Tag Archives: Alternative

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

The Vercettis ‘Starfish Island’ EP

Cork alternative band The Vercettis have released their new EP, ‘Starfish Island’. A diverse and energetic EP  ‘Starfish Island’ showcases the slick, swaggering sound of The Vercettis through vivid and kinetic musicianship.

There is sublime bass lines, sweltering guitar moments and rich rhythms within this EP. ‘Porno Star’ – doused in funk flavoured dance rock, kick starts the EP. This catchy track which explores male sexual insecurity features slinky guitar lines, a sprightly bass and buoyant beat to add a quirky and entertaining backdrop for its theme. ‘Bang’ introduces a bluesy tone to the bands sound. With a scorching guitar solo and psychedelic tinges between the heavy riff, snappy drums and alien- esque sounds- its a sensual and eerie track to wrap your ears around. ‘You’ follows fleshing out the bands sublime guitar work as a sweet guitar melody weaves through the chilled out number with vibrant delicate tones. Laid back and effortlessly easy on the ears this track blends in a sprinkling of hip hop influences against a wistful melody and floaty dreamy soundscape. ‘Cradula’ brings us to the end of the EP with an infectious foot tapping beat as this luring dark number surges with a sultry yet ominous alternative rock tone. This track is perfectly crafted for that goosebump inducing, menacing feeling as rich instrumentation slinks in creating a sense of haunting dramatic horror. The track develops to a wonderful instrumental section that becomes peppy, dance infused and quirky before returning to the rhythmic thud and ghostly creep. The track which is written from the perspective of the vampire “Cradula” as he attempts to seduce his next victim is a magnificent and cinematic end to the EP.

The Vercettis showcase their quirky and creative musicianship in ‘Starfish Island’. Each track is packed with rich vibrant instrumentation that is sure to stir your darkest side while enticing your dancing bone and tantalizing/tickling your alternative rock itch.

Stream ‘Starfish Island’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Punk, New Music

TV People ‘Healthier Days’

Dublin band TV People have released their new single called ‘Healthier Days’. Borrowing equally from punk, garage rock, indie and psych, TV People consists of lead guitarist/vocalist Paul Donohoe, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Len Rochford, bassist Rob Kavanagh, and drummer Brendan Clarke.

‘Healthier Days’ is a mellowed out, laid back track that drifts along TV People’s indie-peppered sound as they weave lethargically between garage and funk hued elements. The nonchalant vocals and droopy melody sets a dreamy wistful scene that sluggishly mopes through the track. The buoyant beat steadily keeps the pace thudding along adding a punk bite here and there while the bass elastically follows maintaining an infectious groove as if attempting to lift the track into a happier mood. This however is achieved by the majestic guitar melodies which add sweet little bursts of scintillation and warmth through the track. It’s a tight song and well crafted for lazy sunny days.

Stream ‘Healthier Days’ below


Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, New Music, Punk Rock

The Thrash Blues ‘Halo’

Dublin Band The Thrash Blues have released their new single ‘Halo’ via Tailbone Music.With its suave retro punk coating The Thrash Blues present their raw energy and dynamic musicianship through the cool breezy medium of ‘Halo’. The infectious riff rumble and punchy drums set the foundation for this enticing track as the sweet vocals coo and effortlessly float over the gritty backdrop. The track builds seamlessly into a rolling rock infused blast as the guitar becomes heavier leading into a shredding solo. ‘Halo’ both scorches and cools with effortless swagger as The Thrash Blues display their groove infested slick sound.

Stream ‘Halo’ below


Classic Rock, Indie, New Music

FREEMAN ‘London Nights’

London-based singer/songwriter, Charlie Freeman, better known as FREEMAN, has released  his new single, ‘London Nights’ ahead of his sophomore album, ‘Love’, due out this summer. ‘London Nights’ was written during a writing session with Freeman’s Producer and band mate Jamie Brown.

‘London Nights’ is a nostalgic light number which twinkles with a bitter sweetness that is utterly infectious. Warm tones on guitar glimmer through Freeman’s smooth raspy vocals and punchy beat. This classic rock track swoons, glides and drifts along a desert vibe and Bon Jovi – esque atmosphere.With heartfelt lyrics and a cosy melody this vibrant track is an instant pick me up and glorious shot of passion filled adrenaline. Freeman has a knack for knocking you for six with his emotional velvety vocals and ‘London Nights’ is no different – his vocals grab your attention while the sublime melody and polished instrumentation hooks you in. Another one for the sentimental hearts, ‘London Nights’ boasts Freemans moving, relatable and comforting musicianship.

About the track Freeman says “The opening riff for London Nights flew in from the ether and for weeks after we couldn’t stop singing it. Soon after that riff had arrived, Jamie had jumped on the stand-up piano in his living room and I was throwing out a verse idea which immediately stuck. Lyrically, I wanted to capture the irony of the big city, a metropolis literally packed full of people, that can nevertheless remain one of loneliest places in the world. Meeting someone special in amongst the madness and the crowds can be tough. We’re all looking for that special connection. This song is about loneliness being replaced by joy; about a bad, mad world becoming much more forgiving upon making a special connection. A true friend. A true love. A song about overcoming fear and letting in the love.”

Stream ‘London Nights’ below


Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Sleater-Kinney ‘Hurry on Home’

Photo Credit: Charlie Engman

Sleater-Kinney have released their new single ‘Hurry On Home’, the first new music from the celebrated band since their 2015 album, ‘No Cities To Love’. After years of legendary collaboration, rock’n’roll giants Carrie Brownstein (guitar/vocals), Corin Tucker (guitar/vocals) and Janet Weiss (drums) sound bigger and bolder than ever.  The new track was produced by Annie Clark (St. Vincent) and is the first hint of more eagerly anticipated new music on the horizon.

‘Hurry On Home’ is a riveting addition to Sleater-Kinney’s undeniably intoxicating sound. A blood-tingling riff weaves elastic grooves through a punchy drum beat while scorching guitars demolish your eardrums with their intricate and slinky manner. Sweltering and gritty – this track presents this trios consuming sound in all its glory. The powerful vocals straddle the catchy melody as lush layered backing vocals add a dramatic quality to the track. The frantic soundscape is pierced by shrilling guitar whines and jagged electronics as the band layer the track in quirky sounds and vocal injections. This electrifying track showcases the refined kinetic and dominant sound of Sleater-Kinney- it is simply mesmerising.

On the new music, the band comments; “I think for Carrie and Corin it was liberating to explore a different sound palette,” says Weiss.  Brownstein adds, “Instead of just going into the studio to document what we’d done, we were going in to explore and to find the essence of something.  To dig in deeper.” Tucker says working on the new music “was like this manic energy of empowerment.”

Stream ‘Hurry On Home’ below


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

We Three Kings ‘Do It’

We Three Kings have released their new single ‘Do It’. We Three Kings are a no-nonsense three piece rock ’n’ roll band from Manchester, UK. The band’s previous single ‘Give It To Me, GO!’ achieved widespread critical acclaim, including radio airplay on BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and XS Manchester.

‘Do It’ is a blazing force to be reckoned with as We Three Kings slash through their fierce bluesy rock with relentless stamina. With powerful vocals and a  slick meaty bass running rampant through the pummeling drums this track stomps around demanding attention. Its catchy with some slinky swagger dipped guitar riffs set at a brisk pace that is sure to ignite frenzy in a mosh pit. Doused in a fuzzed wall of sound these guys pack adrenaline into the track by the bucket load insuring a blistering high powered listening experience. We Three Kings top all this manic instrumentation off with a sing along ready chorus and gritty verses. These guys write tracks that are scorching hot, fiery to the core and coated in gasoline ready to explode.

Stream ‘Do It’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Freeda ‘Replay’

Freeda have released their new single ‘Replay’ the second single taken from their forthcoming EP set to be released towards the end of this year. Freeda are a five piece Indie Rock band from Manchester. Forming in early 2017, the band spent their first year establishing themselves in their hometown, selling out headline shows along the way and progressing to 1000+ capacity venues. In 2018 the band played shows from Manchester to Paris at iconic venues such as the O2 Ritz, Le Truskel and more, including performances at Dot 2 Dot and Cotton Clouds festivals. Working with highly acclaimed production duo Sugar House, they released their first two singles ‘Plug It In’ and ‘Go Home’ which received airplay on Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing.

Shaking up their fizzing can of luscious indie pop ‘Replay’ is an energetic blast of indie goodness by Freeda. With a buoyant rhythm, infectious bass groove and glorious guitar melodies this track spring boards in displaying the bands passionate, vibrant musicianship in all its glory. The peppy and energetic instrumentation contrasts superbly with the lyrical content which reflects on some of the difficult aspects of life. ’Replay’ is catchy and upbeat as the zest filled guitars weave and ricochet off the meaty backdrop with an elegant, light radiance while the smooth vocals surge passion and warmth into the track. It’s instantly likeable and ready for the frantic mania of a live show. Freeda have whacked out another magnificent indie banger.

Stream ‘Replay’ below


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘This Girl I Know’

After the success of their last single ‘Leave This City’, and a busy summer of festival appearances ahead. Dublin’s Sun Mahshene have released their powerful and poignant new single ‘This Girl I Know’. This is the band’s third single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. It was recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty.

‘This Girl I Know’ wraps your ears in Sun Mahshene’s melodically rich musicianship. A psych hued shoegaze wall of sound delicately caresses the soft verses while Nathan Henderson’s vocals melt upon the sweet nostalgic melody. This track seeps deep into the brain with a fuzzy dreamy atmosphere as ethereal guitar distortion and soft rhythms whirl with heart stopping vigor while creating a marshmallow comforting effect. The melancholic tone sweetly wisps about the track as Sun Mahshene display their musical finesse effortlessly. These guys have some serious talent. Their ability to create a wholly invigorating track while showcasing tender emotion as well as  building and layering their music in intricate instrumentation is mesmerising and oh so lush on the ears. The shrills and pines on guitar are majestic as graceful keys, warm bass and subtle percussion jingles all create the intricate and utterly profound sound that is the glorious delight of Sun Mahshene’s tunes.

Stream ‘This Girl I Know’ below


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

Lost Boys ‘Sleeping Alone’

Limerick’s emerging indie band, Lost Boys have released their new single ‘Sleeping Alone’. The band consists of Peadar Storey on Vocalist/Rhythm Guitar, Michael Meleady on Backup Vocals/Guitar, Patrick O’Donnell on Drums and Peter Corbett on Bass. Since the groups formation in November, Lost Boys have made a name for themselves across Limerick for the production quality of their tracks and their live performances.

‘Sleeping Alone’ is an ethereal, gripping number from Lost Boys that displays their mature and cultured sound beautifully. With majestic, graceful guitar lines weaving gloriously throughout,  this track has a dreamy yet chilling icy quality. The emotional vocals ooze passion and soul, filling the track with depth while lush backing harmonies and innocent sweet soundscapes create a haunting and moving quality. These guys have crafted this track superbly. The song builds with luscious, tender, waves of chiming guitar and a backbone of meaty pulsing rhythms creating tension for the hair raising crescendo. Deftly constructed and subtly embellished, Lost Boys blend rich musicianship and emotional contact meticulously to create a wholly invigorating and satisfying listen. ‘Sleeping Alone’ is an accomplished and emotive track. It is cinematic in scope showcasing Lost Boys melodic prowess.

About the track the band said : “Sleeping Alone is our attempt at describing absence after loss, paired with an overwhelming need to explain yourself. Its like a journey of self destruction you go on in order to get to the place that you need to be to accept how things are and move on.”

Stream ‘Sleeping Alone’ below


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

Dakota Avenue ‘The Island’

Manchester based Dakota Avenue have released their new single ‘The Island’. Often championed for their explosive and dynamic stage show, the trio sold over 150 tickets for their headline show at Manchester’s Night People in February following a sold-out Eagle Inn show.

‘The Island’ is a sturdy dynamic track that seeps,creeps and tingles with Dakota Avenue’s passionate musicianship. Catchy and brimming with stunning instrumentation these guys present a track that is both eerie and energetic. The verses slither in with a hypnotic guitar twinkle haunting behind Jacob Greenhalgh-Lee’s striking accented vocals while a steady beat thuds gently. The track builds to a massive expressive chorus as the guitar crashes against the buoyant, brawny rhythmic foundation. As the track reaches its crescendo it becomes slimy and creepy again as that hypnotic guitar refrain chills and slinks into the back of your mind. It’s a magnificently crafted track with the perfect push and pull effect as the lyrics complain about the corporate giants “You gotta let the bigwigs play”. through an infectious melody. There is something special about this band – keep an eye on Dakota Avenue.

Stream ‘The Island’ below