Tag Archives: Indie Blues

King Kartel ‘Be Mine’

King Kartel have released their new single ‘Be Mine’.The band have sold out shows across Manchester and Northern Ireland, as well as securing slots at the likes of Isle of Wight, Truck and Y Not Festivals. They have received support from Radio X, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1’s Phil Taggart to name a few, and had tracks featured across TV shows including Hollyoaks, Come Dine With Me and World’s Strongest Man,

‘Be Mine’ trades King Kartel’s riotous indie rock for a swaying sugar sweet doo wop ditty, swooned in 50’s charm. With a bluesy swinging rhythm and soft jaunty guitars the band create a hook laden number that builds sublimely. Oh so catchy and sweet the melody is caressed by tender delicate vocals while the buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo.The band maintain their dynamic punch by progressing into a scorching solo and steamy crescendo as the track broods into a vaporous outburst. It’s extremely sweet with a thrilling backdrop that holds the heavier aspects of King Kartel’s sound without becoming overpowering. A magnificent addition to King Kartel’s catalogue marking them as a diverse and well rounded band to watch out for. 

You can catch King Kartel live at :

6th March – Club Academy, Manchester 

11th April – KU 2, Stockton Calling 

12th April – Indiependance, Wigan 

3rd May – Stag & Dagger, Glasgow

29th May – Spirit Store, Dundalk

30th May – Whelan’s, Dublin

Stream ‘Be Mine’ below 


Author : Danu

Eoin ‘Chalk & Cheese’

Cork singer songwriter Eoin has released his new single ‘Chalk & Cheese’.The track is the first single off his upcoming album, ‘Reverie’.He has played headline slots in venues like DeBarra’s Folk Club and The Poor Relation as well as support slots in the Crane Lane and Roisin Dubh.

‘Chalk & Cheese’ is a smoky glide of blues rock that boasts the slick clean musicianship of Eoin. The verses smoulder with simmering twinkles on guitar and a foot tapping beat while Eoin’s raspy warm vocals exude passion and soul in every note. The track erupts into the fiery chorus which sees the guitars become more dominant and sharp as the drums pummel and pound. Eoin builds this track perfectly as he teases through the verses creating intensity with each section before the massive crescendo. It’s a refined, thrilling number that scalds and burns with exhilarating passion and charm.

Stream ‘Chalk & Cheese’ below


Barefoot Magicians ‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’

Barefoot Magicians have released two new juicy singles ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ which were recorded in Hellfire studios. Forming in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios Barefoot Magicians comprise of Dave Greene (Vox/ Harmonica), Graham Stewart (Guitar), Fergal Mulligan (Bass), Brian Steemers (Drums/Percussion) and Hugh Caren (Piano/keys. The band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a high energy blues funk groove, or as producer Alwyn Walker formerly of Westland Studios called it, “A Post Blues Groove”.

‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’ are a dynamic funk/blues slapped duo made for wiggling and dancing to. These guys are instrumental pros as they blend out their delicious sounds to create a rich wholly satisfying listening experience

‘I’m Hooked’ brings a 70’s disco flavour to the bands groovy sound as the elastic bass wiggles and weaves its way through a feet shuffling foundation while jazz sprinkled piano and suave guitars slide and playfully dance between the strutting beat and swanky soundscape.It’s an animated rich track that showcase’s the meticulous instrumental refinement that goes into this bands tunes. This infectious track cools for a sultry guitar solo that builds the tempo for the hyper crescendo. With glorious harmonica injections and raspy vocals it’s one panache soaked, sing along ready tune.

‘It’s All Take’ is another groove infested number that bounces along sweet guitar melodies, rooted bass lines and an energetic rhythm. Catchy with a vibrant instrumental backdrop – this track travels with an energetic tempo. With elegant piano, delightful blasts of harmonica and expressive vocals it’s another swagger soaked track that is sure to have you strutting around like a dizzy peacock.

There are sublime guitar moments that weave an enticing golden thread of sweet delight through these tracks and that is the bait that gets you hooked on Barefoot Magicians tasty home brewed sound.

The band are set to release their new singles in Sin É on March 8th make sure to check them out

Stream ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ below


Cavey ‘About To Start’

London’s alt/rock band Cavey have released their new single ‘About To Start’ produced by Blaenavon’s Frank Wright.The four-piece consists of Luke Cave (Guitar, Vocals), Alexander Chalstrey (Piano, Organ, Rhodes), Chun-Ting “Refa” Wang (Upright Bass, Bass guitar) and Adrian Ortman (Drums). The band combines classic sounds and inventive songwriting to create their own brand of soulful, contemporary rock’n’roll.

‘About To Start’ is a bluesy, soul ballad which focuses on the unfulfilling side of life as a musician. This passionate number swoons and pines over blues drenched guitar laments, jazz jangles on piano and a staggering drowsy rhythmic backbone. There is  a vintage classic posture in this track as it glides with finesse and elegance, oozing a maturity and richness that is to be admired. Cavey have crafted this track beautifully as twinkling piano elements gracefully hop and bounce between wistful pines on guitar while Luke Cave mourns and coos passionately over this rich, vibrant and captivating backdrop. Filled with warm tones and sensual textures from the elastic bass lines this steamy, weepy track is a whisky soaked sob of emotional perfection.

Stream ‘About To Start’ below  

https://soundcloud.com/caveyband/about-to-start

 

 


Eléa Calvet ‘Trigger’

Following up from her electrifying debut single Lust, French Canadian artist Eléa Calvet has released her second single ‘Trigger’.19-year-old Eléa Calvet taps into music’s emotive foundations with elements of Tom Waits & Patti Smith reminiscent in her lyrical style. Born in Canada and raised in India, Elea has since settled in the UK and is set on becoming one of the most prolific alternative artists on the independent scene today.

‘Trigger’ is a sass smothered bluesy rock track drenched in dark gritty bewitching swagger. The track creeps in with a menacing subtle guitar accompaniment while Calvet whispers a cooing enticing vocal. The track builds becoming more blood curdling as she wails over a sensual bass and punchy drum combination. The elegance of the cello and piano add a swing and graceful seduction to the muggy entrapment. It’s a chilling sultry hair-raising cobweb and Calvet is the black widow luring you further and further into her sticky trap. This song possesses a classic timeless sense of grandeur and peril all at once. An enthralling and gripping track from Eléa Calvet.

Stream ‘Trigger’ below


Glassmaps ‘Summer Rain’

Glassmaps is the solo project of Joel Stein, lead guitarist in the much-loved Howling Bells. After four successful albums with the band, the UK-based Australian has brought his worldwide touring and recording experience to this exciting new endeavour. ‘Summer Rain’ is the first release from Glassmaps’ upcoming ‘Strangely Addicted’ LP which is to be released on Lost In The Manor Records later in the year. The LP was honed in Las Vegas, at the home studio of The Killers’ bassist Mark Stoermer, where Joel was staying while recording with Howling Bells.
‘Summer Rain’ is a swoony crooning blues tinted track brewed and entangled in hazy psychedelia. Driven by a blues rock stomp this track exudes and bleeds lazy laid back swagger. Dragging blurry delusions with sunny psych harmonics it’s a weary search for a resolution for ones own problems. The sharp twanging guitar freshens up the lethargic dreamy staggering soundscape. Stein’s raspy swooping vocals add a drowsy narcotic effect to this hypnotic sweltering track. Stuffy and muggy this track evokes images of humid days it almost suffocates you in its delusional trip. Catchy and hypnotic ‘Summer Rain’ is almost soothing and sedating while holding an air of seduction and confusion.

Stream ‘Summer Rain’ below


Mad Alice ‘Idee Fixe’.

Liverpool-based trio Mad Alice have released their new single ‘Idee Fixe’. The band have recently been long-listed for Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition, featured as Louder Than War’s “New Band of the Day” and featured as “one of Liverpool’s finest emerging acts” by popular fashion / culture trendsetters Missguided. Band members Caitlin Hare (Vocals and Bass Guitar), Ryan Lavery (Guitar) and Kraig Shaw (Drums) have created their own brand of dark bone- crushing rock with bluesy soul searching flavours.
‘Idee Fixe’ is grubby down and dirty rock smudged in god fearing bluesy soul. Its feverishly thrilling with sharp piercing guitar, groovy elastic bass and smashing punchy drums. Sensually smooth with cool swagger, seeping and dripping from every note, its an unadulterated step into Mad Alice’s crunching dark rock. With hints of psychedelia wisping around adding a trippy narcotic feel, this track has it all to keep you completely engulfed. Strong dominating vocals add a raspy luring almost eerie quality which is spine chillingly good. Mad Alice are ones to watch out for.
Watch the video for ‘Idee Fixe’ below


Maker ‘Move Your Feet’ EP

Maker are a four piece rock n roll band from Kent. They deliver psychedelic bluesy punch stirred with a fist full of soul. Band members Alessandro Marinelli (Vocals), Andrew Donaldson (Guitar), Gavin Donaldson (Drums) & John Austin (Bass) have just played to a sold out crowd at Rebellion Manchester as main support for ‘The Slydigs’ who have recently returned from touring North America and Europe with ‘The Who’. Maker have also supported ‘Ocean Colour Scene’, ‘Pete Doherty’ and shared the festival bills and main stages with the likes of ‘Dizzee Rascal’, ‘The Cribs’, ‘Mark Ronson’ and ‘Supergrass’. Maker have recently released their new five track EP ‘Move Your Feet’ through Kidda Records. The EP was recorded at the famous Rockfield studio and produced by the band themselves along with Nick Brine, whose previous production and engineering credits include, Oasis, Stone Roses, The Darkness, and Seasick Steve.
‘Move Your Feet’ EP drips with old school slick swagger and fine musicianship. Maker cruise between genres effortlessly bringing their own fresh sound that is polished and so smooth you could slip on it while maintaining an edge and gritty rawness. Title track ‘Move You Feet’ kicks the EP off with a gritty bluesy guitar riff, its swagger infused funky rock. With sensual bass, soaring backing vocals and strut like bravado this track exudes attitude and infectious groove. Luring you to the dance floor with cheeky charm this track will have you dancing in seconds. Raspy dynamic vocals add warmth with punchy drums adding brawn and power to this mighty track. ‘Dead Ends & Avenues’ is a dirty riff driven snappy track smothered with slick guitar licks and prancing smoulder. Sensually cool this track boasts phenomenal musicianship, wait for the shredding guitar solo its steamy and spine tingling good. ‘Happening’ gives us a splash of 60’s groovy shimmy. Once again amazing guitar features mixed with sassy vocals its attitude drenched and insanely catchy leaving you dancing all night. ‘Quick Getaway’ features  heavy lusty riffs that gives swagger and panache while powerful meaty drums pound adding brawn to the sultry track. Blistering guitars spice up the track building to a fever inducing mosh worthy instrumental. ‘Get Me Through’ brings us to a twanging end of the EP. This track jingles and clangs with country elements. With a jazzy piano feature and soaked in country its straw rolling, hay bailing, boots and banjos fun. Smoother vocals and softer guitar teamed with rapid rhythm its cowboy in a desert mixed with rock and roll. A solid EP from Maker.

You can buy the EP on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/move-your-feet-ep/id1208424041

You can watch the EP teaser video on Maker’s facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/videos/10155326325492240/
Watch the ‘Move Your Feet’ EP  video  below

 

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Rollin’ Empire

Rollin’ Empire are a modern Irish rock and roll trio. The group consists of members Stephen McGurrin (songwriter, vocals and guitar), Callum Condron (songwriter, bass guitar, keyboards and vocals) and Thomas Campbell (percussion, vocals). Their mission is to lead their fans on a compelling journey where rock reigns supreme. Their energetic and passionate live performances are both lively and infectious, leaving fans demanding more and more.
Rollin’ Empire have released their new single ‘Nothing to Lose’ which is the third single from their debut album ‘Nowhere to Run’ which was released last November. The song, which is about taking a gamble and never giving up no matter what the odds, gives you all the dirty bluesy grit that you would expect with the added sprinkle of shimmying keyboards. This riff- heavy relentless track erupts with a fierce buzz filled riff and pounding rapid beat and bass that displays a slinky sensual flexibility giving the track smooth cool swagger. Strutting through the rubbery bounce of the verse with gritty brawny vocal attitude and hair raising panache, The synth infused chorus takes us to their brand of catchy rock fused with a pop element. Harmonised vocals freshens the track up giving a breather before the infectious burly beefy  riff re enters.
Stream ‘Nothing to Lose’ below

Miles Horn ‘Slow Motion’

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Miles Horn is a talented and multifaceted composer and singer from London. His musical expression covers a wide spectrum of styles from stripped back acoustic ballads to full on anthemic belters. Horn has released his debut EP ‘Slow Motion’ this month on which he has played lead guitar, piano and vocals on all of his recordings. The EP was predominantly self-recorded in various front rooms and bedrooms across London with the finishing touches and mixing carried out at Resident Studios. The final mastering was done at Abbey Road Studios by Frank Arkwright who has worked with Blur and The Smiths. ‘Slow Motion’ shows us Horn’s blend of soul-rock and blues, the five tracks venture through themes of lost love and the frustration of youth, all coloured by haunting vocal harmonies and heartfelt guitar riffs.
The opening track ‘Walking in The Park’ stirs us with the bluntness of lyrics like “I just want to be loved, is that such a crime?”, all wrapped in the warmth of Miles’ Grandfather’s Hammond Organ. Though the lyrics are melancholy and full of wistfulness the bright guitar glows and adds vibrancy to the track that gives it a chirpy feel. This contrast teamed with Horns smooth deep vocals adds a rich warm texture and acts as a comforting blanket soothing you from the emotional sombre lyrics. The title track ‘Slow Motion’ gives us a sway – like tender sound sprinkled with some sensual bluesy seasoning. With velvety vocals and the haunting ethereal echoes of the backing vocals to start, portraying a delicate moment. The track builds to a restrained yet unleashed sultry guitar solo. This track showcases Horns steamy bluesy style and fantastic guitar skills. ‘All Gone Quiet On The Western Front’ explores the vacuous pain of a lost love, this theme is portrayed perfectly and tenderly with vibrato on cello and sweet lull on backing vocals. The hard hitting instrumental with sharp shredding guitar and punchy steady drums adds dramatic emotion. The guitar seems to pine the loss as it wails and almost evokes the pain of the heartache. This track is Horn wearing his heart on his sleeve and presenting us with raw emotion. The fourth track, ‘Something Beautiful’, opens with Horn’s vocals accompanied by a beautiful Ben Howard-esque finger picking, very gentle and delicate with faint subtle and dainty backing vocals. We are lead into a catchy singalong chorus that exudes class and panache and radiates sunshine and a heavenly glow. Finally, the EP closes with ‘Lately’ a beautifully arranged piano led ballad gently brushed by the tasteful tone of bluesy licks. Horns vocals are emotion filled and passionate. The luscious melody is blissful and beautiful with tear jerking sombre tones. Its a simple track with warm tones and sweet piano that eases you to the end of the “Slow Motion’ journey.
Miles Horn will be performing at various London venues this Autumn. His next showcase will be at the iconic venue The Bedford in Balham (which has nurtured the likes of Paolo Nutini and Ed Sheeran) on Monday 7th November 2016.
Stream ‘Slow Motion’ below

https://soundcloud.com/mileshorn/sets/slow-motion-ep