Tag Archives: Alternative

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, New Wave

Hook Self Titled EP

New wave indie band Hook have released their self titled debut EP. Hook are a three piece band from Dublin, Ireland comprised of Eoin O’Donnell (vox, guitars) Danny Spelman (bass) Morgan O’Brien (drums).Formed in early 2019 Hook spent the year writing and recording. The EP is just some of the songs created in that time. The EP was mixed and mastered by Grammy award winner Ciaran Byrne and produced by the band.

With jaunty catchy tunes swirled in an edgy indie coating Hook’s self titled EP is a short snappy enjoyable collection of tracks.The band inject perky light guitar lines into their music which creates wonderful, ethereal and zest stricken qualities in tracks ’The Light’ and ‘Fancy Dress’ as the punchy drums and intricate bass groove lay down the tight foundation. There is a messy fun atmosphere and sun kissed glow about each track that is quite infectious while the dreamy sweet melodies charm their way onto repeat. This trio blend in some grunge and gritty elements into the EP as well. ‘Spoiler Alert’ hints at the bands darker side. With jagged sharp guitars slicing through a rough bass line and relentless drums the band smother darker elements into their sound. Hook’s ability to create acute raw riffs and melodies with majestic flurries on guitar is impressive and they display these wonderfully throughout the EP. ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ brings the EP to a sweet upbeat end. With a warm wholesome melody and country hue this vibrant indie ditty is a charming finale.

Hook have presented a fine well rounded EP brimming with proficient musicianship and delightful catchy melodies. With tight layering, intricate instrumentation and witty lyrical content Hook have created a strong collection of tracks.

You can stream the EP below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electro- Punk, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Bone Cult ‘Death Electronica’ Album

Bone Cult have released their new album ‘Death Electronica’. Starting out as a stripped back guitar and drums outfit, the duo evolved by embracing technology to create new unheard sounds. The band’s popularity has soared internationally following their inclusion as characters in the online videogame ‘Avakin Life’

‘Death Electronica’ is a corrosive collection of tracks as Bone Cult present their powerful and unique sound through this innovative and triumphant album. The duo use driving, animated and sticky beats to create a hyper backbone for their tracks. The fuzzing acid saturated synths swirl through rushing electronics as the band create a dizzying mania reminiscent of The Prodigy through ‘Realise’, ‘Fragments’ and ‘Miracle’ .The heavy thick soundscapes consume the tracks in dark flashing scintillation as the duo create the thrilling atmosphere of a frenzied rave. The instrumentation and static electronic backdrop asphyxiates the frenetic rock elements while the smooth vocals coo underneath. Each track surges with the duo’s hybrid crashing wall of sound as they create songs for the blood thirsty mosh pit as well as coating on a healthy dose of dubstep dance elements.

There is such adrenaline in this album it could give you a heart attack. With all the intense ominous soundscapes Bone Cult manage to pull out some really catchy bangers. ‘Cruel’ has a grungy moody vibe with a pop-ish melody that will stick in your head for days. It’s utterly exhilarating. The album is the perfect concoction, the band swirls wispy new wave lightness into a thick, dark atmosphere with heavy surges of adrenaline to create a sound that has something for everyone. There are pop elements with smooth light twinkles of electronics smeared into thicker more perilous stains of electro- rock while metal slaps and punk whacks adorn the backdrop between the dance influences and to top it all off the band pepper some grunge and alternative rock over this fermenting brew. With the deranged, head-spinning synth of ‘Something Vile’ ,bright ethereal release of ‘ Fever to Stay’ teamed with swirling electronics of ‘Miracle’ and the grating harsh guitars lines that stain the albums underbelly,-  ‘Death Electronica’ sees Bone Cult utilise every weapon in their arsenal to create their sonic assault.

‘Death Electronica’ is lean, mean and frothing from the mouth with a vast array of genres. Bone Cult’s fuzzy bulky sound is not for the faint hearted. The album takes the duo’s vast, refined and in ways quite majestic sound and beats you over the head with it. A superb listen.

 Stream ‘Death Electronica’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

POLAR STATES ARE RELEASING A SONG A DAY ON WHATSAPP DURING LOCKDOWN PERIOD

Liverpool’s Polar States are helping to alleviate lockdown induced boredom for themselves, and their fans, by releasing a song a day, directly to their fans via a private WhatsApp group.

The band explained : “When we first went into this lockdown period we were actually just finishing up recording a really big batch of new songs, and had the plan that we wanted to try and finish off one of the demos every day and send them off to our manager. But then the world changed very quickly around us, and we knew we had to try and find a way to keep our fans as optimistic as possible in this super weird time, so we had the idea of sending anyone who wanted it a song every day as we complete them.  We did this for a few days and people were really responding to the songs, which was great, but then we started opening up the chat for half an hour a day so people could message us and each other and it began to take on a life of it’s own! It suddenly became this forum for people to connect with each other, and just forget about how crazy life is right now for a few minutes each day, which is the most valuable thing for us all right now. We’re still writing all the time and working on things remotely, so there’s no reason why we can’t keep this up. It’s definitely not too late to get involved!”

The band are no strangers to sending out their demos directly to fans, having sent out their early demos in a similar way, prior to releasing their EP ‘All You Couldn’t See’ with Killing Moon Records and completing their debut packed out UK tour in late 2019 on the back of their social media buzz. 

You can follow this link to join in with the WhatsApp chat every night at 8pm GMT:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/HUhXvIGNitg1tgGAcEULWA

If you’d prefer to just receive the music, you can join their closed group here: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMFEJxnMBEzBvwrXvM9lwN


Author : Danu

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

VELVET ‘Brother’ EP

VELVET are an up and coming five piece indie band from County Durham.The band have just released their debut E.P ‘Brother’. With luscious summer vibes, sweet melodies and intricate instrumentation ‘Brother’ is a compact and delightful EP from VELVET. The  band have managed to capture a laid back summers day vibe in this sublime EP. One particular glorious element throughout each track is the light tasty guitar lines which weave zesty refreshing qualities into the rock n roll swagger of ‘Ride’ and vibrant indie jangle of ‘This Wave’. The mellow tones and soft rasped vocals ooze marshmallow softness into the tracks. With shredding solos, cushioned rich rhythms and sweet melodies, each song is a breezy ethereal delight. The buoyancy of the tracks is infectious as the punchy drums and entwined bass lines create a charming fluctuant foundation.With the golden glow of ‘Happy Place’ and zealous radiance of ‘Brother’ the EP is a sweet concoction of breezy sublime musicianship as VELVET create the perfect collection of tracks to chill and dance to. The band showcase their fine ability to blend some gritty rock elements into their sun kissed psychedelic hued sound to create a satisfying listening experience. 

Stream ‘Brother’ EP below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Covasettes ‘Spin’ and ‘Irate’

Manchester’s The Covasettes are back with another knock-out EP ‘Spin’.  A two-track gem featuring ‘Spin’ and ‘Irate’. In previous years The Covasettes have built quite the portfolio of live gigs; winning ‘Most exciting live band of 2018’ and playing at the ARIAs awards at Leeds First Direct arena. They supported The Sherlocks at their sold-out Leeds Stylus show, played at the Etihad Stadium, and sold multiple dates out across the UK for their tour back in summer 2019.

‘Spin’ is a blazing return from The Covasettes. The track rushes in, swagger soaked and brimming with relentless stamina. The raw gritty riffs cut through the bands full flavoured sound with acute precision while the punchy drums and intense bass create a brawny foundation for the guitars to rebound and soar off. The quartet blend polished indie with edgy alternative rock seamlessly to create a clean mosh ready anthem filled with gusto and might. It’s a heavier track than we are used to from The Covasettes. The four piece have taken their knack with melody, tight musicianship and instrumental prowess to create something truly invigorating. This number packs one heck of a punch and displays the bands grittier edge. With smooth vocals and infectious ear worm melody the band have refined their sound superbly. 

As the B-Side to Spin, The Covasettes have released a revamped classic from their early days. ‘Irate’ follows the dynamic surge of ‘Spin’ as the band glide through groove infected bass lines, foot tapping drum stomps and superbly slick guitar lines. There’s a sleek rock n roll prance about this track that is so infectious while the dynamic vocals from Chris Buxton flood the song with panache. This band have developed the ability to inject wonderful elements into their tracks with lustrous and epic guitar lines. They meticulously layer upon this to flesh out the track with steamy elastic bass wiggles and punchy animated drums to create a robust tantalizing sound that is irresistible. 

Commenting on the track ‘Spin’, frontman Chris Buxton said: “Spin is a song I’ve loved from the minute I had first written it on an acoustic guitar. It’s fierce and almost old school in its approach and I love it for that. It’s a powerful rock song I think will certainly pound a few ear drums on its release. It’s a really exciting time for us at the moment, everything we’ve done up to now has been so well received and it feels like things have started to click into place and I hope that this track will propel us even further. We’re definitely unorthodox in the way we release music, our sound is constantly evolving and it’s really important to me that we evolve with it. We don’t confine ourselves to one particular sound and I think it’s exactly that which makes us the band we are today. This is the beginning of a bigger project and I can’t wait for people to get stuck into it. We’re in uncharted territory at the moment and we’re loving every moment of it, but for now, we’re just letting the music do the talking”. 

Stream ‘Spin’ and ‘Irate’ below 


Author: Danu

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

The Rupees ‘Run’

Bristol band The Rupees have released their new single ‘Run‘. An exhilarating display of indie rock ‘Run’ blisters and boils encompassing The Rupees raw snarling sound with all its might. The band don’t pull punches as they create a scorching garage rock gem. Coarse guitars jaggedly lacerate through a swirling synth smog while the punchy drums and resounding bass pound through a hefty foundation. It’s a lean mean force of nature as the band cause a chaotic wall of sound through refined and vigorous instrumentation without losing their slick swagger. There is a freeing sense of adrenaline and powerful gusto as the track explodes into its frenetic chorus while the gravely vocals and catchy melody relentlessly resonate through the whirlwind backdrop. ‘Run’ is sublime vigorous anthem from The Rupees.

About the track the band said : “Run is about dreaming for something more, being the underdog, wanting to escape whilst existing in world of averageness, having to work a mundane job in a mundane place, but knowing there is something more, knowing there is something inside of you that is trapped in there because of the exact circumstances you find yourself in. But you can run, you can use love and your passions to escape, you are not sure if you are ever winning or losing but you just have to run with it, with the things you love, just keep going!”

Stream ‘Run’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Sheerbuzz ‘Darkside’

Donegal alternative indie rock four piece Sheerbuzz have released their new single ‘Darkside’. The band formed in 2017 with the goal of starting a music scene in their area. The four piece released their debut EP in March of 2019. That year it became one of the most streamed Irish EPs without a PR team or any label.

‘Darkside’ is a lush indie number brimming with shredding guitar lines and funky moments as Sheerbuzz showcase just how carefully they have been building and cultivating their sound. Laced in buoyant rhythms and sweet sunkissed melodies the track balances an effervescent meaty alternative rock wall of sound with sweet melodic indie superbly to create a well crafted wholly enjoyable number. The intricate bass lines weave and wiggle throughout the tracks foundation creating an elastic quality and funk peppering. The catchy chorus, laid back tones and glorious guitar lines make this track exquisitely charming. The band use sharp sultry guitar licks between soaring riffs and a shredding solo to add swagger and sass to the track while the distinctive vocals’ melancholic longing bounce over the dreamy melody. ‘Darkside’ is a dreamy, sun sprinkled and vibrant new single from Sheerbuzz.

About the track the band said: “ Darkside is a song about losing connections with people you used to be very close with, that connection being lost through different choices that put that person in a situation they aren’t happy with but aren’t sure how to recover from. That feeling of disconnection you want to rectify by any means necessary.”

Stream ‘Darkside’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Synk ‘Waiting Room’

Dublin electronic rock band Synk have recently released their new single ‘Waiting Room’.The track was written during the transition into Autumn 2019 and was recorded in isolation in Co. Leitrim shortly after itʼs conception and is self-produced by Synk. Synk is comprised of James Lonergan on Vocals, Guitar, Daniel Smith on Guitar, Phil Noone on Drums, Evan Kennedy on Bass, Vocals, Keys and Fergus Grant on Keys, Guitar, Vocals.

Once again Synk entwines and coils sweet lush moments between chaotic bursts to create a satisfying and mystical track. ‘Waiting Room’ twinkles to an airy fresh start as glistening light flurries of guitar trickle behind a warm vocal lilt. The track fluctuates becoming more dark as rich ominous rhythms weave with jittery angst. I love the opulent textures and sounds this band flood their music with – each quiver, beat and pulse is vibrant and emotive expressing something quite beautiful. The ethereal electronics add a mysterious quality and magical wonder element while the beat is the elastic band that releases the whimsical dream-like soundscape into the atmosphere and pulls it back just as effortlessly. With jangly flutters on guitars the band show character with luminous bursts through the darker smudged depths and moody elements.

Synk keep their tracks pulsing and simmering right up to their crescendos which are always exhilarating and ‘Waiting Room’ follows this superbly keeping your ears bound in a mesmerising daze hanging on every bewitching earthy note. The vocals are shared by James Lonergan and Evan Kennedy, with James singing the first half of the song, and the ending coda sung by Kennedy.

‘Waiting Room’ is an intricate rippling mirage, shimmering with the masterful and compelling musicianship of Synk. I love how they convey so much emotion through contrasting sounds with such beauty and balance, it’s quite masterful. 

Stream ‘Waiting Room’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, Electronic, New Music

Paul Iwan ‘Returning’ Double Single

Liverpool singer songwriter Paul Iwan has released his new double single ‘Returning’,the winning song from the songwriting challenge at Threshold Festival 2019.Taking its title from the brief of the challenge, the concept of returning was associated with relapse and regression for Paul Iwan, who has suffered from PTSD. The competition pushed him outside of his usual comfort zone, and into a more acoustic setting and letting the song speak for itself. Iwan is releasing two versions of his new single ‘Returning’, The Red and the Blue version.

‘Returning (Red Version)’ swirls in a dramatic wall of sound as dynamic synths flurry around crashing guitars and a punchy beat. The track is intense as the jagged strikes on guitars create a brawny harshness that contrasts the strident ethereal synths. Quite epic and powerful Iwan makes an impact with this big sounding alternative electronic rock number. 

‘Returning (Blue Version)’ strips back the track to more simple arrangement. It is a more delicate version with piano leading the track while the guitars and buoyant beat adorn the backdrop in warm tones. There is more vulnerability and sweetness in this version while the vocals maintain theatrical drama.

Paul Iwan shows us two different aspects of ‘Returning’. Both are equally potent and show his passionate songwriting and musicianship. His powerful alternative electronic sound in the Red version allows the track to blossom and become fierce, conflicting and expressive while the Blue versions delicacy allows the lyrics to hit hard as the tender emotion within the track becomes more apparent. Both versions Red and Blue, together, deftly express the reality and conflict many victims of PTSD live with. ‘Returning’ ( Red/Blue Version ) is a mesmerising display of art and musicianship from Paul Iwan.

Stream both versions of ‘Returning’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Avenues ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ EP

Hull based indie rock band The Avenues recently released their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’  The band comprised of Tom Foston on Guitar, Vocals, Ollie Brown on Guitar, Vocals, Joe Galloway on Bass and Adam Pidd on Drums present a tight blistering EP of catchy hook filled tunes and impressive musicianship. 

Brimming to the seams with infectious melodies, scorching riffs and a wonderful indie rock wall of sound ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ is locked, loaded and ready to delight the ears. With groove rooted bass lines weaving and rummaging through zesty relentless guitars ‘Boredom’, ‘Out Of Shape’ and ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ whirlwind the EP up in an energetic blast of raw vibrant indie. The tracks display witty lyrics through a rasped vocal delivery and are filled with charming characters and a range of emotions.These guys embellish their songs in sweltering guitar lines. ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ in particular displays the bands guitar prowess which oozes a majestic quality and edge that is very impressive. With smooth melodies gliding effortlessly on an effervescent backdrop The Avenues have crafted tracks ready to ignite a live crowd. ‘O.S.T.M’ is a banger of a tune, with its mosh pounding bridge, jangle guitar refrain and sweet vocals there is something utterly infectious about this track. Well crafted with lush backing vocals, ‘O.S.T.M’ is the band at their most polished, however, they maintain the right amount of rawness. This grit teamed with a dreamy melancholic melody on guitar creates a hair raising and engaging listening experience. It’s sure to be epic live as the harmony between crashing instrumentation and pure emotion reaches a glorious balance. ‘She Still Won’t Love You Tomorrow’ brings the EP to a tender close. Warm acoustic guitar accompanies the sweet melody and velvety vocals as The Avenues showcase their ability to provide a solid cracking tune within the stripped back setting. 

The Avenues display deft musicianship through their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’. Their ability to create compact enjoyable tunes with great beauty is admirable. Keep an eye on The Avenues.

Stream ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ below 


Author : Danu