Tag Archives: Alternative

Calista Kazuko ‘Daddy Issues’

London based singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist, Calista Kazuko is set to release the second single from her eagerly awaited ‘Project: Love Me’ EP on iChi Ni Records. Following the success of her recent single ‘Poison’, Calista will unveil ‘Daddy Issues’ together with a beautiful accompanying music video directed by Philip Reinking on the 31st of March. The ‘Project: Love Me’ EP was recorded in London at The Smokehouse in Tower Bridge with award winning film composer Guy Dagul and features five brilliant new tracks. A cinematic soundscape filled with intensity and drama, the music is dark, twisted yet strangely uplifting.
‘Daddy Issues’ is a dark smokey eerie number, theatrically dramatic and haunting yet devilishly thrilling. Feathery light gentle piano twinkles with a spooky elegance while haunting chilling strings add a creepy sway- like floaty feel. With cinematic menacing instrumentation this track creeps with spine tingling eeriness while maintaining a seductive alarming quality. With strong dominant vocals and soft ghostly backing vocals this track hovers over brewing bratty peril and desire. ‘Daddy Issues’ is chilling and thrilling cant wait for the EP.
You can follow Calista Kazuko and have a sneak peek at the ‘Daddy Issues’ video on
Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/CalistaKazuko/
Twitter here https://twitter.com/CalistaKazuko

Billy Moon ‘Different Song (Same Girl)’

Ontario, Canada’s garage rock phenom Billy Moon has released the video for his single ‘Different Song (Same Girl)’​ which is taken off the recently released EP ‘That Which You Can’t Throw Away’. This track is raspberry ripple ice cream, smooth and luxurious with a feathery light sway  and dreamy tones. Velvety swoony vocals coo with a delicate charm against sharp guitar chords and cushioned beats. Its an almost doo whop delight with an effortless  daydreaming glide. Elegant and simple but oh so good and satisfying. The edged guitar adds a rough texture to the wispy flurrying track while the creamy falsetto vocals and sweet  luscious melody give a silky cotton candy smothered swagger that compels you to put the track on repeat and let your mind drift into a hazy dreamy euphoria.

Watch the video for ‘Different Song (Same Girl)’ below

Fighting Caravans ‘It’s A Nice Ride (To Be Fair)’

Leeds alternative rock band Fighting Caravans have released their new single ‘It’s A Nice Ride (To Be Fair)’ by cult label, Clue Records. After sets at Leeds and Reading Festival in 2016, band members Daniel Clark (Lead Vocals), Roff James (Guitar), Cinnamon Lees (Bass), Ali Fletcher (Guitar) and Joshua Hagzenberg (Drums) have gained a reputation as an explosive live band which is exemplified by the accompanying music video made up of clips from their most recent headline tour of Europe in October. The band have recently completed a stint recording at the renowned, The Nave, and plans are in place for an even bigger 2017 having already announced appearances at a number of Festivals, including Outlines and Blue Dot.
‘It’s A Nice Ride (To Be Fair)’ is a venomous attack cloaked in smooth eerie tones and a slick glossy flow. This psychedelic acid trip wails with shrilling distorted guitar and a bitter fierce lyrical sting. Soft lush backing vocals add a ghostly haunting quality while that razor sharp  guitar shines with spine chilling flare and animation right into the kick ass riveting solo. The stirring malleable bass is shiver inducing-ly sinister. The track sweeps with their melodic yet vicious creepy territory with nods towards Nick Cave, The Walker Brothers and The Last Shadow Puppets. The track is lush and sublimely layered with dark tones and grippingly intense instrumentation. A chilling and thrilling must listen from Fighting Caravans. Watch out for theses guys.
Watch the video for ‘It’s A Nice Ride (To Be Fair)’ below

Atlanta Snow ‘Perfect Symphony’

Atlanta Snow (formerly Stefansson) are a new project, fronted by Singer / Songwriter / Producer; Matt Woodruff, who’s sound showcases a vibrant, contrasting and expressive approach to Electronic / Pop music. Atlanta Snow’s attitude is all about connecting with listeners through high-energy release, uplifting melodies, and fat low end that makes the floor shake. Mixed by Dave Darlington in NYC (Avicii, Bob Sinclar, Sting), the new single ‘Perfect Symphony’ is full of catchy pop hooks with ambition flowing throughout. It is an uplifting anthem that features a sublime vocal performance by Woodruff. Its edgy pop synth-heavy alternative rock that is exhilarating. Breezy synths laced over soaring vocals and ethereal melodies make this track a sublime piece of musicianship. Heavy beats give this track a dance feel, its inspiriting and invigorating with enough rawness to create a razor sharp edge and bite.
‘Perfect Symphony’ is Atlanta Snow’s second single from their upcoming album and is the first track of what is to be an exciting year for the project.

Stream ‘Perfect Symphony’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Cameron Avery

Singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist and Tame Impala’s bass player Cameron Avery has released his third single off his upcoming solo debut album ‘Ripe Dreams, Pipe Dreams’ which is set for release on March 10. ‘Dance With Me’ is the deep yearning last song of the night beginning with a one two slide rhythm and swoony hushed lulling backing vocals . Honest lyrics narrated by Avery’s velvety deep baritone coo with a cowboys brawny yet vulnerable swagger. Elegant strings sway the track into a flutter or twirl of romantic idealisation. Exotic almost poetic melody on guitar glides through the track with charming allurement. Gaining momentum and confidence the track drifts into a slow tango- like rhythm while building in intensity and instrumentally with a steamy guitar solo before Avery’s vocal become more pleading and expressive. Cleverly placed lyrics and gentle seductive instrumentation teamed with passion and tones of infatuation ‘Dance With Me’ leaves you in a dreamy haze. Another example of Avery’s first-rate musicianship. Looking forward to the album.
Stream ‘Dance With Me’ below

Twenty four Debut EP

Twenty Four are a four piece up and coming indie band from Glasgow. Band members Daniel Adens, Ian Lawrie,Scott Canham and Rory Smith are releasing their self titled debut EP which is available to pre- order on itunes now and will be released Wednesday on all streaming services, spotify, itunes, apple music, soundcloud etc.
Twenty Four give us an EP crammed with energetic punchy tracks that blister and bubble with infectious scorching indie. ‘Loose It All’ kicks things off with a snappy elastic rhythm setting up the swinging rock and roll lively track. The track bounces and bops with flexible bass and crunching guitars giving the song a high powered ball of fire stamina and lively fun vibe. ‘Never Be The Same’ cools the tone slightly with a sweet melody on guitar to start. Passionate raspy vocals add some grit to the track while it maintains a swing tempo. Punchy drums add brawn while the malleable bass adds a spring and rubbery bounce. The shift in the track for the bridge is refreshing as it takes a more rapid approach to the soul- like track. ‘On The Run’ introduces itself with thunderous heavy instrumentation. With a mighty catchy chorus and perky instrumentation of twinkling light sunny guitar features, its sun soaked ebullience. Once again the ductile bass bring the track to life and gives a slick strong foundation to ground the song while the playful and nimble shredding guitar runs freely weaving between the melody.‘Seventeen’ bubbles with animated vivacious stamina. Its cheeky swagger infused vocals teamed with fluttering funky bass and cheerful zesty guitar proves once again theses guys have a knack for writing songs that make you want to dance. ‘Stranges’ finishes the EP with sparkling guitar and a reggae – esque vibe. Its a sun setting relaxing groovy track that makes you think where have these guys been and why haven’t I heard them before now. Gentle instrumentation and soft beat will have you swaying in a dim light setting with images of the  sand, sea and sunset.
Twenty Four are a Glasgow band that can take you to your tropical paradise in just five tracks. Fantastic musicianship really talented bunch of guys who don’t just write music they take you on a journey to utopia .
Check out Twenty Four’s Facebook page for all the details to get the EP here https://www.facebook.com/twentyfourmusic/

Brass Phantoms ‘Waiting Up’

Dublins alternative rock foursome, Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘Waiting Up’. The band have played extensively all over the country and have Sunsets Festival and Guinness Amplify performances under their belt, as well as headlining shows at Dublin’s Workman’s and Whelan’s. Their track ‘City Of Wolves’ was released last year and was play listed on our national broadcaster RTE 2fm leading to a BBC Introducing slot for BBC Radio Ulster, and live sessions across stations like NOVA and 4fm. They finished last year at the Other Voices festival and have been booked for various showcases and Ones To Watch festivals this year as well as this summers Indiependence with Manic Street Preachers and SIGMA (full line up to be announced).
‘Waiting Up’ is a rush of sonic laden aerial indie. Soaring to skyscraper heights this track is sublime almost heavenly. The rapid tribal tinged beat teamed with rooted rolling bass gives the track grounding and a solid foundation to bounce off before it escapes and ascends into the elevated chorus. The sharp sting on guitar adds a breezy refreshing sensation as the track builds into a blustery thrilling crescendo. Smooth vocals coo to start with a velvety texture building and becoming more animated as the track progresses, while the lush uplifting backing vocals soar above with sweet elevated buoyancy. The superb production and breathtaking musicianship makes ‘Waiting Up’ a stunning display of Brass Phantoms compact remarkable soundscape

.
Watch the video for ‘Waiting Up’ below

Ziegler Co. ‘Clarity’

Ziegler Co. are an alt-Indie-Pop four piece based in London. Band members Adam J. Morgan, Daniel Priddle, Fraser Rieley and Michael Benöhr have released three EPs and six singles through Foof Records in the last two years.They have gigged extensively over the UK and have played at festivals including Green Man, Secret Garden Party and Glastonbury. They have also supported, amongst others, the Penguin Café Orchestra. Their latest EP ‘Soap & Water’ was recorded at an ex-girlfriend’s house during a long rainy summer weekend, and indulges the band’s reflective song-writing side and captures a softer sound not heard in their previous release.
‘Clarity’ is the first track on the EP and showcases a sophisticated immersed sound complete with an elegance and delicate charm that is mind easing. Graceful piano twinkles and sparkles like shimmering water while the warm cooing vocals soothe and wash over you with an almost purifying presence. The simplistic beat anchors the track letting the glistening mellow guitar and piano almost dance together as their melodies sway and glide with grandeur. Beautifully crafted, this track fills you with a feeling of piece and tranquillity. The song builds to a stronger more instrumentally intense crescendo with eerie haunting backing vocals where you realise the melancholy darker undertone. Ziegler Co. have produced a tightly wrapped track that lets the listener unwind with a lyrical depth and profoundness that leaves an imprint on your soul. The video for Clarity was directed by Anna Patarakina who is a great friend of the band and directs/DPs almost all of Clean Bandit’s videos.
Ziegler Co. are currently sitting on another four tracks which they recorded last year so hopefully they will be released soon.Looking forward to that.
Watch the video for ‘Clarity’ below

BOKITO ‘Better At Getting Worse’

London-Irish ‘tropical indie’ sensations BOKITO have released their belting debut single ‘Better At Getting Worse’ on Lost In The Manor Records. Peddling an uproarious blend of rock, soca, funk and roots, London-based five-piece Bokito consisting of members Moses (vocals), Jody (bass), Joe (guitar), Tom (drums) and Sam (keys/percussion) have coined a phrase for their unique genre mashup: tropical indie. With edgy grooves and unforgettable hooks BOKITO radiate sun-baked carnival vibes.

‘Better At Getting Worse’ is an infectious glowing ball that increases in brightness and luminosity as the track progresses. Beginning with a quirky swirling organ-and-guitar refrain soaring across an angular calypso rhythm, its instantly likeable. This unusual fusion is fresh and immensely thrilling. The affluent percussion will summon up the inner dance goblin in even the most reluctant person.Building into an absolutely astral chorus this track bounces with intense spirit and explosive energy. Its tribal bridge sets your soul on fire with a sun soaked heatwave of delight. Moses brings a splash of rousing Celtic spirit with his extraordinary vibrant and charismatic vocals. Its the stuff dancing is made for.

The track was produced by Bradley Spencer and Alex Beitzke in London’s Fish Tank studios, and mastered by legendary Grammy-nominated engineer Greg Calbi. ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is something of a cautionary insight to the male psyche. Frontman Moses explains:

“The song is primarily aimed at men and their own handling of their emotions… and how useless most of them are at it. But we men are talented at one thing, which is suppressing everything and moulding it into a smile.”
You can catch BOKITO live at
11th February – The Stags Head, Hoxton, London
5th April – The Lock Tavern, Camden, London
28th April – Whelans, Dublin, Ireland
20th May – The Great Escape @ Queens Hotel, Brighton
Stream ‘Better At Getting Worse’ below

https://soundcloud.com/bokitoband/better-at-getting-worse/

Stereo Honey ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’

Dreamy indie rock band Stereo Honey have released their new track ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’. The band consists of Peter Restrick (Vocals and Guitar), Nicky Boiardi (Guitars and Keys), Ben Edwards (Bass), and Jake Black (Drums) they have all been playing together in various bands for a few years until they started Stereo Honey about a year ago. The four piece recorded the track at Kensaltown Studios with Eduardo de la Paz.
‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ is a gripping melodically mournful track which displays a band gifted at writing melodies and creating an atmosphere that completely encapsulates the listener in their crafted melodious world. Instantly Restrick’s vocals stand out with his Matt Bellamy-esque wailing but a bit more like Conor Mason from Nothing But Thieves. With insane clear crisp falsetto Restrick is fantastic at holding and controlling these massive notes for the chorus while softening to a soft coo almost whisper for the eerie spine tingling verse.Its punchy and strong with wispy breezy synths creating a haunting dark atmosphere swirling with twisting confusion. Bubbling bass and winding keys add a grip of anxiety while the explosive crescendo creates a rush of panic.Shredding distorted guitars bring a raw energy and intensity to the track. ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ is extremely emotive with a shadowy dark presence as the swoony high register on vocals holds the song’s forefront. Its clear that Stereo Honey are passionate about their craft, which makes for great listening. When asked about the track the band said
“Where No One Knows Your Name’ is a song about mental illness. Peter wrote the lyrics trying to get to grips with the interiority you feel when suffering with anxiety. Essentially, the song is about retreating inside of your own head when the world outside feels hostile and overwhelming. We tried to write the track in a way that emulates the rush of a panic attack, by moving from the steadiness of the verses into sudden, explosive choruses”
Stream ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ below

https://soundcloud.com/stereo-honey/where-no-one-knows-your-name