Tag Archives: alternative rock

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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kavalier

Kavalier is an alternative four-piece band based in Kilkeel, Co. Down consisting of members Ryan O’ Neill(Guitar/Vocals), Tommy Rice (Guitar), James Burns (Bass) and Mark Mc Donald (Drums). Their formation was brought about in the winter of 2015, evoked by a desire to relieve boredom while simultaneously combating the cold winter climate. The loft space of an old, post-war knitting factory would later become the bands headquarters. Quickly they began to hone in on a sound that concluded the band had potential to develop beyond a means of alleviating winter boredom. As winter turned to spring and into the summer, the band had narrowed down their newly written material to 3 songs. These select tracks would later be recorded and compiled into their debut EP ‘Songs For Walter’. This year the band had the chance to play at Electric Picnic after being chosen as one of eleven acts to play the “Play The Picnic Stage” Courtesy of RTE 2FM.

 ‘Songs For Walter’ is a three track treasure box overflowing with luscious melodies, calming tones and some shredding instrumentation. The delicately beautiful ‘Wake Up’ kicks off the EP with sweet gentle tones ready to lull you into an elegant state of bliss. Warm ethereal guitar melodies jingle across a soft creamy soundscape. The cushioned bounce on drums and bass give a divine feathery light texture to this sublime track. The sharp injections on guitar and shredding solo pierce the calm track with a zesty sting adding acute spurts of brightness. ‘Stop, Rewind’ follows continuing with a supple tone, but this time the four-piece add a little more grit to the creamy flow of the EP. The stop start jumps give a jitter to the track while winding guitar melodies weave playfully throughout. Another delicate mind easing song that is oh so easy and delightful to listen to. ‘Drop 65’, the final track on the EP shows us the heavier gritty side to Kavalier. It’s swagger soaked attitude driven and darker. The guitars take a rough rugged approach with a choppy fuzzed aggressive element. The drums pound while the bass rumbles creating a meatier more rock infused track.

Kavalier ‘Songs For Walter’ EP displays their knack for beautiful organic melodies, slick intricate guitar work and sophisticated musicianship. It’s a tight EP that place’s these guys firmly in the ones to watch list.

Stream ‘Songs For Walter’ below

 


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

Anna-Liese ‘Stand On My Own’ EP

Waterford-based Anna-Liese have released their new EP ‘Stand On My Own’. The four piece which consists of members Emmet Conefery (vocals, guitar), Mark Walsh (vocals,guitar), Eddy Blake (drums) and Sean Carey (bass guitar) have fabricated a collection of tracks that takes their sound to a new level. The ‘Stand On My Own’ EP marks a serious more sophisticated and refined venture into their alternative rock. ‘Standing By The Riverbed’ is the first track on the EP and it screams their new tighter more competent sound. With a Green Day-esque feel mixed with a massive anthemic chorus, crashing guitars and punchy drums, it’s one hell of an introduction to the EP. Showcasing a substantial growth since their previous EP ‘Chasing and Fading’ it’s crisp compact and oh so catchy. This quartet have learned to take their time pacing each track out building and brooding with the verses with little chorus bursts teasing and leaving space for the crescendo’s to soar and excite. ’Oh Me Oh My’ is perhaps my favourite track on the EP. It jingles and sways with sweet sharp guitar melodies while a soft punch on drums adds a shot of grit. The vocal melody glides with bright melty smoothness while lush backing vocals coo with tender delicacy. It’s melancholic and gentle but those guitar lines are sublime- sharp and zealous adding splinters to the breezy sombre track. ‘Scrappy Boy’ adds a bit of heaviness to the EP. It’s slick swagger soaked and gritty. Once again shredding guitar lines lift the track into legendary status while a driving rumble on bass adds a ripply foundation and flexibility to the track. The vocals are strong and expressive. ‘First In Line’ lightens the tone of the EP, again it’s energetic and instrumentally snug. The tracks run along balancing heavier soundscapes with light airy indie seamlessly. Now ‘Stand On My Own’ brings us to the end of the EP with a cocktail of sounds and tempos. Beginning jangly and almost tropical before the vocal line brings a slower cruising tempo, with twinkles of warm guitar. The feisty chorus is catchy and assertive. The track returns to the brisk peppy tropical tone before resting on a swayable weaving hazy crescendo.

Anna-Liese ‘Stand On My Own’ EP exudes passion. It feels like they let go and poured themselves into this EP wholeheartedly and it pays off. They have grown up and with that have taken a strong command, honed in and refined their sound. It’s a joy to listen to. They flicker and fluctuate between different musical styles seamlessly creating their own unique style which is hard to do without sounding choppy and rough. There is something for everyone. It’s so melodic, luscious and well crafted. Anna-Liese are coming into their own.

Stream ‘Stand On My Own’ EP below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Lost In Motion

Lost In Motion, often abbreviated as LIM, are a British rock band formed in Shropshire in January 2017. The bands musical style primarily consists of rock with a minor emphasis on grunge. Currently the band consists of founding members guitarist Alex Byrne, bassist Joe Byrne and drummer Lewys Rees. LIM found vocalist Jess Pritchard to complete the lineup and to help LIM create their debut album. The band have released their debut single ‘The Midas Touch’ which is the lead track from their debut album and will see shows in 2017/2018 promoting both the single and  album and to further build their fan base. The song is available on Soundcloud, free of charge, as the bands way of thanking everyone that has shown them support and encouragement.

‘The Midas Touch’ is a compact indie track with a gritty rock backbone. Slowly the track creeps in to start as Pritchard’s sweet enticing vocals coo the luring verses. The track explodes into a mighty fiery chorus that exudes swagger and attitude. Razor sharp guitars sting and pierce while punchy drums blast out the floor shaking beat. It’s a slick effortlessly suave display from this four piece, they take their time creating a sophisticated rounded darkly hued track oozing oodles of passion. With a glossy shredding air guitar worthy solo these guys have presented a proficient well-oiled track for their debut. Best enjoyed as loud as possible.

Stream ‘The Midas Touch’ below


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

The Curious ‘Gentleman’

The Curious are an Indie/Alternative band from London. The five piece consists of members Dominic Smith (Lead Vocals), Sam Roberts (Drums), Lewy Rutherford (Guitar and Vocals), James Cooper (Guitar and Vocals) and Alexander Nuti (Bass). They have released a video for their track ‘Gentleman’ taken off their ‘Electric Sheep’ EP. This infectious snappy ditty bops, hops and shakes with refreshing zing and swagger oozing indie. It’s an intoxicating guitar driven slice of slick, musicianship from the shredding razor-sharp guitar solos and jagged stinging riffs to the sticky elastic rhythm that rebounds and springs with a glutinous vitality. With a melty delicious melody and slick panache drenched vocals, its sure to get those feet tapping and body grooving in no time. Animated, extremely energetic and likable its one to put on repeat, let everything go and dance around the room to. These guys have a tight refined sound that is so cool, slick and fun all while packing some luscious melodies with sophisticated snazzy instrumentation. Keep an eye out for these guys.

 

Watch the video for ‘Gentleman’ below

 


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

The Bridport Dagger ‘Wolves’

The Bridport Dagger have released their new single ‘Wolves’ which was recorded at Brixton Hill Studio. Band members Chaz Foster (Bass and Guitars), Lawrence Rice (Guitars), Neil Walsh  (Viola), Jason Idnani-Powdrill (Vocals, Guitars) and Arran Goodchild (Drumming, Keys, Percussion) have created a track so stirring and hair raising it will  leave you on the edge of your seat, constantly looking around for something to jump out of the shadows and get you. ​

‘Wolves’ enters with palpitating guitars quivering over rumbling drums as frontman Jason Idnani-Powdrill’s vocals shudder with an eerie theatrical tremble. It’s cinematic and dramatic as scurrying guitars build tension while the lyrics deliver an ominous narration. The music paints a picture like your watching a pistols at dawn western between dark mysterious characters. The blood curdling suspense tells you this story won’t end well. It’s a chilling goosebump inducing rush of adrenaline. Smothered in delectably enticing drama and a thrilling apprehension of this harrowing dooms day, it’s a captivating tale depicting the breathtaking cusp of demise. These guys contain an intense surge of anxiety and urgency in this four minute track relentlessly bombarding you with a slick swaggered rush of panic and terror. It’s well crafted, dark yet seductive and blood thirsty but sounds like it was made for a Tarantino movie. A riveting listen.

The band will soon be heading back to the studio in November to record songs for their debut album and judging from this track it’s going to be heart stopping and amazing.

Stream ‘Wolves’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Swine Tax ‘Feels Like’

Newcastle upon Tyne based noisy, artsy indie-rock trio Swine Tax have released their fourth single ‘Feels Like’. Taking influence from Pavement, the National and Parquet Courts, Swine Tax continually strive to create music prolifically and unerringly explore new sonic and emotional territory – an ethos which is underpinned by their commitment to writing, recording and mixing every song independently. The track was largely written and recorded during the band’s intensive August residency at the iconic Sage Gateshead music venue, having been chosen from artists across the north-east of England to compose new material in their time there. Born out of these productive sessions, this latest single perhaps provides the most accurate representation of Swine Tax’s unpredictable, emotional and, at times, euphoric live performances.

‘Feels Like’ is a woozy spin of blusterous indie rock. Beginning disguised as a croony, hazy, dream pop tune with a smooth guitar jingle and soft beat doused in a sun kissed melody. The track builds becoming more intense and sharp. Crashing guitars shrill and smash against boisterous pounding drums and strident soundscapes add a piercing razors edge. With a playful vocal delivery and boppy bubbly exterior it’s instantly likeable. The splintery guitar solo radiates golden flashes of scintillation while still piercing with a shrilling sting. Upbeat and fizzy it has all the elements of a perfect indie rock track.

Stream ‘Feels Like’ below

https://soundcloud.com/swinetax/feels-like


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Hubbards

Riding high on a wave of praise following their most recent single ‘Just Touch’, Hull-born Leeds-based four-piece The Hubbards have already notched up support slots for the likes of stadium stars Foals and The 1975, not to mention a coveted slot at this year’s Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Their material has aired on both Radio One and 6Music, while previous single ‘Cold Cut’ was used on ‘Made In Chelsea’. The quartet have now released their new single ‘Body Confident’. This laid-back indie bopper cruises against a backdrop of crunching sharp guitars and punchy drums. The dazed hazy melody drifts with a woozy dreamy loftiness and ear worm infectiousness. With an air of casual easy going almost “meh” nonchalance to take the edge off the piercing dynamic soundscape it’s effortlessly cool and breezy. Elastic bass and bouncy drums give a gyrating swagger and enthralling allurement to the track. It’s smooth with a groovy mellow backbone and one for lazy hazy days.

You can catch The Hubbards Live at

7th October: Sebright Arms, London

13th October: Fruit, Hull

21st October: – The Shed, Leicester

22nd October:- The Brunswick, Brighton

Watch the video for ‘Body Confident’ below


Alt Rock

AT THE SUN Cover Rag’n’Bone Man’s ‘Human’

Hailing from the UK, AT THE SUN are a heavy rock five piece blending their love of blues, metal and classic rock to create a powerful sound of big riffs, soulful vocals and ripping solos. The heavy rockers have released a video for their powerful cover of Rag’n’Bone Man’s ‘Human’. Putting a heavy swagger soaked spin on one of last year’s most successful chart songs AT The Sun add groovy sensual basslines punchy drum kicks and slick guitar licks taking the track to new rock approved heights. Alluring and gritty with sultry tones blended throughout the five-piece put their own stamp on the song and it is stunning.

When asked about the video the band said, “For this video, we really wanted people to see us up close and personal” says guitarist Kieron Heavens, “we had a great time taking such a powerful song and giving it the AT THE SUN treatment”.

AT THE SUN will be playing a show at Proud Camden on the 18th November in support of their upcoming single “Walk On Over”, taken from the debut EP “Breathe” for more info go to https://www.facebook.com/atthesunband

Watch the video for At The Sun’s ‘Human’ Cover below


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

Dear Thieves ‘P.Y.M.’ EP

Melbourne alternative rock two piece Dear Thieves are set to release their Sophomore EP ‘P.Y.M.’ on October 13th. Since their debut EP ‘Bad Habits’ was released late March of this year the pair went straight back to the studio, honing their unique brand of hard hitting alternative rock, resulting in their most refined and honest release to date. Hitting the Melbourne music scene early 2013 Dear Thieves have been prolifically writing music and making a name for themselves by gigging persistently throughout the city. The duo have embarked on multiple east coast tours in support of their debut single ‘My Street’ and the ‘Bad Habits’ EP, and have graced the stage with the likes of Sydney’s Strangers and fellow Two-piece heavy hitters King Of The North.

‘P.Y.M’ or Punch Your Mates (if you’re into that kind of thing) is 5 tracks of gritty, versatile unapologetic rock music that is catchy as hell. ‘Bruce Willis’ kicks of the EP, slick moody and attitude soaked with punchy drums adding a relentless rebound effect while crashing guitars and swagger soaked almost eerie raspy vocals add a gritty brawn to the track. Instantly catchy and wrapped in heavy mosh ready instrumentation it’s a pretty slick vigorous start to the EP. The EP continues to travel at a constant high energy and bulky pace. ‘Used To Be Dead’ brings a creepy darkness into the mixture of pounding rock. Once again rich flickering rhythm gives a sensual flexibility as the track teases and builds tension for the massive frenzy causing headbanging crescendo. ‘Kids’ takes the persona of the dark smoky sultry track. Doused in hair raising chilling tones teamed with powerful vocals and mighty robust drums it seeps and weeps danger and haunting vibes. Razor sharp bass strikes and slaps with lusty dynamism creating a thrilling experience. Title track ‘P.Y.M’ is a hardy raw track oozing aggression and demanding attention. It’s sleek yet booming with rugged drums and boisterous guitars. Swagger soaked and catchy this track is a severe bashing to the skull with intense energy and passion. ‘Alone’ closes the EP as mighty and fierce as its predecessors. Dear Thieves finish the album on a high dose of battering piercing rock.

‘P.Y.M’ displays Dear Thieves knack for bloodthirsty bruising rock. Rich intricate grooving rhythms and catchy hooks blend together to create a infectious barbed selection of tracks smothered in dark tones and chilling eerie atmospheres. Well-crafted and layered it’s a dynamic EP well worth putting on repeat blasting it out as loud as you can and rocking out to.

Dear Thieves are set to launch their sophomore EP on the 13th of October At Melbourne’s iconic Cherry Bar and follow it with a string of shows through Victoria and up the East Coast.

Listen to the ‘P.Y.M’ single on YouTube here


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

Feuds ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’

Wicklow band Feuds have released their new single ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’. The track was recorded in the Hot Spot, Greystones and recorded, mixed and mastered by Eoin Whitfield. A beautiful ethereal guitar melody introduces the track followed by gritty heavy crashing guitars and pounding drums. The track finds the perfect blend between sweet and sour as Feuds seamlessly flicker between  luscious delicate guitar melodies and heavy mosh worthy soundscapes. Light and twinkly they excel with intricate nimble blissful guitar lines and wispy dreamy soundscapes. You could relax safe and comfortable in the hazy sun kissed, honey coated guitar refrains. The rumble elastic rhythm gives the track a rippling quality and adds movement and body. The simple vocal melody lets the music speak for itself as it encapsulates and wraps you in its dreamy state. When it’s heavy it’s striking and powerful yet still maintains that hazy structure however a little more fuzzed and darker toned. An impressive track from the Wicklow lads.

Watch the video for ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’ below