Tag Archives: Alternative

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks 

Gringoh

Genre: Indie

Bio: Gringoh are a London based duo consisting of two brothers from outer West London.The band create Urban London music influenced by beats of latin America and sounds from all over the world.

Track: Red Flower

Why We Like It: It’s a chic salsa-laced number as Gringoh weave lush Latin American sounds into an electronic background to create something truly tantalizing. The danceable beat and twinkling keys create a creeping and luring groove as the track flows with a spicy elegance and buoyant sass. The vocals are laid back as the band create a nonchalant melody and almost mysterious quality throughout this vibrant gem. It’s instantly infectious with crisp production.

You Can Follow Gringoh on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/gringohband/

Watch the video for ‘Red Flower’ below

Sinking With Love

Genre: psychedelic dream pop

Bio: Sinking With Love is formed of three members one lives in Cork, another in Berlin and the other in Bucharest. The band bring their talents together to create dreamy psychedelic pop that is refreshing.

Track: By Your Side

Why We Like It: This hazy track soothes with a tranquil soundscape encased in a delicate prism of psychedelia. With haunting vocals that coo the majestic melody and twinkling guitars the trio create a magical entrapment of dreamy bliss and euphoria. Well layered and sweetly mellow with a rich rhythm section Sinking With Love showcase a refined blend of mature musicianship that is to be admired.

You can Follow Sinking With Love of Face book here https://www.facebook.com/sinkingwithlove/

Stream ‘By Your Side’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/sinkingwithlove/sinking-with-love-by-your-side-radio-edit


Johnny Kills

Genre: Indie

Bio: Johnny Kills are an indie trio from London/Brighton. Their new single ‘Editing’ is taken from from their debut EP, ‘Panic’ which is set for release today via Killing Moon. Previous EP singles, ‘I Feel Like’ and ‘Help Me Out’, earned fans in BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens along with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio.Johnny Kills have developed a reputation for an infectious sound and attitude, live they’ve supported the likes of Fangclub and Sick Joy whilst playing numerous shows between home bases Brighton and London, as well as further afield in Liverpool, York and Birmingham.

Track: ‘Editing’

Why We Like It: It’s a punchy indie number drench in the youthful jangly musicianship Johnny Kills are becoming known for. The sharp jagged guitars relentlessly stride through while the punchy drums create a buoyant foundation. The band whack out a gritty rough strident track with a smooth sulky melody that screams teenage angst. Razor sharp and brimming with vigor its another smasher from the trio.

You can follow Johnny Kills of Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/johnnykillskillskills/

Stream ‘Editing’ below

Brain Donation

Genre: Alternative rock

Bio: Brain Donation are an alternative rock three piece from Dublin. The band consists of Dan McKenna (Guitar and Vocals), Alan Stapleton (Bass, Vocal), and Ollie Jordan Kelly (Drums.) Their latest offering is a single called Knockoff Dandy.  It was recorded and mixed by guitarist, Dan McKenna and mastered by Ivan Jackman (Girl Band, Jape, Solar Bears). 

Track: Knockoff Dandy

Why We Like It: It’s a dirty sleazy desert-rock number that spirals with silky riffs and brawny bass lines as the band develop the track into a swagger-dipped banger. The trio add strut quality and swanky panache to their vaporous track with shredding guitar elements chopping through the buoyant, strutting bounce of the drums. With a polished presentation wrapping the gritty persona in refinement the band create an exhilarating mosh ready track that builds to a shivering crescendo.

Stream ‘Knockoff Dandy’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/braindonation/knockoff-dandy-1/s-YwVbD

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks On Spotify Below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Dürtbürd ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’

Dürtbürd have released their new single ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’. Dürtbürd are a 4 piece ‘dürtrock’ band based in Leixlip. ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’ which was filmed, recorded and produced by Dürtbürd is a funk flavoured number smacked in gritty dirt rock elements with a hint of soul peppering on top. Slick guitar lines meander between heavy riffs and suave licks with ease as the band showcase their nimble vaporous wall of sound with a brawny punchy quality. The battering drums create a steady, strong foundation while the agile bass rambles about the track exuding strutting panache and buoyant flexibility. The track builds superbly becoming more heavy as Dürtbürd cultivate their sound meticulously to create something truly intricate and refined. With rasp-filled vocals drifting between velvety soul and growl-like howls, the band have created a genre bending number filled with lush instrumentation and exhilarating melodies. ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’ is a gem for all tastes.

Watch the video for ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Columbia Mills ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now’

Photo: Derek Kennedy

Columbia Mills have released their new single ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now’. The release comes after ‘Strange Game'( the first single from their upcoming sophomore album, CCTV) garnered huge radio support here and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, Play Irish Artist of the week with Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week and heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. 

‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now’ drives relentlessly on an intense thrilling soundscape of pulsing rhythms and earnest synths. Compelling and utterly immersing, the track broods and ferments beneath a flickering 80’s electronic hue that swirls and coils with bewitching charm. Festering guitars lament while the darkened bass-groove wiggles through the buoyant infectious beat. The track has an unsettled quivering atmosphere as the band create a push pull effect where the ethereal guitar moments provide release from the murky sticky electronics. With passionate soft vocals caressing the sweet sombre melody Columbia Mills have created a compelling and enthralling gem to listen to.

Stream ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Shaky Shack ‘In Honey’

Dublin alternative pop duo Shaky Shack have released their new single ‘In Honey’. The duo comprised of Alex Winter and Mateusz Kosnik have created a wonderfully faceted gem that weaves with mellowed psych pop, shimmering soundscapes and intricate rich depths that take you on a velvety journey into the bottomless pristine pool that is Shaky Shack’s sound.The band create a flickering wave of calm and tranquility as tight guitar elements swirl in subtle fuzz and heady moments of distortion between warm twinkling melodies. Time stops as this track develops. The pulsing almost hip hop beat encases the background in a smoky subconscious reality. A balmy passionate Saxophone melody provided by Andrea Jones brings a pausing glimmer of warmth into the track with a lamenting delicate tone. The intricacies and layering within the track is masterful as the duo weave sweet, melancholic and icy tones into thick rich production with glimmering rays of light thawing the track softly throughout. The deep, moving vocals coo and caress the dreamy melody with a feathery light delicacy while oozing emotion in a laid back hazy manner. There is no denying the sophisticated, passionate and mesmerising talent of this duo as ‘ In Honey’ creates it’s own little pocket in your mind, like a soothing tranquil dream. 

Stream ‘In Honey’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Bedrooms ‘Chunky’

Bedrooms have released their new single ‘Chunky’. Bedrooms are a 4 piece alternative band from the northside of Dublin, formed in 2019. The band released their debut single ‘Chico’s Bodega’ in June which has since been featured on Dan Hegarty’s 2fm show, as well as being added to the playlist on PlayIrish radio.

A sublime track to follow ‘Chico’s Bodega’ – ‘Chunky’ is a laid back melodic ditty that coasts effortlessly on Bedrooms biting indie rock. There is an effortless flow to this track that creates a lazy mellow atmosphere while the edged backdrop of fuzz guitars and driving rhythm provide that wonderful rough wall of sound to keep your head out of the clouds. The marshmallow melody has a sweet, dreamy quality with a nonchalant vibe as the reverb vocals coo and drift with a sort of aloof casual tone. With witty lyrics, a driving wall of sound and vibrant guitar melodies, – Bedrooms have created a sun speckled, charming alternative track. The band are developing and establishing their sound and each release is a heartfelt and delightful glimpse into their growth and exciting creation of their brand of alternative indie. I’m looking forward to seeing how these guys cultivate their sound further.  

Watch the video for ‘Chunky’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Greywind ‘Desolate’

Greywind have released their new single ‘Desolate’. Greywind are a two-piece alternative rock band from Killarney in Ireland formed by siblings Steph and Paul O’Sullivan. In their first 35 shows as a band they have already played some of the biggest festivals in Europe, including Reading and Leeds, Isle of Wight, Download, Rock Am Ring and have supported the likes of You Me At Six and Thrice. Their debut album ‘Afterthoughts’ was recorded in Texas with Grammy-Winning producer Jason Perry and has achieved huge critical acclaim from the likes Zane Lowe, Kerrang!, Rocksound, MTV. The album was released through Universal Music and charted in the Top 10 of the Official UK Rock Chart.

‘Desolate’ is a prime example of Greywind’s passionate full bodied alternative rock. Wisped up in a heartfelt melody the track travels upon a bed of rich, vibrant and wholesome musicianship as Steph’s warm and emotive vocals coo and powerfully express the striking lyrics with a soothing and dynamic tone. As with every stunning Greywind track ‘Desolate’ drifts beautifully on a heavy backdrop of thumping drums and sublime crashing guitar work. This track broods majestically into its explosive cinematic chorus that is ready for arena sing-alongs. The twinkling components exude a sweet innocence while the subtle fuzz and ethereal guitar elements build the track to its most epic and adrenaline-inducing crescendo. ‘Desolate’ is an enthralling, powerful display from Greywind.

Watch the stunning video filmed in Kerry by director George Maguire below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Something Leather ‘Lullaby’

Something Leather have shared their new single, ‘Lullaby ’released via We Can Do It Records. The band have been hailed as one of the most exciting bands on the Brighton music scene.The band have announced an exclusive ‘Lullaby’ vinyl package in association with Flying Vinyl, which will feature the new single and their highly acclaimed previous single ‘Velvet’ released earlier this year.Something Leather have recently supported a multitude of upcoming bands including the likes of Black Midi, Calva Louise, Valeras, Phobophobes, Madonnatron,Saint Agnes and JOHN, gaining a significant buzz since the release of their debut single ‘Shotgun Persona’.

‘Lullaby’ is a chilling psychedelic entrapment of retro steamed alternative rock as Something Leather create an eerie, creeping soundscape filled with perilous bliss. Eerie organ jingles seep into the track with ghostly terror. A driving bass lurks in the background slithering through a wiggle-inducing progression while the 70’s hued shimmy beat adds that dance-able light quality. The sultry vocals coo and seduce with a wispy vaporous quality through the ominous soundscape as the sharp guitars wriggle with a tightening claustrophobic grip. It’s a sublime haunting number that is utterly infectious and sure to have you hooked on Something Leather’s unique bewitching sound. 

About the track the band said : “Lullaby’ is the sweet temptation of dwelling in the past instead of moving on, the comforting call to press pause or rewind when it’s actually necessary to go ahead, There’s calm and stillness as well as action and urgency all side by side–replicated in the song itself. Can we actually break free from a lullaby’s spell?You tell us..”

Stream ‘Lullaby’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’

Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released the video for their new single ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’. The single is one of four tracks from the bands debut EP coming in January 2020.

‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ continues Y!KES stride of relentless scorching alternative rock with a dark haunting twist. The band present their buoyant hyper sound with an eerie undertone of perilous danger expressed superbly through the howling gravel of new vocalist Oli Long, who joined the band last month. With shredding licks and slinky shrills on guitar accompanied by funky synths the band flesh out their swagger-dipped musicianship with ease. These guys have a knack for creating exciting tracks filled with hyperactive instrumentation, fuzzy riffs and thrilling bass lines and ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ follows this trend beautifully.

The video is a spooky tale of a rogue vampire terrorising the band as he runs rampant sucking their blood and turning them into a wicked vampire band. With capes, dramatic makeup, a quirky Halloween vibe and garlic bread incident its worth checking out. 

Watch the video for ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Dakota Avenue ‘Temptress’

Following ‘Getintheshower’ and ‘The Island’ earlier this year, Alt/rock outfit Dakota Avenue have released their new single ‘Temptress’ which was recorded in Stoke-on-Trent with producer Andy Gannon. The trio have performed and received airplay from BBC Introducing, match day slots at Manchester City’s Etihad and festivals nationally; Belladrum, Tramlines, Dot To Dot, Blackthorn and RivFest and supported The Covasettes and Sly Antics to name a few.

‘Temptress’ takes Dakota Avenue’s powerful rock and refines it into a punchy, more potent dosage.  The band batter through with robust and aggressive drums creating a beefy backbone with elastic flexibility while the piercing guitars slice and whine throughout creating an ethereal, vaporous quality that is sleek and steamy. It’s a dynamic number that boasts the mighty anthemic range of this three piece as they cultivate their sound to a grander scale. There is an equal measure of smooth velvety qualities to robust power. The melody drifts into the ears with ease as  Frontman J’s compelling vocals coo and lure through the verses before howling the infectious chorus. His vocals drift with soulful and powerful tones while maintaining a rock-fueled rasp. Dakota Avenue have successfully carried the sublime passionate nature of previous release ‘Getintheshower’ through to ‘Temptress’ however they have slapped on some destructive heft and crashing wall of sound to create a thrilling new single and entice listeners. These guys are ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Temptress’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Desert Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

The Howlers ‘Matador’

THE HOWLERS / PIXEL STUDIO A / Kentish Town / Shot by Rob Blackham / www.blackhamimages.com

After receiving notable support from BBC Radio 1, Radio X & Clash Magazine with debut single ‘La Dolce Vita’ East London Desert Rockers The Howlers are back with their follow up single ‘Matador’. Recently endorsed by Laney Amplification the band are continuing to drive home the hype that surrounded their debut single. The band will be playing a handful of shows around London and the UK to see the year out, as well as live shows the band will be back in the studio to finish their third single which will be released in early 2020. 

‘Matador’ is a rousing piece of desert rock as The Howlers lasso your ears with their sweltering musicianship and exhilarating sound. With bracing whines on guitar the band delve deep into a mystery soaked biting atmosphere while the relentless drums and dynamic bass roar and rumble through the blistering wall of sound. The track exudes swagger as the cool vocals gravel between the stinging backdrop. Its western – esque bravado and spiky coating adds fiery intensity while the smooth melody and anthemic eruption for the chorus make this track something your ears will crave to hear again. ‘Matador’ is an intoxicating new single from The Howlers. 

Stream ‘Matador’ below 


Author : Danu