Tag Archives: EP Review

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Folk, Indie Pop, indie rock, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music

Giant Rooks ‘New Estate’ EP

Hailing from Hamm in North West Germany, Giant Rooks are an art-pop five-piece who’ve been turning heads since their inception. Releasing their debut EP back in 2015, the quintet garnered fans quickly, and soon began to emerge as one of the most promising acts in their native Germany.It was this first EP release that saw the groundwork laid for the band to win the popNRW Prize for newcomers in 2016, as well as two consecutive summers of festivals, which saw the band play over 80 festival shows including Reeperbahn, Eurosonic and The Great Escape. In addition to this, the band have also supported Kraftklub and The Temper Trap, not to mention a 29-date, nine country tour with Mighty Oaks throughout November and December 2017.

‘New Estate’ is an EP bursting with luscious flavours and depths that hold a richness so pure and mature it’s majestic and powerfully melodic. From the stomping intro of opener, title track ‘New Estates’ it’s apparent this EP is infectious indie at its best. With a peppy beat bouncing through melancholic jangly guitar and darkly tinged keys, this five piece take a sombre tone to a bright indie format.Their tracks seem to strike you right in the center of your chest and make you feel every warm, tender, catchy note. With a folky hue to the tunes there is an instant soothing glow and cosy feel to even the chillier tracks such as the haunting soul – filled ‘Bright Lies ‘. The melodies are sweet and delicate ‘Chapels’ once again trickles along with a sway-like tempo and calming atmosphere. The steady beat and soaring keys create an aerial breeziness that cuts deep along with the tender lyrics. The unique vocals add dynamic passion and intensity to each track and make the sound of Giant Rooks instantly recognisable. ‘Mia & Ciara (Days To Come)’ emphasises the nostalgic tone of the EP. Its golden mellowness is just simply divine and heavenly to the ears. Glittering guitars sprinkle bright rays of scintillation throughout the track while a buoyant rhythm keeps an optimistic playful feel. ‘Slow’ closes the EP. It is soft and sweetly comforting as intricate guitar lines flood the track with warmth while the instrumentation builds to an anthemic mighty crescendo.

‘New Estate’ is a moving EP laced with emotion, deft guitar licks and swirling subtle electronics. Opulent percussion and brooding vocals create a sophisticated breath-taking collection of tracks that have a purity and refinement without overcrowding each track.

2018 will see the band embark on their second major tour, with the 23 dates taking in shows in both The Netherlands, and the UK for their first official run of English dates

Mar 20: The Hope & Ruin, Brighton

Mar 21: Old Blue Last, London

Mar 22: The Lending Room, Leeds

Mar 23: The Night & Day Cafe, Manchester

Mar 24: Cafe Totem, Sheffield

Giant Rooks are also on tour throughout Europe in 2018. Please check here for more information http://www.giant-rooks.com/

Stream ‘New Estate’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

VOID ‘Awaken’ EP

VOID have released their new EP ‘Awaken’. VOID’s music has received suitable comparisons to the likes of James Blake and London Grammar because of their adventurous style of pop-song, utilising their influences of ex-rockers who have swanned into the electronic-pop genre such as Coldplay.

‘Awaken’ is an EP with tracks carefully crafted and built to raise lighters all over the world. ‘Wait’ seeps, bleeds and exudes sweet delicate emotion. Tender vocals coo through the verses while swirling and flickering soundscapes flood the track with heart racing adrenaline. VOID display their knack for choruses that are charmingly harmonious, gripping and emotive. Passionate vocals make the anthemic chorus powerful and hard hitting while the flashing soundscapes add a touch of bedazzlement. ‘How We Made It’ is filled with breezy aerial electronics and beautiful vocals caressing a sweet melody that only the hardest of hearts could resist. ‘These Words’ closes the EP. Mackenzie’s vocals are rich, powerful and immaculate adding a soulful touch to an EP that wears its R&B embroidered pop on its sleeve. ‘Awaken’ is a refreshing honest wholesome display from VOID with truly pure and exquisite musicianship.

Stream ‘Awaken’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

TV ME ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’

Liverpool based three-piece pop project TV ME have recently dropped their newest EP ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’, a four-track experimental fusion of psych, art pop and dream pop. Led by Thomas McConnell, the songwriter of the band – who toured as a solo artist supporting Mercury-nominee, C Duncan, before taking time to hone his writing skills and further explore the incorporation of psych and electronica into a new project.TV ME formed in early 2017 with their debut single gaining instant airplay with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, and a signing with Deltasonic Records for their early releases. Offering harmonic vocals teamed with classic song-writing and engaging textures, the newest release from the trio – their first self released project, presents an EP ranging in style from psych-folk to cinematic instrumentals and dance pop whilst still retaining a fresh sound. Since their formation last year, the trio have landed some notable support slots with the likes of Cat’s Eyes, Flyte and Childhood and have recently completed their first UK headline tour in support of their EP release, with plans to release their debut album later in 2018.

The lead single ‘Stitches’ kicks off the EP. The track was written in sections by Tom himself over the duration of 15 years, with the beginning piano piece written at the age of 14, the ending written age 10 and middle section ‘stitching’ the piece together two years ago in 2016. Taking inspiration from old videos of Laurel & Hardy, Pinky & Perky and A Hard Day’s Night for sound and lyrics, 60’s and 70’s influences can be clearly heard in both the vocals and guitar. Twinkling guitars and jazzy piano accompaniment instantly shoot you back to a flower power 60’s -esque time. While lush vocals coo with a soothing quality. It’s dreamy and airy swirling with gentle sweet psychedelic soundscapes which create a sublime euphoric atmosphere. ‘Mountain Biplane’ follows – a little more electronic with bouncy synths creating a whirlwind of trippy soundscapes while a sticky beat flickers between the catchy melody. It’s vibrant psychedelia wrapped up in a luscious candy floss dose of pop. They whack in a nice shot of obscurity too as spacey wobbly synths introduce ‘Day’ followed by a beautiful elegant piano feature. This sway like instrumental number glides with grandeur as the piano provides a touch of romantic cinematic class and finesse while a soft tapping drum beat gives a steady foundation. Gently backing vocals whisper “ooh ahh” creating a tender oh so delicate effect. ‘Opal Fruits’ closes the album with funky guitar jingles between swirling trippy soundscapes. Once again velvety vocals glissade upon a melty instantly likeable melody while sublime obscure soundscapes rush around.

‘A Broadcast From TV ME’ is an outstanding cocktail of psychedelic, art pop and dream pop blended and fermented perfectly to create a wholly unique and satisfying listen.

You can catch TV ME live at

Stoke – 30th March – Your City Festival

Chester -26th April – Alexanders

Stream  ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’ below

https://soundcloud.com/tvmeband/sets/a-broadcast-from-tv-me/s-51nIT

 

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, Atmospheric Music, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Motions ‘The Late Night Calls’

Dublin’s alternative rock band Motions have released their new EP, ‘The Late Night Calls’ is a superb majestic EP to indulge in. Title track ‘Late Night Calls’ flows in with a beautiful melody on top of cool flicking electronics. With ethereal guitars providing a breezy sting, it’s an airy richly textured track that packs in oodles of passion into a fluttering danceable number. The snappy ‘Back & Forth’ follows. It’s a catchy track filled with buzz swirling electronics while a sputtering rhythm injects between lush backing vocals. This track is dipped in darker tones as harsher vocals exude swagger and attitude. My favourite track on the EP ‘Back & Forth’ showcases a rich depth and musical proficiency that keeps the listener hanging on to every gripping note. Its sway like tempo and jangly guitar are just the icing on this delicious cake. It’s the sublime little gem of the EP. A trickling ‘Interlude’ breaks up the sticky intensity before final track ‘Waiting To Tell You’ reintroduces their mellow fluid sound. A creamy melody glissades upon a fluctuant beat while aerial guitars twinkle around with a sweet blissful tone that holds a sense of mind relaxing freedom. Its dreamy and light yet Motions mix a bit of grit into the mix for the bridge.

Motions prove that they can create a passionate wholly satisfying collection of tracks that submerge you into a universe created completely by them. Each track is catchy, intricate and well layered while maintaining its own identity. ‘Late Night Calls’ is a sublime listen.

Stream ‘Late Night Calls’ EP below


Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

We Three Kings ‘Fire’ EP

We Three Kings are a three piece blues-rock band based in Manchester UK, made up of Rich on vocals and guitar, Paul on bass and Pete on drums. Describing their sound as an original blend of rock, blues, fuzz and noise, they have been compared to bands including Rival Sons, Royal Blood and The Black Keys, with a riff-driven guitar-heavy sound reminiscent of Deap Vally, Wolfmother and The White Stripes. An experienced and high-energy live act with a massive sound. The trio have recently released their second five-track EP of new and original work titled ‘FIRE’.

‘Fire’ is a blazing five track EP asphyxiated in gritty meaty riffs and pummelling drums. Each track is a shamelessly melodic rock monster locked and loaded with enough angst, fury and infectious grooves to have you moshing and dancing in no time. ‘Sound Of The Radio’ kicks off the rough and tumble EP as their slick heavy sound stampedes in with frenzy inducing mania.‘The Barrel’ and ‘Bright Lights Of The City’ blast out heavy riffs which are laced in sensual grooves which hit through like a nail gun to the eardrum while ruthless drums savagely batter you around the head at neck snapping speeds. It’s a bloodthirsty assault and an invigorating listen. Swagger soaked vocals exude attitude into the tracks while the infectious choruses make sure these tunes aren’t leaving your head anytime soon. This trio don’t give you time to rest they whack out adrenaline surging energy track after track. ‘Uncontrollable Squeal’ continues this frenzy – bluesy and steamy with kick ass riffs that are sure to have a live audience in a dizzying moshing mess. It’s slick and cool with a bass line that holds a brawny yet elastic foundation for the hefty guitar to rebound off. ‘Invisible Man’ brings us to the end of the EP leaving you thirsty for more. It’s pumped, powerful yet extremely buoyant. The snappy rhythm is guaranteed to raise your blood pressure while a shredding guitar solo will have you on your knees doing air guitar.

‘Fire’ is a bold intensely sharp and rowdy EP from We Three Kings. It’s a speed shot of riff driven rock that is sure to be epic live.

Stream ‘Fire’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Galapagos ‘Even This Glow’ EP

Galapagos are a four piece indie band from Ottawa. With the release of the debut Potential Space EP in June 2017,  Galapagos continue to create a presence in the Ottawa musical landscape. Their debut charted highly on Ottawa’s CKCU and CHUO stations and topped the CHUO charts in the fall. Ottawa Showbox, APT 613 and PhotogMusic all placed Potential Space on their lists of top local releases in 2017. The band have now released their second EP ‘Even This Glow’ to a sold out show at Pressed.

‘Even This Glow’ is a laid back thoroughly satisfying EP drenched in mellowed out sweet nostalgia. With a retro indie rock feel opening track ‘Wall’ struts in with thrilling sharp guitars laced upon an infectious bright melody and peppy animated drums. These guys deliver a quality sound, richly packed with sublime luscious layers that bring sun kissed vibes to their pure heartfelt tunes. ‘Lungs’ and ‘Jersey’ add a grittier texture into the mix with distorted guitar crashing for the pounding chorus and zealous illumination for the latter track. These tracks evoke a 90’s vibe as sweet melodies and velvety vocals soothe a wistful longing tone. The songs feature some golden guitar moments so mouth-watering and sweet they are like honey to the ears leaving you craving more. ‘Coffee’ takes a darker tone with acoustic accompaniment twinkling between sombre vocals. It showcases a diverse melancholic side to their easy going sound. It’s a soothing track one which takes its time caressing your soul. Gentle and beautiful on the ears it’s truly immaculate and tender. Though their sound is mellow and laid back it is by no means simple, intricate guitar lines weave between passionate vocals creating music that really makes you feel every note, every beat and guitar quiver. ‘Decide’ closes the EP with beaming sweet marsh-mellowness. It’s melodic, utterly emotive and richly nostalgic. Zesty vibrant guitar lines dazzle through a charming delicate melody while a running bass line wanders adding a lavish texture and meaty depth to this superb track.

‘Even This Glow’ is an EP to relax and watch the sun set to. Each track is refined and precisely layered to create a beautifully nostalgic experience that is heart-warming and wholly satisfying.

Stream ‘Even This Glow’ below

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music

MOTHER ‘Remnants Of A Wasted Dream’ EP

Oxford based indie rock four-piece MOTHER have released their debut EP ‘Remnants Of A Wasted Dream’ after the successful release of their debut single ‘Petrichor’ back in January receiving support from BBC Introducing Oxford, and leading to their first hometown sell-out show. Comprising of Josh Alden (guitar/vocals), Sam Alden (drums), Danny Fisher (guitar) and Everton Barbato (bass), the foursome have played together for the past 3 years in various projects. As their newest project, MOTHER represents everything the boys have always wanted to create musically. Taking influence from an eclectic range of artists, such as Radiohead, Bob Dylan and Foals, MOTHER is the incarnation of years of musical attributes.Their debut EP ‘Remnants Of A Wasted Dream’ was a talking point on their BBC Introducing interview, where the boys discuss how the title was chosen as it can be interpreted in a number of ways. Lending itself to the sensation of waking up from a dream with a vague memory of its content and a feeling of missing out lingering all day. ‘Remnants Of A Wasted Dream’ refers to the awareness that your dream could have provided a useful subconscious insight into your state of mind.

‘Petrichor’ kicks starts the EP with a catchy melody swallowed up in an infectious groove infested rhythm and jagged guitars oozing gob smacking adrenaline. Their sound is edgy, rugged yet insanely catchy. ‘Potent Prophecy’ exudes darkened swagger as the peppy beat bounces along eerie vocals and rugged guitars that creep in with a hair-raising attention-grabbing melody. While ‘The Saboteur’ takes their eerie sound to a haunting new level. A sway-like Radiohead-esque melody laments along mournful twinkling guitars while a steady beat pushes through with a heavy dampening effect. The despair filled vocals flood the track with mournful rainy-day melancholy as the song builds to a dramatic crescendo. These guys have created an EP that packs some serious punches with the gritty mosh ready fierceness of ‘Make Money, Be Happy’ maintaining a rich buoyant rhythm throughout the thick rough soundscapes. There is a sublime rumbly bass line in this track that is just thrillingly electrifying. It introduces the shift in the track as the song becomes darker and ominously intense with shrilling guitars and chilling vocals. ‘Descend Into Madness’ brings us to the end of the EP. Beginning delicate and soft its starts like a mournful ballad and then like the shock from a bolt of lightning blasts into a full out rocking danceable banger. Speedy instrumentation creates a mighty wall of sound while a playful elastic bass rebounds of running sharp guitars and snappy drums. The vocals remain somewhat eerie and crawly until the snappy groovy bridge.

MOTHER have created a compact EP of instantly likeable tracks that creep, crawl, haunt and explode into indie rock bangers all while holding a firm grip on your mind with compelling lyrics and dynamic expressive vocals. Its an impressive collection and a must listen.

For more details follow MOTHER on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MotherOX4/

 

 


EP Review, New Music

The Ree-Vahs! ‘Man Overboard’ EP

The Ree-Vahs! are a North East UK folk collective from the borders of Durham and Northumberland. They have recently released their third offering ‘Man Overboard’ which is a tribute to founder member and songwriter, Paul Lee, who tragically took his own life in May 2017. Acclaimed for singing in authentic North East accents, The Ree-Vahs! deliver fresh folk songs about love, life and loss, depicting stories from the former mining and steel towns of the North East borders. After releasing their first album back in 2014 and their second in 2016, both achieving critical and commercial success, the band follow up with ‘Man Overboard’ which is named after a home recording made by the late Paul Lee several years ago. After writing and performing together since their teens, band members and brothers Andy and Paul wrote the album prior to Paul’s death. Recorded in Liam Gaughan Studios, Newcastle, ‘Man Overboard’ features heartfelt lyrics and warming folk instrumentation throughout, with some songs addressing social issues and some dedicated to family members.

‘Man Overboard ‘is brimming with warm melodic tunes that glow like a hearty fireplace on a winters day. From the first guitar twang of ‘Pack Your Bags’ this EP floods with mellow melodies drenched in melancholic tones with light twinkling guitars and soft comforting beats. It’s a pure wholesome collection with oodles of passion. The violin melodies are sweet and delicate adding a tender tear jerking elegance. ‘Stronger Than Me (No Binary)’ is a simple little ditty where the vocals exude so much emotion it takes all the attention. Lush backing vocals coo while airy guitar flickers add a nice buoyancy and feathery light texture to this beautiful track. ’Sing Our Songs In The Dark’ lifts the tone of the EP. Becoming more vibrant and rich rhythmically. It’s a track to wisp you away into a joyous positive dance. It reminds me of a track that could feature in a Disney movie when the main characters are experiencing the beauty of life or successfully building together their plan to stop the big bad. The warm brass feature rushes vibrancy and triumphant cheer into the track while the sing along bridge is instantly likeable and catchy. ’Under The Wheels’ returns to that camp fire sweet sway ready vibe with banjo twangs delicately lamenting behind strong passionate lyrics. ‘Jigsaw’ adds a bit of swagger and a mysterious sultry vibe to the EP with darker guitar melodies while ‘Go See’ closes the EP bright and animated. The honest lyrics narrates the stories of peoples harsh lives while a chummy sway ready chorus evokes images of people coming together hand in hand. It has a sense of positivity contrasting the lyrics.

The Ree-Vahs!’Man Overboard’ gives an honest account of life put to music filled with positivity and hope. Their warm instrumentation is wholesome and pure and their choruses infectious. It a passionate collection of tracks that are soul fulfilling and satisfying.

Stream ‘Man Overboard’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, Mathy Alt-Rock, New Music

Old News ‘Castro’ EP

Indie-rock/alternative group, Old News have released their new EP ‘Castro’ which was mastered by TJ Lipple, who has worked with American Football, Fugazi, Look Mexico, and others. Old News is an indie-rock band based out of Kansas. Inspired heavily by math-rock, emo revival, and jazz harmony, the group combines these influences into a genre defying mix of sounds. Their new EP, ‘Castro’, is full to the brim with off-the-wall grooves, wailing trumpet, and spiraling, slinky guitar passages. Old News is comprised of current and former WSU/Friends University jazz alumni and oddball music fanatics, Beau Harris, Max Abood , Blaine Martin, and Sutton Wilson.

‘Castro’ is a rowdy collection of gnarly rock with some slickness in the form of jazzy elements and the odd trumpet bellow. With the twinkly guitar intro of ‘Everyone’s A Minimalist’ these guys display a knack for intricate instrumentation arrangements weaving fluidly between boisterous drums and grainy vocals. They balance the sweet and soothing with the fiery and powerful seamlessly. The trumpet injections add a touch of vibrancy to the turbulent tracks. When you think they couldn’t get more diverse Old News break into a subtle jingly instrumental that is like a sweet melodic elevator tune before fading out. ‘Disappointed But Not Surprised’ is brimming with energy and golden guitar moments. Crashing instrumentation slams into your eardrums like a cannonball before the lushest slinky guitar melodies and warm trumpet jingles iron out the sound creating an instantly chill dreamy haze. They shift between melty sweet and boisterous so rapidly and fluidly its amazing. ‘Spring Sensibility’ is the instrumental intermission packing a lot of gumption. Delicate soothing trumpet melodies lament with sweet nostalgia before the pounding drums and crashing guitars are introduced. This track slowly creeps into its thrilling crescendo, displaying a band that can keep you blissfully intrigued in their tunes even without vocals. Those guitar quivers and flickers are just sublime and take you to a beautiful scenic state of euphoria. ‘1917 Cherry St.’ is the final track on the EP and returns to the bands math rock heaviness. Sweeter vocals caress the verses while honey melodies on guitar and trumpet twinkle around with an airy feel. The verses then become more aggressive and ferocious.

An impressive EP from Old News. It’s well thought out and meticulously crafted as each detail, melody and flicker adds a new dimension and richness to the tracks. What appears to be a meaty skull bashing math rock EP blossoms into a pure richly layered experience that is pretty special and at times sweetly delicate.

Stream ‘Castro’ below

https://soundcloud.com/oldnewsict/sets/castro

 


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

Dry Roasted Peanuts ‘Former Child Stars’ EP

Cork based Indie-pop four piece Dry Roasted Peanuts have released their second EP ‘Former Child Stars’. Following on from the success of their debut ‘Sometimes I’ll Stay In/Sometimes I’ll Go Out’ in May 2017, Dry Roasted Peanuts are back with another barn-storming effort. Marc O’Cearnaigh (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), JJ Lee (Bass), Robert McDonnell (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Chris O’Sullivan (Drums) have conjured up a two-track compilation of indie-pop bliss, tinged with punk-rock sensibilities.

One thing I have come to love about this band is their sound has begun to reach a maturity beyond their years and ‘Former Child Stars’ displays this perfectly. ‘Honey + Lemons’ with its depth and musical precision pierces like a proficient swordsman at an unsuspecting opponent. The track progresses slowly with sweet toned guitar and steady rhythm leaving the dramatic effect to the compelling vocals. The lyrics are striking and the bands ability to hold the listeners attention through the narration with subtle instrumentation is remarkable. When the track finally does reach its crescendo it is phenomenal. Warm hazed wobbly guitars stride through a buoyant punchy rhythm creating the ultimate dazed blissful peak to the track. Second track ‘Upstanding’ fleshes out their swagger-soaked strut worthy sound. Once again euphoric golden guitar lines flood the track with sparkling luminosity while a spongy beat cushions you in their dreamy tranquilising soundscapes. With its sweet, delicious tone, for me the guitar melody is the highlight of this track. It’s light, nimble, zesty and infectiously calming. This short little ditty is a gem for sure. I could listen to both these track all day on a loop. This four piece are getting better and better with each release. I’m looking forward to what they have planned next.

Stream ‘Former Child Stars’ below