Tag Archives: Alternative

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Woodward ‘Higher’ EP

North-West singer-songwriter Jack Woodward has released his second EP ‘Higher’.  With his lead single ‘Higher’ receiving confident support from tastemaker radio stations such as Amazing Radio & BBC Introducing he follows through with his full EP demonstrating his electrifying sound to establish himself as one of the UK’s most promising new singer-songwriters. Like many great singer-songwriters, Woodward has been brought up on a strong musical diet. His musical palette has since developed to the likes of Newton Faulkner, Tom Odell, John Mayer and Foo Fighters, igniting his great passion for song writing.

‘Higher’ is a triple strike of what Woodward does so well. Title track ‘Higher’ is a strong example of his fine pop musicianship. The catchy chorus swooshes in with a surge of emotion exuding through Woodward’s passionate vocals and lush backing vocals. It’s a delicately paced track that spends time gently trickling emotion throughout the verses before building into the gushing chorus. Elegant piano accompaniment introduces the track while strong chords add stability. With stinging melancholic guitars lifting the crescendo, it’s an uplifting powerful piece that sets this EP off to a great start. Woodward is intent on showcasing his wide scope and multi genre style as each track shifts subtly between genres. ‘Pray’ displays the pop electronic flavour to this delicious Neapolitan ice cream -like EP. With a lighter bouncier feel, this snappy little ditty is fresh and crisp. Flashing electronics teamed with a sticky beat and luscious melody create a summer ready anthem. Woodward maintains his dark deeply emotional undertones; however, he wraps it in a pretty energetic little bow that charms and sparkles delicate bursts of luminosity. ‘Seven Seas’ is a little more alternative and definitely takes the darkest tone of the three tracks. This track marries the themes of both its predecessors and takes a fiery anthemic fist pump approach. Woodward’s vocals are deeper and dynamic as the shadowy instrumentation of bubbling basslines and jagged guitars add a conflicting vibe like a storm of uncertainty and agitation. It’s haunting and a little eerie but a mighty end to the EP.

Woodward has built a strong three point attack that displays his flexibility and versatility as an artist. His impressive depth and maturity teamed with refined prudent musicianship makes this singer songwriter stand out.

Stream ‘Higher’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, doo-Wop, Dream Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Zach Leon ‘Sail Away Heart’ Album

23-year-old pop-indie singer Zach Leon has recently released his full-length album entitled ‘Sail Away Heart’. Leon is an alternative artist originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years. Leon released his first solo EP ‘The Great And Terrible’ in  2016 which lead to music videos, local recognition and a growing fan base.

‘Sail Away Heart’ devotes itself to gloriously triumphant anthems like the richly textured ‘California (Girls Don’t Sing)’ with its lush rhythm, snappy catchy melody and superb sing along chorus. ‘The Villain’ follows this pattern with a jazzy vintage piano feature introducing the track before it blasts into a fiery anthem of crashing instrumentation and mighty vocals. Leon uses every weapon in his arsenal to offer up a wide assortment of genres from heavy alternative tunes to the sweet doo wop 50’s- esque romantic elegance of ‘A + K’ and the tipsy swayable ‘Drunk Eggs’ .The first half of the album glides and flows with delicacy and warmth with ‘Sad Tonight’ acting as the acoustic little charmer which displays Leon’s ability to hold your attention with a simple arrangement, beautiful melody and captivating lyrics. The sweet little jingle of ’Sailawayheart pt. 1’ marks the end of that delicate tone as ‘Pretentious Love’ shakes up the album with an alternative rock heaviness. Shouty vocals swear and scream with attitude while guitars crash and drums pound throughout. ‘Fight Me’ smashes through with punk attitude demanding attention with its infectious mosh ready bounce. These particular tracks add a rough and tumble edge to the album making for an invigorating listen. I love the short little interludes in the album ‘Sailawayheart Pt. 2’ and closing track ‘Sailawayheart pt. 3’ are just sweet little dittys you could put on a loop, they are peppy and refreshing.

‘Sailawayheart’ is a refreshing array of beautiful romantic tunes covered in a warm glow and tenderness with some feisty rock and punk whacks thrown in. Leon blends his multi genres well slipping and sliding between genres showing the highs and lows of life and the magical glimpses between. An impressive collection from this young singer songwriter.

Stream ‘Sailawayheart’ below


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

Eléa Calvet ‘Trigger’

Following up from her electrifying debut single Lust, French Canadian artist Eléa Calvet has released her second single ‘Trigger’.19-year-old Eléa Calvet taps into music’s emotive foundations with elements of Tom Waits & Patti Smith reminiscent in her lyrical style. Born in Canada and raised in India, Elea has since settled in the UK and is set on becoming one of the most prolific alternative artists on the independent scene today.

‘Trigger’ is a sass smothered bluesy rock track drenched in dark gritty bewitching swagger. The track creeps in with a menacing subtle guitar accompaniment while Calvet whispers a cooing enticing vocal. The track builds becoming more blood curdling as she wails over a sensual bass and punchy drum combination. The elegance of the cello and piano add a swing and graceful seduction to the muggy entrapment. It’s a chilling sultry hair-raising cobweb and Calvet is the black widow luring you further and further into her sticky trap. This song possesses a classic timeless sense of grandeur and peril all at once. An enthralling and gripping track from Eléa Calvet.

Stream ‘Trigger’ below


Cinamatic, Dark- Wave, Desert Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Theatrical, Worth A Listen

Worth A listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Black Honey

Black Honey have released their new single ‘Dig’. Mixing dreamy hazy vibes with sharp dazzling stings and dark dangerous tones it’s the multi-dimensional banger we expect from the four piece. Sultry vocals brood over delusion inducing spaghetti Western- esque guitars and a sticky slap beat. With a wispy vaporous soundscape and breezy crisp instrumentation, it’s the cinematic spine-chiller we hoped for and more. Smooth and croony the track sways and glides in with an eerie undertone and haunting backing vocals smothered in a daydream daze. The track becomes a little heavier as it progresses with gritty guitar lines and punchy drums creating a chilling sharp sense of danger. It’s a mysterious steamy creation from Black Honey. These guys are unstoppable.

Watch the video for ‘Dig’ below


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

Nightshifts ‘Karma’

Toronto based producer Nightshifts has released his new single ‘Karma’. Having had past musical successes in other Toronto bands and produced an official remix of “Michicant” for Bon Iver,  Nightshifts is gearing up to release his debut LP this November. ‘Karma’ is a soulful blast into Nightshifts sonic universe. Its smooth cool and ridiculously groovy. With a finger clicking beat and groovy swagger soaked guitar melodies it’s a silky little number. Velvety vocals coo and charm while sonic flecks dazzle and flicker between shimmering synths. This laid-back track is polished and creamy and effortlessly cool. With a relaxing sway like tempo and clap along feature it an infectious funky pop sprinkled ear worm.

When asked about the track Nightshifts said “Karma was written at a time when all my friends and I were very unsure about what we wanted to do with our lives. I wrote the song to try and calm my own nerves; to say it’s ok not to know, let’s just enjoy the ride. Matthew Vlahovich of Young Empires co-produced this track at his Trinity Bellwoods Studio”

Stream ‘Karma’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kavalier

Kavalier is an alternative four-piece band based in Kilkeel, Co. Down consisting of members Ryan O’ Neill(Guitar/Vocals), Tommy Rice (Guitar), James Burns (Bass) and Mark Mc Donald (Drums). Their formation was brought about in the winter of 2015, evoked by a desire to relieve boredom while simultaneously combating the cold winter climate. The loft space of an old, post-war knitting factory would later become the bands headquarters. Quickly they began to hone in on a sound that concluded the band had potential to develop beyond a means of alleviating winter boredom. As winter turned to spring and into the summer, the band had narrowed down their newly written material to 3 songs. These select tracks would later be recorded and compiled into their debut EP ‘Songs For Walter’. This year the band had the chance to play at Electric Picnic after being chosen as one of eleven acts to play the “Play The Picnic Stage” Courtesy of RTE 2FM.

 ‘Songs For Walter’ is a three track treasure box overflowing with luscious melodies, calming tones and some shredding instrumentation. The delicately beautiful ‘Wake Up’ kicks off the EP with sweet gentle tones ready to lull you into an elegant state of bliss. Warm ethereal guitar melodies jingle across a soft creamy soundscape. The cushioned bounce on drums and bass give a divine feathery light texture to this sublime track. The sharp injections on guitar and shredding solo pierce the calm track with a zesty sting adding acute spurts of brightness. ‘Stop, Rewind’ follows continuing with a supple tone, but this time the four-piece add a little more grit to the creamy flow of the EP. The stop start jumps give a jitter to the track while winding guitar melodies weave playfully throughout. Another delicate mind easing song that is oh so easy and delightful to listen to. ‘Drop 65’, the final track on the EP shows us the heavier gritty side to Kavalier. It’s swagger soaked attitude driven and darker. The guitars take a rough rugged approach with a choppy fuzzed aggressive element. The drums pound while the bass rumbles creating a meatier more rock infused track.

Kavalier ‘Songs For Walter’ EP displays their knack for beautiful organic melodies, slick intricate guitar work and sophisticated musicianship. It’s a tight EP that place’s these guys firmly in the ones to watch list.

Stream ‘Songs For Walter’ below

 


Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Michael Jablonka

Michael Jablonka is a musician from London. In addition to performing as Michael Kiwanuka’s chosen guitarist Jablonka has been fine-tuning his own powerful 21st-century take on bluesy alt-funk and soulful indie-rock. The 27-year-old has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. Those who have enjoyed his dextrous services include Charlie Brown, Stooshe, Shakka and Delta Maid. Jablonka’s intense yet universal alt-rock’n’soul tunes scream for wider appreciation and ‘Peacefully’ is the first of a dynamite double-A to be released by Jablonka on Lost In The Manor Records.

‘Peacefully’ erupts with a blistering guitar riff that sizzles and scorches into a whip crack slapping rhythm. Jablonka’s vocals, raspy and soul infused bleed over the melty infectious melody. It’s so satisfyingly heavy and fuzzed with sharp enthralling guitar exuding red hot fiery swagger. Jablonka is cool and majestic while the massive anthemic chorus explodes with a combustible rawness. Edgy and refined it’s an electric soul belter that will leave you gobsmacked. This guy has so much talent it seeps from every note, every lyric, glowing like divinity, it’s a track to gather the masses and consume them in its celestial sound. It’s a slap in the face announcing a true musician in all his glory. Put it on repeat ‘Peacefully’ is your doorway to escapism, consume and absorb this divine track. Keep an eye out for this guy.

“Peacefully is about separating yourself from a rough situation,” says Jablonka of the track produced by Ben ‘BJ’ Jackson at NXNE Studios in London. “Everyone is constantly in need of escapism.”

Stream ‘Peacefully’ below

https://soundcloud.com/jablonka-music/peacefully-2/s-pmUw3


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

The Curious ‘Gentleman’

The Curious are an Indie/Alternative band from London. The five piece consists of members Dominic Smith (Lead Vocals), Sam Roberts (Drums), Lewy Rutherford (Guitar and Vocals), James Cooper (Guitar and Vocals) and Alexander Nuti (Bass). They have released a video for their track ‘Gentleman’ taken off their ‘Electric Sheep’ EP. This infectious snappy ditty bops, hops and shakes with refreshing zing and swagger oozing indie. It’s an intoxicating guitar driven slice of slick, musicianship from the shredding razor-sharp guitar solos and jagged stinging riffs to the sticky elastic rhythm that rebounds and springs with a glutinous vitality. With a melty delicious melody and slick panache drenched vocals, its sure to get those feet tapping and body grooving in no time. Animated, extremely energetic and likable its one to put on repeat, let everything go and dance around the room to. These guys have a tight refined sound that is so cool, slick and fun all while packing some luscious melodies with sophisticated snazzy instrumentation. Keep an eye out for these guys.

 

Watch the video for ‘Gentleman’ 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 Enola Fall

Enola Fall are an Australian indie rock, pop band formed in Tasmania in 2001, now currently based in Portland, USA. They have released their new single ‘London’ from their upcoming album ‘Bloodhound’ which is being released next year. The album was recorded with Lachlan Mitchell who produces the Jezabels. This striking slow-jam boasts Muse-esque flavours wrapped in subtle elements of mystique. It creeps in with a catchy jingly hook that sends chills up your spine. Joe Nuttalls cold and expressive vocals exude intense passion and repressed agony. He simmers between his sweet falsetto and deep eerie range creating a mysterious and emotionally tearing atmosphere. The soundscapes are light and breezy with haunting ghostly backing vocals and flickering soundscapes. It’s well-crafted as the track slithers in gently building to the extremely emotive anthemic chorus. These guys make the most of the instruments at their disposal creating a track that is icy, captivating and emotionally charged. With crisp freshness created by guitar whines swirling around the biting raw soundscapes and melty melody, its cleverly thought out. All of this backed by a punchy durability on drums Enola Fall’s ‘London’ gradually and meticulously wriggles and bleeds right up to the massive powerhouse chorus. It’s a little gem.

Watch the video for ‘London’ below


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

The Bridport Dagger ‘Wolves’

The Bridport Dagger have released their new single ‘Wolves’ which was recorded at Brixton Hill Studio. Band members Chaz Foster (Bass and Guitars), Lawrence Rice (Guitars), Neil Walsh  (Viola), Jason Idnani-Powdrill (Vocals, Guitars) and Arran Goodchild (Drumming, Keys, Percussion) have created a track so stirring and hair raising it will  leave you on the edge of your seat, constantly looking around for something to jump out of the shadows and get you. ​

‘Wolves’ enters with palpitating guitars quivering over rumbling drums as frontman Jason Idnani-Powdrill’s vocals shudder with an eerie theatrical tremble. It’s cinematic and dramatic as scurrying guitars build tension while the lyrics deliver an ominous narration. The music paints a picture like your watching a pistols at dawn western between dark mysterious characters. The blood curdling suspense tells you this story won’t end well. It’s a chilling goosebump inducing rush of adrenaline. Smothered in delectably enticing drama and a thrilling apprehension of this harrowing dooms day, it’s a captivating tale depicting the breathtaking cusp of demise. These guys contain an intense surge of anxiety and urgency in this four minute track relentlessly bombarding you with a slick swaggered rush of panic and terror. It’s well crafted, dark yet seductive and blood thirsty but sounds like it was made for a Tarantino movie. A riveting listen.

The band will soon be heading back to the studio in November to record songs for their debut album and judging from this track it’s going to be heart stopping and amazing.

Stream ‘Wolves’ below