Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Birthday Card ‘Shy Away’

After a big year of extensive touring and the release of their acclaimed singles ‘Berlin’ and ‘Something Like Heaven,’ Brighton-based melancholy pop group Birthday Card are starting their 2019 as they mean to go on with a brand-new release. ‘Shy Away’.Having received heavy support and recognition from The 1975’s manager Jamie Oborne for ‘Shy Away’, the band have been turning heads on a regular basis since forming in 2017.

‘Shy Away’ is a chic 80’s flex of indie pop that bounces on an elastic bass groove. Shimmying beats and sublime retro keyboard jingles as Birthday Card flesh out their charming tasty sound. With sharp stings on guitar weaving between the sweet ethereal soundscape while the smooth honey coated melody glides effortlessly upon the biting vibrant backdrop with elegant finesse and laid back vibe. The auto tune vocals cool the track and provide a compelling and hypnotising listening experience as this danceable track struts and grooves its way into your mind coaxing you to sing and bop along. It’s a polished party pop sprinkled ear worm.

On creating the record, the band said :“Recorded, mixed and mastered by Marcus Yates at Milk Man Studios in Banbury, ‘Shy Away’ is a song about overcoming self-doubt and insecurities. Musically, we wanted to pin down a modern-day pop song that channels the anxiety and tension of its lyrics.”

Stream ‘Shy Away’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Photo credit: Braverijah Gregg

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From TWIN XL

TWIN XL have released their new single ‘Friends’. The band are no strangers to musical success. Ex-The Summer Set members and brothers Stephen and John Gomez and Nekokat’s Cameron Walker-Wright comprise this alt-pop trio. Collectively, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and Fox’s Lucifer.The accompanying music video to ‘Friends’ was directed by Jade Ehlers (Panic!, Weezer, MAX), choreographed by Kayla Kalbfleisch (The Ellen Show, Backstreet Boys), and conceptualized by TWIN XL themselves in collaboration with Ehlers.

‘Friends’ is a silky sun kissed delicious can of fruity alternative pop filled with refreshing carbonated synths and an infectious groove. Laid back smooth vocals glissade upon the melty sweet melody while and glucose soaked beat slaps and rolls between the elastic bass and lush backing vocals. It’s a tutti fruity gem swirling beneath a rich effervescent synth progression while zesty sharp guitars sting between the catchy melody. It’s a chic, slick, well crafted song that oozes sunshine from every note while a joyous catchy whistle feature injects a dash of peppy delight through the dance-able rhythms. With touching lyrical depth highlighting emotions of self-doubt, insecurity, and anxiety TWIN XL provide darker flickers of emotion through this tasty track adding a beautiful contrast to their refined, crisp musicianship

TWIN XL says of “Friends,” “We really wanted to find that happy balance between writing a catchy pop song that still had a lot of depth lyrically and also had a dark sonic undertone. The lyrics in the first verse talk about our desire for isolation and the internal conflict of an introvert. As the story progresses, we find sanctuary in the presence of strangers in strange rooms completely outside our comfort zone – here, we are free of judgement and we are free to be whoever we want.”

Watch the video for ‘Friends’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Covasettes ‘Like You’


photo credit : Ianthe Warlow

Manchester indie-rock band, The Covasettes have released their fifth single ‘Like You’.The band enjoyed great success in 2018, achieving over 300,000 Spotify listens and played sold out shows all over the UK, including a performance at Leeds Arena after winning ‘Most Exciting Band’ at the ARIA’s awards.

‘Like You’ is a fresh bright indie track that floats delicately around a sweet melody and biting ethereal instrumentation. With an anthemic chorus and adrenaline inducing guitars entwining through a punchy rhythm, this charming sun kissed song is heartfelt and passionate with the perfect indie backdrop. The zest filled guitar riff radiates vibrancy throughout the track while the smooth vocals and thumping sing along ready crescendo give this track that youthful rush and heart stopping power of first love. With lush harmonies and sweet tones it’s a well crafted passionate gem to transport you to the springtime of your life.

Commenting on the track, vocalist Chris Buxton said: “Like you is different to anything we’ve released before. It sounds bigger than any of our other tracks and it definitely shows a different side to us; a side that we’re more than happy to embrace. It’s a classic love song, but with all the elements we look to add to our music, verses that are easy to settle into, lyrics you can scream and a chorus you can jump around to. We judge our songs on the reaction they get live, and whenever we play Like You, people always seem to get behind it. It packs a real punch and gets the crowds moving, so it feels great to be releasing it to the world”.

Stream ‘Like You’ below


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

Pin Ups ‘Lunchtime’

London indie three piece Pin Ups have released their new single ‘Lunchtime’.The track which is inspired by Donald Trump’s comments of arming teachers in order to prevent school shootings sees drummer Jesse Baker deliver the lead vocals. This snappy track is a barbed pop sprinkled number doused in light-hearted irony with a catchy chorus and vibrant soundscape.The smooth melody sweetens the bitter sting on guitars as they intricately weave and slice through the punchy drums and swirling synths. It’s dynamic and edgy with a hip – hop element peeping through the indie pop coating. With attitude soaked vocals rapidly rolling over the brisk verses before springing into the anthemic crowd-friendly chorus it’s one sun speckled richly layered tune.. ‘Lunchtime’ is a well developed track that shows just how superbly this band are growing.

Stream ‘Lunchtime’ below


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Dres ‘LYSNE’ EP

Houston, Texas anthemic, grungy indie rock/pop band Dres have released their new EP LYSNE. LYSNE (pronounced “LISTEN”) is an acronym for “Last Year’s Summer Never Ended” and was
created straight out of high school.

‘LYSNE’ is a summer soaked EP sparkling with richly hued multi – genre facets and good times. Brimming with zealous guitar riffs buoyant rhythms and pop sprinkled goodness these tunes are instantly likeable. ‘Just a Thought’ kicks off this delightful adrenaline rush with catchy melodies, smooth vocals, glorious guitar lines and a vibrant rhythm. These guys flood every track with kinetic energy and youthful fun. There is a hint of the band Magic! wiggling its way between the indie pop as ‘Wake Up’, ‘Road Trip’ and ‘Oh (Florida) You Got Me’  are criminally catchy and easy on the ears. Glorious guitar lines weave lush zest filled tones throughout the EP carrying that sun kissed ethereal vibe joyously in each track. These songs are not for the cynics or grumpy as their intense jubilant atmosphere can be a little overwhelming. Each song explodes with this inferno of happy feeling and elated instrumentation. Things get slightly more rock and roll with the gritty bass in ‘What I Want’. With swagger dripping off the scorching guitar this anthemic sing along ready number would be great at a pool party. But it is final track ‘Cobain’ that brings a shift in the EP. The verses are more moody and grunge drizzled, however the chorus returns to that vibrant mass sing along.

‘LYSNE’ shows some sublime instrumentation from Dres that brings the summer in one short treasure chest EP. However like pandora’s box, once opened you have to suffer the consequences – you won’t be able to prise the tracks from your head and that youthful sun kissed glow will radiate from every pore in your body.

Stream ‘LYSNE’ below


Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Funk, Indie, Indie Disco, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Mini Mansions

LA trio Mini Mansions have released their new single ‘GummyBear’ taken off their upcoming third studio album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ which will be released on July 26th on Fiction Records.This fizzy, sugar sweet track struts in, slick and smooth with a luscious dreamy melody soothing the effervescent sticky instrumentation. With a toothsome pop shell, this peppy number swirls and weaves its glossy way into a darker hued bitter center. A little disco- like, the song is brimming with infectious grooves as a funky bass line and buoyant drums fluctuate through the euphoric soundscape creating a rich elastic foundation. The twinkling keys wander playfully about the majestic zesty sting on guitar as Mini Mansions flesh out this delectable biting number. From the anthemic thudding start right through to the wobbly guitar tickles and chiming key injections this track is steeped in chic panache and effortless charm. Tyler Parkford’s sweet falsetto vocals blend perfectly with Michael Shuman’s depth creating a full bodied sound that is so satisfying. Doused in effortless swagger ‘GummyBear’ is another suave track from the melody masters, Mini Mansions.

Lead singer Michael Shuman says of ‘GummyBear’, “Although GummyBear is rather fun and comical, the sentiment and story behind it are quite the opposite. At that time I really wanted to make an all disco record, but I guess this is as close as Mini Mansions gets to being part of the Gibbs family.”

Mini Mansions will be touring the UK and Ireland in May, including several festivals and a show at Dublin’s Whelan’s.. Tickets are on general sale from 9am GMT, Thursday 21st February.  

Full dates below:

04.05.19 Live at Leeds Leeds, UK

05.05.19 Hit The North Newcastle, UK

06.05.19 King Tut’s Glasgow, UK

08.05.19 Whelan’s Dublin, Ireland

09.05.19 Hare & Hounds Birmingham, UK

11.05.19 The Great Escape Brighton, UK

12.05.19 The Joiners Southampton, UK

13.05.19 The Cavern Exeter, UK

14.05.19 Clwb Ifor Bach Cardiff, UK

16.05.19 Esquires Bedford, UK

17.05.19 The Portland Arms Cambridge, UK

18.05.19 The Waterfront Studio Norwich, UK

20.05.19 Picturehouse Social Sheffield, UK

21.05.19 The Forum Tunbridge Wells, UK

22.05.19 Islington Assembly Hall London, UK

23.05.19 District Liverpool, UK


Stream ‘GummyBear’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop

Some Bodies ‘Escape’

Bristol-based newcomers Some Bodies have released their debut single ‘Escape’. The band who recently made their live debut in their hometown of Bristol, supporting Champagne Superchillin’ submerge your ears in a luscious swirling lagoon of melodic bliss. A dreamy melody floats delicately through the gentle swoosh of sparkling synths while twinkling guitars chime and strike throughout the steady beat and sublime bass rumble. It’s swoony and delicious with a cinematic tint adding a rose coloured glare to this lush daydream.The track builds to a dramatic crescendo brimming with emotion as the warm soothing vocals become more expressive and passionate, leading the way to a breathtaking instrumental frenzy. Fuzzed guitars blast through the punchy drums distorting every sweet flutter before leaving only a mind frazzling wall of sound echoing through your head. Well crafted and polished like a lustrous pearl Some Bodies have created one glorious sentimental  treasure with ‘Escape’.

Watch the video for  ‘Escape’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

No Alarms ‘Marble Bars’

Indie band No Alarms have released their new single ‘Marble Bars’.No Alarms was born in Texas as the solo passion project of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Boles, and has since bloomed into a Detroit-based, fully-fledged, five-piece. Their single ‘Right is What’s Left’ was featured in an episode of ABC’s “Kevin Probably Saves the World’ and their ‘No Alarms’ EP was the 13th most added record on NACC college charts its debut week, and has since peaked at #132 on the NACC 200.

‘Marble Bars’ is a slick ethereal burst of youthful indie. it is brimming with lush synths creating that instant rush of adrenaline while a rooted rhythmic backdrop stomps and bounces on a fluctuant meaty heart thumping foundation. The track is compelling and filled with passion as the warm vocals caress the catchy sweet melody. No Alarms showcase their fine musicianship as they grip your heart firmly with every note, synth lick and guitar flutter. They douse the track in a youthful flurry of urgency while light zesty twinkles on guitar flicker in and out with an edgy sting and refreshing burst of energy. Its feel good exhilarating indie at its best.

Watch ‘Marble Bars’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Constant Supply ‘The Misanthropic Phase’

Donegal, alternative rock/pop band Constant Supply have released their new single ‘The Misanthropic Phase’. The band consisting of James Gillen(Vocals, Guitar), Conal Sweeney(Bass, Piano),  Eoin Gildea(Guitar, Synths) and Justin McDaid(Drums) are set to release their third album ‘Isn’t Life Great’ in June. The album was recorded and co-produced by Tommy McLaughlin (Soak, Villagers). The first single from the album, ‘Sanguine Lane’, was played by Steve Lamacq on his BBC 6 Music Recommends show.

‘The Misanthropic Phase’ is a groovy slice of psychedelic alternative rock. Constant Supply unfold this track perfectly, brooding through the verses with rich rhythms flickering and slapping through chiming twangy guitars while the synths flurry and wisp around creating a dreamy narcotic atmosphere. The vocals croon over a 60’s – esque melody while the bass creates a meaty foundation. The track wanders off a bit with a brass solo shredding and pining through a simple “do do do” backing vocal line. It’s shimmy chic as confident vocals lure over the darkly smothered instrumentation. Well crafted and perfectly blended, Constant Supply hold your attention throughout the gripping enticing track. It’s extremely catchy and hypnotic with an air of mystery throughout making this track quite compelling and fun.

Stream ‘The Misanthropic Phase’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

RAFFER ‘The Media’

RAFFER has released the first single from his upcoming self-titled EP ‘The Media’. This self-produced piece lyrically explores the falsehood today’s media sell to the general public. RAFFER – aka. Callum Rafferty  is the DIY indie-pop artist/producer from Kent who has spent the past year supporting some household indie names including King No-One, The Academic and Airways.

‘The Media’ is a fizzy mix of sun-blasted synths,zingy guitars and delicious pop smacked melodies. Brimming with infectious guitar hooks this vibrant delight, toe taps its way through buoyant bass lines, rich rhythms and sparkling electronics. Snappy and sprightly it frolics its way around you brain seeping that honey drizzled melody into your easy until you are dancing and singing along. Not only is this track saturated in sun soaked vibes RAFFER blasts a scorching guitar solo in for good measure to firmly press that sun tan glow into your skin.

You can catch RAFFER live at

25th Jan – Guildford Electric Theatre
9th Mar – Edinburgh Sneaky Pete’s
10th Mar – Glasgow Broadcast
30th Mar – Sheffield Café Totem
31st Mar – Nottingham TBC
+ Many more dates to be announced.

Stream ‘The Media’ below

https://soundcloud.com/raffermusic/the-media-master-1