Tag Archives: Alternative

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

Swords ‘Betty Machete’

Dublin’s Alternative band Swords released their new single ‘Betty Machete’ in July. Diane Anglim (vocals & piano), Jarlath Canning (bass, guitars & synth) and Ian Frawley (drums) have created a catchy beaming track that glows with bright textures and an upbeat snappy ball of elastic rhythm. The golden hook pulls you into a marshmallow of sweet lush melody. Anglim’s honeyed vocals are delicate and captivating while the fuzzed bass and guitars add a kick and psychedelic buzz to the track. The rapid soft slap beat drives the song and gives a playful quality and an infectious clap-along feature. ‘Betty Machete’ is instantly likeable and with an ear worm sing along chorus you will want to put it on repeat and enjoy its feel good vibe.
Stream ‘Betty Machete’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Everywhere ‘Some Other Dude’

Everywhere are an alternative rock band from London. The band consists of members Max Berga (Vocals), Joe Sanders (Bass), Hugo Hadji (Guitar), Boris Massot (Drums) and Joe Bates (Keys). Since their Hypemachine charting debut ‘Eddie’, Everywhere’s music has been streamed millions of times on YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify. They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets, and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London. Following the release of their critically praised single ‘Shades At Night’ the five piece have released a new track ‘Some Other Dude’. It is the second single off their ‘Sophomore’ EP due out in September this year. During the recording process of the new EP the band have divided their time between Stockholm, Los Angeles and London to collaborate with multiple producers, including American hit maker Mark Needham (The 1975, The Killers).
‘Some Other Dude’ gives us a taste of what we can expect from their EP. The track is “about the importance of seizing an opportunity before it goes out the window”. Its a fist pumping high energy confidence building anthem with escalating dynamic vocals teamed with soaring chorus and infectious melody. The elastic groovy bass and bopping punchy drums gives this track a dance effect and a  “carpe diem” feel. Its bursting with energetic “go for it” attitude. The accelerated luminous guitar raises your spirits adding that feel good factor. The soft shimmering synths gives a subtle upsurge and encouraging burst to the track. ‘Some Other Dude’ is richly textured with a fantastic uplifting melody. It will have you dancing ridiculously around the room in no time.
Stream ‘Some Other Dude’ below

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

Edgar Duke ‘You And I’

Edgar Duke are a psychedelic-funk rock band from Leeds. The band consist of members Tom O’Reily (lead guitar and vocals), James Raymond (drums) and Luke Strange (bass). Their slick bluesy track ‘You And I’ caught our attention this week. Its a confident funky track oozing swagger and strut quality. Edgar Duke pull in a variety of styles and sounds creating their own blend of seductive smooth tones that spark fiery steamy 70s suave while maintaining cool and indifferent. The sharp sting of the guitar keeps the track fresh and adds an edge and zest, while the elastic bass gives that hip swaying flirtatious effect. The rapid beat is smooth and keeps the track spirited and light while adding a brawn and muscle. The track is catchy and with dynamic vocals is a fantastic listen. Keep an eye out for Edgar Duke. ‘You And I’ shows these guys have great potential.
Stream ‘You And I’ below

Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Trance

Mucklo ‘Double Dealing’

Hailing from Frankfort, Indiana, the man behind Mucklo, Michael J. Hall, started writing music at a young age. In High School, Michael played many punk rock shows as the guitarist and vocalist for a progressive, genre-clashing four piece psych rock band called, Split Lips and Lemons. After departing from Split Lips and Lemons, Michael began meeting a lot of phenomenal local musicians and commenced to playing bass for both an original blues rock band, The Down Low Kickers, and a Grateful Dead cover band, The Graciously Departed (formally known as Band And Dave). Hall has taken his experience and has been perfecting the lyrics and sound of the project he now calls Mucklo. The name Mucklo stems from a bolt-making artist who worked out of the same local factory Hall and his family worked at for a time. Hall fully composes, writes and produces his music. He has a passion for home recording and a knack for instruments, Hall can play the guitar, mandolin, drums, harmonica and autoharp, to name a few.
Mucklo released the track ‘Double Dealing’ earlier this year. It is an alluring and enticing song with entrancing shadowy tones that lure you into the darkest depths of the track. Mucklo traps you in this intoxicating atmosphere while seducing you with his bass- driven bobbing groove. The track develops into a sticky gooey head bopping trip with bouncy guitars and a soft pop punch beat. The shredding guitar solo freshes up the track and adds to the psychedelic trip while the vocals are dismal and draw the listener in giving a narcotic hypnotic effect that is eerie yet soothing.
Stream ‘Double Dealing’ below

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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Farebrother

Farebrother are Bath’s latest indie alternative band. Tom Hunt, Michael Vowell and Matt Day, make up the indie three-piece. The band have become known for their electric performances and have already won an endorsement with Mass Records while also receiving interest from All Saints, Olympus and Mini who have incorporated the high-energy, hook filled tracks into their media campaigns. 2015 saw them perform at some of Bristol and Bath’s most iconic venues, such as The Louisiana and The Nest. Farebrother have now released their debut EP ‘Rapture’ this year.
The title track from their debut EP is our worth a listen track this week. ‘Rapture’ is a fully formed snappy track that is so well composed its difficult to reconcile yourself to the fact that it was taken from their debut EP. Farebrother ease you into the track with a reserved verse to start. Its stripped back with light accompaniment and bare vocals that give a rawness to the track and establish the vocal melody. They then introduce their fantastic energetic sound with walls of crunching guitar and pounding rapid drums that drive the track forward. The vocals are strong and confident and exude swagger and emotion. The track builds into an anthem fist pump that is arena worthy. Its a crowd -pleaser with its catchy chorus that is infectious and gives that feel good fiery atmosphere to the track. Farebrother appear to have mastered the art of writing tunes that connect with an audience, these guys definitely have a bright future ahead of them.
Stream ‘Rapture’ below

https://soundcloud.com/farebrother-1/rapture

Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Harbouring Oceans ‘Enso’

Harbouring Oceans are an alternative Pop, Art Rock band from Kilkenny. The band consist of Dan Pearson (Guitar/Lead Vocals), Geoff Warner-Clayton (Keys/Vocals), Benedict Warner-Clayton (Drums), Ken Farrell (Bass) and Thomas Donoghue (Lead Guitar). The five-piece released their debut single, ‘Enso’ in May this year. It is the first release from a band who’s members have been playing together in different projects for over a decade and finally after years of experimenting with their sound across Ireland in some of the country’s biggest venues and festivals, Harbouring Oceans was born in December 2015.
‘Enso’ is a tender emotive track tightly packed in a soulful stirring melody and bound with deep rhythmic grooves. Pearson’s vocals are clear and exude raw passionate emotion with lush close harmony in backing vocals that adds a delicate and dainty quality to the track. ‘Enso’ begins in a soft ambient manner that builds as the song progresses. The light piano feature adds  grace and elegance to this beautiful track. The guitars interweave through the music and teamed with the groove of the bass give elasticity to track which adds a flexible sway -like quality. Harbouring Oceans have found a blend of soulful, sensual, raw emotional music that evokes your senses and touches your soul.
Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Enso’ below

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

Delamere ‘Black & White Space’

Delamere are an alternative band from Stoke-on-Trent, band members James Fitchford (guitar, keys & vocals), Ashley Egerton (guitar), Richard Dawson (bass) and Will Mason (drums & electronics) signed to Scruff of the Neck Records in the Summer of 2014 after their first singles earned early airplay and acclaim from the likes of Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing in Stoke, with later releases ‘Bright Young Things’ and ‘Heart’ being aired on National Television on Channel 4’s Made in Chelsea and Sky Sports’ Soccer AM. The band have also supported acts such as Peace and Palma Violets. Last year saw the band play festivals such as Dot to Dot and Tramlines, while 2016 saw them make appearances at renowned industry showcase festivals The Great Escape, Live At Leeds and International Music Summit in Ibiza. The four piece are set to release their self-titled debut album which was recorded at Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios (Blossoms, The Coral) with producer Rich Turvey. Their lead single ‘Kill It’ was met with rapturous response from fans and critics alike and they have just released their second single from the album ‘Black & White Space’.
‘Black & White Space’ is a richly textured melodic track that acts as a labyrinth tightly layered and twisted in intricate instrumentation. Its soft percussion gives a steady foundation to the track while the sparkling swirling synths give us that circular aerial feel. Fitchford’s vocals are soft and velvety and add a delicate quality to the track while the guitars twinkle with a gentle melody that illuminates the track and lifts it into a new dimension.
You can catch Delamere on their third UK tour at

SAT 13/08/16 | THE BODEGA | NOTTINGHAM
FRI 19/08/16 | ALL SAINTS CHURCH | LEEK
TUE 23/08/16 | THE POLAR BEAR | HULL
FRI 26/08/16 | ALSO KNOWN AS | BANBURY
SAT 27/08/16 | ASHCOMBURY FESTIVAL
SUN 28/08/16 | ACTRESS & BISHOP | BIRMINGHAM
TUE 30/08/16 | SOFAR SOUNDS | LEEDS
WED 31/08/16 | OLD BLUE LAST | LONDON
FRI 02/09/16 | THE ANVIL | BOURNEMOUTH
THU 08/09/16 | BUSKERS | DUNDEE
FRI 09/09/16 | MASH HOUSE | EDINBURGH
SAT 10/09/16 | ACADEMY 3 | MANCHESTER
FRI 16/09/16 | THE UNDERGROUND | BRADFORD
SAT 17/09/16 | RAMSBOTTOM FESTIVAL
SAT 17/09/16 | EIGER STUDIOS | LEEDS
Stream ‘Black & White Space’ below

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

Fossils ‘Lo-Fi’

FOSSILS

Fossils are an alternative band from Liverpool. The band consists of members Jonathan Gibson (Lead vocals, guitar), Jay Denham (bass, backing vocals), Ryan Culshaw (Guitar) and Jack Robertson (Drums). Their debut single ‘Lo-Fi’ has been played on BBC Introducing Liverpool and they have supported Martha Ffion who’s on Jake Bugg’s label.
‘Lo-Fi’ is a refreshing aerial track with echo vocals and soft beats. The use of reverb gives this track a breezy flying vibe and teamed with the delicate bubbling drums you get the feeling you are running to your freedom as you feel the refreshing wind on your face cleansing you of whatever you are running from. The guitar is bright and sharp and adds an effective contrast to the smooth drums adding an edge to the track and giving that breezy vibe.
This track shows Fossils great musicianship and potential . Look forward to hearing more from them.
You can catch Fossils at soundstation Liverpool in St Michaels station on the 24th July.
Stream ‘Lo-Fi’ below

A Chat With, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With : Neon Wolf

We caught up with Rob from Neon Wolf after their sold out show upstairs in Whelan’s Dublin last Saturday to have a chat.

You guys seem to be building up quite a bit of a reputation now, you’re getting a lot of support,but what brought you guys together, and when did you start out?
It started in 2011, but we’d been aware of each other’s bands for a few years. When the time came that we didn’t have anything else going on musically, we kind of came together and wrote some songs that got us excited.
Where did the name Neon Wolf come from?
I was half-asleep one night and it just came to me, I had been thinking about band names before that so it was on my mind. I came to, and text my friend to ask him what he thought, he didn’t like it, so it stuck.
What inspired you to make music?
For me, I just had melodies in my head that I wanted to get out and Brian Wilson.
You radiate bright sunny vibes through your music is that a conscious decision to fend away the dull winter days in kilkenny?
Good question, probably. We just like having a good time and I guess it reflects on the music. There are a lot of sad moments too but that makes good music, doesn’t it?
Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
There’s usually either some chords or a sound happening and then a melody will unravel. Not always that simple but it can happen very easily.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Yes, there was an incident which was down to bad management and money. Nothing to do with the 5 members. The band got through it thankfully and we’re currently back on track and going full steam ahead.
Which of your songs are you most proud of so far?
Hmm, that’s a tough one, it depends on what day it is. I will say there is a particular new song that doesn’t have a title yet, it’s like half Lorde, half Foals but could’ve been on The Beach soundtrack.
Which of the lyrics you have written are your favourite so far?
I love the imagery in No Other Soul,”Don’t you want to see, we got out so long ago, we could not be. There’s no other soul, we’re the last one’s out, I know there couldn’t”. It just captures where my head was at the time. Is it post-apocalyptic and half inspired by Dawn of the Dead? Probably.
So you guys played with Ham Sandwich in the Academy last month , how was your set?
It was good fun and the crowd were deadly! Ham Sandwich are such a great band, very cool people too!
What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
There’s a new song we’re playing that is going down a treat, it’s currently called War, then there’s All of it’s Your’s which goes down so well live, we still love it!
So far what is your favourite venue that you have played ?
The Olympia in Dublin.
What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
This time there was a stage invasion at our hometown gig, people were falling all over the place. I always wondered how musicians worked through that, I found out fairly quickly. It was bizarre but absolutely deadly at the same time.
Who has been your favourite support act so far?
Knoxville Morning, they supported us for a hometown gig, and anytime we play together it’s just mayhem.
What is the first Record you ever bought?
I would say, Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away.
What is the best advise you have been given?
“Do what makes you happy”, It’s a simple one but it was enough.
Is there any new artists that you are excited about?
The Japanese House, Blossoms and Spring King.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
Play music that you want to play.
What have Neon Wolf got planned for the rest of the year?
Recording in Belfast. Playing with Stereophonics and The Vaccines in Dublin at the end of June and Indiependence Festival in Cork on July 30th. There are more gigs and releases to come, which we’re very excited about! Keep an eye out…

Exciting times ahead for Neon Wolf supporting Stereophonics and The Vaccines that’s going to be amazing! Looking forward to their new releases too! If you can’t wait for them check out their track ‘All Of It’s Yours’ below.