Tag Archives: alternative rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Blank Parody ‘Underachiever’

Formed in 2015 Blank Parody, a bunch of noisy lads from Birmingham, began with a year of songwriting and recording. After a year of gigging up and down the country they have supported the likes of Vukovi, Seprona, Tigercub and Electric Six! and played slots at festivals such as London’s Camden Rocks, Sheffield’s Tramlines and Birmingham’s ValeFest. Following the recent release of their highly well received debut EP ‘A Tension’, which featured tracks such as ‘Dark Pretenders’ and ‘Marching Through The Smoke’, the band now present their biggest offering from the record yet ‘Underachiever’, before playing a string of dates across the country.

‘Underachiever’ with its subtle explosive bursts is an indie anthem all rolled up in a tight little package ready for live show sing-alongs. These guys are no strangers to meaty hefty instrumentation that bashes with thrilling adrenaline and this track is no different. However ‘Underachiever’ does offer a little more emotionally. This track wallops out a melancholic melody drenched in enough nostalgia to hit you right in the chest and force out that little tear you’ve hidden for years. This is a track for the down trodden, displayed through ethereal guitars and a rumbling bass. Its one everyone can relate to and sway along mournfully to, but these guys let you have that tear then whack you through it with some shredding rugged guitars and punchy drums filled with hopefulness and powerful fist pump indie rock. These guys are relentless in showcasing their versatility as a band and ‘Underachiever’ displays this perfectly- they can be melodic and sentimental yet still pack a mighty meaty punch.

You can catch Blank Parody live at:

11th February – The Black Heart, London

22nd February – The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton

8th March – The Shed, Leicester

30th March-1st April – Your City Festival, Stoke On Trent

Check out the video for ‘Underachiever’ below

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This week Comes from Vundabar

Boston duo Vundabar have announced a UK and EU tour throughout April and May and shared the official video for their addictive single ‘Acetone’. The sludge-indie band have built a massive following through non-stop touring and their signature brand of jittery, rambunctious post-punk, yet much of their music hints at something darker beneath the surface. Having just wrapped up a two month Autumn/Winter US tour with The Frights and Hockey Dad, Vundabar are about to embark on their Spring North American headline tour with support from Ratboys, which includes a stop through SXSW, before heading over to Europe and the UK. The duo are set to release their brand new album ‘Smell Smoke’ on February 23rd.

‘Acetone’ is a clenching intense grip of post punk. With jittery guitars swirling and crashing into punchy drums this track is filled with frustration and angst as the busy instrumentation rushes around at dizzying speeds. The catchy melody flickers around – doused in melancholic tones accompanied by an almost pizzicato jerky vocal bridge. These guys display a raw vulnerability with gripping lyrics and blistering shredding instrumentation that is thrilling and extremely emotive. It’s unique composure with stops and starts and agitated guitar shrills over choppy vocal lines is somewhat nerve wrecking yet ridiculously infectious and compelling.

You can catch Vundabar live at their  UK / EU tour here

25 April – Jena – Glashaus

26 April – Berlin – ACUD

27 April – Copenhagen – Loppen

28 April – Hamburg – Goldener Salon

30 April – Brighton – The Hope & Ruin

02 May – London – The Lexington

03 May – Birmingham – The Sunflower Lounge

04 May – Manchester – Castle Hotel

07 May – Glasgow – The Hug and Pint

08 May – Edinburgh – Sneaky Pete’s

09 May – Sheffield – Picture House Social

11 May – Cambridge – The Portland Arms

14 May – Barcelona – Meteoro

 For the North American tour dates go to their Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Vundabar/

Watch the video for ‘Acetone’ below

 


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

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ EP

Gentlemen Jackals are set to release their debut EP titled ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ on Friday 2nd of February. Hailing from Kirkcaldy/Cowdenbeath, Scotland, Gentlemen Jackals includes Mark Wilson (vocals and guitar), Craig McMahon (guitar), Scott Thomson (bass and backing vocals) and Douglas Harden (drums). Since first coming together in summer 2015,the band have already had performing success, sharing the stage with bands such as Silver Coast, Clay, Lemon Haze, Pyro, Lost in Vancouver, and Dancing on Tables. The group’s success is greatly down to their DIY attitude; organising and promoting gigs, designing their own publicity materials and shooting their own music videos. In 2017, the band performed at numerous festivals, including Montrose Music Festival, Rockore and the Dunfermline ‘Fake Fest’. On February 10th, the band are scheduled to perform at the O2 ABC in Glasgow in the Scottish Final of the SoundWaves’ Music Competition. The quartet have recorded and released four independent singles ‘Hold My Body’, ‘Oh Tanya’, ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ and ‘Waiting for the Day’–all of which are produced by Mark MorrowAudio and their new EP, ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ will be released on Apple Music and Spotify as well as a limited run of physical copies which can be ordered through their Facebook page or at their live shows.

‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a five-track collection of hook filled indie anthems that glitter with sublime power pop melodies drizzled on top of a fire fuelled indie rock foundation. From the punchy opener of ‘Heathens + Broken Hymns’ these guys waste no time in displaying their versatility as a band. A rumbling driving bass line slaps and rebounds off a snappy hyper drum beat while crashing guitars shred through an infectious melody and powerful vocals. It’s difficult not to bop along to this catchy fiery track. Their tight dynamic rhythm and gritty guitars cut through the tracks creating a body moving groove and mosh ready heaviness which is displayed in tracks such as ‘Preacher’s Son’ and the light sprightly ‘Wisdom to the Wise’. Here, Gentlemen Jackals display a swagger soaked shredding sound that exudes sass and confidence with blazing instrumentation that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. I mean check out those scorching guitar solos they are electrifying. ‘Out of Reach’ slows the tone a little. With its sombre filled melody, it takes the role of a power ballad filled with Bon Jovi- esque passion and a fist pump your chest teary anthemic chorus. Final track ‘Waiting for the Day’ closes the EP with a glistening guitar creating a magical airy vibe before they blast into their anthemic sound. It’s somewhat U2 – esque blended with a bit of Bruce Springsteen vibrancy. Blissfully melodic and passionate it’s a heart warming end to the EP that fills you with sweet nostalgia.

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a sublime debut EP. Filled with sweet heavenly infectious melodies superb instrumentation and musicianship that makes you feel every note and lyric, it’s a strong foundation for this four piece. These tunes flood you with an instant surge of heart racing adrenaline that could move crowds of people. Music that makes people feel something is hard to create but when it’s achieved it’s golden and these guys have obtained this through each track. Not a bad start.

Stream ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ below

 

 


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

Smoking with the Bandit ‘Waiting on Your Call’ EP

Birmingham, alternative rock band Smoking with the Bandit have recently released their debut EP titled ‘Waiting on Your Call’. In early 2016, Colby Wilson (vocals), Garrett Payne (guitar), and Daryl McCarty (bass) were performing as an acoustic trio after a previous band had called it quits. Their sound quickly outgrew acoustic arrangements and percussionist Collin Payne joined the group to provide the depth and rhythmic nuance that the trio was seeking. This EP is the sublime result of this.

‘Waiting on Your Call’ is a fantastic debut EP from this four piece. The glorious ‘Peaches’ kicks off the EP. Warm guitar melodies flood the track in delightful glowing luminosity while soft cushioned drums fill the track with a gentle comforting bounce. The vocals are smooth and velvety as the band introduce their delicate lusciously melodic sound that is laid back and such a joy to listen to. The band add a touch of swagger with ’Undone’ which is introduced by a slick guitar riff and shimmy ready beat. This track glides in full of charm and panache effortlessly cruising on sun kissed vibes and oodles of swagger. With a guitar solo that scorches with steaming hot vapour it is groovy,infectious and oh so chic. Title track ‘Waiting On Your Call’ follows. Again this track is beaming with vibrant mellow golden guitar lines and a swaying swoony melody that melts over a delicate beat and spongy bass line. These tracks are made for summer evenings- relaxing as the gentle light of the sun setting shimmers and warms your face. The slick ‘The Cards’ re-announces their shimmy swanky sound. Wilsons vocals exude passion while slinky guitars add a sharp 60’s tinged wobble and dance. The elastic bass adds a sensual mysterious quality while the drums bounce along giving a light playful spring to track. The sweet  ‘Blood Red Eyes’ closes the EP gently with a luscious melancholic melody beautifully sung in a tender emotive manner while nimble jangly guitar once again floods the track with sublime bright vibrant tones. Its a captivating relaxing and utterly stunning track to finish the EP.

Smoking with the Bandit have created a marvelous treasure box of tracks that are so beautifully evocative and sublime you will want to put it on repeat. They have the ability to create songs with refined musicianship that stops time and creates a soothing calming state to fall into. Their subtly intricate instrumentation engulfs you in a world entirely created by Smoking with The Bandit.

Stream ‘Waiting on Your Call’ below


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

Juniper Nights ‘Human Rush’ EP

Juniper Nights are a four-piece alternative rock band that formed in Oxford at the start of 2017. Founded entirely online through a musician finding website, the band consists of James Gallagher (Vocals/Guitar), Zach Wilmott (Guitar), Rob Crussell (Bass), and Tom Lindsay (Drums).Their first single, `So So Kelly’ featured as a first play on BBC Introducing, Oxford, and has been played on the radio as far afield as Honolulu, Hawaii. The band will be releasing their debut EP, ‘Human Rush’, in February 2018, and will be supporting the release with a UK tour in January and February.
‘Human Rush’ blends heavy mosh ready guitar shredding tracks with subtle tender gems effortlessly, creating a seamless quilt of raw emotion and sweet moments that hold a brooding sombre silence among the beautiful melodies.‘All At Once’ kicks off the EP grabbing the bull by the horns. Jagged guitars roughly shred through the track while punchy rumbling drums belt and wallop creating the perfect mosh ready atmosphere. The melody and vocal line smoothly cruise through the verse with a hint of R.E.M blended with Radiohead vibes which creates a moody dark brooding atmosphere that seeps and creeps with gripping mystery. It’s ominous and haunting yet thrillingly sharp and powerful. The rest of the EP becomes soft and lamentably sweet. ‘Antidote’ twinkles with a frosty guitar accompaniment and melancholic piano feature. It’s a chilly sombre and honest display that fills you with bitter emotion. Juniper Nights showcase their beautiful melody skills within this EP and striking ability to cut deep with their tracks. ‘Bloodflow’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ feature some beautiful guitar moments that glow and add a tear jerking warmth to the tracks. The vocals are tender and passionate yet gentle and exuding emotion. Swirling gentle soundscapes rush through the tracks delicately as Juniper Night display a sophisticated sound- raw and powerful, intricate,nimble and extremely emotive.’ Lemonhead’ closes the EP with a charming guitar jingle to start interrupted with crashing instrumentation fragments between the delicate soundscapes. This track keeps you on your toes. It lulls you into a melancholic dreamy state before shocking you out with harsh shrilling jabs.
‘Human Rush’ is an impressively refined collection of tracks with lyrics that express the harsh raw open wounds of the themes backed by remarkable instrumentation and fine musicianship. It’s a grown-up EP -serious precise and well crafted.

Stream ‘Antidote’ below


Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Mark Crozer ‘Shock To The Heart’

Alternative rock artist Mark Crozer has recently announced the release of his newest single ‘Shock To The Heart’. This comes after 5 albums, 4 EP’s and countless single releases as a continuation of a successful 20 year career as a musician. Crozer is best known for the song, ‘Live In Fear’, which later became the successful entrance theme song for WWE superstar Bray Wyatt and achieved over 10 million YouTube views and 2.5 million Spotify plays. Crozer and his band ‘The Rels’ had the opportunity to perform live at Wrestlemania 30 to an audience of 75,000 at New Orleans Superdome, making them one of the two British bands to have ever performed at Wrestlemania. In addition, Crozer is the bassist with alt-rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain with whom he has performed since their comeback performance at Coachella back in 2007. After a busy 2017 writing, recording and releasing his most recent album ‘Sunny Side Down’, produced by legendary REM producer Mitch Easter, Crozer chose to maintain his creative flow and upon returning from an 8 month tour with The Jesus and Mary Chain, Crozer wrote his newest single ‘Shock To The Heart’. Inspired by the blistering guitar riffs of the likes of Killing Joke, Pixies and Nirvana, the single is a snapshot of Mark’s long running battle with anxiety and a panic disorder.

‘Shock To The Heart’ boils, bubbles and coils with sizzling fiery alternative rock. With a rumbling bassline that sends shivers up your spine and punchy drums driving the track into a frenzy of pounding adrenaline, it’s a thrilling rush of tantalizing musicianship. Eerie vocals coo, creep and tease with goosebump inducing hysteria while scorching guitar riffs pierce through the track screeching and scalding all in their path. It’s an ominous electrifying display from Crozer and absolutely invigorating. A must listen.

Stream ‘Shock To The Heart’ below

 


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Boston Manor ‘Drowned in Gold’

Blackpool’s Boston Manor have released a video for their new single ‘Drowned in Gold’ which was produced by Mike Sapone (Taking Back Sunday, Mayday Parade, Public Enemy etc) at Barbershop Studios in New Jersey. The band formed in 2013 and, in two short years, worked their way to signing with renowned US indie label Pure Noise Records. They released their debut album ‘Be Nothing.’ in 2016 to widespread acclaim and the band have continued to tour the world since then, whipping up a frenzy in the US on tours with the likes of Moose Blood, Have Mercy and Can’t Swim, as well as completing their first full headline tour of the UK. 2017 also saw Boston Manor perform all summer on the penultimate Vans Warped Tour in the USA, play packed out rooms at Slam Dunk Festival and make their first appearances at Reading & Leeds Festivals.

‘Drowned in Gold’ is a fierce no nonsense relentless rush of gluttony inducing alternative rock. It’s a catchy, bold, brash incarnation brimming with snappy pulverising drums, crashing guitars and a mighty overload of instrumental bashing. With attitude driven vocals that scream and exude passion this track is an instant shot of fiery adrenaline. Toeing the line between chart fodder and alt-anthem this track is a smashing display from the five piece that is sure to have the Kerrang heads going crazy. It’s one for those manic sticky mosh pits. Warning whiplash guaranteed.

When asked about the track vocalist Henry Cox explained: “Drowned in Gold’ is about people being followers; people who never question anything & surround themselves with trivialities and mundanity, We had been writing for a while and wanted to put something out. We’re really proud of this one and so decided to release it ahead of the upcoming UK tour.”

Boston Manor are currently working on the follow-up to ‘Be Nothing.’, which is expected for release in 2018.

Watch the video for ‘Drowned in Gold’ below


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

Changing Gears ‘Hold On Tight’

Changing Gears are a five-piece pop rock band based in Dublin, who recently have released their new track ‘Hold On Tight’. Comprising of Eoin O’Donnell (guitars & vocals), Colin Reid (guitars & vocals), Steve Power (piano, keys & vocals), Danny Spelman (bass & vocals) and Morgan O’Brien (drums/percussion), ‘Hold On Tight’ was released as part of their upcoming studio album which will be out in early 2018. It is a laid back track that cruises in with sharp guitar jangles and a punchy beat. It’s mellow, sun kissed and hazy with a jazzy piano feature springing up where you least expect it. Smooth vocals and a dreamy atmosphere create an effortless easy-going track with zealous guitar stabs to keep it refreshing. Perfect for summer days.

Watch the video for ‘Hold On Tight’ 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 Ragmans Daughter

Ragmans Daughter are an indie band from London who have released their debut single ‘Lazy’. This hazy sun sprinkled track is a crisp display from a band who are sure to go far. Vivid juicy guitar jangles weave playfully between the laid-back melody and punchy drums which bounce and hop with a contagious spring and elastic rebound. The track becomes more fuzzed and heavy as it progresses adding an effervescent buzz and gritty texture to their luscious mellow sound. The production is on point. The track is fun, fresh and appears unfussy until the psychedelic whirls and grungy flavours kick in and you realise this is a band with a difference. The melody is drenched in sugary melty syrup that seeps into your ear rendering you hooked to their delicious sound. This track announces Ragmans Daughter as an energetic and creative band with a lot of success ahead of them.

Stream ‘Lazy’ below

 


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

Gallus EP

Gallus are a Glasgow band comprised of members Barry Dolan (Vocals), Craig Duris (Bass), Eamon Ewins (Guitar) and Paul Ewins (Drums). They have released their debut self titled EP and played their first gig at the legendary King Tut’s. These fresh young lads have shown some serious potential within this EP. The rowdy ruckus causing wallops of ‘Weapons’ which features crashing guitar riffs against a jagged driving bassline and pummelling drums showcases a shrilling mighty display that I can imagine is insane live. That instrumental is so snappy, raw and elastic it’s sure to set the mosh pit alight. ‘Making Tracks’ introduces itself with a slick riff and rumble on drums. It’s bouncy, edgy and smothered in rock and roll. It’s my favourite track on the EP as it showcases some really striking nimble guitar work. The shouty vocals maintain the rawness and brawn of their sound while the instrumentation displays an organic whiff of finesse. ‘Maybe Next Time’ begins disguised as the delicate track on the EP. Twinkling guitars and soft vocals introduce the track before it explodes instrumentally into their brand of garage rock. It’s a bit Pixies- esque at times with vibrant golden guitar lines adding a sun kissed glow to the grungy attitude soaked track.

These guys have whacked out an impressive EP that showcases their talent and slick musicianship with tracks that exude energy, adrenaline and some exciting instrumentation. Gallus will be finishing of their year with a free show in Glasgow at Broadcast with 0141 and Heavy Rapids. Following this, they will be supporting Retro Video Club as part of Independent Venue Week so if your around make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Gallus’ EP below