Tag Archives: alternative synth pop

electro - rock, Indie, New Music, Synth Rock

Jack West ‘The Last Arcade’


Jack West has released his new single ‘The Last Arcade’.15 year old Jack West has already performed with grunge  icon Eddie Vedder before 30,000 at a festival in Nashville as well as collaborated with renowned Seattle producer Barrett Jones ( Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Jawbox) at his famed Laundry Room Studio on West’s debut eight song offering ‘For The Record’.

‘The Last Arcade’ takes a step away from West’s rock n’ roll style and ventures down a psychedelic-tinged rabbit hole into more 80’s synth pop/ rock. West’s smooth vocals coo and drift softly over the melty melody with breezy tones and feathey lightness as he creates a cool and chilled atmosphere through tightly layered musicianship. Weaving synths and wispy soundscapes encase the track while a steady beat and sprightly retro synth refrain brood in the backdrop. The bubbly keys and cheery buoyancy of the track contrasts the breezy tone of West’s voice and lush harmonies superbly. ‘The Last Arcade’ is a well crafted delight on the ears.

Jack West is developing his style and sound superbly. He has already shown he can rock out like the best of them but ‘The Last Arcade’ glimmers with a rich timeless capacity. West takes his time to groove and slide with precision utilizing synths and 80’s pop rock with a retro jazzy piano tone to flesh out his unique and ambitious sound. You can expect great things to happen for this budding young artist.

Stream ‘The Last Arcade’ below 


Author : Danu

Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Paterson ‘Should Be Working (On You)’

Paterson has released his new single ‘Should Be Working (On You)’. Previously releasing work as Mike Paterson, he is simplifying his moniker to just Paterson. Paterson writes, records, and produces his own work.

‘Should Be Working (On You)’ scurrys with fuzzy soundscapes as Paterson delves deep into his electronic depths. He uses a sweet pop smacked melody with R&B elements to create a looped hook that sticks like gloopy syrup in the brain while dazzling synths flutter between sticky techno hued beats. The track swirls through tight ethereal soundscapes while the wandering synth and distorted fragments create lush spacy textures. With Paterson’s deep reverb vocals creating a dark undertone between the delicate harmonies, the track has a Moby residue with a Tame Impala- esque flourish through its meticulous intricacies. Paterson creates a unique and experimental track with ‘Should Be Working (On You)’ filled with meandering psych-tinted elements, pop and R&B to create an invigorating and refreshing listening experience. 

Paterson will be doing a live takeover of our Facebook and Instagram this Saturday at 8 pm where he will be performing some old and new tunes make sure to check it out.

Watch the video for ‘Should Be Working (On You)’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Paterson ‘Stuck Around’

Photo Credit : Michael Rogers Photography

Mike Paterson returns with a new sound and fresh passion.He has released his new single ‘Stuck Around’. Previously releasing work as Mike Paterson, he is simplifying his moniker to just Paterson. Paterson writes, records, and produces his own work. This is his first release since his acclaimed EP “Devils In The Water” (Homebeat Presents, 2018).  Paterson signed a publishing deal with Avant Music group in May 2018.

Rooted in a brooding aesthetic and laced with wisps of airy synths and strong grooves ‘Stuck Around’ presents Paterson’s sound in all its glory. Darkened reverb layered soundscapes swirl between jangly guitar lines as the track slips into an echoed dream-like distortion with hints of psychedelia. Paterson provides a dizzying almost confused atmosphere around the constant that is, his deep vocals, which creates a moody almost nonchalant tone through the bubbling whirling backdrop. The track lifts for the guitar heavy echoed chorus creating a sense of euphoria as the fizzy beat lays down a buoyant backdrop behind this breezy ethereal atmosphere. With quite the earnest push and pull effect teamed with compelling production and intriguing musicianship it’s an enticing and honest return from Paterson.

Stream ‘Stuck Around’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth-pop

The Academic ‘Aftertaste’

Photo Credit: Cian Duignan

Irish alt-rock quartet The Academic have released their new single ‘Aftertaste’. Co-Produced by the band alongside Dublin producer, Cormac Butler, “Aftertaste” is a teaser of what we can expect from the band’s second album, which is promised for the first half of 2020. The band have shared the stage with headliners such as Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, and Cage The Elephant as well as headlining their own sold out shows on both sides of the Atlantic.

‘Aftertaste’ is an exhilarating guzzle of carbonated indie shimmering through a glistening 80’s pop sheen as The Academic present their tight intricate sound with precision and vibrancy. From the sweet candy flossed nostalgic melody to the lustrous guitars the band create a meticulously layered indie pop smacker ready to revolve in your head for days. Sleek glittering synths create a refreshing ethereal atmosphere bursting with energy as Craig Fitzgerald’s vocals warm the track with his passionate velvety tone. Intricate zest filled guitars create a stinging bite to this beaming effervescent number.  An elastic bass rumble creates that all important infectious groove while the synths surge adrenaline into the track. ‘Aftertaste’ is a stadium ready charmer that is sure to continue The Academic’s rise to fame.

Speaking of ‘Aftertaste’, frontman Craig Fitzgerald says, “When it came to ‘Aftertaste’ it was a lot different to how we worked before. From a production standpoint we were a lot more involved. Sometimes there is a preconceived notion out there that if you are a guitar band, you should be in a particular lane. Our mindset when writing, is less defined by what the stereotype of an indie band should sound like and be more about letting our songs be the best they can be.”

Stream ‘Aftertaste’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Slouch ‘Duplicity’

Glasgow Band Slouch follow up their early 2019 release, ‘In Your Mind’, with brand new single ‘Duplicity’. The single was recorded in summer 2019 in St. Helens with production duo Sugar House. This year has so far seen them included in Fred Perry Subculture’s ‘Big in 2019’ playlist curated by This Feeling, play some of Glasgow’s most famous venues including King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Stereo and Nice N Sleazy and play their first shows outside of their hometown.

‘Duplicity’ is an effervescent glistening delight as Slouch meticulously blend punchy indie rock with ethereal shimmering synths and sublime pop sensibilities. With chiming guitars sparkling through the dynamic euphoric soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo, ‘Duplicity’ has everything to have you singing along and dancing. The melty melody drifts elegantly under the warm vocals as the track builds to its anthemic chorus. With a zesty guitar solo and crisp electronics Slouch have created a hazy dreamy number filled with sublime bubbling instrumentation.

‘Duplicity’ will be celebrated with a gig in Broadcast Glasgow hosted by This Feeling on the 27th September.

Stream ‘Duplicity’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Lady Landscape ‘2’ EP

Meath-based five-piece, Lady Landscape have released their new EP ‘2’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and smooth baritone vocals. ​Upon forming, the then two piece band released their first EP ‘1’ in 2018, before taking a short hiatus, whilst Harrison spent some time in Vancouver, Canada to work on new demos. McDonnell and Harrison then returned to work in their makeshift bedroom studios to craft and shape their second release ‘2’. Constantly developing their sound with each release, Lady Landscape became a five-piece in 2019, incorporating friends of the group: Jamie Reynolds (Drums), Tiernan Buckley (Bass) and Adam Ollin (Lead Guitar), for a series of live shows in Dublin.

‘2’ is a four track treasure of laid back dreamy tunes that melt into your brain with euphoric delight. The bands simplistic approach creates tracks that are easy on the ears as they fill the songs with mellow tones and luscious textures. ‘Nanaimo’ kick starts their sun kissed sound with an angel delight-dipped melody, nonchalant vocals and twinkling instrumentation. With glistening guitars flickering between the hazy soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps the track peppy and light, ‘Nanaimo’ flurries by with effortless charm and soothing tones. The band blend rich and rejuvenating musicianship with calm, soft lo-fi pop soundscapes and shimmering synths seamlessly. A good example of this is the ethereal ‘Kitsilano’ which was previously featured on Indie Buddie. With their tight musicianship and indie pop sprinkles, Lady Landscape create an EP that is delicious and refreshing. The tranquilizing tones continue with ‘Jericho’ , a sweet ditty with a mesmerising guitar melody and majestic synths. These guys have a knack for honeyed, velvety melodies and ‘Jericho’ takes that skill and turns it up a notch as they subtly surge the track with a 60’s flower power vibe all while layering the track in rich rhythms and glorious sun kissed textures. Final track ‘Varanasi’ brings the EP to a gentle and peaceful end as the tender melody drifts upon a glistening soundscape of soft guitar, and spacey synth elements while the baritone vocals coo the sweet lullaby- esque lyrics. This psychedelic hue closes out the EP allowing you to sail away into a delicate dreamland gracefully.  

‘2’ is a wholly satisfying EP as Lady Landscape’s mature, beautiful sound gently blossoms with refinement and grace – it’s captivating and unique.

Stream ‘2’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Holden Laurence ‘Rewire’ Album

Cleveland-based Indie/Alternative artist Holden Laurence has released his Sophomore album ‘Rewire’ and will celebrate with a release show at Mahall’s on May 17th alongside Niights and Punch Drunk Tagalongs. Like his previous release ‘Wild Empty Promises’, Laurence once again recruited drummer Michael O’Brien of The Modern Electric to provide the pulse of Rewire. The Rewire sessions were recorded at Fe True Productions(Cleveland) and Bobby Peru Recording Studios (Milwaukee), and were engineered, mixed, and mastered by Shane Olivo, in partnership with executive producer Dr. Michael Bell.In addition to self-producing for the second time, all instruments and vocals, with the exception of drums and percussion, were performed by Holden Laurence

‘Rewire’ is a luscious and compelling collection of alternative 80’s pop submerged in beautiful vivid musicianship as Laurence wraps each track in glorious sugary synths that flash and seep their glucose sweetness through tracks like ‘Shadows of Old Love’, ‘Friendship and The Fever’ and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ .The emotional melodies melt into the tracks effortlessly and rest easily on the ear with bittersweet nostalgia blending with melancholic tones. The velvety vocals exude passion as the glistening sharp guitars weave zesty melodies throughout. The tracks whirl and glissade smoothly from vivid bass grooves and meaty drum progressions to ethereal dreamy tones seamlessly creating a vibrant and texture throughout the album. The emotional tender tracks like ‘Lightning Strikes’, ‘Rewire’,‘Desire’ and ‘Roses and a Romeo Mask’ are beautifully presented with delicate passion and gripping soundscapes while the more upbeat, indie speckled, sun kissed gems like ‘We’ll Always Have the Radio’ illuminate the album with a euphoric laid back tone of delight. Laurence brings us down a sultry nostalgic road of longing with ‘Mary Magdalene’ with its wistful, heart stopping melody and gripping soundscapes that is sure to rest charmingly in the heart of any one who listens to it. The album comes to a beautiful and delicate end with the track ‘The Southern Wind’ as warm guitar twinkles about a soft melody and lush harmony. It’s a charming number that builds becoming more dynamic as it blossoms into a heart warming ditty with honest lyrical content and pure emotional tones.

‘Rewire’ is a richly satisfying album that boasts Holden Laurence’s immaculate, passionate and rich musicianship.

Stream ‘Rewire’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

No Alarms ‘Marble Bars’

Indie band No Alarms have released their new single ‘Marble Bars’.No Alarms was born in Texas as the solo passion project of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Boles, and has since bloomed into a Detroit-based, fully-fledged, five-piece. Their single ‘Right is What’s Left’ was featured in an episode of ABC’s “Kevin Probably Saves the World’ and their ‘No Alarms’ EP was the 13th most added record on NACC college charts its debut week, and has since peaked at #132 on the NACC 200.

‘Marble Bars’ is a slick ethereal burst of youthful indie. it is brimming with lush synths creating that instant rush of adrenaline while a rooted rhythmic backdrop stomps and bounces on a fluctuant meaty heart thumping foundation. The track is compelling and filled with passion as the warm vocals caress the catchy sweet melody. No Alarms showcase their fine musicianship as they grip your heart firmly with every note, synth lick and guitar flutter. They douse the track in a youthful flurry of urgency while light zesty twinkles on guitar flicker in and out with an edgy sting and refreshing burst of energy. Its feel good exhilarating indie at its best.

Watch ‘Marble Bars’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

The Misty ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’

London based multi-instrumentalist ‘The Misty’ has released his new single ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’.  The track was recorded in his own home, as well as enlisting the help of La Frette Studios in Paris, the same studio chosen by rock band Arctic Monkeys for their latest LP release. Alongside the single release The Misty produced a music video, with the help of China Town Studios, featuring a French model to help put together the visual.

‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’ is a fluctuating flutter of delight as The Misty croons over a dreamy melody while vaporous guitars whine and sting between ethereal soundscapes. Filled with a rich and intense depth this track grooves and sensually sways with psychedelic hues through a delicate melodic flow. The swirling bubble of electronics set the romantic tone as the brooding vocals and sultry guitar injections add a stirring quality and meaty grit. Perfectly crafted this luscious tantalizing track transports you to a soothing dreamy state that captivates with a 70’s psychedelic rock vibe softened by whirls of jazz flickering through a pop lush melody. It’s soft and aerial with a vibrant mouth watering backdrop to tease all the senses.

Watch the video for  ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’ below

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Edits ‘Cold’

Manchester synth pop duo Edits have released their new single ‘Cold’. Formed in the legendary crumbling walls of Salford Uni’s Adelphi building, Liv Westhead (Vocals/Synths) and Chris Abbott (Guitars/Programming) provide their D.I.Y. aesthetic; producing everything themselves, including their music videos. Their latest single follows on from January’s ‘Re-Surface’ EP and the accompanying video takes the viewer on a journey through snow-covered mountains.

‘Cold’ is an endearing, breezy synth pop number that chills and swirls with kinetic icy adrenaline. Twinkling synths glitter and glisten through the brooding melody as Westhead coo’s over the spine tingling melody. Her vocal command is mesmerising as she sweetly and effortlessly shifts into her falsetto holding a soothing yet ominous tone. The track flurries and dances about dark soundscapes as it becomes heavier towards the crescendo. The slapping beat flashes dazzling trip hop hues throughout as Edits use their electronics to their full potential- creating a cinematic icy number to chill you to the core yet entice you into the track depths. It’s a mature, bold track that slides this duo’s charming glacial sound into your frostbitten ears with ease.

Stream ‘Cold’ below