Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Glass Violet
Bristol based rock band Glass Violet have released their debut single ‘Chemicals’ which has already received backing from the likes of BBC Radio Bristol and Amazing Radio .
Glass Violet announce themselves with ‘Chemicals’ – an urgent rush of indie rock and passionate musicianship. It’s an anthemic track that drifts on a nostalgic melody and easy going vibe. The blistering backdrop is laced in slick guitars, fizzing rumble on bass and punchy drums. The band fill out their sound with rich percussion which rattles and shakes while the lush keyboards inject a sweet melodious buzz throughout. Terrifically layered without over doing it the band create a heartfelt track with an exhilarating backdrop. The velvety vocals exude charm and swagger while maintaining the heartfelt passion of the melody. With a blazing guitar solo and invigorating swirling soundscapes ‘Chemicals’ is a blistering impressive debut single. Keep an eye on these guys.
Antiquity has released a new concept album called ‘The Experience’ with lead single ‘The Ides’. Born in the early nineties as a live act in the New York area, Antiquity transformed into a studio project centered around songwriting and musical skills, drawing from a small group of professional musicians and singers.
‘The Ides’ grooves and weaves through dark soundscapes as Antiquity create an electronic hazed indie track. With the slinky rasp coated vocals as the main focal point the track flutters and slithers behind the compelling vocal delivery with grace and a chilling quality. The rich percussion shimmies on a steaming, vaporizing foundation of whining guitars and buoyant rhythm. There is an opulent array of instrumentation, from sensual horn elements to elastic bass and enchanting keys which all create the enticing and dark soundscape. The track pulls you into its core with luring guitars and an air of mystery while the harmonies and deep backing vocals haunt and seduce in the background. With its catchy chorus, bewitching verses and intricately weaved instrumentation ‘The Ides’ is a captivating number from Antiquity.
‘The Experience’ album is the accumulation of thirty years of the existence of Antiquity as a group. Gerald Duchene (Primary writer and producer) explains:
“…that it is an evolution that got us here, an evolution of songwriting. Music, and the industry it revolves around has changed faster than a lot of musicians could keep up to. Not just in style but how it is consumed, created and dispersed. There is not often a group of musicians siting around a dark rehearsal room any longer. Groups of songwriters can be oceans apart now and just as adept at working with one another which is how Antiquity has evolved into its current stable of musicians. It’s still about the songwriting with more input from group members. More influences, greater variety and more eclectic songs. Groups that lack variety, lack staying power and become stagnant. We have tried to maintain somewhat of a style but it’s hard to control a rushing river. We’ve allowed the songwriting to take us where it will, like a ship on the tide. We decided not to tailor songs for public consumption but to just write and play from the heart. I purposely had the singer come up with his own melody lines so he could make the song his own. I intentionally put the bass player in a position to be creative and come up with base lines that weren’t just rhythmic but creative that helped lead the songs. This album has all the building blocks that propels the music and the listener alike.”
Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue are set to release their Debut EP ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ on October 25th. With refined instrumental intricacies smooth steamy melodies, gripping lyrics and chaos-riddled soundscapes ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is explosive and unforgettable in equal measure. Distant Blue blend their fiery boisterous alternative rock in dark sultry tones with opener ‘Tongue Tied’. In ‘Lucid Liar (Novocaine)’ beefy riffs drizzle on steaming bass lines which develop into one aggressive smasher. Muscular riffs, riot-inducing breakdowns, and ferocious choruses batter your head from every angle with the instrumental interlude of ‘blue.noise’ providing only a brief relief. The tracks on this EP build superbly to dizzying crashing crescendos that are sure to be epic live. Distant Blue have created an EP made for the live setting. With their gritty edge in the more hardcore rock sounding ‘Come and Join The Party’ and blistering take on a emotional number ‘Opiate’ the band roll out everything you need to mosh, bounce and jump to in one brisk exhilarating EP. Switching between a creamy tone, a robust, ferocious growl and rapid almost spitting rap, frontman Ed Binding presents himself as a versatile and engaging vocalist. The guitars glitter with character throughout the EP. They twinkle with sensitivity through the verses in ‘Opiate’ while smashing and crashing throughout the choruses. The guitars add a majestic yet robust quality to each track allowing the pulverising, energetic drums and bass to create that rich and vibrant foundation.
‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is a sublime debut sure to ignite the mosh pits. Distant Blue are gaining momentum with their punchy and straight to the point tracks which are jam packed with catchy powerful choruses and meaty hooks. ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ EP is an engaging listen and doesn’t disappoint.
Dublin based Jangle Pop outfit Father! have released their sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’ which is mixed and mastered by Mark Chester of Autre Monde, Ginnels, No Monster Club.
‘Queen of Spain’ is a woozy psychedelic trip as Father! entice and lead you down a jangly lo-fi path into their dream pop labyrinth. ‘to Stockholm’, ‘Carcassonne’ and ‘Liebe’ frazzle with distortion and tightly woven soundscapes while the sweet jingle on guitar breaks through the deft backdrop with a hazy bright melody as the lo fi vocals murmur throughout. The tracks lead you deep into Father!’s heavy psychedelic sound before the light ‘Left You This Morning’, ‘Feeling So’ and ‘Desire Lines’ provides some relief. With chiming guitars, indie dream pop melodies and retro soundscapes the tracks create a daydream world to chill and mellow out in. The band showcase their fine ability to blend and ferment their sound to create something truly mesmerising and hypnotic. ‘Queen Of Spain’ and ‘Devotion #2’ bring the album to a close. With enthralling intricacies weaved through the instrumentation Father! create tunes exuding character and vitality while maintaining a breezy laid back tone. Each track is meticulously layered and crafted to create a streamline effect while showing flashing glimmerings of dazzling scintillation through their psychedelic tones and wobbly mirroring instrumentation.
Father! have taken all the vibrant and dark intricacies from their ‘Beach Cloud Daze’ release in 2018 and refined it into a pure concoction of new wave indie before saturating their sound with heavier psychedelia. Each track is doused in luscious pop elements and indie tones making ‘Queen of Spain’ a vivid trip filled with lucid rich musicianship. ‘Queen of Spain’ is an enjoyable, interesting and fascinating sophomore album from Father!
Wolverhampton indie rock four-piece Runaway Hounds have released their new single ‘Strangers’. Comprised of twin brothers Owen (vocals/guitar) and Kent (lead guitar) Stavenuiter, Dan Glover (bass) and Callum Ford (drums).The band have played several headline sets in venues in the West Midlands and have taken their sound across the UK, performing to crowds as far as London.Their debut single ‘Rattlesnake’,gained airplay and support from the likes of BBC Introducing along with their second and third single ‘Sophie’ and ‘Nightlight’.
Warm ethereal guitar melodies glisten and adorn ‘Strangers’ with beaming glimmers of illumination as Runaway Hounds hone in on their tightly weaved and biting indie sound. With a buoyant, deft drum and bass foundation the track packs in a meaty punch while still maintaining a feathery light texture within a subtle dazed atmosphere. Nonchalant vocals coat the sweet melody in a breezy yet passionate topping. The band explore the concept of love at first sight, both embracing and questioning the feelings encountered at this moment with gentle fluttering instrumentation which twists through darker dizzying soundscapes. The song builds gently to its catchy chorus as the guitars cultivate the majestic and refined tone with a sweet sharp solo while the groove-laced bass accompanies, playfully bouncing and wiggling between the biting guitar. Runaway Hounds are maturing and blossoming beautifully into a band with a sturdy tight and refined sound that is both exciting and enduring.
Sheffield’s based four piece indie rock band The Rosadocs have released their new single ‘Concrete’.The live reputation of the band is growing fast, with good reason. So far they have sold out not only their own shows but have played alongside The Pigeon Detectives, Twisted Wheel, Glass Caves, Vida, PLANET, Oddity Road and Louis Berry. The Rosadocs have recently sold out their hometown headline show at the 500 capacity Sheffield O2 Academy 2. After playing Festival slots at Tramlines (Main arena) and YNOT? and support slot in Leeds on The Sherlocks upcoming album tour. The Rosadocs have announced their fourth headline show in Sheffield to follow on February 15th 2020 at the 900 capacity Leadmill.
‘Concrete’ presents The Rosadocs’ vibrant indie sound complete in all its youthful bliss. Intricate sweet guitar lines blaze and flicker throughout providing a zesty electrifying burst of adrenaline through the punchy rhythmic backdrop. The track flows smoothly through the passionate melody and laid back tempo creating an effortless cruising listen. ‘Concrete’ is catchy and builds superbly to the blistering chorus as the lush backing vocals and melty melody are charming and instantly likeable. With warm raspy vocals and a radiant energetic wall of sound The Rosadocs flesh out their dynamic indie rock and channel it into a heart thumping anthem. These guy are ones to keep an eye on.
Bio: TEN OUNCE MOUSE are a 4-piece Indie Pop/Rock outfit from Enniscorthy comprised of Luc Power (vocals), Brandon Murphy (guitar), Syzmon Dobrowolski (bass) and Michael O’Connor (drums). Constantly gigging nationally and currently working on their debut album, they are quickly making a name for themselves in the Irish independent music scene.
Track: Echoes
Why We Like It: It’s a bright bubbly number that oozes passion and charm. With pulsing driving rhythms and light jingly guitar riff the track has a thriving meaty foundation and hearty atmosphere. Their is a hint of traditional Irish camaraderie in the melody as the chorus powerfully boasts pride and warm pub sing-along vibes. The track builds becoming more hefty as the mighty crescendo brings an alternative rock grit to the track however the band rein this in with their sublime harmonies and joyous melody. It’s an earnest soul nourishing track sure to have you singing along in no time.
Bio: Indie-pop makers Saytr Play return with new single ‘Second Hand Emotion’ following the release of their ‘Bang Average’ single in January which appeared on Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’, ‘The Indie List’, ‘All New, All Now’, ‘Unknown Songs That Should Be Known’ playlists and was played by Amazing Radio and Radio X.
Track: Second Hand Emotion
About the track frontman’s Fred said : “The image explores the vulnerability I feel in today’s society and this idea that we have a voice. In my opinion we don’t have a voice or at least a voice that will be heard. The abstract nature of the image provokes thought. What ever that may be is irrelevant because it’s your own unique thought! Your second hand emotion.”
Why We Like It: Its a slinky indie rock anthem bursting from the seams with fiery attitude and strut quality. A gritty rooted riff creates the rumbling foundation while the battering drums power blast throughout. Its a groove infested chic number laced in sweltering adrenaline and swagger soaked guitar lines. With a sing along chorus and vibrant vocals its sure to run riot in your head for days.
Bio: Emerging on the London live music scene in late 2018, Slender Pins’s first release, ‘Where’s the Money’, bagged airplay on BBC Introducing Music in London
Track: Not Long Now
Why We Like It: This raw slice of indie rock is laced in sweet acid soaked guitar lines that lament and pine through the track with relentless stamina while the brawny attack on drums and hypnotizing bass rumble create a frantic pace. The track has a dark undertone however the catchy chorus, intriguing bridge and stop and start elements keep the track refreshing and quirky. With oodles of punk energy fermenting on an indie soundscape this exhilarating tune is a must listen as Slender Pins mark themselves as ones to keep an eye one.
Bio: Earlybird comprise of Leamington Spa trio Andy Mort, Ben Munday, and Jon Mort. ’Late Again’ is their debut single and was mixed and mastered with John Rivers at Woodbine Street Studio.
Track: Late Again
Why We Like It: This mesmerising track swirls with electronic dance elements before drifting and blending beautifully into a crisp cathedral-esque wall of sound. A bubbling, blooping and gloopy beat creates a fluctuant danceable foundation and hypnotic soundscape. The synths wisp and soar around this backdrop majestically building sublime and climatic layers to the track before it breaks into a pristine church-like choir crescendo. The lush harmonies are enthralling as the track flickers and glitches. Its a fantastic display of musicianship. Unique and well crafted ‘Late Again’ is a multi dimensional track with an 80’s pop sheen sure to keep you on your toes.
Dublin multi-instrumentalist Jake Regan has released a new double single ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’. Jake Regan used to be the frontman of the band Segrasso. Early last year he decided to end the band and start making music on his own. Regan has been playing gigs with a band under the name Jake Regan and the Loverboys, but when he records music, he plays all the instruments himself.
‘Unfair’ is a sulky whack of abrasive alternative punk as Jake Regan fleshes out his unique songwriting in a pop smacked yet raw track. The wailing, stinging guitar cuts into the pulverising drums and grit smudged wall of sound. Moaning, gloomy vocals murmur through the verses while a stomping beat reinforces the anguish and fury however the depressed tantrum-soaked chorus is superbly contrasted with a breezy infectious melody and lighter tone. With its 70’s-esque Brit punk hues and shredding musicianship Regan displays his frustration at the “sell out “ copycat bands with a hint of comical irony.
‘Stay’ dollops on some shoegaze into Regan’s sound. Hazy and wrapped in a bitter sweet hue of nostalgia this lo-fi ditty broods in a wistful melody as Regan’s reverb lace vocals pine and coo in a blanket of sorrow. Doused in psychedelic tones the guitar-stings pierce throughout while the punchy drums batter in the background. This raw, heart-bleeding track grooves with a grunge backdrop against mopey pop elements. The soft melody wisps about the track melting into the downcast atmosphere.The warm biting guitar jingles and glimmers – lighting the chorus with its spark of luminosity through the mist. Utterly mesmerising and compelling this track hits you in the chest with passion and longing while also packing in some sublime and refined instrumentation.
Both ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ showcase how mature, passionate and exquisite Jake Regan is as an artist. He blends genres beautifully creating tracks that majestically blossom into a fine body of work.
Irish band Electric Shore have released their third single ‘Temper‘.This melodic emotive track broods and ripples with Electric Shores perfectly blended indie rock with lush delicate pop elements sprinkled on top. The twinkling keys add a flurry of sweet innocence while the lamenting stings on guitar create a biting sharpness. The track meanders through a hazy melancholic tone as the soft somber vocals coo over the nostalgic melody while anthemic backing vocals create the arena ready sing along feature. It’s deeply moving and tender with pristine musicianship and crisp production as the track builds to an epic heart racing crescendo – it is hair raising and utterly enthralling. The light airy instrumentation flutters and flows beautifully complementing the emotional lyrics about regret, loss and a desire to make the most of time with those who are precious to us. Developing their sound and honing in on their craft Electric Shore have created a majestic and riveting track with ‘Temper’.
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
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
