Tag Archives: alt rock

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Stalker Miller ‘Tearaway’

After a long but rewarding writing and recording process, five piece rock band Stalker Miller have released their debut single ‘Tearaway’.Named after the bass player’s great uncle, the foursome formed on a campsite overlooking the English Channel. Taking influence from an eclectic range of artists including Arcade Fire, Sonic Youth and Janes Addiction, Stalker Miller aim to tell stories of local characters and beyond through their songs.
‘Tearaway’ is a melodic indie rock track that takes the listener on a journey through moods and expression. With eerie vocals layered on top of a slightly psychedelic bassline, it’s spine chilling and somewhat obscure. The track builds as it progresses becoming heavier with crashing striking guitars and punchy drums. Light guitar twinkles weave in and out of the verses adding a multi dimension and bright scintillation while the chilling vocals and gritty heavy sounds contrast with darker more aggressive tones. This track is compelling and mighty constantly twisting in unexpected directions, a strong debut from Stalker Miller.

Stream ‘Tearaway’ below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock

A Weekend Away Debut EP

Limerick band A Weekend Away have released their debut EP. The band jumped onto the music scene during the Spring of 2013. Initially with six members, they were praised for mixing jaw dropping punk sound with indie and blues influenced rhythm and lead guitar. With the assistance of Music Generation Limerick, they thrived for 2 years regularly playing in venues such as Dolan’s pub, Cobblestone Joes and the Limetree Theatre, creating an impressive portfolio of tracks in the process. Following a line up change in 2016 and the edition of singer/songwriter, Peader Storey the now five piece, started thriving with their newly released single ‘Parseltongue’ being praised for its punchy riffs and catchy chorus. Following a packed out headline show at the Kasbah Social Club, and supporting Blaming Hannah at The Kino, A Weekend Away won the University of Limerick Battle of the Bands and supported ALL TVVINS. The five piece consisting of members Peader Storey (Frontman), Patrick O’Donnell ( Lead guitar), Peter Corbett (Bass), Jacob Woulfe (Rhythm Guitar) and Evan Berry(Drums) have now released their debut self titled EP which contains six tracks recorded by Mike Gavin (Even Audio), Tony Monaghan (Music Gen) and Ciaran Woulfe (Woulfe) and mastered by Richard Dowling of WAV Mastering.

The bluesy soaked ‘Haze’ kicks off the EP. It’s slick and oiled in sensual bass slapping against shredding sharp guitars and punchy drums. Raw, edgy and drenched in attitude this track hits the spot for gritty bluesy rock. It’s vigorous while remaining slick and cool. With passion filled vocals and the thrilling shrill on guitar it’s a dark tinged wallop of their organic sound. ‘Parseltongue’ blends dark eerie tones for the verse with the summer tinged bright vibes of the catchy chorus. With a pop tinted melody blasting out on crashing guitar strides and elastic bounce on bass it’s snappy gritty while smudged in light bright tones. Exuding a youthful vibe with soft mosh elements this track is a catchy radio friendly tune with some sweet guitar moments. ‘Phone Home’ has a The Fray feel, it’s an emotional hard hitting melodic track with a delicate melody packed with passionate vocals and gentle little twinkles on guitar. Vocal harmonies are tight and the track becomes slightly heavier instrumentally for the massive dramatic crescendo. It really packs an emotional mighty blow you can imagine it accompanying a tender or heartbreaking scene in a movie or T.V. series. It’s quite beautiful and tear jerking. If you feel nothing while listening to this song you’re probably dead inside. ‘Going Down’ brings back the dirty gritty heavy rock. With fuzzed guitars heavy moshing is guaranteed, as vigorous guitars blast across a foundation of pounding drums and dynamic vocals. ‘Free of the Land’ brings us a snapping sleazy rapid rock and roll rhythm and  scuzzy stained guitars. With vocals that exude swagger and attitude it’s a finger clicking dark blast of eerie entrapment. It’s a cocky display of brashness but tastefully displayed. ‘Terminal Blues’ closes the EP with the return of the bands bluesy signature sound. With a swing like strut and wiggle tempo once again it’s slick and sharp with thrilling heavy mosh ready elements.

A Weekend Away have produced a raucous raw EP that has all the gritty elements of rock while polishing it up a little and soothing the frenzy with pop tinged melodies and a bit of heartwarming emotion thrown in. A strong debut from the Limerick quintet.

Stream the EP below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Swedish Death Candy ‘Oh My’

Swedish Death Candy have released their blistering new single ‘Oh My’.Band members Louis Perry (Vocals / Guitar),Francesco Codardo (Guitar / Backing Vocals), Jiwoon Whang (Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals) and Marco Ninni (Drums) are a clashing combination of cultures, boasting members from Italy, South Korea and Britain but they call London their base. The four piece create a heavy blues sound dowsed in heavier psych and its ridiculously good.
‘Oh My’ is a cut throat blast of thrilling psych-pop. It creeps in like an assassin with an innocent organ jangle only to blast you with the most lush rich riveting burst of gritty bluesy riffs distorted over punchy drums and spaced out trippy soundscapes. With a sweet delicate melody, velvety Tame Impala- esque vocals and dense psychedelic swirls it’s a brutal bash of hair raising noise that is euphoric and a mind bending electrifying experience. These guys know what they are doing- slick, tight, red hot sounds smothered with enough distortion and sultry guitar riffs chilled with psychedelic bliss, it’s a crafted work of genius. These guys are fast becoming one of my favourite bands out there at the moment.

Stream ‘Oh My’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Otherkin

Dublin’s garage-rockers Otherkin have released their new single ‘React’ and it’s a fire cracker. The track comes with the announcement of their much-anticipated debut album ‘OK’, which is set to be released on September 29th.‘React’ is a dirty sweat and leather rock riff driven smasher. Exuding adrenaline and swagger from the opening vocal wails this track is a kick ass atomic bomb blasting through your skull at a powerful mighty force. Blazing guitars shred through the track with piercing zesty sting while punchy drums relentlessly keep the neck snapping pace.The slick infectious melody will give you a sudden fever inducing dose of stuck song syndrome while raspy gritty vocals soaked in attitude pumps a rush of energy through your body. With its frantic pace, shrilling guitars and flickering percussion this track is a blazing example of the fine musicianship from this four piece. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Otherkin will play a Dublin show at The Button Factory, December 15th make sure to check that out its going to be insane.

Watch the video for ‘React’ below

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Elephant Bay ‘Everest’

Elephant Bay are a five piece alternative rock band based around Lancashire. Band members Emily (Lead Vocal/Guitar), Bella (Backing Vocal/Guitar), George (Lead Guitar),John (Bass Guitar) and James (Drummer) have released their debut single ‘Everest’. It’s a croony smooth track that burns with a fiery edge and razor sharp guitar stabs while still remaining velvety and fluid. Piercing guitar adds a refreshing sting while steady soft drums and feathery hushed vocals add a soothing creamy texture. With haunting dark tones smeared on top, this track is raw, passionate and striking. Refined production and proficient writing create a strong solid debut from the five piece. Elephant Bay are in the process of recording a debut EP to be released in later 2017 so keep an eye out for that.

Stream ‘Everest’ below


Alt Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music

Fangclub ‘Better To Forget’

Dublin-based trio Fangclub have released their brilliant new single ‘Better To Forget’ taken from the forthcoming self-titled debut album set for release August 4th on Vertigo. Formed of singer and guitarist Steven King, drummer Dara Coleman and bassist Kevin Keane, Fangclub have released two acclaimed EPs ‘Bullethead’ and ‘Coma Happy’, toured with the likes of Twin Atlantic and won over a dedicated legion of fans. They have already gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), and Kerrang! Radio.
‘Better To Forget’ is a blazing fiery brutal attack on the senses. Fangclub deliver a massive blow of catchy mighty grunge drenched in an infectious melody and blistering instrumentation. Merciless pummelling drums and crashing guitars create the relentless intensely energetic sound this trio do so well. It’s brisk raging frenzy that consumes you in a bloodthirsty fever of thrilling grunge. The animated elastic bounce on bass keeps a constant rebounding effect while the guitars and drums strike with an instant shot of adrenaline inducing mania. Another mighty track from the unstoppable trio.

Stream ‘Better To Forget’ below


Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : VITO

VITO are an indie/alt-rock foursome from Newcastle Upon Tyne. The band consisting of members Tom Conway (Guitar, Main Vocals), Andy Bell (Guitar, Vocals),Jasper Watson (Bass, Vocals) and Dom Willis (Drums) channel the genuine and unprocessed vibe of garage rock. They have released their new single ‘Moonlight Dancing’ with End of The Trail Records after the success of their first single ‘Masquerade’ which was featured regularly on BBC Introducing and Radio X.
‘Moonlight Dancing’ is a blazing indie track glistening with raw breezy soundscapes shredding guitars and punchy drums. It’s refreshing with an elastic rhythm slapping along vibrant edgy riffs creating an explosion of dynamic blustery energy. With a flair for compelling lyrics and a catchy smooth melody smothered in nostalgic tones this track is one for the youthful free spirit in all of us. These guys create music that strikes you with emotion and passion while absorbing you in their organic sharp sound.

When asked about the track Andy Bell said
“It’s about an argument our friends had who are in a relationship. We were on a night out and they were just constantly snapping at each other and eventually refused to talk to each other – a very common occurrence. By the end of the night they had drifted back together and acting like nothing had happened. We felt like this was so common and relatable that it had to be romanticised and put into a song. “

Watch the video for  ‘Moonlight Dancing’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, New Music, Punk Rock

Galants ‘Evergreen’

© Dan Butler Photography – All rights are reserved.

Dublin post-punk-pop purveyors Galants have released their new single ‘Evergreen’ taken from their self titled debut 10” EP. Band members David Kennedy (guitar, vocals),James McDonald (drums),Colin O’Dwyer (bass, vocals) and Ruairi Paxton (guitar, keys) slap you in the face with a mighty piercing hurricane of punk. This blistering tune is disguised as a bubbly indie track with warm bright tones and honeyed melody however backed by a powerhouse of relentless drumming and vigorous crashing guitars, it’s a whirlwind of aggressive snappy punk. Breezy vocals and fresh tones create an exhilarating track that is frenzy inducing and i’m sure makes for manic live shows.

Stream ‘Evergreen’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Himalayas

Cardiff four-piece Himalayas have released a video to coincide with the release of their new single ‘Thank God I’m Not You’. The Tom Large directed video takes place at the derelict St. Luke’s Church in the Welsh town Abercarn. Filming of the video took place in one day and spanned 22 hours, with the generator almost cutting out in the middle of the night. With a slew of network radio plays and rowdy gigs across the country, the first half of 2017 has seen Himalayas catapulted to completely new heights.
‘Thank God I’m Not You’ is a scorching indie rock track, boisterous and fiery with strident guitars and punchy drums. Exuding rebellious swagger filled attitude this track hits with high voltage energy and explosive might. Piercing guitar riffs shrill through the track leading to that lusty solo that is so slick its air guitar ready. Brawny rhythm pounds with headbang ready potency as the track builds to a strong vigorous crescendo. Its a catchy effective blow to the head of loud and noisy indie/alt-rock and is absolutely riveting.
You can catch Himalayas live at
27th May – The Verve, Leeds.
9th June – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
7th July – The Magnet, Liverpool
8th July – The Half Moon, Putney
18th July – The Social Bar, Doncaster
5th August – The Verve, Leeds
30th September – The Gate, Cardiff
Of the video, the band said, “The concept of the video is a sense of torture, not only from other people but from your own self; the idea that you and many others criticise every last detail of your person.”
Watch the video for ‘Thank God I’m Not You’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Grey Merchant ‘Convenience’

Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, have announced details of a 3rd single release, ‘Convenience’ which is due for release May 31 on Spotify, iTunes, and the usual digital platforms. The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of their friends and fellow musicians. ‘Convenience’ is the follow up to their previous single releases ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil)’ and ‘The Last Transmission’, and sets the tone for their forth-coming album ‘Avenue De Rennes’ expected in late July this year.
‘Convenience’ is a boisterous display of fist pounding rock. Pummelling drums teamed with strident vigorous guitars create a gritty balls out fiery track that batters your eardrums with classic rock noise and stoner rock seizures. With frenzy causing mania and raspy yell on vocals its a rapid bar brawl of clobbering upheaval. This neck snapping catchy track is mighty and head-bang worthy it will have a live audience going crazy.
Stream ‘Convenience’ below