Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Arcwords ‘Hyperlinking’

Dublin-based band Arcwords have released their new single ‘Hyperlinking’. It is the second of three singles to come out of an intense three day recording session with producer Joseph Padfield, formerly of Galway alternative rock outfit Race the Flux, and now of Bannered Mare. After meeting as students in BIMM Dublin, Arcwords have spent the last three years drawing upon post-punk and math rock styles to create a guitar-driven, hook filled sound.The 17th of December will see Arcwords bring their energetic, guitar-driven sound to the Sound House, for a headline show in support of the release of ‘Hyperlinking’.

‘Hyperlinking’ is a dreamy indie delight which twinkles and glistens through a sweet fluctuation of delicate yet sharp instrumentation as Arcwords build and cultivate the track into its sublime crescendo. The song gently coos and wisps gracefully on warm glimmering guitar while a steady beat and groove-laced bass create a funk element before the honeyed pop-sprinkled melody absorbs the track in a spongy ethereal cushion of comfort. The track builds sublimely to a more psych filled crashing crescendo that dazzles in dizzying distortion. It’s a fantastic release from the candied aerial progression as the track soars to a dramatic finale. ‘Hyperlinking’ is a wonderful and intricate track from Arcwords.

Stream ‘Hyperlinking’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Delights ‘Paradise’

Following the release of previous single ‘Sometimes, Lately’, Manchester indie band Delights have released their new single ‘Paradise’. This sun speckled gem sparkles and gleams with Delights’ infectious and fruity indie pop as they create a sweet refreshing number filled with rich luscious tones and 80’s -esque elements. A wiggling elastic bass groove creates a dance-able funky flex to the track while the vibrant beat and beach-like percussion creates a summertime careless atmosphere. With zest-filled intricate guitar lines, the track swoons and sweeps beautifully into the ears with ease. Warm velvety vocals caress the dreamy sweet melody as the band present another marvelous sun saturated  track to get us through the cold winter months. 

You can catch Delights live at Manchester’s Deaf Institute on Friday 24th January, with support from Monks and Manifesto

Stream ‘Paradise’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Shaky Shack ‘In Honey’

Dublin alternative pop duo Shaky Shack have released their new single ‘In Honey’. The duo comprised of Alex Winter and Mateusz Kosnik have created a wonderfully faceted gem that weaves with mellowed psych pop, shimmering soundscapes and intricate rich depths that take you on a velvety journey into the bottomless pristine pool that is Shaky Shack’s sound.The band create a flickering wave of calm and tranquility as tight guitar elements swirl in subtle fuzz and heady moments of distortion between warm twinkling melodies. Time stops as this track develops. The pulsing almost hip hop beat encases the background in a smoky subconscious reality. A balmy passionate Saxophone melody provided by Andrea Jones brings a pausing glimmer of warmth into the track with a lamenting delicate tone. The intricacies and layering within the track is masterful as the duo weave sweet, melancholic and icy tones into thick rich production with glimmering rays of light thawing the track softly throughout. The deep, moving vocals coo and caress the dreamy melody with a feathery light delicacy while oozing emotion in a laid back hazy manner. There is no denying the sophisticated, passionate and mesmerising talent of this duo as ‘ In Honey’ creates it’s own little pocket in your mind, like a soothing tranquil dream. 

Stream ‘In Honey’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Chinese Newspaper ‘Sunday’

Fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released a video for their new single ‘Sunday’ taken off their new EP ‘Late Night Pharmacy’. The band comprised of Nathan Merriman on drums, Killian Barrett on vocals/guitar & Aran McGilick on bass, have gained some traction since the release of their single “If Not Now Then When” playing shows such as Vantastival festival, opening for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre as well as  being part of an all Irish line up at the Button Factory on Halloween night.

From that thumping drum intro and sweet guitar lilt ‘Sunday’ announces itself with fuzzy refinement and maturity that only Chinese Newspaper can pull off so well. The band have taken their sound to a new majestic level. They take the pop smelted melody drowned in nostalgia and dreamy tones and lay it upon a blitzing backdrop of crashing drums, hell summoning bass grooves and superb guitar work to create a deeply moving, utterly mesmerising track that is both polished and messy all at once. This ability to take a bitter sweet ditty and drag it through the mill of fuzz and grunge- hued indie to create a piece that is equal parts heavy, raucous and gracefully dignified is what makes this band so exciting. The stomping drums batter and pummel through the track with relentless stamina while the passionate vocals veer between nonchalant coos to anguish stricken exclaims. With an utterly blistering guitar solo shrilling with scorching intensity and steamy swagger Chinese Newspaper have created another precise well-executed gem to entice and tantalize our ears.

The band are celebrating the launch of ‘Sunday’ tonight October 5th in Whelans if you are around check them out. You won’t be disappointed.  

Watch the video for ‘Sunday’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Chappaqua Wrestling ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’

Brighton band Chappaqua Wrestling have released their new single ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’. The band have had a hectic year supporting Sports Team and Black Honey as well as playing Latitude, Green Man and Live At Leeds amongst others. They were also invited to record at Abbey Road for BBC Introducing and will be interviewed on Radio 1 next Monday to launch this new single.

‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’ is a sweet can of indie pop flavoured with Americana hues fizzed to perfection. Chappaqua Wrestling have finely brewed their melodic smooth sound into something truly captivating. With a bubble gum “bah bah dah bah bah” vocal hook between the sweet mellow melody, the band create a dreamy tune that drifts delicately into the ears. With lush harmonies and velvety vocals the track flows fluidly. The band however take this sweet candy floss element and back it with a warm sting on guitar to add a dash of zest. The west coast groove wiggles its way throughout creating something to shuffle and jiggle to while the Americana hues add sweltering heat to the track. This rich instrumentation makes the track tantalizing to the senses and ensures repeat plays. With a shredding solo, exotic guitar flurries and a western- esque humidity between the laid back effortless atmosphere Chappaqua Wrestling have created a track that immerses you in a blissful world completely crafted by them. Honing in on their breezy retro sound of their last single ‘Cry Every Time’ and refining it to polished perfection Chappaqua Wrestling are fast becoming a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’ below


Author : Danu

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

Electric Shore ‘Temper’

Irish band Electric Shore have released their third single ‘Temper‘. This melodic emotive track broods and ripples with Electric Shores perfectly blended indie rock with lush delicate pop elements sprinkled on top. The twinkling keys add a flurry of sweet innocence while the lamenting stings on guitar create a biting sharpness. The track meanders through a hazy melancholic tone as the soft somber vocals coo over the nostalgic melody while anthemic backing vocals create the arena ready sing along feature. It’s deeply moving and tender with pristine musicianship and crisp production as the track builds to an epic heart racing crescendo – it is hair raising and utterly enthralling. The light airy instrumentation flutters and flows beautifully complementing the emotional lyrics about regret, loss and a desire to make the most of time with those who are precious to us. Developing their sound and honing in on their craft Electric Shore have created a majestic and riveting track with ‘Temper’.

Stream ‘Temper’ below


Author : Danu

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

wojtek the bear ‘slow tv’

Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘slow tv’. As with their last two singles, ‘slow tv’ was once again recorded with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert]. wojtek the bear have been play-listed by Radio X, played live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland, They have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show.

‘slow tv’ is a jangly slice of lo-fi indie as wojtek the bear spread pop sensibilities over a glorious buoyant backdrop to create a sweet juicy number. With a zest stricken C86 influenced guitar line and animated rhythms, this track floats and bounces along in a blissful sun kissed atmosphere. Soft vocals coo over the glucose melody and hazy atmosphere however there is a gloomy almost melancholic undertone in the track which adds a beautiful contrast to the vibrant and rich instrumentation. Superbly layered and meticulously crafted ‘slow tv’ is a dreamy luscious track with a refreshing sting to keep you pressing that repeat button. Another fantastic track from wojtek the bear.

Lead singer, and chief songwriter Tam Killean says about the track, “I guess the track is a rumination on the total opposite ends of the spectrum you can end up at with people you’ve been in relationships with. There are people i’ve been with before who at the time are your entire world, yet now if they got wiped out by the 267 bus to Possilpark I’d probably only find out about it if it was in the Evening Times the next day.” 

Watch the video for ‘slow tv’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

PAGES. ‘Bubble Brain’

PAGES. have released their new single ‘Bubble Brain’. PAGES. are an indie-pop band from the North-East of Scotland. They have performed a 4-date national headline tour and multiple headline shows in their hometown of Aberdeen. Their new single, ‘Bubble Brain’, achieved national airplay on BBC Radio Scotland and has been mixed/mastered by U.S.producer, Rob Murray (Mark Ronson, Britney Spears, Major Lazer). 

‘Bubble Brain’ is a smooth hazy indie pop gem that floats delicately upon PAGES. infectious musicianship. With elegant keys creating an ethereal backdrop between the sticky gloopy beat – the track glides effortlessly through a dreamy groove driven soundscape. The zesty guitar injections add a dash of vibrancy  and refreshing lift to the candied syrupy consuming track as the smooth vocals coo the melty melody. Richly textured and lushly layered this indie pop delight is a laid back jam that is sure to stick in your head for days.

Stream ‘Bubble Brain’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/pagesabz/bubble-brain-release-date-1392019


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, Jazz, New Music, Soul

TOYGIRL ‘Reign’

Dublin’s alternative rock band TOYGIRL have released their new single ‘Reign’. The song’s earliest conception came about in April 2018 when British/French frontwomen, Hannah Worrall, was experimenting with bass and string loops on Garageband. The song wasn’t finalised until much later in February of this year (2019) after the collaborative input of Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) and Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar). ‘Reign’ was recorded in Temple Lane Studios with the help of engineers Jack Mulligan and Tadgh Maw. The track was professionally Mixed by Stuart Grey at Jealoustown Studios and Mastered by Billy Farrell at same.

‘Reign’ is a groove driven number that burrows you deep into TOYGIRL’s passionate, crisp sound. Sublime guitar work fleshes out the bands classy, jazz side while the rooted elastic bass weaves warm slinky elements and golden vibes into this refreshing number. With a steady beat and Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals, this track is a mellowed out delight with refined instrumental backing. Each component part steadily grooves and drifts perfectly into place to create a superb track to immerse yourself in.

According to the band “The single is a sarcastic and passive aggressive presentation of the mask we all wear in order to make others happy, and in attempts to convince ourselves of our own happiness. The regal imagery accentuates the idea that with great (self-induced) power comes great responsibility. We all strive for normality to fit in and from that we lose everything that makes us unique.”

TOYGIRL are celebrating the release of their debut single with an Irish and UK tour, withdates in Levis’s of West Cork (Sept 28th), the Roundy Cork city (Sept 29th), Roisin Dubh in Galway (Sept 30th), McHugh’s of Belfast (Oct 2nd) and the Workman’s Club Dublin (Oct 3rd).

Stream ‘Reign’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Ivory Wave ‘Uptown’

Birmingham indie/dance band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Uptown’. The song was produced by Matt Terry (Prodigy/Enemy/YouMeAtSix) & mixed by Grammy award winning producer, Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, U2). Ivory Wave have landed main support slots with DMA’S, The Twang, Superfood and played festivals such as Isle Of Wight, Truck, Y Not, Shiine On to name a few

‘Uptown’ is an infectious track filled with shimmering synths and rich rhythms. The track shimmy’s in, cool yet dynamic in its floor filling approach. Ivory Wave have a knack for creating carefree tunes as they add a pop polished sheen to their raw indie to create something truly enjoyable. Honest lyrics, brummie vocals and a smooth melody pepper the track in a catchy atmosphere while the swirling synths, jangly guitars and snappy beat make the track anthemic and ready for festival sing alongs. ‘Uptown’ is a fine display from Ivory Wave.

About the track George Johnson said “Uptown is about a binge of going out drinking. The fact that all week you’ll be texting your mates, planning those big nights out, to just wake up with a hangover, all your wages spent and 20 missed calls off your girlfriend. It just stopped appealing to me.”

Stream ‘Uptown’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/ivory-wave/uptown/s-JOYAz