Tag Archives: alternative rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Springfield ‘105’

Cumbria based alternative indie band Springfield have released their new single ‘105’ which was recorded at Catalyst Studios in St. Helens with production duo Sugar House. The track arises following their previous single ‘Footstep’, gaining 40K + streams and over 12K monthly listeners in 4 months on Spotify alone.

Springfield flesh out their mighty musicianship with ‘105’ – a short brisk alternative number that travels along strident guitars, pummeling snappy drums and a thrilling wall of sound. With a catchy pop melody surrounded by swirling synths, this kinetic number is a caffeine shot in the chest of energizing indie. Dynamic vocals spit the lyrics while backing vocals shout behind the rigorous backdrop creating a harsh and rough texture to this relentless track. It’s a fiery well layered speed ball that is sure to have you singing along in no time,

Stream ‘105’ below 


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

Clear Vinyl ‘Foolish’

Coming hot off the heels of wild festival performances across the UK and Germany, including spots at Liverpool Sound City, Hit The North and Schlossgrabenfest, Derbyshire dwelling alternative pop outfit Clear Vinyl are back with anthemic pop infused banger ‘Foolish’. The band comprised of Joshua Feeley (Vocals), Sam Hutchinson (Lead Guitar), Jonjo Caton ( Rhythm Guitar),Jack Carver (Bass) and James Umney ( Drums) have received support from BBC Introducing nationwide, as well as amassing over 20,000 streams on their debut single ‘That Feeling’, 

‘Foolish’ presents Clear Vinyl’s infectious indie in a clean pop sprinkled package of fizzy delight. With a driving bass line weaving sweet grooves between the exhilarating sound while punchy drums whack out that all important foundation these guys flood their track with character and emotion. The velvety vocals caress the youth filled sprightly melody while the zesty guitar entwines the alternative pop sound with classic rock finesse and grandeur adding speckles of sun kissed scintillation throughout. With a shredding solo and catchy lyrics ‘Foolish’ is a blistering energetic indie banger. 

The video sees the five lads working in their local newsagents, with it being left in the delicate hands of guitarist Jonjo Caton, who seems to take his job far too seriously, eventually leading to some frustration from his colleagues and ultimately, his demise.

You can catch the band live at :

25th July – The Hawley Arms, London 

10th August – Dronfest, Dronfield 

16th August – Peakender, Bakewell

29th August – Lending Room, Leeds

Full tour to follow in November.

Stream ‘Foolish’ below 


Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Mini Mansions ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ Album

Mini Mansions are set to release their third studio album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ on July 26th on Fiction Records. Each Album, EP and track this trio have released has been more tantalizing, juicy and infectious than the last.Their quirky elements and mind frazzling instrumentation makes them a unique treasure and ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ takes this wonderful trait, ferments it, curdles and blends it as we see the band produce their most thrilling and perhaps honest piece of work to date. 

‘Should Be Dancing’ sets the experience in motion with a funfair carousel atmosphere. It sounds like it could be David Bowie and Marc Bolan’s love child.The track chugs along with that fun happy vibe while the undertone reeks of eerie clowns and danger.Michael Shuman takes his frontman role by the horns.His deep eccentric vocals flaunt with a flamboyant air and ring leader suaveness as he hyperboles, haunts and wails through the spine chilling backdrop.The jangly keys, funk flexed striking guitar and sublime bass weave and entice with an ominous yet peppy tone through the driving beat.The adrenaline heart racing ‘Bad Things (That Make You Feel Good)’ surges with rock ‘n’ roll swagger, slick guitar, an infectious clap along feature and a driving rhythm.

The first half of this album is a flurry of adrenaline and exhilarating emotions expressing one’s feelings of falling in love and all the cheeky bits in between. ‘Don’t Even Know You’ sees Tyler Parkford take the lead. His signature chord progressions on keys glitter and apply the perfect quirky quality to the melty wistful melody and sweet as taffy vocals. Zack Dawes’ bass weaves threads of delight throughout this dreamy candy-floss track. It’s a sun hazed dream-boat that cruises and bops along ready to be the soundtrack when you meet your next crush. It’s a gem to listen to. Parkford snaps out of his lovesick daze with the flurrying more confident ‘Forgot Your Name’. He swaggers over humorous lyrics as this shuffling dance evoking tune whisks you away into a rock ‘n’ roll carefree stupor. A thumping beat and riveting bass create that dance floor summoning foundation. Sharp guitar lines playfully wander and frolic between the buoyant keys and sprightly melody while Z Berg (former singer in The Like) provides the backing vocals. The album gallops straight into the heart racing ‘I’m In Love’. Jazzy keys and intricate guitar lines pepper the track in spice and rich flirtations while the electrifying wall of sound and distorted fluctuations ensure repeat plays. ‘Time Machine’ continues the loved up dreamy tone with hazy vocals, twinkling soundscapes and lush melodies.The sticky beat, zest filled guitar, echoed vocals and sweet harmonies create a delicate tender number with a pop sprinkling.The wistful swoony title track from the EP released last year  ‘Works Every Time’ takes a seat on the album with its sublime lamenting guitar lines, elastic bass and Parkfords velvety vocals reinforcing the ethereal and floaty atmosphere of Time Machine.‘Living InThe Future’ re-introduces backing vocals from Z Berg as the track swirls through dazzling electronics, glam rock guitar lines and groove infested rhythm. 

Suddenly things start to turn sour as the tone of the album changes and the strutting ‘GummyBear’ follows.Though a sweet pop-coated number the track lyrically takes us down a darker path “No, I got love for you no more ”. With a disco- esque undertone,the song is brimming with infectious grooves and funky bass line while buoyant drums fluctuate through the euphoric soundscape creating a rich elastic foundation. Shuman duets with The Kills’ front woman Alison Mosshart on the bittersweet ‘Hey Lover’. It’s a heartbreaking parting of ways however the band deliver this with elegance and dignity. Shuman’s smoky whispers caress the lyrics with steamy seduction as he coos and blends perfectly with Alison Mosshart’s sultry tone.The moving melody drifts along as jangly keys peep between the sombre tone, lamenting guitar and steady beat while the bass broods throughout. All that’s left is for the passionate electronically dazzling ‘Tears In Her Eyes’ to bring the album to a close the best way Mini Mansions can – leaving you wanting to take the entire emotional roller-coaster again.This smoky track simmers beneath dark daze-filled electronics while sultry guitar stings contrast the bubbling and festering bass.The verses are ominous however the chorus lightens a little with twinkling keys echoing naive innocence.The track builds and ignites into a harsh crashing crescendo. It’s an extremely expressive track while the invigorating and smothering instrumentation wrestles and tussles creating a beautiful contrast.

‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ is a whirlwind of emotions heightened through sublime musicianship and production.The refined glorious melodies and masterful instrumentation portray the themes perfectly. Mini Mansions are exquisite musicians. These guys are diamonds in the rough. 

‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ will be released on July 26th until then you can check out their newest single ‘I’m In Love’ below 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Bannered Mare ‘Blame Game’

Irish band Bannered Mare have released their new single ‘Blame Game’, the first offering off their new EP  ‘Fear of Missing Out’ which is set for release in the coming months.

‘Blame Game’ is a sharp sliver of Bannered Mare’s alternative indie as they combine their catchy riffs with a fun buoyant atmosphere and rich melody. Gritty guitars jaggedly slice through the track while the punchy rhythm and elastic bass maintains a frenzied backdrop. The track shifts and changes tempo throughout, creating sweet delicate moments in between soft vocals and pulsing rhythms. The chiming guitars glisten and majestically sore before the track becomes heavy. The bulky chorus blasts through at a brisk pace as the crashing wall of sound surrounds the expressive vocals.The band showcase their diversity and prowess through the charismatic and charming guitars and vibrant rhythms. There is something for everyone in this track. Keep an eye on Bannered Mare.

Stream ‘Blame Game’ below 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Circus Wolves ‘Dance With Me’

Photo Credit: Paul Husband

Manchester alt.indie noise-makers Circus Wolves have recently released their new single ‘Dance With Me’. The band  comprised of Guy Wynn Davies (vocals), Cameron Tetlow (drums), Ben Dodson (bass) Jack Taylor and Jim Ker (guitars) have shared the stage with the likes of The Slow Readers Club, and The Amazons.

‘Dance With Me’ is another invigorating slice of alternative indie from Circus Wolves. With intricate guitars weaving with a breezy, biting sharpness through an ethereal soundscape these guys whack out a vigorous passionate number. Expressive vocals and a wistful melody glide effortlessly into the ears while the whirlwind instrumentation whooshes past with intensity and might. The track builds from the chiming verses to a massive chorus of epic proportions leaving you in awe of this bands sharp musicianship. With an infectious buoyant rhythmic backdrop and storm ridden shaky percussion this track has a heightened sense of urgency. It’s goose bump inducing as the frantic guitars relentlessly shrill, pine and soar with an almost obsessive nature while the rooted bass drives through the whirring sound with adrenaline and stamina. It’s another exhilarating number from Circus Wolves. 

You can catch the band live headlining Verve bar in Leeds on Friday 8th November and headlining Night People in Manchester on Saturday 9th November.

Stream ‘Dance With Me’ below 


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

MAUVE ‘Bouquet’ EP

London based three piece MAUVE have released their second E.P ‘Bouquet’. Despite the husky highland vocals of their Scots frontman, MAUVE hail from London and Cambridge. Formed in early 2017, MAUVE comprise of Steve (Vox/Guitar), Ben (drums) and Ieuan ( bassist). Their debut 6-track E.P titled “Pulled apart” was recorded at Valhalla Studios with local award-winning producer Dan Lambert and has already been well received and described as ‘anthemic and accomplished’ by Tom Simkins, BBC Introducing in Cambridgeshire.

‘Bouquet’ is a palpitating three track knock out as MAUVE distill their alternative rock into a pure concoction of adrenaline and hyperactive melodies. These guys layer their sound superbly adding fiery manic soundscapes on top of neatly weaved guitar and bass combos to create a pretty triumphant EP. ‘Remember’ is a nostalgic, bitter sweet delight as the band blend soft verses with epic chorus blasts that venture into heroic territory. With jagged guitar, punchy drums and an infectious passion-filled melody, it’s ready for the mania of the live shows. With powerful vocals and a dynamic wall of sound these tracks blossom beautifully. ‘Shoreline’ follows the bombastic ‘Remember’. It’s the perfect middle track with emotion and tender moments blended between the robust instrumentation delivering a divine and frenzied experience. ‘Brittle’ is the more vulnerable facet in the band’s sound. Equally powerful and expressive this track cools the tone at the start before building gradually. There is substance and sophistication to MAUVE’s musicianship and the band display it perfectly through this EP. Intricate guitar moments and gentle sweet undertones trickle throughout each rowdy number creating wonderful multi textures and a rich contrast in each song making this EP something truly special. 

‘Bouquet’ is a powerful EP- earnest, heartwarming and filled with sublime passionate musicianship.

Stream ‘Bouquet’ below 


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Video

Valhalla ‘Never Gonna Get It Back’ Live Video

Dublin alternative rock trio Valhalla have released their new track ‘Never Gonna Get It Back’ a preview of what to expect from their upcoming EP which will be released later in the year. They have also released a live video which was recorded at the bands EP launch party on May 11th in the Bellobar. The band comprised of Mark Boyle (Vocals & Guitar), Barry Monahan (Bass) and Luke Alford (Drums) have headlined shows in venues such as The Workmans Club, Sin E, The Sound House, The Underground and Fibber Magees as well as a sold-out show in Whelan’s for the single launch of “Hear Me Calling” in 2018 which has been well received with airplay on Radio Nova & RTE 2XFM.

‘Never Gonna Get It Back’ presents Valhalla’s blistering sound in all its raw frenzy. With shredding sharp guitars crashing and slicing through the rugged drum beat – it’s a thunderstorm of edgy alternative rock. The dynamic bass weaves through the intense   soundscape with precision and charismatic vigor as it provides an elastic quality to the track. Through the live video the band showcase their energy and infectious stage presence while whacking out this robust potent tune. Its catchy, powerful and one mosh ready speed ball. 

Watch the live video of  ‘Never Gonna Get It Back’ shot by Symmetry productions below 


Alt Rock, Desert Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Howlers 

The Howlers have released their debut single ‘LA Dolce Vita’. Formed in May 2018, London’s Desert Rockers The Howlers have gone on to receive critical acclaim for their ferocious live performances.The track has been played on BBC Radio 1’s Indie Show as well as on John Kennedy’s show on Radio X.

‘LA Dolce Vita’ is a searing debut as The Howlers introduce themselves with a scorching sound – blistered, festered and coiled in desert western-esque guitar and confident instrumentation. Catchy and razor sharp, the track simmers through rooted bass and flexible drum laced verses while the sizzling guitar whines majestically through the humid backdrop. With raspy vocals, infectious chorus and sing along lyrics- this sweltering number blasts through on refined, swagger steeped instrumentation. The Howlers ooze rough and ready panache and  ‘LA Dolce Vita’ is an exhilarating debut to announce them. The rawness and precise musicianship is quite masterful and makes for one thrilling track.

Watch the video for ‘LA Dolce Vita’ below 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

The Vanns ‘Mother’

The Vanns have released their new single ‘Mother’ taken from their long-awaited debut album.Developing a strong live show and presence off the back of high-profile support slots with artists including Catfish and The Bottlemen and Ocean Alley, as well as selling out their recent run of shows of their own on the east coast, The Vanns have been at work on their craft since their inception in 2013.

‘Mother’ is a laid back groove rooted indie rock track as The Vanns stroll through this exhilarating number with a suaveness and prowess that is admirable. Jangly guitars saunter through the verses, relaxed and sun kissed before blistering and scorching into the epic chorus. With an elastic hip moving bass and punchy drum backdrop the band build and layer this track superbly to create the most thrilling and exciting track. With raspy vocals cooing through the verses and expressive chorus it’s an instantly likeable rock n’ roll tune that packs a serious punch. Refined, swagger dipped and laced in oodles of passion and fantastic instrumentation ‘Mother’ gives us another reason to keep an eye on The Vanns. There are big things ahead for this band.  

Watch the video for ‘Mother’ below 


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Fagash McCann

Northern Ireland two Piece Fagash McCann have released their new single ‘Black Lipstick Kiss’. A slinky ambitious track ,‘Black Lipstick Kiss’ is a riff driven lusty mammoth that showcases Fagash McCann’s ability to create a satisfying powerful number. The duo rein in their wild wall of sound binding it with tight muscular bass riffs and punchy drums. The bass weaves steamy elastic melodies through the drum beat while attitude soaked vocals exude swagger. The track boils and burns beneath the robust blues-hued rock instrumentation while the sleek melody seeps into the ears with ease creating the perfect balance between sensually smooth and razor sharp.This rough and tumble gem has a Royal Blood vibe without leaning too heavily on the comparison. There is a lot blistering and sizzling beneath the depths of this track and as a drum and bass duo these guys create and layer their sound superbly.

Stream ‘Black Lipstick Kiss’ below 

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