Tag Archives: alternative rock

Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cornerstone ‘Reflections’ Album

Austria’s rock band Cornerstone have released their new album ‘Reflections’. The band composed of Alina Peter (Vocals, Guitars), Michael Wachelhofer (Bass, Keyboard, Vocals), Steve Wachelhofer (Guitar, Vocals) and Christoph Karas (Drums, Percussion), was signed by the US- label ATOM Records and is successfully representing Melodic-Rock: a US-tour, eight tours in the UK, a number of concerts at famous European festivals, airplay, TV-appearances on stations like BBC and much more. Additionally, they took part in the soundtrack of the film Little Alien, and in the beginning of 2012 their song “Right or Wrong” was awarded by the British ROCK REALMS Magazine as “Ballad of the Year 2011”. In 2013 the band released their version of the eighties-hit “Smalltown Boy” (by Bronski Beat), that appeared in the charts. All of the revenues from this success were donated to the “Room to Breathe”-campaign and to the charity organisation for the research and treatment of the immunodeficiency disease cystic fibrosis at the Nottingham City Hospital. In 2016, the bands third studio-album ‘Reflections’ was produced in Canada in cooperation with producer Harry Hess (Billy Talent, Muse, Harem Scare).
‘Reflection’ is an album with an interesting mix of sounds from the rock anthem tinged ‘Nothing To Loose’ with shredding riffs punchy drums and massive chorus to the slightly more pop-like nostalgic sweet melody of ‘Last Night’ which has a horn feature and ABBA influence. Big chorus’ seem to be a theme with these guys. ‘Heart On Fire’ gives an 80’s classic rock anthem vibe with brawny strides on guitar and melancholic sharp licks. Alina Peter’s vocals soar with a powerful emotion- filled range. These tracks are packed with dramatic explosions and slick guitar solos that are air guitar worthy and fist pump ready. ‘Whatever’ takes the croony ballad, it’s soft and wispy with an elegant piano feature and delicate beat. The funky bass driven ‘True Confessions’ gives us a Disco Stu vibe with glittering guitars – it’s disco balls and flashy dance floors oozing swanky swagger. The album continues the seamless blend of alternative rock with 80’s rock and pop creating a 10 track accumulation of classic anthems. Featuring some really intricate guitar work weaving in and out adding a nice refreshing zest and vibrancy to the album. ‘Believe In Me’ screams out a jazzy piano feature and perfect 80’s pop melody- you almost forget it’s a modern track.
‘Reflection’ takes you on a time travel journey with bitter sweet nostalgia while Cornorstone put their own spin slightly warping classic 80’s rock. Each track sounds familiar yet takes a unique turn as they take these genres and make them their own.

Stream ‘Reflection’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : VITO

VITO are an indie/alt-rock foursome from Newcastle Upon Tyne. The band consisting of members Tom Conway (Guitar, Main Vocals), Andy Bell (Guitar, Vocals),Jasper Watson (Bass, Vocals) and Dom Willis (Drums) channel the genuine and unprocessed vibe of garage rock. They have released their new single ‘Moonlight Dancing’ with End of The Trail Records after the success of their first single ‘Masquerade’ which was featured regularly on BBC Introducing and Radio X.
‘Moonlight Dancing’ is a blazing indie track glistening with raw breezy soundscapes shredding guitars and punchy drums. It’s refreshing with an elastic rhythm slapping along vibrant edgy riffs creating an explosion of dynamic blustery energy. With a flair for compelling lyrics and a catchy smooth melody smothered in nostalgic tones this track is one for the youthful free spirit in all of us. These guys create music that strikes you with emotion and passion while absorbing you in their organic sharp sound.

When asked about the track Andy Bell said
“It’s about an argument our friends had who are in a relationship. We were on a night out and they were just constantly snapping at each other and eventually refused to talk to each other – a very common occurrence. By the end of the night they had drifted back together and acting like nothing had happened. We felt like this was so common and relatable that it had to be romanticised and put into a song. “

Watch the video for  ‘Moonlight Dancing’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Atlas Wynd ‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ / ‘You’re On My Mind’

Atlas Wynd have unveiled two new singles in the form of a double A-side release, following April’s explosive cut, ‘Mona Lisa’, which secured them fans in Huw Stephens (Radio 1) and Elise Cobain (Amazing Radio). The Brighton-based trio of Peter Chapman (vocals/guitar), Harry Sotnick (drums) and newly acquired Sam Evans (bass) who are barely out of their teens have created a tight slick sophisticated sound with each track. The garage rock three-piece grew up in the North East of England before moving to Brighton to study. Following stand out slots at Great Escape, Y Not Festival and regular appearances at Brighton’s Green Door Store, Atlas Wynd have firmly established themselves as a promising name to look out for in the not too distant future.

‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ is a raw edgy indie track that glides in on a deceptive breezy tone. Hazy guitar and daydream  vocals introduce the track with a lazy laid back vibe. The chorus suddenly shocks you into wakening with crashing vigorous guitars, pounding drums and distortion, it’s a forceful sharp slap of alternative rock. Atlas Wynd soothe and relax you just to punch you in the face with their mighty raw sound and most worthy fuzz blasting crescendo. It’s a thrilling wake me up that shows the diversity and refined musicianship of this trio.

The other side to the new double A-side is a much more punk rock affair. ‘You’re On My Mind’ is neck snapping and frenzy doused mighty bliss. Rapid punchy drums pummel through the track while the shredding shrill on guitars pierce with a razor sharp sting. It’s a rumbling dance worthy track filled with mosh ready might . It’s catchy with Peter’s staccato vocal hook adding emotional power while the rhythm gives a nice groove to bop and dance to. These guys are showing skills beyond their years. Definitely ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Look to the Lady ‘My Name’

Hailing from county Wicklow, Look to the Lady are a hard-hitting alternative rock band, whose dynamic ranges from quiet moments of melancholy to raucous musical madness. Consisting of the lady; Kelly Bolger on vocals, Josh Meakin and John Dunne on guitars and the Newell brothers Michael and Paul on drums and bass, Look to the Lady have been working the Dublin scene hard over the past few years. With regular shows across Dublin. The release of their acclaimed début EP ‘Mechanical Lights’ in 2014 secured a reputation and an increasing fan base. Having headlined venues such as the Mermaid Bray and Charleville Castle, Look to the Lady have proved that with hard work comes reward. The band have been working on an eclectic collection of new material for some time, waiting for the perfect time to release it to the world. They have recently released their single ‘My Name’ along with a stunning video to accompany it.
‘My Name’ is an impressively sophisticated track well layered and mighty with a rock sound that is earthy and breezy while packing a potent punch. Kelly Bolger’s soaring, angelic, powerhouse of vocals are compelling and really quite outstanding. With crunchy guitars strident throughout, Look to the Lady have created a sound and style so satisfying and dark you almost hunger for it. With strong bass and punchy drums teamed with a haunting thrilling melody these guys have meticulously built a song brick by harmonious brick from start to finish, adding textures, tone and emotion and letting it flourish throughout. Keep and eye out for these guys.

Watch the video for ‘My Name’ below


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

The Real Fits ‘Pretty Bastard’

 

The Real Fits are a rock band from Phoenix, Arizona the band consists of members Nick Smith,Raquel Willand, Blair Furmanski, Jared Wood and Johl Driscoll. They have just released their new single ‘Pretty Bastard’. Exuding slick effortlessly cool swagger wrapped in a hazy dreamy mirage-like vibe. Infectious sharp guitar lines glide throughout the track adding a zesty sting while the punchy drums and elastic bass round out the sound with a cushioned yet mighty punch and rapid flexibility. Willand’s compelling vocals are filled with emotion and vulnerability. The slight rasp in her vocals add a luring almost fascinating quality that draws you into the track. Tightly layered these guys have created a catchy compact track that grooves and fluidly flows all while blasting a mosh worthy chorus and bewitching you with dark tinted verses.

Stream ‘Pretty Bastard’ below

https://soundcloud.com/therealfits/pretty-bastard/s-jQDz8


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Vast Robot Armies

Toronto’s Vast Robot Armies have released their new single ‘Dinner Music’. The four piece Jason Thomson (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards), John Agee (Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Piano), Joseph Wells (Guitars, Bass) and Chris Metcalf (Drums, Percussion) have created a garage indie rock track oozing with effortless swagger and subtle bursts of anthem like might. Its slick cool and filled with bright exuberant energy.Hazy echoed laid back vocals and shredding guitar riffs fill your veins with a powerful supreme feverous sound. Sharp guitars add a blissful shrill of ecstasy while punchy drums and rich percussion add a meaty elastic texture. It’s a rapturous delight and sweet honey to the ears.
Stream ‘Dinner Music’ below


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

Sonera ‘Claustro’

Four piece Alternative Rock band from Ireland Sonera, (formally Beautiful Corruption) have released their new single ‘Claustro’. Band members Oisin Wolfe, James Brown, Simon Cooke and Rory Cooper have raised the playing field with this new blistering track.

‘Claustro’ is a sultry dark alternative  track warped with dizzying distortion and a mighty anthemic chorus. The rapid flex of drums laden with scorching guitar riffs against a sticky elastic bass line gives the track rich layers and sweltering tones. It exudes smoldering confidence and panache while smothered in cool chilling vibes. Teasing verses hold intensity and eerie spine chilling suspense before the mosh worthy powerful chorus bursts in with explosive energy. A sublime razor sharp guitar solo finishes their track with a piercing thrilling buzz. Sonera have taken on a new slick mature sound with hints of psychedelia to tranquilize their subtle knock out punch. Along with the new name Sonera have honed in on their sound and tightened it up and ‘Claustro’ is the fine result. Take these guys seriously they have some talent.

Sonera will be embarking on an Irish tour soon with an EP on the horizon as well, you can catch them live at

29 April, Central Arts, Waterford

30 April, Murphys, Thomastown

Stream ‘Claustro’ below

 


Alt Rock, Garage Pop, Garage Surf, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

The Revellions ‘False Hope’

The Revellions are a six piece band of misfits based in Dublin city that play a mixed sound of Garage Surf Rock with a side order of psychedelic music. Band members James Lister (Lead Vocals & Guitar) . Sean Adderley (Guitar). Edward Ãspel (Guitar & Backing Vocals). Juan Castilla ( Bass Guitar). Anna Mulhbach (Keys & Backing Vocals) and Mick Smith (Drums) have been taking their sound to the next level following their two well known albums “The Revellions” and “Give it Time”, being promoted by several successful tours in Germany, France, United Kingdom, Norway and Spain. The band is currently working on the final stages of their forthcoming 3rd album. Courtesy of Mersol Music Label The Revellions are also releasing a New Single for Record Store Day on April 22nd 2017 and will be having a launch party for that in the Grand Social. The Single is called ‘False Hope’ and will be released on 7″ vinyl in a textured card sleeve with superb artwork done by Blanca Fons. We had a listen to the track along with its b side ‘Carrie Ann’ to get a taste of what’s to come from the third album.
‘False Hope’ is a trippy moment into luscious floaty soundscapes with almost triumphant little bursts throughout. Its a groove-based shimmy flooded with an overwhelming exhalation of cool sensual swagger and euphoric bliss. Its mind numbing psychedelia which crashes over you in waves of sound, pulling back and pushing forward, becoming stronger as the track progresses. Wobbly guitars create a prism of thrilling distortion while punchy drums and elastic bass lure you into the inner depths of the track. Peppy and full of sultry tones its a steamy boogie that is insanely catchy and compelling while intense raspy vocals add grit and fight to the swirling enigma. The track builds to an intense dizzying crescendo bursting with life and energy before the final mighty chorus. ‘False Hope’ is tightly bound and well crafted creating a trippy bubble and a staggeringly good display from The Revellions.
‘Carrie Ann’ is a vibrant swagger filled strut of joy. Its a confidence-building ball of fire. Nimble slick guitar adds elation and oomph while the rapid spring of percussion lifts the track into a state of buzz filled exhilaration. Raspy vocals give us a rough and tumble quality while exceptional keys bring us depth and rich textures. Its an all round pleaser. ‘Carrie Ann’ is superbly layered and soaked in panache with a strut- like prance, its a blistering charmer. Soft lull of backing vocals adds an elevated feel to the track while instrumentally the track explodes with an illustrious blase.
The Revellions new album will see the light at the end of 2017 as the band has already started to showcase the new songs across the core venues of garage rock music in Dublin city and a tour over in Spain. These guys are ones to keep and eye out for.
You can catch them live at The Grand Social, Dublin 22nd April we’ll be there and it promises to be one hell of a show.
Follow The Revellions on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/therevellions/

 


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Odd Couple ‘Am I Evil’

Our favourite new garage-rock duo Tammo Dehn and Jascha Kreft from Odd Couple have released their new single Am I Evil’. This follows their previous banger ‘Gone Solid’ which we featured on Indie Buddie last month. Both tracks feature on their debut album ‘Flügge’ which is due for release later this month.

‘Am I Evil’ is a fatal blast of ruthlessly sleek infectious garage rock that effortlessly drifts from slinky and groovy to head banging mania. Mind blowing and blissfully obscure this duo know what they are doing as they present us with a septic jaunt back to a time when things weren’t so mercilessly sanitised and lobotomised. Dirty gritty riffs forcefully hook you into their villainous prowl while Odd Couple question their unhealthiest and most intrusive thoughts. Mighty pulverising drums bring the track to that powerful brawny punch and mosh worthy frenzy. With western cowboy-like guitar interjections and incredibly slick guitar licks, Odd Couple gives you mind numbing thrilling opaque fierceness that holds a slithery retro sleekness. It’s sultry silky and packs a mighty punch all while having a retro tint and brutish swagger. These guys are ones to watch.

Stream ‘Am I Evil’ below

Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Fuzz Rock, indie rock

We Three Kings ‘Momma Said’

We Three Kings are a three piece blues-rock band from Manchester UK, comprised of members Rich on vocals and guitar, Paul on bass and Pete on drums. After years of experience playing in various touring bands, in 2016 they came together to form We Three Kings and have released their debut EP ‘Embers’. Describing their sound as an original blend of rock, blues, fuzz and noise, their influences stretch across many genres including mainstream and independent rock and blues from all over the world.
The lead track for the EP ‘Momma Said’ is a fine example of the trios gritty fuzzed bluesy sound. Bursting from the start with a hefty beefy riff this track is a booming rough and ready punch of brawny rock. Thunderous drums pound through the track with relentless stamina while the strong roar almost wail in vocals strikes you with rock anthem fury. Its rapid neck snapping mosh worthy rock all bulky and turbulent that will have a live audience in a manic frenzy. A razor sharp guitar solo and frantic instrumental finishes the track with intense energy and might leaving you wanting more.
We Three Kings will be playing live shows throughout 2017, with more new and original music already in the works so keep and eye out for that.
Get the ‘Embers’ EP here https://wethreekings.bandcamp.com/releases
Stream ‘Momma Said’ below