Tag Archives: Alternative

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – Featuring Glassio, Gengahr, Circa Waves, RUN iN RED and Year of the Tiger

Glassio

Photo Credit : Katelyn Kopenhaver

Genre : Dream pop

Bio : Glassio is the Queens, NY-based new wave/dream-pop project from Irish-Iranian songwriter-producer Sam R. Glassio started in late 2015 as a duo between Sam R. and his classmate Charles Pinel before it turned into a solo project. In early 2019, Glassio released the sophomore EP Age of Experience. The EP featured the single “Back for More,” which garnered over 2M plays on Spotify and was featured on Alan Ball’s HBO show “Here & Now.” Outside of producing original material and performing, Sam R. is a remixer, producing Glassio re-works for artists like Madge, Argonaut & Wasp, Sulene, and Goldwash.

Track: Are You Having Fun Without Me?

Why We Like It: This lonely disco-hued number weaves sweet melodies into a tight electronic backdrop. The wispy 80’s synths shimmer between soft pulsing beats as Glassio creates a lushly textured indie pop track that broods with tender tones and delicate harmonies. With warm honeyed melodies and dreamy nostalgic atmosphere Glassio’s groove-laced, passionate musicianship is utterly engrossing.

Glassio says this of his single, “Though anything I write is usually an amalgam of multiple experiences, this song was pretty personal and loosely inspired by the upbringing my siblings and I had. We were moved around a lot growing up, and lost touch with friends and family members. I had always wanted to write something that tackled our upbringings, and felt this song was a perfect portal for those sentiments. I wanted to leave it pretty open ended though and hope people can apply their own experiences to the song — whether it be betrayal, a breakup, or not being accepted by someone they love.”

You can follow Glassio on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/glassiomusic/

Stream ‘Are You Having Fun Without Me?’ below 

Gengahr

Photo credit : Jay Whitehead

Genre : Alternative pop

Bio : London alternative pop band Gengahr have released their new single “Icarus” from their album, Sanctuary, released last Friday 31st January. Their track “Heavenly Maybe” playlisted at BBC Radio 1, A-listed at BBC 6 Music and Tune Of The Week on Radio 1’s Greg James’ Breakfast Show

Track: Icarus

Why We Like It: It’s an infectious biting  indie pop track layered meticulously as shimmering synths swirl between tight grooves and shaky rhythms. This compact intricate number boasts Gengahr’s mature and dense musicianship as twinkling guitar chimes through a wobble of distortion and zest-filled stings. The mosaic wall of sound is held together by a sweet melody and smooth vocals which sprinkle dreamy speckles of scintillation and magic throughout this shiny indie pop number. 

About the song, the band said: “Icarus is a song about growing up and coming to terms with the expectations of our youth. As a child we believe anything is possible but as we get older there is a crushing realisation as we begin to understand that the journey of life has its own uncontrollable trajectory. Dave East, who made the videos for “Heavenly Maybe” and “Everything & More”, created the visuals to go with it. Shot near his home in Cape Town the film depicts a car driving down one mountain at night in search of another to climb – much as in life, as we abandon one weight of expectation in search of a new pinnacle.”

You can Follow Gengahr on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/gengahrband/

Stream ‘Icarus’ below 

Circa Waves 

Genre : Indie

Bio : Liverpool band Circa Waves have arrived at their fourth album. Split into two parts, the first Happy portion was released on January 10th, will combine with the remaining, Sad songs on March 13, as ‘Sad Happy’.

Track: Sad Happy’

Why We Like It: It’s a bubbling euphoric indie number with soft melancholic tones and gloomy daydream melody. With light jingling guitars, vibrant keys and doleful yet buoyant bass the track exudes a cheery yet brooding quality. Its snappy beat and velvety vocals get under your skin – you could dance and bop or lay alone in a dismal sob to this glistening little gem. 

You can follow Circa Waves on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/CircaWaves/

Stream ‘Sad Happy’ below 

RUN iN RED 

Genre : Alternative

Bio : Dublin quartet RUN iN RED have just released their highly anticipated new single ‘I Want It All To Stay’ following a string of summer dates in Ireland, the US and UK which culminated in their biggest headline show to date at Lost Lane in July.The band have received airplay from Today FM, 2FM, FM104 and BBC Radio Foyle.The band supported Pillow Queens at Dublin Quays Festival last year and after that played two special shows in Dublin and Derry; at The Workman’s Club and at Sandinos for the release of ‘A Song For You’ and second EP ‘Undercover, Overthrown’. So far this year the band have supported Makings in Whelans, taken the main stage at The Button Factory, Bello Bar and opened for Jamie Adam in McHughs in Belfast.

Track: I Want It All To Stay

Why We Like It: The band take their vibrant anthemic sound and hone it down into potent musicianship. With bittersweet melodies on guitar RUN iN RED creates a delicate soundscape with sparkling synths wisping around a steady beat and warm pining guitar. The track has a ethereal melancholic tonality. The vocals inject warmth into the song while a gripping crescendo and catchy melody make ‘I Want It All To Stay’ a smooth, moving, cosy delight. 

You can follow RUN iN RED on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/runinredmusic

Stream ‘I Want It All To Stay’ below 

Year of the Tiger

Genre : Indie rock 

Bio : Southern California indie rock duo Year of the Tiger have just released their new EP, ‘One’ and their latest single from the EP is “Part Time Lover.”

Track: Part Time Lover

Why We Like It: This hook laden number struts in with swagger dipped vocals, a pop peppered melody and vibrant indie exterior. With slinky, funk daubed guitar lines, snappy beat and a sweet sun kissed melody ‘Part Time Lover’ is instantly infectious and fun. A vibrant backdrop boasts panache as the track drifts in on a compelling air of cool chicness for the verses before it erupts into an eargasmic chorus and crescendo. 

You can follow Year of the Tiger on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/yearofthetigerrr/

Stream ‘Part Time Lover’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Author : Danu

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

TV People ‘Kitchen Sinking’

Garage/indie-rock newcomers TV People have released their new single ‘Kitchen Sinking’. Formed in early 2019, the Dublin-based four-piece have concocted an indie-tinged sound that combines sleek dynamism with infectious punk-infused undercurrents.Rooted in 00s garage rock, “Kitchen Sinking” is a fiery, rousing single discussing the tensions caused by conflicting societal views. 

‘Kitchen Sinking’ maneuvers shrewdly through indie rock elements and garage rock grit as TV People flesh out their feverous musicianship and mature lyricism. With sharp guitar riffs jabbing between sweet guitar melodies and slinky licks the track creates a dreamy hazy atmosphere entangled in beefy blasts.There is a mellowed shoegaze- esque quality to the track that is almost lethargic. However the band blend this meticulously with their meaty garage rock to add a bite and punch to the track against jarring bass rumbles and hefty drums while the majestic guitar ricochet and soar with an ethereal quality. The laid back melody and moody vocals weave between tones of nonchalance and angst as the track builds to its thrilling crescendo. A sublime piece of musicianship. 

Explaining the single further, the band says:“The song is about the extremist nature of disagreement in the world at the moment and the inability for people with different views to find common ground or mutual understanding. Kitchen Sinking is a term used in an abusive relationship for when people continuously barrage their partner with negative comments one after the other to break them down psychologically. We felt that this was a fitting description of what’s going on in the world at the moment on a universal level.”

Stream ‘Kitchen Sinking’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music

Paradox ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’

Irish Alternative Rock band Paradox return with a guitar heavy sound and plenty of sarcasm for their new single ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’. Recorded by Brian Casey at Wavefield Recording Studios, West Cork the single sees Paradox returning to a more old school heavier sound than the bands previous single ‘All Life Matters’ which was also recorded at Wavefield Recording Studios. Jota Gambuzino is behind the artwork of the new single.

‘Welcome to the Happy Place‘ is a feisty grunge fist-pumper as Paradox create sweet moody moments between their signature explosive heavy sound. The band’s ability to blend sweet pockets of melancholia amidst raw blasts of rock reminiscent of Nirvana is impressive. Sulken verses of soft, whispered vocals and twinkling guitar coo before erupting into a mighty bulky chorus of crashing guitars, pulverising drums and powerful vocals.There is plenty of moshing moments within this track as the band take their edged sound and add gravel and grit to it when the track reaches its expressive manic crescendo. With it’s ominous dark atmosphere filled with delicate tonalities and a potent wall of sound ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’ is quite the hard hitting, gloomy anthem.A must listen. 

About the track the band said : “The single itself takes a sarcastic view on today’s buy happy 9 to 5 society. The idea of the single artwork was to mimic a fast food restaurant with a familiar yet unfamiliar clown who’s sales pitch is Happy.” 

Stream ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Raglans ‘One More Drop’

Raglans are back with the release of their highly anticipated new single ‘One More Drop’.The track is the first release from Raglans’ upcoming album ‘Heavy Medicine’. More brand new material will follow before the album drops later in 2020, with Raglans also set to bring their phenomenal and high octane live show around the globe once more.The past few years have seen the band blaze a trail to cult status. Highlights include releasing their self titled Top 5 charting debut album – which to date has over 5 million plays on Spotify – their single ‘Who Knows’ being nominated for RTÉ Choice Music Prize ‘Irish Song of the Year’ and a host of European tour appearances with acts including The Fray, The Libertines, Lifehouse as well as performing at festivals including Electric Picnic, Soundwave Australia, British Summer Festival and Rock am Ring Germany.

‘One More Drop‘ is a lively infectious anthem exuding exhilarating guitars, heart pounding drums and the bracing musicianship Raglans do superbly. With it’s instant rush of adrenaline pulsing through every guitar strut and invigorating bass line the track surges with intense,hyper emotion. The explosive chorus is destined for mass sing-alongs while the soaring stings and wails on guitar add a spicy zest and zealous quality. The rhythm pounds and drives with relentless stamina as the drums command the listeners body to dance and jump while the warm vocals coo the sweet infectious melody. With a shredding solo, buoyant bridge and vibrant instrumentation ‘One More Drop’ is a jubilant return by Raglans.

Stream ‘One More Drop’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Event News : Alexis Kings At Brixton Jamm London

8th Febuary  Alexis Kings at  Brixton Jamm London

Show time 8.30pm

Alexis Kings are a three piece comprising of Brendan Aherne (Vocals), Sam Privett (Lead Guitar) and Fabio Bocca (Drums). The band have previously received support from Radio X’s John Kennedy and Huw Stevens on Radio 1, and have performed on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and BBC London’s Gaby Roslin show. Alexis Kings debut single ‘Squire’ reached the Top 10 in several Spotify streaming charts and playlists, garnering attention from the heart of Australia’s top radio networks to the Los Angeles music scene. The band have surpassed a million streams on Spotify, with listeners in 77 countries, while their excellent videos for ‘Velvet’ and ‘Addict’ are racking up the numbers on YouTube.

These guys have some tasty tunes, slick guitar melodies and a charismatic stage presence that is sure to have you up dancing. Live these guys add a dash of punch and gritty peppering to their sun kissed infectious tunes. A show not to be missed.


Tickets £10
https://m.ticketline.co.uk/order/tickets/13351606/alexis-kings-brixton-jamm-2020-02-08-19-00-00

Stream their new single ‘Surrender’ below


Author : Danu

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 Glass Violet

Bristol indie rock band Glass Violet have released their new single ‘Over the Moor’. In March, 2019, the band released demo track ‘North Sentinel Island’ which was followed by self produced debut single ‘Chemicals’ on August 16th. Both tracks have received air play on BBC Radio Bristol and Amazing Radio.

‘Over the Moor’ is an exhilarating rush of indie rock that whirlwinds with relentless stamina. Glass Violet blast their anthemic indie rock with invigorating guitar riffs and pummeling drums to create an ethereal atmosphere filled with adrenaline and vigor. With a driving elastic bass and gripping melody this mammoth track is an indie explosion of dramatic musicianship. The track rushes through with heart-racing intensity as the soaring guitars, twinkling intricacies and meticulous layering make this track a huge fist pump anthem which is sure to be epic live.

About the track the band said : “It’s a song about ends and starts and how different phases of life often pass you by without you noticing it’s happened. Its about the desire for finding a certain fire within new beginnings. “

Stream ‘Over the Moor’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/user-218551104/over-the-moor


Author : Danu

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

Inhaler ’We Have To Move On’

Following up to their single ‘Ice Cream Sundae’ which hit the music scene in September 2019, Dublin quartet Inhaler have now released their new single ’We Have To Move On’ on Polydor Records. Inhaler have just been announced as fifth place in the BBC Sound Of 2020 and recently completed a UK and European tour that saw them sell over 7,000 tickets and play to frenzied, sold-out crowds. Kasabian recently announced Inhaler as one of the support acts at their upcoming huge hometown show at Leicester’s Victoria Park.

’We Have To Move On’ presents Inhaler’s effervescent sound through a bubbling sonic soundscape and brooding swirling atmosphere. Inhaler tastefully lather their tracks in a driving, rushing pulse of adrenaline and ‘We Have To Move On’ is no different. The track ferments through the rumbling bass which smudges a dark gritty coating over the escaping bite on guitars. Sonic elements flash and flurry through the soundscape reinforcing the bass’ ripple effect while the steady snappy beat on drums skillfully reins in all this palpitating mania. An ethereal melody drips off rasp coated vocals as the track wiggles and weaves with tension building steadily in the backdrop while slinky, raw guitar moments slice through the dark, swagger-filled atmosphere. ‘We Have To Move On’ is an impressive display from Inhaler as the quartet continue their impressive run with an eerie tempting number which adds a dash of maturity to their delicious indie sound.

You can catch Inhaler live at: 

FEBRUARY 2020

8 – Tokyo Stream Hall

12 – Liverpool O2 Academy

13 – Birmingham O2 Academy 2 (SOLD OUT)

14 – Nottingham Rescue Rooms (SOLD OUT)

15 – Manchester Academy 2 (SOLD OUT)

17 – Brighton Concorde 2

18 – Cardiff Tramshed

20 – London Heaven (SOLD OUT)

21 – Leeds Beckett Students’ Union

22 – Newcastle Riverside (SOLD OUT)

23 – Glasgow SWG3 Warehouse

28 – Madrid Sala Shoko

29 – Barcelona Sala Razz

MARCH 2020

2 – Paris La Maroquinerie

3 – Antwerp Trix

5 – Berlin Columbia Theater

6 – Hamburg Gruenspan

APRIL 2020

25 – Washington DC Union Stage

27 – New York Bowery Ballroom

28 – Philadelphia The Foundry

29 – Boston Once Ballroom

MAY 2020

3 – Toronto Velvet Underground

7 – Los Angeles Troubadour

8 – San Francisco Popscene @ Rockshow Stop

14 – Dublin The Academy

15 – Dublin The Academy

16 – Belfast Limelight

18 – Cork Cyprus Avenue

19 – Limerick Dolans

Stream ‘We Have To Move On’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Skyfever

Photo Credit : Ray Keogh

Dublin alternative rock band Skyfever have released their new single ‘Keep Pounding’.This scorching slice of rock roars into the ears with relentless stamina as Skyfever present their mammoth sound in all its glory. Searing guitars gash through pulverising drums as an epic catchy chorus and powerful vocals dominate throughout. It’s an instant rush of motivational adrenaline and vigor. This band wrestle your ears with scorching rock laced in swagger and might as the brawny rhythm pounds though your body. Made to play as loud as possible Skyfever whack out another potent number with ‘Keep Pounding’.

Stream ‘Keep Pounding’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Goldborns ‘Shelf Life’

The Goldborns have recently released their new single ‘Shelf Life’ featuring Mick Jones. The West London band/production duo released their debut EP last year co produced by Mick Jones (The Clash) and received radio play on all BBC stations. The band have now found a drummer and are set to release their second EP ‘Live from The Bunker’ on March 1st.

‘Shelf Life’ is a melodic groove fest as The Goldborns flesh out their mellowed hazy musicianship with this dreamy sparkling number. The jangly tasty guitar lines wiggle and weave effortlessly through the shuffling drag beat creating sweet undertones and little bursts of luminosity through the dazed soundscape. With a catchy melody honest lyrics and instant sun-kissed charm The Goldborns find the sweet medium between lazy day gloom and dreamy bliss within this golden gem. Keep an eye out for The Goldborns.

Stream ‘Shelf Life’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, New Music

TREMENDOUS ‘Like Dreamers Do’

Birmingham UK Glam Rock act TREMENDOUS have released their new single ‘Like Dreamers Do’. TREMENDOUS comprised of Mark Dudzinski (Guitar/Vocals), Ryan Jee (Bass) and Dave Lee (Drums) have received multiple plays on The Rodney Bingenheimer Show in LA, BBC introducing, Mike Rogers Show in Tokyo, Amazing Radio, Planet Rock + #1 on Pop Radio RIA Chart to name a very few. The band’s debut album ‘Relentless’ is due out early 2020 and was recorded around various studios in London, Birmingham and Sweden with producers such as Gavin Monaghan (Kings Of Leon, Robert Plant, Grace Jones). ‘Like Dreamers Do (studio version)’  was originally released back in 2018 as the first single and the band are now giving away the new Unplugged version for free until the release of the album.

‘Like Dreamers Do’ is a passionate acoustic number saturated in TREMENDOUS’ emotive and compelling musicianship. The unplugged version of this chiming tender ditty strips away the intricate guitar twinkles and powerful backdrop to allow Mark Dudzinski’s vocals portray the delicacy within this rock gem. With just acoustic accompaniment the band display the softer more emotive side to their mighty glam rock creating an intimate listening experience. It’s not all shredding solos, vaporous guitar licks and epic crescendos, TREMENDOUS have maturity and substance and the sweet unplugged version of ‘Like Dreamers Do’ is a sublime example of this. 

Stream ‘Like Dreamers Do’ unplugged below 

https://soundcloud.com/itstremendous/like-dreamers-do-unplugged


Author : Danu