Tag Archives: Alternative

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From LP

Los Angeles, Critically acclaimed recording artist and songwriter, LP, is back with her brand new single, “Girls Go Wild.” Produced by Mike Del Rio (X Ambassadors, Kylie Minogue, POWERS), the new offering is also the first track off her forthcoming album, set to be released via BMG.Since unveiling Lost On You, her fourth full-length studio album (May 2017 via BMG/Vagrant), LP has been touring tirelessly, selling out shows worldwide and hitting notable festivals including Coachella (Indio, CA), Osheaga (Montréal, Canada), Outside Lands (San Francisco, CA), Mad Cool (Madrid, Spain), and more. The title-track from the record has also clocked an impressive 500 million streams and attained platinum status internationally in Russia, Poland, Greece, Switzerland, and France. The official videos for standout album singles, “Lost On You,” “Muddy Waters,” and “When We’re High,” are now approaching 280+ million combined views as well.

‘Girls Go Wild’ is a funk filled flex of the classic, intoxicating and melodic sound that LP does remarkably well. Driven by a rooted bass which slides in a groovy foundation for the western-esque guitar to weave around while a throbbing beat punches that LP stamp into your very soul. Doused in a delicious sugar drizzled melody the sweet luscious vocals coo over the catchy chorus adding a warm raspy hue for the meaty verses. Filled with oodles of passion this instant heart clencher fills your ears with glorious danceable bittersweet melodies that make you want to strut,glide and prance around with a bourbon in your hand while you let the delicious track consume your soul. Yearning and bleeding this track hits deep in the chest while floating with a dreamy sultry desert vibe and that whistle along feature is so catchy. Another invigorating track from LP.

Of the track LP says, “‘Girls Go Wild’ was born out of a Joshua tree excursion with some close friends after coming home from a long bit of touring . It was the first song I wrote for the album when my thoughts and ideas were swirling around like a storm.  It feels like I channeled my past present and future as told through a desert dream.”

Stream ‘Girls Go Wild’ below


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

Electric Shore ‘Someone New’

Ratoath alternative band Electric Shore have released their new single ‘Someone New’. This aerial exhilarating track packs oodles of punch and adrenaline in the slinky form of ethereal breezy guitars over soaring climatic backing vocals and mighty drums. It’s a gripping display with emotion filled vocals over an invigorating backdrop as sweet toned guitars whine and lament with a glistening vibrancy that floods the track with melancholic tones. Powerful in its presentation this track is both chilled and dynamic with a luscious melody gliding upon the breathtaking instrumentation. The anthemic chorus evokes images of a large crowd sing along while that intoxicating guitar solo is stunning. ‘Someone New’ is well crafted for a wholly satisfying and enthralling listen. It is radio friendly with enough edge to add a nice kick, Electric Shore have created a goosebump inducing number that makes these guys ones to keep an eye on.

 

Stream ‘Someone New’ below


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

Alexis Kings ‘Velvet’

Indie rock 4-piece Alexis Kings have released their newest single ‘Velvet’ today. Injected with a soulful, funk edge, the track is a feel-good anthem following on from the successful release of their debut EP ‘Squire’ back in 2016, leading to positive reviews from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, and Radio X’s John Kennedy. Comprising of Brendan Aherne (vocals), Sam Privett (lead guitar), Kalyan Rogers (bass) and Fabio Bocca (drums),, Alexis Kings have made themselves known on the London live circuit over the years, selling out crowds at Barfly in Camden and recently broadening their live shows to cities across Asia and the US.The track which was produced by Ian Dowling (Bombay Bicycle Club, Chapel Club) sets the tone for what to expect from their upcoming debut album due later this year. Velvet is set to be followed by an accompanying video with special feature from Old Men Grooving of Britain’s Got Talent.

‘Velvet’ is a smooth slick number that drifts in on a swanky funk flavoured bass and strutting panache soaked persona.Smooth velvety vocals enfold the luscious honey drizzled melody as slinky guitars sweep over it with a golden feather-light motion. The shuffling danceable funky beat and groove infested bass keeps the foundation of this track buoyant with a rock n roll hued backbone. This flaunty number glides and slides with finesse and a suaveness that leaves you in a swooning stupor. The chic guitar melodies add a glossy lustre and elegance to this old school unblemished charming track. Alexis Kings are budding nicely cultivating their sound into something beautiful and refined.

Stream ‘Velvet’ below

 


Alt Rock, Ambient Music, Atmospheric Music, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Pale Rivers

Pale Rivers have released their new single ‘Icefield’, ahead of their forthcoming debut EP. Produced by Owen Lewis and Steven Mullan, ‘Icefield’ was recorded at Herbert Place Studio’s, Dublin. Based out of Cork and Tipperary, Ireland, the band began playing their first shows around the country including slots at Hard Working Class Heroes, Whelans One’s To Watch and Electric Picnic, as well as some high profile supports for acts such as Teleman, British Sea Power and The Wedding Present.

‘Icefield’ is a deeply moving number bleeding haunting tones of yearning  through ethereal rushes of breezy synths over textured guitar whines and passionate heart gripping vocals. This is a special track that grips the listener with every flickering note. This band keep you on the edge of your seat – the delicate sweet and tender moments are perfect, immaculate and pristine as elegant keys twinkle and glisten between subtle synth wisps as the warm emotional vocals caress the darkly hued haunting melody. Intimacy is key to this track and this is created by those dynamic tender vocal tones which are embellished by soaring, undulating waves of guitar and weaving synths. The track builds becoming more intense and expressive carrying and elevating our hearts and emotions with it as the synths become frenzied and choppy and rush over the tumbling guitar and rippling drum/bass rumbles. This track swoons with deeply moving and atmospheric tones while a rich snappy rhythm holds all the vaporous floaty soundscapes together with a gloopy-like glue texture. It’s a sublime riveting listen and a well crafted gem to hold dear.

Talking about ‘Icefield’, the band explain – “recording this song was very much a case of going with gut feeling rather than planning it out and ticking boxes. Going in to do it we just had a skeleton track and from there, it was very much a case of experimenting and improvising on different instruments, many of which we hadn’t used before. Recording this definitely felt like a journey from start to finish, and in many way’s one of the most fun/difficult but rewarding experiences we’ve had in a studio…”

You Can Catch Pale Rivers live at :

August 5th – Indiependence

August 24th – The Roundy – Cork

 

Stream  ‘Icefield’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

LOVR ‘Surf’s Up’ EP

LOVR is the solo project of Irish songwriter/producer Brendan McGlynn who has now released his new EP ‘Surf’s Up’. After his involvement in a number of successful Irish bands, he began this solo venture. LOVR combines rich pop melodies, 80s soft synths, layered guitars and vocal harmonies to create his sound. ‘Surf’s Up’ is the second EP from LOVR

‘Surf’s Up’ is a luscious, heavenly sweet collection of tracks that soothe the soul in a blanket of dreamy cosy soundscapes. Rushing with breezy freedom inducing synths and nostalgic honey drizzled melodies each track flows with a subtle adrenaline rush and blissful euphoric vibes. Pristine production and crisp textures evokes every emotion in the listener with flickering immaculate sea side images of euphoria. ‘Instructions For Surfing’ kicks all this off with McGlynn lamenting over warm keys and the calming sound of waves. His knack with delicate melodies becomes instantly apparent as he gently coos a sweet nostalgic melody with an 80’s pop undertone. The pace of this track is magnificent, it slowly burns with a glistening glow filled with soothing wholesomeness as McGlynn’s soulful vocals hit you right in the chest. The magical charming tunes continue with ‘Surf’s Up’ as a soft spongy beat accompanies chiming keys and lush dreamy vocals. These are tunes to fall in love with, they are filled with tender tones, heavenly sugar sweet melodies and sublime dreamy soundscapes that wisp about caressing your ears with ethereal graceful bliss. ‘Song Of The Sea’ adds a hint of vibrancy to the EP. With choir like backing vocals layered over a jungle like beat, cinematic soundscapes and instant gush of adrenaline. It’s the kind of track that evokes picturesque images like it should be in a  Disney movie as the main character runs to the freedom or joy they have always craved for. This is the most gripping and vivid track on the EP. It is pretty intense and flawless.  Each track lays you on a light fluffy cloud of tranquilising soundscapes floating about soft synths and sublime harmonies over delicious pop goodness to create a unique yet consoling familiarity. The time stopping ‘Survive, Hold On, All You, Need Is, Time’ and the elegant closing track ‘Movin’ To LA’ are prime examples of this. With a glistening lamenting guitar feature gracing the latter with an angelic embellishment like a dream just out of reach pulling at your heartstrings while calming synths drift about the fragile melody -it’s the perfect sweet end to a beautiful EP.

‘Surf’s Up’ is an EP to cherish. Its bitter sweet delicacy is one to be admired as McGlynn finely blends sweet mesmerising melodies to create a wholly enthralling and exquisite listening experience.

When asked about the EP McGlynn said  “I made this EP about surfing because I don’t surf, but I wanted to. I was drawn to the lifestyle surrounding surfers, their freedom and connection with nature. So I thought if I write about it then I’d have to go experience it and learn about it, so that’s what i did. This is why making music is so powerful. You can take one thing you love and use it to enable you to experience things you never have before.It’s the perfect catalyst.”

Stream ‘Surf’s Up’ below

 


Alt Rock, New Music

Citylightz ‘Don’t Know Me’

Citylightz are a west Midlands based 5 piece with a 90s attitude blending indie and rap to create a unique take on modern music. The band comprised of members Matthew Barnett (Vocals), Luke Henry (Vocals/Guitar/Bass), Adam Bolger (Guitar), Tom churm (Drums) and James Skidmore (Bass) have released their debut single ‘Don’t Know Me’. It’s a shredding, slick debut that strides in on steamy sleek guitar lines, punchy drums and vibrant bass grooves to create a chilled effortlessly cool number that packs a serious amount of gusto. It’s a compact tune that takes its time gradually layering its structure before building to an anthemic belter. There are some golden guitar moments in this track with striking jagged guitar slashes forming the rumbly aggressive foundation while sweet little guitar jingles weave their way on top to warm and caress the melody with delicate sun kissed tones. Barnett raps over the blistering instrumental backdrop with attitude and swagger while the backing vocals coo through the infectious chorus. It’s a sharp bite of alternative indie that cruises with charm and likable charisma and some pretty shredding instrumental displays – that blistering guitar solo is raw, pure, air guitar worthy and sublime.

Stream ‘Don’t Know Me’ below


Indie, New Music

Gringoh ‘Rules And Relations’

Gringoh are a new band from Hounslow West London (but born and bred in Ireland) making Urban London music influenced by the beats of Latin America and sounds from all over the world. The band have now released their debut single ‘Rules And Relations’. Now, this song I love! It’s fresh and crisp with exotic smouldering guitar that starts like it’s from a Zorro movie- weaving its way through Latin American beats coaxing and luring you to shuffle your way to the dancefloor. The vocals are effortless as they glide upon the danceable delectable melody – teasing and enchanting with a glorious sweltering sense of mystery and jubilation all at once. The backing vocals evoke images of sombrero’s with a Mariachi- esque feel. This young band blend genres seamlessly to create a wholly immersing colourful and rich listening experience.

Stream ‘Rules And Relations’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Mini Mansions

Los Angeles trio Mini Mansions mark their highly anticipated return with their new single ‘Works Every Time’, the title track from their upcoming EP ‘Works Every Time’ set for release on September 28th. The EP follows on from the trio’s  (singer/guitarist Michael Shuman (bassist of Queens of The Stone Age), bassist Zach Dawes and singer/keyboardist Tyler Parkford) critically acclaimed 2015 album ‘The Great Pretenders’, which saw the band tour with the likes of Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys and Royal Blood and of course the B-sides release ‘Flashbacks’ which we previously reviewed on Indie Buddie.

‘Works Every Time’ is an infectious foot tapping number that swoons around a delicious melancholic melody and wistfully sweet vocals. Parkford takes on the vocals for this tune – his warm lower range resonating through the brooding verses before Shuman joins in for the falsetto chorus. The track laments through hazy key flickers and dreamy backdrops while the steady beat and elastic bass keeps the track bouncing along doused in nectarous gloopy bliss. Naturally, you can’t have a Mini Mansions song without some tasty guitar lines and this track packs in oodles of that in the most sophisticated classy way that only these guys can do. The guitar injections pine and weep with a sting that adds a refreshing spice and dash of zest to the cruising lusciously melancholic track. These guys are immensely talented. Each track they produce is precise and immaculate with refined classy elements on top of fine richly layered musicianship. They are musical magi with the perfect blend of melodies and tones to have us eating out of the palm of their hands longing and craving for every melodic concoction they deliver.

Stream ‘Works Every Time’ below


Ambient Music, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Transmission Club ‘The Hour of the Wolf’ EP

Cork-based alt-rock outfit Transmission Club will release their second EP, ‘The Hour of the Wolf’, on Friday, July 13th. Recorded and produced by Chris Somers at One Chance Out Studios, the band’s sophomore release takes the listener on a musical trajectory from the intimate to the anthemic within three tracks. The E.P was mastered by Pete Maher (The Pixies, Jack White, Goldfrapp) in his London studio. Titled after the surrealist horror film by Ingmar Bergman, ‘The Hour of the Wolf‘ delves into themes of isolation and fear of the subconscious, explored through a compelling blend of folk-rock and electronic soundscapes. Formed in 2014 as the bedroom recording project of Michael Prendiville, Transmission Club is quickly becoming one of the most unique acts in the Irish music scene. The band’s diverse sonic palette combines elements of indie, folk and grunge, textured with harmonium, violin, keyboards, guitars, drum machines and loops. Recording takes place in bedrooms and living rooms in Cork, giving the music a raw, untrammelled feel. Transmission Club’s first EP, Salt, was released in November 2015, gaining airplay on The Alternative with Dan Hegarty (2fm), The Paul McLoone Show (Today FM) and on 8Radio. Transmission Club also recorded a live session for The Paul McLoone Show in January 2016. Salt was voted No.1 in The Last Mixed Tape’s Reader’s E.P of the Year 2015 Poll. The video for “Taking Off (Blackhole)” was nominated for a Pure M award for Best Music Video in 2017.

‘The Hour of the Wolf’ is a spellbinding three track combo that enthralls and captivates the listener in its luscious deeply moving soundscapes. From the atmospheric and delicately moving ‘This War’  with its elegance and tender tones nudged by warm guitar twinkles, soft percussion and sweet string strides, this bands sophisticated and deeply poignant musicianship becomes apparent. The band build the track meticulously, slowly brooding as if every breath, every note takes its own pace, gently conveying the heart breaking theme. The track builds to a distorted explosive crescendo which sends shivers down your spine. They write tunes that make you listen, grab your attention and tear your heart out. They do this not only through sweet tenderness but through gritty dark instrumentation too. ‘Taking Off (Blackhole)’ is simply magnificent. Eerie vocals coo over lamenting strings and a dark murky guitar riff. Once again distortion is placed perfectly to add urgency and a sense of dizzying panic through this sublime gripping experience. The elegance of the strings is the perfect contrast to the psychedelic haunting soundscapes. This bands ability to creating wholly enthralling tunes that fill you with emotion from melancholic and sweet to haunting and chilling is fantastic. They execute their instruments with a fine tuned precision that is masterful. ‘The Porcupine Dilemma’ brings us to the end of our mesmerising journey with Transmission Club. It’s a soft little gem that features glistening guitar between emotional, warm vocals while lush backing vocals, a thumping beat and graceful strings  fill out the sound. It’s deeply moving and passionate as the divine melody fluidly flows over the tapping rhythm and delicate instrumentation. ‘The Hour of the Wolf’ EP is a thought provoking well structured treasure trove that fills you with vivid instrumentation, oodles of passion with wholesome melodies running throughout. It’s a thoroughly satisfying and rich experience.

‘The Hour of the Wolf’ will be available from July 13th on Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify. A limited CD run of the E.P will be available also.

You can follow Transmission Club on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/transmissionclubmusic

 

 

 


Album Review, Indie, New Music

Chimpanbee ‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’

Irish indie band Chimpanbee have released their debut album ‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’. Chimpanbee formed in 2010 from the ashes of a grunge rock band called The Creaks. In 2010 the band released an E.P entitled the “The Pressures of Free Money” which was free to download. With 25,000 friends on myspace the E.P found many ears and some decent airplay which was followed by a brief venture to London and some popular local shows. The band were then discovered by Alex Jones of Ruby Music and subsequently signed a deal. After some extensive and fervent recording session’s the album was nearly finished and a highly anticipated release was on the horizon , but unfortunately tensions frayed as they do and the young ensemble split in 2012. This left the album incomplete and seemingly to go to waste. But in 2017 the album re-surfaced and Chimpanbee were revived in the process. The band added a new lead guitar player by the name of Alan Stacy, a bluesy, soulful and gifted professional to compliment the rough and ready haphazard style Chimpanbee had crafted.

‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’ ignites an instant rush of excitement within the listener with its rich luscious sounds and genre bending refinement. From that snappy whack of opening track ‘Sleep in Your Bed’ Chimpanbee introduce their fun infectious sound with groove mingled rhythms wiggling beneath an infectious vibrant melody and slick guitar flourishes. This foot tapping swagger soaked style continues throughout the album ‘Fell In Love’s ethereal guitars and sparkling keys soar over a dreamy coated melody. The energy in these hyped up energetic tunes keeps the album tipping away at a lively enjoyable pace as Chimpanbee flesh out their tunes and compact finely layered sound. The slow burners hone in on their exquisite musicianship. ‘Light It Up’ begins sweet broody and delicate with lush backing vocals cooing behind twinkling guitars and velvety passionate vocals. They begin the track gentle, tender and emotionally dreamy. When those lyrics hit you they relate to that poor sod who we have all been at one time or another however, the track builds becoming more bad ass and hefty developing into a fiery rock heavy anthem. Punchy drums ,striking guitars and distortion make for a cinematic wallop that fights back the timid beginning. With a sing along bridge this track is one for massive live shows. You can imagine the crowd swaying, moshing and bellowing back the lyrics. This song alone gives a sublime glimpse into the magnificent capability of this band. The sprinkling of sun kissed vibes through ‘Tokyo’ adds a peppy buoyancy to the album with golden light guitar strides between sprightly drums and glistening keys. The catchy sing along choruses are plentiful and are a fundamental element in each and every glorious track. ‘Snaaakes’ gives us a mysterious fairy like tone to the album with rumbly percussion flickering underneath magical soundscapes. It’s the tune that sparks images of little Celtic fairies dancing on midsummer’s night as magical blue and gold lights twinkle about, floating in the air like fireflies. The dark undertones add a sublime mystifying quality to this indie folk number. Darkly coated and eerie ‘Systems Failed’ has a thick heavy chorus of crashing guitars and meaty drums while ‘No Lies’ has a vibrant animated bounce. Each track holds its own identity within the album and brings a delicious new dimension and layer to sink your teeth into. Title track  ‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’ closes the album with delicate elegant piano and a steady beat holding a strong foundation for the sweet vocals and sombre drenched melody to glide off. This track is laced in lonely melancholic tones and the piano playfully weaves a beautiful melody like its dancing and swaying in sweet lamenting solitude. It’s a tear jerking melody that floats into your head until you are humming this bitter/sweet tune. The whistle feature adds a charming quality as that piano melody becomes the main focal point of the song I found myself lost in its beautiful majestic tone leaving everything else in the track in the faint distance.

‘Can’t Stop or Rewind is a charming and captivating experience. From the start to the end of the album you feel like you have experienced a multitude of emotions traveling through journeys of happiness, joy and grief all while bewitched within Chimpanbee’s musicianship.

About the album the band said “Can’t Stop or Rewind is an album that takes you on a journey from an alcohol and drug fueled one night stand right through to falling in love , developing unhealthy attachments and dependencies until it all finally winds up in full destructive mode and ultimately a bitter end. An elementary tale performed as though the world ends tomorrow, it aggressively captures the intensity and mystique of meeting the real world for the first time”.

Stream ‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’ below