Tag Archives: indie pop

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

wojtek the bear ‘some states’

 Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘some states’ via Scottish Fiction.. The single continues the bands fruitful working relationship with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert].The video for the single shot by Kris Boyle, sees the band expand on the darkly-comic theme of failure with a Nigel Mansell obsessed Killean trying, and failing, to emulate his hero’s exploits on the track. 2019 has seen wojtek the bear playing as part of Belle & Sebastian’s The Boaty Weekender, being play-listed twice by Radio X, and playing live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland. The band have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show

‘some states’ is a glorious melodic number that glissades effortlessly upon wojtek the bear’s majestic mellow sound with a dash of indie bite to keep things fresh. With elegant strings lifting the track to wonderful ethereal heights the band create a wholesome satisfying song that is so sweet and pure its almost immaculate. The warm jangle on guitar meanders and weaves a zesty flourishment of delight throughout and creates a radiant atmosphere with an indie undertone. These guys have a sublime knack with melodies and ‘some states’ follows this trend beautifully with a dreamy cushioning melody caressed charmingly by cosy velvety vocals. The track rests marvelously on the ears with a pacifying and soothing tone as the band blend and entwine sweet delicate tones with hues of nostalgia seamlessly to create a stunning  piece of music to submerge yourself in. 

 Lead singer, and chief lyricist Tam Killean explains how the song came about, “it’s a song about that particularly painful end section of a failing relationship when it feels like all you’re doing is arguing with other person over the most ridiculous things, like who used the last of the toothpaste and didn’t replace it. The title comes from that old(ish) Scottish expression – “I’ve never been to America, but I’ve been in some states!” I just really liked the dark, self-deprecating humor of it. I think it’s that ability to see the humor in the darkest of times that allows us to get through things sometimes”. 

Watch the video for ‘some states’ below


Author : Danu

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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Twenty Eighth Club

Photo Credit : Barnaby Fairley

Sheffield five piece Twenty Eighth Club have released their new single ‘Lost In Conversation’. The track follows in the same vein as previous releases ‘Talk ’and ‘Rebound ’(the latter being added to Spotify’s‘ Hot New Bands ’playlist ). The band have made appearances at the likes of Y Not and Dot to Dot Festivals over the summer and have had sold out headline shows in their hometown. They have an upcoming Sheffield headline show at the iconic Leadmill and support slots in Leeds and York with Indie-pop rising stars Larkins.

‘Lost In Conversation’ is a satisfying slurp of effervescent indie pop as Twenty Eighth Club spread a sugar sweet melody over a zesty indie backdrop. With a sun kissed glow and stinging, slicing, jangly guitars the track bounces and strides sublimely into its bursting chorus. Warm vocals glide over a catchy melody and vibrant summer sun wall of sound as the band flesh out their tight infectious music to create a wholly invigorating number. With its effortless presentation and blazing guitar refrains weaving between a dynamic bass and drum progression ‘Lost In Conversation’ is a youthful adrenaline rush, ready to revolve in your head for days.

Stream ‘Lost In Conversation’ below 


Author : Danu

Dream Pop, Indie, New Music

Floral Sounds ‘Winona’

Seventeen year old Gabe Beckles has released his first single ‘Winona’ under the name Floral Sounds. ‘Winona’ – This dreamy sweet delight is a magnificent introduction to Floral Sounds bedroom produced pop. With a swoony ethereal soundscape creating a hazy laid back utopia the track floats elegantly into the ears. The twinkling keys meander through a soothing melancholic hued melody that is so sweet it almost brings a tear to the eye. The strong beat, slaps and buoyantly keeps a solid foundation while the supple electronics wisp and surround the listener in a candy floss-like sound. The deep vocals create a luring echo throughout, like a mysterious voice in a dream that you follow while the glistening guitar and keys slip you into a delicious lulling world of wispy fog and dizzying tranquility. Floral Sounds have created a narcotic world within this track that submerges the listener in gentle lush pop tones and wonderful soft textures. A majestic and sublime debut.

Stream ‘Winona’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Shaky Shack ‘In Honey’

Dublin alternative pop duo Shaky Shack have released their new single ‘In Honey’. The duo comprised of Alex Winter and Mateusz Kosnik have created a wonderfully faceted gem that weaves with mellowed psych pop, shimmering soundscapes and intricate rich depths that take you on a velvety journey into the bottomless pristine pool that is Shaky Shack’s sound.The band create a flickering wave of calm and tranquility as tight guitar elements swirl in subtle fuzz and heady moments of distortion between warm twinkling melodies. Time stops as this track develops. The pulsing almost hip hop beat encases the background in a smoky subconscious reality. A balmy passionate Saxophone melody provided by Andrea Jones brings a pausing glimmer of warmth into the track with a lamenting delicate tone. The intricacies and layering within the track is masterful as the duo weave sweet, melancholic and icy tones into thick rich production with glimmering rays of light thawing the track softly throughout. The deep, moving vocals coo and caress the dreamy melody with a feathery light delicacy while oozing emotion in a laid back hazy manner. There is no denying the sophisticated, passionate and mesmerising talent of this duo as ‘ In Honey’ creates it’s own little pocket in your mind, like a soothing tranquil dream. 

Stream ‘In Honey’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Freeda ‘Wash’

Manchester indie rock five piece Freeda have released their new single ‘Wash’, the third single to be taken from the bands upcoming EP which is set to be released at the start of next year. Their first two singles ‘Plug It In’ and ‘Go Home’ received airplay on Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. At the start of 2019 Freeda released two singles ‘Replay’ and ‘Plead’, both of these received extensive backing from XS Manchester and continued support from Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. Freeda have their largest headline show coming up at Deaf Institute on the 23rd November.

‘Wash’ is a swirling electrifying gem that seeps, oozes and bleeds Freeda’s sublime, mature and invigorating musicianship. From that twinkling reverb intro it’s apparent these guys can take a delicious melody and explode it into their thrilling wall of sound without drowning it out. There is a sugar cane 50’s element to the melody but the five piece make it current, youthful and timeless all at once. Whipping exhilarating synths into the mix this track grabs your heart firmly with its riveting soundscape. The jangly sting on guitars glisten while the punchy drums shake things up creating a sublime bubbly texture to this effervescent number. It’s a sensational, perfectly crafted track that rockets Freeda into their most compelling sound to date. Their knack with melodies, instrumental prowess and utterly passionate musicianship is the reason these guys have a bright future. 

About the track the band said : ‘‘Wash’ is a song that plays with the idea of two people letting themselves drift apart as they realise neither person was who the other thought. Although animosity shines through at first, the protagonist soon deals with emotions of moving on, implying that rising above may be the better option.”

 Stream ‘Wash’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Hook ‘I love the world because you’re in it’

Hook have released their debut single ‘I love the world because you’re in it’. Hook are a 3-piece based in Dublin, Ireland made up of Eoin O’Donnell – vocals, guitars; Morgan O’Brien – drums and Danny Spelman – bass, vocals. The single was produced by the band with Colin Reid and recorded in the world-famous Camden Recording Studios, Dublin and in the band’s own studio. 

‘I love the world because you’re in it’ is a bright indie track that floats on the warm musicianship of Hook. With a jangly guitar stride the track has an instant uplifting quality while the steady beat creates a buoyant and foot tapping foundation. There is a county hue about the track that adds a twang of wholesomeness while the warm vocals and sweet melody charm their way into your ears. With a glorious guitar instrumental, subtle psychedelic tones and soothing soundscape Hook create a luscious new wave indie track that is a beautiful, dreamy delightful. 

Stream ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ below 


Author : Danu

Garage Pop, Garage Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Johnny Kills ‘Help Me Out’

London/Brighton trio Johnny Kills have released their new single ‘Help Me Out’. They have also announced the title of their debut EP: ‘Panic’, which will be released via Killing Moon on November 20th. The bands previous EP single, ‘I Feel Like’, earned fans in BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. Johnny Kills have supported the likes of Fangclub and Sick Joy whilst playing numerous shows in Brighton, London, Liverpool, York and Birmingham.

 ‘Help Me Out’ is a breezy, zinging, indie-pop can of soda as Johnny Kills present their fizzing, energetic, bouncy sound in a fruity laid back surf pop flavour. This track is a youthful infectious gem. A punchy beat and relentless bass-groove creates an animated backbone. The fuzz laced guitars add a dash of bite as the track takes a sunny Californian indie rebellion tone. The attitude-soaked, angsty vocals complain over the kinetic backdrop as the band smother the track in their signature infectious pop-sprinkled melody. It’s a tight, light-hearted number with a garage rock chorus that erupts into the ears with tantalizing vigor and blistering instrumentation. There is a 90’s pop rock vibe about this track that makes it intensely nostalgic and sure to charm its way on repeat. 

Tim Lloyd-Kinnings describes the themes behind ‘Help Me Out’:“It’s about getting to a stage where you have some big life questions-what career do I want? Where do I want to live? What do I really care about?-to which the answers are all a resounding ‘I don’t have a scooby, mate’. It’s about having a blank slate in front of you and it just freaking you out, and hoping someone else will sort it all out for you.”

Stream ‘Help Me Out’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Margot Polo ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ EP

Southern California-based Margot Polo, solo project of David Provenzano (Sherwood/Fialta), has released his new EP, ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’, The EP was mixed by L.A. veteran producer Brad Wood. Margot Polo’s singles have landed TV features on shows like Good Trouble (Freeform) and God Friended Me (CBS) and have logged over half a million streams on Spotify. This Autumn, Margot Polo heads back into the studio to brew up more material for a full length record, to be released in 2020. 

‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ is a summer-fun EP saturated in vibrant soundscapes as Margot Polo spreads his delicious indie electro pop into five glorious blissful tracks. ‘Let’s Get Out’ sets the good vibes in motion. With sun kissed radiant guitars jangling between a fruity electronic backdrop and skittish beat this track is dreamy escapism in one glorious tune. Provenzano fleshes out his Justin Timberlake / The Weekend swagger and charm with the dance-able groove and shuffle of ‘Electric Girl’ and the broody more bleary-eyed electronic pop ‘Someone New’. His melodies cruise and flow fluidly through each track while the rich and intricate instrumentation and refined production sets a wonderful and engaging backdrop. ‘Poison’ takes the EP down a dark road with R&B elements smearing the bubbling electronic soundscapes with luring entrapment. ‘The Feeling’ closes the EP with an intoxicating atmosphere as Provenzano surges adrenaline and a rush of emotion through this catchy exhilarating number. 

 Provenzano has a mesmerising ability to create tracks to make the heart race, pulse and plummet with his lush heartfelt melodies and vivid soundscapes and ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ displays this perfectly. Within five tracks we experience joy, euphoria and freedom as well as sadness and mystery. It’s a journey of lavish musicianship and wonderful expressive electronic pop.

While this record has a few moodier moments, Provenzano says this EP is all about escapism. “OOHYEAHYEAH is about the different ways, healthy and unhealthy, that we yearn to transcend reality. That might be through something dangerous, like substance abuse. Or it might be a road trip, a relationship. A night out with a mysterious stranger. There’s a bit of ambivalent hedonism implied here. That’s what I love about pop. These lyrics are not very autobiographical; they’re fantasy, my own preferred mode of escapism”

Stream ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ below


Author : Danu

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

Night Hikes ‘Vera’

Dream pop two-piece Night Hikes have released their new single, ‘Vera’. This dreamy shoegaze track drifts beautifully between a pulsing beat and dizzying distorted guitars as Night Hikes create a psychedelic hued dream world. Shimmering synths wisp about the track with an ethereal sparkly sheen while the sweet vocals softly coo the delicate pop sprinkled melody. The duo create a blissful haze, glazed with sunshine and radiance however the synths and zest on guitar leave a bitter sweet after taste. As always with Night Hikes the track is precise and meticulously crafted with intricate interweaving elements presented in a laid back manner for easy listening. The band create and blend edgy indie elements into their Utopian sound making the track satisfying and utterly charming. Another beautiful track from Night Hikes.

About the track the band said: “Vera is a persona we created to reflect the commodification of the “wild-woman” archetype. Vera exists only in how she comes across, and it is impossible for anyone, including her, to tell who she is as a person. She is beautiful and carefree. She walks barefoot and loses herself in the pulsing crowd at music festivals, but she is curated. She is wistful to a fault, choosing happy slogans over a real, authentic understanding of the world around her and the work it takes to make it a better place.”

Stream  ‘Vera’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Hubbards ‘Seven Or Eleven’

Hull four-piece The Hubbards have released their new single ‘Seven Or Eleven’.The track follows the bands recent EP ‘Petty Grudge Pop’ which amassed an impressive 500,000 combined plays since its release, a placement on Netflix show Terrace House, while affording the band recent successes such as a headline set at the renowned Humber Street Sesh (headlined by The Hunna the previous night) and an esteemed support slot with indie royalty Doves.

‘Seven Or Eleven’ presents The Hubbards’ honest social commentary through a delicious dreamy dose of candy-floss indie pop with a stinging bitter aftertaste. From the smooth infectious melody that The Hubbards have become known for to the slicing guitar and buoyant beat – the track smoulders and bubbles throughout building gradually to a fizzing grunge-slapped crescendo. The track ventures from a laid back haze in the verses with twinkling guitars and weaving bassline to a heavier burst of indie for the chorus. The edged chorus blisters with effervescence as the ethereal soundscapes become harsher. The smooth vocals coo and drift over this compelling backdrop before becoming more expressive for the crescendo. The band present a song about the oppressive nature of mass consumerism the way The Hubbards can only do – with cynicism, disdain and lush melodies. Singer Reuben Driver sings “Nothing says success like an excessive waste/I’m sure I’ll find another suit to suit my taste/ it doesn’t really suit me anyway”. These guys have matured sublimely creating unforgettable sophisticated tunes with their signature brand of indie pop/ rock, glorious melodies and refined musicianship.

Stream ‘Seven Or Eleven’ below 


Author : Danu