Our Worth A Listen This Week is Mini Mansions ‘Flashbacks’
Los Angeles’ finest Mini Mansions have released a collection of unreleased/unheard B-Side tracks entitled ‘Flashbacks’. This follows their critically acclaimed second album ‘The Great Pretenders’ which was released in 2015. The trio , vocals and drummer Michael Shuman, vocals and keyboardist Tyler Parkford, bassist and multi instrumentalist Zachary Dawes have compiled a collection of nine ravishing tracks that smash all boundaries. We couldn’t choose just one track for our worth a listen but then, why would you choose one when their are nine spine tingling beauties. ‘Flashbacks’ kicks things off with ‘Drive’ a snappy quick step luscious track with Dawes’ fuzzed bass giving an ecstatic bounce. Parkford’s sweet delicate vocals introduces the nectarous melody with Shuman’s backing vocals adding a lush heavenly texture. The fluidity of this track makes it so easy on the ears and soothing with sugar coated sparkle. Building into heavier fuzzed rock instrumentation Mini Mansions introduce us to their gritty glam rock sprinkled with a smooth mouthwatering sweet 60s texture. With the sudden change to deep bass vocals by Shuman a warm mellow tone is added to the rich mix. ‘Drive’ knocks it out of the park and hooks you into the trio’s unique dreamy world of psychedelia and rock.‘Bored To Death’ coos and lulls into a gentle slow dance. With raspy vocals and tender lyrics teamed with elegant keys and dexterous chord progression creating a catchy soothing track that stops time, stilling everything around except for the beautiful melody. Lush harmony and gently sorrowful tones add purity and elegance. The track builds in intensity as a heartbroken tone takes over with heavy rhythm. The sweetened sting on guitar with soft piano and a light beat plays the track out with echoing gingerly soft repetitive vocals. ‘Ticket For One’ illuminates with a bright melody and multi-textures. The infectious slap whack beat combined with nimble keys and Dawes’ sharp elastic bass giving the track a rubber ball rebound effect. The call and response vocals between soft Parkford and deep Shuman as they interact with syrupy smooth melodies that will give you “stuck song syndrome”. Leading effortlessly and perfectly into ‘Ticket For Two’ a witty bouncy track with the catchy and almost “dollish” twinkle piano effect. Adding a catchy “clap clap” effect and steady striking bass ‘Ticket for two’ is a “tour de force” as it pulls similarities from ‘Ticket For One’ while developing a distinctive sound. Of course there is no great genius without a mixture of madness especially where Mini Mansions are concerned as they lead us into a frenzy of heavy manical moshing to end this fantastic track. ‘Fiona’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie has a darkened dreamy tone and swoon-like atmosphere coated in hazy psychedelia. Once again Parkford and Shuman share vocals as they weave and intertwine melodies with warm seductive textures. The drums exude an oomph and panache to start and then seduce and coax when teamed with the smooth velvety vocals. They build into a sweep and bluster for the intense massive crescendo before the tone slows to a soft gentle echo finish. ‘Shape Recorder‘ has a spooky Halloween party track feeling to start with the peppy organ. The track maintains a sneaky eerie tone with psychedelic fuzz and heavy daunting instrumentation. Its a swirling confusion of blurry haunting fun and dangerous shady obscurity. The intensity of the track fades to a sweet soft vocal with lush harmonies before a final burst of instrumentation. ‘Valet’ is our taste of sensual reggae with Hendrix- esque guitar to start. This body grooving track is effortlessly cool and sleek and shows Mini Mansions in a new light. Its a sit back and bop to the music feel good tasteful track. Shuman’s warm deep vocals contrasting with Parkford’s candied falsetto towards the end adds a charming multi dimension. Exuding fiery strutting swagger with a captivating stride and flaunt this track is magnetic and tantalising. ‘Little Al Capone’ begins with a strong “digging” labour intensive beat and bass vocals adding grounding and depth. The track builds into a theatrical quick passed track with rapid beat and sprightly piano. Tight harmony on vocals and a vibrant dynamism and oomph instrumentation add passion and slappy elasticity. The track sounds like it could have been taken from a scene from a musical where the actors are hard at work, slogging through the daily grindstone. ‘Shadow’ completes our musical journey with the mysterious Mini Mansions in a sombre nostalgic tone. Its labyrinth of interweaving textures meandering through a delicate tender melody and heavenly sweet lavish vocals give this track opulent textures and diversity. The dreamy Utopian wistfulness and visionary fantasy set to swirling rapid beat and whine on guitars in a sway – like motion gives this track an abstracted feeling, like it was all a dream.
Mini Mansions are like a fine wine maturing and coming into their own. ‘Flashbacks’ could have been an album as each track opens your mind to their unique classy musicianship as they guide you into a journey of fantasy and rich textures unwinding your mind and unravelling your senses.
Five piece Ghost Robots are an alternative rock band from Waterford. Band members Michael Doyle (Vocals), Dael O’Brien (Drums), Evan Hayes (Bass), David Hearne (Rhythm Guitar) and David Rudden (Lead Guitar) will be releasing their self titled album early next year and we had a little listen to it. As expected Ghost Robots sucker punch you into their unique sticky indie rock with flashes of epileptic psychedelia. This high intensity album is jam packed with catchy melodies and body pounding instrumentation that will have you completely immersed and engulfed in their darkened entrancing sound.
The album kicks things off with ‘Bad Habit’ this gritty riff ear worm is the perfect track to reel you in with pounding drums and dynamic soaring vocals. Strident blazes of guitar and blissful pop melodies make it a fiery anthem ablaze with motivational fist pump attitude and spirit. ‘Hollow Thoughts’ is a hungry razor sharp composition of nimble acute guitar and a snappy forceful beat. It is gravelly rough and ready frenzy, coated in swirling psychedelia and mind bending aggression. ‘Invader’ is an attack of euphoric rock. The edgy shrill of earsplitting guitars on top of hard pummelling drums give the sound of headbangingly good rock. Its a hyped intense track exuding aggressive swagger and a forceful characteristic. It is a “tour de force” with mesmerising electric power driven vocals. ‘Louder Louder’ , ‘Lights Out’ and ‘Richer Than Kings’ continue the five pieces’s unique, energetic whip lash rock with sizzling riffs and flexible rhythms all while maintaining a smooth refreshing cool tone. ‘Geronimo’ gives us a sensual almost strut- like punchy swagger. With fuzzed steamy guitar and sticky beat this track oozes stuffy attitude and gluey textures. ‘Razor Blades and Ashtrays’ is a rush of hair raising eerie tones and mystery. With an infectious piercing guitar riff and whisper vocals for the bridge its a spooky warning of dangerous occurrences with outburst of frustration. The album concludes with ‘I Am Not Contagious’ a swirling brew of spiralling psychedelia and chilling haunting vocals teamed with a heavy sturdy beat that remains the foundation and a solid to hold on to as the rest of the track swirls and intoxicatingly weaves around pulling you into its deep pit of trance-inducing danger. The coaxing velvety vocals bewitch and charm you into its spellbinding entrapment leaving you dizzy, confused and wanting to hear more.
An incredible album from Ghost Robots these guys have a bright future ahead looking forward to the release next year.
Ghost Robots will be playing at Whelan’s on OCT 15th make sure you check them out they are brilliant live.
While you are waiting for the album release watch the video for ‘Under Fire’ taken from Ghost Robots EP ‘Sell It To Me’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From By Starlight
London alternative rock three-piece By Starlight have announced the release of their debut single ‘So Desperate’. The pounding new single is lifted from their upcoming debut EP and combines grunge riffs with ethereal pop hooks to mark the arrival of a uniquely talented new rock band. Led by charismatic singer-bassist Sara Murray with Ivo Sotirov on Drums and Martino Al on Guitars. ‘So Desperate’ brings us their hybrid of muscular grunge-punk and dream pop. The track is drenched in a dark shadowy atmosphere swirling in murky melodies and distortion. This track is a whirlwind of psychedelic intoxication, luring and enticing with a fuzzed grunge blast and winding weaving textures that pull and coax you into its eerie dangerous core. The brawny yet elastic beat maintains a strong rock foundation while the rest of the track consumes you with its bewitching churning and interviewing structure. Murray’s vocals are seducing, hypnotising and ensnaring with sweet lulling quality’s. This track can mesmerise and fascinate you until you are subdued, obeying every command enthralled and enraptured in its spell.
Stream ‘So Desperate’ below
Cape Town alt-rockers Caelo have released their debut single ‘All You Need’. The rock trio have been busy making a name for themselves on the fertile Cape Town music scene since they formed in 2014. The band was initially an experimental two-piece consisting of frontman Joel Bronner and drummer Michael Dickens they soon expanded their ranks to include guitarist-turned-bassist Mat Winfield. Caelo have a knack for dexterous guitar work and an ear for singalong melodies and their debut single doesn’t disappoint. ‘All You Need’ is a headlong rapid whirlwind of fuzzed riffs and grunge pop hooks. Its breakneck style is a slap in the face of pummelling rock with robust pounding drums and razor sharp guitars. Its mosh worthy, frenzy causing hefty rock which lightens for the verses revealing their flair for ear-worm sugar coated pop melodies. This track gives you your cake and lets you eat it, well probably smudges it in your face. Exuding a grunge turbulent attitude with dynamic vocals this track packs a punch.
Stream ‘All You Need’ below
Ape Rising are an Irish Synth infused rock band. Band members Johno Leader (guitar, vocals, Peter Donohue (guitar, vocals),Peter Denton (keys, vocals),Jimmy Deface (bass, vocals) and Fran Mc Donnell (drums) have released their debut single ‘King of the Universe’ which was recorded in-house by frontman Johno Leader. With a sound that will transport you to a space adventure retro rock era, jammed with soaring vocals and floating backing vocals. The track is energetic with a melody doused in aerial vibes fused with atmospheric animated synths. The vigorous spirited guitar intensifies the track and gives an edge while the elastic beat adds a playful bounce and punch. ‘King of the Universe’ is layered and alive with textures which give a trippy trance effect that draws you into the track.
A strong debut from Ape Rising.
Watch ‘King of the Universe’ below
We are big fans of the New York City band Public Access T.V. here at Indie Buddie. They just keep belting out quality tunes. Earlier this year they released ‘Sudden Emotion’ which gave us a taste of what is to come from their debut album ‘ Never Enough’ which is set for release on 30th September. Now band members John Eatherly (lead vocals, guitar), Xan Aird (lead guitar, vocals), Max Peebles (bass, vocals) and Pete Star (drums, vocals) have released ‘End Of An Era’ to ease the anticipated wait for ‘ Never Enough’. ‘End Of An Era’ lives up to the hype of its predecessors. It glows with infectious rock and roll qualities and a Thin Lizzy vibe. Its a strut-like, swagger infused track that exudes flaming confidence. With slick zesty biting guitar that adds an old school feel and a blazing riff that is red hot giving the track a razor sharp edge. It is enthusiastic and bold with a high spirited peppy elastic bass and sprightly beat that is contagious which will have you bopping along in no time. With cool smooth vocals and catchy lyrics these guys know how to write a good track and have you hooked from the first note.
‘End Of An Era’ is setting the bar high.
Stream ‘End Of An Era’ below
Everywhere are an alternative rock band from London. The band consists of members Max Berga (Vocals), Joe Sanders (Bass), Hugo Hadji (Guitar), Boris Massot (Drums) and Joe Bates (Keys). Since their Hypemachine charting debut ‘Eddie’, Everywhere’s music has been streamed millions of times on YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify. They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets, and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London. Following the release of their critically praised single ‘Shades At Night’ the five piece have released a new track ‘Some Other Dude’. It is the second single off their ‘Sophomore’ EP due out in September this year. During the recording process of the new EP the band have divided their time between Stockholm, Los Angeles and London to collaborate with multiple producers, including American hit maker Mark Needham (The 1975, The Killers). ‘Some Other Dude’ gives us a taste of what we can expect from their EP. The track is “about the importance of seizing an opportunity before it goes out the window”. Its a fist pumping high energy confidence building anthem with escalating dynamic vocals teamed with soaring chorus and infectious melody. The elastic groovy bass and bopping punchy drums gives this track a dance effect and a “carpe diem” feel. Its bursting with energetic “go for it” attitude. The accelerated luminous guitar raises your spirits adding that feel good factor. The soft shimmering synths gives a subtle upsurge and encouraging burst to the track. ‘Some Other Dude’ is richly textured with a fantastic uplifting melody. It will have you dancing ridiculously around the room in no time.
Stream ‘Some Other Dude’ below
Yorkshire based five-piece ROOD are an Alternative Rock band formed in 2015. The band consists of Tom Hale (vocals, guitar), Joe Castle (guitar, vocals), Liam Butterfield (bass, vocals) Elliot Mann (drums) and Jack Miszewski (keys, percussion).
ROOD have released their debut single ‘Obsessed’. Its a deep edgy track churning with dark murky tones encased in layers of sultry driven guitars and muggy keys. The heavy bass and punchy solid kick of the drums adds a thick chunky weight to the track. The vocals brood and sulk for the verse and become animated for the chorus with lush harmonies in backing vocals that seem to “coo” and lament. The guitars become more dynamic and psychedelic and electrifying as they break the sticky tension with an invigorating and shredding solo.
A fantastic debut from ROOD looking forward to hearing more.
You can catch ROOD live Saturday 3rd September, The Polish Club, Barnsley.
Stream ‘Obsessed’ below
NGOD are an alternative indie band from Bradford. The band consists of members Samuel Augustine (Lead Vocals & Guitar),Luke Fielding (Guitar),Lewis Dutton-Taylor (Backing Vocals & Bass) and Alex Dutton-Taylor (Backing Vocals & Drums) . We did a feature on their fantastic buzz fuelled frenzy single ‘Blue’ earlier this year and they are back again with the release of their new single ‘Can You Hear Me?’ ‘Can You Hear Me?’ is a driving high powered snappy tune. Once again NGOD present us with a catchy fireball tune with brisk punchy drums and a whirlwind of nimble accelerated guitars. The spirited guitars add a light bounce to the track with their zesty infectious jingle. The bass adds an elastic pep and drive to the track while the vocals are animate and exude strutting swagger and enthusiasm. ‘Can You Hear Me?’ is an edgy track with frantic tones of energy and funky groovy swagger.
Stream ‘Can You Hear Me?’ below
Val Cale are a Garage Blues band from Leeds. The band consists of members Tom Lister (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar), Henry Smith (Rhythm Guitar / Backing Vocals), Shafiq Dufrene (Bass Guitar / Keys / Backing Vocals) and Sam Hamer (Drums / Backing Vocals). The band has quickly made progress through the Leeds city gig scene, and is gaining a reputation for enthralling, atmospheric and groovy live performances. They claim their music is “capable of reducing the listeners mind to the creamy texture of a head of stout” and they are absolutely right. ‘Two People In The Dark’ gives us a taste of what we can expect from their upcoming debut EP ‘Blackstuff’ which is set for release this September. Its a deep dark swirling concoction of gritty blues and rock with a dash of psychedelia. ‘Two People In The Dark’ introduces itself with a massive attention grabbing dirty blues riff. The track becomes more sensual and luring with an elastic bass that adds an enticing lustful quality and burning desire feel to the track. While Lister’s vocals are raspy and emotion filled adding to the longing tone. The drums keep a flexible tempting beat that teases the listener as we wait for the massive crescendo. The shredding guitar solo adds that touch of psychedelia as it screeches with powerful distortion and is performed with slick proficient and nimble skill.
‘Two People In The Dark’ shows Val Cale’s skillful musicianship, looking forward to their EP.
These guys are ones to watch.
Stream ‘Two People In The Dark’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
