Tag Archives: alternative rock

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Novatines ‘Silver Screen’

Bath Based Alt-Rock 4 Piece, Novatines have released their new single/video ‘Silver Screen’. Released through Dirty 38 Records ahead of their UK tour in March, ‘Silver Screen’ is a statement of ethereal madness, beautifully seated in twisted, bitter-sweet detail. Following on from the group’s debut single ‘Medicine’, ‘Silver Screen’ which was recorded live and produced by the band, stretches out a vivid dream and showcases Novatines as something very real. The group have been tipped as one of the ‘hottest new UK guitar bands’ and will be touring throughout the UK this coming spring.

‘Silver Screen’ is a passionate track that builds into a powerful rock anthem. Beginning tender and sweet with twinkling guitars the four piece lull you into a melancholic dreamy state before blasting you back with their fiery instrumentation. Sharp guitars wail and sting over punchy drums while the sweet delicate melody broods throughout as if unaware of the surrounding instrumental turmoil. Shredding guitars shrill over the soft melody with a biting abrasiveness that wounds deep lacerating all in it path while pulverising drums and a hefty bass batters and bruises packing oodles of emotion and passion. It’s a sophisticated, mature offering that lays their heart on their sleeve in an exhilarating true rock and roll manner.

Watch the video for ‘Silver Screen’ Below

 


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

A Weekend Away ‘Irony’

A Weekend Away are a five piece blues/rock band from Limerick, Ireland. Initially formed in 2013, A Weekend Away have become a staple in the regions music scene. Following their win in the UL Battle of the Bands in 2016, They have gone on to record their own self-titled EP. In summer 2017, the band traveled across Ireland touring with their new EP to positive responses from attendees and reviewers alike, playing in such locations as Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Kerry and Waterford. Currently they are focusing on the production of their debut album pegged for release later this year. Starting with their new release ‘Irony’.

‘Irony’ is a striking harsh track delivered in a soaring infectious indie manner. Raspy vocals expel the honest lyrics while jangly guitar melodies and buoyant rhythm sweeten the sourness of the lyrics. Sharp guitar strides inject a refreshing touch of grit and add a rough texture to the song. It’s sublimely layered and intelligently crafted creating a ethereal melodic track that is raw and biting yet packed with glimmers of bright tones with subtle anthemic bursts before the crescendo. It’s a mature savvy track that is sing along ready, hard hitting yet blissfully melodic and refined. I’m liking the direction these guys are taking their sound- sophisticated, honest, animated indie that makes for a great listen. Keep an eye out for A Weekend Away.

Directed by Shane Vaughn (Stanzas) and starring Brian Russo Clancy (The Three Don’ts) the video for ‘Irony’ aims to match the themes of the track by taking advantage of its setting at the popular Limerick heritage centre, King Johns Castle. Bassist Peter Corbett says about the track:“We wrote this song about the conversation we seem to be having everyday about suicide, especially in Limerick. The fact is that our city has a suicide rate twice the national average. Therefore it’s easy to say everyone in this city has a direct or indirect history with mental health, suicide and self-harm”. “I noticed especially that a lot of males refuse to talk about their mental health problems. This seems to be due to the fact that they don’t want to seem ‘soft’ in front of their peers. This is ridiculous social norm considering one in three people have had mental health problems. That’s the equivalent of looking left and right in a lecture. This song explores the mind-set of these males with the hopeful end goal of spreading a small bit of awareness”.

Watch the Video for ‘Irony’ below

 


Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

We Three Kings ‘Fire’ EP

We Three Kings are a three piece blues-rock band based in Manchester UK, made up of Rich on vocals and guitar, Paul on bass and Pete on drums. Describing their sound as an original blend of rock, blues, fuzz and noise, they have been compared to bands including Rival Sons, Royal Blood and The Black Keys, with a riff-driven guitar-heavy sound reminiscent of Deap Vally, Wolfmother and The White Stripes. An experienced and high-energy live act with a massive sound. The trio have recently released their second five-track EP of new and original work titled ‘FIRE’.

‘Fire’ is a blazing five track EP asphyxiated in gritty meaty riffs and pummelling drums. Each track is a shamelessly melodic rock monster locked and loaded with enough angst, fury and infectious grooves to have you moshing and dancing in no time. ‘Sound Of The Radio’ kicks off the rough and tumble EP as their slick heavy sound stampedes in with frenzy inducing mania.‘The Barrel’ and ‘Bright Lights Of The City’ blast out heavy riffs which are laced in sensual grooves which hit through like a nail gun to the eardrum while ruthless drums savagely batter you around the head at neck snapping speeds. It’s a bloodthirsty assault and an invigorating listen. Swagger soaked vocals exude attitude into the tracks while the infectious choruses make sure these tunes aren’t leaving your head anytime soon. This trio don’t give you time to rest they whack out adrenaline surging energy track after track. ‘Uncontrollable Squeal’ continues this frenzy – bluesy and steamy with kick ass riffs that are sure to have a live audience in a dizzying moshing mess. It’s slick and cool with a bass line that holds a brawny yet elastic foundation for the hefty guitar to rebound off. ‘Invisible Man’ brings us to the end of the EP leaving you thirsty for more. It’s pumped, powerful yet extremely buoyant. The snappy rhythm is guaranteed to raise your blood pressure while a shredding guitar solo will have you on your knees doing air guitar.

‘Fire’ is a bold intensely sharp and rowdy EP from We Three Kings. It’s a speed shot of riff driven rock that is sure to be epic live.

Stream ‘Fire’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kingpins

Kingpins are a Brighton-based five-piece formed in May 2017. The band have already played a handful of gigs throughout Brighton including a sold out This Feeling night as well as featured on local radio stations. The band comprised of member Henry Foulkes on lead vocals, Chris Udell on lead guitar, Joe Simmonds on drums, Sam Glinsman on rhythm guitar and Hayden Prenter on bass have released their new single ‘Don’t Go’

‘Don’t Go’ is a blistering swagger soaked display from this quintet. With punchy drums and a boisterous bass laying down a rumbly elastic foundation for the crashing guitars to rebound off these guys have created an electrifying wall of sound that is both intricate and well layered. It’s catchy and explosive in all the right places with the fiery chorus erupting instrumentally while the cool vocals douse some effortless swagger on top. It’s a fine track from Kingpins and a confident panache driven offering. Keep an eye out for these chaps.

Stream ‘Don’t Go’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Vrillon ‘Find You’

Four piece alternative rock band Vrillon  have released their highly anticipated single ‘Find You’. The Bath-based lads have built up a solid reputation and a cult following in their local area playing sold out shows on a regular basis and their debut EP is set for release later this year with fans already eagerly awaiting its release.

‘Find You’ is a cruising indie track steeped in melancholic tones and a swayable wholesome groove. The track progresses steadily and fluidly as raspy vocals glide over a sweet luscious melody and sublimely subtle jangly guitar. The real thrill of the track is the emotional content and ethereal guitar moments. They touch the soul with a moody darkness yet soothe it sweetly and delicately. This track is focused and well thought out creating a slow jam that speaks to and can relate to everyone.  A mellow warm guitar solo radiates glowing illumination into the track while adding a hazy tender glare over the cushioned beat. These guys have developed a mature sound that has ability to evoke the emotional life beneath their melodies.

Stream ‘Find You’ below


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

Galapagos ‘Even This Glow’ EP

Galapagos are a four piece indie band from Ottawa. With the release of the debut Potential Space EP in June 2017,  Galapagos continue to create a presence in the Ottawa musical landscape. Their debut charted highly on Ottawa’s CKCU and CHUO stations and topped the CHUO charts in the fall. Ottawa Showbox, APT 613 and PhotogMusic all placed Potential Space on their lists of top local releases in 2017. The band have now released their second EP ‘Even This Glow’ to a sold out show at Pressed.

‘Even This Glow’ is a laid back thoroughly satisfying EP drenched in mellowed out sweet nostalgia. With a retro indie rock feel opening track ‘Wall’ struts in with thrilling sharp guitars laced upon an infectious bright melody and peppy animated drums. These guys deliver a quality sound, richly packed with sublime luscious layers that bring sun kissed vibes to their pure heartfelt tunes. ‘Lungs’ and ‘Jersey’ add a grittier texture into the mix with distorted guitar crashing for the pounding chorus and zealous illumination for the latter track. These tracks evoke a 90’s vibe as sweet melodies and velvety vocals soothe a wistful longing tone. The songs feature some golden guitar moments so mouth-watering and sweet they are like honey to the ears leaving you craving more. ‘Coffee’ takes a darker tone with acoustic accompaniment twinkling between sombre vocals. It showcases a diverse melancholic side to their easy going sound. It’s a soothing track one which takes its time caressing your soul. Gentle and beautiful on the ears it’s truly immaculate and tender. Though their sound is mellow and laid back it is by no means simple, intricate guitar lines weave between passionate vocals creating music that really makes you feel every note, every beat and guitar quiver. ‘Decide’ closes the EP with beaming sweet marsh-mellowness. It’s melodic, utterly emotive and richly nostalgic. Zesty vibrant guitar lines dazzle through a charming delicate melody while a running bass line wanders adding a lavish texture and meaty depth to this superb track.

‘Even This Glow’ is an EP to relax and watch the sun set to. Each track is refined and precisely layered to create a beautifully nostalgic experience that is heart-warming and wholly satisfying.

Stream ‘Even This Glow’ below

 


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

Twist Helix ‘Ouseburn’

Alt-Pop three piece Twist Helix have a lot to owe the valley of Ouseburn, and they intend to repay the area where they honed their craft with their appropriately named forthcoming euphoric track ‘Ouseburn’ which was released on the 9th February, at a sold out single launch gig at “The high place above the river” – the Cumberland Arms venue. With adopted Geordie and lead vocalist, Bea Garcia, reigning from Spain, radio play spanning more than 7 countries and having recently signed for Madrid based record company Paul Back Music, the band is an internationally acclaimed affair. Taking influences from the likes of White Lies, Depeche Mode and M83, the three piece present a synth-pop sound that demands you have a good time. With their 2017 shows spanning across Europe, from Glasgow, to Cumbria’s Solfest festival, and having the opportunity to be introduced by Radio3’s Julio Ruiz as finalists at the Madrid Bdcoder Festival, the three piece have achieved some great success since forming.

‘Ouseburn’ is a dynamic track that explodes with a bedazzlement of flashing electronics swirling between a snappy kinetic beat and powerful vocals. This track is pumped with adrenaline and vigorous energy as whirling soundscapes fill the song with a breezy spacey atmosphere while the catchy melody and power chorus lift the track to anthemic heights. It’s mighty frenzy inducing alternative power pop.

Named as one of the North Easts must see bands for 2018 by NE Volume, Spotlight Music and Spark FM Twist Helix have a list of upcoming live dates to look out for -see below

London – 20th Feb – The Dublin Castle

Sheffield – 21st Feb – The Washington

Bristol – 22nd Feb – The Old England

Worcester – 23rd Feb – Mars Bar

Manchester – 24th Feb – The Castle Hotel

Barnsley – 28th Feb – One Over The Eight

Sunderland – 03rd Feb – The Independent

Darlington – 3rd March – Noisy Daughters Event

Stockton – 31st March – Stockton Calling Festival

Stream ‘Ouseburn’ below

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From 0141

0141 have released their new single ‘Stay True’. Comprised of members John Neil-Rce, Nicky Ferguson, Ross Watters and Mark Mcghee 0141 are a four-piece rock band from Glasgow, formed in 2017 who have played in some of Glasgow’s most notable venues including King Tuts for BBC Introducing. Their new single ‘Stay True’ which was produced by Rod Jones of Idlewild barges in whisked in a whirl of adrenaline. With crashing guitars and punchy drums belting at turbo fire speeds this track feels like an instant shot of hyper active alternative rock that relentlessly blasts through in a blood rushing frenzy. The melody however, is sweet and creamy as smooth vocals coo over shouting backing vocals and riotous instrumentation. It’s vibrant with rumbling elastic bass lines and shredding guitars which add a whack of grit into the luscious peppy mix.

Stream ‘Stay True’ below

https://soundcloud.com/justhope_music/stay-true

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, Mathy Alt-Rock, New Music

Old News ‘Castro’ EP

Indie-rock/alternative group, Old News have released their new EP ‘Castro’ which was mastered by TJ Lipple, who has worked with American Football, Fugazi, Look Mexico, and others. Old News is an indie-rock band based out of Kansas. Inspired heavily by math-rock, emo revival, and jazz harmony, the group combines these influences into a genre defying mix of sounds. Their new EP, ‘Castro’, is full to the brim with off-the-wall grooves, wailing trumpet, and spiraling, slinky guitar passages. Old News is comprised of current and former WSU/Friends University jazz alumni and oddball music fanatics, Beau Harris, Max Abood , Blaine Martin, and Sutton Wilson.

‘Castro’ is a rowdy collection of gnarly rock with some slickness in the form of jazzy elements and the odd trumpet bellow. With the twinkly guitar intro of ‘Everyone’s A Minimalist’ these guys display a knack for intricate instrumentation arrangements weaving fluidly between boisterous drums and grainy vocals. They balance the sweet and soothing with the fiery and powerful seamlessly. The trumpet injections add a touch of vibrancy to the turbulent tracks. When you think they couldn’t get more diverse Old News break into a subtle jingly instrumental that is like a sweet melodic elevator tune before fading out. ‘Disappointed But Not Surprised’ is brimming with energy and golden guitar moments. Crashing instrumentation slams into your eardrums like a cannonball before the lushest slinky guitar melodies and warm trumpet jingles iron out the sound creating an instantly chill dreamy haze. They shift between melty sweet and boisterous so rapidly and fluidly its amazing. ‘Spring Sensibility’ is the instrumental intermission packing a lot of gumption. Delicate soothing trumpet melodies lament with sweet nostalgia before the pounding drums and crashing guitars are introduced. This track slowly creeps into its thrilling crescendo, displaying a band that can keep you blissfully intrigued in their tunes even without vocals. Those guitar quivers and flickers are just sublime and take you to a beautiful scenic state of euphoria. ‘1917 Cherry St.’ is the final track on the EP and returns to the bands math rock heaviness. Sweeter vocals caress the verses while honey melodies on guitar and trumpet twinkle around with an airy feel. The verses then become more aggressive and ferocious.

An impressive EP from Old News. It’s well thought out and meticulously crafted as each detail, melody and flicker adds a new dimension and richness to the tracks. What appears to be a meaty skull bashing math rock EP blossoms into a pure richly layered experience that is pretty special and at times sweetly delicate.

Stream ‘Castro’ below

https://soundcloud.com/oldnewsict/sets/castro

 


Alt Rock

Liberty Lies Begin Celebrating Their 10th Birthday With Re-Release ‘Day In The Sun’

Alternative rock band Liberty Lies are celebrating their 10th birthday this year and to celebrate they’re reissuing a three track retrospective of previously released tunes and it all kicks off today with ‘Day in the Sun’. Liberty Lies have achieved so much on their own merit, without contacts, without money or any helping hands. Tours with the likes of Shinedown, Soil, Halestorm, Magnum, Heaven’s Basement have all come and gone so a nice trip down sweet nostalgic memory lane is well due. This year will see a follow up to the 2013 album ‘Reflections’. It promises to be the album that smashes the glass ceiling for the band and see them draw the attention they have worked for over the years. In preparation for the future, Liberty Lies are shining a light on the best of their past by re-releasing three tracks, from their three previous releases.

In 2010 Liberty Lies released their debut EP ‘New Addiction’ which was a low budget affair recorded in a studio near enough to be dropped off by their parents with money they saved from playing covers in local boozers. The jewel in the crown of this EP was its final track ‘Day In The Sun’. This power ballad displays oodles of passion, fire and potent musicianship. The lyrics tell the story of someone who has given everything they possibly can in a relationship. The character is holding their hands up saying I have tried my best and if that’s not enough, then I have nothing else to give. It’s hard hitting stuff with sweet melancholic sharp guitars lamenting over punchy drums and an emotional vocal display that pulls hard at the heart strings without becoming soppy. It’s raw true and pure rock and roll emotion. These guys put forward heart on your sleeve emotion but kick-ass doing it. Pretty impressive for a band starting off. With their mature sound sparkling through with anthemic power this track marked a band that had massive potential. Just listen to that guitar melody its pure warm mellow gold. The track was produced by Mark Stuart who has previously worked with the likes of Magnum and Phil Lynott. Like the rest of the EP, ‘Day In The Sun’ was never put forward to the press. It never gained any radio play or notable coverage at all. It merely exists as the beginning of Liberty Lies that was able to win them any support slots, garnering fans along the way.

During February, March and April, the band will be celebrating their releases by unveiling a whole host of content based around each specific track. Themed pod-casts, guitar play throughs, redux’s, new artwork, acoustic covers, and much more so keep an eye out for that.

Stream ‘Day In The Sun’ below