Tag Archives: Black Honey

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick picks – featuring Paperflowers., Anna Jane Jackson,Owen Rua, James Jack, Brendan Murray and Black Honey

Paperflowers.

Genre : Alternative pop/ indie rock

Bio : Paperflower. is an independent alt pop/ indie rock project formed by Charlie PJ Phillips. Phillips, is 21 year old musician who writes, records and produces all his music in his room. He started writing under the name Paperflowers. recently after starting his BA Hons’ study at Leeds College of Music. Paperflower. has recently released a two track collection ‘I’ll Be Alright / Let Go.’

Track: I’ll Be Alright

Why We Like It: It’s a clean pop number doused in exhilarating soundscapes and sublime production. With twinkling guitar zealously slicing through an eruption on electronics the track has a hyper fun chorus while the verses cool the tone with ethereal moments brooding between sweet melodies and soft vocals. The track has a dreamy atmosphere with soft graceful melodies exuding majestic indie between the steady beat and lush intricacies. ‘I’ll Be Alright’ is a beautiful and comforting piece of bedroom pop from Paperflowers.

About the track Charlie PJ Phillips said : “My latest release titled ‘I’ll Be Alright / Let Go.’ Stems from an event in my life that occurred recently and explores the feelings of losing someone very close,to move on from this I wrote the two songs almost like an explanation to myself. I like to think that people who enjoy my music find comfort and relate to the stories being told.”

You can follow Paperflowers. on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pxperflowers/

Stream ‘I’ll Be Alright’ below

Anna Jane Jackson

Genre : Indie pop singer songwriter 

Bio : Anna Jane Jackson is a model, actress, and musician based in LA.  She was the vocalist in a teen country/Americana band, modelled internationally, and has appeared in many TV shows, commercials, and films. ‘Bittersweet Love’ was written for the soundtrack of the upcoming film Evan Wood featuring Jere Burns (Dead to Me, Breaking Bad), Trevor Stines (Riverdale, Purity Falls), and MacCallister Byrd (NCIS, Strange Angel).

Track: Bittersweet Love 

Why We Like It: It’s a catchy number with warm guitar, cinematic soundscapes and emotive vocals. A pulsing beat and dark electronics create the stormy atmosphere of the chorus while the lighter twinkle for the verse provides a sublime contrast. With a raw singer songwriter feel the track is a refreshing number and satisfying listen. 

You can Follow Anna Jane Jackson on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/AnnaJaneJackson/

Stream ‘Bittersweet Love’ below 

Owen Rua

Genre : Singer Songwriter

Bio : Up and coming Irish songwriter Owen Rua makes his impressive debut with his new single ‘Do You Ever Think of Me?

Track: Do You Ever Think of Me?

Why We Like It:  It’s a powerful indie pop anthem surging with passion while dark soundscapes wisp the backdrop in eerie sultry tones. Jaunty guitars glimmer between thick electronics as Owen Rua injects edgy moments into his indie pop concoction. With an upbeat backdrop of buoyant beats and smooth melody the song has a danceable quality. However there is a darker undertone to the track which oozes from the lyrics and expressed through Rua’s emotive vocals. His vocals caress the velvety melody allowing the bubbling rhythm to create tension in the background. Do You Ever Think of Me? is a bewitching indie pop number and magnificent debut from Owen Rua

You can follow Owen Rua on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/owenruamusic

Stream ‘Do You Ever Think of Me?’ Below

James Jack

Genre : Alternative indie

Bio : James Jack is a 19 year old musician from Callington, Cornwall, who has been playing guitar for over ten years. Previously he has been the frontman to the Plymouth based band “Echo Chamber” where he has played at festivals such as Boardmasters and Port Eliot festival, as well as playing in front of the likes of Michael Eavis with “The Little Mammoths” at Pilton’s NYE party.He is now working on writing and recording songs for his debut EP, which is planned to come out later this year. Demo tapes from this project, such as “Crush” have been played on local BBC radio. Other works of his, such as “I Should Be In London”, won him The Old Bakery’s Live Lounge Competition recently.

Track: Can We Talk?

Why We Like It:  Brimming with shredding indie rock and exhilarating energy ‘Can We Talk?’ is a fantastic debut. A cool laid back vocal display is spread upon a vibrant backdrop of jaunty guitars and punchy drums as the song drives upon a blazing backdrop of alternative rock. With a scorching guitar solo, catchy chorus and swagger dripping from every powerful note ‘Can We Talk?’ displays James Jack’s kinetic songwriting and refined edgy musicianship.

You can follow James Jack on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/jamesjackofficial/

Stream ‘Can We Talk?’ below 

Brendan Murray

Genre : Electronic pop

Bio : 23 year old Galway native Brendan Murray is no stranger to the music industry, having been a part of boy band ‘HomeTown’ managed by Louis Walsh, “HomeTown” achieved three chart hits in Ireland, including the number one singles “Where I Belong” in 2014, and “Cry for Help” in 2015. Their debut album, HomeTown, was released in November 2015 and peaked at number four in Ireland. Brendan then went on to represent Ireland at the Eurovision and was one of the finalists in X Factor 2018, mentored by One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. He secured a spot in the semi-final of the series, finishing in 5th place

Track: Let Go

Why We Like It: With infectious melodic hooks, crisp electronics and dance floor summoning soundscapes ‘Let Go’ takes Murray’s sound to an electrifying new level. With heavy beats providing an EDM element the songs rhythmic section pulses through the track with relentless stamina allowing the swirling electronics to build and create tension while the catchy pop melody and soft vocals create that earworm likeability. 

You can follow Brendan Murray on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/BrendanMurrayMusic

Stream ‘Let Go’ below

https://soundcloud.com/brendan-murray-665522448/let-go/s-y2EueEZrSjV

Black Honey

Genre :Indie 

Bio : Black Honey have released their new track called ‘Beaches’.The song is the first material to be released from the Brighton outfit since their self-titled debut album, which arrived back in 2018.

Track: Beaches 

Why We Like It: This retro tinged indie sizzler struts in on a stomping rhythm while sultry guitar lines provide a desert haze through the bubbling backdrop. It’s a fun summer anthem with jubilous horns adorning the chorus in warmth while Izzy B. Phillips’ sultry coos lull over the blistering backdrop and laid back cheeky, clapping rhythm. With a 60’s vibe spread over a psych hued indie soundscape Black Honey have provided another infectious track sure to get those feet tapping, hips shaking and bodies shimmying. 

You can follow Black Honey On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/BlackHoneyUK/

Watch the video for ‘Beaches’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Author : Danu

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Black Honey Live At The Grand Social Dublin With Support From Chappaqua Wrestling

It was a Brighton take over Thursday night in The Grand Social Dublin. With sparkles at the ready, swagger in tow and Guinness ready to guzzle. Indie rock, rising deity, Black Honey took the venue by storm equipped with everything to make the night memorable.

One of those was fellow Brighton gems Chappaqua Wrestling who flooded the venue with the sweetest, most delicious tunes as their musical prowess pleasantly wafted delicately about our ears. Each tune brought their sound to a new delightful level. Both Jake Mac and Charlie Woods take turns on vocals as they coo and softly lull through tracks like ‘False/Blue’ and ‘Wait To Form My Head’ while ‘Football’ blows our minds with blistering instrumentation. Their tracks are laid back, sun soaked and infectiously groovy. The duo are accompanied  by Jude Lilley and Josh Cassidy-Stone who maintained the joyous buoyant foundation and rhythmic bliss superbly. Their breezy tracks melt exquisitely into the ears with ease as the honey drizzled melodies float upon their edgy indie backdrop. Each track was tight and utterly mesmerising with a 50’s melodic hue floating about them. You can’t fault their slinky solos and thrilling riffs as they flesh out the bands intricately weaved sound beautifully.This duo’s easy going charm is infectious as they banter with the crowd  “ I tried my first Guinness today …. I love it so much” as well as jokingly haggling on the price of their EP as members of the crowd try to create a bit of currency exchange confusion. The band are talented and down to earth with some really infectious tracks . They even hug each other after their set, it was pretty moving. Chappaqua Wrestling are definitely ones to see live.

Black Honey take to the stage triumphantly as the crowd’s cheers resound through the venue. The ever so spellbinding frontwoman Izzy B Phillips parades in a sparkly pink dress and flashy sunglasses which she presents to a thrilled fan at the front with a wink and greeting smile before belting straight into ‘ I Only Hurt The Ones I Love‘. Flamboyant and sassy she struts about the stage executing every pose, stride and wiggle with a precision that leaves the crowd in awe. She has a mesmerising effect on the audience as they gaze upon her in all her glittering glory. The band is brimming with charisma, guitarist Chris Ostler prances about as he performs those sublime, ornate and golden soaked spaghetti western melodies and refined solos with finesse and grandeur. His smiling face a joy to see as he bops and hops along to their lavish tunes. The band give us a sneaky listen to the cinematic James Bond – esque new “not on the internet yet” single ‘ I Don’t Ever Wanna Love’.

“Girls come close, come in, lads step aside, girls at the back come up…. Cos this song is for you ” Izzy calls as she moves closer to the crowd hugging her stunned fans while they sing the chorus for the beloved ‘Corrine’. This is something she regularly does throughout the set, she stays with the crowd embraces and dances with them before returning to the stage to wiggle and shimmy to the bands infectious tasty tunes. The tracks take a new dimension live, the disco funk speckled delight ‘Midnight’ becomes more gritty and raw within the live setting while a slower start to the exhilarating ‘Spinning Wheel’ teases the fiery frenzy to come. Drummer Tom Dewhurst lays down that all important meaty foundation and punchy beat that keeps tracks like  ‘All My Pride’ pounding through your soul as he grins to the coolly composed Bassist Tommy Taylor who’s slinky bass lines make tracks like ‘Teenager’ and ‘Midnight’ swelter their way to epic status.

A beautiful rendition of ‘Baby’ allows Izzy to showcase her flawless vocals while ‘Bad Friends’ and ‘Into The Nightmare’ wallop through with attitude and fiery instrumentation. Their setlist powers through at an unstoppable speed, it almost feels like no time has passed when the band announce their final track of the night ‘Somebody Better ‘ as the crowd cheer and dance along.

Black Honey put on one heck of a performance. One of the best live shows of the year so far.


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Black Honey

Black Honey have shared another new track called ‘I Only Hurt The Ones I Love’, the follow-up to recent pop hit ‘Bad Friends’. The song precedes the group’s debut album, which is expected to land in September. They also have a headline tour coming up, which will see them head out from 13th October, with the finale taking place at London’s Electric Ballroom.

‘I Only Hurt The Ones I Love’ re-introduces that sweltering spaghetti western guitar Black Honey do so well. Once you hear that thrilling shrill you know your in for another infectious striking track from Black Honey. Izzy’s smooth vocals coo over the blistering guitar strides and punchy drums while that tasty melody drizzles a sweet nectarous syrup on top. It’s dipped in the laid-back swagger we know and love from this four piece while they flood the track in haunting mystery with some bopping pop sprinkled on top. This deadly concoction is the scrumptious irresistible sound of Black Honey. The catchy chorus, rumbling bridge teamed with slick bass licks and guitar hooks make for a polished glossy yet gritty blast of chilled indie rock.

Watch the video for  ‘I Only Hurt The Ones I Love’ below


Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Royal Blood at the 3Arena Dublin with support from Black Honey and At The Drive In

Rock duo Royal Blood ascended into the 3Arena Sunday night for their biggest headline show in Dublin to date. The band who have built a devoted fanbase with their hard-pummeling rock have been known to put on some insane live shows and the 3Areana was no different. I’ll admit having seen the lads perform at smaller venues before and experienced the raw intense show they put on I was afraid that a larger venue would lose that intimate mania…. I was wrong.

Brighton four-piece Black Honey kicked off the night for their Dublin debut blasting straight into ‘All My Pride’. Front-woman Izzy Baxter (who popped outside before the show to give queuing fans posters and encourage them to stay warm) exuded sass and swagger with every hip pop and powerful point at the crowd. It’s difficult to connect with the crowd with a lengthy runway between you and the audience but she ventures as far out as her guitar lead would let her and wallops out as much charisma and oomph as possible. It’s an enchanting display as Baxter commands the stage with a daring poise that can only be admired. Their tracks, undoubtedly catchy with spaghetti western guitar wails it’s fiercely thrilling live. The hazy fiery ‘Madonna’ with it’s blazing guitar lines follows using the shrilling distortion and hysteria causing intro of ‘Somebody Better’ as its chaser. They belt out solid tunes that blend hazy dreamy melodies with shattering drums and scorching guitars. Baxter’s sultry vocals radiate over the dizzying instrumentation as she struts about exuding a fierce confidence. “Sláinte” she says while lifting her drink to the crowd, “did I get that right? … what’s the craic?..what is the craic though?” she questions before the steamy new single ‘Dig’. ‘Hello Today’ sparks a clap along among the crowd and you have to hear ‘Spinning Wheel’ live that’s all i’m going to say, it was dynamite. Black Honey are an exciting band for sure who amply coped with the large crowd and put on an exciting show. With a debut album due next year, I can’t wait to see what they do at a headline show here in Ireland.

At The Drive In followed and wow words can hardly describe the experience. Cedric Bixler-Zaval leapt rolled, kicked and wailed his way through the set. It was hard core brain assaulting mania and the crowd loved it. With his signature mic drop and kick trick as he strutted down the runway oozing swagger and attitude it was a swanky spectacle for sure. With tracks accelerated to neck breaking speeds they had the crowd pumped and ready to rock. “yeah that’s right tell your momma tell your nan” he shouts before the frantic ‘No Wolf Like The Present’. The crowd erupt into a blur of moshing heads and flailing limbs. “Can you feel it in your veins?, can you feel it in your teeth?, let me see your teeth” he bellows while the crowd scream back and you could for sure feel the sound pounding through your body bashing your senses. It was a mighty frenetic set that was unforgettable. Cedric Bixler-Zaval is tireless he doesn’t stop moving from climbing onto the speakers and karate kicking to springing into the air frantically. He gets the audience riled up and pumped. The mass of spiraling interweaving guitars pulverising drums and screaming vocals grip the crowd into submission, At The Drive In are a force to be reckoned with.

Royal Blood take to the stage as the crowd explode with screams and whoops. ‘Lights Out’ sets the fans alight. The duo have an impressive red laser light display which encased the band for the first track and with artistic screen images they were ready to make an impression. Every lyric, riff and drum roll was bellowed out by the crowd as frontman Mike Kerr takes every opportunity to strut down the stage to the crowd. There’s a lot going on from stage hands swiftly placing mic stands as Kerr moves about the stage to rapid guitar changes. Favourites from their self-titled debut album sparked massive cheers and huge sing alongs. Their fans adore them and make filling an arena like this easy for the pair. Kerr has grown into his frontman role and is taking it in his stride as he slickly blasts out those lusty beefy riffs. “I don’t believe this is happening to us tonight this place is huge” he admits before the explosive ‘Come On Over’. It’s a tireless set of moshing singing and hair everywhere. Ben Thatcher’s pulverising drumming is so powerful and mighty it sends the crowd into a frenzy of headbanging. With dashing backing singers introduced for ‘I Only Lie When I Love You’ these guys exude a new suaveness. They’ve learned a lot and for a two-piece filled the arena with their larger than life swagger. Track after track is announced to mammoth screams and whiplash causing headbanging. They pulled out all the stops from a dramatic clap along, shredding solos to a stick on fire hitting a gong. Royal Blood made sure they put on a show to remember. There was crowd surfing, pushing, fighting for the drum sticks Thatcher threw out followed by the “Olé, Olé, Olé” chant. The duo had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Though these guys have developed a rock and roll persona they haven’t left their humbleness behind “we feel very uncomfortable right now. Worst front man of all time.  I’m a man and I’m at the front and that’s it.” Kerr admits before the knock out  ‘Hole In Your Heart’ which sees Kerr relocate to the front of the stage to play keys. Kerr recalls their first time in Dublin where they got “so f**king drunk… I feel like we fit in here, I feel like we all drink the same”.

The crowd scream and stomp for the encore until Royal Blood triumphantly return with ‘Ten Tone Skeleton’ and the fierce ‘Out Of The Black’ which causes total anarchy among the crowd. Thatcher approaches the crowd stepping up on the barrier they fight over him and reach forward to grab any and every part of him so much so he says “whoa whoa hang on guys”. They leave the stage like heroes as the crowd bellow, scream and clap.

Royal Blood blew the roof off the 3 Arena. They steamrolled in and blasted out a cracking show losing little to none of the manic intensity of their more intimate shows.


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 Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Black Honey ‘Somebody Better’

Black Honey have released their new single ‘Somebody Better’ to their eagerly awaiting fans with the little treat of a  b-side track ‘Cadillac’ as well to ease those withdrawal symptoms a little. ‘Somebody Better’ shrills with a  thrilling sky scraping guitar that displays the edgy and kick-ass hysteria that only Black Honey does so well. Queue their signature ear worm syrupy melody and you are hooked. Sweet backing vocals lull while Izzy sings honest lyrics against a cinematic backdrop, its hazy day dreamy bliss. The shattering punch of the drums reverbs through your core while the strong nimble bass gives us a flexible groove. Shredding ear-piercing guitar solo adds a blood-tingling rawness that is electrifying.
‘Cadillac’ brings us a smooth dreamy laid back euphoria to loose yourself in. Izzy’s velvety soothing sultry vocals radiate against a scorching desert like guitar while soft drums tranquillise your mind in a blurry haze. Its the mind numbing healthy dose of Black Honey that leaves you entranced. With darkened undertones and haunting backing vocals its humid sedating ecstasy.
These guys know what they are doing, its tight with each instrument adding a dynamic breathtaking facet to this sparkling diamond. Black Honey are one of the most exciting bands out there, they just keep getting better.
Stream both ‘Somebody Better’ and ‘Cadillac’ below

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

Black Honey ‘Hello Today’

Black honey have just released their new single ‘Hello Today’. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums) continue their efforts for world domination with this staggering indie pop ear worm. They shake things up shifting from their previous brooding melancholic vibes smothered in intoxicating psychedelia to a peppy “screw you” middle finger attitude. Izzy exudes swagger and sass as she expresses her feelings exquisitely with aptly placed French phrases. This empowering track with its hyper sugar coated pop exterior and subtle bitter sting of the lyrics is a ball of bouncy fun with a slapping ricochet effect. It is glazed with a  fuzzed guitar sound that still maintains the sunny hazy vibes we are used to from Black Honey. With rich percussion and a flexible groovy rhythm the four piece bring something new and fresh to the table. The slick guitar adds a razor sharp edge and rawness to the track which otherwise appears sleek, polished and refined.
Another fantastic track from Black Honey these guys just keep getting better and better.
Stream ‘Hello Today’ below

Alt Rock, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Black Honey ‘Headspin’

 

Black Honey have just dropped their EP ‘Headspin’ and it is everything we expected and more. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums)have created a solid polished collection of songs while still maintaining that raw appeal.
‘All My Pride’ kicks the EP off with slick, blazing guitar as Izzy performs her vocals with such intensity and vulnerability that sucks you in and makes you listen to every word of her story. It is full of vigorous energy and a great lead single for the EP. We loved this song so much we made it our Worth A Listen track earlier this month.
‘Headspin’ follows next with a slower tone. It begins with light accompaniment as the vocals are the main focus. The hazy west coast vibe paired with Izzy’s almost seductive soft vocals which gives a melancholy atmosphere to the track. The backing vocals add a haunting quality to the track with a subtle drum beat like the secret ingredient to a sweet dish . The song builds towards the end instrumentally with psychedelic ‘wah wah’ guitar and a stronger beat. This song takes you on a journey with every note, It has a very Lana Del Rey feel with an almost cinematic trip to lose yourself in.
‘On Your Side’ brings us back to a sunny bright side of Black Honey. This track begins with a light drum beat to start. It then kicks into a  swinging feel with a rock element. Its a catchy up beat vibrant song. Although its a bouncy track it still holds that melancholy, nostalgic tone which is conveyed through the vocals that gives the track a mysterious quality. The sweet matching harmonies gives the track an uplifting feel to the main vocals and adds a subtle contrast.This song makes you want to sit back in the sun and reminisce as you hear the lustrous, bright guitar solo.
‘Mocking Song’ Is the final track on the EP it slows down the tone again and brings back that west coast style.It has a sombre and almost angry tone on vocals with light guitar and waltz accompaniment for the verses. Again its a picturesque track as you can almost imagine Izzy standing swaying with a drink in her hand and tears down her face. Its a raw emotion filled track that shows a vulnerability which we haven’t seen before from Black Honey. The psychedelic guitar for the instrumental break is really effective and makes you fall into despair with Izzy.
This is a strong EP that shows us the variety in Black Honeys style and it shows us where they want to take their music. Its a multi dimensional EP  from an extremely talented band. These guys will be sticking around and if this is only their EP imagine what an album would be like!
Stream ‘Headspin’ below

Indie, New Music, Rock, Uncategorized, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen track this week comes from Black Honey.

Their latest track “All My Pride” is from their forthcoming Headspin EP. Brighton band, Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass), Tom Dewhurst (drums), deliver an infectious rock pop sound with attitude in this track.
‘All My Pride’ is a vicious post – breakup song with slick, blazing guitar. Izzy performs her vocals with such intensity and vulnerability that sucks you in and makes you listen to every word of her story. This is a very well written song. It is what I would imagine Lana Del Rey would sound like if she was in a rock band. They have the same ability to draw the listener in with nonchalant melodies only with fierce guitar. This band will definitely do well with this song as it ticks all the boxes.
Stream ‘All My Pride’ below