes throughout their ‘Bad Habits’ album. Garage, stoner rock, punk and some psychedelic flavours are drizzled throughout but all this hangs together beautifully with the sleek musculature and acrobatic riffs weaving a firm thread through the album – its impressively crafted.
Alexandre Antonio and Roberto Filippi make up the duo that is ScoutSom. They have recently released their latest album titled ‘Shamash’.
‘Shamash’ is a fizzing collection of tracks rich in body and laced in acid soaked techno. Melding retro sounds with contemporary and some trance elements ScoutSom have created an impressive riveting sound. ‘Rosemont’ and ‘Namour’ are beat heavy tracks that gloop, slap and swivel over a sticky drum pattern and pulsing electronics.The keys weave around the gripping techno daze as each track lures you deeper into ScoutSoms captivating sound. It’s chilled but bass heavy to create a cool effortless groove and chic sonic flow. ScoutSom know how to create swanky chopped danceable tracks. Smothered in dark tones ‘Karlmarxstraße’ is one eerie dazzling electronic number. Choppy beats fluctuate through ominous keys as the track builds in intensity and pressure. These guys create spacey dizzying tracks to melt and boggle your mind. ‘Rathaus Neukölln’ is how this duo bring the album to a close. With flashing electronics snapping beats and tightly weaved musicianship it’s the most animated on the EP. If mind liquefying richly textured techno is your thing then check out ScoutSom.
Stream ‘Shamash’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
