Tag Archives: Alternative

New Music

Eldafyre ‘Death Of The Surrenders’ Album

Eldafyre has released his newest album ‘Death Of The Surrenders’, a poetic and endearing fusion of punk, funk, rock and blues.Originating from Victoria, Australia, Eldafyre had his first opportunity to play with a band after a jam night at a music store nearby. Spending a couple of hours jamming with rock artists from around the area, Eldafyre felt that he’d found his place within the industry singing with the support of a full band. Soon after, he put an advertisement out to try to get in touch with the artists he’d played with that night, and once they all got in contact they got together to record the album. Eventually, all members followed their own paths and left the band, nicknaming them ‘the surrenders’ Eldafyre decided to name the album after them, symbolising the birth of a new life and the start of something better. Upon the band leaving, Eldafyre wanted to record the album professionally, so with the recordings he already had, he collaborated with his producer to recreate the essence and basics of the song, whilst transforming them into something new. With most songs being recorded and completed on the first take, the 9-track album holds original and raw live energy.

‘Death Of The Surrenders’ is a calming collection of tracks that captivate and enthrall with mystical depth and gentle tones blended with some grittier elements and breezy soundscapes drizzled on top.  Eldafyre’s captivating sound becomes apparent from the opening track ‘Down Floor’ as it begins wispy and mysterious before building into a guitar whipping rock and roll number with punchy drums and crashing strikes on guitars between a powerful vocal delivery. He manages to wholly engage the listener with his endearing tunes smothered in raw passion and honest lyrics. There are some ethnic twangs through ‘Naturally Provided’ while ‘Slip Stream’ takes a more delicate guitar style that glides with elegance and calming refinement. Though the album has an evening chill time aura about it there are some swagger gems thrown in ‘Surrender’ fleshes out a funky drizzled strut ready beat with some gritty guitar grating through organ-esque keys and sassy soundscapes. ‘My Pain Is Juice’ and ‘Against The River’ follow this funky panache driven persona while ‘Heavens In The Earth’ returns us to the tranquility and earthy soundscapes of the first half of the album. ‘Satisfied’ closes the album with a waltz-like slow dance jam filled with twinkling romantic guitar and a steady, sway ready beat. This is a sublime and sweet end to an album which takes you on a flickering journey of multi genre discovery.

Stream ‘Death Of The Surrenders’ below

 

 


Americana, Bluesy Americana rock, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Biilmann ‘The Hills Have Eyes’

One of Australia’s rising blues and roots musicians Jack Biilmann has released his new single ‘The Hills Have Eyes’. The Canberra based songwriter has established a formidable reputation for himself amongst local and national touring circles, having shared stages with the likes of Tash Sultana, Bobby Alu, Ian Moss, Bootleg Rascal and more over the last few years. A tenacious guitarist with a charming performance style to boot, Biilmann has struck a positive chord within the scene.

‘The Hills Have Eyes’ is a golden, passionate display that blends alternative indie with some warm country twangs. Biilmann nails balance in this track as it cruises in, coming across as unhurried and cool-headed with a peppy spring in each step to deflect any notion of the track succumbing to monotony.His buttery-smooth vocal delivery and velvety melody will ease your blood pressure and radiate sun kissed glows into your day. With energetic twangs, a steady beat and glorious guitar feature this track is an instant pick me up shot. The wispy background vocals trailing in the distance create an airy atmosphere to this glorious satisfying track. From the get go this song enters like a sublime sprightly breeze to refresh your cluttered mind. It’s a beautiful listen spiked with muted touches of bluesy rock, country and pop elements to make for a wholesome absorbing experience.

About the track Biilmann said : “The Hills Have Eyes is a kick in a new direction from me, I wanted to do something that had the elements with what make me who I am as an artist with a new twist. It’s sure to come as a bit of a surprise, but is still a very ‘Jack Biilmann’ sounding song. The production from Kojo Ansah has really given this song exactly what I am after and I am so excited to release it and see its response..”

Stream ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ below

 


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

Smash Boom Pow ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’.

Smash Boom Pow have just released a new single and b-side titled ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’. Offering a gritty Alt-Rock sound bursting with catchy hooks, Smash Boom Pow is blood brothers Ulysses [vocals/guitar] and Zane [drums] Coppard from the Westcoast of Canada. Their passion for their craft has attracted the attention of fans, musicians, and industry folk alike – earning them numerous opportunities for creative and career advancement. Among the most powerful and transformative were a top 12 spot in 2015’s Peak Performance BC project, and having been selected to partake in the Converse Rubber Tracks initiative. Smash Boom Pow has had the pleasure of sharing the stage and performing alongside: We Are The City, The Pack AD, Dralms, and The Velveteins, as well as a tour of Western Canada with Soft Alarm. A steady supply of quality media to an active and engaged audience has resulted in over 20k YouTube views, and song placements in the TV series ‘Motive’ and upcoming indie film ‘THE CANNON’ (directed by Marshall Axani).

‘Some People’ is a vibrant hook laden number driven with gritty guitars slicing through punchy drums and laid back vocals. The infectious melody floats upon this jagged backdrop creating a contrast of lush dreamy tones filled with hazy casualness and heavy edged indie rock. The jangly guitar injections flood the track with a vivid energy and zesty quality while the smooth vocals and delicious melody sweeten the choppy rough grunge flavoured foundation.

‘JD’ is an thrilling instrumental gem. Gritty, rough and rugged this burly number is laced with beefy guitar riffs- shredding and jaggedly sawing through mighty pummeling drums with red hot intensity you can almost feel the steam evaporating off each note and stride. It’s a sublime meaty display from the duo.

These two tracks show Smash Boom Pow’s refined diversity and slick musicianship. Their ability to tranquilize with hazy lazy vibes and indie rock bliss is divine in ‘Some People’ but they bring the hard core whack of b-side  ‘JD’ to roughen things up a bit and its just a magnificent combination.

Stream ‘Some People’ and ‘JD’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Funk, Indie, Indie Disco, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Miles Kane

Miles Kane has released the new single and title track of his anticipated third album ‘Coup De Grace’. It is the second taste of the album following the release of the Jamie T and Lana Del Rey collaboration ‘Loaded‘ earlier this year. The album which follows predecessor ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ from 2013 is set for release on August 10.

‘Coup De Grace’ is a snazzy, disco hued dazzling glam rock display from Kane that is sure to have you shaking and grooving mindlessly. The stomping beat slaps and rebounds off fluctuant jangly glitter-soaked guitars while Kane’s vocals glissade upon the infectious melody with swagger and charisma. It’s 70’s esque foot tapping frenzy as the verses cruise and slide with a luring quality right up to the bursting sing along ready chorus. Doused in funky vibes this track steam rolls in with all its flamboyant trance inducing glory to wrestle your mind with its swanky chicness sprawled on top of glam rock finesse. From the first vocal wail this track has you hooked and transported to a groovy timeless world of dance and fun and lets not forget the fluidity in the lyrics, they flow with such rapidity and molten smoothness – its captivating.  The deeply weaved elastic bass adds a thrilling rooted quivering foundation for this track to elevate off. The blending of slinky rock attitude driven guitars with disco soundscapes creates a crisp pristine little world of endless dancing and prancing. It’s very slick indeed.

 

Stream ‘Coup De Grace’ below

 


Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Indie Buddie Introducing : Shrink Like Alice

Up and coming Irish band Shrink Like Alice have released their new single ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’. It was recorded in Orphan Studios by Graham Byrne. Shrink like Alice are a four piece band based out of Navan, Co.Meath, Ireland. Formed by frontman Gary Clerkin and bassist Greg Halford in late 2014, the band has since been joined by lead guitarist Liam Sheridan and drummer Miles Ronayne. In 2015 the band released their first single ‘Loser’. Followed by their debut EP ‘Square Eyed Boy’ in 2016 which featured songs such as ‘Russian Roulette’ and ‘Loo la’.

Their latest single ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’ is the bands first professionally recorded release and showcases their razor sharp sound in all its explosive glory. Crashing riffs erupt with riotous stamina throughout while the pummelling drums and rugged bass create a sublime combustive backdrop. The sulky melody chills this blistering assault with sleek smothered sultry verses before the fiery chorus kicks in. The scorching guitars blast through the brawny  backdrop adding some hefty shredding might while the raspy aggressive vocals and fierce rhythm pounds your skull with a thrilling assault of mosh ready ferocity. Shrink Like Alice have crafted a kinetic beast while also showcasing some refined musicianship doused in slick swagger – oozing rough and ready coolness. It’s an impressive effort from a band who I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more of.

Stream ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’ below


Americana, Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Vickers Vimy ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’

Vickers Vimy have released their new single ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’, the second single off ‘Atlas Of Hearts’ album and follows hot on the heels of RTE Radio 1 playlisted single ‘Keep Your Eye On The Road’. Hailing from Mayo, Vickers Vimy craft songs that dwell on the borders of folk and Americana. Rich eclectic sounds anchor lyrical themes of scratched vinyl nights and hazy Sunday mornings. Vickers Vimy have collaborated with Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames & Swell Season) and had the pleasure of recording in the studio of Nick Seymour (Crowded House). They had the amazing fortune to support the late John Martyn and have also supported the Hothouse Flowers, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Mundy. They have shared the RTE Music Train with Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Kodaline, Lisa O’Neill and Jack L.

‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’ sweeps in with golden warm tones and delightful melodies. It’s a wholesome little ditty – pure, honest and true with luscious pop elements richly blended into Americana-esque hues. The buoyant rhythm bounces along at a sprightly peppy pace while bright saxophone blasts and organ jingles fill the track with a warm-hearted goodness that is just sublime. Vickers Vimy swirl some psych-ish features in there too,  as winding keys add a dash of obscurity between the opulent twangs and Celtic glimmers. These guys flesh out their sound beautifully with a meticulously crafted layering of each melody, instrument and genre-  taking their time, building it sweetly and delicately to create the most beautiful honey drizzled balmy number. The smooth vocals glide upon the catchy sway-able melody elegantly. It’s a laid back vibrant gem that holds a steady positive pace which is so infectious you almost crave to hear the song again. The jazz feel is the icing on the cake and really displays the subtle splendour of this band. It’s a charming track that warms and nourishes your soul.

You can catch Vickers Vimy live at:

June 2nd House Concert, Limerick
July 6th Roisin Dubh, Galway
July 13th McCarthys, Dingle

Watch the video for ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’ below


Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Elephant Room ‘Blue Horrors’

The Elephant Room are a three piece band from Wexford, Cork and Louth based in Dublin and have been purveyors of their own genre Alco-Pop since early 2017. As a band they haven’t forgotten about the importance of having a hook. They inject their melodies with lyrics that switch between either abstract word painting or touch on the more dark and honest aspects of human nature. In late 2017 the band recorded an eight track EP in a Studio in Bray and in May 2018 released it across all platforms independently. The band recorded live with very few overdubs attempting to capture the authenticity of the three piece playing together in a room. What little overdubs that were used plays to the bands love of using subtle studio experimentation such as using analog organs and playing autoharp through Lesley speakers. Since their inception they have been regularly gigging the indie scene playing nights such as The New Love & Terror Cult in The Sin É, Gigonometry in the Workmans and The Midnight Hour in Whelans. The band have now released a video for their single ‘Blue Horrors’ which is taken from their ‘Music On The Bones’ EP.

With its hazy dreamy atmosphere creating a euphoric backdrop for the sweet calming melody ‘Blue Horrors’ is a tranquillising creation from The Elephant Room. Light shaky percussion rattles and bounces off a steady beat and psychedelic hued instrumentation while lush backing vocals coo behind creating a little world of soothing bliss. The velvety vocals caress the luscious melody while warm guitars gently stride and playfully weave between the rich percussion. It’s a laid back number that sways and glides with a gentle little spring in its step creating a delightful easy going atmosphere which consumes you in a bubble of euphoric bliss. It’s a sedating soothing gem which develops steadily becoming a little more intense as striking symbols and strong guitar strides increase for the psychedelic- esque crescendo. This compact track is brimming with infectious grooves that are subtle enough to add luscious flavours without becoming overpowering. They maintain a heavenly, floaty vibe with a touch of sweet monotony that is just captivating- leaving you craving more.

Watch the video for ‘Blue Horrors’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Breaks ‘Masquerade’

Manchester unsigned indie band The Breaks have recently released their latest single ‘Masquerade’ which is the lead single on their ‘Trap Door’ EP. This blistering fuzzed indie rock track swarms in all ruffled and scuzzy as coarse guitars sting and crash against pummelling drums and elastic bass. Though initially appearing a mighty force of bruising rock this track maintains a slick chilled underbelly as laid back swagger drenched vocals cool the scorching instrumental backdrop with a slinky melody and effortless charm. The guitar riffs sear and swelter while that rooted bass groove pushes the track into impressive adrenaline rushing heights. It’s a high voltage rampage from The Breaks that entices with sweet chilled tones luring underneath a thrilling tight wall of sound that surges through your veins heightening every sense. It’s brawny and sensual all at once and i’m sure makes for one manic mosh pit when performed live. This exhilarating track makes The Breaks ones to watch out for.

Watch the video for ‘Masquerade’ below


Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Fontaines

The Los Angeles based brother and sister duo The Fontaines (Hank Fontaine and Charlotte Fontaine) have released their new single ‘Freak’. It’s a sultry, electronic drizzled retro number that entices and grooves all while packing in some slick instrumentation. These guys have come a blushing long way from the sweet doo- wop days of ‘Dusty Springfield’. This effort sees Charlotte coo a sweet delicate melody through scorching stuffy electronics while a sticky beat slaps and hops keeping the mesmerising foundation. The steamy guitar whines break up the muggy intoxicating atmosphere with a dash of stinging zest – refreshing the dazzling psychedelic hued soundscapes. This track slowly creeps and smoulders as each component takes its time- building the intensity of the track from elastic basslines and shaky groove infested rhythms to sizzling guitars and seductive vocals. They have layered this track perfectly. A mesmerising number and sassy display from The Fontaines. They are developing their sound more and more with each release. Can’t wait to hear what they do next.

Stream ‘Freak’ below


Americana, Indie Folk, New Music

Little Blue Thula ‘River and a Creek’

Hull band Little Blue Thula have released their new single ‘River and a Creek’. The single is taken from the duo’s (Niall Tennison -Vocals, Guitar and Toby Needler -Guitar) upcoming debut album ‘Things You Hear Down the Road’ which will be released on the 8th June. ‘River and a Creek’ is a passionate twanging number with wholesome melodies doused in warm Americana elements. The sweet toned guitar twinkles and whines longingly throughout the bluesy hued melancholic melody while Tennison broods and pines flooding the track with emotion. The lush backing vocals provided by Sarah Shiels add a heavenly sweetness to the track while the tapping beat provides a steady foundation for the mournful guitar to weave between. This track holds a purity that is quite gripping as light instrumentation glides and wisps about building in intensity to the the passionate fist pumping your chest crescendo. A solid new single for this duo.

Stream ‘River and a Creek’ below