Tag Archives: alternative rock

Worth A Listen 

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sad Boys Club

Sad Boys Club are an indie band  from Crouch End and are headed by frontman Jacob Wheldon. The band have worked with Duncan Mills (Spector, Peace, The Vaccines, Jake Bugg) and have  supported Spector on their UK tour as well as having played a BBC Introducing show. Now signed to Fierce Panda Records (The Maccabees) Sad Boys Club have released their new singleSleepyhead’. This seductive dive into dark crawling indie is brimming with ethereal spine chilling guitar lines weaving their silken web through punchy drums and eerie soundscapes. There is something enthralling about Wheldon’s vocals. They mournfully wrap your ears in a haunting woefulness that is goosebump inducing  and somewhat unnerving yet thrilling to the core. Light keys twinkle as the creeping verses set the ghostly scene before exploding into a more vibrant indie doused chorus. The chorus is unleashed into your ears with crashing guitars and a heavier instrumental backdrop. These guys have a knack for creating meandering, haunting melodies that linger in your head for days. The acute and sensitive keyboard playing keeps the intensity of the track alight while the stinging guitars insert some urgency amid the dreamy haunting soundscapes.Keep an eye out for these guys, their tight creepy and  melodic compelling sound is mesmerising and refreshing to the ears.

Stream Sleepyhead’ below

 


SISTERAY ‘Sisteray Said’ EP

Following a thrilling 18 months in which they’ve lit up festival stages, sold out delirious venues, released their debut ’15 Minutes’ EP, and delighted tastemakers and fans alike, SISTERAY are now set to release their new EP ‘Sisteray Said’ on 7th September, ahead of a UK tour that includes a headline show at London’s 100 Club.

‘Sisteray Said’ displays this four piece’s gut buckling punk rock in all its glorious, rawness and swaggering dripping finesse. Calum Landau’s drumming maintains a lovable fluctuant foundation for each track – thumping swift elastic fierceness into each song with relentless stamina. The killer intro to Wannabes’ shows just how tight these guys have become. Each stomp strides with surety and determination. Dan Connolly maneuvers and weaves slick crashing guitar lines between the hefty rhythms – from rooted grumbles to utterly supreme wails and whines he soars and dives between them with utter brilliance. It’s a groove infested meaty number brimming with adrenaline and blistering intensity while whacking out a crowd friendly sing along chorus. Sisteray know what works well on the live circuit and these tunes are crafted for maximum live show enjoyment. Rumour Mill’ kicks off with another sublime drum rumble while Mick Hanrahan’s resilient bass groove rebounds like rubber creating a dark rolling undertone in the song. This sublime track explodes into a fuzz filled distorted whirring crescendo before speed-balling into the neck snapping ‘Algorithm Prison’. Niall Rowan’s vocals ooze attitude throughout each number with aggression and dynamic expression. He almost shouts and chants at us filling you with hyperactive energy while blending seamlessly and complementing the instrumental assault perfectly. The brisk pace of the tracks surge huge electronic volts through your veins as the infectious melodies and vigorous backdrops ensure a wholly thrilling listening experience. Title track Sisteray Said’ closes the EP fuming with kinetic energy, as slick guitars lacerate and whine over a frenzy inducing onslaught of punchy drums and nimble bass slaps mangled together to create an exhilarating groovy foundation.

‘Sisteray Said’ is an impressive riotous collection of tracks perfectly layered and crafted for that get up and dance, mosh and jump feeling of euphoria. These guys are witty and have a knack for weaving in little filigrees of guitar or bass to inject some slickness and a hint of elegance into their unruly swagger driven sound. Within a blink the tracks range from pure aggression to pure beauty with such refinement its graceful yet barbaric. There is some serious talent here.

You can catch Sisteray live at

3 Oct – BRIGHTON – Hope and Ruin

05 Oct – BRISTOL – Mothers Ruin

06 Oct – OXFORD – The Cellar

08 Oct – SOUTHAMPTON – The Joiners

10 Oct – LEEDS – The Lending Room

11 Oct – SHEFFIELD – Cafe Totem

12 Oct – LIVERPOOL – Jacaranda

13 Oct – READING – Oxjam

17 Oct – LONDON – 100 Club

18 Oct – ST ALBANS – The Horn

Stream Wannabes’ below

 

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Dead Rebel

Dead Rebel is a three piece band from Liverpool England comprised of members Rob on guitar & vocals, Dan on drums & vocals and Dylan on guitar. The band have released their debut single ‘No Reply’ with renowned producer Al Groves at The Motor Museum Liverpool (who famously produced Bring Me The Horizon).  ‘No Reply’ is a blistering wallop of alternative rock. Brimming with fever inducing frothing at the mouth instrumentation, this track is one heck of a debut. Laced in slick glossy guitar lines, a shredding solo and pulverising drums the mammoth sound this trio create is one to be admired. It’s gritty, razor sharp and mosh pit frenzy ready as crashing guitars slap and flamboyantly strike off the punchy drums while raspy vocals saunter over the catchy vibrant melody. It’s a meaty ear worm that packs one heck of a punch while still holding an air of finesse and grandeur.

Stream ‘No Reply’ below

 


Manalishi EP

              Photo credit : Annie Feng

Manchester Rock/Grunge/Alternative band Manalishi have released their new EP ‘Why Do They Talk To Me’. Manalishi are a guttural plethora of raw energy and attitude. Consisting of lead vocalist/guitarist Dom Strett, bassist Josh Urpi, and drummer Charlie Gough; they concentrate on their music leaving your ears ringing, and a persistent scratchy feeling in the back of your throat.

The self titled EP  is a bloodthirsty collection of grunge soaked alternative rock designed to pummel your brain and get those mosh pits in a frenzy. The band accumulate a refined blend of noisy fuzz and groovy sounds to create a wholly immersing fierce wall of sound. With an onslaught of battering drums and gritty, scuzzy guitars crashing and shattering against one another it’s an intense collection of tracks.Why Do They Talk To Me?’ and ‘Brain In A Jar’ display this perfectly as the squealing guitars and raw, splintering backdrop revolt over raspy vocals and a catchy attitude driven melody. The tracks travel at neck breaking speeds that evoke images of hair flailing headbanging while Manalishi chill the frenzy with a moody melody. ‘Punge lightens the heaviness of the EP with jagged light guitar jangles between punchy drum whacks. There is a Nirvana vibe about the track as the expressive vocals expel and hiss over the fiery backdrop while wallowing in the sweetened sulky melody. These guys showcase their ballsy sound with an edgy refinement and closing trackNot Here…Not There…’ is a fine example of this. Slowly building the track, Manalishi mope and brood over the glum murky verses before bursting into an all out fragmenting heavy chorus. Mighty drum thuds and grumbly destructive guitars make the hair-raising foundation for this explosive track. The doleful verses contrast magnificently with the bruising chorus and make for an exhilarating listen.

This debut EP is a  dynamic mix of sizzling power chords, manic energy and sonic restraint. Manalishi erect sturdy melodic structures and sing-along hard rock over a grunge foundation. They then attack their structure with frenzied screaming and guitar havoc. When Strett revs into high punk gear, shifting his versatile voice from quiet caress to raw-throated fury, the decisive control of the guitars and drums is all that keeps the songs from tipping over that thin line to utter chaos. Pretty impressive.

Stream the EP below


Drivelight ‘Take Two’

Dublin indie rock band Drivelight have released their new single ‘Take Two’. This blistering track displays a new groovy panache soaked side to this four piece. Brimming with slinky guitar lines seeped in good old rock n’ roll swagger this track struts in swanky and sleek while demolishing all in sight with funky grooves keeping that feet shuffling foundation for those magnificent flamboyant yet gritty guitars to rebound and explode off. With a rooted sensual  bass line that coaxes you to the dance floor, an elastic drum backbone, steamy guitars and suave vocals all pumping high intensity adrenaline into your veins this track demands attention and won’t leave your head until you acknowledge it. These guys are coming into their own and ‘Take Two’ is sure to be the springboard for great things. It’s snappy, catchy as hell and filled with enough attitude to have a live crowd going wild. Drivelight have brought some swagger and style while lacing on a healthy dose of slick scorching instrumentation.

You can catch Drivelight live at

24th August: SOMA indie party upstairs Whelan’s.

26th August: Carrickmackross Arts Festival.

15 September Take Two Single launch Upstairs Whelan’s

 

Stream ‘Take Two’ below


The Asteroid Shop ‘She Moves’

L.A.’s  space rock band The Asteroid Shop have released their new single ‘She Moves’. This stomping swagger steeped number strides with blistering guitar over a quivering and pulsing rhythmic backdrop. It’s a darkly hued track with ghostly vocals upon a gritty piercing wall of sound that is so chilling it could raise the dead. Slinky and strut infused the track creeps with a panache driven confidence. It’s a charming bewitchment that beckons your ears to draw nearer into its luring bedazzlement while piercing razor sharp guitars cut and melt away your mind with the most thrilling lacerations known to man. It’s kick-ass acid dripping psychedelic tinged bliss that shows the oh so slick musicianship of this band. I need to hear this live.

Stream ‘She Moves’ below

https://soundcloud.com/theasteroidshop/beat-v4-eq-06-27

 


Indie Buddie Introducing : Gum Soul

Gum Soul have released their debut single ‘Sour’. Based in Bath, Gum Soul take inspiration from the likes of Drenge and Ty Segall, morphing the presence of 90s grunge into today’s indie/alternative scene. The band have only been together for five months, and have already had the pleasure of playing the Bath Festival main stage, just a few hours before the legendary Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), headlining shows in London, and plenty of other gigs in the South West area.

 ‘Sour’ is a tight indie number that soars and glides with slick ethereal guitars shredding and clashing off a hefty backdrop of punchy drums and elastic bass. The verses are chilled and effortlessly laid back as aerial guitars sting between nonchalant vocals. The chorus explodes into a grunge hued soundscape becoming more edgy and grimy while still maintaining that ethereal bliss. It’s a storm in a teacup with a compact display that is hazy and dreamy yet packs in a mammoth assault of shrilling frenzy. With some slick dexterous guitar lines weaved throughout its an impressive debut from Gum Soul.

 

Stream ‘Sour’ below


Miles Kane ‘Coup De Grace’ Album

Finally Miles Kane has released his highly anticipated Coup De Grace’ album to enrich our ears with his new found sophistication and maturity seamlessly blended among his rock and roll swagger. Appearing more cultured and thought-out this album surpasses 2013’s ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ in both refinement and grandeur. It’s a  glam, psych and pop- faceted prism of beauty that packs in some groovy elements and punk wallops along the way.  Kane has huddled together a team of collaborators for his third album, which includes seven co-writes with Jamie T while Lana Del Rey co-writes on ‘Loaded’ and John Congleton produces.

‘Too Little Too Late’ sets the fiery brisk pace of the album with punk slaps weaving through Kane’s rock n’ roll backbone. The glam rock stomper ‘Cry On My Guitar’, laid back pop sprinkled strutter ‘Loaded’ and snappy glossy ‘Cold Light of the Day’ follow suit adding a new dash of spice with each track as Kane builds his repertoire delicately blending a new genre dimension into his own panache driven branding. Slick, thrilling guitar wails, solos and licks are plentiful and the sultry bass grooves and clap along anthemic choruses exceed all expectations. Kane has found his dynamite team creating an enthralling album with each track cruising into the next with masterful fluidity and fantastic musicianship that makes every song lovable. The dreamy brooding ‘Killing the Joke’ cools the intensity a little as Kane belts out a hard hitting emotional performance to a sway worthy background. The synth element adds a delicate ethereal quality to this tender number as lamenting guitars wander about pining behind an emotional vocal delivery and steady drum thuds. Kane’s knack for melodies has always been apparent and this album is no different- he slides those glorious honey drizzled melodies into our ears leaving us craving for more as they seep into our brains sweetly caressing and soothing their way inside our minds. ‘Killing the Joke’ displays the sweet tender lovable melody while the funky flex that is title track ‘Coup De Grace’ fleshes out his swanky, chic melody. This 70’s – esque Disco Stu jam returns the albums pace to high voltage fun. With slinky guitars and an elastic bass line driving the track into a strutting frenzy – this hook filled gem is timeless and magnetising. The album speed balls into the shouty attitude driven ‘Silverscreen’ before another delicious high powered melodic number, ‘The Wrong Side of Life’ erupts where Kane exclaims over a jagged drum and guitar combination. It’s passionate and quite expressive vocally while the keys wisp and float around a striking backdrop. ‘Something to Rely On’ draws on the raw vigor of the beginning tracks with shredding sharp guitars stinging between punchy drums and an anthemic chorus. ‘Shavambacu’ closes the album with a finger clicking sleekness that creeps in from somewhere dark in the 60’s lurking between chilling and romantic. The chorus breaks up the eerie vibe with a bopping beat and vibrant sweet melody over delicious little flickers on guitar. It’s honest with a ballroom Foxtrot- esque spring in its step, over a sing along simple melody to have you doing a little shuffle to yourself as Kane sings out the album.

Coup De Grace’ glosses and polishes over the cheeky rock n’ roll bravado we know Kane for, with some refined sophisticated flurries sprinkled over a raw and edgy foundation. He packs in a healthy dose of wonderful melodies, sweet and tender moments with some good old fashioned fun and danceable numbers which he swirls into his delectable brew.

 

Stream  Coup De Grace’ below

 


Sisteray ‘Wannabes’

London’s Sisteray have released their new single ‘Wannabes’ taken from their upcoming EP ‘Sisteray Said’ set for release this September. Following a thrilling 18 months in which they’ve lit up festival stages, sold out delirious venues, released their debut ’15 Minutes’ EP, and delighted tastemakers and fans alike and are all set for a UK tour that includes a headline show at London’s 100 Club. Released through Vallance Records ‘Sisteray Said’ delivers on all the London 4-piece’s early promise, with four brilliantly inspired tracks railing against the modern age and giving us a voice for their generation.

The latest track from the forthcoming release ‘Wannabes’ is another brilliant slice of what Sisteray are best at. The slick tunefulness mangled within the intoxicating grimy anthemic blasts make for a wholly consuming experience. Sisteray are becoming more witty, more catchy and tight with each release and when teamed with their brand of chaotic charm there is no stopping this band. Shredding guitars lash and whirl with swagger infested grandeur over punchy drum strikes and groove infested basslines making for an infectious whack of genuine rugged vigour. They know how to write a tune that will have a mosh pit stuck in a sweaty danceable mess.  ‘Wannabes’  is a little more slick and slinky than all out riotous but they have managed to find that glorious line between sleek rock n roll and unruly, skull bashing punk and it’s pretty impressive. The raw energy of the track is blended between panache drenched slivers of guitar, elastic hip swinging basslines, sing along ready choruses and epic edgy instrumental slices – there is something for everyone here.

‘Wannabes’ is out now and ‘Sisteray Said’ is released on limited edition 12″ splatter vinyl (50 copies only!), standard vinyl, cassette, CD, and from all good digital stores through Vallance Records on September 7th 2018. The band’s EP track ‘Algorithm Prison’ is also available right now as an instant grat track when you pre-save the upcoming EP through Spotify, and also with all EP pre-orders through iTunes from July 2nd!

Ltd Edition vinyl, CD, cassette pre-order HERE

Spotify pre-save HERE

iTunes pre-order HERE

You can catch Sisteray Live at :

03 Oct – BRIGHTON – Hope and Ruin

05 Oct – BRISTOL – Mothers Ruin

06 Oct – OXFORD – The Cellar

08 Oct – SOUTHAMPTON – The Joiners

10 Oct – LEEDS – The Lending Room

11 Oct – SHEFFIELD – Cafe Totem

12 Oct – LIVERPOOL – Jacaranda

13 Oct – READING – Oxjam

17 Oct – LONDON – 100 Club

18 Oct – ST ALBANS – The Horn

 

Stream ‘Wannabes’ below

 

 

 


Collides ‘Fools Feel Fine’ EP

Waterford garage rock band Collides have released their new EP Fools Feel Fine’, a rugged snappy collection of tracks that announce this new band with fiery attitude and some infectious wild hooks. It’s five burly tracks with enough mosh mania seeped throughout to make for some pretty insane live shows. ‘What’s On Your Mind’ sets their brand of slick garage rock in motion. Groovy bass and punchy drums create the fluctuant backbone for the swagger soaked verses and slinky guitars as they glissade over the raspy vocals. It’s the heavy raucous chorus that sets the track alight as crashing guitars pummel around the mighty drum whacks while also soaring and screeching over them with a sultry glossy sheen. It’s a sing along ready crowd friendly chorus that packs some hefty wallops between the sleek wiggles. ‘We’re So Cruel’ continues the relentless stamina with an energetic instrumental onslaught of mosh ready frenzy. The guitars are impressive in this EP- they slither between tasty nimble grandeur to savage and intense. The melodies throughout the EP peak for the infectious choruses and falsetto segments as Collides move between panache soaked grooves to ballsy rock bravado seamlessly. ‘All The Time’ displays their silky side with a shimmy -esque beat over a rugged backdrop of strident guitars and rooted bass rumbles. These guys have sass for sure and it shows in their tunes. ‘Dream In Dream’ displays a hint of sophistication with its sliding melody and eerie hues on guitar between the buoyant spring of the verses before another riotous crescendo crashes into your skull ready for a heavy headbang episode. The subtle psychedelic hints here are sublime and a welcomed surprise. ‘Land Ho’ closes the EP starting on a gentle tone of lush vocals and lamenting guitar before the screaming hefty outburst. The weaving between sweetly soft and blustery is perfect as this mostly instrumental piece displays the craft of these guys. It’s raw and edgy with the perfect sliver of steamy guitar injections over a tyrant invasion of bulky instrumentation. This track shows Collides at their best- it’s haunting, emotional and riveting all while brutally whacking you in the face with organic garage rock. There is no fuss, no flamboyance just biting, chilling, exhilaration.

‘Fools Feel Fine’ is a concentrated slap of what Collides can do. The rawness blended with sweet melodic flurries, on top of a nice dash of swagger make for a satisfying listen and marks these guys as ones to keep an eye on.

 

Stream ‘Fools Feel Fine’ below