Tag Archives: alt rock

Indie Buddie Introducing: Palava

Palava are an explosive four piece from Manchester. The band consists of members Robert Whitehead (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar),Nathan Keep (Vocals/Lead Guitar),Carl Jackson (Bass) and Oli Hurst (Drums). They have just released their banging debut single ‘Quixotic’.
‘Quixotic’ is a blazing indie rock track that introduces this dynamic four piece onto the music scene with scorching fiery stamina and impressive flair. Blistering guitars pierce through the track with razor sharpness and dazzling intensity that radiates hot sunny vibes. Smooth and effortlessly cool, the verses begin stripped back with soft vocals and cushioned drums the track builds to a mighty animated chorus ablaze with strong radiant instrumentation and punchy drums. Driving resilient bass adds a buoyant bounce to this vivacious track. Bubbling with sparkling zest ‘Quixotic’ is high spirited and light with enough rawness and edge to really pack a substantial punch. A strong and promising debut from Palava, watch out for these guys.
You can follow Palava on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palavauk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PALAVAUK

Stream ‘Quixotic’ below

Dear Thieves ‘VIC ROADS’

Melbourne’s indie duo, Dear Thieves, have released the new music video for their single ‘VIC ROADS’. The two-piece, Joel Hansen and Jesse Jones, will also be releasing their 5-track “Bad Habits” EP. “VIC ROADS” is currently available on Triple J Unearthed and everywhere else on 31st March 2017. Having been likened to Black Keys and Royal Blood, Dear Thieves are making waves in their local circuit coming off the back of supports with Sydney-based Strangers and a 5 date east coast tour last year, building a reputation for prolifically fine tuning the two-piece sound with unique and beautifully melodic results.

‘VIC ROADS’ is robust ruckus causing mania that packs a mighty punch. Booming from the start with red blooded powerful drums and sensual gritty riffs its a beast to be reckoned with. Rugged shouted vocals teamed with frenzy causing instrumentation, its one for the sticky blood thirsty most pit . The track oozes lusty brawn with hints of sensual qualities. Its slick, boisterous rough and ready with razor sharp rawness. The video features Hansen and Jones standing at a wall, they drink, they smoke, they sing while all kinds of random items get thrown at them from liquids to papers and balls … so an average night out for some people. These guys are ones to watch.

The two-piece are thrilled to bring their ‘Bad Habits’ tour to east coast audiences throughout March and April you can catch them at

Friday 31st March, Cherry Bar, Melbourne

Sunday 2nd April , Frankies Pizza, Sydney

Friday 7th April || The Haunt, Brisbane
Watch the video for ‘VIC ROADS’ below

The Elephant Trees ’90 Degrees’

Leeds boisterous acoustic-led indie alt-rock band The Elephant Trees have released their debut single ’90 Degrees’. Band members Martha Phillips,Will Milton, Sam Hugh-Jones and Tom Palmer formed in early 2015 and have been writing and gigging relentlessly ever since.They have spent the time since their inception honing their live show and supporting artists such as Jake Isaac, City of Lights, and Billy Bibby (ex-Catfish and the Bottlemen), as well as playing venues such as Leeds’ Belgrave Music Hall and O2 Academy. They blend a more acoustic singer-songwriter style with huge riffs and singalong choruses to create a unique and infectious sound.
’90 Degrees’ is an impressive blow of raucous causing energy blistering with strident guitars pummelling drums and fiery energy. A forceful thudding beat kicks of the track followed by an infectious gritty scorching riff. ’90 Degrees’ builds in momentum into a frantic mosh worthy crescendo with shredding guitar solo and a sing along bridge that will have a live audience bellowing at the top of their lungs. Its crafted for massive live shows and frantic crowds. Confident attitude infused swagger driven vocals add punch and fight, its a song that screams don’t mess with me. Dramatic stops and hefty rhythm teamed with strident guitars, its a mighty and exciting debut from The Elephant Trees. These guys are ones to watch.
Watch the video for ’90 Degrees’ below

MUX ‘Can you see who?’ EP

MUX, a brand new electro-stoner band from London is to release at the end of March their EP entitled ‘Can you see who?’. MUX blend elements of electronica, stoner, trip-hop and punk leaving you in a twisted knot of thrilling euphoric disorientation. Comprised of members Tiz, Paul, and Jonas, MUX present  an EP that is a gripping electrifying enigma fuzzed and gritty and smothered in obscure darkness. The band officially started in the summer of 2016 when Tiz and Paul (drums) met in Brighton, while shopping for souvenirs. They started fighting over a seashell ashtray and ended talking about Kendrick Lamar’s latest album. A couple of months later, the pair met Jonas (Guitar) at a Mac DeMarco concert in Camden. Jonas was headbanging harder than everyone else.
‘MDMA’ kicks off the EP with a creepy sinister shadowy tone. Raspy whisper-like vocals are hair-raisingly chilling while the gritty distorted guitar adds a rough round the edges sharpness. Its like a psychedelic trip that’s freaked you out but still feels good. A rapid elastic rhythm gives a sticky gooey glooping effect. The track becomes more dynamic as it progress with the intense electronics becoming more frantic while the shredding guitar pierces with shrilling ferocity. The electronic woodblock-like feature is a recurring element in the EP’s tracks and it adds a plump texture and unusual refreshing contrast to the dark psychedelic swirling surround. It acts like a conscious anchor keeping your mind from becoming completely engulfed by the musical whirlwind.
‘Gold and Prozac’ follows with shivering fuzzed guitar against a tapping rhythm. The track oozes lurid  gloppy liquid- like electronics that seep throughout the track, broken only by hypnotic trance inducing psychedelia. Eerie dark vocals are ghostly with a theatrical tint of evil. Epic basslines travel through each track providing a weighty beefy foundation to sink your teeth into.
‘Teenage Father’ begins with the sweet request “Kill Me” building into a thunderous mighty headbanger. This frenzy causing hysteria is sticky mosh pit neck-breaking head banging ready. Snapping bass is teamed with a fantastic driving guitar that shrills with blissful ear-piercing capability. Its a blood pumping smashing monster of a track that is convulsion causing derangement but so good.
‘Stray’ finishes the EP with a sensual riveting all absorbing guitar feature, lusty crescendo and  pounding rhythm mixed with electronic blurring perplexity, all bashed out and liquored up leaving you in a glazed mind boggled mush. Blending heavy turmoil with sensual steamy red hot piercing guitar and luring vocals, this track penetrates your skull with relentless soundscapes and acute powerful momentum.
Each track flows fluidly into the next as MUX  take you on a riveting complex journey through their proficient composition and exquisite craftsmanship. Its dark, its gritty and fuzzed with narcotic effects. ‘Can you see who?’ is a swirling invasion into your mind showing you a shadowy kaleidoscope of abstruseness.
Watch a snippet of what you can expect below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Johnny Lloyd

Hot off the heels of his successful debut EP ‘Dreamland’ ’which was released last year to radio support from 6Music and Radio X and has over half a million streams online. Lloyd has wasted no time and has confirmed release details for his new ‘ Eden’ EP which was produced by The Maccabees’ Hugo White and Mike Crossey (The 1975)and is due for release through Xtra Mile Recordings on April 14 2017. Our worth a listen track is the lead single off the ‘ Eden’ EP ‘Running Wild’.
After a brief ethereal electronic intro Lloyd blasts us into a taste of the snappy vibrant dynamic chorus of ‘Running Wild’, before cooling the track down into the short slick sensual verse. Lloyd’s vocals coo with backing from the sway-like rhythm and thrilling electronics. Taking an upbeat approach to his signature display of hard hitting raw emotion, this track is a laid back spritzer on a summers day. Beautiful imagery in the lyrics teamed with a tight instrumentation of riveting distortion on guitar and elastic bass, its a dreamy bubble of delight. Lloyd pulls in fantastic musicianship to make a captivating exclamation of euphoria. With hits of psychedelic bliss and elation ‘Running Wild’ gives us an introduction to the Shangri-la that follows the ‘Dreamland’ EP.
Having supported the likes of Black Honey and Jamie T, ​Johnny Lloyd​ will be out on a 7 date headline tour around the release of the ‘Eden EP’, including his biggest London date so far, at the Scala on April 20.
You can catch Johnny Lloyd on his UK Tour Dates at
19 April BIRMINGHAM The Sunflower Lounge
20 April LONDON Scala
21 April BRIGHTON Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar
22 April SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
24 April BRISTOL The Louisiana
25 April MANCHESTER Soup Kitchen
28 April SHEFFIELD The Leadmill

Pre-order the EP via iTunes or Xtra Mile Recordings here 
iTunes:  http://smarturl.it/EdenEP-iTunes

Xtra Mile Recordings: http://smarturl.it/EdenEP-XMR

Stream ‘Running Wild’ below

 

The Heart Vandals ‘Fade Away’

Energetic Rock band The Heart Vandals are releasing their first official single ‘Fade Away’ independently this Friday February 24th.The four piece is made up of members Niki Pollock,Paddy Walsh,Eanna McNulty and Aaron McGloin. Their debut single ‘Fade Away’ is a beaming delight of catchy rock drizzled with bright luminous vibes. Dazzling lustrous guitar strides through the track with a melancholic sweet melody. The soft enduring bounce on drums adds a lively spring while the luscious soaring backing vocals add height and elevation giving a  floaty aerial vibe while the smooth swagger infused vocals add a slick quality to the track. For a debut this track is well formed and polished with cruising fluidity. The nectarous heavy-hearted melody makes the track instantly likeable and warm. Its bubbly rock that maintains a raw sharp edge.
The Heart Vandals are currently in the middle of an Irish support tour with Derry’s One Man Town their next stop is Caboose Club, Donegal on 24th February so if your around make sure to check them out.

 

Follow The Heart Vandals on

Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theheartvandals/

The Grey Merchant ‘The Last Transmission’

Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, have announced details of a second single release, ‘The Last Transmission’ which will be released on February 23 2017. The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of friends and fellow musicians ‘The Last Transmission’ is the follow up to their debut single release ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil’ which was released in November last year, receiving significant airplay both in Ireland and internationally, particularly in the UK, USA, France, Canada and The Mauritius.
‘The Last Transmission’ is a flaming burst of raw rock ignited with shredding guitars mighty percussion and sublime soaring synths. The track is jam packed and richly layered showcasing fine musicianship from theses guys. Perfectly placed reverb brings the track to red hot intensity as it scorches all in its path while the cool effortless yet dynamic vocals cool the track slightly. The guitars pierce through with an electrifying blood-tingling shrill. Instrumentally deep and luxurious ‘The Last Transmission’ is a rip-roaring sonic seizure blazing from start to finish swooping you into a whirlwind of high powered vivacious instrumentation and a blistering intricate production that boasts the talent and craftsmanship of The Grey Merchant.
The Grey Merchant are currently in the studio putting the final touches to their debut long-player release which is expected sometime in the late spring of 2017 so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘The Last Transmission’ below

Mad Ones ‘End of You’

Toronto Rock n Roll band Mad Ones have released their new single ‘End of You’.This new track is the first off their upcoming full length ‘Regretless’ which is out on March 3rd.In the beginning, the band started out as a duo and they put out their first three records that way. They toured the last album as a trio and it worked out so well that they decided to go into the studio together as a three piece and ‘Regretless’ is the result.
‘End Of You’ is a springy rubber ball bursting with exuberant bouncy percussion and lush cheerful harmonies.The infectious peppy melody is satisfyingly joyful, its packed with feet shuffling dance evoking goodness. Sharp edgy guitar adds an uplifting vitality to the track that makes you want to get up and dance. When asked about the track the band said:
“is an existential meltdown played out over the course of a 3 minute rock song. Initially it was set during the industrial revolution and written from the viewpoint of someone contemplating the value of human life and likely speculating on the existence of an afterlife. The song is also appropriately suited to the recent rise of right wing populism in the US, the strength of the opposition to it and the sinking feeling we are, as a species, doomed to repeat our mistakes”.
Right after release Mad Ones are taking off from Toronto and touring with their new lineup in Europe. For all live dates check out their website here http://www.madones.ca/
Stream ‘End Of You’ below

Stereo Honey ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’

Dreamy indie rock band Stereo Honey have released their new track ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’. The band consists of Peter Restrick (Vocals and Guitar), Nicky Boiardi (Guitars and Keys), Ben Edwards (Bass), and Jake Black (Drums) they have all been playing together in various bands for a few years until they started Stereo Honey about a year ago. The four piece recorded the track at Kensaltown Studios with Eduardo de la Paz.
‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ is a gripping melodically mournful track which displays a band gifted at writing melodies and creating an atmosphere that completely encapsulates the listener in their crafted melodious world. Instantly Restrick’s vocals stand out with his Matt Bellamy-esque wailing but a bit more like Conor Mason from Nothing But Thieves. With insane clear crisp falsetto Restrick is fantastic at holding and controlling these massive notes for the chorus while softening to a soft coo almost whisper for the eerie spine tingling verse.Its punchy and strong with wispy breezy synths creating a haunting dark atmosphere swirling with twisting confusion. Bubbling bass and winding keys add a grip of anxiety while the explosive crescendo creates a rush of panic.Shredding distorted guitars bring a raw energy and intensity to the track. ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ is extremely emotive with a shadowy dark presence as the swoony high register on vocals holds the song’s forefront. Its clear that Stereo Honey are passionate about their craft, which makes for great listening. When asked about the track the band said
“Where No One Knows Your Name’ is a song about mental illness. Peter wrote the lyrics trying to get to grips with the interiority you feel when suffering with anxiety. Essentially, the song is about retreating inside of your own head when the world outside feels hostile and overwhelming. We tried to write the track in a way that emulates the rush of a panic attack, by moving from the steadiness of the verses into sudden, explosive choruses”
Stream ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ below

https://soundcloud.com/stereo-honey/where-no-one-knows-your-name

 

Live Music Review of Fangclub Supported By Vulpynes and Long Tail at Whelan’s Dublin

Offering ear-bleeding rock, raw and unprecedented talent Fangclub descend on Whelan’s Dublin with support from Vulpynes and Long Tail.The garage rock trio assured us last time we met them that their live shows were epic and so naturally we had to check this bold claim out for ourselves.
Vulpynes kicked things off to a fiery start with ‘Sublingual’ they blast the timid crowd with bloodthirsty blustery rock. This duo take no prisoners as Kaz’s drumming ruthlessly pummels through each track while Maeve’s strong fierce vocals resounds over the ruckus like a powerhouse. The beefy depth on guitar and shattering distortion adds a dark lusty gritty texture. They roared through the set with tracks like ‘Bitches are like Waves’ and ‘Break off the Legs’ Vulpynes are not ones to be messed with. This is music for bruised, battered moshing unfortunately a lot of the audience were too timid for the mania however they warmed up as the set progressed. Belting out the single ‘Terry Said’ Vulpynes take the track to a red blooded hair flying all over the place mania. But it was new track ‘Can’t Sit Still’ that showed that this band is destined for big things and are more than capable of holding their own. The track gave me a Jack White ‘Lazaretto’ vibe with an awesome bridge change up. Its one to look out for. Finishing their set with ‘OCD’ Vulpynes rattled the bones off the bashful crowd, warming them up and filling them with dynamic maniacal energy for the acts to come.
An utterly absorbing set follows from Long Tail as they draw the crowd nearer with ‘Waiting’. Displaying a heavier sound live and some snazzy guitar changes. The bright bubbly tracks smothered in positive upbeat tones take a punchy more aggressive role instrumentally while Ed’s vocals and lyrics still flood with dreamy cool motivational vibes. Filling the crowd with go for it attitude the band are met with a comical stage invasion as a member of the crowd jumps on stage and wiggles around like a dizzy lone ranger only to fail in attempt to crowd surf but that didn’t stop him from trying again. Long Tail display a slick tight performance and exude a comfortable swagger on stage that draws the crowd in. ‘Our Star’ and ‘Better Way’ displays glossy melodious riffs with Steve’s elastic bass teamed with Ronan’s punchy drums these guys make performing look easy. The crowd reacts well to each track as Ed banters back and forth a little and seems to sweet talk the crowd into bopping along. Even Indie Buddie gets a nice shout out. Their set finished with the single ‘Your Time’ this peppy anthem sums up the radiant glow and vibrant burst of energy all the tracks on their set possess.
Fangclub take to the stage with an undeniable confidence and breakneck momentum. Swarming into tracks like ‘Psycho’ and the feverish ‘Dreamcatcher’ they leave the crowd in awe and eager to engage in neck snapping frenzy. Steven, Kevin and Dara display electrifying energy that had every one engaged jumping and moshing as they unleashed their explosive sound completed with flashing lights. The rapid pacing percussion is frenzied and boisterous as frontman Steven, croons with raspy gritty intensity giving tracks like ‘Loner’ and ‘Coma Happy’ an eerie spine chilling quality. These guys can put on a show with vigour and roaring enthusiasm getting the crowd jumping and moshing with raging mania. The entire set is professional, slick, fun and compelling to watch as distorted shrill on guitars add a thrilling deafening elation of ear splitting satisfaction. Finishing with an epic crowd surf as Steven jumps into the crowd and they lift him like a heroic champion. What a kick ass performance. Whelan’s was left  more than satisfied with the level of enthralling noise created by all three bands. Who said rock n roll is dead?