Reading “Pop Smack” band Mellor have released their new single ‘Francis’.Since emerging on the scene in 2011 the quartet produced numerous self released EP’s and singles, all of which have been well received by blogs, radio and followers all over the UK and overseas. They’ve shared stages with the likes of The Kooks, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Carl Barat & The Jackals and The Milk, as well as touring up and down the UK tearing up venues with their high energy, loud, and sweaty performances. Band members Gary Kingham (Guitar/Vocals), Sam Igoe (Drums), Josh Woodward (Bass) and Evert Outen (Keys) impressed us with their track ‘Win Me Over’ earlier this year and we made it Our Worth A Listen Track.
Their new single ‘Francis’ announces its arrival with the shrill of distorted guitars, followed by a blast into their bright indie bluster. Mellor fleshes out their cool smooth groove with sensual elastic bass and light steamy guitar that gives the track a seductive spice. Punchy drums and animated suave on vocals gives a fluidity and sleek quality. Gritty darkened undertones adds an edge and rawness to the silken melody of the track. Oozing swagger with hidden shadowy frustration teamed with sizzling guitar and whippy malleable rhythm ‘Francis ‘is a step forward in Mellor’s sound and proves to be a rousing showcase of their talent.
Stream ‘Francis’ below
Liverpool’s ace post-rock band The Mono LPs have developed a name for themselves with their clever creation of riff driven rock ‘n’ roll with a twist of cello. Band members Ste Reid (Vocals/Songwriter/Guitar), Vicky Mutch (Cello/Backing Vocals), Chris Barlow (Bass) and Daniel Beech (Drums) have been building a catalogue of gigs including supports with The Maccabees and British Sea Power. The four piece have released their new track ‘L.O.V.E & H.A.T.E’ which is the lead single taken from their new album, ‘State of Decay’. It’s a punchy song that makes a poignant statement about how love and hate can be as small as two people in a relationship or as big as two countries at war. ‘L.O.V.E & H.A.T.E’ is a swagger infused strut of attitude and sass. With a punchy jab on drums and smooth rubbery slapping bass that adds a springy buoyant feel to the track. The soulful vocals exude panache and a flamboyant sleek style that can lure and tempt with great charm and charisma. Fiery steamy guitars adds grit and a rough rugged quality to this otherwise sleek and sensual chic track. The warm depth of the cello adds a unique luxuriant rich quality to this blazing red hot gem.
A must listen!
The single launch for ‘L.O.V.E. & H.A.T.E‘ is at The Buyers Club, Liverpool on 3rd November and the album launch for ‘States Of Decay’ is on 10th November.
Watch the video for ‘L.O.V.E & H.A.T.E’ below
Grimsby based indie band Mint consist of Zak Rashid (vocals and guitar), Adam Shaw (lead guitar), Andy Maidens (bass) and Sam Chapman (drums). The four piece released their debut EP ‘Happiness is Heroin’ which made number 11 in the iTunes charts. These boys have charmed the likes of Alan Raw, Hailey Richie and their separate BBC Introducing teams, played festival stages throughout summer and have even worked with the same producers that worked with Viola Beach, The Jackobins and VYNCE!. ‘Happiness is Heroin’ is a bushwhack of energetic bursts and frenzy causing vibes rolled out and smoothed off with infectious melodies and sick riffs. ‘Elise’ kicks the EP off with a surge of explosive energy ablaze with bright vibrant vibes. The bouncing beat and zealous frantic guitar keeps the spirited blood pumping rush of energy. Rashid’s dynamic vocals add a swagger filled confidence and charm to the witty catchy lyrics. ‘Wolves’ is a sizzling agitated surge of gutsy steamy sharp guitar and pounding drums with elastic slap on bass keeping a swift rapid sticky tempo. The smooth sensual vocals give an eerie narration for the verse with tension releasing chorus. Its an electric gooey track with a raw edgy vibe. ‘Living & Dying For’ is a surge of gritty rock with sensual hints of blues for the verses building into a massive heavy thick brawny chorus with a splurge of rushing lyrics of desires. The dark lustful undertones and screeching distorted guitars add a scratchy weight.‘Wonderland’ concludes the EP with passionate raspy vocals and bright twinkle on guitars to start. Deep meaningful lyrics thunderous drums and flexible bass keeps the rapid malleable yet powerful rhythm. Razor sharp guitar adds a sombre and acute edge to this shaken enraged track. Exasperated vocals teamed with the irritated shrill on guitar acts like an itch under you skin that you cannot reach.
‘Happiness is Heroin’ takes you on a journey of emotions from anthem -like choruses and energetic bright luminosity to intense sombre and frustrated frenzy all while keeping a fresh edge and showcasing fantastic musicianship.
Stream ‘Happiness is Heroin’ below
Alexis Kings have released their new single ‘Squire’. The single soared into the top 10 of the Spotify UK Viral Chart along with support from Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing Three Counties, Alex Rainbird & Indiemono. ‘Squire’ is a heart-stoppingly moving melodic track teamed with upbeat rhythms and smooth summer vibes. With a warm majestic guitar feature, an elevated bright atmosphere and breathtakingly sweet melody that is golden honey to the ears. Alexis Kings present us with a heavenly beautiful track that exudes effortless charm and elegance. Velvety soulful vocals give euphoric bliss coated in nostalgic tones. Alexis Kings show sublime musicianship with this captivating irresistible track.
Close you eyes and let ‘Squire’ take you on a journey of summer love with a melody and textures that seep into your soul.
Watch the video for ‘Squire’ below
This Place Is Death are an three piece alternative rock band from Cork. They released an EP ‘Low Light’ in 2013, and in 2016 were signed with UK Indie label Sound Hub Records. Band members Frank (Vocals,Guitars), Barry (Bass) and Eoin (Drums,Backing Vocals) have now released their new single ‘Caught Inside’ which was recorded and mixed at Sound Hub Studios and mastered at Metropolis Studios , London. ‘Caught Inside’ is a pulverising backlash of fiery neck breaking alternative rock. With thunderous splintering drums that develop into a rapid rumple that forces its way into your brain becoming a pounding ear worm beat. Vigorous striking guitars and rooted limber bass keep the track bound and gives a boomerang spring back effect. The haunting moody vocals add an eerie danger and suppressed aggression to the track. But for me that rolling drum at the end kicks ass with its brisk demolishing finesse. Its a head banger.
Watch ‘Caught Inside’ below
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
Our Worth A Listen This Week is Mini Mansions ‘Flashbacks’
Los Angeles’ finest Mini Mansions have released a collection of unreleased/unheard B-Side tracks entitled ‘Flashbacks’. This follows their critically acclaimed second album ‘The Great Pretenders’ which was released in 2015. The trio , vocals and drummer Michael Shuman, vocals and keyboardist Tyler Parkford, bassist and multi instrumentalist Zachary Dawes have compiled a collection of nine ravishing tracks that smash all boundaries. We couldn’t choose just one track for our worth a listen but then, why would you choose one when their are nine spine tingling beauties. ‘Flashbacks’ kicks things off with ‘Drive’ a snappy quick step luscious track with Dawes’ fuzzed bass giving an ecstatic bounce. Parkford’s sweet delicate vocals introduces the nectarous melody with Shuman’s backing vocals adding a lush heavenly texture. The fluidity of this track makes it so easy on the ears and soothing with sugar coated sparkle. Building into heavier fuzzed rock instrumentation Mini Mansions introduce us to their gritty glam rock sprinkled with a smooth mouthwatering sweet 60s texture. With the sudden change to deep bass vocals by Shuman a warm mellow tone is added to the rich mix. ‘Drive’ knocks it out of the park and hooks you into the trio’s unique dreamy world of psychedelia and rock.‘Bored To Death’ coos and lulls into a gentle slow dance. With raspy vocals and tender lyrics teamed with elegant keys and dexterous chord progression creating a catchy soothing track that stops time, stilling everything around except for the beautiful melody. Lush harmony and gently sorrowful tones add purity and elegance. The track builds in intensity as a heartbroken tone takes over with heavy rhythm. The sweetened sting on guitar with soft piano and a light beat plays the track out with echoing gingerly soft repetitive vocals. ‘Ticket For One’ illuminates with a bright melody and multi-textures. The infectious slap whack beat combined with nimble keys and Dawes’ sharp elastic bass giving the track a rubber ball rebound effect. The call and response vocals between soft Parkford and deep Shuman as they interact with syrupy smooth melodies that will give you “stuck song syndrome”. Leading effortlessly and perfectly into ‘Ticket For Two’ a witty bouncy track with the catchy and almost “dollish” twinkle piano effect. Adding a catchy “clap clap” effect and steady striking bass ‘Ticket for two’ is a “tour de force” as it pulls similarities from ‘Ticket For One’ while developing a distinctive sound. Of course there is no great genius without a mixture of madness especially where Mini Mansions are concerned as they lead us into a frenzy of heavy manical moshing to end this fantastic track. ‘Fiona’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie has a darkened dreamy tone and swoon-like atmosphere coated in hazy psychedelia. Once again Parkford and Shuman share vocals as they weave and intertwine melodies with warm seductive textures. The drums exude an oomph and panache to start and then seduce and coax when teamed with the smooth velvety vocals. They build into a sweep and bluster for the intense massive crescendo before the tone slows to a soft gentle echo finish. ‘Shape Recorder‘ has a spooky Halloween party track feeling to start with the peppy organ. The track maintains a sneaky eerie tone with psychedelic fuzz and heavy daunting instrumentation. Its a swirling confusion of blurry haunting fun and dangerous shady obscurity. The intensity of the track fades to a sweet soft vocal with lush harmonies before a final burst of instrumentation. ‘Valet’ is our taste of sensual reggae with Hendrix- esque guitar to start. This body grooving track is effortlessly cool and sleek and shows Mini Mansions in a new light. Its a sit back and bop to the music feel good tasteful track. Shuman’s warm deep vocals contrasting with Parkford’s candied falsetto towards the end adds a charming multi dimension. Exuding fiery strutting swagger with a captivating stride and flaunt this track is magnetic and tantalising. ‘Little Al Capone’ begins with a strong “digging” labour intensive beat and bass vocals adding grounding and depth. The track builds into a theatrical quick passed track with rapid beat and sprightly piano. Tight harmony on vocals and a vibrant dynamism and oomph instrumentation add passion and slappy elasticity. The track sounds like it could have been taken from a scene from a musical where the actors are hard at work, slogging through the daily grindstone. ‘Shadow’ completes our musical journey with the mysterious Mini Mansions in a sombre nostalgic tone. Its labyrinth of interweaving textures meandering through a delicate tender melody and heavenly sweet lavish vocals give this track opulent textures and diversity. The dreamy Utopian wistfulness and visionary fantasy set to swirling rapid beat and whine on guitars in a sway – like motion gives this track an abstracted feeling, like it was all a dream.
Mini Mansions are like a fine wine maturing and coming into their own. ‘Flashbacks’ could have been an album as each track opens your mind to their unique classy musicianship as they guide you into a journey of fantasy and rich textures unwinding your mind and unravelling your senses.
Five piece Ghost Robots are an alternative rock band from Waterford. Band members Michael Doyle (Vocals), Dael O’Brien (Drums), Evan Hayes (Bass), David Hearne (Rhythm Guitar) and David Rudden (Lead Guitar) will be releasing their self titled album early next year and we had a little listen to it. As expected Ghost Robots sucker punch you into their unique sticky indie rock with flashes of epileptic psychedelia. This high intensity album is jam packed with catchy melodies and body pounding instrumentation that will have you completely immersed and engulfed in their darkened entrancing sound.
The album kicks things off with ‘Bad Habit’ this gritty riff ear worm is the perfect track to reel you in with pounding drums and dynamic soaring vocals. Strident blazes of guitar and blissful pop melodies make it a fiery anthem ablaze with motivational fist pump attitude and spirit. ‘Hollow Thoughts’ is a hungry razor sharp composition of nimble acute guitar and a snappy forceful beat. It is gravelly rough and ready frenzy, coated in swirling psychedelia and mind bending aggression. ‘Invader’ is an attack of euphoric rock. The edgy shrill of earsplitting guitars on top of hard pummelling drums give the sound of headbangingly good rock. Its a hyped intense track exuding aggressive swagger and a forceful characteristic. It is a “tour de force” with mesmerising electric power driven vocals. ‘Louder Louder’ , ‘Lights Out’ and ‘Richer Than Kings’ continue the five pieces’s unique, energetic whip lash rock with sizzling riffs and flexible rhythms all while maintaining a smooth refreshing cool tone. ‘Geronimo’ gives us a sensual almost strut- like punchy swagger. With fuzzed steamy guitar and sticky beat this track oozes stuffy attitude and gluey textures. ‘Razor Blades and Ashtrays’ is a rush of hair raising eerie tones and mystery. With an infectious piercing guitar riff and whisper vocals for the bridge its a spooky warning of dangerous occurrences with outburst of frustration. The album concludes with ‘I Am Not Contagious’ a swirling brew of spiralling psychedelia and chilling haunting vocals teamed with a heavy sturdy beat that remains the foundation and a solid to hold on to as the rest of the track swirls and intoxicatingly weaves around pulling you into its deep pit of trance-inducing danger. The coaxing velvety vocals bewitch and charm you into its spellbinding entrapment leaving you dizzy, confused and wanting to hear more.
An incredible album from Ghost Robots these guys have a bright future ahead looking forward to the release next year.
Ghost Robots will be playing at Whelan’s on OCT 15th make sure you check them out they are brilliant live.
While you are waiting for the album release watch the video for ‘Under Fire’ taken from Ghost Robots EP ‘Sell It To Me’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From By Starlight
London alternative rock three-piece By Starlight have announced the release of their debut single ‘So Desperate’. The pounding new single is lifted from their upcoming debut EP and combines grunge riffs with ethereal pop hooks to mark the arrival of a uniquely talented new rock band. Led by charismatic singer-bassist Sara Murray with Ivo Sotirov on Drums and Martino Al on Guitars. ‘So Desperate’ brings us their hybrid of muscular grunge-punk and dream pop. The track is drenched in a dark shadowy atmosphere swirling in murky melodies and distortion. This track is a whirlwind of psychedelic intoxication, luring and enticing with a fuzzed grunge blast and winding weaving textures that pull and coax you into its eerie dangerous core. The brawny yet elastic beat maintains a strong rock foundation while the rest of the track consumes you with its bewitching churning and interviewing structure. Murray’s vocals are seducing, hypnotising and ensnaring with sweet lulling quality’s. This track can mesmerise and fascinate you until you are subdued, obeying every command enthralled and enraptured in its spell.
Stream ‘So Desperate’ below
I Drink Therefore There’s Darkness are a melodic, melancholy driven band from Blackpool formed in January 2015 by ex members of post-rock band Goonies Never Say Die. Band members Barry Parkinson, Dan Kerr, Warren Brown and Joel Winters have released their the first song ‘There’s Always Another Summer’ from their forthcoming album ‘élan vital’. The album is currently being mixed by James Routh of Sonic Boom Six and though there’s no release date yet, this first song is taken from a charity compilation CD album called ‘Streetlive’ for the Street Life charity, helping homeless youths in Blackpool. ‘There’s Always Another Summer’ is a refreshing track with a bright peppy guitar riff that seeps into your brain and rests in a chirpy bubble of fun. The track develops with moody raspy vocals and a melancholy tone. The interchanging between chirpy guitar and bubbly beat to sulky gloomy vocals adds a fresh and unique contrast that makes this track captivating. The guitar solo adds a twinkle of charm and charisma before the song rests finally on a heavier gritty rock almost mosh worthy crescendo. The drums become more hefty and the vocals more dynamic and rusty. A fantastic debut from I Drink Therefore There’s Darkness looking forward to hearing the album.
Stream ‘There’s Always Another Summer’
