Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Freeda ‘Let Me Down’

Manchester indie rock band Freeda have released their new single ‘Let Me Down’.Forming in 2017, Freeda spent their formative years establishing themselves in their hometown, building a committed following and selling out headline shows along the way. In 2019, working with highly acclaimed production duo Sugar House, Freeda released three singles ‘Plead’, ‘Replay’ and ‘Wash’. Collectively, these went on to reach in excess of 100,000 streams on Spotify, received extensive backing from BBC Introducing, and continued support from XS Manchester and Amazing radio.’Let Me Down’ is the fourth single to be taken from an upcoming EP set to be released later this year.

‘Let Me Down’ is a fizzing melodic overdose of joyous indie. Saturated in effervescent synths, jaunty guitar lines and an infectious beat, the track is an instant shot of adrenaline. A wonderful indie jangle weaves between raw punchy drum and bass combo. Lush melodies flourish with a zinging pop persuasion as the band craft that rushing youthful sound to ensure repeat listens. The smooth vocals are the icing on the cake as Sean Rowles coaxes you into the catchy melodic hook with soft croons while the rich electronic percussion ripples in the backdrop.The coiling, skittish and ethereal synths mirror the lyrics tones of disappointment while the bubbly instrumentation creates a sublime peppy contrast. Freeda entwine subtle psychedelic elements and vibrant indie to create an invigorating track soaked in summer vibes. 

Stream ‘Let Me Down’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music

Kodaline ‘One Day At A Time’

Kodaline have just shared news that their new album ‘One Day At A Time’ will be released on June 12th. Its launch is accompanied by the release of the new single and video ‘Saving Grace.’ Kodaline’s recent tracks ‘Wherever You Are’ and ‘Sometimes’ have shown that the band’s huge following is as strong as ever. The two songs have quickly amassed 15 million streams at Spotify alongside 7.5 million video views at YouTube. ‘One Day At A Time’ is the band’s fourth album, and adds a new chapter to a career that has already encompassed three #1 albums in Ireland, two Top 5 albums in the UK, and more than a billion streams at Spotify.

Once again Kodaline provide a heart warming, catchy and utterly emotive track with ‘Saving Grace’. They wrap us in a cosy melodious blanket of refined musicianship with powerful uplifting harmonies, arena ready sing along choruses and plenty of anthemic gusto. The band have an impressive ability to use warm sweet melodies and twinkling progressive instrumentation to create tracks that warm the cockles of your heart. From the glistening keys, chiming guitars and steady spongy beat the band create a ray of sunlit sweetness and uplifting charisma. Steve Garrigan’s soulful vocals take the helm of this passionate number, surging and exuding emotion throughout. There are impressions of angelic glows within the harmonies and light perfectly placed sprinkling on keys. Within ‘Saving Grace’ Kodaline show the might of optimism with glimmers of vulnerability – an inspiring track to listen to.

About the track Kodaline commented, “‘Saving Grace’ is a song about that special person in your life that is there for you no matter what. It’s a song that means a lot to all of us, as we all rely on people in our personal lives to be there and support us though the high and lows of our career.”

Watch the video for ‘Saving Grace’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Koala Club ‘City Lights’

Off the back of ‘One Day’ being named BBC Introducing in the south ‘Track of the Day’ and their latest release ‘No Surprise’ gaining them over 1000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Brighton’s indie rock quartet Koala Club have released their newest Single ‘City Lights’. Koala Club have been establishing themselves in their hometown and have started to gain a following across the country with their feel good tracks, ear-catching riffs and singalong choruses.

‘City Lights’ is an adrenaline packed juicy burst of indie rock as Koala Club use biting bright guitar lines and an infectious buoyant backdrop to create a glowing track ready for repeat plays. This vibrant tune drifts joyously on a bubbling rhythmic bed as the band drizzle tasty guitar riffs and dynamic elastic bass over the teasing verses while the chorus eruption rushes with the bands signature vibrancy and indie bite. Well crafted the track builds superbly capturing an atmosphere of  exhilarating youthful indie while the smooth vocals coo over the effervescent backdrop. ‘City Lights’ is another irresistible tasty delight from Koala Club.

About the track frontman James Grimsdale said : ‘‘City Lights is a song about moving away from home to follow a passion but falling short and losing yourself. It focuses on how this can lead to addictions in your life to mask your emotions, leaving you feeling trapped in an endless cycle.’‘

Stream ‘City Lights’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop

VELVET ‘Brother’ EP

VELVET are an up and coming five piece indie band from County Durham.The band have just released their debut E.P ‘Brother’. With luscious summer vibes, sweet melodies and intricate instrumentation ‘Brother’ is a compact and delightful EP from VELVET. The  band have managed to capture a laid back summers day vibe in this sublime EP. One particular glorious element throughout each track is the light tasty guitar lines which weave zesty refreshing qualities into the rock n roll swagger of ‘Ride’ and vibrant indie jangle of ‘This Wave’. The mellow tones and soft rasped vocals ooze marshmallow softness into the tracks. With shredding solos, cushioned rich rhythms and sweet melodies, each song is a breezy ethereal delight. The buoyancy of the tracks is infectious as the punchy drums and entwined bass lines create a charming fluctuant foundation.With the golden glow of ‘Happy Place’ and zealous radiance of ‘Brother’ the EP is a sweet concoction of breezy sublime musicianship as VELVET create the perfect collection of tracks to chill and dance to. The band showcase their fine ability to blend some gritty rock elements into their sun kissed psychedelic hued sound to create a satisfying listening experience. 

Stream ‘Brother’ EP below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Indian Queens ‘Shoot for Sexy’

London/Irish band Indian Queens have released their new single ‘Shoot for Sexy’.The band are fronted by sisters Jen and Kat O’Neill and were personally invited by Robert Smith of The Cure to play his Meltdown Festival in 2019. They also have fans in Tim Wheeler of Ash and Theresa Wayman of Warpaint, both of whom have taken the band out as tour support. This track is taken from their debut album ‘God Is A Woman’ which is set for release on 3rd April via Cool Thing Records.

‘Shoot for Sexy’ is a luring number as Indian Queens present an almost upbeat track warped through a rich concoction of bewitching musicianship. A sultry, rumble on bass grooves and seduces through warm toned guitar embellishments and steamy shrills against the danceable hip moving beat.The harmonies haunt, enticing you into the darker elements of the track while the sweet falsetto lulls the listener into a trance-like daydream. The band swirl psychedelic elements into the track to create a meticulously layered, thrilling listening experience. The song ripples and twinkles like a mesmerising bottomless lake, flickering prismatic speckles of scintillation to draw you into its beautifully created yet eerie abyss. Another sublime track from Indian Queens.

Stream ‘Shoot for Sexy’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Dizzy

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Dizzy

Photo Credit: Pooneh Ghana

Produced by Dizzy and mixed by Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Florence & The Machine), ‘Sunflower’ is the first release from the Canadian four-piece since last year’s Heavy / Twist EP, which followed their 2018 debut album, Baby Teeth which won the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year in 2019.The band have toured with the likes of Death Cab for Cutie and Tokyo Police Club and appeared at London’s All Points East Festival in 2019. 

‘Sunflower’ is a laid back sun-kissed number that drifts beautifully on infectious, ethereal soundscapes. Katie Munshaw’s sweet vocals caress the dreamy melody with a tender, comforting ease while the lush rhythm maintains a peppy foundation. The track holds a vibrant, airy poise as twinkling guitars wobble and weave gloriously between a groovy bass creating a hazy psych hued tone to the radiant indie sonics. There are wonderful lush textures and layers to the track creating blossoming moments as the track unfolds with bursts of sweet scintillation. The lyrics contrast the blooming effervescent instrumentation superbly as they meander between self-loathing and tender self-talk, depicting raw sensitivity and sweet, self-deprecating humour. ‘Sunflower’ is a glowing track intricate in its composition but beautifully luminous and delightful to the ears. 

Speaking about the track, frontwoman Katie Munshaw says, “‘Sunflower’ is a three and a half minute ‘snap out of it!’ to myself when I’m feeling low, unconfident or not myself.” 

Stream ‘Sunflower’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Lavengro ‘I want your Girl’

Northern Irish Band Lavengro have just released their new single ‘I want your Girl’. The track has already been gaining momentum, becoming a fan favourite on the band’s current UK tour which has seen the lad’s play cities across the UK including Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle.’‘I want your Girl’ has already been chosen by “BBC Across The Line” (Northern Ireland’s BBC introducing Show) to be their “Best Song in the World” with the Radio show giving the track an exclusive sneak play on their show on Monday 20th February. It bodes well for the boys who have also been chosen to represent ATL on their stage at this year’s Output Belfast Music Industry.

‘I want your Girl’ is an upbeat cheeky number that pulses with rich groove-filled rhythms and swirling soundscapes as Lavengro creates a lavish, pop-saturated gem. With zesty sting on guitar flickering through the refreshing electronics, it’s a charming infectious slice of indie pop. Smooth vocals glide effortlessly on a velvety melody as the track flows liquidly through the effervescent biting backdrop. The bubbling beat, fizzing atmosphere and sweet falsetto elements interplay with an electronic dance hued chorus beautifully. Lavengro have created a sun-kissed, radio friendly track that is a joy to listen too.

Stream ‘I want your Girl’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Paterson ‘Stuck Around’

Photo Credit : Michael Rogers Photography

Mike Paterson returns with a new sound and fresh passion.He has released his new single ‘Stuck Around’. Previously releasing work as Mike Paterson, he is simplifying his moniker to just Paterson. Paterson writes, records, and produces his own work. This is his first release since his acclaimed EP “Devils In The Water” (Homebeat Presents, 2018).  Paterson signed a publishing deal with Avant Music group in May 2018.

Rooted in a brooding aesthetic and laced with wisps of airy synths and strong grooves ‘Stuck Around’ presents Paterson’s sound in all its glory. Darkened reverb layered soundscapes swirl between jangly guitar lines as the track slips into an echoed dream-like distortion with hints of psychedelia. Paterson provides a dizzying almost confused atmosphere around the constant that is, his deep vocals, which creates a moody almost nonchalant tone through the bubbling whirling backdrop. The track lifts for the guitar heavy echoed chorus creating a sense of euphoria as the fizzy beat lays down a buoyant backdrop behind this breezy ethereal atmosphere. With quite the earnest push and pull effect teamed with compelling production and intriguing musicianship it’s an enticing and honest return from Paterson.

Stream ‘Stuck Around’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Outfielder ‘In Play’ EP

Outfielder have released their new EP ‘In Play’. Outfielder is an Ottawa based indie rock band with a ’90s flair, featuring members of Galapagos, John Creeden & The Flying Hellfish and Jonathan Becker & The Northfields.

Doused in heartfelt melodies, warm tinges of 90’s alternative rock with a dash of blues and pop peppering ‘In Play’ is a satisfying listen from Outfielder. These guys have a knack for warm honeyed melodies and slick musicianship. The warm twang of ‘Tracks’ and sweet slow burner ‘Saint John’ show the bands emotional tenderness and ability to create passion through sublime guitar work.Sandwiched between these ballad – esque tones and brooding numbers is the blistering 60’s melancholic swagger of ‘Like A Man’ and the jangly nostalgic ‘Past’ – these tracks display scorching guitar lines dripping in sunshine in the former,  sweet lamenting guitar in the latter against a pop-filled buoyant beat and vibrant alternative moodiness.

Outfielder has created a lush well crafted melodious EP that hits the spot with refined instrumentation and wonderful songwriting. However for me it’s those sweet golden guitar moments that make each track refreshing and special. 

Stream ‘In Play’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Goldborns ‘Shelf Life’

The Goldborns have recently released their new single ‘Shelf Life’ featuring Mick Jones. The West London band/production duo released their debut EP last year co produced by Mick Jones (The Clash) and received radio play on all BBC stations. The band have now found a drummer and are set to release their second EP ‘Live from The Bunker’ on March 1st.

‘Shelf Life’ is a melodic groove fest as The Goldborns flesh out their mellowed hazy musicianship with this dreamy sparkling number. The jangly tasty guitar lines wiggle and weave effortlessly through the shuffling drag beat creating sweet undertones and little bursts of luminosity through the dazed soundscape. With a catchy melody honest lyrics and instant sun-kissed charm The Goldborns find the sweet medium between lazy day gloom and dreamy bliss within this golden gem. Keep an eye out for The Goldborns.

Stream ‘Shelf Life’ below 


Author : Danu