Tag Archives: Grunge Pop

Alt- Pop, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Honey Lung

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Honey Lung

Honey Lung have released their new single ‘Be My Friend’. Newly-signed to the cult indie label Big Scary Monsters (American Football, Martha, Orchards), ‘Be My Friend’ marks the first offering from the band this year as their plans begin to take shape, with a London headliner and several festival appearances already lined up over the coming months.The shoegazers have spent the last two years mastering the live circuit, combining JAWS and Basement tour supports with notable festival slots at the likes of SXSW, Reading & Leeds, Latitude and The Great Escape.

With guitars whirring through a scuzzy grunge backdrop ‘Be My Friend’ announces Honey Lung’s return with raw refined beauty. A sun kissed daydream melody melts effortlessly upon the effervescent backdrop with a shoegaze tonality while the sweet coos and deep gravel on vocals provide character and charm. The glistening melody on guitar weaves and coils zealously between the pummeling drums to create a clamorous fuzz-filled indie-rock foundation that is utterly thrilling. The band presents a tight and sun speckled track overflowing with rich, vibrant, blistering instrumentation. With the perfect bitter sweet ratio ‘Be My Friend’ is a triumphant return. 

Discussing the ideas behind their new single, Batten explained: “Lyrically Be My Friend makes a joke of trying to impress someone you admire. We wanted it to be an ironic song that pokes fun at awkward social situations and the funny ways we act just to be liked or feel accepted”.

Stream ‘Be My Friend’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/honeylung/be-my-friend


Author : Danu

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

Perfectparachutepicture ‘The Hold’

 UK noisemakers Perfectparachutepicture have released their new single ‘The Hold’.The track is taken from the band’s killer debut album, No Modern Desire, out on Friday 13th September. Perfectparachutepicture, stylised as PPP, hail from Sheffield and were born in 2013. The emerging noise rock duo consist of bassist Edward James and Kyle Ernest on drums and lead vocals. The twosome have developed a stellar reputation for their high energy and sonically powerful live performances. An explosive main event appearance at this year’s Tramlines Festival, in Hillsborough Park Sheffield, as well as support slots with Turbowolf, Dinosaur Pile Up, Heck, Fangclub and Darlia, has only added greater stock to the band’s recent growth. 

‘The Hold’ is an abrasive gash of garage rock as PPP take their rough and tumble sound mince it up and smooth it off to create an exhilarating, raw yet melodically polished track. Verses creep and tease while a gritty bass riff meticulously shears through the track with relentless stamina. The drums pummel and pound creating a beefy groove infested foundation as the band showcase their musical prowess and majestic quality through the sharp, rough yet slinky bass. The melody seeps along as soft vocals coo caressing it with an eerie quality. With a spine chilling edged soundscape the band blend smooth, dark and haunting tones with an acute thrashing assault perfectly to create a mesmerising and adrenaline-inducing listening experience. 

The twosome remark about the single “The Hold is the lead single taken from the debut album ‘No Modern Desire’. It is a song about unity and hopefulness. The track has feelings of past despair and sadness, and the want for a better future.” 

Watch ‘The Hold’ below 


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

HAVVK ‘If I Don’t Tell You’

HAVVK return with their latest brooding cut, ‘If I Don’t Tell You’ via Veta Records. This single is the third release from their upcoming debut album, Cause & Effect, out on 22nd November 2019. HAVVK originally formed in London in 2015, and have since split their time between London, Dublin and Berlin. They have collaborated with Belfast based producer Rocky O’Reilly (And So I Watch You From Afar, Touts, Brand New Friend) for the last two years to help develop their unique sound. In addition to their musical endeavours,  Front woman Julie Hawk has also co-founded SelfMade – a platform to explore DIY music in Ireland through performance, discussion, and art, and last year launched Female Fronted Drawn Together – a project through which she has created a playlist of admirable female bands musicians and created an illustration to accompany each song. HAVVK have been praised by the likes of BBC 6Music’s Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson and Chris Hawkins, as well BBC Radio London and Radio X. Their previous single ”Always the Same” also featured on Spotify’s official Alternative Generation and Feelgood Indie playlists.

‘If I Don’t Tell You’ is a powerful luring track brimming with a polished rawness that is masterful. Julie Hawk’s vocals venture from sweetly lulling to searing while the chiming backdrop creates a prismatic glimmering soundscape. The sweet melody melts upon the edgy backdrop cooling and smoothing the biting instrumentation with a honeyed ear-worm deliciousness and a dark mysterious tone while the ethereal guitars lace the track in a stinging airy vibe. The punchy drums create a buoyant foundation as this trio weave luscious textures through their grunge infused sound seamlessly creating a rich wholly-invigorating listening experience. A little harsh and thrilling – this compelling number will sparkle and pierce its way into your brain demanding repeat plays.

The single tackles the very real and current issue of social media and how we can become lost between a genuine version of ourselves and the one that we feel pressured to present online. Julie elaborates, “If I Don’t Tell You” deals with our experience of trying to engage on a social and political level, in a space that often seems so preoccupied with extremes that there appears to be little room for genuine discussion and a lot of voices and lived experiences get lost in the noise.”

Stream ‘If I Don’t Tell You’ below


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

LIERS ‘Elixir’ EP

Photo Credit Glen Bollard Photography

Dublin’s powerhouse alternative rock band LIERS have released their new EP ‘Elixir’. LIERS are a four-piece female fronted grungy 90’s inspired alternative rock band made up of Liz Seaver, Ed Scanlan, Ronan O’Hanlon and Stephen Farrell. The band have played festivals such as Castlepalooza and venues such as the INEC, Whelans and The Sugar Club.The new EP features previous hit singles ‘Host’ and ‘Universal Female’, which gained much acclaim and helped secure a slot at last year’s sold-out Electric Picnic.

‘Elixir’ fleshes out, blends and refines LIERS powerful sound. With all its rawness and glory intact, LIERS sweeten and merge this wonderful grungy display with luscious melodies and crisp musicianship. The EP is a relentless onslaught of potent tunes that pack one heck of a punch.  The dark smothering intoxication of title track ‘Elixir’ kick starts the EP. A rooted bass groove slithers and creeps beneath the track lurking below the massive crashing guitars and striking vocals. LIERS tease and entice through the darkened verses with eerie guitar twinkles and luring vocals before exploding into the mammoth chorus. Liz Seaver’s vocals are utterly bewitching as she sultry entraps and seduces before shattering out the bellowing chorus. These tracks have a mesmerising, cinematic quality that chills the spine and rushes through your veins with intense red hot adrenaline. ‘Universal Female’ and ‘Host’ are doused in infectious honeyed melodies while packing one gutsy full bodied backdrop. LIERS grab edgy unruly grunge rock, wrestle it down and pepper it with their fine branded sultry alternative rock. The emotionally charged ‘Can’t Go Back’ sits snuggled and comfortable between the mayhem with tender tones passionate vocals and splintering instrumentation. There are some sublime guitar moments throughout this EP. There is nothing like a passionate guitar melody twinkling around a track with warm tones, delicate melancholic melodies, vibrant solos or menacing injections and this EP is brimming with these compelling guitar moments, adding rich depths and multi textures throughout. ‘Realise’ is one wild angsty tune. Full of meaty grooves and punching drums with a dynamic old school power backing which is balanced perfectly by soft emotion exclaimed through passionate expressive vocals. The band’s ability to stabilize and distill their sound is masterful. They don’t just whack out loud blasting tunes, time has been spent here, purifying each part to create a tightly woven collection of tracks that have fermented into a biting, fizzing treasure.

‘Elixir’ lays out a rich flavoursome platter for us to devour. Filled with fiery intensity, raw power and slick instrumentation these robust anthems are brimming with passion and vigor marking LIERS a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Elixir’ EP here


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

DARMA ‘Gloom’ EP

The Manchester-based trio DARMA, have released their new EP ‘Gloom’. The band comprised of Harry Corbett (vocals), Lloyd Whitehead (bass), and Issac Whitehead (drums), give a new meaning to the term garage rock. The band themselves have coined the phrase “loudquietheavypop” to more accurately describe their sonic sound. Singled out by Louder Than War as one of the most energetic young bands around, DARMA have supported the likes of Primal Scream, Dinosaur Pile Up, and fellow Mancunians The 1975 and Ist Ist, DARMA have had a busy 2018, playing shows at Sound City (Liverpool), Tramlines (Sheffield) and the Manchester Apollo for Radio X. 

‘Gloom’ is a searing torpedo ready to demolish your ears in feisty dark grunge, glorious melodies and alternative rock mania. The rich blend of tracks is first rate as they slither between blissfully melodic and frenzy effortlessly to pack in something for everyone. From the first gritty strike in ‘Miasma’ something clicks. A thrilling notion that this band have something special sparks a fire in your belly as crashing guitars throttle through punchy drum whacks and raspy attitude driven vocals. Dark melodies melt with a bubbling texture into your ears as this trio surge kinetic adrenaline into each and every track.The bombarding assault of  ‘Procrasturbator’ follows. These tracks are perfect for that mosh pit frenzy as Corbett screams over a hyperactive backdrop filled with lacerating sharp guitars, rumbling bass and bombarding drums. This is one heck of a track. ‘Hey, You’ cools the tone of the EP with a melancholic sweet melody which glides mournfully over a hypnotic drum and bass rhythm while raw guitar-strikes thud throughout. Anthemic choruses are what this trio do well and this track in particular was designed for the mass sing-along live show display. Their muscular rock keeps the tracks from becoming soppy and maintains a stomp and edge to their melodic swoon. Its all blistering frenzy until ‘Interlude’ brings a chilled dreamy “breather” to the EP as twinkling guitars accompany soft vocal coos. Even during this little rest DARMA entwine some distortion at the end to keep us all alert for the ground shaking final track ‘You’re Always Right’. The moody melody lures you into the dark menacing abyss of the track until you are hooked craving for one more listen. Catchy, creepy and enticing the final track on the EP ripples with grit as guitars crunch and smash their way through a mosh ready rhythm while the endearing vocals soar and escalate as the track progresses.

Each track within ‘Gloom’ burrow’s deep into your veins with a satisfying thrilling sense of ecstasy that leaves you frothing at the mouth for more. These guys are just so good, what a debut EP. I need to see them live.

You can catch DARMA live at:

30-Nov-2018 – Jacaranda Records Phase One w/ Rival Bones + Vulture Cult

Stream ‘Gloom’ below

 


90's Grunge, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Violet ‘Heaven Adores You’

Midlands five piece Violet have released their new single ‘Heaven Adores You’ out on ‘HolyHowl’ Records, following on from their debut singles ‘Feel’ and ‘Jaded’ which was rotated on Steve Lamacq’s 6music show.This new psych hued number floats in with marshmallow softness filled with sugary sweet pop melodies over graceful elegant instrumentation. Lush smooth vocals bounce along the creamy melody while delicate guitars twinkle throughout this ethereal gem. The track builds becoming more heavy and mind crushing as the guitars waver into a stinging weave of distortion over punchy drums and a grunge tinged soundscape that renders this tranquilizing number a little harsh. Driving on a powerful bass line with glorious sun kissed guitar entwining blissfully and playfully around the sedating melody- this track lifts you into an aerial state of euphoria before spiraling into a climatic whirl of psychedelic pop. Blending the soft pop tones and heavier 90’s  grunge seamlessly this band have produced one heck of a track to calm and expand your mind.

About the track Luke Brickett Haycock said “This song is one we all hold a little closer to our hearts and we spent so long drifting in and out of the studio to make it sound perfectly like it did in our heads. The song is a kind of retrospective view of an entity that you admire that isn’t on this big floating ball we call earth anymore, how they perceived themselves whilst affecting the world around them, and for us that was a message to Elliott Smith.”

Stream ‘Heaven Adores You’ below


Alt Rock, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Summer Grunge

THUMPER ‘Down’

Noise­-pop quintet THUMPER have released their new single ‘Down’, produced by Dan Fox of Girl Band.2018 has seen THUMPER top several Ones To Watch lists in Ireland and tour relentlessly headlining Hard Working Class Heroes, joining Fangclub on tour, and playing festivals all summer long such as Sea Sessions, Body & Soul, and Electric Picnic.

‘Down’ is a pungent, biting number swirling with mouth watering pop hooks lavishly placed on a grunge backdrop. Whirring guitars fizz and spin about with infectious razor sharp riffs and vibrant laid back jingles  while a glorious sun kissed melody glissades along the buoyant beat. This track is affluent with rich swirling soundscapes as it meanders into a psychedelic dizzying trip of distortion. THUMPER blends the bitter/sweet effortlessly- filling their tracks with exuberant dreamy tones laced with daisies and sweetness which lead you down the delirious rabbit hole into frenzied chaos. With a lo- fi production easing you into its floppy 90s-soaked noise-rock- this track reins in the pure elements of rock, grunge and pop to create the perfect frazzling blend of bliss. There is something for everyone here, these guys slowly and delicately build the song adding a new layer and dimension each time until it’s an all out mouth frothing whack of psychedelic scuzzy rock. Its frenzied boppy euphoria displays THUMPER’S tight undeniably slick sound and impressive musicianship.

Stream ‘Down’ below  

Watch the video for ‘Down’ below 

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Garage Rock, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Pop Punk, psychedelic

Pin Ups ‘Do You Hate Yourself Yet?

London based three piece Pin Ups have released their new single ‘Do You Hate Yourself Yet?.’After a chance phone call with a friend of a friend, drummer Jesse (hailing from Norwich) and singer/guitarist Josh (from East London) came together in another project Pastel Colours. After stripping down from a 5-piece to a 3-piece and recruiting Jesse’s brother Louis on bass, Pin Ups was born. Their latest release ‘Do You Hate Yourself Yet?’ was recorded in the wee hours of a Sunday morning with producer/engineer Scott Docherty. The song deals with the feelings after waking up from a particularly heavy night out, those of confusion, doubt and self-loathing, as you question why you do it to yourself, and who’s that person over there?

‘Do You Hate Yourself Yet?’  is a combustible track brooding and smouldering in a gloomy grunge atmosphere as stinging guitars jingle their way playfully between punchy drums and a pop drizzled melody. Raspy hushed vocals whisper the verses as the track slowly brews and bubbles. Its moody and vibrant all at once as the song builds into a dynamic chorus sprinkled with 70’s /80’s post punk attitude. It’s catchy with a darker undercurrent that takes over as the track progresses into a blistering instrumental with shrilling guitars whining and screeching over pulverising rhythms, mighty drum whacks and aggressive vocals. This summer soaked scorcher burns its groovy infectious way into your ears with dizzying psychedelic hues among its grunge hostility. ‘Do You Hate Yourself Yet?’ is a tight well crafted Pixies -esque track that makes this trio one to keep and eye on.

Watch the video for  ‘Do You Hate Yourself Yet?’ below

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Alt- Pop, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Magic Lotus

The Magic Lotus is a garage rock band based in London whose 60s influenced pop melodicism comes with a minimalist grunge attack.The origins of the band, much like the origins of Western Civilization, are in Athens, Greece, where the guys started many moons ago.Moving to London in 2015, The Magic Lotus wasted no time hitting the capital’s club circuit. The Unsigned Guide picked up on the band, championing them in their mail outs. Local radio and arty blogs alike reacted to their psychedelic punk singalongs.The band have released their debut single ‘Feel Your Love’ by the independent label The Animal Farm records.

‘Feel Your Love’ is a sweeping surge of shredding rock and roll that smacks you in the face and wrestles you to the ground in the most slick, swagger drenched manner. The shredding guitar riff scorches through the track with red hot intensity while the dynamic rhythm punches with a hefty potency. It’s a highly energetic blistering track that rushes through your veins with that get up and go adrenaline. Sing along ready with its catchy chorus and attitude swagger riddled vocals, this track is a mighty infectious, sizzling mammoth that will be running riot in your mind all day.

Stream ‘Feel Your Love’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Michael Jablonka ‘Flump’

Michael Jablonka has released his new single ‘Flump’. This searing track marks a grittier grunge infested shift in Jablonka’s sound. It’s a fierce shredding slice of indie rock, as raw course guitar riffs lacerate with adrenaline surging force through the groovy rhythm. With its pedal to the metal potency, Jablonka walks the fine line between edgy ferocity and chilled suaveness. His vocals are as cool as a cucumber while blistering guitar and pummelling drums twist, coil and combust behind him. This rich dynamic track is another fantastic reason to keep an eye out for this guy. His talent and skills are one to be admired and his tunes, frenzy inducing dynamite.

You can catch Michael Jablonka live on Sat 19 May at The Queen’s Hotel, Brighton (Great Escape Festival)

Stream ‘Flump’ below

https://soundcloud.com/jablonka-music/flump/s-6umfE