Scarlet are the cloaked dark horse who have been working relentlessly over the past few years to make a name for themselves. Since launching in 2014 the band have worked with producers Jon Withnall, (Coldplay’s Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and X&Y) Michael Johnson (Joy Division, Pink Floyd, New Order, Stone Roses). They have secured places supporting Neon Waltz, Pulled Apart By Horses, a set at Liverpools Concert For Gaza, and a slot supporting The Struts. In 2015 the four piece secured slots playing DIY’s ‘breaking out’ night at Liverpool music week festival, supported Swervedriver, Black Honey, Kagoule and released their debut single ‘Anyway’ and now are currently working with Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon, CAST) on their debut album ‘Effigy’ which is to be released in the UK and Japan in October.
The female fronted band have just released their new single ‘Your Control’. Its a juicy jangle pop anthem multi textured with sharp on-point guitars and a soft spongy beat. The syrupy vocals are delicate and silky. Its darkened tones and reverb give the track rich textures and a shadowy atmosphere while still remaining light and airy. This catchy power pop track exudes fighting spirit while remaining elegant until the massive mosh worthy crescendo. ‘Your Control’ shows Scarlet’s skilled musicianship as they have created a track that is dreamy and easy to listen to but maintains a rawness that adds an edge that keeps this band fresh and dynamic. Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Your Control’ below
Harbouring Oceans are an alternative Pop, Art Rock band from Kilkenny. The band consist of Dan Pearson (Guitar/Lead Vocals), Geoff Warner-Clayton (Keys/Vocals), Benedict Warner-Clayton (Drums), Ken Farrell (Bass) and Thomas Donoghue (Lead Guitar). The five-piece released their debut single, ‘Enso’ in May this year. It is the first release from a band who’s members have been playing together in different projects for over a decade and finally after years of experimenting with their sound across Ireland in some of the country’s biggest venues and festivals, Harbouring Oceans was born in December 2015. ‘Enso’ is a tender emotive track tightly packed in a soulful stirring melody and bound with deep rhythmic grooves. Pearson’s vocals are clear and exude raw passionate emotion with lush close harmony in backing vocals that adds a delicate and dainty quality to the track. ‘Enso’ begins in a soft ambient manner that builds as the song progresses. The light piano feature adds grace and elegance to this beautiful track. The guitars interweave through the music and teamed with the groove of the bass give elasticity to track which adds a flexible sway -like quality. Harbouring Oceans have found a blend of soulful, sensual, raw emotional music that evokes your senses and touches your soul.
Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Enso’ below
Four are Annabel Allum (vocals, guitar), Jake Edwards (lead guitar, backing vocals), Oli Edwards (bass, backing vocals) and Alex Andrews (drums) from Bristol. Two members of the band Jake and Oli Edwards, were previously with The Jacques and they have used their experience with The Jacques to mould the musical relationship between Four. Their debut single ‘Take Something’ was released earlier this year and it without a doubt moves all others aside as it creates a pocket for their raw indie rock alt-pop sound. ‘Take Something’ is an edgy indie rock track that has all you want and more. It is bursting with vigorous driven guitars for the chorus and pounding drums which all ease for the verses where Allum’s luring and coaxing vocals take the limelight. The vocals become powerful and dynamic for the chorus as the track builds to an impressive mighty brief mosh effect. The added sharp guitar squeal after the chorus is thrilling and adds a distinctive edge to the track. ‘Take Something’ oozes energy while remaining cool, holding back for the intense verses and leaving you craving the full bodied chorus while you wait in anticipation for the explosive sound. Four know exactly how to reel you in and keep you wanting more.
Keep and eye out for these guys.
Stream ‘Take Something’ below
Alternative Synth-pop band Neon Wolf From Kilkenny. Rob Grace ( Vocals), Stevie Cullen (Guitar/ Vocals), Joe Glynn (Drums), Lee Shanahan (Bass) ,Liam Doyle (Keyboards/Vocal) début EP ‘Love Lost In Design’, topped iTunes charts in Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland and saw them receive both national and regional airplay in those countries. In 2012, the band were also awarded the RTE RAAP Breakthrough Bursary, having been chosen out of a list of thousands of entrants. Since then Neon Wolf have been developing a staunch fan-base and have been playing 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 most recently Hudson Taylor in Belfast’s Mandela Hall and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.In 2015, Neon Wolf released their single ‘A Place To Call Home’ on Killing Moon Records in Ireland and UK and have now announced a début headline show Upstairs in Whelans live on Saturday June 11th.
These guys are a must see with their tight instrumentation, fun and catchy pop tunes. Their single ‘A Place To Call Home’ is a sunny tropical infectious tune with punchy drum and lustrous guitars. Its bursting with melodic hooks and shimmering synths. Every note explodes good vibes and sunshine. With soft warm vocals and a falsetto chorus just oozing energy and enthusiasm.
Feel good sunny music on a summers day in June, they will make the sun shine even if its raining. Tickets for the gig are €10 and are available from Ticketmaster.
Watch ‘A Place To Call Home’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
