Tag Archives: EP Review

ZEALS ‘Ready To Fly’ EP

Somerset based three-piece, ZEALS have released their second EP ‘Ready To Fly’. The EP was recorded over the last few months at Longwave Studios in Cardiff with producer Romesh Dodangoda who’s best known for his work with the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Motorhead, Funeral For A Friend, Lower Than Atlantis and Twin Atlantic. The follow up to their ‘Playing Games’ EP, the new collection features five pop flavoured and addictive indie – rock tracks and includes live favourite and lead single ‘Feel It’ which is accompanied by a stunning video. ZEALS current line-up of Harrisen Larner (Vocals & Guitar), Rob Whelan (Drums)and Toby Andrews (Lead Guitar & Vocals) formed eighteen months ago in Weston-Super-Mare after taking inspiration from and sharing a mutual love of acts such as The 1975, Fickle Friends, Prides and One Republic to heavier bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Don Broco, Lower Than Atlantis and Fatherson. Since then the band have developed a truly exciting and powerful live set that sees them play to ever growing and excitable audiences from around the Bristol area to as far afield as Austria and Hungary. This new found fanbase ensured that the aforementioned eight track long ‘Playing Games’ EP peaked at number 59 in the iTunes Rock Album Charts on its release last year.

‘Ready To Fly’ is a blood pumping rush to the head of indie rock that makes you feel every note from delicate tender to ballsy energetic anthems. It’s a youth filled five track collection to enjoy and hold dear. Lead single ‘Feel It’ kicks off the EP with bright bubbly vibes surrounded by squirts of zesty guitar and hip shaking rhythm. It’s light warm and sun kissed with a catchy chorus that displays a grittier sharp side without becoming overpowering. The sweet honey drizzled melody is so infectious and dreamy and with Larner’s velvety smooth soul infused vocals, it’s the perfect start to the EP. ’Do You Really Care’  is a massive passionate track brimming with punchy drums, razor sharp guitar and adrenaline pumping energy. It’s mosh pit, crazy jumping ready with feathery light blissful guitar and a hefty meaty rhythm. Dancing embarrassingly around the room is guaranteed with this emotionally and instrumentally explosive track. ‘Paddles’ is oh so slick. This track really shows off the sensual bluesy tinged sound of ZEALS. Swagger soaked and fiery with shredding guitars crashing against pummeling drums and a groovy hip shakingly smooth bass line. It’s a scorching, blistering Lower Than Atlantis- esque sizzler. ‘Dark Waters’ cools the tone and takes the role of the slow burning tender mood shifter. Sway-like and sweet with a punchy bopping rhythm it’s nostalgic and delicate. Lush “oooh” vocals create a sing along friendly quality to the heart-warming track. The song builds becoming a little more heavy and emotional but still maintains a light bounce and breezy vibe. ‘Ready To Fly’ brings us to an explosive end to the EP. Flickering soundscapes flash bright scintillation while punchy drums, glistening guitars and fist pump anthemic chorus create a powerful energetic rush of intensity.

ZEALS have created an EP that shows their tight plucky musicianship. It’s a treasure of tunes glowing and sparkling packed with emotion and passion that makes the listener feel every note like a spark of electricity. Each track maintains a powerful explosive stamina to keep you pumped throughout. It’s bright, light indie pop grounded by some heavy elements adding a bit of punch and gravity. Overall a sublime satisfying listen.

Stream ‘Ready To Fly’ below

 


Neon Dolls ‘Black’ EP

Leeds rock five-piece Neon Dolls have announced the release of their new ‘Black’ EP with the release of the new single ‘Creep Inside’ set for release Friday 8th September. Since forming three years ago, Neon Dolls have been busy perfecting their hybrid of muscular Alt-Rock whilst blowing away audiences on the buzzing UK music scene. Formed from the ashes of defunct bands on the scene, the boys quickly developed a sonic formula influenced by guitar greats Oasis, Foo Fighters, Green Day and Led Zeppelin, as well as more recent grunge and rock bands from the USA. With a growing fanbase affectionately dubbed the Neon Army behind them, tracks from their debut album Imperial (released 2015) and 2nd Album When It Strikes (released 2016) were playlisted on BBC Introducing and their sold out live shows led to Fred Perry Subculture hailing them as one of the best new bands in the country.

‘Black’ is an EP brimming with raw ruckus causing rough and tumble rock and roll. The guys slap up a plate of frantic gritty no nonsense rock to sink our teeth in to, and boy it is good. The shrilling oh so thrilling new single ‘Creep Inside’ kicks off the EP. Slick razor sharp riffs pierce throughout while elastic bass bounces against punchy drums creating a hair raising coarse wall of sound. Sneering raspy coated vocals add an aggressive compelling swagger while irresistible seizure inducing guitar licks cause a rush of blood to the head. It’s a bitter bite but satisfying start to the EP.  ‘Invincible’ follows just as raw and bloody but perhaps with a little more sweat and leather. Gravelly vocals scream while slick steamy guitars crash and stride throughout the track leaving burn marks behind. It’s a punchy aggressive beast, rugged and fuzzed but exuding fire and brimstone strut quality and swagger. ‘Nasty Habits’ brings us to a groovy end to the EP. With Kasabian hints and anthemic chorus, this one is sure to go down well at a live show. It’s jagged and bristly soaked in attitude and brawn with nimble silky slick guitar and infectious groove, its sensual, punchy and a little pouty.

Neon Dolls ‘Black’ EP is a rough rugged blow of sharp bruising rock and roll. They know what they are doing and these tunes are staggeringly electrifying.

Neon Dolls will embark on a UK tour this Autumn – for more dates and info head to http://www.neondolls.co.uk/

Stream the new single ‘Creep Inside’ below


Blank Parody ‘A Tension’ EP

Birmingham rock band Blank Parody are set to release their debut EP ‘A Tension’ on the 18th August. The band comprised of members Joby Fitzgerald (Vocals), Liam Howard (Guitar), Connor Hodgkiss (Drums), and Freddie Shaw (Bass) are making a name for themselves with their monstrous guitars, heavy drums, gritty vocals and distorted poetry.

‘A Tension’ is a blistering fierce six track EP seamlessly blending gritty grunge with heavy rock and anthemic pop sprinkled melodies. The rip-roaring track ‘Dark Pretenders’ which we have previously featured on Indie Buddie kicks off the EP, thunderous and fiery this explosive track blasts straight into the no nonsense sound of Blank Parody. It’s a ballsy guitar shredding adrenaline pumping force to be reckoned with. Slick riffs and elastic bass slap against thrilling distortion and punchy drums while vocals growl with gritty hair-raising creepiness.It’s a blood pumping start to the EP. ’Still Stuck Here’ and ‘Thickened Pulse’ maintains this accelerated intense pace. Drenched in gritty sweaty mosh ready rhythms, passionate vocals, well-oiled slick guitar licks and shredding solos, they stomp through with a neck snapping ferocity. ‘Marching Through the Smoke’ follows. It’s an agitated bruising track featuring a sublime emotion filled instrumental that builds to an echoed abrupt sweet vocal end. Dramatic and spirited it’s a flaming raw track with jagged razor-sharp guitar cutting throughout, backed by an animated rhythm. ‘Underachiever’ relieves the tension of the EP a little. The track is much lighter and melodic, softer vocals ethereal guitars and rumbling bass add buoyancy and a lift to the song. However the instrumental break still packs a punch as guitars screech and sting with a rugged scratching shrill. The all-powerful ‘Snakes’ brings a rowdy, growly, bloodcurdling end to the EP. Aggressive, eerie and smothered in dark tones this savage track is a raging body pounding mammoth. With vicious strident guitars pulverizing drums and a mighty throbbing bass it packs a bruising frantic punch.

‘A Tension’ is an EP that showcases the relentless stamina Blank Parody have. Oozing chilling enraged energy with slick proficient musicianship they deliver a fantastic debut EP with raw catchy anthemic tracks that leave you imagining and anticipating a thrilling live show and wanting to hear more. Each track sets itself up to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys.

‘A Tension’ is set for release on the 18th August with the EP launch night held at The Asylum, Birmingham on 18th August also. You can buy tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blank-parody-ep-launch-tickets-35931608408?aff=ebopdstthelist

Stream ‘Dark Pretenders’ below


Galapagos ‘Potential Space’ EP

Canadian band Galapagos have released their new EP ‘Potential Space’. Band members Adam Ferris (vocals/guitar), Jamie Orser (drums), Matthew Wood (lead guitar), and Gerardo Mantecon (bass) play gritty rock songs laced with Capital City strut and Midwest mosey mixing honest lyrics with jagged guitars and syrupy melodies.

Potential Space’ EP  is a lush bubbly collection of tracks laced in beautiful zealous guitar lines and heavenly melodies blended with some grittier elements at times that keeps the sound refreshing and radiant. ‘Bike’ kicks off the EP with bright sparkling indie soundscapes. Sharp guitar jingles playfully throughout with the sweetest tone and refreshing spurts of zest while the soft beat and honeyed melody glide with a daydream tempo and hazy atmosphere. It’s smooth and soothing while also packing a nice little punch between the dreamy wisps.‘What I Deserve’ bursts with oodles of catchy upbeat guitar lines while the track bounces with a peppy beat and lush melody soaked in a lazy day somber tone. It’s a bopping sway like delight packed with emotion and lush sweetness. Smooth vocals ooze passion while instrumentally this track places you in a mellow state of melancholic peace. ‘Again’ takes a heavier approach. Jagged guitars and punchy drums add a danceable quality and gritty texture. Snippets of distortion give a thrilling dramatic effect while the melody and candied guitar elements glimmer through with bright upbeat scintillation and sun kissed luminosity. A little more aggressive than its predecessors this mosh friendly track displays Galapagos heavier punk-like side with sprinkles of indie pop embroidered on top. ‘Lungs’ closes the EP with tender delicate guitar flickers between acoustic strums and sweet dainty vocals. It’s a twinkling beautiful and emotional track that pulls at the heart strings and places you on a soft fluffy cloud of euphoria. Cool breezy tones, sweet lush harmonies and call and response vocals create a floaty feathery light approach with very subtle hints of flower power psychedelia.

Galapagos ‘Potential Space’ EP takes you on an emotion journey while showcasing their knack for sweet delicious melodies nimble refined guitar work and slick musicianship. It’s a laid back beautiful EP that is perfect for summers evenings or that all important unwind time.

Stream ‘Potential Space’ on Bandcamp here https://galapagos613.bandcamp.com/releases

 


Maker ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ EP

Maker are a rock n’roll band with a psychedelic bluesy punch, stirred with a fist full of soul. Hailing from Kent, they are made up of members Alessandro Marinelli (Vocals), Andrew Donaldson (Guitar), Gavin Donaldson (Drums) & John Austin (Bass). Renowned for their electrifying live performances, Maker deliver fresh sonic swagger defined by their own bluesy, boozy guitar riffs.The band have headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including 100 Club London as part of ‘Best of British Blues Explosion’ 2017, and have supported some of the UKs finest artists, Ocean Colour Scene, Dodgy, Wilko Johnson, The Slydigs as well as shared festival bills with The Cribs, Dizee Rascal, Mark Ronson, and Supergrass to name a few. Maker can even count one of the worlds most acclaimed guitarists Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes / Magpie Salute) as a fan of the band, as well as two of Soho Radio’s finest, Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Virgil Howe (Little Barrie). Their new five track EP ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ which was recorded at world famous Rockfield Studios and produced by the band and Nick Brine, will be released 11 August via Kidda Records.
‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ is a swagger soaked gritty slick rock n’ roll EP oozing strutting flamboyance with just the right amount of whiskey soaked brawn. Title track ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ kicks off the EP, It is bluesy and soulful with a sensual sway -like tempo and steamy guitar licks. Raspy vocals add a warm texture to the track while piano elements add a classy jazzy quality. It builds to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals. It’s sultry and sensually smooth while maintaining a raw edge. ‘So Serene’ is a Led Zeppelin – esque riff driven track. With a strutting striding pace, catchy melody and slick guitar exuding panache, it’s true red blooded rock n’ roll. ‘Are You Watching Me?’ rushes through with blusterous rapid blurry instrumentation which cools and separates out into a funky groove for the chorus. A little frenzied and manic the track becomes more heavy and psychedelic with strong bass strides and sharp guitar licks. It takes a trance-like hallucinogenic form with just the pounding beat becoming the constant as spiralling guitars create chaos. ‘Lose It On The Second Turn’ re introduces a jazzy Jerry Lee Lewis piano feature and distorted riff. With a clap along feature it’s a shimmy and shake blended with mosh elements. A thrilling guitar solo shrills with sublime sharpness it’s air guitar worthy and superb. ‘Stop My Heart Dead’ finishes the album with Makers golden rock and roll swagger filled sound. With a stomping beat and body grooving rhythm teamed with slick nimble guitar and infectious melody. These guys do cool and soul with powerful punk punches well, mix that with booze soaked riffs and bluesy elements ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ is another knock out EP from Maker.

Watch the teaser video for the EP on their facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/videos/10155755309187240/

 


A Weekend Away Debut EP

Limerick band A Weekend Away have released their debut EP. The band jumped onto the music scene during the Spring of 2013. Initially with six members, they were praised for mixing jaw dropping punk sound with indie and blues influenced rhythm and lead guitar. With the assistance of Music Generation Limerick, they thrived for 2 years regularly playing in venues such as Dolan’s pub, Cobblestone Joes and the Limetree Theatre, creating an impressive portfolio of tracks in the process. Following a line up change in 2016 and the edition of singer/songwriter, Peader Storey the now five piece, started thriving with their newly released single ‘Parseltongue’ being praised for its punchy riffs and catchy chorus. Following a packed out headline show at the Kasbah Social Club, and supporting Blaming Hannah at The Kino, A Weekend Away won the University of Limerick Battle of the Bands and supported ALL TVVINS. The five piece consisting of members Peader Storey (Frontman), Patrick O’Donnell ( Lead guitar), Peter Corbett (Bass), Jacob Woulfe (Rhythm Guitar) and Evan Berry(Drums) have now released their debut self titled EP which contains six tracks recorded by Mike Gavin (Even Audio), Tony Monaghan (Music Gen) and Ciaran Woulfe (Woulfe) and mastered by Richard Dowling of WAV Mastering.

The bluesy soaked ‘Haze’ kicks off the EP. It’s slick and oiled in sensual bass slapping against shredding sharp guitars and punchy drums. Raw, edgy and drenched in attitude this track hits the spot for gritty bluesy rock. It’s vigorous while remaining slick and cool. With passion filled vocals and the thrilling shrill on guitar it’s a dark tinged wallop of their organic sound. ‘Parseltongue’ blends dark eerie tones for the verse with the summer tinged bright vibes of the catchy chorus. With a pop tinted melody blasting out on crashing guitar strides and elastic bounce on bass it’s snappy gritty while smudged in light bright tones. Exuding a youthful vibe with soft mosh elements this track is a catchy radio friendly tune with some sweet guitar moments. ‘Phone Home’ has a The Fray feel, it’s an emotional hard hitting melodic track with a delicate melody packed with passionate vocals and gentle little twinkles on guitar. Vocal harmonies are tight and the track becomes slightly heavier instrumentally for the massive dramatic crescendo. It really packs an emotional mighty blow you can imagine it accompanying a tender or heartbreaking scene in a movie or T.V. series. It’s quite beautiful and tear jerking. If you feel nothing while listening to this song you’re probably dead inside. ‘Going Down’ brings back the dirty gritty heavy rock. With fuzzed guitars heavy moshing is guaranteed, as vigorous guitars blast across a foundation of pounding drums and dynamic vocals. ‘Free of the Land’ brings us a snapping sleazy rapid rock and roll rhythm and  scuzzy stained guitars. With vocals that exude swagger and attitude it’s a finger clicking dark blast of eerie entrapment. It’s a cocky display of brashness but tastefully displayed. ‘Terminal Blues’ closes the EP with the return of the bands bluesy signature sound. With a swing like strut and wiggle tempo once again it’s slick and sharp with thrilling heavy mosh ready elements.

A Weekend Away have produced a raucous raw EP that has all the gritty elements of rock while polishing it up a little and soothing the frenzy with pop tinged melodies and a bit of heartwarming emotion thrown in. A strong debut from the Limerick quintet.

Stream the EP below


Crome Yellow ‘Yellow Road’ EP

Waterford’s alternative rock/ synth pop band Crome Yellow have released their debut EP ‘Yellow Road’. The band have created a 5 track collection of liquefying mind melting tunes that are just sublime.
The sweet dazed ‘My Chateau’ kicks off the EP doused in narcotic psychedelia and ridiculously chill tones. Sharp guitar adds a wobbly sting to the hazy mirage while gentle vocals soothe you into a calming state of hypnosis. ‘Cordial People’ takes you on a funky tinged journey with spacey hints and darker tones of dreamy delusions. Whispered almost eerie vocals and the zesty guitar jingle create a dull shot of acid-fried absurdity. ‘You Never Ask Me If I’m Happy’ is a peppy clap along friendly track with a western desert feel. Psychedelic guitar adds scorching heat to the optical illusion. A sway like melody and peppy beat adds a shimmy wavy danceable element to the EP. ‘Grey Cords’ once again lulls you into Crome Yellow’s tranquillised state of opiate ecstasy. With lush backing vocals and trippy synths they take you further and further down the rabbit hole. ‘Jean’ brings us to the end of our journey with Crome Yellow with sonic pulses twinkling guitars and warm toned keys. It’s a swoony slow-moving track that is mind numbing and dreamy with space-age like psychedelia.
Crome Yellow’s ‘Yellow Road’ EP is a sophisticated deeply dreamy collection of tracks that drown you in a synth pop trippy illusion filled pool of euphoria. Its rich in intricately layered synths blended with hypnotic chimes and spacey psychedelia. Funky guitar elements and pop melodies create lush texture and deliver the bands distinctive sound. A strong debut EP from the four piece. Its a relaxing mind dissolving treasure.

Watch the video for ‘Jean’ below


Emma O’Reilly ‘FRACTURES’ EP

Songwriter Emma O’Reilly from Ballinasloe in Co. Galway, has released ‘FRACTURES’ her second independently produced studio EP, recorded by mixing live and multi-track processes in Arad Studios with Les Keye (Squarehead, Kevin “Herm” Connolly, My Sweet Beloved).
‘FRACTURES’ is a collection of Emma’s unique brand of peppy dramatic pop rock tightly bound in a beautifully polished bow. The snazzy ‘Shake’ kicks off the EP with a theatrical lively approach. Jazzy piano and stabbing beats dramatise the track. Complete with melodramatic vocals it seems like a tap number from a musical. ‘Count’ takes a sweet acoustically backed approach. Delicate vocals and warm sun kissed vibes teamed with “do do do” lyrics its simple, syrupy and joyful. With wistful tones this track bops along light and floaty coated in a toothache sugary dreamland. ‘Cervantes’ is a sorrow-filled emotional track cold and icy with sharp lull on vocals and rich twinkles on piano.The track flows with grace and elegance. Brush tap beats on drums create a soft silky texture to this delicate song. ‘Codladh Sámh’ is again a gentle little soulful track. Emma’s whisper like vocals are teamed with beautiful accompaniment and a fairy like vibe. Sung in Irish its intensely emotional. The track builds with a mighty punch and takes a darker turn. Once again this track displays Emma’s dramatic cinematic style. ‘Geneva’ closes the EP with Emma’s vocals taking the lime light to start. It sounds like a Sean-nós song. A superb piano feature takes over from the vocals leaving a peaceful tranquil atmosphere to just relax into as the track winds out.

‘FRACTURES’ is a  strong  EP displaying Emma O’Reilly’s unique diverse sound as she glides from dramatic to pop, folk  with rock flavours drizzled on top. It is proficient as Emma has clearly created a little niche for herself to create music that is beautiful and bursting with colourful fragments of wonderful art.

Emma will be celebrating the launch with an intimate gig in her hometown on May 25th and full band performance in The Grand Social in Dublin on July 20th. She’ll also be touring with the EP.
Stream the ‘FRACTURES’ EP below


Freak Static ‘Lustless’ EP

One man alternative singer-songwriter Freak Static has released his debut EP ‘Lustless’. After an intensive two years of writing, recording and producing, this 3-track is just a preview of whats to come. After playing as part of a band in the past, Freak Static decided to experiment with a solo project. Taking inspiration from the rise of DIY artists such as Tame Impala, UMO and St Vincent, the EP is entirely self-written, self-recorded and self-produced. ‘Lustless’ was recorded throughout the night whilst juggling a full time job. As a multi-instrumentalist, Freak Static played every instrument used for each track and now aims to inspire other musicians and artists to use the technology available to achieve their dreams.
‘Lustless’ is a three track groovy psychedelic tinged braid mingled and merged with swirling bright electronics. ‘King Kong’ is our first shot of Freak Static’s funky twisted coagulated sound. Soaked in strut-like swagger and infectious beats this track bounces with jagged hops. Eccentric electronics bleep and bloop while the track flows in a reggae-like groove and cool persona. ‘Forget Her’ follows as a slower chic passionate track. Heavier drum beats with distortion on guitars add an aggressive vibe to the track. Its a shaggy spiky track smoothened off with a zesty sensual guitar solo. ‘Snooze’ is the final track on the EP beginning with a delicate twinkle and soft vocals that build and become more dynamic. It creeps in like the soundtrack to an eerie horror movie and then brightens becoming light and silky. This fuzz filled powerful track croons with sorrow filled tones that progress into vibrant peppy animation. Coated in distortion with a dub step feel it’s a mighty meaty finish to an exceptional EP.
Now that the EP is completed, Freak Static is embarking upon the process of figuring out how to take his act live whilst remaining authentic. So keep an eye out for his live shows they  are sure to be extraordinary.
Stream ‘Lustless’ below


Indie Buddie Introducing : Mind Redux

Mind Redux is the alter ego of 25 year old songwriter/producer Harry Blackman from Farnham, Surrey.  He has released his debut EP ‘Colour Of Dreams’ on which he self composed and produced over the winter of 2016/17 in a shed at the top of his garden huddled around an electric heater to stay warm.

‘Colour Of Dreams’ is a 5 track EP that perhaps personifies Blackmans desire for warmth in that shed. Glowing with laid back sunny vibes and laced in subtle sweet hooks its perfect to transport you to a hazy sunny daydream. ‘Divide’ kicks off the EP with peppy beats, swirling soundscapes and lo- fi vocals. Drowning in blissful psychedelia this track sweeps you up into the unique dreamy world of Mind Redux.’ Love Luck’ brings us sharp zesty guitar riffs against sweet melodies and trippy vibes. It’s a refreshing tutti frutti on a sweltering hot day. Smothered in easy going laid back vibes backed by slick instrumentation its euphoric bliss. ‘Moving To The City’ bounces and floats with jubilant elation. Bright guitar riffs and soft beats teamed with wispy breezy soundscapes create a cushion of summer sun to rest your head on. Blackman really knows how to set your mind at ease and place you happily in a content stupor of euphoria. ‘Coincide’ darkens the tone a little with hints of mystery and eerie qualities.The track perhaps acts as the unexpected cloud that covers the sun momentarily . Strong strides on guitar interweave the sticky beats as they swirl in a gentle opaque whirlpool. Final track ‘This Trap’ is a bubble of snappy catchy indie. Again featuring zealous bursts of honey-toned guitar teamed with a delicious melody and heavenly soundscapes. The sing along friendly chorus dripping in wistful tones creates a luscious track that is almost angelic and too sweet for our human ears. Blackman shows real talent with this EP. Looking forward to hearing more from Mind Redux.

When we asked Harry Blackman what were his plans for the future he said:

This project started just as a pastime for something to do after work and soon developed into a collection of songs I thought I should probably release rather than letting them collect dust. I decided to go under a name which could manifest itself into a band for a live setup. I have never wanted to do a solo project and would always rather be in a band setup but not knowing many musicians makes it slightly difficult. Also not having to consult fellow band members about a track works well with me.  I do hope to meet musicians in the near future that would be willing to play the songs as a live setup. I’m very much looking forward to getting back into the shed to start another EP or even a full length album.

 

Follow Mind Redux on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/mindredux

Stream the ‘Colour Of Dreams’ EP here