Tag Archives: alt rock

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop, Tropical

Marsicans ‘The Absence’ EP

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Leeds indie band Marsicans are James Newbigging (lead vocals and guitar), Oliver Jameson (guitar and vocals), Rob Brander (bass, keyboards and lead vocals) and Matthew ‘Cale’ McHale (drums and vocals). They have released their new EP ‘The Absence’ this month. The EP is the culmination of Marsicans’ 2016 releases and features the four tracks which have had national airplay in the UK via Radio 1 and Radio X over the course of the year. Three of the EP’s four featured tracks were given BBC Radio 1 support, including Huw Stephens’ premiere of the title track which also made Apple Music’s Best Of The Week playlist, whilst ‘Far Away’ a track we previously did a feature on was featured Spotify UK’s New Music Friday playlist.
‘The Absence’ presents us with Marsicans fantastic harmony-laden upbeat tropical sound that is raw and fresh yet polished in all the right places. Title track ‘Absence’ kicks off the EP and sprinkles with the four piece’s signature glowing infectious melody with lush harmonies and richly textured arrangements. Zealous guitar and vibrant synths keep this track uplifting while the soft spongy beat adds bounce and elasticity. The vocals are simple to start and become more dynamic as the track progresses. This track glows with bright vibes and is a gem glistening in the sun. ‘Arms of Another’ gives us a groovy springy sound. With an elevating high energy and catchy melody that will have you bopping and dancing from the first note. This track has an edgier sound with sharp distorted guitar that acts as the lime zest to your tropical cocktail. The rapid malleable beat maintains the tracks agile and spirited tempo. ‘Swimming’ is a blissful treasure with an ear worm melody and the perfect blend of luxurious harmonies and soaring vocals. The slick deluxe guitar riff is infectious and the glistening synths provide an elegant sweet quality throughout the track. With a slightly heavier sound towards the end, Marsicans confirms they can diversify their sound while still remaining bright and bubbly. ‘Far Away (Saudade)’ is the final track on the EP. This was the first track that caught our attention back in July. The track is ablaze with striking addictive hooks and quirky lyrics teamed with a honed melody and slashing guitar. This track is a fantastic listen. The lively animated rhythm gives the song an upbeat indie pop feel.
Marsicans ‘The Absence’ is a collection of upbeat infectious indie pop perfectly blended with sugar coated luxurious melodies, soaring vocals with bursts of zealous guitar and flexible spirited rhythm. Marsicans take their tropical mouth watering hard edged sound to another infectiously delicious level keeping you wanting more.
Marsicans have embarked on a 17-date UK tour starting earlier this month.You can still catch them live at
01 Oct – Manchester, Aatma
04 Oct – Hull, The Polar Bear
08 Oct – Middlesbrough, Twisterella Festival
10 Oct – Sunderland, 7even
14 Oct – Banbury, Also Known As
19 Oct – Basingstoke, The Sanctuary Live
20 Oct – Brighton, Bleach
21 Oct – London, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
23 Oct – Matlock, Twenty Ten
28 Oct – Liverpool, The Magnet
04 Nov – Chester, Telford’s Warehouse
10 Nov – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
11 Nov – Glasgow, Old Hairdresser’s
12 Nov – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele
Stream ‘The Absence’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Power Pop

Black Honey ‘Hello Today’

Black honey have just released their new single ‘Hello Today’. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums) continue their efforts for world domination with this staggering indie pop ear worm. They shake things up shifting from their previous brooding melancholic vibes smothered in intoxicating psychedelia to a peppy “screw you” middle finger attitude. Izzy exudes swagger and sass as she expresses her feelings exquisitely with aptly placed French phrases. This empowering track with its hyper sugar coated pop exterior and subtle bitter sting of the lyrics is a ball of bouncy fun with a slapping ricochet effect. It is glazed with a  fuzzed guitar sound that still maintains the sunny hazy vibes we are used to from Black Honey. With rich percussion and a flexible groovy rhythm the four piece bring something new and fresh to the table. The slick guitar adds a razor sharp edge and rawness to the track which otherwise appears sleek, polished and refined.
Another fantastic track from Black Honey these guys just keep getting better and better.
Stream ‘Hello Today’ below

Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Jacques

Bristol four piece Finn (lead vocals), Elliot (drums), Oliver (vocals/bass) and Jake (guitar) comprise The Jacques. They released their new single ‘Eleanor Ring Me’ earlier this year. Its a witty guitar driven track that is performed like an ode or a story telling limerick. Smoothly spoken verses tell us the tale in a cool indifferent tone with a Blur “Parklife” feel to the track. With raspy vocals for the chorus this track oozes infectious effortless moody swagger and magnetism. The bright zealous guitar flurries and glides with slick whirling agility. The steady beat and elastic bass gives the track a gooey rebound bounce.
Look forward to hearing more from The Jacques.
Stream ‘Eleanor Ring Me’ below

Alt Rock, Fuzz Rock, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Caelo ‘All You Need’

Cape Town alt-rockers Caelo have released their debut single ‘All You Need’. The rock trio have been busy making a name for themselves on the fertile Cape Town music scene since they formed in 2014. The band was initially an experimental two-piece consisting of frontman Joel Bronner and drummer Michael Dickens they soon expanded their ranks to include guitarist-turned-bassist Mat Winfield. Caelo have a knack for dexterous guitar work and an ear for singalong melodies and their debut single doesn’t disappoint.
‘All You Need’ is a headlong rapid whirlwind of fuzzed riffs and grunge pop hooks. Its breakneck style is a slap in the face of pummelling rock with robust pounding drums and razor sharp guitars. Its mosh worthy, frenzy causing hefty rock which lightens for the verses revealing their flair for ear-worm sugar coated pop melodies. This track gives you your cake and lets you eat it, well probably smudges it in your face. Exuding a grunge turbulent attitude with dynamic vocals this track packs a punch.
Stream ‘All You Need’ below

Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, Classic Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

BaDow ‘Hot Headed Machine’

BaDow are a Blues/Rock band from the South Coast of England. Fronted by Jodie Amos (Drums & Vocals) with Sam Morris on Guitar & Vocals and Bradley McGinty on Bass & Vocals. BaDow bring us the release of their second EP ‘Hot Headed Machine’. Title track ‘Hot Headed Machine’ kicks the EP off with a sizzling slick bluesy swagger. The fuzzed scuzzy bass and blazing guitar add a sensual elastic quality to the track while Amos’ vocal are clear cut with attitude and sass. This track is smooth and saucy with grit and brawn brought in by the punchy drums and vigorous guitars. ‘Poor Young Man ‘ gives us a heavier rock mosh worthy sound to start. It becomes more sensual and groovy for the elastic verse with a hip swaying dirty bass. The track becomes more energetic for the explosive chorus. The melody is infectious as the repetitive bridge holds tension until the dynamic crescendo. This track exudes steamy swagger and strut quality. ‘Wasted On Me’ pounds a steady beat to start, with a light guitar feature and lush backing vocals. Amos’ vocals for this track take a gentle emotional approach. The chorus once again builds up BaDow’s rock sound as they give us a burst of robust instrumentation which subsides for the verses. This track features a fantastic shredding guitar solo and really gives the guitar time to shine as it smashes it in an insane lengthy display of polished slick lustrous licks. The sleek ‘Freedom Of The Night’ finishes the EP with smooth sensual bluesy rock. The zesty guitar riff and flexible sultry bass teamed with powerful drums and a catchy melody makes this track a strong ending for the EP.
BaDow ‘Hot Headed Machine’ gives us their rendition of smooth, steamy, gritty classic blues rock and sizzling melodies.
Stream ‘Hot Headed Machine’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock

Ape Rising ‘King of the Universe’

Ape Rising are an Irish Synth infused rock band. Band members Johno Leader (guitar, vocals, Peter Donohue (guitar, vocals),Peter Denton (keys, vocals),Jimmy Deface (bass, vocals) and Fran Mc Donnell (drums) have released their debut single ‘King of the Universe’ which was recorded in-house by frontman Johno Leader. With a sound that will transport you to a space adventure retro rock era, jammed with soaring vocals and floating backing vocals. The track is energetic with a melody doused in aerial vibes fused with atmospheric animated synths. The vigorous spirited guitar intensifies the track and gives an edge while the elastic beat adds a playful bounce and punch. ‘King of the Universe’ is layered and alive with textures which give a trippy trance effect that draws you into the track.
A strong debut from Ape Rising.
Watch ‘King of the Universe’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Public Access T.V. ‘End Of An Era’

We are big fans of the New York City band Public Access T.V. here at Indie Buddie. They just keep belting out quality tunes. Earlier this year they released ‘Sudden Emotion’ which gave us a taste of what is to come from their debut album ‘ Never Enough’ which is set for release on 30th September. Now band members John Eatherly (lead vocals, guitar), Xan Aird (lead guitar, vocals), Max Peebles (bass, vocals) and Pete Star (drums, vocals) have released ‘End Of An Era’ to ease the anticipated wait for ‘ Never Enough’.
‘End Of An Era’ lives up to the hype of its predecessors. It glows with infectious rock and roll qualities and a Thin Lizzy vibe. Its a strut-like, swagger infused track that exudes flaming confidence. With slick zesty biting guitar that adds an old school feel and a blazing riff that is red hot giving the track a razor sharp edge. It is enthusiastic and bold with a high spirited peppy elastic bass and sprightly beat that is contagious which will have you bopping along in no time. With cool smooth vocals and catchy lyrics these guys know how to write  a good track and have you hooked from the first note.
‘End Of An Era’ is setting the bar high.
Stream ‘End Of An Era’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Everywhere ‘Some Other Dude’

Everywhere are an alternative rock band from London. The band consists of members Max Berga (Vocals), Joe Sanders (Bass), Hugo Hadji (Guitar), Boris Massot (Drums) and Joe Bates (Keys). Since their Hypemachine charting debut ‘Eddie’, Everywhere’s music has been streamed millions of times on YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify. They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets, and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London. Following the release of their critically praised single ‘Shades At Night’ the five piece have released a new track ‘Some Other Dude’. It is the second single off their ‘Sophomore’ EP due out in September this year. During the recording process of the new EP the band have divided their time between Stockholm, Los Angeles and London to collaborate with multiple producers, including American hit maker Mark Needham (The 1975, The Killers).
‘Some Other Dude’ gives us a taste of what we can expect from their EP. The track is “about the importance of seizing an opportunity before it goes out the window”. Its a fist pumping high energy confidence building anthem with escalating dynamic vocals teamed with soaring chorus and infectious melody. The elastic groovy bass and bopping punchy drums gives this track a dance effect and a  “carpe diem” feel. Its bursting with energetic “go for it” attitude. The accelerated luminous guitar raises your spirits adding that feel good factor. The soft shimmering synths gives a subtle upsurge and encouraging burst to the track. ‘Some Other Dude’ is richly textured with a fantastic uplifting melody. It will have you dancing ridiculously around the room in no time.
Stream ‘Some Other Dude’ below

Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

ROOD ‘Obsessed’

Yorkshire based five-piece ROOD are an Alternative Rock band formed in 2015. The band consists of Tom Hale (vocals, guitar), Joe Castle (guitar, vocals), Liam Butterfield (bass, vocals) Elliot Mann (drums) and Jack Miszewski (keys, percussion).
ROOD have released their debut single ‘Obsessed’. Its a deep edgy track churning with dark murky tones encased in layers of sultry driven guitars and muggy keys. The heavy bass and punchy solid kick of the drums adds a thick chunky weight to the track. The vocals brood and sulk for the verse and become animated for the chorus with lush harmonies in backing vocals that seem to “coo” and lament. The guitars become more dynamic and psychedelic and electrifying as they break the sticky tension with an invigorating and shredding solo.
A fantastic debut from ROOD looking forward to hearing more.
You can catch ROOD live Saturday 3rd September, The Polish Club, Barnsley.
Stream ‘Obsessed’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Theatrical, Video Premiere, Wonk Funk

We-Are-Z ‘Goldigaz’ Video Premiere

We-Are-Z are a four-part French, one-part Anglo-Italian avant-garde rock group. Oozing with instrumental flair, they are the dream musical collaboration. Gabby, the vocal wizard behind the lyrical magic tells unconventional tales of modern day intrigue. The man with the hands – the bassist and keys master – Archie, is a seasoned session musician and producer, and has collaborated with, amongst others, Beyonce and Pharrell Williams. With Max on the strings, Guillaume on the drums and Clement on the keys to finish off this multi-cultural, multi-talented facet to the punk funk face of the music industry.  With several tours of Europe already under their belt, We-Are-Z are not afraid to rock the boat and cause an irresistible stir. The four piece are currently at work on their debut album, provisionally titled ‘Z Is Not X’, We-Are-Z are about to release their new single, ‘Goldigaz’, a song about the corrupting influence of money. Aided by the visual allure of their energetic video, we are drawn down another storyline of contemporary reflection with all the added quirks and frills of this exquisite combination.
‘Goldigaz’ is a catchy quirky entertaining track that sounds like it could be from a vaudeville stage show. The theatrical expressive vocals adds a wacky fun flair to the track while instrumentally this track is tight and well composed with its bounce effect and fantastic snappy percussion. The track drives forward energetically in a charming humorous and lively manner. It is snappy and witty and luring as it entices you into a swirling journey of manifesting ecstatic dizzy joy with darkened eerie and mysterious undertones.
The video to ‘Goldigaz’ portrays the song perfectly with its concoction of wild and wacky events as We-Are-Z stroll about the street in extravagant costumes with feather boas and fangs. Long yellow nails while singing on the toilet teamed with monkey masks and colourful wigs, its creepy and silly yet fantastic. The band are partying hard as they smoke and throw money around and of course what wonk funk video would be complete without a creepy dolls head thrown into the mix. It definitely got me into the Halloween mood. Check it out for yourselves below.

We-Are-Z will be hosting a showcase in London this September and will be on tour in the UK and Europe from November supporting Electric Six.
Tour Dates :
Goldigaz (Single Launch) 30th September 2016 Cargo Shoreditch, London
25 dates supporting Electric Six 6th November – 5th December 2016
Find out more from We-Are-Z here

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/WeAreZmusic

Twitter :https://twitter.com/WeAreZmusic

Webstie : http://www.we-are-z.com/