Tag Archives: alternative rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Quarry ‘Super Arcade’

Quarry has released his new album ‘Super Arcade’. Quarry is London-based indie-rock singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vittorio Tolomeo.Vittorio Tolomeo debuted as a solo artist in 2010 with “Prize Day” (Morada Records/Audio Fidelity), which lent its title to the future Quarry’s ensemble, PRIZEDAY. The band released an album titled “Apps Will Grow Like Feathers” through New Zealand’s Do It Records in 2014 and toured across Europe and in the U.K., where the collective not only played to the crowds of The Great Escape Festival but also opened a number of Arthur Brown’s concerts. Their short film “War Zone” including five songs of the album was showcased at Cannes Film Festival.

Title track ‘Super Arcade’ is a luring groove riddled number with a foot tapping infectious beat and suave melody that boasts the swagger dripping sound of Quarry. With an enticing guitar riff revolving hypnotically throughout the track – it hooks you from the start. The track bounces along at a chirpy pace, however the gritty guitars and darkly coated mysterious soundscape create a chilling quality while the dynamic warm vocals contrast this perfectly. It’s a peppy finger clicking number that is charming and an enjoyable listen.

Stream ‘Super Arcade’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

SPRINTS ‘Pathetic’

Dublin alternative rock band SPRINTS have released their new single ‘Pathetic’. It was recorded in Darklands Studio by Dan Doherty, mixed by Robin Ball and mastered by Fergal Davis. Comprised of Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, Sam McCann and Jack Callan, the band have over three years gigging experience as individuals and are looking forward to storming the gig circuit in 2019.SPRINTS played their first gig in Whelan’s this February, and have quickly gained a reputation as a ferocious live band. They have since played gigs in a number of Dublin’s top music venues and supported UK band Alexis Kings on the Irish leg of their European tour in the Workman’s Club.

‘Pathetic’ is a searing raw alternative number with thrilling guitar flirtations, meaty drum progressions and infectious gritty melodies. Karla Chubb’s powerful vocals command attention and submerge this fiery track in her rich depths and attitude. These guys showcase their proficient musicianship through their meticulous arrangement – the slick guitar lines flood the track with panache and sweltering swagger as they soar whine and shrill with elegance and flamboyant grandeur while the raw backdrop sets a groove festering foundation. The elastic rumble on bass weaves a luring wigglement through the blistering display on guitars as they stride into a blazing solo. SPRINTS are ones to keep an eye on.

You can catch SPRINTS live at their single launch in the Sound House on April 20th

Stream ‘Pathetic’ below

https://soundcloud.com/sprintsmusic/pathetic/s-2u6Xj

.


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Skyfever

Skyfever are a rock band from Ireland who are breaking through in a big way, with their music being selected for play in a number of famous sports stadiums. Their infectious rock music has filled the stadiums of Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC, the Tennessee Titans , the world famous New York Yankees and also at the Carolina Panthers 75,000 seater Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The band have now released their new single ‘Kings’ taken off their current ‘Rear View Mirror’ EP.

‘Kings’ is a scorching rock and roll banger.This anthem is locked and loaded with swagger dripping splendor, shredding instrumentation and oodles of sweat and leather attitude. Laced in flamboyant slinky guitar licks this track struts in on a vaporous wave of blistering glory as the punchy drums and elastic bass groove keep those sweltering guitars company with a strut ready foundation. Dynamic raspy vocals exude attitude and vigor while the infectious melody and anthemic ‘punch the air’ chorus keeps the adrenaline at maximum voltage. Skyfever have created one feverous number to revolve around, in your head for days.

Legendary rocker Alice Cooper is a fan of Skyfever and last year he endorsed the band by not only playing their track, The Returning, to listeners of his worldwide-syndicated radio show, Nights with Alice Cooper, but also by personally sharing their track on social media and praising their talent. In fact, radio stations across the USA have recognised Skyfever and they have been played on stations from Philadelphia (WCLH) to Chicago (WZRD) to Nashville, Tennessee (Under the Gun Radio).

About the track the band said : “Kings was written after a lost weekend involving a lot of whiskey, Muhammed Ali documentaries, Game of Thrones and rediscovering early U2 albums. Embracing the war within and who you really are is an important mantra within our band and this song is the anthem for that way of life”

Watch the video for ‘Kings’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Look To The Lady ‘Humans’

Five piece Wicklow band Look To The Lady have released their new single ‘Humans’.Just off the back of their recent Humans Tour they are set to put out a whole host of new music, including a video for the namesake of their tour ‘Humans’.

‘Humans’ showcases Look To The Lady’s ability to lay down passion and emotion through delicate melodies and rich instrumentation. With warm twinkling guitars lamenting through a steady beat the track begins sweet and tender.It’s delicate ethereal soundscapes flicker through the strong vocal delivery as the song broods and mourns with icy tones right up to the expressive crescendo. A sharp and beautifully majestic guitar solo takes over the crescendo displaying the bands immense refinement and finesse. The bittersweet, haunting tones and dramatic build make this track a hair raising and powerful display from Look To The Lady.

Watch the video for ‘Humans’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Watchy ‘Shelved’

Dublin artist Watchy has released his debut single ‘Shelved’. After playing in numerous bands, Watchy has decided to go solo and this groove-rooted glimmering instrumental number is the thrilling result. The track broods and festers to start creating a dreamy haze as the sparkling synths interplay with the droning bass and punchy drums. The synths and bass create a soft dialogue to start as the drums maintain that all important meaty foundation which holds your subconscious through the meandering hypnotic melodies and lush synths. It’s a new wave fluttering spell of delight that blends beautifully. The track builds gradually, finally surging with adrenaline it becomes more heavy. The bass slips into its grittier more powerful persona breaking away from the dazed,dreamy, synth-jam into punk rock ferocity. Watchy howls over this powerful display of raw sharpness as the percussion and drums flesh out and become more harsh and expressive. ‘Shelved’ is a perfectly crafted and finely brewed explosive debut from Watchy.

About the track Watchy said : “I wrote this song completely myself from scratch and it was the first time I’d done so and was actually happy with it, my friend Dara from Chancer plays drums on it and we got the whole thing done in one day despite it being Dara’s first time hearing it in the studio,,,, This is my debut single and I’ve got more coming in the future”

Stream ‘Shelved’ below



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

Alta Cura ‘Storm’ EP

Dublin’s quintet, Alta Cura are set to release their new EP ‘Storm’ on the 19th of April. The overall theme of the EP explores the idea of inter-personal relationships. Alta Cura seamlessly blend a variety of  genres wrapping jazz elements, R&B, rock, metal and blues rock in a lustrous alternative coating.

Title track ‘Storm’ kicks off the EP’s relationship themes, the lyrics are about “the facade someone has before becoming more a part of their life, and how your opinions shift as that facade comes down”. The five piece translate this sublimely through gritty riffs slicing through pulverising drums and turbulent rhythms while the expressive vocals exclaim over this mosh-ready, hefty backdrop. With some funky elements glimmering through the guitars and bass groove this track sets the EP alight showcasing the tight sound of Alta Cura. The swagger drenched ‘Burn’ follows with infectious riffs darkly coating the track in a luring hip grooving movement while the jazz sprinkled guitars playfully meander through the heavy backdrop.The catchy melody and mammoth chorus continue the bands arena ready rock with a sublime twist. ‘Brisbane’ is the passionate ballad that grips your heart with tender sway-like versus. Dan Cusack’s vocals emotionally coo and pine however, in true alternative rock manner the band belt into a passionate wailing chorus with powerful instrumentation as Cusack pines, wails and bellows over the gritty crashing guitars and pummeling drums. ‘A Vision in Green’ is a dream-like ballad dealing with themes such as jealousy and loss. Quite the come down from its explosive predecessor, this track chimes along with a bluesy hue over a steady beat and warm guitar strides. The track naturally flows into a mighty chorus with shredding guitar slivers zealously striking through the buoyant rhythms before bursting into one hell of a guitar solo.There is a graceful melodic flow through ‘Djuarachi’ as the band triumphantly blend some metal heftiness through their alternative rock while ‘Low Tide’ contrasts this frenzy – emotionally and tenderly dealing with the theme of loss.Elegantly the band create a sweet floaty backdrop for this gripping tune.The melancholic guitar softly laments behind the steady beat, graceful strings and mournful vocals.It’s a beautiful and passionate display from Alta Cura as they build the track to a powerful and hair-raising crescendo. ‘Dusk’ brings a haunting end to the EP. This ambient number wisps with suspended vocals lushly harmonising through a tranquil forest of twinkling guitars and earthy soundscapes. It’s a refreshing and utterly surprising end to the EP.

Alta Cura present a rich and diverse EP that showcases the bands fine and sophisticated musicianship with luscious instrumental embroidery and grand displays that make this band worthy of arenas.

You can catch Alta Cura live at :

EP Launch- Grand Social April 20th

Triple Headline- Whelan’s. June 27th ( not announced )

Stream ‘Brisbane’ below


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

Tremendous ‘Open For Closing’

Birmingham glam rock band Tremendous have released their new single ‘Open For Closing’. This anthemic old school number drizzled in glam rock-sprinkles of delight is a powerful track that packs one hell of a punch. With their keen ear for melody Tremendous belt out an infectious gem saturated in swaggered rock ‘n’ roll persona and mighty instrumentation. Shredding guitars shrill, whine and soar with air guitar worthy grandeur while the punchy drums and elastic bass create that compelling backdrop. It’s arena ready and filled with oodles of raw gusto as the dynamic vocals knock you for six while the smooth earworm melody glides in and charms your very soul. You can’t get more powerful, anthemic and kick-ass as ‘Open For Closing’.

Stream ‘Open For Closing’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘The Y Factor’

Birmingham alternative four-piece Y!KES have released their second single ‘The Y Factor’. The single was produced by singer Joby Fitzgerald and Magic Garden Studio’s Gavin Monaghan and The video  is a pastiche of TV shows such as The X Factor and Gogglebox which see’s the band in various different costumes and environments playing multiple characters, all being glossed with an 80’s retro feel.The band have just completed the ‘Arch Nemesis Tour’, the last show of which saw a sold out headline show at the Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham.

‘The Y Factor’ is a scorching blast of Y!KES’ speedball alternative rock at its most frenzied and infectious. With blistering guitars smashing through a buoyant snappy bass and punchy drum backdrop this track surges with intense adrenaline. The frantic riffs carve through the track with slick precision as the gritty vocals and catchy anthemic melody creates the perfect tune for a bloodthirsty live show. It’s a gob smacking number brimming with brawny drums, a thrilling guitar solo and fantastic musicianship.

Watch the video for ‘The Y Factor’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From whenyoung

London’s (via Limerick) whenyoung have announced they will be releasing their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Reasons to Dream’, through Virgin EMI on the 24th May. In anticipation of the album release the band have released their new single, ‘Future’ which tells the story of a close friend who sadly took their own life, while also striving to find a message of hope in the darkness.

‘Future’ is sweet fizzy indie rock at its most exhilarating and refreshing. whenyoung present a tender wholesome number bursting to the seams with vibrant delicious instrumentation while tackling a striking and emotional theme. Filled with elegance and ethereal innocence, this driving track soars and chimes with glorious guitar moments sparkling gracefully between a peppy beat and passionate vocals. These guys pay attention to detail – from the short clap clap moments to haunting backing vocals, lush harmonies and refined, dignified guitars this track has everything to charm the hearts and minds of the nation. The melody, coated in Aoife Power’s heavenly vocals is infectious and warm. These guys can write a tune that will have you singing along, dancing in seconds and with a strong meaningful lyrical content they are the band to watch.

The video was directed by award winning short film maker Michael Baldwin and stars young actor Badger Skelton, who featured in Tom Beards critically acclaimed ‘Two for Joy.’ It takes inspiration from Wim Wenders’ New German Cinema classic, ‘Wings of Desire’, showing the trials of suburban youth in stark monochrome.

Watch the video for ‘Future’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

40 Shillings on the Drum ‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’

Photo Credit : D.Cook

40 Shillings on the Drum have released their new single ‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’. Having kickstarted 2018 with a well-received live album and short UK tour (their first), the band were quickly snapped up for an appearance at Beautiful Days festival alongside the likes of Manic Street Preachers and The Hives. During this festival, the band became friends with Skinny Lister and Tom Gleeson of Slaves to Gravity and Feeder, the latter has now completed mixing duties on the brand new single.The single shows a huge departure from their traditional folk-punk roots, with the band taking a more contemporary, punk-rock sound to new heights. The band’s debut album, also produced by Tommy Gleeson, is due for release in late 2019.

‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’ is a swift slap of alternative rock smothered in dark riffs and a theatrical rawness. Eerie guitars jaggedly slice and shred through the track with relentless stamina while a punchy rhythm creates a buoyant meaty foundation for them to ricochet and soar off. The track is a robust brawny effort from 40 Shillings on the Drum with a substantial rock backbone that will have a mosh pit going wild. The raspy vocals spit out the lyrics in a dramatic fashion creating a spooky quality to this blistering track.Its a dynamic infectious and exhilarating number from 40 Shillings on the Drum.

Stream ‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’ below