Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Jade Bird

London-based songwriter Jade Bird has made a blinding return with her new single ‘Love Has All Been Done Before’. Fast-becoming a household name with her beautifully distinctive voice and fiercely raw pop songs that tell unforgettable life-stories, Jade Bird is firmly in ascent. Her recent single ‘Uh Huh’ took up residency on the Radio 1 B-list as Bird toured America, playing sold out shows to doting crowds everywhere she went.The 20-year-old has toured profusely across the world with her band, performed her breakthrough single ‘Lottery’ on Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and the UK’s ‘Later…With Jools Holland’ too and most recently gone into session at Maida Vale with Annie Mac for Radio 1. This month, Bird will embark her biggest ever UK & Irish headline tour – an 11-stop run taking in all the major cities including a stop-off in Dublin, where she plays Whelan’s on November 30th .

‘Love Has All Been Done Before’ is a powerful splurge of alternative pop. Brimming with fiery attitude Bird’s raspy vocals coo and belt out with demanding charm and charisma as she calls for more respect and romance in a relationship that is becoming depressingly monotonous. Swept up in a whirl of crashing drums, vibrant guitars and exhilarating soundscapes this track rushes with high voltage adrenaline while a sweet cheery melody hops along with a peppy infectiousness to remain in your head for days. The verses skip around her commanding bright vocals with an innocent cheeky bop before the chorus explodes into a mighty intense outburst. It’s an electrifying track that oozes passion and vigor with a dynamic rich instrumental backing to have you instantly hooked on Jade Birds irresistible sound.

You can catch Jade Bird live at:

20/11 The Globe – Cardiff

21/11 Electric Brixton – London

22/11 The Haunt – Brighton

24/11 O2 Institute3 Birmingham – Birmingham

25/11 Deaf Institute – Manchester

26/11 Rescue Rooms – Nottingham

28/11 The Wardrobe – Leeds

29/11 King Tuts Wah Wah Hut – Glasgow

30/11 Whelan’s – Dublin

08/12 Southampton Engine Rooms – Southampton

09/12 The Cavern – Exeter

Stream ‘Love Has All Been Done Before’ below

 


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

Delights ‘Sun Visor’ and ‘Sun Lounger’

Following the release of their previous singles ‘Naked Heart’ and ‘Jungle’, Manchester indie rock band Delights have now released their new single, ‘Sun Visor’, and its B-side, ‘Sun Lounger’. These heavenly tracks glow with the glorious sprinkling of yumminess that this four piece do so well. ‘Sun Visor’ kick starts the sun-kissed dreamy tones with a delicious melody spread delicately upon jangly guitars and soft spongy beats. Velvety vocals coo over the upbeat, psychedelic soundscapes as this ethereal number bounces and floats along creating the perfect zesty chill-time atmosphere. It’s the satisfying bite of angel cake to get your mouth watering for ‘Sun Lounger’- a surf tinged gem that calls the summer back with sweet jingles and beachy breezy tones. Catchy and tranquilizing these tracks will give you a subtle sun tan while caressing your ears with the most luscious soothing melodies. I just love the laid back radiant tunes these guys produce.

Delights are also starting their second mini UK tour in 2 days, which has been organised by the band themselves without any manager, funding or record label check out the dates below

November 11th Mayfare at The Cluny Newcastle

November 15th Somedays at 93 Feet East London

November 23rd Delights at Sound Basement Liverpool

November 29th Delights at Castle & Falcon Birmingham

December 1st Delights at Breadshed Manchester

 

Stream ‘Sun Visor’, and its B-side, ‘Sun Lounger’ below

 


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

KAVES ‘Serotonin’

Norwich four piece alternative rock band KAVES have released their new single ‘Serotonin’. KAVES were formed in Norwich in June 2017 after attending a Black Peaks and YONAKA show. Their debut single ’27’ was released on 24th November 2017. The band’s debut live show at The Waterfront in Norwich on 7th December 2017 was a sell out. The tongue in cheek video for the single received 2500 views via Facebook in 2 days, and the song itself got played 2 weeks running on BBC Introducing in Norfolk.

‘Serotonin’ is a catchy shuffle and bounce of indie rock filled with intricate guitar twinkles and punchy funk flavoured rhythms. Caitlin Mapes’ charming vocals ooze charisma and warm tones which melt upon the vibrant melody. It’s a buoyant gem that flickers light springy vibes between slinky guitar lines and a sublime bass groove. Lush backing vocals and perfectly placed instrumentation provides glorious little bursts that keep this song refreshing. This track is a compact tasty number from this four piece.

Stream ‘Serotonin’ below

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From White Room

Brighton indie risers White Room have released ‘Shoot’, their first release of 2018 and follow-up to 2017’s double EP ‘Eight’, co-produced by frontman Jake  Smallwood and Theo Verney (Fake Laugh, TRAAMS, FUR).Having spent 2017 conquering the festival circuit and receiving widespread acclaim throughout the tastemaker community and radio airwaves (BBC 6 Music, Radio X), the quintet played their biggest headline shows to date in London (Moth Club) and Brighton (Patterns) this spring, cementing their reputation for visceral, energetic and captivating  live performances. After a summer immersed in writing and developing new material, the five-piece are ready to hit the road again supporting The Blinders on an extensive UK tour alongside the release of ‘Shoot’.

‘Shoot’ is a lavish and exhilarating whir of indie pop bound in a mouthwatering concoction that is too hot to handle. It’s eclectic and edgy with a thick rhythmic bounce adding that chic cool foundation for this track to ricochet off. These guys showcase their ability to tie captivating and seemingly disjointed elements together to create a head spinning wholly satisfying and rich sound. Quirky vocals whisper, wail and entice through a luring bass rumble, steamy guitar interplay and dense textures. Each part is ingeniously cultivated for maximum explosive impact as the verses build the intensity for the blistering chorus. Filled with stomping adrenaline as chaotic soundscapes hurry around the dynamic vocals, haunting backing vocals and glorious melody ‘Shoot’ has everything you could need. Holding a refined stance this track floats on an air of elegance while only just about holding back the manic instrumental frenzy in the backdrop. White Room are fast becoming one of my favourite new finds.

Stream ‘Shoot’ below

 


Album Review, Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Pop, New Music

The Ting Tings ‘The Black Light’ Album

The Ting Tings are back with their fourth studio album ‘The Black Light’. Best known for their massively successful 2009 debut album ‘We Started Nothing’ which boasted the hit singles ‘That’s Not My Name’ and ‘Shut Up & Let Me Go’ the duo have been on a rollercoaster 10-year journey gaining their desired independence. Releasing a further 2 studio albums after their successful debut and adapting their sound to reflect their experiences, the pair were led to their latest work The Black Light, which holds a noticeably darker edge with a mix of Manchester inspired guitar patterns and captivating vocal phrases melded with harsh beats, synths and bass. 

‘The Black Light’ is a dark concoction that wriggles and wraps around swirling electronics and alternative pop experimentation. The shadowy riff of  ‘Estranged’ twinkles the album into motion. The Ting Tings present their delicate emotional side. Layering their brooding electronics over a melancholic melody this duo build an atmosphere of tension and unease. The haunting dark quality continues with  the chilling ‘Earthquake’ and smokey toned ‘Fine & Dandy’.The band shake the album up a bit with ‘Basement’ and ‘Word For This’ which are reminiscent of The Ting Tings debut album- driving through with buoyant rhythms and exuberant energy to have your feet tapping and head bopping. Filled with attitude and swagger with catchy lyrics and jagged guitars these tracks give a danceable quality to the album and lighten the cloudy atmosphere of the previous tracks.. ‘A & E’ and ‘Blacklight’ push through with an almost trip hop beat slapping against frenzied electronics giving a dazzling club night vibe making for a smooth transition into the upbeat ‘Good Grief’ which features a vibrant guitar riff and shuffle ready beat taking the album to a danceable fun finale.

The Ting Tings ‘The Black Light’ has a decent mix of everything from electronic to attitude soaked alternative rock and punk to bouncy infectious pop. The tracks smoothly flow from one to another making for a satisfying listen.

Stream ‘The Black Light’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Color Palette ‘Chelsea’

Washington, DC. indie electronic band Color Palette have released their new single ‘Chelsea’, another gripping ethereal number filled with rich instrumentation creating the perfect aerial backdrop to the pop sprinkled sombre melody. Icy electronics swirl and consume the smooth chilled melody with flashing scintillation and enthralling cinematic soundscapes as lush harmonies, riveting darkly hued key progressions and weaving guitars create the most bewitching, majestic foundation for this captivating lush tune. The chorus develops and grows steadily becoming more intense and magnified until it finally blossoms into an epic almost anthemic outburst. This striking track is a refined piece of work that showcases Color Palette’s fine crafted musicianship with grace. elegance and captivating splendor.

Stream ‘Chelsea’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From BRONCHO

BRONCHO have released their new single ‘Keep It In Line’ from the upcoming album ‘Bad Behavior’ out tomorrow October 12th via Park the Van Records. The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based band of Ryan Lindsey (vocals/guitar), Nathan Price (drums), Ben King (guitar), and Penny Pitchlynn (bass), has toured the U.S. and Europe extensively over the past few years, including arena shows with the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Cage The Elephant. The band have now gifted us another soothing, blissfully sweet number to keep those summer glistening sunny days implanted in our minds.  Lindsey’s soft, velvety falsetto vocals drift and delicately float over the dreamy delicious melody as twinkling guitars shimmer between a snappy buoyant beat and glittering bass. BRONCHO have created their own glorious world of euphoria to keep us calm and sedated with their sugar sprinkled groove infested tunes that make you want to dance and bop while the sway-able hazy melody swoons you into a delightful stupor. There is no denying when these guys want to crush your brain with fuzz filled tunes they can do it superbly however, this track shows us just how slick, luscious and tightly woven their musicianship can be and it’s beautiful.

Stream ‘Keep It In Line’ below

 


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

Enemy II Lines ‘What She Said’

Alternative/indie rock four piece, Enemy II Lines, have released their new single ‘What She Said’. The band who are from Navan, County Meath, Ireland, formed in 2016. They are a young band, whose members are Dylan Hickey, Jordan Patton and brothers JohnPaul and Matthew Melady. ‘What She Said’ is an anthemic adrenaline rush of indie rock swirled and carefully rolled in pop punk with some garage residue sprinkled on top. Driven by catchy guitar hooks and punchy drums this infectious number soars and glides upon heart gripping youthful exuberance while maintaining a powerful meaty foundation of hefty riffs and a bulky rhythmic backdrop. The husky warm vocals and pop smeared glorious melody make this track an instant radio ready gem that is impossible to prise from you head. These guys showcase some swagger throughout the track with sublime guitar whines and intricate layering. It’s sing along ready and perfect for the kinetic live setting. Keep an eye out for these guys.

Stream  ‘What She Said’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dark- Wave, electro- pop, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From LOVE SICK

Julie and Shaun first met working for the same life insurance call center at an office Christmas party where Julie divulged her passion for singing. A few weeks later, the pair bumped into each other at a Glasgow train station and the rest, as they say, is history. LOVE SICK first introduced themselves in 2017 with their debut single ‘Bullet’, which quickly captivated a global audience of almost 1 million listeners and support from the likes of BBC, KCRW, and even Sir Elton John himself.LOVE SICK announces their forthcoming “No Sleep” EP by sharing the first single ‘Fever’.

This dark pop delight swirls and ferments beneath a hypnotic groove, driven by trip hop beats. Dizzying electronics lure you into the delusions of bliss prowling in the deep enticing abyss of ‘Fever’. The infectious melody seeps into your ears whispering a sweet bewitching curse  to your soul as Julie’s sweet vocals entice and seduce over this mesmerising hypnotic track. Warping their blend of pop into a trance inducing menacing number LOVE SICK are a duo to keep an eye on. Their cool, chilled, musically rich musicianship and slick crisp production will have you dancing in a darkly hued, mind dazed trance of bliss.

Stream ‘Fever’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From whenyoung

Following their recent singles ‘Heaven on Earth’ and their cover of the Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’, Limerick’s finest indie-poppers whenyoung have announced their new EP ‘Given Up’ to be released through Virgin EMI on the 9th November with new single and title track ‘Given Up’. 2018 has already been a landmark year for the young band. It’s seen them perform in Dublin as part of Shane Mcgowan’s 60th birthday celebration alongside the likes of Nick Cave and Sinead O’Connor. They’ve also supported the likes of Dream Wife, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Peace.Having already played storming sets at this year’s Great Escape, Latitude, Kendal Calling, Bestival, All Together Now and Electric Picnic, they are playing headline shows in October supporting both The Vaccines and Blossoms on their upcoming tours along with their own headline shows in Dublin, Limerick and Cork this coming November.

‘Given Up’ is a catchy indie pop number driven by a meaty backdrop, forming the perfect blend of gritty alternative rock. This trio weave between shimmering luscious pop and razor raw indie rock seamlessly to create a satisfying and hair raising listening experience. Dynamic drums and elastic rumbling bass create the resilient foundation while refined guitars meander from sweetly chiming to blistering stings as this track builds from its Pixies-esque style into the rich wholly consuming sound that is whenyoung. Aoife Power’s vocals sweetly coo with attitude hued undercurrents as she lulls the glorious melty melody. This track is well crafted each element bringing something delightful to the table. The infectious chorus, jangly guitar elements and honey drizzled vocal bridges make this track just sublime and pretty impressive.

About the track the band said “Given Up was written after a series of late nights and self-inflicted misdirection. The central message is to take your life by the reins and create your own future.”

You Can Catch whenyoung live at:

21st September – Reeperbahn Festival (Molotow) – Hamburg

26th September – The Key Club – Leeds

27th September –The Shipping Forecast – Liverpool

28th September – Think Tank? – Newcastle

29th September – Tenement Trail Festival – Glasgow

3rd October – The Boiler Room – Guildford

4th October – The Purple Turtle – Reading

5th October – The Cookie – Leicester

6th October – Neighbourhood Festival – Manchester

10th October – Komedia Studio – Brighton

11th October – Boston Music Rooms – London

12th October – Kasbah – Coventry

20th October – Ancienne Belgique – Belgium (Supporting The Vaccines)

21st October – Luxor – Cologne (Supporting The Vaccines)

22nd October – Gruenspan – Hamburg (Supporting The Vaccines)

24th October – Alhambra – Paris (Supporting The Vaccines)

25th October – Melkweg – Amsterdam (Supporting The Vaccines)

26th October – Festaal Kreuzberg – Berlin (Supporting The Vaccines)

28th October – Vega Small Hall – Copenhagen (Supporting The Vaccines)

29th October – Pustervik – Gothenburg (Supporting The Vaccines)

30th October – Nalen – Stockholm (Supporting The Vaccines)

13th October – Heartbreakers – Southampton

2nd November – The Workman’s Club – Dublin

3rd November – Dolan’s – Limerick

4th November – Cyprus Avenue – Cork

4th December – O2 Academy 1 – Sheffield (Supporting Blossoms)

5th December – Rock City – Nottingham (Supporting Blossoms)

7th December – O2 Academy 1 – Birmingham (Supporting Blossoms)

8th December  – Victoria Warehouse – Manchester (Supporting Blossoms)

9th December – Victoria Warehouse – Manchester (Supporting Blossoms)

11th December – O2 Guildhall – Southampton (Supporting Blossoms)

12th December – O2 Academy 1 – Bristol (Supporting Blossoms)

 

Stream ‘Given Up’ below