Tag Archives: Experimental Rock

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electro- Punk, Electronic, EP Review, Experimental Rock, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Van Panther ‘Overcast’ EP

Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin). 

‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.

There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.

Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.

‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.

Stream ‘Overcast’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Runway Lights ‘Broad Strokes’

Dublin experimental, alternative rock band Runway Lights have released their new single  ‘Broad Strokes’. In their short time together they have already graced the stages of a number of prestigious Dublin venues including The Workman’s Club, Whelan’s and The Button Factory, earning a reputation for their ferocious live sound. The band’s debut single ‘Crash’ was released in July and was marked by an appearance at the Whelan’s ‘Summer Watch’ festival.Their new single ‘Broad Strokes’ tells a dark tale of an unwanted encounter. It’s release was followed by an appearance at Whelan’s Ones To Watch festival and is the first track to be taken from their debut EP, due for release in early 2019.

With it’s soothing purr of delicacy and ominous mystery ‘Broad Strokes’ is a sweet daydream that has a chilling undertone. Twinkling guitars gently pepper the lulling verses while swirling soundscapes wisp about, luring behind the cooing vocals. The track builds becoming more sinister and compelling as sharp guitars whine and distort over the hypnotic rhythm and icy soundscape. The melody flutters and innocently dances between the biting entrapment of the instruments. With beautiful and compelling guitar lines meandering through the biting soundscapes Runway Lights create a unique and compelling track that immerses you in their mesmerising sound.

Stream ‘Broad Strokes’ below


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

Snail Collectors ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’

Snail Collectors is a project setup by Glasgow musician Nick Scroggie. His sound infuses elements of Experimental/rock and prog with cinematic visions in mind. He has released his new track ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’ taken from his four track EP of the same name which is all written, performed and recorded at home by Nick Scroggie. ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’ is an edgy dark brew of thick sticky beats slapping off murky fuzzed guitars and swirling opaque synths. The track pulses and crawls with an eerie haunting quality that is chilling and bewitching. Emotive vocals yearn and simmer with a smokey hazy smoulder. While the track bubbles and boils gaining momentum until it bursts with a blistering shrilling guitar solo. Insanely catchy and luring this track is riveting with irresistible haunting tones wriggling and twisting in a dark murky turpentine-like mixture.

You can buy the ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’ EP here http://www.snailcollectors.com.

Stream ‘All Kinds Of Wrong’ below