Tag Archives: Alternative

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘The Y Factor’

Birmingham alternative four-piece Y!KES have released their second single ‘The Y Factor’. The single was produced by singer Joby Fitzgerald and Magic Garden Studio’s Gavin Monaghan and The video  is a pastiche of TV shows such as The X Factor and Gogglebox which see’s the band in various different costumes and environments playing multiple characters, all being glossed with an 80’s retro feel.The band have just completed the ‘Arch Nemesis Tour’, the last show of which saw a sold out headline show at the Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham.

‘The Y Factor’ is a scorching blast of Y!KES’ speedball alternative rock at its most frenzied and infectious. With blistering guitars smashing through a buoyant snappy bass and punchy drum backdrop this track surges with intense adrenaline. The frantic riffs carve through the track with slick precision as the gritty vocals and catchy anthemic melody creates the perfect tune for a bloodthirsty live show. It’s a gob smacking number brimming with brawny drums, a thrilling guitar solo and fantastic musicianship.

Watch the video for ‘The Y Factor’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, New Music

Lord Baltimore ’Antiheroes’

Lord Baltimore has released his new single ’Antiheroes’. Lord Baltimore (Jack Doyle) is a Maryland-born, Brooklyn-based bass player and producer. He was recently tapped to be a featured artist on Bonaventure’s 88.3 WSBU,the highest-rated college radio station in the nation; additionally, his track ‘Antiheroes’ is the lead single off of his first E.P., ‘Duende, the first of a series of three E.P.s inspired by the artistic theories of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca.

‘Antiheroes’ is a dark smokey concoction shimmering through sticky beats and swirling electronics. The beat bubbles and boils behind Doyle’s passionate vocals while the fuzz-fueled electronics build the track to its most fermented brew. It’s tantalizing, dramatic with enough eerier haunting mystery and sultry atmospheric twists to keep it on repeat. This late-night wanderer twinkles through the verses as Doyle narrates the shady goings on while delicate hair-raising guitars glisten through the mournful yet darkly luring melody. It’s a gripping, cinematic and fascinating track from Lord Baltimore.

Watch the video for ‘Antiheroes’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

40 Shillings on the Drum ‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’

Photo Credit : D.Cook

40 Shillings on the Drum have released their new single ‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’. Having kickstarted 2018 with a well-received live album and short UK tour (their first), the band were quickly snapped up for an appearance at Beautiful Days festival alongside the likes of Manic Street Preachers and The Hives. During this festival, the band became friends with Skinny Lister and Tom Gleeson of Slaves to Gravity and Feeder, the latter has now completed mixing duties on the brand new single.The single shows a huge departure from their traditional folk-punk roots, with the band taking a more contemporary, punk-rock sound to new heights. The band’s debut album, also produced by Tommy Gleeson, is due for release in late 2019.

‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’ is a swift slap of alternative rock smothered in dark riffs and a theatrical rawness. Eerie guitars jaggedly slice and shred through the track with relentless stamina while a punchy rhythm creates a buoyant meaty foundation for them to ricochet and soar off. The track is a robust brawny effort from 40 Shillings on the Drum with a substantial rock backbone that will have a mosh pit going wild. The raspy vocals spit out the lyrics in a dramatic fashion creating a spooky quality to this blistering track.Its a dynamic infectious and exhilarating number from 40 Shillings on the Drum.

Stream ‘Mean Streets (Born in the Same Gutter)’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, New Music

James Burke ‘Less Than Binding’

Boston self produced indie artist James Burke has released his new single ‘Less Than Binding’ from his upcoming album ‘Future Eye’. He creates interesting, adhesive tracks that submerge you entirely in a unique and tantalizing world created by Burke. ‘Less Than Binding’ fleshes out his sound with its beautiful and elegant composition, precise spacing and luscious electronics. It’s an experience through beat taps, organ- esque keys and reverb. There is an R&B feel to the track with a pop drizzled melody as the laid back vocals drown you in the chilled vibe of this dreamy song. With its aerial approach and ethereal crisp production  ‘Less Than Binding’ builds…broods and bubbles into a moody mesmerising beauty.

Stream ‘Less Than Binding’ below


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

Third Smoke ‘We Run In Bare Feet’

Irish Alternative-Indie collective Third Smoke have released their new single ‘We Run In Bare Feet’. The band have been making their mark with wild, energetic performances in national slots supporting Glen Hansard, Le Galaxie and Delorentos as well as their own UK tour and headline appearances at Whelan’s, the Roisin Dubh and the Spirit Store. Last year also saw the collective perform for the first time at Ireland’s leading live music series Other Voices as well as appearing at a range of notable festivals including Longitude, Electric Picnic and Sea Sessions. Their releases have garnered support from Today FM, Spin 103.8, BBC Northern Island, RTE Radio 1 and RTE2FM.

‘We Run In Bare Feet’ is a biting anthemic number that floods with adrenaline and intensity from the get go. These guys kick the emotion lever up to maximum with a pounding drum progression which pulses and throbs a heart racing rush through your veins while jangly guitars soar, sting and shrill through the all consuming soundscape. Not only is this track breathtaking, Hugh Donlon’s vocals pack one hell of a punch. His powerful wails, deep passionate tones and mighty exclaims are filled with such gusto its captivating as he surges emotion into the track leaving you hanging on the edge of your seat. The song is a dance friendly ethereal tune overflowing with energy as airy guitars inject sweet blasts and breezy stings into a razor sharp melody which slices and shreds through the shaky soundscape. Third Smoke have created a powerful melody-driven track that is punchy, crisp and a griping thrill ride.

You can catch Third Smoke live at :

26TH April – The Sound House | Dublin

Stream ‘We Run In Bare Feet’ below


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

Badhands ‘Voices’

Badhands have released their new single ‘Voices’. Badhands is the musical project of Dublin songwriter and musician Dan Fitzpatrick. Having played for years with artists such as The Mighty Stef, The Last Tycoons, Paddy Hanna and Maud in Cahoots, he recently released his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Predictable Boy’. The record features musicians Tom Cosgrave, Aoife Ruth, Chris Barry and Ken Mooney, and upon release received much praise from critics.The band’s first two singles, ‘Waves’ and ‘Monday Morning’, have both received considerable airplay on national radio and have been performed live in session on shows such as Arena on RTE Radio 1.

‘Voices’ is a dark contorted number that chills with eerie instrumentation as Fitzpatrick’s vocals haunt through the psychedelic backdrop. With its heat stricken, western, lone ranger vibe and sliding guitar whines this track is compelling and extremely absorbing. The song travels on a dream-like delusional vibe with pulsating drums and strong piano chords strengthening the ominous foundation for the curdling bass lines to twist around. Filled with plenty of passion and rich emotional tones- this track is a spine chilling beauty with country hues and tumbleweed lonesome vibes peering through the hallucinogenic atmosphere and sweltering instrumental stings.

After a busy year of gigs in 2018, including two packed headline shows at The Workman’s Club Dublin, and supports slots with acts such as Michael McDonald, the band began work on album number two at the start of 2019 and is set for a headline show on April 13th in Whelan’s along with several dates around the country to be announced soon. These shows will feature songs from Predictable Boy, and also new material from the recently begun second album.

Watch the video for ‘Voices’ below


Alt Rock, Ambient Music, Atmospheric Music, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Manyana ‘1ofmy’

Dublin based art rock duo Manyana have released their debut single ‘1ofmy’. Comprised of Aran Sheehy and David O’Rourke the duo are leading the way for an album they have planned for release this year.

This absorbing number immerses you in a deeply ambient electronic soundscape filled with passionate rich tones and an extremely mesmerising and tangible sound. Every electronic flicker, pulse beat and lush melody slowly seeps into you, making the track a full sensory experience. Immense care has been taken with this track- each fragment is tailored precisely.From the fluctuant slapping beat shuffling through ethereal soundscapes to the strong piano chords, this composition is organic, rich and compelling. The elegant piano is the strength of the track between the breezy atmosphere and chilling soundscape. The piano grows slowly building to a sweet yet sharp melody that twinkles and wanders between a warm vocal harmony and jittery beat. There is great beauty and grandeur in this track. Its simplistic approach draws you into the inner working of this intriguing gem as Manyana dilute certain parts while highlighting and enriching others to create a textured fascinating listen. It’s catchy, melancholic and biting while warm vocals soothe and coo over a drifting sombre soundscape that feels barren yet filled with loneliness and tender instrumentation. ‘1ofmy’ is utterly consuming.

Stream ‘1ofmy’ below


Cinamatic, Indie, New Music

Sylvette ‘Memories (falling)’

Sylvette have released their new single ‘Memories (falling)’. Sylvette are a 5 piece Art-Rock band based in Manchester who create an imaginative and powerful sound.

‘Memories (falling)’ fleshes out Sylvette’s gripping musicianship with an ethereal mystical air of finesse. Doused in groove infested rhythms this track is one exhilarating rush. A gritty bass wiggles its way around luring jagged guitar shards while soft keys weave through pining violin lines creating a sublime dramatic backdrop. Meticulously crafted this track entices you with its slinky wriggling instrumentation while Charlie Sinclair’s expressive vocals narrate and theatrically express the eerie tale. Its spine chilling with fantastic elements broken up by sweet interludes. The track builds becoming more intense and ominous as the guitars stride with a dark mysterious melody through a classy elegant soundscape of sinister violin and rich rhythmic rumble. Absolutely thrilling this is one riveting number.


Stream ‘Memories’ below


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

Electric Shore ’Darkness of you’

Electric Shore are set to release their new single ‘Darkness Of You’ on the 4th of February.Electric Shore are a three piece indie rock band from Ratoath Co.Meath. 2018 was an important year for Electric Shore, the group released their debut single ‘Too Different’ which was followed by the even more successful ‘Someone New’. The band also participated in and won RTÉ 2Fm’s Play The Picnic Competition, which landed them a brilliant slot at the Iconic Irish Festival.

‘Darkness Of You’ is a concentrated fermenting guzzle of what Electric Shore do best. This brooding intense number wiggles and interfolds its acute musical ambiance slowly and dramatically to create the most thrilling and hair raising listening experience. A dark smothered foundation, rooted bass groove and punchy beat sets up a haunting eerie backdrop for the verses while light twinkling guitars innocently and sweetly flicker between this moody soundscape. The passionate vocals coo and delicately haunt through the verses before exploding for the anthemic chorus. The refined and precise instrumental work creates an intimate mood that puts further emphasis on the sublime expressive vocals.Emotionally charged and lavishly textured the track weaves and entwines its way into your brain lurking beneath the darkness ready to erupt. There is something very special about this track, its aura and celestial flow contrasts the rumbling under-belly superbly while the oodles of passion and rush of urgency makes every note last within your mind.

You can follow Electric Shore on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/ElectricShore/


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

Ivory Wave ‘Gold’

Birmingham band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Gold’. The band have landed support slots with DMA’S, The Twang and Superfood to name a few as well as playing festivals such as Isle of Wight, Truck and Shiiine On. Their growing army of fans are
now packing out venues up and down the U.K.

‘Gold’ is an infectious swagger drenched banger that relentlessly surges hyped up energetic tones into your ears. With a punchy bassline creating a funk flavoured strutting foundation, this track is fun vibrant and full of youthful adrenaline. Slick guitars glide and jingle between snappy drums, while flickering speckles of scintillation through swirling soundscapes. With attitude smothered vocals and pure unadulterated raw energy this swanky groove infested track is an instant shot of vitality and is sure to have you dancing and bopping carelessly.

About the track frontman George Johnson said: “Gold is about realising your full potential, grabbing it with both hands and running with it. “

Stream ‘Gold’ below

https://soundcloud.com/ivory-wave/gold