Liverpool band NULLA have released their debut single ‘Sunyata’. With its infectious groove, laid back swagger and silken guitar lines ‘Sunyata’ is a tight impressive debut from Nulla. The guitars inject a zesty refreshness into the track as they shrill and lightly zing through the ethereal soundscape. A melty pop melody floats upon the dreamy soundscape with a buoyant beat and elastic bass groove creating that charming hip moving foundation for this easy going gem. With its catchy melody, velvety vocals, shredding solo and sun kissed radiance ‘Sunyata’ is a glorious jazz-drizzled ditty to keep you smiling all day.
Grant Kilpatrick has released his debut single ‘Tension’ which was recorded with Bruce Rintoul (Twin Atlantic/Vukovi/Fatherson) . Based just outside of Edinburgh Scotland, Grant Kilpatrick is a songwriter with an edge. With introspective lyrics draped over a backdrop of raw angular guitar music, Kilpatrick displays his wide range of influences through his tunes.
‘Tension’ is an edgy indie rock track that swarms in with sharp guitars, pulverising drums and a hefty wall of sound. This mammoth blasts with adrenaline pumping energy as Kilpatrick’s smooth vocals dynamically sing over the blistering backdrop. The acute guitars sting, pierce and shrill with attitude and relentless stamina adding sweltering swagger and passion while the buoyant fierce rhythm keeps the track travelling at an exhilarating speed. This song storms in with a whirlpool of boisterous indie rock at its best. Driving with vigor and kinetic electricity ‘Tension’ is an invigorating debut from Grant Kilpatrick.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bayonets
Bayonets has released his new single ‘Farewell To Me’. Bayonets is a solo project created by Kerry musician and songwriter Vinnie Flynn. His distinctive style is a mix of alternative rock, indie, blues and folk.In addition to writing and performing live, Flynn also works with several publishing companies based in the US who pitch his compositions to prime time TV shows and movies. Flynn has a string of gigs and festivals in the pipeline for 2019, including Vantastival and some overseas appearances.His singles have received regular radio play on RTE’s 2fm and have even hit airwaves as far as Brooklyn, United States.
Another deeply haunting number ‘Farewell To Me’ creeps and stealthily slinks into your mind with its thrilling inky stain of delight. Devilishly tempting the track lures with a hypnotic guitar refrain that lingers in your mind for days. With an air of chilling mystery wrapped in an opaque shroud of ominous soundscapes this track is sublimely crafted to fill you with enchanting horror. Flynn’s vocals take a Marilyn Mansion quality as he whispers and deeply entices beneath the steady beat and guitar strums as if slowly luring you to your demise with a deceiving sense of security. The verses prowl with a charming intrigue while the chorus entraps you in Flynn’s sound and dark eerie tale. The cinematic aspect of this track will give you goosebumps as ‘Farewell To Me’ takes you to the point of no return.
Hot off the release of single ‘Mr Crabs’ in February of this year, Cork based indie-punk trio Pretty Happy have released their debut EP, ‘EGO, NO EGO’. The group, consisting of brother/sister duo Arann (lead vocals, bass) & Abbey Blake (Guitar) and Andy Killian on Drums have built a solid reputation as one of Cork’s most charismatic and creative live bands over the past 18 months.
There is a lot of character and intriguing elements to ‘EGO, NO EGO’ as Pretty Happy finely blend some punk rawness with indie melodies and lush instrumentation. It’s a refined body of work, unique in its obscurities and filled with refreshing tunes, quirky interludes and catchy as hell melodies. ‘Note To Self: Don’t Buy Any More Skittles’ – a spoken snippet with delusion inducing sounds takes us into the sublime world Pretty Happy have created. There is a groovy shimmy from ‘Shut Up’ as the bass wiggles through a punchy drum beat while suave guitars jangle about the track. The lush backing vocals hold that infectious melody while the screaming, needy main vocals yelp hysterically. The lyrics are humorous and the track seamlessly wanders between brain crashing frenzy and sweetly mellow creating a thrilling psychotic sense of comfort.Indie Buddie favourite ‘Mr. Crabs’ follows with its swagger drenched persona pounding though your brain with no shame. There is a theatrical flavour to these tunes and Pretty Happy blend this drama with absolutely mesmerising instrumentation and rhythms. Each track is unforgettable, unique and wholly mind boggling. ‘Eugene Completely Sold Me Out, Even Though I Let Him Give Me a Skittle for a Ride Home. Hell Yeah!’ is an interesting interlude that has to be experienced to be believed. ‘Delay’ peppers the EP in indie rock with vibrant guitars glistening with scintillation strengthened by the rooted foundation and thumping beat. The track builds into a dreamy pop speckled chorus. This song meanders from 60’s tones of flower power to reggae- esque hues before its dazzling psychedelic crescendo. A truly trippy and engaging journey, this track is where Pretty Happy showcase their musical prowess. The EP finishes on another obscure number- the short ‘That’s Over- Crooked Man’ another dramatic ditty with snide eerie vocals over a deep bass groove. It’s short but very absorbing ( I wish there was more of that tune).
These guys have the entertainment down to a tee. Each track is witty and filled with character while the instrumental quality is top notch. ‘EGO, NO EGO’ is a wholly satisfying and bewitching experience.
About the EP Arann Blake said : “We wanted to release an EP that was fun. Something that captured our personality but also had the energy of our live performance. We were also able to get a bit creative with our drummer Andy Killian producing. Andy was able to do our songs justice whilst still experimenting to make an EP that’s a bit different.”
Dublin’s Thumper have released their new single ‘In My Room’. With major radio support across Ireland and the UK and stretching as far as Brazil, these guys are currently riding high on Spotify’s Hot New Bands playlist.
‘In My Room’ is an erosive blast of psych pop that corrodes with blistering guitars and pummeling drums creating an exhilarating wall of sound while the pop smacked melody coats the track in sugary fizz. This frenzied track froths with shrilling distortion and abrasive instrumentation as the rumbling elastic bass slaps and grooves infectiously behind the crashing majestic guitar-burns while the smooth vocals bounce along the bubblegum melody. The track builds into a sonic blast of pounding rhythms and mania for the thrilling crescendo as this adrenaline-inducing song shows Thumper at their most intoxicating. It’s one hell of a tune made for playing as loud as possible.
Blackpool atmospheric rock band Oceans Over Alderaan have released their second single ‘Falters’. Since the release of debut single ‘Sevenfour’ in January the band have received airplay from DKFM, Radio X, BBC Introducing, Primal Radio, Dandelion Radio, Fylde Coast Radio, ARFM, Manchester Music Scene, Progwave Radio, Lost In The Manor, Merryn Music Feed & Indie XL.The new single was recorded with Tom Peters of Alpha Male Tea Party and released on the band’s own label ‘The Recording Industry Is Dead, Records’ who also release music by the band members other projects as well as music made by their friends.
‘Falters’ is an atmospheric beautiful display from Oceans Over Alderaan. The band meticulously blend alternative gritty instrumentation with sweet tender twinkles and ethereal soundscapes. The verses flicker and emotionally glisten with soft guitars and simple drum progression while Alice Deacon’s passionate vocals glide over the dainty melody as the chorus builds becoming more aggressive and harsh. The guitars crash through the punchy rhythm as the vocals become more expressive. There is painful heartbreaking tones through this mesmerising track as Oceans Over Alderaan depict a tender theme with grace and elegance.
The video for the track is a joint effort made by Barry Parkinson and Alice Deacon with band friend (and label mate) ‘The Wisdom Of Oz’, who plays the main character in the video, with band members Joe Wylie and Steve Trenell helping out with the performance sections.
Following on from debut track ‘Measure by Measure’, Tom Wells has released the ‘Measure by Measure’ EP ,further building on his Fast Trains solo project. Comprised of two additional tracks,again written and recorded by Wells primarily in his home studio,the EP continues the exclusive relationship between Fast Trains and YouTube.
‘Measure by Measure’ EP is a beautifully melodic three track treasure filled with rich instrumentation, lush production and crisp musicianship. The pop sprinkled melodies caress the ethereal, joyous and gripping instrumentation superbly, creating a wholly satisfying listening experience.
Title track ‘Measure by Measure’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie sets the EP up with lush melodies,flashing electronics and velvety vocals creating a sweet joyful tone and easy listening atmosphere for the tracks to follow. With twinkling guitars warming the cockles of your soul the soothing and melodically beautiful ‘Higher than Everyone’ follows. The song is an uplifting ode to new beginnings that begins simple as a soft guitar and drum pattern coax the track into your ears before it builds into a cheery ditty. ‘This Wondrous Foe’ brings an emotional end to the EP. With its slower tempo, brooding delicate groove and touching lyrical content – it is a soothing gem to ease the EP out. With a lamenting pine on guitar, ethereal soundscape and cosy vocals this track is a comforting lush number to wrap your ears in instrumental, dreamy bliss. The song builds to a rich chorus that holds a charming tone of hope. The lyrics tackle depression and emotional distress but the chorus offers a helping hand to those who may be struggling. It’s a sublime way to end the EP.
Dublin alternative rock band SPRINTS have released their new single ‘Pathetic’. It was recorded in Darklands Studio by Dan Doherty, mixed by Robin Ball and mastered by Fergal Davis. Comprised of Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, Sam McCann and Jack Callan, the band have over three years gigging experience as individuals and are looking forward to storming the gig circuit in 2019.SPRINTS played their first gig in Whelan’s this February, and have quickly gained a reputation as a ferocious live band. They have since played gigs in a number of Dublin’s top music venues and supported UK band Alexis Kings on the Irish leg of their European tour in the Workman’s Club.
‘Pathetic’ is a searing raw alternative number with thrilling guitar flirtations, meaty drum progressions and infectious gritty melodies. Karla Chubb’s powerful vocals command attention and submerge this fiery track in her rich depths and attitude. These guys showcase their proficient musicianship through their meticulous arrangement – the slick guitar lines flood the track with panache and sweltering swagger as they soar whine and shrill with elegance and flamboyant grandeur while the raw backdrop sets a groove festering foundation. The elastic rumble on bass weaves a luring wigglement through the blistering display on guitars as they stride into a blazing solo. SPRINTS are ones to keep an eye on.
You can catch SPRINTS live at their single launch in the Sound House on April 20th
Dublin artist Watchy has released his debut single ‘Shelved’. After playing in numerous bands, Watchy has decided to go solo and this groove-rooted glimmering instrumental number is the thrilling result. The track broods and festers to start creating a dreamy haze as the sparkling synths interplay with the droning bass and punchy drums. The synths and bass create a soft dialogue to start as the drums maintain that all important meaty foundation which holds your subconscious through the meandering hypnotic melodies and lush synths. It’s a new wave fluttering spell of delight that blends beautifully. The track builds gradually, finally surging with adrenaline it becomes more heavy. The bass slips into its grittier more powerful persona breaking away from the dazed,dreamy, synth-jam into punk rock ferocity. Watchy howls over this powerful display of raw sharpness as the percussion and drums flesh out and become more harsh and expressive. ‘Shelved’ is a perfectly crafted and finely brewed explosive debut from Watchy.
About the track Watchy said : “I wrote this song completely myself from scratch and it was the first time I’d done so and was actually happy with it, my friend Dara from Chancer plays drums on it and we got the whole thing done in one day despite it being Dara’s first time hearing it in the studio,,,, This is my debut single and I’ve got more coming in the future”
Dublin’s quintet, Alta Cura are set to release their new EP ‘Storm’ on the 19th of April. The overall theme of the EP explores the idea of inter-personal relationships. Alta Cura seamlessly blend a variety of genres wrapping jazz elements, R&B, rock, metal and blues rock in a lustrous alternative coating.
Title track ‘Storm’ kicks off the EP’s relationship themes, the lyrics are about “the facade someone has before becoming more a part of their life, and how your opinions shift as that facade comes down”. The five piece translate this sublimely through gritty riffs slicing through pulverising drums and turbulent rhythms while the expressive vocals exclaim over this mosh-ready, hefty backdrop. With some funky elements glimmering through the guitars and bass groove this track sets the EP alight showcasing the tight sound of Alta Cura. The swagger drenched ‘Burn’ follows with infectious riffs darkly coating the track in a luring hip grooving movement while the jazz sprinkled guitars playfully meander through the heavy backdrop.The catchy melody and mammoth chorus continue the bands arena ready rock with a sublime twist. ‘Brisbane’ is the passionate ballad that grips your heart with tender sway-like versus. Dan Cusack’s vocals emotionally coo and pine however, in true alternative rock manner the band belt into a passionate wailing chorus with powerful instrumentation as Cusack pines, wails and bellows over the gritty crashing guitars and pummeling drums. ‘A Vision in Green’ is a dream-like ballad dealing with themes such as jealousy and loss. Quite the come down from its explosive predecessor, this track chimes along with a bluesy hue over a steady beat and warm guitar strides. The track naturally flows into a mighty chorus with shredding guitar slivers zealously striking through the buoyant rhythms before bursting into one hell of a guitar solo.There is a graceful melodic flow through ‘Djuarachi’ as the band triumphantly blend some metal heftiness through their alternative rock while ‘Low Tide’ contrasts this frenzy – emotionally and tenderly dealing with the theme of loss.Elegantly the band create a sweet floaty backdrop for this gripping tune.The melancholic guitar softly laments behind the steady beat, graceful strings and mournful vocals.It’s a beautiful and passionate display from Alta Cura as they build the track to a powerful and hair-raising crescendo. ‘Dusk’ brings a haunting end to the EP. This ambient number wisps with suspended vocals lushly harmonising through a tranquil forest of twinkling guitars and earthy soundscapes. It’s a refreshing and utterly surprising end to the EP.
Alta Cura present a rich and diverse EP that showcases the bands fine and sophisticated musicianship with luscious instrumental embroidery and grand displays that make this band worthy of arenas.
You can catch Alta Cura live at :
EP Launch- Grand Social April 20th
Triple Headline- Whelan’s. June 27th ( not announced )
Stream ‘Brisbane’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
